I was presented with another hidden object game from Alawar Entertainment games. This time though we are leaving the fantasy shenanigans for something darker, sinister, mysterious, and something slightly more suitable for a puzzle game.
As long as there aren't any zombies in this mansion, I am fine!
Moutain Crime: Requital stars you as Dr. White, who is called to a mountain resort hotel to help one of your patients named Mr. Grey (kudos to original naming). Unfortunately upon arriving things go immediately bad since there appears to be a murderer picking off one guest at a time and since Dr White’s minor in college was apparently Criminal Investigation (You gotta earn that PhD somehow!), you’re the one person most suited to solve this mystery and stop the person from killing everyone, including yourself.
Snakes, why did it have to be snakes?!
Much like most puzzle solving games involving hidden objects, you will find objects so you can solve puzzles to advance the plot. Though unlike the previous game, there is an element of non-linearity since you are presented with conversational options when interacting with different people in the game. These decisions may affect the way the story and puzzles progress in a way.
What attracts me to this game the most is the heavy and dark atmosphere that both frightens, but at the same time, made me want to solve the murders. With the creepy scenery, the odd silence and timed sound effects, Moutain Crime: Requital does a great job of sucking a player into the game and makes you come back for more.
There are some gripes though. The voice acting could be better, but at the very least, it ranges from decent to bad, to the point of it being entertaining and corny when listening to the dialogue. This may appeal to some, but if you’re expecting quality voice work, you may be disappointed.
Dear God officer! Are you a blue alien from outer space?!
The other minor thing is the fact that the animations and the 3D graphics are out-dated, and at times, the models look stiff. Though I will say, in my personal opinion, this game doesn’t need top-notch graphics to pull you into the story, and for what it is, the game looks good.
If you enjoy puzzle games, finding hidden objects, or just solving crimes to help in passing the time, this game is worth trying out to see if it may embroil you into its dark story. Can you solve the Mountain Crime: Requital’s murders? Only one way to find out!
