PROS
- Incredible variety of puzzles.
- Action sequences to break up gameplay.
- Additional puzzles that add to the main story.
CONS
- Odd character artwork.
- Weak voice-acting.
VERDICT
Fans of classic puzzle-adventure and recent titles like Professor Layton will love The Jim and Frank Mysteries and this is easily recommended for gamers of all walks after a lighthearted challenge.
Video Review
Full Review
'The Jim and Frank Mysteries - The Blood River Files' is one of Chillingo's latest releases and draws an easy comparison to the Professor Layton series on the Nintendo DS. You follow the adventures of Jim and Frank as they take part in a puzzle-filled mystery spurred on by Jim's Grandfather.
The game's basic controls are varied, with different gestures being required for each puzzle you encounter. While adventuring you can take part in a small hidden object game to earn Eureka points that can be exchanged for hints or to bypass puzzles altogether. Those familiar with puzzle-adventures will find a lot of the usual brain-teasers included in the mix, while some surprisingly fresh puzzles sourced from recent App Store titles have also been included. Action-oriented sequences also make a showing now and then, breaking up the heavy puzzle gameplay.
The characters of Jim and Frank aren't visually exciting, but the background work is simply amazing and creeps its way in to the puzzles too. Additional jigsaw pieces and word puzzles are awarded as you progress for an extra challenge, while completing the game also opens up a Puzzle Den to explore.
Fans of adventure games and the occasional brain-teaser will be delighted with the content in The Jim and Frank Mysteries and can expect the main story to take around 7 hours depending on their skill level. This is extraordinary value while it remains on sale and is definitely recommended for all gamers after a lighthearted brain-twisting new game.
App Store Info
Join our heroes in “The Jim and Frank Mysteries – The Blood River Files”, as they set out from the picturesque town of Tinyville for an adventure they could never have imagined. Be a part of their story, meet the strange and fascinating characters they encounter on their travels, and most importantly, help them to solve the fantastic puzzles that will lead them to the answer they need – the Secret of the Blood River.
ENTER THEIR WORLD
Unlock the gates to this epic story, with dozens of interesting characters and scores of beautiful hand-drawn scenes. Featuring a mesmerising original soundtrack, professional voice acting, and over 20 hours of gameplay, “The Jim and Frank Mysteries” is your key to a captivating new world.
A ‘EUREKA’ MOMENT
Like Jim and Frank, you have to use your wits if you want to survive! Play over 60 unique types of puzzle, ranging from word games to logical tricks; from mathematical quandaries to visual challenges. If you get stuck, you might need a ‘Eureka’ moment – but with Jim and Frank around, you’re bound to find a way forward!
UNIQUE, ADDICTIVE PUZZLES
Master an extraordinary variety of brand-new, addictive mini-games, like Flower Picking, Pathfinding, Potion Brewing, and the Bat Hunt.
DISCOVER, COMPETE, AND COLLECT
As you explore the world and unravel its mysteries, earn achievements and compete on the Crystal Leaderboard, and unlock new bonus scenes, puzzles and characters!
“The Jim and Frank Mysteries – The Blood River Files” is a high-quality gaming experience with intuitive controls, beautiful visuals, and a thrilling, unpredictable story. Take the first step of your adventure today – investigate the Mystery of the Blood River!
*** Runner-up, AppStar Awards 2010 ***
“I can’t wait to get my hands on this game” – 148Apps
“the world of gaming hasn’t seen anything like it in the last two years ... until now” – Gamezebo
Updates
- Bug fixes
Languages
- English
Requirements
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Requires iOS 3.0 or later



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Comments (1)
99Games (1 year, 9 months ago) Reply
Thanks a lot for the wonderful review! A new update is out on the App Store. It includes 5 new bonus puzzles and revised puzzle descriptions based on user feedback which makes them easier to understand. Also added is the option of listening to your iTunes playlist while playing the game! :)
Hope you enjoy this update!
P.S: The introductory price offer is going to end on August 20th!
andrew (1 year, 9 months ago)
Great to hear and definitely a great bargain for any puzzle fan while the intro offer lasts ;)