Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel HD Review

Treading that path between Hidden Object style gaming and traditional adventure gaming, Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel HD is a fairly laid-back adventure game that will entertain for a time, but perhaps not long enough.

The game follows the exploits of Detective Biggi Brightstone, as she tracks down a killer, as well as a missing necklace. In typical style for these kind of games, there's a hefty paranormal element too. For a change, it's possible to ask other characters specific questions, ensuring one feels slightly more involved in the events unfolding. However, it's still a fairly average story, offering up a few twists but never truly gripping.

It's the gameplay that's somewhat more interesting if again a little safe. There's a certain amount of combining items in order to solve various puzzles, as well as plenty of mini-games. These mini-games are similar to those seen elsewhere but they're quite fun, nonetheless. Jigsaw puzzles, flicking switches in the correct order, and solving logical conundrums all have a role to play here. Some of these puzzles are surprisingly tricky, although there's always the option to skip ahead for those keen to move on. Again, it might not be entirely original but it breaks things up nicely, keeping things more interesting.

That's the slight issue with Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel HD. It's a pleasant enough game but it never quite rises above offering the same kind of experience as so many others. I enjoyed my time playing through it but there was still that sense that I'd been here before, just with a slightly different storyline. Still, it's a relaxing title with reasonably generous hints keeping players steady in their aims. Just don't expect anything revolutionary. Brightstone Mysteries: Paranormal Hotel HD is clearly quite confident in not pushing the boundaries of the genre.