James Noir's Hollywood Crimes 3D (3DS)

The Nintendo DS has set itself up as the home of puzzle gaming in recent years and has become the console for brain-teasers and mind-benders.

The Professor Leyton series has demonstrated just how successful this genre is and how it fits perfectly for gamers who want a quick handheld thought provoking fix.

You take on the role of a contestant on a TV programme from 1961, The Incredible Puzzle Masters Show.

At the same time you are tasked with helping an FBI pal solve a string of riddles connected to murder scenes.

It quickly becomes apparent that there is more going on than meets the eye and you will have to be sharp to uncover the sinister truth.

The game pushes the 3DS in terms of variety and offers a wide range of different types of puzzles using the accelerometer through actions and puzzles and offering a wide range of enjoyable and taxing conundrums.

Graphically the game tries really hard, for me the inclusion of video didn't work too well, it seemed quite clusmy although I could totally see what the makers were trying to achieve.

The 1960's setting is nicely recreated and the 3D element works well, the overall mood of the game is a success.

There are a lot of things here that we have seen before but the storyline does try to and make it feel unique.

I found the game enjoyable but it did lack something that sets games like Professor Leyton apart.

It is really packed full of stylish content though and once again shows that a lot can be made from a tiny 3DS cartridge.

A good game though and well worth a look if you like this genre.

3/5