The ClueFinders Math Adventures: Mystery of the Himalayas

Game Description

ClueFinders: Math Adventures delivers by combining math with a mystery. Logic comes into play as you gather clues to figure out where stolen treasures are hidden and identify who took them. As clues are gathered, suspects, locations and treasures are eliminated from a block of possibilities, depicted by a 3D cube. As clues are found, items that don’t fit the evidence are eliminated. You get two chances to narrow the mystery down to the correct combination before starting over.

Each of the eight locations in the village contains a math activity. For example, the village store teaches sets and groups with some deduction, while the great hall focuses on equations, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The tailor deals with charts and graphs, as does the library, though with more of an emphasis on interpreting the information into real numbers. The stable deals with word problems, the ice cave requires equation balancing, the yak pasture teaches perimeter and area, and the rock cave explores geography through classifying and grouping objects, triangles and shapes.

All the games are fun, even for players who don’t excel in math. Each activity deals with real-life applications, but some of the details or gameplay can result in confusion. The worst offender is the General Store, where the requirement to group items by number, such as four groups of three objects each, is not fully explained. Frustration can set in when players put 12 items on a shelf and are told they’re incorrect. The lack of a manual exacerbates the problem, resulting in trial and error gameplay just to understand the requirement. Problems take about two to five minutes to solve, but the quantity is endless with an incredible number of combinations possible.

After an activity is completed, a clue is revealed about the missing treasures, and some areas, especially later in the game, contain more than one. Clues get harder as the game progresses and some are less than helpful. For example, some clues may eliminate suspects, locations or items previously excluded. Also, clues become less evident as “The suspect wore green” might become “The suspect uses a notepad.” Some show graphical representations of the people, locations or treasures in question, disclosing information like which location has one blue wall or who wears boots.

Each subject is covered in detail, with three difficulty levels for each task, which change during play as problems are solved. The game features A.D.A.P.T. technology, a method by which game difficulty adjusts automatically to make problems easier if a player experiences too much difficulty. The levels can also be changed manually through the options screen. Saves are automatic when the player quits or a new treasure is acquired. Clues are gained not only by villagers, but also through cut-scenes where the ClueFinders discuss possible suspects.

The game interface is fairly easy, with the general store the exception. Clicking and dragging items on the screen solves most of the problems, but the rock cave location utilizes the left and right arrow and spacebar keys as well. Those with experience using the mouse will find the game easy to manage.

While the game is intended for 9-12 year olds, younger children may find it enjoyable and interesting as well. Though the game is not open-ended and limited to a maximum of two dozen treasures, replay is possible as clues appear in different locations during each play.

Review by AllGame