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:
Can you uncover the secrets of Crimson Hollow in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
45 of 52 found this review helpful
2½ stars...shaped keys for shaped locks, over and over again
PostedAugust 25, 2016
LunaNik
fromLet's see...I need a shaped amulet to unlock a box containing a shaped bas relief, which unlocks a cache containing a shaped medallion, which unlocks a chest containing...a screwdriver? Seriously? Who does that?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON
40 minutes of demo
40 minutes of demo
I CURRENTLY OWN
490 games
490 games
ONCE UPON A TIME - 2 stars
Once again, you’re Anna Gray, a detective with paranormal powers. A mysterious client has asked you to investigate the disappearances of girls from a local boarding school. All the girls were last seen at the mansion of Dorian Black. When you arrive at Black’s mansion, named Crimson Hollow after its peculiar flowers, he lures you in and captures you. You’ll have to extricate yourself, rescue Dorian’s latest captive, and solve multiple murders.
Once again, you’re Anna Gray, a detective with paranormal powers. A mysterious client has asked you to investigate the disappearances of girls from a local boarding school. All the girls were last seen at the mansion of Dorian Black. When you arrive at Black’s mansion, named Crimson Hollow after its peculiar flowers, he lures you in and captures you. You’ll have to extricate yourself, rescue Dorian’s latest captive, and solve multiple murders.
In my opinion, this game doesn’t stand on its own. Unless you’ve played the preceding games in the series, the storyline will leave you completely confused. Brief snippets of the other episodes’ stories are alluded to, but the context is poor. The Gray Saga is not recapped, and the brief explanations for Anna’s youth and her possession of her father’s skull just add inanity to the plot.
PLAY THE GAME - 2 stars
As is typical for this dev since the dawn of time, adventure mode consists mainly of finding and using infinite shaped medallions, amulets, keys, and bas reliefs. In the 40 minutes I played, I must have used at least 25 of them and still had an inventory full, plus needed to search for more. This activity is repetitive and boring, regardless of how beautifully the shaped items are rendered.
As is typical for this dev since the dawn of time, adventure mode consists mainly of finding and using infinite shaped medallions, amulets, keys, and bas reliefs. In the 40 minutes I played, I must have used at least 25 of them and still had an inventory full, plus needed to search for more. This activity is repetitive and boring, regardless of how beautifully the shaped items are rendered.
HO scenes present little challenge despite the variety of presentation. None of the objects are hidden; each scene is a junk pile with the objects in plain sight. There’s no challenge in this at all.
Puzzles range from easy to medium difficulty, offering more of a challenge. However, the puzzles that are challenging are also tedious.
• Using the list from one of the HO scenes and following the clue, select one word from each column to enter into the search engine. Medium challenge, low fun factor.
• Use left/right and up/down arrows to move blocks around until their configuration matches the lock’s pattern. Low challenge, medium fun factor.
• Play “pick up sticks” with padlocks and chains. Low challenge, low fun factor.
• A version of “water jars” presented as a three-part lock in which two parts require 8 spheres each. Using the left/right arrows between the parts, move the spheres back and forth between the parts. (“Water jars” is the puzzle where you have a 3-liter jar and a 5-liter jar, and you need 4 liters of water. This is much the same puzzle.) Medium challenge, medium fun factor.
• On a checkerboard, use four checkers to trap one checker in a corner. Low challenge, low fun factor.
• Using the list from one of the HO scenes and following the clue, select one word from each column to enter into the search engine. Medium challenge, low fun factor.
• Use left/right and up/down arrows to move blocks around until their configuration matches the lock’s pattern. Low challenge, medium fun factor.
• Play “pick up sticks” with padlocks and chains. Low challenge, low fun factor.
• A version of “water jars” presented as a three-part lock in which two parts require 8 spheres each. Using the left/right arrows between the parts, move the spheres back and forth between the parts. (“Water jars” is the puzzle where you have a 3-liter jar and a 5-liter jar, and you need 4 liters of water. This is much the same puzzle.) Medium challenge, medium fun factor.
• On a checkerboard, use four checkers to trap one checker in a corner. Low challenge, low fun factor.
SIGHTSEEING - 4 stars
Overall, the graphics’ palette is grays and blues with red accents. Backgrounds are dimensional with appropriate depth of field, and close-ups have incredible detail. NPCs are less successful; the proportions are off and their movements are not human. Cutscene and zoom animation is excellent.
Overall, the graphics’ palette is grays and blues with red accents. Backgrounds are dimensional with appropriate depth of field, and close-ups have incredible detail. NPCs are less successful; the proportions are off and their movements are not human. Cutscene and zoom animation is excellent.
SOUNDBOARD - 3 stars
The music is decent, but not spectacular. It fits the game theme. Environmental sounds are done well. Game sounds are not annoying, which is the best thing you can say about game sounds at the best of times. Voiceovers are professional, but the cutscenes are seriously dragged out. There’s a lot of pausing in the voiceovers, which is irritating. Cutscenes are long enough; don’t make them longer!
The music is decent, but not spectacular. It fits the game theme. Environmental sounds are done well. Game sounds are not annoying, which is the best thing you can say about game sounds at the best of times. Voiceovers are professional, but the cutscenes are seriously dragged out. There’s a lot of pausing in the voiceovers, which is irritating. Cutscenes are long enough; don’t make them longer!
TOOLBOX - 2 stars
Inventory locks open, but takes up a large portion of the screen and interferes with the “go back” hotspot. The map indicates available actions and transports. Your father’s skull functions as your helper; he dispenses advice and items for your inventory. You also have a time turner, allowing you to travel back in time. I found both skull and time turner to be overly gimmicky; both added additional cutscenes.
Inventory locks open, but takes up a large portion of the screen and interferes with the “go back” hotspot. The map indicates available actions and transports. Your father’s skull functions as your helper; he dispenses advice and items for your inventory. You also have a time turner, allowing you to travel back in time. I found both skull and time turner to be overly gimmicky; both added additional cutscenes.
BUGS & BOTHERS
No technical difficulties, bugs, lags, or annoyances with Mac OS 10.11.6.
No technical difficulties, bugs, lags, or annoyances with Mac OS 10.11.6.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY - 4 stars
Extras include the bonus chapter, strategy guide, performance achievements, morphing objects, collectible portraits, collectible puzzle pieces, a secret room, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds. Apparently, you cannot replay HO scenes and puzzles.
Extras include the bonus chapter, strategy guide, performance achievements, morphing objects, collectible portraits, collectible puzzle pieces, a secret room, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds. Apparently, you cannot replay HO scenes and puzzles.
CONCLUSION - Overall Rating: (2+2+4+3+2+4) ÷ 6 = 2.8 stars)
Given that the lowest ratings are for storyline, gameplay, and toolbox, I’m rounding my 2.8 down to 2.5 stars. The storyline failed to integrate the series as a whole, moved far too slowly, and included unnecessary cutscenes that were long and drawn out. Gameplay failed to challenge and, overall, wasn’t much fun. And the offered gimmicks appeared to be devices for the dev to include even more cutscenes rather than interesting and unique ways to advance gameplay.
Given that the lowest ratings are for storyline, gameplay, and toolbox, I’m rounding my 2.8 down to 2.5 stars. The storyline failed to integrate the series as a whole, moved far too slowly, and included unnecessary cutscenes that were long and drawn out. Gameplay failed to challenge and, overall, wasn’t much fun. And the offered gimmicks appeared to be devices for the dev to include even more cutscenes rather than interesting and unique ways to advance gameplay.
I don’t recommend this episode of Grim Tales, but I do recommend Bloody Mary and The Vengeance. Other notable games from this dev include Surface (Mystery of Another World, The Noise She Couldn’t Make, The Soaring City, and The Pantheon ONLY), Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love, and Mystery Trackers (The Void, Raincliff, Black Isle, Four Aces, and Silent Hollow ONLY). Happy gaming, fishies!
