When you were a kid, did you ever read Highlights Magazine? My favorite section was the Hidden Pictures page, where you had to find certain objects scattered about a large backdrop. Now you can have that same kind of picture-finding fun on the PSP with The Mystery of the Crystal Portal, a downloadable Minis title.

Play as Nicole Rankwist, a New York journalist in the 1920’s. Her father, an archeologist, has just made the discovery of a lifetime, but he’s turned up missing. It’s up to you to help Nicole find her father and solve the mystery of the Crystal Portal.

To find Nicole’s father and crack the case, you’ll need to search for hidden objects in a still scene, usually a place where her father was recently spotted. By moving around the cursor and clicking on objects, you may open up an item which will give you pictures of various things to find in that area.

Once you’ve found all the items, you’ll either have to find more hidden objects or you will finish the level. Sometimes you’ll have the chance to look inside containers to find more hidden trinkets. Luckily, if you have trouble searching for a particular tough object, there is a hint button which will point you in the right direction. After you’ve found all the hidden items, Nicole will jot down the clues in her diary and you’ll be whisked off to the next picture-finding area.

Sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint on-screen items, but luckily the zoom function helps out a bit. The only other problem with the game is the pace is a bit slow. But casual gamers who love hidden picture puzzles should enjoy it regardless. Reading skill is helpful for the instructions and story text, but anyone can have fun finding objects using the picture cues. The Mystery of the Crystal Portal is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews