James Noir's Hollywood Crimes

James Noir's Hollywood Crimes Review

Hollywood of the 1960s might not scream "3D-optimized puzzles," but that doesn't mean the two can't go hand in hand. James Noir's Hollywood Crimes knows this is the case. As a contestant on fictional quiz show Incredible Puzzle Masters, you're naturally the best choice to help the FBI with its investigation into a serial killer who leaves puzzles at every crime scene. Not only are you the best choice, but the victims are also past champions of the show. Puzzling. It's a slightly weird game; there's a low-budget feel to it, with puzzles that are great fun if a little repetitive. But the B-movie feel of Hollywood Crimes actually contributes to its charmingly off-kilter atmosphere. There's an unusual disparity at the start of the game, but it's one that actually works rather well. The game fluctuates between gaudy '60s quiz-show dressing and moody crimes scenes, with both settings offering puzzles to solve. The quiz show is laid out neatly; you have to solve 12 puzzles that are divided into three score brackets and achieve a target score. It's a good idea and allows you to choose which brainteasers you solve to progress, meaning (at least in some parts of the game) you're never going to be stuck on one specific conundrum.