Mystery Case Files: Black Crown > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

74 of 83 found this review helpful

A TERRIFIC GAME THAT REVISITS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MYSTERY CASE FILES

PostedDecember 31, 2019

biscuitsmama

fromThis game has restored my desire to look forward to the next MCF game.

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

When I first became a member at BFG eons ago, I always looked forward to Thanksgiving and the release of the annual Mystery Case Files game. Although I found most of the games good, only two are my all-time favorites, and one is related to the story of Phineas Crown – a storyline that is revisited with Mystery Case Files: Black Crown. After playing the beta for Black Crown I knew it was a game ...Show more

When I first became a member at BFG eons ago, I always looked forward to Thanksgiving and the release of the annual Mystery Case Files game. Although I found most of the games good, only two are my all-time favorites, and one is related to the story of Phineas Crown – a storyline that is revisited with Mystery Case Files: Black Crown. After playing the beta for Black Crown I knew it was a game that I would love. Black Crown is the first MCF game that I have looked forward to in the past several years, and this one is well worth the wait. Kudos to the developer who has done a wonderful job with this game because it is everything I hoped it would be.

If there is anything that I dislike about the game it is that in some of the HOS, the items are very tiny and difficult to identify. I have a 34” monitor and I still had difficulty finding some items because they are too small. Most of the HOS were better than the few with minuscule items to find, and those were much more fun to play. One of my favorite HO scenes is early in the game where I had to find matches between the chalk drawings on wall sections with the sketches on paper notes.

One of the best things aside from the storyline are the puzzles in the game. I love some of the Rube Goldberg puzzles that are signature to this series. Black Crown has some of my favorite puzzles and contains one that I haven’t seen in years. It is a puzzle where we much place hands on a pocket watch in order to cover every hour on the watch face. I loved this puzzle the first time I ever encountered it in a game, and it is just as much fun today.

I finally finished the game and I have to say that the end was as wonderful as the beginning. The Black Crown is wonderful, and I think it is one of the best MCF games in several years. If future MCF games are of the same caliber as Black Crown I will once again look forward to the tradition of playing an MCF game as a special Thanksgiving treat. Please try the demo to see if you will enjoy Black Crown as much as I did. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+65points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

