Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile (game review)

In this computer game based on the 1937 mystery novel, players take the role of Agatha Cristie's famous detective Hercule Poirot, and search for clues to solve the mystery of Linnet Ridgeway's muder aboard the luxury liner S.S. Karnak. Set in the 1930's, the characters and the backdrops are all period - and very nicely done.

 Though this is primarily a classic Hidden Objects style game, additional gameplay value comes from the mini-games and the opportunity to question suspects and examine clues.

Gameplay:

  A short movie plays, showing you what plot event has occured. The first scene is the murder of Linnet and the shooting of her husband, Simon. But be wary of what you see here - circumstances aren't always as they appear, as every good detective knows. 

 Next, Hercule will search staterooms for clues. A variety of objects are strewn about, and the player must locate and click on items found in Hercule's list. Some of these items make sense (a letter, or a gun) - others seem rather pointless (a lion, a rose, etc).  Either the inspector is hitting the absinthe, or we assume he examines these things briefly then moves on to the real meat of the investigation. Either way, the room searching portion of the game is challenging, and you are given a time limit of twenty five minutes to search the rooms - two at first, and eventually up to five in later parts of the investigation. Fortunately, you have five hints which can be used in any of the rooms - use them wisely, so that if you're truly stuck you won't run out of time.  If you do run out of time, you will have to begin this portion of your investigation over again.

  After you acquire clues, you can examine them in the clue room. This room shows Hercule's desk, and the objects you have found so far. You can click on them, and it will give you a brief summary of the object and why it is important to the case.

Clues also unlock questions, which you can ask to the various suspects that gather in the Salon. As you ask questions, you learn more about motives, and get more rooms to search (thus starting the next sequence).

 Mini games pop up from time to time depending on the plot -  these are generally quite a bit of fun. One has you test a substance found in a bottle to determine whether it is nail poilsh, ink, or blood. The test involves using a variety of substances (water, salt, vinegar, etc) and studying how the substances in question react to each. It is also worth noting that salt and vinegar are two items that Hercule collected while searching the kitchen - that was a nice touch. Other mini games are in the form of puzzles, or examining clues with a magnifying glass. 

 After major plot points, a bonus round in the form of a matching board pops up that lets you match suspects and objects with what you have learned about them. This is a nice way to keep the facts of the investigation fresh in your mind and to review what Hercule has learned.

The mystery is rich and complex - it kept us guessing the whole time, and we felt a true sense of accomplishment when we sorted out all the red herrings and figured out whodunnit. 

In total, we got about eight hours of gameplay out of this - and it only contains the one mystery, so it doesn't have much replay value. But it was eight hours of fun - and the kids might enjoy playing it so it can be passed on to them.  The game is available for free online or download play (download play is a trial version), or can be purchased for twenty dollars.

Recommended for:
 Everyone! This is a very family-friendly game, and it can even be considered educational. It'll certainly teach some skills in logical thinking and observation.  Adults and teens are the most likely ages - but even a younger child might enjoy playing alongside a parent finding objects and working with the clues.

Description from the game's website:
Acting as the famous detective Hercule Poirot, find yourself in the middle of a murder mystery while sailing the Nile on the S.S. Karnak. It's up to you to navigate the ship room by room seeking hidden objects and collecting clues which will lead you to the culprit!

 
Linnet Ridgeway, a wealthy heiress, has just been murdered aboard a luxury cruise liner. Although accompanied by friends and acquaintances, you begin uncovering each passenger's secret motive. The maid who feels betrayed by a failed promise; a writer who faces a libel suit brought upon by Ms. Ridgeway; a gentleman who has been embezzling money from the family; and a former fiancé with a jealous spirit.

Enjoy this crime solving puzzle which presents the classical story in a completely new way. Navigate through the ships 24 rooms while piecing together clues and evidence you reveal. Twelve investigations, fourteen interrogations and multiple mini-games that help you, Poirot, solve the case. You won't want to turn away from this classic and compelling Agatha Christie tale.

Features:
* The world famous Agatha Christie brand and timeless mystery stories offer compelling context for a Hidden Objects game
* 12 investigation levels
* 24 rooms filled with hidden objects, clues and hard evidence
* 14 suspects to interrogate
* Multiple mini-games to help solve the ultimate crime
* Beautiful graphics with amazingly detailed 1930's styled rooms

For more information:
Play for free online or download trial version
Death on the Nile - novel
Death on the Nile - film
Hercule Poirot
Agatha Christie official website