Detective Stories: Hollywood > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

4 / 5

17 of 22 found this review helpful

Hey, those people look familiar..

PostedJune 22, 2012

beebatcclpw

fromArizona

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Based on the demo this was a fun HOG that was pretty standard fare. I liked it because the graphics and story were decent and I SWEAR that most of the characters were strangely familiar.......anyone else catch that??? It was really amusing to see who would be popping up next.......

I recommend this game!

+12points

17of 22voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No5

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

1 of 1 found this review helpful

A Simple, Silly, Fun Game

PostedMarch 22, 2021

Zurreen

fromAustin, TX

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word

Current Favorite:

Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood Collector's Edition

(166)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I should note at the outset that despite the title "Detective Stories," this is by no means a detective game, at least not what one would expect. The heroine is charged with finding an actress, film, and some money. Yet, instead of looking for any physical clues or establishing suspects, she basically goes around different locations, asking people whether *they* can tell her where the missing ...Show more

I should note at the outset that despite the title "Detective Stories," this is by no means a detective game, at least not what one would expect. The heroine is charged with finding an actress, film, and some money. Yet, instead of looking for any physical clues or establishing suspects, she basically goes around different locations, asking people whether *they* can tell her where the missing person/items might be, and what might have happened to them! In fact, she does not even look like a detective, appearing rather like a(n elegantly dressed) housekeeper! But then, she is dressed for the job in this game! Because, instead of just answering even her simplest questions (like where she might find so-and-so at this time), the people she talks to get her to do such menial jobs for them that even a person of their position (actor, director, producer, etc.) would never do in real life! Everything from dusting (no, not for fingerprints, but actual dusting - as in cleaning up!) to organizing to even fixing appliances. Thus, as I said, she is perfectly dressed for these (housekeeping) tasks.

As for the gameplay itself... Every time she meets a character, a two-page, journal-type entry appears on the screen. The left page tells you something about the character. The top of the right page tells you something about Hollywood or films. Your tasks appear, one by one, at the bottom of the right page. You will note that four tasks appear each time we meet or revisit a character. Three of these tend to be different Hidden-Object Puzzles (HOPs). The most tedious of these three is where you have to find *pieces* of three objects in the scene. [Thankfully, there are very few HOPs of this type in the game!] The easiest task is matching objects in the list to the blanks drawn in the shape of the required objects in the scene itself. The most familiar is the usual HOP, where you are given a list of objects that you must then find in the scene.

In addition to these three, more common types of HOPs, you will often get a find-the-differences puzzle - you know, where you have to click on the differences between two seemingly identical scenes, placed side-by-side in a split-screen. In most games, this type of puzzle is more of what I would call a strict puzzle than a HOP, since there is no list of objects of any kind given to help us find the differences. In this game, however, it seems to be offered more as a HOP than a strict puzzle. I say this because, usually, you get only one puzzle in the set of four tasks per journal entry. But you will often (perhaps always) get a "strict" puzzle, in addition to the find-the-differences puzzle. The strict puzzles come in different forms as well. It might be a simple card-matching game, where you have to click on cards to turn them over, trying to find pairs of identical cards. At other times, it will be a lights puzzle, where you have to turn on all the lights in a board. At yet other times, you may have to connect a circuit. Occasionally (I think it was only once or twice), you might have to do some kind of a manual-dexterity game (trying to pick stones from the bottom of an aquarium) or a speed game (moving objects from one conveyor belt to another).

All of the puzzles are quite simple actually. So are the HOPs. The only thing that might make them somewhat difficult for some players is that each task is timed, and that is the only mode provided in this game. In other words, there is no easy or relaxed mode to help you avoid the time restrictions. But don't worry about that! For one thing, after the game tells you that the time has expired, it will ask you whether you want to try again. Each puzzle and HOP is really quite short (usually, four minutes). So just click on "Yes," and keep on trying until you have solved it. [Note: I suppose that clicking on "No" might Skip that particular puzzle or HOP, but I can't be sure, since I never clicked on it.]

