LunaNik's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.8
- Helpful Votes:12,435
- Reviews Submitted:670
- First Review:November 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 19, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Team up with experts to uncover a lost underwater civilization!
Overall rating
2
/
5
25 of 32 found this review helpful
Puzzles are the only pro to this game.
PostedDecember 23, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The Lost Paradise has Eipix's hallmark high production values, but despite endless cutscenes and conversations, the slow-moving storyline is thinly developed, and the characterizations are shallow.
HO scenes are presented with variety, but take mere seconds to complete, as all objects are in plain sight, not hidden. Much of the gameplay consists of merely clicking to advance the action. The only saving grace is some of the puzzles, which are both original and challenging.
The character of Philip Drake is infinitely annoying. He repeatedly orders you around in a whining tone of voice and isn't capable of doing even the most basic of tasks for himself. Obviously, this is a device to create gameplay, but it tends to create lots of mundane gameplay, like the matching symbol parts HO, the "get our stuff from the backpack" scene, and the simplistic "unlock the briefcase" puzzle.
So, other than a few of the puzzles, this is standard Eipix fare.
I don't recommend this game.
Acting as a private detective, resolve supernatural cases and follow the trail to your sister.
Overall rating
2
/
5
55 of 76 found this review helpful
This isn't a game. It's a minimally interactive story.
PostedDecember 20, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I almost quit several times during the demo because I was bored to tears, but managed to make it until the end. There’s not much actual game in this so-called game. It’s really an interactive story with a few game elements thrown in. There’s no challenge at all, even on the hardest difficulty level, as the game notifies you when to take every single action.
In a nutshell, this “game” consists of:
• clicking through infinite conversations with NPCs
• watching endless cutscenes
• having your hand held while you use the four gadgets Adam carries
• a few easy “unhidden object” scenes
• even fewer extremely simple puzzles
• clicking through infinite conversations with NPCs
• watching endless cutscenes
• having your hand held while you use the four gadgets Adam carries
• a few easy “unhidden object” scenes
• even fewer extremely simple puzzles
During the hour-long demo, there were only four HO scenes: a minimally interactive list, a narrative with capitalized words to find, badly drawn silhouettes, and find three in each category. All were quite simple, with the objects in plain sight, NOT hidden.
Repeating puzzles are attached to the four gadgets Adam carries. The game basically does the equivalent of jumping up and down to get your attention when it’s time to use them, then holds your hand throughout the process.
• The EYE lets you focus on clues…mouse over the scene until you find four clues, then put them in chronological order. EASY
• The WATCH moves you back in time to revisit past events…move the hands back to match the given clue, then return items in the scene to their matching silhouettes. EASY
• The REVOLVER shoots people and things…just click to follow the instructions. NO CHALLENGE
• The SMART PHONE is multifunctional…again, just click to follow the instructions for the camera, flashlight, map, or phone. NO CHALLENGE
• The EYE lets you focus on clues…mouse over the scene until you find four clues, then put them in chronological order. EASY
• The WATCH moves you back in time to revisit past events…move the hands back to match the given clue, then return items in the scene to their matching silhouettes. EASY
• The REVOLVER shoots people and things…just click to follow the instructions. NO CHALLENGE
• The SMART PHONE is multifunctional…again, just click to follow the instructions for the camera, flashlight, map, or phone. NO CHALLENGE
One-off puzzles were appropriate for children. Find the differences between two photos. Click the left/right arrows to maneuver the motorcycle around traffic. Copy a three symbol combination to unlock a display case. Trace lines with your mouse to draw a simple figure.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Santa give the kids the best Christmas ever!
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 53 found this review helpful
For children & families, this game is perfect.
PostedDecember 19, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
With its palette of bright, seasonal colors and a soundtrack of carols, Christmas Wonderland 7 will help you get into the holiday spirit when you take a break from wrapping presents and baking cookies.
Each location on the map offers a hidden object scene with five types of items to find...three types that are listed and two that are not. On the list, items in white text are visible in the scene, items in red text are hidden and require interaction, and items in blue text are find-and-use. Special items to find are shown in icons to the left of the list: a snow globe icon that depicts three silhouettes of "lost objects," and a nativity that shows three golden Christmas trees.
Each HO scene is typically followed by a puzzle of some type. I encountered word searches, several types of jigsaws, find the differences, and more.
During the game, you earn coins with which you can purchase gifts, and performance achievements. You can always go back to a previous location and perfect your score, if you wish. Interestingly, I noted that the HO scenes in this game, which is designed for children and families, were much more challenging than nearly all the HOPAs that have been released in the past decade, because the objects were actually hidden.
If you have kids or grandkids, or just really love Christmas, I recommend checking out Christmas Wonderland 7. If nothing else, it'll leave you with a smile on your face and an epic craving for cookies.