32 of 35 found this review helpful

~~~ONE OF THE BEST MCF EDITIONS IN THE FRANCHISE!!!~~~

PostedJanuary 12, 2020

skullfun

fromThis latest installment is one of the franchise’s best as well as the studio’s most complex!

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

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Moths to a Flame Collector's Edition

(148)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is edition is another epic Mystery Case Files adventure! In this twentieth installment of the iconic Hidden Object series from Big Fish Games and Eipix Entertainment, you are tasked to investigate an urgent call from the infamous Manchester Asylum for the mentally insane. A mysterious patient from room 11 suddenly begins drawing a black crown on the wall and speaks for the first time since ...Show more

This is edition is another epic Mystery Case Files adventure! In this twentieth installment of the iconic Hidden Object series from Big Fish Games and Eipix Entertainment, you are tasked to investigate an urgent call from the infamous Manchester Asylum for the mentally insane. A mysterious patient from room 11 suddenly begins drawing a black crown on the wall and speaks for the first time since she joined the asylum, you know something is up. Exercise your Master Detective muscles once again and solve this brand-new thrilling case in Mystery Case Files: Black Crown!

When Big Fish Studios stopped developing the Mystery Case Files franchise in-house, there has been a clear problem of inconsistencies with each release (IMHO). This is until the recent release of Mystery Case Files: Moths to a Flame, which for me puts the franchise back on track of being one of the genre’s absolute best once again. To my surprise, Mystery Case Files: Black Crown continues the franchise in an upward trajectory that should delight long-time fans of the franchise.

First, it's worth mentioning that the storyline in Mystery Case Files: Black Crown is both intriguing and thrilling. Mystery Case Files games have always relied on psychological thriller elements, but most of them have been focusing on solving the mystery itself. This sequel, however, perfectly combines well-executed psychological thriller elements with complex case-solving. Thus, the game contains some genuinely creepy moments, plenty of exciting sequences, and sophisticated storytelling techniques that actually make you think. Moreover, the game features references to one of the series’ best Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull, which should serve as a cool Easter Egg for fans but isn't overly-distracting for casual players.

A storyline as layered as the one in Mystery Case Files: Black Crown would not work if it does not have equally-clever gameplay to support it. Even for an advanced HOPA player like me, the game still managed to offer both numerous surprises and creative gameplay challenges. The adventure portion is far from straightforward and effectively maintains high suspense level all the way through. Not only does the game includes some of the most imaginative hidden object scenes I have seen in quite awhile, but the puzzles are also impressive and satisfyingly difficult. In addition, the game features a pocket watch as a helpful gadget. This gadget is only used multiple times in the first chapter, which is definitely appreciated since the task associated with it can get repetitive after a while.

When it comes to a Mystery Case Files game, genre-leading production is to be expected; especially long time fans. I really think that Mystery Case Files: Black Crown does not disappoint in that regard. The game’s visuals are stunning, which encompass its breathtaking special effects, epic artwork, and spectacular cutscenes. On the audio side, the game is also spot-on. With immersive musical scores and convincing voice-overs, the game really goes the extra mile in making sure that the player is fully engaged from start to finish. I hope folks will really enjoy this memorable edition as much as I did....demo for yourself, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised Cheers! Show less

I recommend this game!

+29points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 9 found this review helpful

Loved it!!

PostedApril 16, 2020

Kimmycoo

fromVirginia USA

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Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I really enjoyed the scenes and the unique storyline. This may be one of my fav MCF games!
I highly recommend this one!

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

69 of 81 found this review helpful

AIN'T IT GREAT TO BE CRAZY?

PostedDecember 27, 2019

pennmom36

fromHAPPY SOON TO BE 2020! ⛄

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Completed Game approximately 5.5 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
29 Main Game Scene Locations +15 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Intermediate

Locked away in a tiny, dark cell of the Manchester Asylum is patient #11. She doesn't know who she is or where she's from. She has spoken, she hasn't responded to any treatment, she has made no progress for years, ...Show more

Completed Game approximately 5.5 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
29 Main Game Scene Locations +15 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Intermediate

Locked away in a tiny, dark cell of the Manchester Asylum is patient #11. She doesn't know who she is or where she's from. She has spoken, she hasn't responded to any treatment, she has made no progress for years, until now. Patient 11 has been obsessively drawing images of the Black Crown all over the walls of her cell while uttering randomly. Patient 11 may be mentally unstable, but she seems to be connected to the Black Crown, the same Mystery Case Files you solved 8 years ago, in Louisiana!

Gadgets/Helpers:
In Chapter 1, you will use a pocket watch that reacts when a new scene is discovered. You must drag the watch around the scene until it turns green, indicating you have discovered the right location. This gadget is only used 5 times and only in the first chapter. Why didn't they use the Mechanical Moth from the last MCF game?

Collectibles & Morphing Objects: (CE version only))
There are 42 Hidden Crabs and 42 Morphing Objects, one of each in every scene, including the CE Bonus Chapter. The Crabs are way too big to miss and the Coral is too brightly-colored to blend into the single color hues of most locations.

Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 17 Hidden Object Scenes +3 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Although there aren't a lot of variances, the scenes were well thought out and located in interesting scenes. They are mostly Listed Item Finds that are multi-layered and pan towards the back with one scene following the next. There are several Interactive List finds, Matching Symbol Finds, Matching Constellation Finds, and Pictured Item Finds as well. There are No Alternate Games Available.

