Mystery PI: The Vegas Heist works just like those hidden object puzzles you solved during rainy-day recess time. But this is no kids' menu item. This slick-looking game throws everything but the kitchen sink (or was there a sink in there that I missed?) into each realistic-looking location picture. These cluttered scenes offer items hidden in obvious context as well as trickier things, such as a lightning bolt that's part of a sign or a Galactus-size nail file worked into a vehicle.

When stymied by a search for a padlock or an Egyptian queen, it sometimes helps to click to one of the other locations and rest your eyes. But beware: It's easy to forget, when presented with a rabbit or wrench, if you were looking for one in that scene or in a different one. I availed myself of a few hints--even though they hurt my score and take time to recharge--simply because I didn't know what a car transmission or some such looked like.

At the end of every stage, you solve a different kind of puzzle (often something simple like a word search) to collect a clue and move on to the next. The time allowed for each level felt generous to me. Finding certain objects in every location unlocks extra treats, such as the Unlimited Seek and Find mode, which has no time limits.

All in all, Mystery PI: The Vegas Heist is an entertaining and stylish brain-teaser that should appeal to puzzle fans.

Note: This demo version works for a total of one hour of play time. To play longer, you'll need to buy the full version.

--Laura Blackwell