I recommend this game!
Myths of the World: Bound by the Stone Collector's Edition
Can you stop the evil beasts before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
2½ stars - Great puzzles. Storyline boring. HOs easy. Adventure gameplay tedious.
PostedDecember 17, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON completed demo at custom difficulty setting (Mac OS 10.11.6)
OVERVIEW
I found this to be just another formulaic Eipix game, with one exception: original and redesigned puzzles were offered that presented a challenge…a step in the right direction. Now, if we can get Eipix to make HO scenes instead of “unhidden object scenes,” stop basing most of their gameplay on shaped keys, and write engaging storylines with decent expositions, they could climb right back to the top of the pack.
I found this to be just another formulaic Eipix game, with one exception: original and redesigned puzzles were offered that presented a challenge…a step in the right direction. Now, if we can get Eipix to make HO scenes instead of “unhidden object scenes,” stop basing most of their gameplay on shaped keys, and write engaging storylines with decent expositions, they could climb right back to the top of the pack.
HOW I RATE GAMES (skip if you know my methods)
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe a well-developed, entertaining storyline and logical, challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories more weight.
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe a well-developed, entertaining storyline and logical, challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories more weight.
+ PROS +
PUZZLES & MINI-GAMES (4/5★) For a change, most of the puzzles were actually challenging. The repeating puzzle that comes up when you use the medallion seems simple at first: click between like symbols to combine them, repeating the process until only one remains. But challenges are added to the board to increase the difficulty. For example, one screen requires the final symbol to be in a particular square, so you must plan your moves accordingly. On another, you begin with two different symbols and must make use of a symbol-changing square to make them all alike. Other puzzles I encountered included an original one in two levels of increasing difficulty, and one we’ve seen numerous times, cleverly redesigned to be a challenge.
PUZZLES & MINI-GAMES (4/5★) For a change, most of the puzzles were actually challenging. The repeating puzzle that comes up when you use the medallion seems simple at first: click between like symbols to combine them, repeating the process until only one remains. But challenges are added to the board to increase the difficulty. For example, one screen requires the final symbol to be in a particular square, so you must plan your moves accordingly. On another, you begin with two different symbols and must make use of a symbol-changing square to make them all alike. Other puzzles I encountered included an original one in two levels of increasing difficulty, and one we’ve seen numerous times, cleverly redesigned to be a challenge.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION (5/5★) Stunning graphics and impeccable animation. Textures were realistic and light was depicted naturally. NPCs moved in a lifelike manner. The opening cutscene was glorious.
MUSIC & SOUND (4/5★) The music accented the game theme well, but wasn’t outstanding. Voiceovers were professional, with appropriate affect. Ambient sound was done well.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION EXTRAS (5/5★) Enjoy the bonus chapter and replay HO scenes, puzzles, and “skipping stone.” Find collectible wolf fangs (which all look different and are well-hidden) in the game scenes and morphing objects in the HO scenes. Earn performance achievements, use the SG, and check out the souvenir room. The developer’s portfolio includes wallpapers, videos, soundtracks, and more.
- CONS -
STORYLINE (2/10★) The plot moved slowly and was not well-developed. Characters lacked depth and motivation. And the storyline wasn’t integrated with the gameplay. After an hour, not much had transpired and I was bored.
STORYLINE (2/10★) The plot moved slowly and was not well-developed. Characters lacked depth and motivation. And the storyline wasn’t integrated with the gameplay. After an hour, not much had transpired and I was bored.
BASIC GAMEPLAY (1/5★) There was far too much collecting of shaped objects that fit into matching insets. Also, too many things were broken or missing parts. Gameplay lacked imagination. There’s not much challenge in merely clicking on the scene to initiate animation, like “helping” the villagers pull boards from the church door.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES (1/5★) While they varied in presentation, HO scenes were, as usual “unhidden object scenes,” because the items on the list were in plain sight. Go play a HO game from ten years ago and you’ll see what I mean. Only one scene stood out as interesting to play, and it was a sequential silhouette find-and-use. You can play “skipping stone” instead (connect three or more matching stones).
GAME MECHANICS (3/5★) Extremely crowded interface that wasted space by including unnecessary icons, like two separate hint buttons (pictorial and text) and a link to performance achievements. Also, there was an extended period of cursor lagging after every single bit of in-game animation, whether it was in adventure mode, HO scene, or puzzle.
LOGIC & COMMON SENSE (1/5★) More critical thinking required:
• In a populated town, it’s not normal to find nearly everything broken or missing parts.
• A decorative weathervane does not make a good crowbar. Nor does a rusted bayonet attached to a decaying musket.
• When you wish to barricade yourself inside your home, you nail boards on the INSIDE of the door, not the OUTSIDE.
• A pre-industrial society at the blacksmith level of technology possesses neither the tools nor the knowledge to create impeccably detailed metalwork amulets that function as keys for intricate mechanical locks.
• In a populated town, it’s not normal to find nearly everything broken or missing parts.
• A decorative weathervane does not make a good crowbar. Nor does a rusted bayonet attached to a decaying musket.
• When you wish to barricade yourself inside your home, you nail boards on the INSIDE of the door, not the OUTSIDE.
• A pre-industrial society at the blacksmith level of technology possesses neither the tools nor the knowledge to create impeccably detailed metalwork amulets that function as keys for intricate mechanical locks.
CONCLUSION (Overall Rating = 26★ ÷ 10 = 2.6★ rounded to ★★½)
One step forward, but more improvements in gameplay and storytelling are needed, IMO.
One step forward, but more improvements in gameplay and storytelling are needed, IMO.
RECOMMENDED BY THIS DEV (at least ★★★★ at the time of their release)
• from this series: Black Rose CE
• Amaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain CE, The Shadow of Torment CE, Winter Neverending CE
• Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and the Dire Tree CE
• Off the Record: Linden Shades
• Sea of Lies: Mutiny of the Heart CE
• from this series: Black Rose CE
• Amaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain CE, The Shadow of Torment CE, Winter Neverending CE
• Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and the Dire Tree CE
• Off the Record: Linden Shades
• Sea of Lies: Mutiny of the Heart CE
I don't recommend this game.
The town of Brightfield is under attack by a mysterious infection!
Overall rating
1
/
5
31 of 42 found this review helpful
1½ stars - recycled story, recycled gameplay
PostedDecember 10, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON completed demo at custom difficulty setting (Mac OS 10.11.6)
OVERVIEW
Elephant appears to be recycling not only gameplay at this point, but also its own storylines. This is the same general storyline—people turning into monstrous animals—and location—the town of Brightfield—as Mystery Trackers: Four Aces. Since I bought that game four years ago, I see no point in buying it again when the gameplay hasn’t evolved since then.
Elephant appears to be recycling not only gameplay at this point, but also its own storylines. This is the same general storyline—people turning into monstrous animals—and location—the town of Brightfield—as Mystery Trackers: Four Aces. Since I bought that game four years ago, I see no point in buying it again when the gameplay hasn’t evolved since then.
HOW I RATE GAMES (skip if you know my methods)
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe that a well-developed and entertaining storyline, and logical and challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories double the weight in my rating. Secondary are intuitive game mechanics, a variety of music an appropriate ambient sounds, professional graphics (regardless of style), and, if the game is a CE, sufficient offerings to warrant the doubled price.
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe that a well-developed and entertaining storyline, and logical and challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories double the weight in my rating. Secondary are intuitive game mechanics, a variety of music an appropriate ambient sounds, professional graphics (regardless of style), and, if the game is a CE, sufficient offerings to warrant the doubled price.
STORYLINE (2/10★)
I’m guessing this is supposed to be a sequel to Four Aces, but it pretty much reads as the exact same game after an hour’s play, except with fewer monsters. The storyline was dragged out so slowly that gameplay became meaningless.
I’m guessing this is supposed to be a sequel to Four Aces, but it pretty much reads as the exact same game after an hour’s play, except with fewer monsters. The storyline was dragged out so slowly that gameplay became meaningless.
GAMEPLAY (2/10★)
Gameplay is the same as it is in every game from this dev. Inventory items you need are found quite close to where you need them. Everything is broken or locked up, requiring either a traditional key, a shaped amulet, a lockpick (which you, the inept and unprepared Detective, don’t have), or a random piece of wire. Additionally, you must periodically find a morphing object to replenish your gas mask, but you can turn off this feature. HO scenes were standard, no real innovation. I encountered minimally interactive list, badly drawn silhouettes with two of each object, find insets from the painting, and silhouettes with one of each object.
Gameplay is the same as it is in every game from this dev. Inventory items you need are found quite close to where you need them. Everything is broken or locked up, requiring either a traditional key, a shaped amulet, a lockpick (which you, the inept and unprepared Detective, don’t have), or a random piece of wire. Additionally, you must periodically find a morphing object to replenish your gas mask, but you can turn off this feature. HO scenes were standard, no real innovation. I encountered minimally interactive list, badly drawn silhouettes with two of each object, find insets from the painting, and silhouettes with one of each object.
Puzzles were retreads or throwaways, and none was challenging:
• Slide three tokens to their correct spots on a triangle that has a “free spot,” making the exchange child’s play (ridiculously easy).
• To unlock the police station, slide the tokens around until each is on its matching spot (easy but time consuming).
• To unlock the first aid kit, move three sliders to complete the image (ridiculously easy).
• Slide the red sphere to the green goal, making sure to travel along every line only once (easy).
• Four octagons each contain an image divided into four pieces. A fifth octagon is in the center. Rotate the octagons, using the center one to swap, until the four images are complete and in the correct places (easy but time consuming).
• There are numbered squares on a grid. By clicking between them, ensure that each square has the proper number of connections, based on its number (easy).
• A few variations of “enter the code, following the given clue” (ridiculously easy, and I agree with sunnyglow that these aren’t puzzles; they’re insults).
• Move from start to goal by clicking on symbols, following the given clue (easy).
• Slide three tokens to their correct spots on a triangle that has a “free spot,” making the exchange child’s play (ridiculously easy).
• To unlock the police station, slide the tokens around until each is on its matching spot (easy but time consuming).
• To unlock the first aid kit, move three sliders to complete the image (ridiculously easy).
• Slide the red sphere to the green goal, making sure to travel along every line only once (easy).
• Four octagons each contain an image divided into four pieces. A fifth octagon is in the center. Rotate the octagons, using the center one to swap, until the four images are complete and in the correct places (easy but time consuming).
• There are numbered squares on a grid. By clicking between them, ensure that each square has the proper number of connections, based on its number (easy).
• A few variations of “enter the code, following the given clue” (ridiculously easy, and I agree with sunnyglow that these aren’t puzzles; they’re insults).
• Move from start to goal by clicking on symbols, following the given clue (easy).
GAME MECHANICS (3/5★)
I found the interface poorly designed. There was a nice, wide spot for the inventory but, oddly, the devs chose to scrunch that into the middle with large, decorative “bookends” taking up even more room. Since the arrows only moved the inventory by one item, this constituted poor design in relation to game mechanics, as only about six items could be displayed at once. Had the inventory panel been designed to take up all the available space, it could have shown at least ten at once.
I found the interface poorly designed. There was a nice, wide spot for the inventory but, oddly, the devs chose to scrunch that into the middle with large, decorative “bookends” taking up even more room. Since the arrows only moved the inventory by one item, this constituted poor design in relation to game mechanics, as only about six items could be displayed at once. Had the inventory panel been designed to take up all the available space, it could have shown at least ten at once.
Hotspots were extremely persnickety…I lost count of how many times I missed the sweet spot and got the “go back” spot instead. I have no idea why there was a “go back” hotspot between the “info” and “reset” tabs on mini-game screens, but I inadvertently hit it several times.
LOGIC & COMMON SENSE (0/5★)
When I used drill, screwdriver, and wrench, they all rotated counterclockwise. The solution to ice on an electric-powered panel was hot water, yet it still worked. I refused to touch glass without something to protect my hands, despite the fact I was wearing a hazmat suit which included gloves. I couldn’t pass by a monster for fear of it seeing me, but had no worries about interacting with every item around him and making noise doing so. The first aid kit was locked. And, other than the hazmat suit, I was an utterly unprepared detective…no light source, knife or multi-tool, lockpick, crowbar, etc. Logic and common sense were completely disregarded.
When I used drill, screwdriver, and wrench, they all rotated counterclockwise. The solution to ice on an electric-powered panel was hot water, yet it still worked. I refused to touch glass without something to protect my hands, despite the fact I was wearing a hazmat suit which included gloves. I couldn’t pass by a monster for fear of it seeing me, but had no worries about interacting with every item around him and making noise doing so. The first aid kit was locked. And, other than the hazmat suit, I was an utterly unprepared detective…no light source, knife or multi-tool, lockpick, crowbar, etc. Logic and common sense were completely disregarded.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION (3/5★)
Graphics averaged ok. Details and textures were really nice in close up, but the palette was overwhelmingly blue and gray, and the depiction of light was unnatural. NPCs were drawn well, but animated poorly. The transformation from human to animal was laughable, like bad stop motion. And much of the cutscenes were blurry.
Graphics averaged ok. Details and textures were really nice in close up, but the palette was overwhelmingly blue and gray, and the depiction of light was unnatural. NPCs were drawn well, but animated poorly. The transformation from human to animal was laughable, like bad stop motion. And much of the cutscenes were blurry.
MUSIC & SOUND (3/5★)
The music was a bit disjointed. One piece began with gorgeous piano arpeggios backed by a string section, but then electronica percussion and rhythm was added. Another combined both plucked and bowed strings with a triangle and wooden xylophone to create something that reminded me of a Looney Toons soundtrack. The third channeled a video game boss level. Ambient sounds were decent, and voiceovers were done well.
The music was a bit disjointed. One piece began with gorgeous piano arpeggios backed by a string section, but then electronica percussion and rhythm was added. Another combined both plucked and bowed strings with a triangle and wooden xylophone to create something that reminded me of a Looney Toons soundtrack. The third channeled a video game boss level. Ambient sounds were decent, and voiceovers were done well.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION EXTRAS (4/5★)
Extras include the bonus chapter, replayable HO scenes and puzzles, performance achievements, the SG, collectible fresco pieces for a jigsaw puzzle, collectible playing cards, collectible morphing objects if you have the gas mask turned on, a Secret Room, and the developer’s portfolio which includes wallpapers, concept art, and soundtracks.
Extras include the bonus chapter, replayable HO scenes and puzzles, performance achievements, the SG, collectible fresco pieces for a jigsaw puzzle, collectible playing cards, collectible morphing objects if you have the gas mask turned on, a Secret Room, and the developer’s portfolio which includes wallpapers, concept art, and soundtracks.
CONCLUSION (Overall Rating = 17★ ÷ 9 = 1.88★ rounded to ★½)
Rounding down because storyline and gameplay rated so low. I don’t recommend this game because I feel the storyline was not only a copy of Four Aces, but also poorly developed, and the gameplay was pretty awful. Also, game mechanics were badly designed, and neither graphics nor music were stellar. Elephant needs to abandon this game formula once and for all.
Rounding down because storyline and gameplay rated so low. I don’t recommend this game because I feel the storyline was not only a copy of Four Aces, but also poorly developed, and the gameplay was pretty awful. Also, game mechanics were badly designed, and neither graphics nor music were stellar. Elephant needs to abandon this game formula once and for all.
RECOMMENDED BY THIS DEV
These are games I rated at least ★★★★ at the time of their release. Some may be older, so please compare your system specs with the game requirements before downloading. Happy gaming!
These are games I rated at least ★★★★ at the time of their release. Some may be older, so please compare your system specs with the game requirements before downloading. Happy gaming!
• from this series: The Void, Raincliff, Black Isle, Four Aces CE, Silent Hollow CE, and Raincliff’s Phantoms CE
• Grim Tales: The Wishes, Bloody Mary CE, The Vengeance CE
• Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues CE, Queen of Shadows CE
• Surface: Mystery of Another World CE, The Noise She Couldn’t Make CE, The Soaring City CE, The Pantheon CE
• Chimeras: Tune of Revenge CE
• Christmas Stories: The Nutcracker
• Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love CE
• Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues CE, Queen of Shadows CE
• Surface: Mystery of Another World CE, The Noise She Couldn’t Make CE, The Soaring City CE, The Pantheon CE
• Chimeras: Tune of Revenge CE
• Christmas Stories: The Nutcracker
• Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love CE
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop the Brotherhood of Stone Masks in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 20 found this review helpful
3½ stars...good story, graphics, and music...gameplay for beginners
PostedDecember 9, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON completed demo at custom difficulty setting (Mac OS 10.11.6)
OVERVIEW
Overall excellent game for beginners. For me, the only thing lacking was challenge in the gameplay. Otherwise, I found the story immersive, the graphics enjoyable, and the music beautiful. I recommend trying the demo for these reasons.
Overall excellent game for beginners. For me, the only thing lacking was challenge in the gameplay. Otherwise, I found the story immersive, the graphics enjoyable, and the music beautiful. I recommend trying the demo for these reasons.
HOW I RATE GAMES (skip if you know my methods)
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe that a well-developed and entertaining storyline, and logical and challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories double the weight in my rating. Secondary are intuitive game mechanics, a variety of music an appropriate ambient sounds, professional graphics (regardless of style), and, if the game is a CE, sufficient offerings to warrant the doubled price.
Based on having bought 518 computer games dating from Zork to the present (and having demo’d hundreds more), I believe that a well-developed and entertaining storyline, and logical and challenging gameplay are most important, so I give those categories double the weight in my rating. Secondary are intuitive game mechanics, a variety of music an appropriate ambient sounds, professional graphics (regardless of style), and, if the game is a CE, sufficient offerings to warrant the doubled price.
STORYLINE (10/10★)
After Louisa’s father, Greg, adopted Conrad from an orphanage, the two children grew up together as the closest of friends…and fell in love as teens. Then Conrad went his own way, and he and Louisa lost touch. Now, he’s contacted Greg to sell him a rare artifact, so Louisa and Greg travel to a local tavern to make the exchange.
After Louisa’s father, Greg, adopted Conrad from an orphanage, the two children grew up together as the closest of friends…and fell in love as teens. Then Conrad went his own way, and he and Louisa lost touch. Now, he’s contacted Greg to sell him a rare artifact, so Louisa and Greg travel to a local tavern to make the exchange.
But a mysterious brotherhood is also trying to acquire the artifact, and will stop at nothing to do so, including an attempt on Louisa’s and Greg’s life. The artifact ends up in Louisa’s hands, but will she use its powers ethically? Or will she give in to the temptation of ultimate power?
Here we have a cautionary tale about the karmic consequences of the paths we take in life, be they ethical or self-serving, written in the framework of a romance between reunited lovers. I found the story engaging and was surprised when the demo ended.
GAMEPLAY (2/10★)
Overall, gameplay doesn’t present much of a challenge, with adventure mode overwhelmingly involving finding various items that function as keys. The HO scenes I encountered included interactive list and a unique interactive presentation in which the objects were drawings of the tavern customer’s orders. Puzzles included:
• Get the grappling hook on the fencepost by clicking when the moving slider is in the correct place (extremely easy).
• Swap tokens so each is adjacent to a logically-related image (easy).
• Click to complete the images of Greg’s illness, its cause, and its cure. Three levels of increasing difficulty (easy).
• Rotate the rings on the codex to match up the image halves (easy).
• Move the tokens in groups of three until each is adjacent to its logically-related image (medium until you figure out the mechanism).
• Match the symbols, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• Click on the cats in the correct order, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• A version of “all lights on” in which you must make all the lights blue. Three levels of increasing difficulty (easy to medium).
• Several torn photo jigsaw puzzles with rotating pieces (extremely easy).
• Enter the combination, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• Assemble the gas mask, following the outlines (extremely easy).
Overall, gameplay doesn’t present much of a challenge, with adventure mode overwhelmingly involving finding various items that function as keys. The HO scenes I encountered included interactive list and a unique interactive presentation in which the objects were drawings of the tavern customer’s orders. Puzzles included:
• Get the grappling hook on the fencepost by clicking when the moving slider is in the correct place (extremely easy).
• Swap tokens so each is adjacent to a logically-related image (easy).
• Click to complete the images of Greg’s illness, its cause, and its cure. Three levels of increasing difficulty (easy).
• Rotate the rings on the codex to match up the image halves (easy).
• Move the tokens in groups of three until each is adjacent to its logically-related image (medium until you figure out the mechanism).
• Match the symbols, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• Click on the cats in the correct order, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• A version of “all lights on” in which you must make all the lights blue. Three levels of increasing difficulty (easy to medium).
• Several torn photo jigsaw puzzles with rotating pieces (extremely easy).
• Enter the combination, following the given clue (extremely easy).
• Assemble the gas mask, following the outlines (extremely easy).
GAME MECHANICS (5/5★)
The interface was beautiful and well-designed, compact but not crowded. The map indicated available action and transported, and was itself a work of art, being depicted as Louisa’s hands holding an unscrolled map. Navigation was intuitive, hotspots were adequate, and cursor design was nominal. Four levels of difficulty, including custom. Inventory included plus items. And you have the artifact which periodically gives you certain powers.
The interface was beautiful and well-designed, compact but not crowded. The map indicated available action and transported, and was itself a work of art, being depicted as Louisa’s hands holding an unscrolled map. Navigation was intuitive, hotspots were adequate, and cursor design was nominal. Four levels of difficulty, including custom. Inventory included plus items. And you have the artifact which periodically gives you certain powers.
LOGIC & COMMON SENSE (4/5★)
Other than the first aid kit being locked by a complicated puzzle, and the firefighting tools at the tavern being locked up, this was a mostly logical game. I’m not sure why devs keep locking up crucial emergency supplies that would never be locked IRL.
Other than the first aid kit being locked by a complicated puzzle, and the firefighting tools at the tavern being locked up, this was a mostly logical game. I’m not sure why devs keep locking up crucial emergency supplies that would never be locked IRL.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION (4/5★)
Overall, both still graphics and animation were decent. NPCs, including both humans and animals, were drawn and animated in a lifelike manner. The palette was pleasing, except for a bit too much neon in the depiction of light. Depth of field could have been improved; building a mile away tend not to be crisply focused IRL. Up close, objects were beautifully detailed and textured.
Overall, both still graphics and animation were decent. NPCs, including both humans and animals, were drawn and animated in a lifelike manner. The palette was pleasing, except for a bit too much neon in the depiction of light. Depth of field could have been improved; building a mile away tend not to be crisply focused IRL. Up close, objects were beautifully detailed and textured.
MUSIC & SOUND (5/5★)
Gorgeous music! The title piece, “The Price of a Miracle,” begins with melancholic piano chords backed by a string section, then blooms into a full orchestral background with the woodwinds carrying the melody. “Crimson Guiding Light” combines ethereal piano arpeggios with muted horns. Ambient sounds are excellent, and voiceovers are top notch.
Gorgeous music! The title piece, “The Price of a Miracle,” begins with melancholic piano chords backed by a string section, then blooms into a full orchestral background with the woodwinds carrying the melody. “Crimson Guiding Light” combines ethereal piano arpeggios with muted horns. Ambient sounds are excellent, and voiceovers are top notch.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION EXTRAS (4/5★)
Extras include the bonus chapter, collectible picture pieces (with a slide-in box telling you how many are left in the scene) that offer jigsaw puzzles, replayable HO scenes and puzzles, performance achievements, the SG, and the dev’s portfolio of wallpapers, screensavers, concept art, movies, and soundtracks.
Extras include the bonus chapter, collectible picture pieces (with a slide-in box telling you how many are left in the scene) that offer jigsaw puzzles, replayable HO scenes and puzzles, performance achievements, the SG, and the dev’s portfolio of wallpapers, screensavers, concept art, movies, and soundtracks.
CONCLUSION (Overall Rating = 34★ ÷ 9 = 3.77★ rounded to ★★★½)
I’m rounding down to 3½ because the gameplay was so simplistic and, after all, this is a game. However, I don’t think this game is hopeless, and I may still purchase it because I enjoyed the storyline and do occasionally like a “rainy day game” that is less challenging. This would be a perfect game for beginners as well, so I recommend trying the demo.
I’m rounding down to 3½ because the gameplay was so simplistic and, after all, this is a game. However, I don’t think this game is hopeless, and I may still purchase it because I enjoyed the storyline and do occasionally like a “rainy day game” that is less challenging. This would be a perfect game for beginners as well, so I recommend trying the demo.
RECOMMENDED BY THIS DEV
These are games I rated at least ★★★★ at the time of their release. Some may be older, so please compare your system specs with the game requirements before downloading. Happy gaming!
These are games I rated at least ★★★★ at the time of their release. Some may be older, so please compare your system specs with the game requirements before downloading. Happy gaming!
• Bridge to Another World: Alice in Shadowland CE (2016)
• Living Legend: Frozen Beauty CE (2013)
• Living Legend: Frozen Beauty CE (2013)
Explore a fantastical world and save the King in this innovative new match-3 experience!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
I need an app with notifications to keep track of all the side quests in this game.
PostedDecember 6, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I like a good Match-3 game, but haven't bought many because most are clones of each other, only differing in their graphics, storyline, and music. This one looked different, and started out really well. Unfortunately, it suffered from needless complexity.
PROS:
• Good game mechanics with all the ‘usual suspects’ of a Match-3 game: slide to match, match four for a small bomb and five for a large bomb, ‘blocked’ areas of dirt/ice/chains that require multiple matches, amulets that must be dropped out the bottom, special items hidden within the grid.
• Multi-screen boards with the offscreen boards locked until you find the key, bridge, ladder, etc. that will open the mode of travel.
• Easily distinguishable icons to match.
• Lovely graphics with beautiful detail and a well-chosen palette.
• Good game mechanics with all the ‘usual suspects’ of a Match-3 game: slide to match, match four for a small bomb and five for a large bomb, ‘blocked’ areas of dirt/ice/chains that require multiple matches, amulets that must be dropped out the bottom, special items hidden within the grid.
• Multi-screen boards with the offscreen boards locked until you find the key, bridge, ladder, etc. that will open the mode of travel.
• Easily distinguishable icons to match.
• Lovely graphics with beautiful detail and a well-chosen palette.
CONS:
• Too many side quests to keep track of: between fulfilling the needs of the various citizens of the town, finding needed items to access offscreen boards, feeding and caring for my horse, playing the slot machine, ensuring I had enough resources to pass the gates, crafting things at the blacksmith…need I go on? This game wanted to fit into too many genres.
• Even in ‘relaxed mode,’ each board limited the number of moves you were allowed. Presumably, this will cause problems as the levels become more complex, making the term ‘relaxed mode’ a lie.
• The tutorial is sadly lacking regarding explaining the plethora of items encountered onscreen, the strategies required to progress, and the reasons behind most of what I was doing. It explains what you already know about Match-3 games, but not much specific about THIS game. I mean, the learning curve was Mount Everest with no guide and no equipment in the dead of winter.
• Too many side quests to keep track of: between fulfilling the needs of the various citizens of the town, finding needed items to access offscreen boards, feeding and caring for my horse, playing the slot machine, ensuring I had enough resources to pass the gates, crafting things at the blacksmith…need I go on? This game wanted to fit into too many genres.
• Even in ‘relaxed mode,’ each board limited the number of moves you were allowed. Presumably, this will cause problems as the levels become more complex, making the term ‘relaxed mode’ a lie.
