If you like find the hidden object puzzles, keep reading. This mostly one-player puzzle/mystery game for the Wii is based on a series of mysteries. Your goal is to help a female detective (Cate West) find the clues by finding 1,000 clues in 57 backgrounds.
There are five investigation types, and different crime scenes. For example, you might use a magnifying glass — or a flashlight — for a better view of the screen differences between two similar scenes, recreate crime scenes, and use what you’ve learned to identify the criminal. A nicely designed hint system provides help just when you need it.
You can work with a friend in Story Mode, or compete to see who is the best detective in Competitive Mode. At some points, you shake the Wii Remote to clear away dust and cobwebs to reveal evidence, and use the magnifying glass to better view your surroundings.
For this type of game, graphics really count, partly because your success requires long periods where you study the screen. Even with a good quality LCD screen, some of the images seem fuzzy (don’t attempt this game on a regular TV). The bottom line? If you like these kinds of games, you’ll like Cate West. Otherwise either pass or borrow the game for a weekend. Progress can be saved.
Details: Ages: 10-up. Platform: Wii, Nintendo DS. Entry date: 4/2/2009.

Link to buy Cate West: The Vanishing Files Game for Wii
Link to buy Cate West: The Vanishing Files Game for DS