Mini-Games:
There are 42 Mini-Games +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter, including my beloved Super Puzzles which are Rube Goldberg variations of complex door locks that require solving multiple layers of puzzles to open and proceed to the next chapter, and it's what makes MCF games so unique. below are a few of my personal favorite games:

1-All 3 Rube Goldberg puzzles
2-Drag various angled clock hands to point to every hour on a clock.
3-All versions of Untangle the Ropes games.
4-Trace the lines without repeating a direction.

Bonus Chapter (Collector's Edition version only)
Jumping jambalaya, Momma Aimee has discovered that Phineas Crown is one determined pirate. Phineas placed 12 segments of his soul within ordinary items and hidden them in the swamps of Louisiana. I loved this 13th Skull revisit to Absolute Voodoo which is an average-length chapter that takes place over 8 familiar Scene Locations. There are 6 Mini-Games and 3 Hidden Object Scenes and you will pick up the final 8 Hidden Crabs, and 8 Morphing Coral.

Collector's Edition Extras:
8 Wallpapers, 8 Video Movie Cutscenes, 11 Music, Case Files Journal,15 Achievements, 19 Replayable Puzzles, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 42 Collectible Crabs, 42 Morphing Coral, 20 Souvenirs, 5 Chapters (listed as Chapters 0-4) +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-in Strategy Guide.

MYSTERY CASE FILES SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Huntsville SE only (November 14-2005) 3.6
2-Prime Suspects SE only (April 6-2006) 3.8
3-Ravenhearst SE only (December 15-2006) 3.6
4-Madame Fate SE only (November 7-2007) 4.0
5-Return to Ravenhearst SE only (November 26-2008) 4.2
6-Dire Grove (December 11-2009) 4.6
7-13th Skull (January 7-2011) 4.1
8-Escape From Ravenhearst (December 21-2011) 3.3
9-Shadow Lake (December 25-2012) 2.8
10-Fate's Carnival (December 20-2013) 4.1
11-Dire Grove, Sacred Grove (December 19-2014) 3.7
12-Key to Ravenhearst (December 9-2015) 3.9
13-Ravenhearst Unlocked (December 26-2015) 3.5
14-Broken Hour (December 23-2016) 3.2
15-The Black Veil (April 21-2017) 2.9
16-The Revenant's Hunt (January 19-2018) 3.5
17-Rewind (June 20-2018) 3.2
18-The Countess (December 19-2018) 3.4
19-Moths to a Flame (September 20-2019) 4.3
20-Black Crown (December 27-2019) n/a

by: Eipix Entertainment Show less

I recommend this game!

+57points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

15 of 19 found this review helpful

Never Visit Manchester Asylum

PostedJanuary 26, 2020

deddu

fromCalifornia USA

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

After escaping from the asylum you go on an adventure on the high seas. The hidden objects are varied and the mini-puzzles are not too hard. This SE version is long and very detailed.

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

3 / 5

4 of 4 found this review helpful

storyline could have been better

PostedMay 18, 2020

storm011

fromaustralia

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

I did like this when i played the demo and purchased the game.

The puzzles were fun (and i am not a puzzle person but am trying to force myself in doing them all) - (spoiler alert) i liked the scribbles on the wall where you had to find the child like drawing and the hidden objects were varied.

However i think the storyline (which i don't usually care about as long as the overall game is ...Show more

I did like this when i played the demo and purchased the game.

The puzzles were fun (and i am not a puzzle person but am trying to force myself in doing them all) - (spoiler alert) i liked the scribbles on the wall where you had to find the child like drawing and the hidden objects were varied.

However i think the storyline (which i don't usually care about as long as the overall game is fun) got lost on the way.(Again spoiler alert) It could have been so better without having to go to ghosts. Which I was OK about but again had so much more potential.

How did the nurse and the doctor arrive at the museum before me ???

I have a number of mystery case files and although this refers to a previous case in the storyline it doesn't actually refer to another previous game (hope that makes sense). So not sure why it bothered.

I would have given it 2.5 but think that the developers have done a good job on the graphics, puzzles, hidden objects etc

Try before you buy - happy gaming :) . Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

17 of 22 found this review helpful

Like to play alone

PostedMarch 9, 2020

pattim53

fromBeaverton, Oregon

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

I love most of the Mystery Case Files, but I didn't even finish the demo on this one. The reason, that watch thing drove me batty. I am probably in the minority here, but I do not like "helpful gadgets and helpers". Please just let me play the game on my own.

I don't recommend this game.

+12points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

22 of 30 found this review helpful

More Graphics/Dialogue than game

PostedJanuary 2, 2020

bedwags

fromReno, NV

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

There was a lot of dialogue and graphics - skip was not always available or had to sit through a percentage of graphic/dialogue before skip was available.
Not enough true game via horse and pony show.

I don't recommend this game.

+14points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

11 of 17 found this review helpful

Didn't like it; didn't finish the demo

PostedAugust 25, 2020

roaming

fromTexas

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

1 / 5

I dislike puzzles and always skip them. Unfortunately, in this game there are puzzles disguised as HOS, and HOS disguised as puzzles, and every time you turn around there's another one!.

As for the plot, there's the overused escape-from-the-car-before-it-goes-over-the-cliff gambit, the overused wall climbing game, the vicious barking guard dog to contend with, and you haven't even finished the ...Show more

I dislike puzzles and always skip them. Unfortunately, in this game there are puzzles disguised as HOS, and HOS disguised as puzzles, and every time you turn around there's another one!.

As for the plot, there's the overused escape-from-the-car-before-it-goes-over-the-cliff gambit, the overused wall climbing game, the vicious barking guard dog to contend with, and you haven't even finished the demo yet.

Not only that, but I really dislike gadgets, and the compass/ watch thing (which is yet another hidden object/ puzzle you have to put together) is used way too often. Unfortunately, why the thing glows green is never explained. You just wave it around, it turns green, and then you go there. Yawn.

That said, given the overwrought excitement of previous reviewers, you should probably give it a try. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+5points

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