60
This isn't a criminal case of shovelware, but we can't give it a full stamp of approval either… and so whether it's worth investigating depends greatly on how much you enjoy playing portable detective.
30
The range of puzzles on display is also sorely lacking for a game of this type. [Issue#118, p.114]
62
A nice idea, and a solid story, undermined by a predictable structure and low-budget feel. [Christmas 2011, p.73]
6
Right of the bat you can see the game has a unique identity, and the story is interesting. However it's too short and there's a general lack of gameplay. It's basically a series of cutscenes interrupted by some puzzles you need to resolve. The puzzle itself are okay and some of them are pretty difficult
7
Puzzle game with a not bad story line. Puzzles are not bad although would be a bit easy if you don't find layton to be taxing. The blending of puzzle and the story is done alright but the story is too short and feels like you are only at 50% mark when it ends. The use of 3ds features is appreciated and is actually quite appearing. I would say this could be a very good launch game. As others mentioned the voice acting is not perfect, but i would cast a doubt of benefit to the motion picture. The game is full of motion presentation for all characters composed from series of still images. That's why there is no lip sync and the movement is repetitive. The voice acting is therefore presented "lively" to compensate for the loss. But maybe it is a bit over the board. Another thing worth mentioning is the creative writing. It successfully delivered the feel and taste as a popular show contestant which you receive fans and haters letters. The realm of 60's and the mystery atmosphere is also done successfully and you could enjoy immersing into the scene. A not bad game overall considered that it is from Ubisoft which specialized in full action games. I would say sometimes it feels like a game made under really tight budget but it is a good game for its current pricing.
6
A pretty short game with interesting puzzles and storyline. Finished in 7 and a half hours. It was pretty alright but fell short on length and awkward voice actors.
James Noir's Hollywood Crimes
3DS
Released On:
Nov 1, 2011
Metascore
Mixed or Average
60
User score
Mixed or Average
6.6
My Score
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
60
14% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
73% Mixed
16 Reviews
16 Reviews
14% Negative
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
Jan 12, 2012
78
Delightfully cheesy and not afraid to try new things. It's short but fun while it lasts. [Feb 2012, p.96]
Nov 29, 2011
70
James Noir's Hollywood Crimes is a bit rough around the edges, but it offers some fun, quirky puzzling.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.6
25% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
63% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
13% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Oct 3, 2018
7
Puzzle game with a not bad story line. Puzzles are not bad although would be a bit easy if you don't find layton to be taxing. The blending of puzzle and the story is done alright but the story is too short and feels like you are only at 50% mark when it ends. The use of 3ds features is appreciated and is actually quite appearing. I would say this could be a very good launch game. As others mentioned the voice acting is not perfect, but i would cast a doubt of benefit to the motion picture. The game is full of motion presentation for all characters composed from series of still images. That's why there is no lip sync and the movement is repetitive. The voice acting is therefore presented "lively" to compensate for the loss. But maybe it is a bit over the board. Another thing worth mentioning is the creative writing. It successfully delivered the feel and taste as a popular show contestant which you receive fans and haters letters. The realm of 60's and the mystery atmosphere is also done successfully and you could enjoy immersing into the scene. A not bad game overall considered that it is from Ubisoft which specialized in full action games. I would say sometimes it feels like a game made under really tight budget but it is a good game for its current pricing.
Dec 12, 2011
7
It takes the Professor Layton formula of combining puzzles with a mystery story, and puts it into 1960's Hollywood with mixed results. The puzzles aren't as good as Layton's, but most are decent enough. The story itself is actually very good, with some twists and turns that are truly unexpected. Sadly, the execution of the story is marred by some awkward voicework, and bad pacing. Still it's good enough that you'll want to keep playing to see what happens next.â
Dec 6, 2011
64
If you're an absolute brainteaser junkie, you'll get some value out of Hollywood Crimes. It should at least hold you over until something more substantial comes along.
Dec 15, 2011
60
Although Ubisoft has managed to ship a solid and well rounded gaming experience, Hollywood Crimes proves unable to amaze and engage as much as many hoped and expected.
Nov 25, 2011
60
James Noir's Hollywood Crimes 3D isn't a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. It is however a game that has been done before and done better. It offers nothing new to the genre. It can however be grabbed for less than £30 in most places and is fun while it lasts. It is almost worth it for the hammy acting alone.
Nov 8, 2011
50
It's a shame the puzzles aren't more varied. The structure of James Noir's Hollywood Crimes could use some work too. [Nov 2011, p.75]
Dec 2, 2011
25
Overall, I feel like it's a pretty poor entry on the 3DS, and it would have been better off as a simple collection of puzzles than something enveloped in a poorly told noir tale.
May 29, 2020
6
Right of the bat you can see the game has a unique identity, and the story is interesting. However it's too short and there's a general lack of gameplay. It's basically a series of cutscenes interrupted by some puzzles you need to resolve. The puzzle itself are okay and some of them are pretty difficult
Jul 13, 2013
6
A pretty short game with interesting puzzles and storyline. Finished in 7 and a half hours. It was pretty alright but fell short on length and awkward voice actors.
SummaryJames Noir's Hollywood Crimes for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is a mind-bending puzzle adventure in an interactive 3D world! Experience the thrill of uncovering a deadly mystery as you solve over 150 tailor-made mind games. Hollywood, 1961. As an expert in puzzles and riddles, you have been selected to participate in a famous TV game sho... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
