Touch Detective II 1/2

RPGFan (84 out of 100)

To many gamers, Touch Detective 2 1/2 may feel more like an expansion than a sequel. Therefore, the bottom line is that if you could not get into the original Touch Detective, 2 1/2 will not change your mind. However, if you enjoyed the first game, you'll definitely want to pick this one up.

Cubed3 (8 out of 10)

Whilst Mystery Detective had its critics, it still proved to be an engaging adventure. Its sequel, though, takes the original formula and tweaks it enough to make this far superior to its predecessor. Whilst it may lack the depth of Phoenix Wright, this light-hearted affair certainly does leave a pleasant taste in your gaming mouth...

Eurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)

The only issue here is that though Touch Detective 2 is better than the original, it does assume prior knowledge to an extent. It's kind enough to ask you at the beginning if you ever played the first game, but I'm not sure how your answer actually influences proceedings - there are numerous in-jokes and running references that shoot straight over the heads of uninitiated players. Nevertheless, this is a meaty (ten hours!), funny and very well-presented adventure title with superb aesthetics, and despite its zany-for-the-sake-of-it puzzle design, it will find a place in the heart of any fan of the genre.

Thunderbolt Games (7 out of 10)

This is perfectly acceptable for the DS handheld, though, and if you are able to bear with the somewhat slow proceedings, I’m sure you’ll soon fall in love with Touch Detective Mackenzie and co. if you haven’t fallen already.

GameZone (7 out of 10)

Touch Detective 2 1/2 is essentially the same as the original title, albeit with some brand new cases and puzzles. If you were a huge fan of the first game, then Touch Detective 2 1/2 is right up your alley. However, if you didn’t enjoy the first game, then chances are you should probably skip out on the second journey.

Officiel Nintendo Magazine (7 out of 10)

Un humour omniprésent, assaisonné d'une vraie patte graphique, ce jeu d'aventure est rafraîchissant et se visite le sourire aux lèvres.

IGN (6.8 out of 10)

The experience can be very entertaining at times, but then instantly shift to become a chore of a game, as you'll switch from manipulating AI or piecing together items and treasures to desperate clicking of any/every possible object in the world in an attempt to activate whatever event it is you need to progress the game.

Engadget (6.5 out of 10)

Touch Detective 2 1/2 has some good things going for it, but the game unfortunately fails to come together. The charming art and story don't make up for some of its more aggravating points. This game will mainly be enjoyable to hardcore adventure fans, or fans of the first Touch Detective. For the rest of you, the other adventure game that's available this month (cough, Phoenix Wright) is the safer bet.

Adventure Gamers ( )

Okay, so: few improvements over the first game, a convoluted overarching storyline, painfully simplistic gameplay. What should I score such a mediocre title? Once again, I'm going to have to go with three stars. If you're the DS-owning, adventure-game-loving type who has already run through the new Phoenix Wright and are really hurting for another DS adventure, then yes, think about getting Touch Detective 2½ (but you might want to wait a few months and see if the price drops). Just know what you're getting into. I did—and I have to admit, there were points where I enjoyed myself. I only wish there had been more.

GameSpot (5.5 out of 10)

Overall, fans of the original game will be pleased to discover more of the same quirky gameplay and will not be disappointed by how closely Touch Detective 2 1/2 sticks to its guns. The witty dialogue and fantastic art style go a long way toward making it an enjoyable experience. However, the entirely linear story and insanely esoteric puzzle design takes out most of the fun.

GamesRadar (2.5 out of 5)

About 90 percent of this game is repetitious wandering through the same locations, talking to the same people and hoping you'll find items that mysteriously materialize and incoherently combine to entice someone to talk about something new. And talk. And then repeat everything they said each time you return unless you have tripped or equipped the correct, enigmatic object.