by Sarah Guy

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: November 03, 2008

Dr Lynch: Grave Secrets is a refreshingly clever and well-developed mystery puzzle game. Your job is to assist Dr. Ignatius Lynch, a cynical proponent of logic, in debunking a tale of mysterious treachery and haunting at a local dig site. Dr. Lynch, who bears a striking resemblance to the TV character Dr. Gregory House, collects clue cards as you solve beautifully detailed seek and find puzzles set around a charming British village, with the ultimate goal of proving a logical explanation to the mysterious events.

Game Play

The basic concept behind advancing the game's plot forward is finding a given list of objects in each scene that is presented. During the course of the game, you'll be sent to certain sites several times, and some items will be repeated; but don't be fooled into thinking this game's going to be easy. Dr Lynch has some of the hardest seek and finds that I've ever seen. Luckily, the game provides plenty of opportunities for hints and extended time to search. The game also presents the player with logic puzzle mini-games.

Graphics

In the opening sequence of the game, in which we are introduced to both the main characters and the ghostly happenings they plan to debunk, the graphics are passable, with heads looking lopsided. These two short cartoon sequences, however, are not an accurate representation of the game. The graphics in each puzzle are superb. At times, these sequences are so remarkably realistic it's hard to tell you're not looking at an actual picture. If you look closely, you'll notice wonderful little details in each scene: tiny gnats lifting off and settling down at the dig site, bubbles rising in a beer on the bar, even miniscule dust motes floating in the sunlight that streams in a library window. Each time I caught one of these little touches, I marveled at the detail put into this game.

Sound

Dr. Lynch: Grave Secrets doesn't feature any background music. The sound effects in the game are appropriate to the action but there is nothing about them that stands out. While the sound in this game doesn't do much to add to the value of the game, it doesn't detract from it either.

Creativity and Innovation

There are plenty of seek and find games out there on the market, and no shortage of mystery games either. Dr. Lynch: Grave Secrets, however, seamlessly integrates these two concepts together and the result is something new. Even for someone familiar with similar games, I think this game would still hold value for the engaging plot line and detailed graphics.

While this game may stay interesting longer for a younger player than an older one, it could be frustrating for younger children, as some of the hidden objects are quite small and difficult to find.

I'd give this game a rating of 4/5 for overall quality and entertainment value. You won't lock yourself in a room for a week to play this game- but you might find yourself running late for work to squeeze in a few more minutes of play!

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