Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir

Difficulty notwithstanding, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a delightful game.

The meat (and, hell, the bones, too) of this game is comprised of one thing: searching for a series of hidden objects. At first, this is fun in a Highlights for Children sort of way, but once you realize that it's practically all you do, it starts to get as exciting as finding your lost remote in your messy apartment.

This hidden-object game introduces a number of features that work well on the DS and has a good amount of replay value.

Better break-time puzzle rounds and a story that's not throwaway filler would make a truly excellent game; this is merely a fun diversion.

There isn’t much to the game, but with plenty of paintings to scour, it makes for an enjoyable eye exercise.

A fine level of polish was heaped on MillionHeir, yet the framework of the adventure falls short of providing a cohesive gameplay experience. The object hunting puzzles are excellent, but they don't always feel connected to the story or the characters.

Mystery Case Files is a fun, albeit slightly repetitive, experience.

Those with a sharp pair of eyes who like a decent visual challenge will find Mystery Case Files to be a worthy commute companion. It's not as challenging as most puzzle games and constantly uncovering hidden objects grows tiresome, so we only recommend it for the terminally bored.

This is an “I Spy” game. If you like such things, you might like this, and if not, you can safely ignore it.

Sadly, it's over far too quickly. I can easily recommend this title for casual and non-gamers. As for the rest of us, it's worth checking out, but don't expect the next big DS release out of it.

Mystery Case Files: MilionHeir isn't going to take the place of the latest platformer or RPG in your DS library, but for what it is--a visual puzzle that tests of your power of perception--it fills the niche well. [Nov 2008, p.101]

Overall, MillionHeir isn't a bad game but it lacks the interest of a Phoenix Wright, the challenge of a Professor Layton and the depth of a classic PC adventure game.

It's not a terrible effort, but there are dozens of missed opportunities over the course of the game that could enhance the entire experience, and the fact that practically none of them were taken left me scratching my head.

It's not a new idea but it's done well on DS, with enough variety to hook you. A good budget addition to a puzzle fan's library. [Dec 2008, p.66]

Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a worthy addition to the DS library. It’s great for quick pick up and play sessions, there’s a lot of replay value on offer, and it’s neatly presented. If you haven’t liked other Touch Generation titles however, then you need not apply.

A weak hide-and-seek game that's as laborious as it is devoid of fun. [Feb 2009, p.49]

Puzzle pictures are interesting to some extent, but for a full scale game they are just not enough. I'd also rather wonder where Wally is than search for Millionaire's lost socks with a flashlight. [Feb 2009]

A more taxing challenge that required real thought and detective work would have been preferable, but MillionHeir does what it sets out to do very well.

The greatest puzzle with the DS's latest blockbuster, is why it's proven such an instant hit.

If you are looking for a simple (maybe too simple), fun and "light" hide-and-seek game, MillionHeir is probably the right choice.

Despite appearing to be a story-driven detective game, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a simple puzzler that isn't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention.

MillionHeir is a very singular game. It has a good graphical and acoustic system and, most of all, it has an unique style, linked to “objet trouvé” and “ready-made” aesthetic wave. On the other hand, the gameplay mechanic is a little bit linear and repetitious. If Big Fish Games had offered more diversions to the central formula, MillionHeir would have been a great game, suitable even for the graphical adventure fans, and not only for extravagances lovers.

Missing persons isn’t something to joke about, but it makes for great games. Especially when the game controls well and the presentation is spot on. This is the case for Mystery Case Files: Millionheir. The game might be boring at one point, because of the lack of innovative elements, but we can assure you that solving a crime has never been such a lovely thing to do.

If you find joy in snooping around for hidden objects, this might be a game for you. If you like to solve clever puzzles and mysteries, this isn't a game for you. Despite it's name hinting otherwise, this isn't a game that challenges your ability to solve crimes. The fact that you can play with friends does help a bit, but the overall feeling is that this game is too easy and lacking when it comes to variation.

A good effort on Nintendo's DS - especially with the inclusion of wireless multiplayer and quick puzzles.

Compared to the lush screens, smooth animations and high-quality musical scores of the PC versions, MillionHeir feels more repetitive, and the gameplay simply wears out its welcome more quickly.