I beta-tested this game just last week and absolutely loved it. It is NOT a HO game at all which is one reason why I liked it so much. It is solely an adventure game--which we seem to get too few of, in my opinion. Give this one a chance, and expect something different and wonderful. Put on your thinking caps!
After playing hundreds of these types of games over the years, I had quit buying most of them. I grew tired of "cookie-cutter" games. Then, this game comes along. The HO scenes were unique; the puzzles manageable (although they could have been just a bit more challenging); and it was just plain fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to see more of such games.
This game may be fun for those who are looking for a game without any level of challenge; little suspense; and zilch fun factor. There is nothing new within this game. Same old, same old. I beta-tesed this game twice! I'm not sure what they were looking for, but I gave poor reviews both times. I guess they didn't believe me. Even playing on the hardest mode of play, still very easy game play. If you're new to this genre, you may enjoy. For those of us who have "been around the block" a few times, you may find this mind-numbing, as I did.
If you're looking for an incredible storyline and character development, this isn't for you. If you're looking for HO scenes after HO scenes, this isn't for you. If you're looking for meaningful dialogue, this isn't for you.
BUT, if you're looking for a game with loads of puzzles, one after another, that makes you think; AND, if you're looking for a challenge with very little handholding (unless you want it); AND if you're looking for a really fun, amazing game with lots of variety, this game is for you.
A wonderful gem of a game and a positive change from the usual. Give it a try.
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
2/ 5
First let me say that Mad Head has been one of my favorite devs, so I'm disappointed that this game is so mediocore, at best. I couldn't even finish the demo; it was that bad. Extremely simple, linear gameplay; boring. I found no depth or challenge whatsoever. Then there's the GIMMICK; I hate gimmicks. Gimmicks add nothing except to enhance a "fairytale" atmosphere which is not to my personal liking. Give me a good murder mystery, haunted carnival, or any type of suspenseful, challenging game, but not this. No, not this.
I know this is a late review, but I want these developers to know how much I appreciate this game. It is an adult game,and it is a challenging game. These types of games are so infrequent; I am so glad to see it. No flowers, fairies, unicorns, or cute little helpers in this one. And that's a good thing. We need more of these.
For years, Barton Mansion sat abandoned, a haunting reminder of an obsession gone wrong. But something sinister still lurked there...and it's stirring.
After completing the preview, I'm just not blown away with this game. It was OK, but, the level of challenge was completely missing. For example, putting books in order from numbers 1-6. Really? Also the "match" puzzle on the door to the mansion. Again, really? I don't know if the game becomes more challenging as it progresses or not, but I'm not sure I want to purchase to find out. Maybe with a buy 2 for the price of 1. Another thing, I AM SO TIRED of cute, little helpers. And this one "helps" a lot. You'd think this game was geared for children under age 8--except for the content. What's wrong with a little challenging game play, I ask?
I won't go into a detailed review as that has already been done. You can always tell a really good or really bad game based on the number of reviews. This is a very, very good game. These developers outdid themselves with this one. I rarely give 5 stars, but couldn't resist with this one. What I especially liked was the fact that it started good with lots of places to go and lots of things to do. What sets this game apart is it continued to be excellent throughout--including the bonus game. The bonus game was a game in itself; there was no quick 15 minute add-on like some. It was truly a bonus! I sure hope to see more from this group; it was a treat.
The game has only 2 levels of game play--easy and hard. I cannot imagine what the "easy" level could have been as the "hard" level was incredibly simple. The story line was linear. If you need an object, there it is. No need to think your way through this one. The hidden object scenes were also simple. The objects were so large, my dog could have probably found them. Again, the puzzles were too easy. Absolutely no challenge whatsoever in this one. Not for me.
I'm really enjoying this game from ERS and am pleasantly surprised. I've passed on previous games from this developer as they seemed to follow the same old patterns. This game, however, is loads of fun with lots of places to visit and lots to do. It also helps that I'm a sucker for circuses and amusement parks. And....there is no "cute little helper" to ruin the game. Thanks so much for a fun weekend.