One game we weren't expecting to see at Nintendo's 3DS showcase in London this week was Hollywood 61. Yet Ubisoft's mystery puzzle game was one of three playable demos at the event so after taking a look at Mario Kart 3DS and The Legends Of Guardians movie trailer, I moved onto Hollywood 61.
I was told by the attendant that it was a bit like CSI. However, the first cut-scene reminded me of Twin Peaks as a detective drives along in his car, chatting into his dictaphone very much like Agent Dale Cooper did during David Lynch's hit 1990s series.
You arrive at Sunset Theatre but its dark and you can't see anything. So begins the first puzzle which has you using the stylus in order to light up the room. There is a beam of light at the bottom and by tapping mirrors you can reflect light around the room.
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Once the room is lit up you notice a man hanging, presumably murdered, on the stage. To be honest, there was no need for the first puzzle to be 3D but it all comes alive when you're asked to suss out a message on the curtains. Move the control stick left and you'll see that it says 'You're'. Move it right and the word 'Next' is revealed. Cripes.
That's where the demo ended, leaving us wondering what will happen next. If you've read our 10 best Nintendo 3DS moments you'll notice that Hollywood 61 isn't one of them. That's not to say it was bad - you really can't judge from two simple puzzles. It certainly had a nice art style and if the murder mystery is good, it could have you hooked.
One thing is certain, the mystery genre which has become so popular on DS looks set to live on in 3D. Hollywood 61 probably won't be as exciting as Professor Layton And The Mask Of Miracles but it could be worth keeping an eye on. I'll write more next week on the other 3DS games I played including Nintendogs & Cats and Pilotwings Resort.
