The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime

by Dreamcatcher

Product Features

• 4 separate cases that encompass over 50 different levels.
• More than 30 unique locations to explore
• Thousands of items to search and find
• Mystery solving mini-games - each mini-game solved throughout your investigation gives you valuable pieces of evidence to help you solve the case.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001V9Y550
• Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: July 19, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,637 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

A series of malicious crimes grips the Hardy Boys' hometown of Bayport and it's up to Frank and Joe Hardy to assist the police in their attempt to capture the culprits. From the first crime scene, however, it becomes apparent that there's an even deeper plot to these sinister activities. Search and explore more than 30 unique locations across 50 different levels as you attempt to unravel the mysterious case and uncover the mastermind behind the recent crimes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good idea, disappointing execution, July 10, 2009

By 

Laika (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

= Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (CD-ROM)

Fair warning: "The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime" is not an adventure game like "The Hidden Theft." It is instead a pretty straightforward hidden object game. It actually had the potential to be a very fun little game, but there are numerous small problems which add up to a disappointing experience.

First, the good: the plot follows the Hardy Boys as they try to track down a stolen bike, and discover a criminal conspiracy in Bayport. This game has more plot than many hidden object games, and while the dialogue is text-only, it manages to capture some of the goofy charm of the books. It's clear that the writers made an effort to create an interesting story. The boys' search takes them to a nice variety of locations, and the object hunt is occasionally interrupted for a quick puzzle. None of the puzzles are difficult, but they're not insultingly easy, either, and they do get a bit harder as the game continues.

Unfortunately, the game also had a number of flaws. First and foremost is the artwork, which isn't especially good and makes it almost impossible to find some of the objects. The game also has an irritating habit of giving you a description like "clock," and even though there are several clocks in the scene, only one of them is the correct answer. It also occasionally misidentifies objects (a clock is not the same as a watch), and gets strangely British at times (asking for a "spanner" instead of a "wrench," even though it seems like every scene features an American flag). None of these problems are game-killers by themselves, but it all adds up to a game that feels sloppy and unfinished. The occasional grammar mistakes don't help, either.

Overall, this game isn't terrible, but it isn't great, either. Die-hard Hardy fans should probably wait until the price comes down before buying it. Other players might just want to give this one a pass.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars i spy books are more fun than this game, February 27, 2010

By 

Victoria Hitch - See all my reviews

= Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (CD-ROM)

This game was such a disappointment for my son. The last Hardy Boys game was an adventure game. This is merely a series of seek-and-find exercises -- like I Spy books. It is marketed to 10 and over. My 8 year old was totally bored. The "perfect crime" is really that the Adventure Company is marketing this game with the Hidden Theft. Save your money.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Crime, July 26, 2009

By 

RMood (Kearneysville, WV USA) - See all my reviews

= Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (CD-ROM)

I was very disappointed with this game. It is a hidden object game, which I wasn't expecting it to be. I usually like hidden object games so that did not bother me. Some of the objects are so small it is nearly impossible to find. I wish that I had not wasted my money on this game. I will never pre-order another game, I will wait and read reviews before I waste my money.