Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus

If you did not fall in love the first sight of the game, you would hardly like this title at all. Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus by Play First is one of those games that make us wonder whether there is a reason to play or not because the graphics leave much to be desired especially in the hidden object scenes.

Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus opens with an ordinary spooky story about a sinister killer roaming the island. And, of course, there is only you who can stop this serial killer and solve this murder case. Blah, blah, blah… It is a pretty standard hidden object game that must be played with the light off, if you want to get some entertainment from this gloomy installment. The game has a good length (about 6 or 7 hours without using many hints) but because of uninteresting storyline this fact adds few challenge to this play. Though hints recharged quite fast and there is no timer, the game becomes tedious very soon.

The hidden object backgrounds are the weakest point of Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus. They are all of photo-realistic style, not dark, not murky, but look extremely fuzzy for the eyes. The heroes are static having only voice-overs. Why such an experienced game developer as Play First uses this cheap and immature way of presentation of the backgrounds. However, some descriptions for hidden items in the hidden object scenes are really unique, but this only one and the last advantage of this title. Moreover, the abrupt ending of this game just add fuel to the fire. Let’s just hope that the developers will come to senses pretty soon.

1, February 2011