Valerie Porter and the Scarlet Scandal (Bigfishgames.com)

Valerie’s just landed a job in journalism; unfortunately, it’s as the editor’s secretary.  So when she uncovers a huge affair, the woman who gives her the scoop ends up murdered in an alleyway.  Was it a crime of passion, or is there a far more sinister plot lurking in the depths?

This game takes place in the 1920s, when society would not take career-oriented women seriously.  Like many mystery stories, the plot isn’t about the main character but about the ones that go to her.  The protagonist just finds herself in a tangled mess that has been going on in the supportive characters’ lives for years.  Valerie has to find information about their pasts to solve the mystery of the story.

The game play is hidden object.  You find a list of hidden items in each scene.

If there is more than one of a certain object, you can connect each of them together to add to your score.  If you’re stuck, you can use a hint.  Find batteries in each scene in order to recharge the hint.  Some scenes have you assembling machines such as typewriters and cameras.  While others have you cropping pictures, writing articles and other various mini-games.

You can pick locations on the map and in between each one you go on a train ride where you collect enough items to fill up your hint bar.  You can also collect five bells in each scene for 100, but it has no effect on the plot whatsoever.

This game is addictive and intriguing.  I give it 7 out of 10; a fun way to kill time.

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