Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle Review (PS3, PSN)

Sod Midsomer, Little Riddle has a problem or two

Back in the day, it seemed that tea could solve any problem in cosy Britain. None of that hyped up hippie infused drivel, bog standard tea could apparently fuel the mind and work a gentleman through any issues from bloodthirsty murder to awkward icebreakers. Though the frail and productive charms of Holmes and the like have been squandered by the brutish Gene Hunt’s in this modern day where Apple Sourz seems to be the drink of choice, Blue Toad Murder Files:The Mysteries Of Little Riddle deems it necessary to remind us all of our chivalry and well rooted demeanour in the face of impossibility. Even if the remnants of dignity do lie dead in a gutter of vomit.

Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little RiddleYou take up the position of one of the ‘Blue Toad Agency’s’ finest detectives on a short vacation (apparently well earned) in the quintessential British town of Little Riddle. Though calm, cosy and comforting in appearance and background, your reputation has a nasty habit of preceding you, and though the sudden murder of the towns’ mayor at the time of your arrival is a certain bit of luck for justice, it really isn’t for you.

Originally released as six individually priced episodes, the series has been released as a better valued full package more recently, and at a more forgiving price than each on their own.

The series follows the detectives misadventures in Little Riddle, with every episode presenting a new mystery to solve that adds to the bigger conspiracy underlying in the main story. Though each mystery differs in criteria, however, each episode has a clear pre-determined layout.

The village of Little Riddle is glistening with vibrant yet non offensive colours, and characters animated in a way that can only be best described as a videogame mixture from Pixar and Aardman. Though the major plot throughout the season doesn’t essentially evolve into anything particularly original from your average ‘Murder Mystery Party’, it’s the clich� quirks of the story which prove to be the most satisfying to take part in. Firmly and eloquently narrated by a British gentleman that sounds suspiciously like Stephen Fry’s darker twin, the same man backs the voices for the inhabitants of the village, all with unique flair and quirky humour that practically holds the experience together. The quality of the crisp visuals and vocal personas are surprising for that of a downloadable title, and coats it with charm.

A package that’s a lot more forgiving on your wallet together than in separate instalments

Each episode contains 12 puzzles, varying in difficulty through progress. All are challenging, but the complexity is dictated less by a difficulty curve and more by a Curly Wurly of adversity. Though all are strong adversaries-and suitably so-no hint system can prove a hindrance to the plot which has clearly been very lovingly crafted. No matter how good you are at brain teasers, there will be a point where you have to halt and take a breather, and for those with little to no ideas (or Gamefaqs), it can prove a severe hindrance to find no lifelines at your disposal. All the puzzles cover a wide range of lateral thinking, observation, mathematical and logic challenges, and provides a good depth of variety…but if your key weakness rears its ugly head, there’s very little you can do to overcome it.

Though Blue Toad Murder Files feels like long lost brethrento a certain Professor Layton, there are key elements apart from the artistic touch that set the two apart. All the puzzles have a major link to the plot in some way or another, and there’s inclusions of several quick fire rounds testing your observation skills whilst questioning suspects to keep you on your toes and keenly aware. The end of each episode also forces you to combine evidence and alibis for a compelling ‘Whodunnit?’, forcing you to point the finger at the possible perpetrator of that instalments’ crime. With the ability to play with up to four players solving the same puzzles and blaming the same suspects, the enjoyment is multiplied by the amount of people with you due to the competitive edge spawned from the proceedings.

Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little RiddleThe replayibility of each episode remains questionable. By completing puzzles below certain times and without error earns you gold, silver and bronze ribbons. Obviously a perfect playthrough is encouraged, but is unlikely to occur the first time you play. With few puzzles on offer, all of which are unique and easily defined, replaying the title just seems like one massive memory challenge for rewards rather than fun.

A package that’s a lot more forgiving on your wallet together than in separate instalments, The Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle is definitely a title well worth a look for avid puzzlers and even families of brain teaser slayers. An entertaining plot told through enjoyable means, its downfalls lead to it dusting up like an old board game once done with. Still, perhaps a second playthrough isn’t wise. Don’t want the same old crook to keep eluding you, even after so many captures.

The Good: Undeniable charm, fantastic voice acting, Well thought out puzzles
The Bad: No hint system can prove problematic at times, Little replay value even though generally encouraged, Undecided over certain periods over whether to be too easy or too hard


Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries Of Little Riddle 


Bronze Y AwardBronze Y Award
3.5 3.5 / 5

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