Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst

Once again, the ghost of Emma Ravenhearst summons the detective to the cursed estate to investigate and free ghosts, while fighting the evil spirit of her husband Charles.

Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst is another instalment of the Mystery Case Files series of hidden object games, and the sequel to Ravenhearst. This time around, the gameplay focus is on the point-and-click adventure portion, with hidden object screens. The main objective is to solve all the puzzles encountered on the various places of the Ravenhearst abandoned estate, to complete the investigation and help Emma's ghost.

Ravenhearst is presented as a series of mostly static images that can be navigated by placing the cursor at one of the screen sides. If it is possible to move in that direction, the cursor becomes an arrow that can be clicked to move on. The inventory at the bottom shows several slots storing all the tools available. Objects are collected by clicking them on the scenery, or after completing one of the hidden object screens. The inventory items can be used to solve puzzles by dragging them to an appropriate and logical place or object.

A separate hidden object screen comes up after clicking on certain portions of the scenery, that show a glimmering effect to indicate their use. After finding all the objects from a list at the bottom, one of them is stored in the inventory for later use.

Puzzles appear on most locations, where a window or a whole separate screen comes up that can be manipulated with the cursor. Some puzzles can be skipped, with a time penalty of 30 minutes added to the score.

Clues and other bits of information are automatically stored in the journal, accessible at any point in the game. The hint button shows the position of required items in the hidden object screens, and can also give clues about the use of inventory tools, by dragging any of them to it. It takes a few minutes to reload after use.