SharkJumping

In an interesting attempt to leverage the strong momentum of hit game Mystery Case Files: Huntsville (see earlier review here), as well as to combat the "clone plague" (other publishers bringing out very similar games soon after launch), BigFish Games has already released a sequel, entitled Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects (download free trial here).  As with many sequels, this is an expanded version of the previous game, keeping the same overall successful theme while adding in a couple of minor new features such as need to use a flashlight or x-ray machine in certain scnearios, and tweaking the "Clue Computer" finale to each section with a couple of new twists.  It's a good move for MCF fans, mixing in just the right amount of new game play while keeping the experience very familiar for those who purchased the previous one - will definitely be another hit.

Although I applaud GameFish for leveraging its hits and attacking the clone issue, I am not sure what this means for the casual game business since a need to release sequels so quickly may point the way to a shorter life span for hit games than previously where some titles would in the top 10 for over a year, generating a tremendous return on investment.  I probably would have released the sequel at a higher price point while the original was selling so well at $20, then brought it down after a few months as momentum slowed on the original.

For other casual game reviews. try the new site BlueStub at www.bluestub.com