The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv

Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland

'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting

The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would

transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual

which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+

,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+

7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where

all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer

and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan.

3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who

holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames

,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+

.1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development

/eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan

Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to

put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores

3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication

Score 0-*1-+

Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+

1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective

&rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is

captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning

of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House

of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+

Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him

with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1#

interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of

plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over

various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself.

>ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the

final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting "." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s

,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* +

Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing. Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing

and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + Score 0-*1-+

/eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+The Mystery of the Druids is a single-player adventure video game developed by House of Tales Entertainment and published by cdv Software Entertainment. The game was released on September 1 ! "##1 for Microsoft $indows. The story ta%es place in &ritain! where Detective &rent Halligan! an inspector at Scotland 'ard! investigates a brutal series of murders committed in England. The investigation leads Detective Halligan into a mystery surrounding the demise of the &ritish (rder of Druids and eventually ta%es him on a trip through time itself. )ontents *hide+ 1 ,ameplay " Synopsis ".1 Setting

"." )haracters ".- .lot - Development /eception 0 /eferences 1 E2ternal lin%s ,ameplay

,ameplay screenshot 3 large portion of the game-play in The Mystery of the Druids consists of discovering clues and solving pu44les. )lues are mainly found by moving the computer mouse over various ob5ects on the screen and clic%ing them to add them to the inventory or gain information about them. .u44les are often solved by combining items! using drag and drop gestures! after which the player must figure out how the newly created item is used. Many actions in the game re6uire the completion of such pu44les! such as being able to use a telephone.*1+ 7nteraction with non-player characters is accomplished through dialog trees! most of which is 8entirely e2pository8.*"+ These conversations with non-player characters are essential to playing the game! as many of the ma5or plot points are revealed through conversation rather than through investigating the environment.*-+ Synopsis

Setting The Mystery of the Druids is set in England and 9rance! where a series of brutal %illings %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8 have been ta%ing place. This has caused panic and placed Scotland 'ard under heavy scrutiny. The second half of the game is mainly set in England circa 1### 3D! where Detective &rent Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner attempt to stop a ritual which could enslave humanity. The finale is set in "### at Stonehenge! where the )ircle is attempting to complete the 9inal /itual. )haracters

Detective &rent Halligan Detective &rent Halligan :/oger 3. ,raves; - Described as 8pretty much a loser! disrespected by peers and shunned by the fairer se28! Detective &rent Halligan is 8sort of the odd man out in the agency.8*-+ Halligan often does 8idiotic8*-+ things during his investigation<such as placing a highly sought after artifact in a ferry cabin! where it is immediately stolen.*"+* + Dr. Melanie Turner :Emily )lar%e; - 3n anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! Dr. Melanie Turner is Halligan=s main ally throughout the game. &rief parts of the game are played from her perspective.*"+ 7n the final act! she becomes a love interest for Halligan. 3rthur &la%e :$est $estbroo%; - 3n historian and prolific author! 3rthur &la%e is an e2pert in the study of ancient &ritannic cults! especially druids. &la%e sheds on light on multiple mysteries throughout the story! such as the 3mulet of Transformation! the 9inal /itual and the druidic cult itself. >ord Sinclair :)lifford $els; - (ne of the 7nheritors who gained the powers of all druids living at the time! >ord Sinclair=s main goal is to finish the 9inal /itual so that he and his )ircle can enslave humanity. .lot The Mystery of the Druids begins with a dar% ceremony at Stonehenge in 1### 3D! where all but a few of the druids are enveloped in a supernatural glow before being consumed by fire. 7n "###! at ?ew Scotland 'ard in >ondon! Detective &rent Halligan has been assigned to investigate a series of brutal murders %nown as the 8S%eleton Murders8. 3ssisting him with his investigation is Dr. Melanie Turner! an anthropologist at the (2ford 3nthropological Museum! who! along with historian 3rthur &la%e! discovers that the murders match the description of cannibalistic sacrificial rites performed by &ritannic druids. 7t is later revealed that a demonic superior druid sei4ed power over the druids in order to force man%ind to submit to his rule by performing a 8final ritual8! which would transfer the %nowledge and power of the druids to five infants %nown as the 87nheritors8. The ritual was not entirely completed! but the 7nheritors are strong and powerful enough to complete the ritual themselves. $hile investigating a lead regarding a group of neo-Druids called 8The )ircle8! Halligan is captured and held prisoner by their leader! >ord Sinclair. Halligan escapes! but discovers The )ircle performing a human sacrifice and faints. Halligan awa%ens at dinner and! unbe%nownst to him! is eating human flesh which grants strength and power! but also ma%es them susceptible to brainwashing.

