Mystery Story Games for Kids

Arcane

• Arcane is a massive mystery game available at Warner Brothers and is presented in serial format. Each new level of the adventure is featured in another game, yet the story and play mechanics are the same making it all one game. It is based on horror writer H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu stories. Adventures include stopping a death cult that would bring about an apocalypse. The graphics are dark and dreary as befits the story. The game play involves investigating places, gathering items, interviewing people and fighting monsters. This game is excellent for the older kids who like horror films but is not suitable for younger children.

Mystery Case Files: Huntsville

• This simple game is more appropriate for younger children. In this game, you are investigating a series of crimes happening in Huntsville. Naturally, they are all connected and as you beat levels, the story unfolds in a way that will fascinate children. There are many different puzzles and clues you must solve. The first level finds you searching through a junk riddled building for specific clues that will help you solve the mystery. Other puzzles include crime scene exploration and jigsaw puzzles. One of the nicest features of this game is its randomization. While the areas and clues remain the same, each new game randomizes the location of the clues making it a new game every time.

Qaz's Quest: The Dark Aura

• Qaz's Quest strikes a fine balance in game play between younger and older children. In this game you play Qaz, a man investigating the ancient Mankiko village. You must solve the mystery of the strange happenings at this village and live to tell the tale. The graphics are very cartoonish but effective. You must search the island, grab weapons, explore volcanoes, talk to islanders, find items and solve puzzles. The game has a silly sense of humor including many jokes in the dialogue and in the backgrounds. Lots of physical gags, such as a constantly falling pair of pants, helps keep children laughing while they explore. The difficulty isn't too difficult for younger children but it's challenging enough for older ones, too.