Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir, is a search & find, puzzle solving game for the DS from the popular series Big Fish Games has released for the PC. You are on the case to find missing millionaire Phil T. Rich, questioning known and unknown associates, trying to find his whereabouts and where he hid his will.

Graphics:
Nothing is very stunning about the graphics for MillionHeir. Since all the scenes are just pictures you move around the screen and search for hidden items in, most of the pictures themselves are very bright, with some darker and more shadowy areas in some places.

Controls:
MillionHeir is not a very complicated game to pick up & play. You use your stylus to move around the screen and tap the hidden items. By using the Hand icon, you can draw or move certain hidden items to change them slightly before the clues are collected. You also collect a Flashlight, for dark areas, X-Ray flashlight to see through things, and special goggles that allow you to search for objects that might be hidden in water or other liquids.

Flow:
The game is very basic. You search different areas for clues on suspects. You can always move to another area if you get stumped. There are about 3 characters to investigate before you unlock more suspects from the dossier. I’m not quite sure how the clues actually lead to anything, but then again, I don’t think the series would have been as successful as it is if people questioned that. You are also alotted a certain amount of hints per section should you really be stumped. Hints are not available for the pictures where you need to find the differences in the photographs though.

Sound:
While there are no voiceovers in the game, the background music for the puzzles is catchy. The only other sound to the game is the familar typewriter noise that plays as text is displayed on the screen.

Fun Factor:
The game is pretty addictive. I spent an hour and a half at the airport playing this game and I was not bored. A lot of the lines the suspects use are just as cheesey as their names, like Jim Ferno, the firefighter, or Manny Cotti, the chef.

Female Factor:
You play as a generic non-characterized detective. You can name yourself as you like, as there is no clear distinction at all as to your gender. There are some very interesting female suspects that you will investigate during the course of the game.

Replay Value:
There are various modes available for you to choose from. Single player mode starts you with choices of Rookie or Detective. Playing through the game will unlock more difficulties and options. Multiplayer mini-games such Scavenger Hunt, where you can challenge up to 3 friends to see who can find the most hidden object before the timer runs out, and Hot-Seat Multiplayer, a mode where you pass the DS around and see who can find each object the fastest.

If you are looking for a really good pick up and play style game that doesn’t require a huge time investment all at once, then MillionHeir is a game for you. Play for 15 minutes or over an hour, dragging your magnifying glass and finding the hidden items. It’s a great time killer, and you won’t even notice the time flying by.

(Reviewed for GamingAngels – April 2009 using the old format for reviews which changed in Summer 2009)