James Noir's Hollywood Crimes is a puzzle adventure game set in 1960s America. Players take on the role of an aspiring actor who auditions for a spot on a cheesy TV show called The Incredible Puzzle Masters. As they progress through the rounds, they must solve puzzles to reach a certain score and help their old friend, now with the FBI, solve a murder case targeting previous winners of the show.
The game features twelve puzzles in each round, with varying point values. By strategically choosing which puzzles to attempt, players can increase their score and earn more "fan letters" containing additional puzzles and hints for the killer's puzzles. The game includes helpful features such as a semi-transparent sheet overlay, a hint system, and the ability to restart or abandon puzzles without penalty.