Review :: Blue Toad Murder Files Episodes 1 & 2

Blue toads, and murder. I don’t see the relation either. Regardless, Relentless Software delivers a title to test your wit, critical thinking, and attention span with Blue Toad Murder Files. Murder-mystery titles are games we just don’t see too often, because most developers just can’t get it right. Do the first two episodes of this six episode-long saga deliver an experience worthy of your time?

The Blue Toad Murder Files (Episode 1) is set in the quaint town of Little Riddle. A murder has taken place conveniently as you arrive, and it’s now your job to discern the culprit and bring justice to this town. The process of discovering who dun’ it will include the likes of puzzles and close observation. Interrogating the town folk will also play a big part in solving the case, with some of them becoming suspects. Without giving too much away, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable episode, even if it only lasts around an hour. The 12 puzzles you will solve (or attempt to solve) are a mixed bag, but in a good way. Half of them will be mindlessly easy. The others might take some serious thinking skills, and a few can pose quite a challenge. They all work, they’re all clever, and most importantly, they are well designed.

Episode 2 is the same deal, just a different case. This time, it’s a robbery you’re dealing with. Although it doesn’t sound as interesting, I seemed to prefer this one over the first. The puzzles seem a tad sharper, and the characters a bit more interesting. The only complaint I could have about this one is that catching the culprit is more obvious. Again, this will only last you around an hour, so enjoy it while you can.

If anything stands out immediately, it’s the way Relentless Software went about presenting the game. Visually it’s a vibrant, crisp looking title. The quirky look of the character models and scenery may put some off, but after playing these games it’s the only way I want it. The characters are all quirky and bring colorful personalities thanks to some outstanding voice acting. It’s really surprising to see this much care go into a downloadable title, and it shows. Aside from the looks and sounds, the menus and puzzles control as you would expect them to. It’s nothing too visually flashy, but it gets the job done while providing a look that pretty much no one can hate.

It sounds as though Blue Toad Murder Files delivers what we wanted plus more, right? Not exactly. There are two major problems I have with these episodes. One, playing them by yourself is flat out boring. I’ve done both single and multiplayer and it’s obvious that this was meant to be played with others. Seeing who solves these puzzles the quickest (and actually gets them correct) only makes the experience more enjoyable, as medals are earned through out the process which in turn will decide the winner at the end. Two, which can be a deal breaker for some, is the price point. Seperately you are paying £6.49 and episode, which translates to about 10.50$ for the US. That’s correct, that much for about an hour of entertainment. Really? Obviously the £9.99 pack for both episodes is the better deal, but still seems overpriced. It’s a shame too, if the price had been right these games would have come recommended undoubtedly.

Not much can be said about such a short experience. Although it doesn’t last long, it’s an enjoyable ride all the way through. That is, if you are willing to shell out unreasonable money for it. I’d say wait until these drop in price. They can be a lot of fun, but you can definitely find better entertainment at this price.

6.9/10

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