Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mystery of Little Riddle is a PSN exclusive that combines competitive multiplayer, puzzle solving, and murder mystery (of course!). The player, or players, can choose from four characters as their crime solving avatar: Dick Dickens, Hannah Dakota, Margery Maple, and Lambert Vanderbosh.
The story opens up with the Blue Toad Detective Agency going on vacation to Little Riddle. At first the place seems harmless and relaxing filled with humorous characters, but not too long after arriving a murder occurs. The mayor has been shot and who do the residents turn to for answers? The Blue Toad Detective Agency who just so happened to visit at the perfect time. From that point on puzzle solving and tests of memory take over.
Let’s take a look at the HOTs and NOTs.
HOTs
Voice Acting
The voice acting in Blue Toad Murder Files is excellent. Even though every character is voiced by the same person each helps accent their mannerisms and quirky nature. Whether it is the fast paced, never ending rambles of Mrs. Gossip or the standoffish, rude hotel manager the voice their given will surely be fitting to their persona.
Story
The story is where the game really starts to hook the player. Sure the competitive play is fun, but the story keeps you wanting more. At the beginning of episode one you witness the mayor’s murder right in front of your eyes, but do not see the killer. You travel between different locations gathering information on key suspects, which will require that you solve a puzzle irrelevant to your case for them before they reveal any helpful information. After twelve puzzles and time spent with each suspect you, and your friends if you are playing multiplayer, are tasked with choosing the murderer from a lineup. Once you have chosen the correct criminal you are treated with a cliffhanger for episode one as a new mystery emerges right at the end. Episode two picks up where the first left off giving you new characters/suspects, new puzzles, and the ever expanding plot that gives you two more questions for every one that is answered.
Graphics
The graphics are not cutting edge by any means, but the style they have created definitely aids the atmosphere in Little Riddle. The bright colors and funny facial expressions are a constant reminder of this murder mystery’s family friendly feel.
Puzzles
Each episode contains twelve puzzles for the player to solve. At first the game starts out with very simple puzzles and then moves to slightly more challenging ones. Some start to require a little extra brain power, but they never become frustrating. They range from choosing the right luggage according to a description to trying to calculate the number of guests currently residing at a hotel. Be sure to retain as much detail as possible since the narrator will give you five question quizzes on previously viewed or learned material. Blue Toad has found a good balance between painfully easy and brain overload difficult. It is perfect for families playing together as the older and younger should be able to figure each one out keeping the competitive portion of the game exciting.
Multiplayer
Although Blue Toad Murder Files can be completed solo it really comes together when being played with two or more people. Each player gets to solve the puzzles and compete for the gold. Also, when it is time to choose from the four suspects each player is given a chance to vote by pressing the button that corresponds with their chosen criminal. This usually results in making sure the other players are not trying to view your button choice and is quite enjoyable.
NOTs
Length
Unfortunately, each episode of Blue Toad Murder Files only takes about one hour to complete. Even though it is a fun experience for friends and families it will not hold their attention for too long. This is definitely an issue due to the other two negatives given to this game.
Replayability
This is the biggest problem in the game. Once you have completed it for the first time there is no need to go back. Unless you need to collect some missing trophies there is little to no reason to replay the story. None of the answers to the puzzles change and neither does the murderer. Paying for a game you can really only play and enjoy once is a major flaw.
Price
Each episode costs £6.29. Given the reasons listed above this price can seem a little unfair. There is a bundle available for episodes one and two which costs£9.99. If you wait for each bundle of two episodes to come out you will still be spending £30 by the time the series is over. Let’s not even think about the cost of buying each one individually.
Verdict
Blue Toad Murder Files sports a wonderful cast of characters, fun puzzles, and exceptional part play. These great attributes are hindered by a steep price, short episodes, and the lack of replay value. If you are looking for an engaging story and engrossing puzzles to satisfy you and some friends for a little while and do not mind dishing out a little extra cash, then I recommend you take a look. For everyone else, either wait till the price drops on each episode or they bundle all six episodes together at a discounted price.
