Cate West The Vanishing Files

by Destineer

Product Features

• Unlimited Play
• 75 Challenging Levels
• 5-Part Cases
• Original Storyline
• Multiple Unlockable Ending

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001C3N0OW
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: December 15, 2008
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,999 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #87 in Video Games > Nintendo DS > Puzzle
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

A series of unsolved crimes dubbed "The Vanishing Files" have paralyzed the city. The answers are at the tip of your fingers as you seek, search, and discover clues with the DS Stylus.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the game~Search and Find Mysteries are the BEST!, December 16, 2008

By 

kindred spirit (God's Country) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cate West The Vanishing Files (Video Game)

You will quickly become addicted to this game. I love that it is a female character who solves the mysteries. Most of the games tend to be men.

The crime scenes are search and find type scenes. I must say the graphics are wonderful on this game. There are 15 levels that you have to solve the crimes on. Then you will be able to choose how you want it to end.

Another new and different feature is on compare sides problems you don't know which side to touch to get the point. Once you touch it then it changes to match the other side. These are difficult to find and again you can zoom in. This is just such a fun game.

Hint when zooming use the control pad to manuver as stray touches to the screen cost you minutes. Not only do you search and find and they disappear there are modes where you place things back on 2 different pictures to make them the same. Then it gets really tricky they give you say 2 items that are key to the crime and break then into pieces and you have to find them scattered all over town.

Cate's past plays a big part in searching out these clues and answering the questions. Cate has visions and dreams that help her find clues. Due to the violence it is rated at E 10+ and I certainly would agree with that. Myself I'd say it is an adult game.

Don't sit down to play unless you have an hour because you will want to learn just one more clue, then another. This is so far the BEST search and find game, it goes way beyond the routine. You will love it.

I just got it so obviously I have not solved it. It has a cool Zoom feature I have not seen on any other of my games so you can look closer at clues. Reminds me of Sherlock Holmes and his Magnifying glass.

I say 5 stars all the way on this one. I'll let you know later how long it takes to solve. That is if I can get it solved. I'm still running in circles with Professor Layton and the Curious Village.

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing . . ., January 26, 2009

By 

Sir Readalot (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

= Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Cate West The Vanishing Files (Video Game)

I've been playing hidden object games on my PC for years, so I was happy to see these games come out in a DS format. I've really enjoyed Millionheir, Mystery PI, and Amazing Adventures. These games stayed true to the spirit of the originals, but made slight modifications to adapt to the DS format. I played "Vanishing Files" on the PC and really liked it. It has an interesting storyline, varied games, and was fairly challenging. But even on a full-sized PC screen, some objects were just too small and tricky to see. For the DS version of this game, the manufacturers made NO changes to the format, so it is nearly impossible to play. For example, in one section, you are supposed to compare two scenes and spot the differences. Both scenes appear on the touchscreen, so they are each about as a big as a postage stamp. And you are supposed to spot 10 differences! I couldn't make it pass the second stage; it was just too frustrating. Don't waste your money on this one!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice, repetitive, casual game., January 9, 2009

By 

J. M. Starling (USA, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cate West The Vanishing Files (Video Game)

This is a combination of a small variety of games, including 2 hidden object games, 2 picture matching games, and a brief mystery based on given evidence. This sequence is repeated (as mini-mysteries) over a dozen times with a thin, but interesting back story and overall mystery. There is a minimum of character development.

The game is generally quite easy (with a generous time allotment), and potential frustration is minimized by the "clue" feature, which comes at the cost of total score. I do not recommend this game for those looking for a challenge or an epic story. It is great for relaxing in the late evening, even for gamers, and it can be learned almost instantly. A nice, fairly short, straightforward, I-Spy mystery set to the DS. Note that it can be straining on the eyes.