To Catch a Killer

Games like Mystery in London: On the Trail of Jack the Ripper make me wonder why more hidden objects games don't go the 360 degree route. The ability to look all around you is not only impressive, but it makes the game more challenging and much, much more fun. Even the popular franchises like Mystery Case Files could learn a lesson here. If you're anything of a fan of hidden objects games, you need to stop reading this right now and pick this product up.

When you start the game, you can choose one of two modes: explorer mode will pit you against the clock and you solve the mystery of the first serial killer the world ever knew. In tourist mode, you'll unravel the same mystery, but you won't have to worry about a time limit.

You play a collector of old books, paintings, and photographs, and you've decided to take a vacation in jolly old London. While you're there, maybe you could even pick up a new treasure or two for your collection? You begin your vacation in a quaint little store, Verde and Company (which just so happens to be a real store in London). You spot a few dusty old books lying around and you've already started collecting! That didn't take long, did it?

One of the book happens to be an old copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. In the back of the book, you find a note written in red ink. This note seems to have been written by Jack the Ripper himself, the infamous serial killer that murdered five women in 1888. Could this really be his note? Now you're off on a whirlwind adventure!

Explore London

You're investigation into Jack the Ripper will take you to many real locations in England. The stages are comprised of actual photographs that you can pan around in 360 degrees and look for objects. You can use either the navigation arrows on the sides and top and bottom of the screen, you can click the picture in the bottom bar which is divided up into sections, or you can use the navigation ball in the middle. Just click and hold on the ball and drag your mouse around to move around the screen. I think using the ball is the best method because instead of jumping around the screen, you're slowly panning around, which is much more impressive and gives you the full 360 effect.

Finding the objects works just like a standard hidden objects game. If you see an item from your list, simply click on it to collect it. You also have hints, which will actually move your entire view and bring you to the object.

Finally, you can zoom in and out with either the zoom buttons or your mouse wheel. This is crucial for getting those tiny, hard-to-see items.

After you complete each stage, you'll be treated to a fun fact about that location. It's rare that a game can be so fun yet so educational!

A Worthwhile Journey

Mystery in London: On the Trail of Jack the Ripper is a visually stunning and tremendously fun hidden objects game. Jack the Ripper is a fascinating subject and makes for a very intriguing storyline. If you're looking for something engaging to sink your teeth into, this title is well worth your time.