Hidden Mysteries: Titanic Secrets o/t Fateful Voyage (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

If you were going to base an adventure on a ship then clearly the Titanic is a perfect choice. Ever since the tragic events of its maiden voyage the White Star Line's most impressive sea-going vessel has been surrounded by more than its fair share of mystery. From a developer's point of view it provides both a confined setting where anything can happen and the remoteness of a cruising ship and is therefore the perfect platform for just about every kind of murder mystery. So from a DS title perspective, everything appears present and correct but do we really need another point and click adventure for the system?

Gameplay

This latest Hidden Mysteries title places you in the role of the rather wealthy Margaret as she boards the Titanic in search of better things in the 'new world' accompanied by her husband and overpowering mother. It probably won't surprise any of you to learn that Margaret is one of the more curious passengers on the ship and it's this need to explore which gives the game its somewhat uninspired storyline. This does, though, allow for a lot of object collecting and puzzle-solving which is what we're here to do after all.

You'll solve most puzzles by simply selecting an object and using it elsewhere and the majority of these interactions are quite straightforward. Unfortunately, you'll also have to solve some of the most ridiculously difficult puzzles I've ever encountered in years. This is not because they are challenging in any way but because they are so illogical. On occasion, for example, you'll have to open a door by hitting the knob with a stone pineapple. I know what you're thinking: 'what about a key?' Well that's what we were looking for too. You can solve everything by using the handy 'hint' tool although there's far more satisfaction to be had by actually working through it even if it doesn't actually make any sense.

Controls

As with most adventures it's all touch-screen although this can be a little problematic too.

Graphics

Visually the game is pretty standard with various parts of the Titanic lovingly recreated for the game. Also fairly standard are the rather odd looking characters, with the young boy George definitely appearing like someone you'd cross the road to avoid. With the cut screens not faring much better, this is bargain basement CGI.

Sound

A soothing orchestral theme runs through the game; however you probably won't even be aware of it after an hour or so. All the dialogue is delivered through text although you will be treated to some spoken words from Margaret during the cut scenes.

Dual screen

All the input is via the stylus with an inventory popping up on the right and navigation tools on the left. It's all pretty easy stuff and using an object is a simple case of dragging it onto the screen, whilst you can navigate around the ship by clicking on a map. In fact it's all so simple you'll be very surprised to learn that actually selecting objects on the screen is a bit hit and miss and a great many interactions don't respond when you first tap them. This makes some of the puzzles much more difficult than they should be really as you will occasionally ignore things when convinced that there's nothing left to do.

Final comments

Unfortunately, Titanic is just another average DS adventure/puzzler to add to the already huge casual gaming market. It's not a bad game, it's just unremarkable and the bland storyline mixed with the rather easy puzzles does nothing to help its case. What really is unforgiveable though are the control quirks which will put some gamers off altogether. There are plenty of great games of this genre out there such as the very entertaining Witch's Curse so unless this is very cheap we'd advise you to give it a wide berth.

Pro: Good for Entry Level Puzzlers
Con: Bland Storyline, Bizarre Puzzles, Some Problematic Interactions.
Final score: 4

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