Last month, developer Big Fish Games released the latest game in its hidden-object, casual mystery series Mystery Case Files. Dire Grove features something rather unexpected for a game released in 2009: full-motion video. As a selling point! The game sets you into the investigation of four graduate students who disappear in the spooky town of Dire Grove one night. Along the way, video sequences will help illuminate the events.
Fascinated by the bold decision to bring in live actors for the latest iteration of a usually all hand-drawn series (and a game that will retail for seven dollars when the Standard Edition launches this month -- the Collector's Edition is available now for $20), Joystiq spoke to game designer Adrian Woods about the game and the somewhat anachronistic use of FMV.
Mystery Case Files continues with its eleventh game, the sequel to fan-favorite's Dire Grove, Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, Sacred Grove.
With 2009 coming to a close, Neroli takes a look back at the best selling casual PC games of the year, and the upcoming trends in casual gaming predicted for 2010.
Neroli writes, "First, a word on my criteria. For this list, I narrowed it down to games released in 2009, which made it to the top of the best-selling casual game charts, and which spent several weeks in the top 10 on at least one major game portal. Each game includes either an innovative concept or original theme, and all have furthered their respective genres. Most importantly, they are just plain fun to play!
The list is presented in no particular order. These top 10 are hand-picked from games that met the tough criteria listed above, additionally judged on factors like broad audience appeal, quick learning-curve, flexible challenge, and replay value. It was tough picking the best, so I listed all the other great games I considered below, all of which are definitely worth a look for casual gamers."
Plants vs. Zombies is very original, funny, and fun game. Thumbs up to PopCap for such a great game.
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Gamertell has posted its weekly update of new casual style games.
This week's best bets are: Dawn's Light: A Christmas Tale (PC), Samantha Swift and the Mystery from Atlantis (PC) and Build It! Miami Beach Resort (PC, Mac).
