NCIS: Hidden Crimes is a casual game developed by Ubisoft's in-house studios, combining elements of a detective adventure game with logic challenges and elements of HOPA. The game is based on the license of the popular TV series NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service), in which a group of agents investigates cases related to the US Navy.
Mechanics
In of mechanics, NCIS: Hidden Crimes is a continuation of the solutions known from CSI: Hidden Crimes, a game released two years earlier (based on another popular series CSI: Las Vegas). While playing, we deal with subsequent investigations conducted by NCIS agents in many different locations. To this end, we visit crime scenes, interrogate witnesses, and collect and analyse evidence and circumstantial evidence. In the course of our investigations, we use solutions typical of casual games, such as searching scenes with hidden objects or solving various puzzles. However, the developers of the game have taken care of a wide variety of challenges, offering six different methods of investigation and nine types of mini-games.
The game is available in a standard free-to-play model, in which the number of actions taken during one session is limited by the depletion of energy. However, the production includes a microtransaction system, so there is nothing to prevent the real money from accelerating the regeneration of energy or shortening the time needed to analyse the evidence found.
Game modes
Despite the fact that NCIS: Hidden Crimes revolves around solving subsequent cases on our own, the game does not lack social options typical for the genre. We can invite our friends to have fun and exchange gifts and various bonuses to help in the game.
Technical aspects
NCIS: Hidden Crimes features typical HOPA visuals, using colourful and detailed 2D graphics and simple animations. It is worth mentioning, however, the faithful recreation of the characters from the show - the fans will easily recognize such heroes as agent Gibbs and Abby.
