Based on the demo which (for me) only lasted 45 minutes, this has just about everything you could want in a fantasy CE.
Collectibles: * Jigsaw pieces (though I haven't found any yet) - 20 * Bestiary scrolls * Fresco parts (not yet found) * 34 hidden owls
Achievements, which are worth reading first if you want them all, eg solve a puzzle without reading instructions.
Interactive map which shows (in casual) where tasks are and whether you have found your owl. This scrolls rather than having arrows to other areas, which I liked.
HOSs are all (so far) pick up -> use -> find another object -> use etc
Storyline is familiar, you are summoned by The League of Light to defeat the Dark Lord. Some scary moments which make you jump. An evil (?) dwarf who looks a little like SG and a daughter to rescue.
Graphics are nice and cut scenes, giving back story, are sepia drawings. VOs good and well characterised.
It is a very straightforward game with no need for hints and skips, so far, and that's where it falls down a little for me. I only used the map to be lazy. Objects found are used fairly quickly, but this moves the game on. However, it is 'right up my street' and with the weekend offer on, will be buying it today.
A rather dated game with no real story development, no character interaction and little to maintain my interest.Not really an 'action game', more adventure with basic HOSs.
Worth a try but I didn't make it through the demo :-((
You've arrived in the peaceful resort town of Aurora Peak to investigate some mysterious local crystals. But the devious plot you uncover there could endanger the entire world!
It's nice. You have the usual CE features including: * morphing objects (apparently, though I forgot to look for them) * achievements * a variety of HOS styles (silhouettes to find, use to find next/interactive word list/replacing objects) * lots of puzzles including making potions though they are very straightforward * map which I didn't need
Graphics were colourful.
Story was same old and I didn't really care about the characters. They 'suggested' what to do next and (maybe I am just pedantic, but) one of them had a missing wife who he was apparently searching for but he was still standing there everytime I went past, another warned you not to move because of something terrible behind you and then told you to dash about finding the bits to mend her broken machine.
It's worth a try and you may find more in it than I did in my hour. I will look forward to seeing reviews of the whole game but, sorry, I'm not prepared to invest yet, even with the offer on.
Discover the city of Apothecarium, where inhabitants are caught in a perilous struggle against a powerful alchemist who is taking the lives of innocent!
I think I love it because: * it's an SE with all my favourite CE features - - 20 achievements - coins to collect to buy hints (hint does not refill) - map to obtain which is interactive and informative - morphing objects - inventory objects to combine - surprise boxes to win by solving puzzles * it's really quirky and unique - - morphing objects are within the HOSs - new puzzles that I haven't encountered before - a villain who goes "Mwah ha ha!"
BUT, and here's why you need patience and understanding: * there ARE glitches * some of the words used are odd eg "clutch" for "C-clamp" * free hint to travel but you have to buy the rest so have to keep popping to the shop * the characters' voices and the music can get on your nerves * no full screen so some things eg the map are a bit hard to see.
HOWEVER, I can put up with that for the sheer novelty of the game and (since I have a coupon) will buy it. DEFINITELY try before you buy and persevere. This is a 'marmite' game - you'll either love it or hate it!
This follows on nicely from 'Death on a Silver Screen' though the background is filled in briefly at the start if you haven't played it.
Based on the demo I will be buying this in 3 days when my game credit comes through.
The villainess from the previous story is clearly back, though we haven't seen her yet, and nefarious acts are being carried out using film projectors (though again it is not yet clear to what end).
There are achievements, morphing objects (I think!) and film strips to be collected, a jump map which tells you where to go and where the collectibles are still to be found (casual mode) and a good mix of HOSs, puzzles and pick ups. HOSs have been lists with 2 interactive elements so far, which is my only disappointment. Other games have more variety, but who knows what may come up later.
I like the idea of changing the scene with the projectors, reminds me of the 'Secrets of the Dark' series but the changes feel more as if they are relevant to the story.
Love the art deco theme and the characters/VOs are realistic and relevant.
Was amazed as the trial ended as I feel there is an awful lot more to do so am hoping this is a nice long game.
...of engaging, humourous voice overs? ...of challenging, interactive HOSs? ...of beautiful graphics, enchanting, atmospheric music? ...of puzzles which give a real sense of achievement?
Do you yearn for the days when... ...the highlighted object in the list means this is the inventory object? ...every character you meet tells you what you need to do next? ...when the gameplay is so linear that you don't need a map? ...when you encounter HOSs at every turn?
Then this is the game for you!
Sadly, not for me as nostalgia is not a criterion I use when purchasing games. And all the more frustrating on 'Double Punch Monday'.
Just completed the game and the bonus. This game has everything: 3x collectibles, achievements, an aquarium and dolphin pool to 'equip' and an additional, extremely relevant bonus chapter.
Must confess, I was very confused by the time jumps throughout the main story but it all comes clear as the story progresses.
Music is restful, HOSs are interactive, of various types and tax the brain cells but not so much that you need to use the hint. Some of the puzzles I skipped as they reset if you make a mistake towards the end and I tired of starting over, but most are doable and really make you think.
If you haven't bought it in this weekend's sale, do it now!
Based on the demo, I am not impressed with this as a CE.
Your husband disappeared and now, on 'finding' him at a deserted motel, he takes your (12 year old???) daughter and you have to follow him. A doll's house with figures to obtain gradually tells you his story. (Sound familiar?) For me it's just a remake of the previous game so far.
Early in the game you get a 'helper' who thereafter tells you what to do, even though it's patently obvious.
Only one HO so far with very little interaction, a couple of rummages to find a buried object. Several puzzles, mostly fairly straightforward though one I found impossible.
You get a map but don't really need it.
I can't see why it's a CE, no achievements or collectibles so do not recommend this as a CE.
Hopefully someone will buy and tell me if it becomes worth it in the full game. For the time being, I shall save my cash.
The game starts with a lengthy voice over which is so badly read it makes you cringe.
Opted for '3D' as it sounded interesting - just made me feel nauseous as the screen shifted slightly when the cursor was moved.
Yes, there are sparklies but not everywhere and not all the time so it becomes one of those 'click everywhere just in case' games.
Items to pick up, but the cursor does not change to a hand or similar so again, you click on everything.
HOS are awful. Pictures of objects which are so blurry and no indication of whether you need to interact with another object (eg click on a camera to produce a photo of the butterfly you are seeking).
Finally gave up in scene 3 where there is (apparently) a pop-up and an item. Clicked everywhere (and I mean everywhere!) to no avail. Hint? Just shows you the map which tells you there is a pop-up and an item! Aaaargh!
Usually I stick with the demo, but only lasted 20 mins and (even with 2 vouchers burning a hole in my pocket) will NOT be purchasing this.