Interview | Big Fish Talks Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir (Nintendo DS)

Big Fish Games: Because everything in Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir was made exclusively for the Nintendo DS, it was a relatively long development process. We began pre-production on this game in Q1 2007. I think the biggest initial challenge was getting the search mechanic just right. At first, there was a lot of experimenting and prototyping because art is such an important factor. When people play the PC version, they tend to have large monitors and can see the entire searchable area. This helps them feel immersed in the areas. Obviously with the DS, the screens are smaller. Despite this, it was vital that players have the same experience as when playing the PC version, so we had to consider how big to make the areas, what to display on each screen, how scrolling would affect the player's feeling of searching, etc. Likewise, the game is very tactile—it's a rewarding feeling when the player clicks on an object. We needed that experience to translate as well. Once we settled on the interface and a few other design decisions, development clicked along nicely and took about 8 months.

AR: How did Nintendo get involved with the game - did you approach them or vice versa? And did Nintendo actually help with the development at all?

BFG: Three years ago, Nintendo and Big Fish Games had an ongoing discussion about potential business opportunities. What evolved was a mutual interest in offering an original game experience to Nintendo DS players and fans of Mystery Case Files. We felt that it was a great fit for the DS. The concept is easy to understand, and the idea of finding objects that are hidden in plain sight appeals to both young and old players. This couples nicely with Touch Generation games.

We worked with closely Nintendo throughout the entire process. It's no secret they set the bar in terms of quality and innovation. We share a similar philosophy about our games. As a result, we have developed a great relationship with Nintendo.

AR: Are you pleased with how the game has performed in the US so far? And considering how much stronger the Touch! Generation style games have been performing in Europe do you think that perhaps the reception will be better over here?

BFG: We are very pleased with the reception in the US so far! It did very well throughout the holidays and into 2009. We are also very excited for the European release. We look forward to year-round success!

AR: Can you talk briefly about the storyline and do you think gamers who enjoy regular point-and-click adventures will enjoy this?

BFG: The story begins when an eccentric millionaire mysteriously disappears. Hired by his estate, a highly skilled Master Detective (you) is brought in to figure out what happened.
The answer is yes! There is something in MillionHeir for everyone to enjoy. A hidden-object game tends to play more like a picture book whereas a traditional point-and-click adventure game requires more player involvement, but the foundation of both games is the same. Both ask the player to seek out objects or clues that enable them to progress through the game. In the end, I think a point-and-click adventure gamer will enjoy this none the less.

AR: Other than the new touch controls, are there any major differences between the PC game and this DS version?

BFG: Almost everything about the game is brand new and specific for the DS. The searchable areas, the characters, the story… they were all created exclusively for this game. In terms of game play, MillionHeir introduces the interactive hidden object—an object that the player needs to interact with in some way in order to find it. There are also new investigative tools like the x-ray device. And don't forget about multiplayer! This is the only Mystery Case Files game to feature a multiplayer mode.

AR: How long would you think the average gamer would take to complete this? And is there any reason for people to go back to it after completion?

BFG: With any game, there's quite a range, but I'd estimate that it would take an average Mystery Case Files player between 8 - 12 hours to finish the game. There are on average 60 items hidden in each scene, so if you play through the game again, there's a good chance you'll need to find objects you have never seen before. In addition, there are a couple special modes you can unlock.

AR: Did you consider including any sort of Wi-Fi features, either for downloading new content or a Vs. challenge for finding items quickest? (If not, please explain why)

BFG: Absolutely. We had all sorts of ideas for multiplayer that included Wi-Fi. When we started experimenting with multiplayer features, we quickly learned that players enjoyed the camaraderie of having opponents in the same room. The experience over the Internet is different. It feels more like a massively single-player experience—I know that I'm playing against other players, yet I don't necessarily interact with them. There really was something entertaining about participating in a scavenger hunt with everyone in the same room. So, we decided to focus on that.

AR: Will more of the Mystery Case Files titles be heading to DS in the future? And what are your thoughts on creating a brand new MCF exclusively for Nintendo's portable?

BFG: Mystery Case Files is a brand new, exclusive title for the Nintendo DS. You can't find it anywhere else! If it makes sense to make another Mystery Case Files game on the DS, we will certainly do it.

AR: Point-and-click games have so far proven to work very well on Wii. Are you currently considering bringing with MCF or something similar to either Wii or WiiWare?

BFG: Nothing is planned yet, but we are always exploring options and looking for ways to bring our brand of entertainment to the world. If it aligns with our vision for our properties, we will definitely pursue it.