Welcome Back Dr. Jones
No no, not that Dr. Jones. A slightly less famous, more feminine Dr. Jones.
Laura Jones' return is no less exciting, however, given how fun her last outing was in Laura Jones & The Gates of Good and Evil. Her latest adventure begins when she comes into the possession of a mysterious box that the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla left for her grandmother. Tesla kept the box stored away with instructions to give it to Sophia Jones - Laura's grandmother - or a relative of hers no later than 2009. It turns out that just happened to be our hero.
On her way to her grandmother's, her Ferret Ferris knocks over the box and it tumbles open, revealing a puzzle. I won't go into any more detail because I don't want to spoil any surprises, but rest assured that the story grabs a hold of you and won't let go.
Using Your Head
I enjoy hidden objects games. I've always loved puzzles like these, for as long as I can remember. However, as much as I love searching for items on a list, I like it even more when I'm not sure what I'm searching for.
Laura Jones and The Secret Legacy of Nikola Tesla is one of these games. There are plenty of levels where you will have a list full of items, but there are also levels where you're not sure what you're looking for - only what you need to accomplish. How do you repair that phone cord? How do you cross that puddle without getting wet? These are the moments where the game really shines. You need to channel your inner MacGyver and find ordinary objects in the level - sometimes combining them - that will help you accomplish your task.
One of the best things about this game, and this is something that you don't see in many products of this genre, is that each and every object you find serves a purpose. It either helps you along your way or helps you to find another object. No more searching for random items just for the sake of gameplay.
Grounded in Reality
Another great aspect of the game is that, even if the plot itself is fictional, it deals with the very real Nikola Tesla. Tesla was a Serbian inventor born in Austria who is most famous for the Tesla Coil, a transformer that generates electricity. He's a very interesting figure and having him in there certainly makes the game more entertaining. And yes, I did make a very cheesy pun when I said "grounded" in reality.
Shockingly Good
Ha, another pun! It's very appropriate, though, and not because of the Tesla reference; because this game really is that good. The hidden objects scenes are challenging and inventive and really make you use your mind and not just your eyes. The story is intriguing and easy to follow thanks to the great artwork and well done voiceovers. This is just an all-around impressive package and something I think everyone can enjoy.