Turner is led to >ord Sinclair=s estate through information which Halligan had left at her museum! after which she is able to snea% in to the property. She finds an artifact! the 3mulet of Transformation! which may be re6uired to complete the 9inal /itual. Halligan discovers her and a fight ensues before she is able to %noc% him unconscious. 3s he awa%ens! he discovers that he was brainwashed. He discerns Sinclair=s plan! which is to put a curse on the world in order to enslave humanity. 7f Turner is noticed while trying to rescue Halligan! >ord Sinclair=s security will capture her. She is brought inside! where a brainwashed Halligan! who does not seem to recogni4e her! informs her that she will be the guest of honor for their dinner. 3 few days later! the s%eleton of Turner is found in a forest near >ondon. Halligan is listed as missing and last seen leaving his Scotland 'ard department. &la%e is %illed by Sinclair! but he points them in the direction of the Twelve &ridges ruins. (nce there! Halligan and Turner are sent bac% in time. Halligan stumbles on the site of the ritual and attempts to disrupt it! but is interrupted by the demonic druid Serstan! who holds Turner hostage. 3 staff that Halligan had found is bartered for Turner=s life and a promise! on his honor! not to harm Halligan or Turner. Serstan agrees and begins the ritual! whereupon Halligan and Turner are transported bac% to their own time. Halligan and Turner rush to Stonehenge where The )ircle is attempting to complete the final ritual. Halligan stabs Turner with scissors and informs Serstan that the vow has been bro%en! causing Serstan to intervene and cause the )ircle to disappear and preventing the ritual from being completed. Turner is near death! but Halligan is able to save her using magical mistletoe! after which they share a %iss. Development

cdv Software Entertainment revealed The Mystery of the Druids! then titled The Heirs of the Druids! to 7,? on @uly 1"! "###.*0+ 7t was developer House of Tales= first release.*"+ The Mystery of the Druids was advertised as containing 80# detailed locations8! 8-1# interactive scenes8 and 8"# spea%ing characters8. 7t also blended 8"D and -D graphics! including character models with up to 1### polygons.8*1+ 3 playable game demo was released on May "0! "##1*A+ which featured game-play up to the 3nthropology Museum in (2ford.*B+ 3 second game demo was released later that year on September "0! which included the time travel scene to prevent the ancient ritual which resulted in the creation of the 7nheritors.*C+ The first trailer was released on 3ugust 1 ! "##1 and featured game-play videos of Detective Halligan.*1#+ 3 second trailer was released on 3ugust -# which showcased the various locations of the game! as well as the druidic ritual which is seen at the beginning of the game.*11+ The third and final trailer was released on September 1! "##1. This trailer introduced the romance between Detective Halligan and Dr. Melanie Turner as it progresses throughout the game.*1"+ /eception

*hide+/eception 3ggregate scores 3ggregator ,ame/an%ings Metacritic C*1 + /eview scores .ublication Score E1#*10+ Score 0-*1-+

)omputer and Dideo ,ames ,ameSpot ,ameSpy 0#F* + 7,? .0E1#*-+ .1E1#*"+

)omputer ,ames Maga4ine ,ame (ver (nline A F*1+

1E0 stars*11+

The Mystery of the Druids received mostly negative reviews. &rett Todd of )omputer ,ames Maga4ine proclaimed it 8poorly designed! ugly! and rife with bugs.8*11+ )omputer and Dideo ,ames derided its 8unimaginative settings and painful dialogue8 as well as its inclusion of 8some of the most ridiculously comple2 pu44le se6uences to achieve even the simplest of tas%s8 before deciding that it has 8very little appeal for anyone but the most patient and gee%y .)-head.8*10+ ,ameSpot described its characters as 8rude8! its pu44les and dialogue branches as 8confusing8! and the game overall as 8surprisingly devoid of plot.8*"+ ,ameSpy described it as being a game that might ma%e customers 8ta%e matters into their own hands and put the *adventure game+ genre out of its misery8.* + 7,? described its repetitive game-play as being 8*stretched+ out considerably :and not in a good Tantric %ind of way! mind you;8! stating 8if you go bac% %nowing what to do! you could beat the game in half a day.8*-+ ,ame (ver (nline was more positive! saying it 8provides everything an adventure needs to provide -- no more and no less -- and is therefore worthwhile to play for that reason.8 They praised The Mystery of the Druids for its graphics and bac%ground locations! especially those of 8some places! li%e HalliganGs office8 while noting that developer House of Tales 8made other locations loo% 5ust a little bit too regular and symmetrical to feel real.8*1+