Mystery Stories

20th May 2009

Mystery Stories, a vibrant puzzle adventure game that combines the search for hidden objects with time critical challenges, is due for release on the Nintendo DS on 29th May 2009 by Avanquest Software Publishing. This latest absorbing adventure requires players to travel across the Caribbean coastline and mainland Europe, searching for vital clues to unravel the secrets behind a kidnapping and murder mystery.

The story begins with New York journalist Michelle Deanfield holidaying on a deserted Caribbean island. However, peace and tranquillity does not last long as news breaks of a kidnapping and a murder. The natives of the island believe the old Mayan spirits are to blame but Deanfield is sure there is more to uncover. Players must investigate numerous crime scenes including Mayan caves, hotel rooms, a museum and the beach using the stylus to pick up various clues and items and store them in their inventory.

Time management and speed is vital as each level in the game contains a list of objects that gamers must find before the clock in the corner of the screen runs down. However, assistance is at hand from a ‘stop bonus’ that temporarily freezes the clock, giving a few extra seconds for careful examination of the area. There is also a map that can be opened to switch between locations and a hidden sun symbol can be collected to help with extra bonus time and hints.

Mystery Stories features an enthralling storyline with intuitive touch screen controls and 1150 hidden objects to find. The game has 10 unique search modes that indicate which items need to be found in each setting. These vary from basic lists to more cryptic descriptions, requiring players to search in the dark using torchlight in some levels. There are over 180 puzzles and mini games to complete including jigsaws and spot the difference type challenges.

Mystery Stories puts budding detectives’ puzzle solving and observational skills to the ultimate test against a backdrop of intrigue and secrets in over 40 different environments. Real life locations include the historical city of Berlin where players guide Deanfield to the Brandenburg Gate and ‘Checkpoint Charlie,’ the name given by Western Allies to a crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing

Developer: Cerasus Media

Distributor: Centresoft, Gem, Ideal Software, Interactive Ideas, Music Box Leisure

Release date: 29th May 2009

PEGI: 3+

Format: Nintendo DS

Genre: Adventure

SRP: £24.46

Notes to Editor:

Sales information for Mystery Stories:

Price: £24.46

Available from all leading retail outlets: Amazon.co.uk, ASDA, GAME, Gamestop, HMV, Morrisons, Play.com, Sainsburys, WH Smith and other leading software stores, as well as Avanquest Software www.avanquest.co.uk/shop.

Published by: Avanquest Software Publishing

About Avanquest Software

Avanquest Software is one of the world’s leading software developers and publishers, marketing its software titles via multiple sales channels on three continents – North America, Europe and Asia. Avanquest Software addresses the general public through its Retail, Online and Direct-to-Consumer channels; businesses through the Corporate channel; and key players in mobile telephony and IT through OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) licenses. With 2007/08 revenues of €116 million, 520 employees and 150 engineers in Research and Development distributed between France, China, the United States and Canada, the company is committed to innovation in the design, development and publishing of world-class, easy-to-use and affordable software. Avanquest Software is listed on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714) since December 1996. Additional information is available at http://www.avanquest.com or http://about.avanquest.com.

For further information and review copies please contact:

James Meredith / Sarah Holden

Media Safari

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 731 388

jamesm@mediasafari.co.uk / sarahh@mediasafari.co.uk