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Add one part deserted mansion, 27 parts riddle ridden rooms, throw in an amnesiatic robot, and sprinkle in some heart. Bring all ingredients to a boil and you’ll have EA’s latest puzzler Mystery Mania. Originally available in Java form on EA’s Mobile site, this head scratcher has made its way to the iPhone and iPod touch - and we guaranty it will confound you for at least a couple of hours.

The game’s lead character F8 is certainly the skeleton holding this title together. After waking up from a long sleep (we’re talking years), F8 realizes he has no recollection of his past. So, players must lead him through a path of discovery helping him understand why he’s here and what his mission is. All the rooms in the mansion have a secret that must be unlocked in order to progress throughout the game. Clues are placed in each room to aid in finding the solution. But it’s not all roses. F8 often finds himself in a predicament such as being electrocuted or suffering from a dog bite. But he’s a good sport and is always up for more mystery solving.

No extensive instructions are included in Mystery Mania. Yet, that’s what makes the game so challenging and amusing. Logic is the only thing required to help F8 solve each mystery. Within each level are various items. Use them in a particular order to activate other items or open the exit. You might need to use a candle on a wall to light a burner on a table. Then add chemicals to a beaker on top of the burner to unlock a formula that F8 can drink. Just watch what happens next. This all can be tricky at times and EA really makes you think about each puzzle. Most of them can be solved after a few tries. Just be observant and you’ll do fine.

Graphically, Mystery Mania is comparable to a flash cartoon. Colors a vivid, yet the sets are rather flat feeling. Overall, there isn’t anything to write home about in the visual department. Since there isn’t spoken audio, dialogue between F8 and guest personalities are presented in sign boards reminiscent of silent films. The music incorporated into Mystery Mania is eerie and fits the entire tone of the game perfectly. If interrupted by a phone call or otherwise quit, the game will save your progress and resume where you left off upon the next launch.

If you’re the type that enjoys being stumped, surprised, and gratified, Mystery Mania will tickle your pallet. It has all the ingredients of a classic who-done-it rolled into a clever iPhone game playable at any time, for any length of time. EA’s presently offering the game on the App Store for $3.99. We only wish the story of F8 wasn’t unraveled so quickly. Hopefully, we’ll see EA adding levels in an update or sequel soon. Time will tell. But that is a mystery we’re eagerly waiting to unfold.

Want to find out more about iPhone games, then visit Eric Meister’s site on how to choose the best iPhone apps for your needs.