The other help in the game is the "Help" button, which is really a Hint button. Note that it takes a whole minute for the Hint to recharge. So you can usually get about 3 hints in each task since, as I mentioned, you usually get four minutes to solve a puzzles or HOP. I would advise you, however, to try to get as many items as you can by yourself before using a Hint, so that the Hint would not give you an answer that you could have easily gotten yourself. So, if you try to find objects/differences (yes, the find-the-differences puzzles also come with Help/Hint!) for about a minute, and then use your first hint, you would be able to use all three hints available to you in the given task. Just watch out for the 20-second time penalty for random clicking though, because that will of course reduce the amount of time available to you. But don't worry if you do get such penalties, because there are no Achievements or Trophies in this game. So repeat puzzles, risk penalties, and use the Hints as much as you like!

Last but perhaps not least, you might note that the characters in this game appear to resemble some famous celebrity. I think that might make it fun for some players, although it did not do much for me. For one thing, I couldn't recognize many stars. What's more, even when I thought I had recognized someone, there was no way to be sure I was right, since the resemblance is never perfect. It would have helped if at least the first name of the character were the same as that of the celebrity it was supposed to depict. The particular occupation of characters was certainly no help, since one character I thought was supposed to depict Clark Gable is a film-maker, while another I thought was supposed to depict Marlon Brando is only a hotel manager! So, again, the game provides no help in determining the identity of the celebrity it might have intended to depict. But I still mention this feature of the game in case some players might like to try guessing, even though there is really no way to confirm whether they got it right!

Conclusion: if you don't mind the fact that this is not really a "detective" game, and enjoy playing a whole bunch (and I *mean* a whole *bunch*!) and variety of HOPs, as well as a lot of rather easy puzzles, then you should enjoy this game. For this reason, Show less

I recommend this game!

+1point

1of 1voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes1No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

23 of 26 found this review helpful

Two big concerns...

PostedJuly 9, 2012

LoneCleric

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

...with this game.

First, although I'm fine with tough challenges, this game is way too hard. There, I said it. The "number of items / time allocated" ratio changes unexpectedly throughout the game, not following any clear pattern. The worst screen I encountered was about 3/4th in the game, and required me to click on one item EVERY 10 SECONDS on average. I had to go grab a mouse for my laptop, ...Show more

...with this game.

First, although I'm fine with tough challenges, this game is way too hard. There, I said it. The "number of items / time allocated" ratio changes unexpectedly throughout the game, not following any clear pattern. The worst screen I encountered was about 3/4th in the game, and required me to click on one item EVERY 10 SECONDS on average. I had to go grab a mouse for my laptop, otherwise I'd still be stuck there. Frankly, you'd tell me this was a bug, and I'd believe it.

My second annoyance with the game was that it relied a bit too much on the "Hey detective, I know this isn't your job, but I won't help you unless you first help me fix something / clean out this place." plot device. I don't mind seeing it in HOGs, but in this one it became a running gag. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+20points

23of 26voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes23No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

21 of 25 found this review helpful

Detective Stories Hollywood

PostedAugust 2, 2012

rebeccamyring

fromblackpool

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

I just wan't to finish the game once i had started it. i had to keep coming off as i got bored as you are playing the same scenes over and over again and the same types of mini games in between the finding scenes. there is not much of a variety.

Also The number of items you are expected to find in the time allocated is considerably hard as there is no pattern as it changes frequently. meaning you ...Show more

I just wan't to finish the game once i had started it. i had to keep coming off as i got bored as you are playing the same scenes over and over again and the same types of mini games in between the finding scenes. there is not much of a variety.

Also The number of items you are expected to find in the time allocated is considerably hard as there is no pattern as it changes frequently. meaning you get less time for more items you got to find and more time for less items that you got to find.

this Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+17points

21of 25voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes21No4

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

8 of 10 found this review helpful

Detective Stories: Hollywood

PostedNovember 15, 2014

pennmom36

fromWhy do the characters look like Errol Flynn and Sophia Loren?

Top Reviewer
This "Top Reviewer" is one of our most frequent game reviewers. We think you'll trust what they have to say and find their reviews helpful and informative.
Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

This is going to be a short review because I only made it about halfway through the demo. This isn't much of a Hidden Object game, although there are some HO's that are list finds or silhouetted shape finds, and each scene is repeated which is very boring in my opinion. There are however a lot of puzzles and mini games such as clicking on a crane to move the arm, and then click again to drop the ...Show more

This is going to be a short review because I only made it about halfway through the demo. This isn't much of a Hidden Object game, although there are some HO's that are list finds or silhouetted shape finds, and each scene is repeated which is very boring in my opinion. There are however a lot of puzzles and mini games such as clicking on a crane to move the arm, and then click again to drop the crane without grabbing a swimming fish, until you have found all the stones with hidden numbers on them. I gave up on the mini game that required you to "dust" a western scene. The dust didn't look much different than the rest of the brown dust filled scene and there was apparently only three windows and a cart to dust about one million times in each spot, BORING. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+6points

8of 10voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes8No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

8 of 11 found this review helpful

Poor Visual

PostedJanuary 7, 2013

ladycholla

fromPayson, UT

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Hide & Secret 2: Cliffhanger Castle

(5)

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

This game would have been fun, if not for the fact that it is very blurry. If that aspect were fixed, I would love to buy it. Colors good, would be nice to play this, totally different from the dark and dreary that is out lately. Tired of those. The only ones the developers seem to want to make that are clear are the ones that are not like this one. I liked the puzzles and the different types of ...Show more

This game would have been fun, if not for the fact that it is very blurry. If that aspect were fixed, I would love to buy it. Colors good, would be nice to play this, totally different from the dark and dreary that is out lately. Tired of those. The only ones the developers seem to want to make that are clear are the ones that are not like this one. I liked the puzzles and the different types of seek and find.
Clear it up and I will purchase. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+5points

8of 11voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes8No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

4 of 5 found this review helpful

EVEN "STARS" CAN'T SAVE THIS GAME

PostedJuly 30, 2014

arnold1049

fromApache Junction, AZ

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

I was intrigued by the idea that Hollywood stars made cameo appearances in this game. If that is true, then the graphics are so bad that I was unable to recognize a single one. The first names of the characters was supposed to be a hint, I think, but even that didn't help me figure out who they were supposed to represent.

I played 40 minutes of the free trial and I would say 75% of that time was ...Show more

I was intrigued by the idea that Hollywood stars made cameo appearances in this game. If that is true, then the graphics are so bad that I was unable to recognize a single one. The first names of the characters was supposed to be a hint, I think, but even that didn't help me figure out who they were supposed to represent.

I played 40 minutes of the free trial and I would say 75% of that time was spent reading inane dialogue. There were references to a "John" character who could be found on a Western movie set, but even that teaser was not enough to keep me playing. I'm sure he would not have resembled John Wayne anyway.

This game deserves no stars. I gave it 2 stars because I don't like using the word "hate" to apply to anything. I feel the same way about using the word "love" in reference to a game. Big Fish, maybe you could come up with different words for the ratings?

Totally avoid this game. It isn't even worth the time to play the free trial. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+3points

4of 5voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes4No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

1 / 5

6 of 7 found this review helpful

*Yawn*

PostedFebruary 3, 2015

Kyla4u

fromBerkshire, UK

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

While in the style of an old-school HOG, sadly there is nothing to interesting happening here. Scenes repeat over and over and over again. Objects are small, dark and hard to find - and not in a nice/challenging way. Story line is laughable. My 7-year-old could write better dialogue. The entire game has the appearance of being churned out in two days to try to make some quick cash. Would recommend ...Show more

While in the style of an old-school HOG, sadly there is nothing to interesting happening here. Scenes repeat over and over and over again. Objects are small, dark and hard to find - and not in a nice/challenging way. Story line is laughable. My 7-year-old could write better dialogue. The entire game has the appearance of being churned out in two days to try to make some quick cash. Would recommend giving this one a miss. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+5points

6of 7voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes6No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

1 / 5

9 of 13 found this review helpful

The Worst Game

PostedJune 23, 2013

nopoint

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

almost impossible to play many scenes. in most scenes time factor impossible!!!!! Most disappointing!!!! Doubt that it can be finished!!!!

I don't recommend this game.

+5points

9of 13voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes9No4

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

1 / 5

No option to move on if scene cannot be completed,

PostedJuly 17, 2023

pkempf99

fromMissouri

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

It gets stuck without the option to skip. Otherwise I liked it. With a few changes by the creators it could be a really good game. Also, unable to get a full screen which might help.

I don't recommend this game.

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes0No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Detective Stories: Hollywood

Reviews

Detective Stories: Hollywood

, share your thoughts about this game!

Detective Stories: Hollywood

Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted.

Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game!

You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game.

Thanks for submitting the review below.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Detective Stories: Hollywood Solve Tinseltown`s latest mystery. Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.