• The tutorial is sadly lacking regarding explaining the plethora of items encountered onscreen, the strategies required to progress, and the reasons behind most of what I was doing. It explains what you already know about Match-3 games, but not much specific about THIS game. I mean, the learning curve was Mount Everest with no guide and no equipment in the dead of winter.
I won't commit to the 'recommend this game' question, because you may enjoy multitasking at a high level while having limited moves...lol. Give the demo a try.
Help Princess Mary to save her beloved Prince Jack who has been bewitched by the wicked witch!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Sideways cards? Playability is more important than a pictorial layout.
PostedDecember 6, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
No one plays any sort of card game with the cards laid out diagonally or sideways, because it makes them difficult to read. I get that this dev was looking for ways to vary the layout, but sacrificing playability was not the way to go about it.
Gameplay became monotonous because there was only one type of solitaire: the 'play one card up or one card down' type commonly known as 'Golf.' Regardless of the layout, the same game becomes boring after an hour.
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 73 found this review helpful
And now for something completely different!
PostedDecember 6, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
There are hundreds of versions of Mahjongg (or Shanghai), but this one offers so many varieties of innovative gameplay that it deserves five stars for that alone. Add in relaxing music, a soothing color scheme, and customizable options, and it's guaranteed five stars.
We're all familiar with typical Mahjongg gameplay: match the pairs of tiles from those available for play until you've cleared the board. The only variety most devs offer is different layouts and/or tile designs. This dev goes above and beyond to reinvent Mahjongg gameplay itself.
This is actually multiple games in one:
• MAHJONGG: This is the traditional game.
• BOTTOM TILES: You can only remove the tiles shown in the array at the bottom of the screen, but you can take multiples of the same one, as long as they’re not blocked.
• FOUR RIVERS: You can only remove matching tiles that can be connected through empty space by a line with no more than three turns.
• GREAT WALL: There are two layouts separated by a wall. For each pair, one tile must be taken from each side of the wall.
• LOGICAL PAIRS: Remove tiles that logically go together, like pen and ink, salt and pepper, etc.
• RAINBOW: Tiles in the seven colors of the rainbow are buried in the layout. Remove the blocking tiles in pairs and remove the rainbow tiles in order: ROYGBIV.
• SOLITAIRE: Tiles marked like a deck of cards are buried in the layout. Remove the blocking tiles in pairs and remove the four suits of cards from ace down through the face cards to the deuce.
• MAHJONGG: This is the traditional game.
• BOTTOM TILES: You can only remove the tiles shown in the array at the bottom of the screen, but you can take multiples of the same one, as long as they’re not blocked.
• FOUR RIVERS: You can only remove matching tiles that can be connected through empty space by a line with no more than three turns.
• GREAT WALL: There are two layouts separated by a wall. For each pair, one tile must be taken from each side of the wall.
• LOGICAL PAIRS: Remove tiles that logically go together, like pen and ink, salt and pepper, etc.
• RAINBOW: Tiles in the seven colors of the rainbow are buried in the layout. Remove the blocking tiles in pairs and remove the rainbow tiles in order: ROYGBIV.
• SOLITAIRE: Tiles marked like a deck of cards are buried in the layout. Remove the blocking tiles in pairs and remove the four suits of cards from ace down through the face cards to the deuce.
The layouts also vary so that each time you play, for example, Logical Pairs, you'll be playing a different game. I don't think I've actually enjoyed a Mahjongg game in 20 years, because they've all been exactly the same gameplay. This one was challenging and fun, and I’m definitely purchasing it. Give it a try!
I recommend this game!
Make your way around the North Pole and discover clues to help you solve a mystery in this festive and story driven solitaire game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Cute story, good gameplay, lacks variety
PostedDecember 6, 2016
LunaNik
fromWishing all fishies a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy New Year!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This would be a great family game, except that children might be frustrated with the timed mini-games.
PROS:
• Lots of chapters, each with many rounds
• Several difficulty levels
• Many different layout configurations
• Several cards with special powers
• Wide variety of "blocker" cards
• Storyline you can listen to or click through
• Customizable cursor, face cards, and deck design
• Separate volume for music and game sounds
• Can replay round for better score
• Excellent animation of the card game
• Lots of chapters, each with many rounds
• Several difficulty levels
• Many different layout configurations
• Several cards with special powers
• Wide variety of "blocker" cards
• Storyline you can listen to or click through
• Customizable cursor, face cards, and deck design
• Separate volume for music and game sounds
• Can replay round for better score
• Excellent animation of the card game
CONS
• Only one type of solitaire (commonly known as "Golf")
• Mini-game timers are extremely short, and I thought the mini-games were just distracting, to be honest
• Only one type of solitaire (commonly known as "Golf")
• Mini-game timers are extremely short, and I thought the mini-games were just distracting, to be honest