Criminal Archives: City on Fire Collector’s Edition is a story-driven hidden-object adventure that combines detective work, puzzle solving, and a sinister crime mystery within an atmospheric urban setting. Developed and published by Do Games Limited, the game follows a respected crime reporter who becomes involved in a dangerous investigation surrounding a mysterious criminal known as the Plague Doctor. A string of murders and deliberate fires has created fear throughout San Francisco, while the authorities struggle to uncover the person responsible. What begins as another potentially important story for the protagonist soon develops into a much larger investigation involving revenge, corruption, secrets, and a distorted interpretation of justice.
The Plague Doctor serves as the central force behind the mystery. Rather than committing crimes purely for destruction, this masked figure appears convinced that his actions have a legitimate purpose. His attacks raise questions about punishment and personal vengeance, giving the investigation more substance than a straightforward hunt for an anonymous killer. The protagonist works alongside Constable Melinda Watson while following clues and examining the circumstances surrounding the crimes. Discovering the identity beneath the mask becomes increasingly important as fires continue to threaten the city and the investigation reveals connections that are not immediately obvious.
Gameplay follows the established hidden-object puzzle adventure formula, with exploration taking place across numerous illustrated locations. Players examine rooms, streets, buildings, and crime scenes for clues while collecting objects that can be used elsewhere. Progress frequently requires understanding how an inventory item relates to an environmental obstacle, encouraging careful examination of each scene. The point-and-click structure keeps the controls approachable and allows the mystery, puzzles, and visual exploration to remain at the center of the experience.
Hidden-object sequences are naturally a major component. Detailed scenes contain numerous objects that must be identified, and the investigative premise makes searching these environments feel appropriate to the story. Instead of being completely disconnected activities, many searches contribute to the impression that the protagonist is carefully examining locations for anything that might advance the case. Players who enjoy methodically inspecting elaborate backgrounds should find plenty to appreciate, although veterans of the genre will recognize many familiar conventions.
Mini-games provide additional variety throughout the investigation. These challenges revolve around observation, logic, patterns, object manipulation, and other forms of casual puzzle solving. The difficulty generally supports a relaxed style of play rather than demanding rapid reactions or complicated mechanical skills. This accessibility makes City on Fire suitable for newcomers to hidden-object adventures, while experienced players can concentrate on efficiently solving puzzles and uncovering collectibles. The tradeoff is that players seeking particularly demanding puzzles may occasionally find the challenges less complex than expected.
The visual presentation contributes significantly to the game's identity. Its locations are presented through richly illustrated environments designed around a darker crime atmosphere. Burning buildings, shadowy interiors, suspicious locations, and dramatic lighting reinforce the feeling that the protagonist is investigating a city facing a serious threat. The Plague Doctor's appearance is especially effective because the mask gives the antagonist an instantly identifiable visual presence. While the presentation is clearly stylized rather than realistic, that approach works comfortably with the traditional hidden-object format.
Narratively, the game succeeds by maintaining a steady flow of discoveries. The crime reporter protagonist is a particularly suitable choice because journalism provides a believable motivation for interviewing people, investigating suspicious locations, gathering information, and pursuing leads that others might overlook. Working with Melinda Watson also prevents the story from becoming an entirely solitary investigation. The mystery gradually expands beyond simply determining who committed the crimes and begins examining the motivations behind them. Themes involving corruption and vengeance give the case additional context and make the Plague Doctor more interesting than a purely destructive antagonist.
The Collector’s Edition adds several features beyond the main investigation. A bonus chapter presents another case in which the protagonist becomes involved in protecting a small town from a dangerous moneylender. This provides extra narrative material after the central storyline and gives players another reason to remain in the game's detective world. Hidden-object scenes and mini-games can also be replayed, allowing favorite challenges to be revisited without having to repeat the entire campaign.
Collectibles further encourage careful exploration. Morphing objects reward players who thoroughly inspect the environments rather than immediately moving toward the next objective, while collectible notes provide additional information related to the setting and its background. Achievements offer another incentive for completion-oriented players. The included strategy guide is also valuable when a puzzle or progression requirement becomes unclear, allowing players to seek assistance without relying on an outside walkthrough.
The game's greatest limitation comes from its adherence to conventional hidden-object adventure design. Despite the detective premise, this is not an open-ended investigation simulator where players freely interrogate suspects, construct complex evidence chains, or determine their own approach to solving crimes. Progress is largely linear and controlled by predetermined puzzles and objectives. Players expecting the freedom of a modern detective role-playing game may therefore find the experience restrictive. Those familiar with casual hidden-object adventures, however, are more likely to appreciate the straightforward structure.
There is also a degree of familiarity in the puzzle and inventory systems. Many activities follow conventions that longtime genre fans will immediately recognize. This makes the game comfortable and accessible but prevents it from feeling revolutionary. Its strengths instead come from execution: atmospheric artwork, a compelling masked antagonist, a suitably mysterious storyline, numerous puzzles, and enough supplementary content to create a reasonably complete Collector’s Edition package.
For players who enjoy methodical exploration and casual detective mysteries, City on Fire is an appealing entry in the genre. It may not radically change the hidden-object formula, and its linear progression limits how much genuine investigative freedom the player possesses, but it provides a polished and accessible mystery with plenty of activities along the way. Its strongest qualities are the dark atmosphere, memorable antagonist, detailed environments, approachable puzzle design, and substantial Collector’s Edition extras. Taken as a complete experience, it is a dependable choice for hidden-object fans who want their puzzles accompanied by murder, mystery, and an escalating urban conspiracy.
Rating: 7/10
