Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I am enjoying this game a lot more than I expected. I thought it would be simple point-and-click and it is, but there is a lot more to the story than on the surface.
The visuals are not the greatest, they're simple and the cut-scenes are a little clumsy. There isn't a consistent style, the costumes range from "mediaeval peasant" to "1930s Gatsby" with the majority being somewhere in the 19th century, while the technology of the world lurches from horse and carriage to diesel-driven machinery. But the story flows well and there's enough going on to be engaging.
Is it genuine supernatural goings-on, or is there a rational explanation behind it all? I haven't found out yet, but I'm looking forward to doing just that!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
1/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
2/ 5
I couldn't even make it through to the end of the trial playthrough, because the voice-over was so annoying.
This game may have got a fresh coat of paint slapped on, but the underlying mechanics are sluggish, outdated, and that horrible voice acting needs to go.
Definitely don't buy this as a collector's edition, it's a waste of money. Shiny new graphics don't make up for the deficiencies in plot, playability, and delivery,
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
That sounds lukewarm, and I did enjoy this game - except for one caveat; the attempts at Scottish accents are truly dire. I honestly thought the guy was meant to be Eastern European, not Scots!
As a hidden object/puzzle game, it's quite good. Indeed, it's better than some of the late entries in the Mystery Case Files series. But it's not up to the heights of the Ravenhearst games.
Now, they flogged that horse to death and I hope they won't try introducing "grandchild of child of sibling of cousin of Ravenhearst" in any more instalments, but this is a standard HOP and not what you'd expect in a MCF game.
I hope this is an indication of better things to come, and I'm willing to give them a chance. But the Master Detective isn't really at the top of their game in this one.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
1/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
I was pleased to see a new entry in this series since the previous games have been fun and enjoyable.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for this one. The first thing is that the art quality has gone downhill fast. They're using poor quality 3D modeling and it shows - the graphics are grubby and dark.
The plot, as much as I played of it, seemed interesting but I couldn't finish the game as it was just too slow and ugly looking. As well, a personal nit-pick: the viewpoint character investigating building sites and tunnels in high heels made me both wince and roll my eyes. Seems the White Stone Order haven't been able to pay the bills to keep their secret train system running, so poor Laura has to walk and drive everywhere!
So, to sum up: glad this series isn't dead yet, but a poor entry and not worth it. I hope there will be a next instalment and that it will improve!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
The latest in the Grim Tales series suffers from some really poor graphics at the start, where characters' faces have their features sliding off. Very unsettling!
In the main, it's an average instalment of the series and does show how the concept is getting tired. It's not bad, and the main plot is interesting, but it's treated in a very cursory fashion.
However, the main problem is that at the very end, there is a bug preventing completing of a task. Without that task, you can't reach the conclusion of the game, and there seems to be no attempt as yet to mend it.
To sum up: a game that seems tired, rushed out and incomplete. A pity that the series seems to be ending on this note.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
2/ 5
It's not bad, but there's nothing to advance the series here. Except some bad decisions - I wish they'd change the voice actress for Anna Gray, she sounds constantly on the verge of bursting into tears because oh no now she has to *do* something.
They seem to have retconned and simplified a lot, so Anna's husband and daughter are non-existent here. The other agents' backgrounds are equally shallow, and worst of all they're dumping James to replace him with a new kid whose abilities are: being an idiot and not helping at all.
The art style is not up to the usual standards and the plot is rushed and resolved too quickly: the Big Threat gets dealt with in much too easy a manner.
I think they're looking to shake things up but this is not how to do it. Gameplay is simple enough, it won't take long to play through even for the collectors' edition, and really there's not much plot or action happening here. Usual hidden object searches, swapping from character to character.
It's okay to pass the time, but if you skipped this you wouldn't really be missing out.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
All the criticisms of the other reviews are correct: this is the same basic game just with different art work.
Yes, it's repetitive. Yes, it's familiar. Yes, they don't even try to change things up.
But sometimes all I want is to play a few rounds of a game that I can pick up and put down at any time. Just enough to involve my brain, but not so challenging as to require that I pay attention or have to think.
Sometimes the same old thing isn't a bad thing. If you're looking for anything exciting, this isn't it. If you want a simple Solitaire game to pass the time and help you wind down, this will do that. Don't expect a lot, this isn't that kind of game. But as a basic, simple game - this is fine.