1st Impressions

The Jim and Frank Mysteries: The Blood River Files is a combination of a puzzle game and an adventure game. It reminds me of a cross between Myst and Return to Monkey Island. The game play is simple, the graphics and sound effects are of the highest quality (pretty much expected fir a Chillingo release), and it promises 20-hours of entertainment for the bargain price of $0.99.

The game impressed me. It was both entertaining and challenging. It allows for multiple profiles/players as well as options for turning the music and sound effects on and off. Unfortunately though, getting back to that screen to change those options is somehow beyond my grasp. Maybe that is a extra credit bonus. LOL

One unique thing in the game us the ability to fund a couple of “eureka” bucks at each location. These can be used to purchase hints or skip puzzles. They can also be purchased with in-app purchases. While I did not take advantage of that, I thought it was a really good idea.

Other than an easy way to get back to the main screen, my only other suggestion would be a free lite version with the first couple of puzzles in it. I really think that once folks try it, they will definitely want more.

Overall, this is going to be a game that stays on my iPhone 4 for a while. The hand drawn scenes and 60 puzzles make it difficult to put down and you want to see what is next.