I don't recommend this game.
Something terrible lurks in the halls of Iron Gate Asylum…
Overall rating
2
/
5
37 of 48 found this review helpful
2½ stars...simple, repetitive, illogical
PostedAugust 21, 2016
LunaNik
fromPlease, no more jigsaws, marble solitaire, leapfrog, 8 queens, match 3, sudoku, matching pairs, simon says, tangrams, untangle ropes, pipes, towers of hanoi, lights on, rush hour, water jars, relative weights, etc.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I guess I’m just not easily impressed, because except for one HO scene and one puzzle, this game is just another example of a formulaic game that’s all style with no substance. It’s like clickbait: the trailer looks exciting and interesting, but the reality is anything but.
One HO scene is presented in a groundbreaking style. There’s a static background and a transparent overlay moveable using left/right and up/down sliders. For each object on the list, move the overlay relative to the background until the two halves of the object match up and the object glows. Other HO scenes are interactive list, find doubles, zoom box find multiple, and find words in the narrative.
Puzzles are mostly throwaways with difficulty levels ranging from toddler to third grade:
• Two 9-piece jigsaws, no piece rotation required.
• Simon Says, repeat 4 then repeat 5. (Assumption: this is a repeating puzzle since it involves using the lantern to temporarily banish the shadow.)
• Five columns of colored tiles that need to be sorted into their correct columns.
• An electrical conduit version of pipes, the pieces merely need to be rotated in place.
• A grid of 9 colored tokens with arrows that move the rows and columns, move the tokens into the correct rows.
And the one challenging puzzle:
• A keypad contains various numbers both with and without equation symbols. From the starting point, you can only move to adjacent keys. Find a way to reach the “enter” key with the correct total.
• Two 9-piece jigsaws, no piece rotation required.
• Simon Says, repeat 4 then repeat 5. (Assumption: this is a repeating puzzle since it involves using the lantern to temporarily banish the shadow.)
• Five columns of colored tiles that need to be sorted into their correct columns.
• An electrical conduit version of pipes, the pieces merely need to be rotated in place.
• A grid of 9 colored tokens with arrows that move the rows and columns, move the tokens into the correct rows.
And the one challenging puzzle:
• A keypad contains various numbers both with and without equation symbols. From the starting point, you can only move to adjacent keys. Find a way to reach the “enter” key with the correct total.
As far as adventure mode, most items you require will be found conveniently close to where you need them, and right when you need them. And I found the lantern to be just another gimmick. You’re cued when to use it to reveal the shadow, and there’s an annoying, simple, and boring mini-game related to it that, no doubt, repeats throughout the game.
And the logical lacunae cannot be ignored. Considering the guards have been trained to work in an asylum for the criminally insane, they’re utterly incompetent. Items that no one would bother to secure—like the aforementioned battery-less flashlight—are locked up using ridiculously complicated methods. While carrying a bulky oxygen tank and a large, supernatural lantern, you’re hands are magically free for swimming. An alcohol-soaked bandage somehow cures a man’s serious head wound, bringing him out of unconsciousness. Another man manages to survive having his neck snapped long enough to speak to you. And a flimsy snow shovel functions as a lever to move a bulky iron grating too heavy to you to lift. While I can certainly suspend my disbelief in game universes where magic occurs, if your game takes place in the “real world,” don’t ask me to believe that the laws of physics can be defied with impunity, or that everyone in the world you’ve created is certifiably insane.
Lastly, other than one obvious jump-scare, I didn’t find this game frightening. It lacked the phobic horror that MadHead presented so well in Maze: Subject 360. It didn’t have the atmospheric horror of Goblinz’ True Fear: Forsaken Souls. It didn’t evoke the visceral horror that Lesta’s Fright did. It even lacked the moral and ethical horror of Elephant’s Surface: The Pantheon. There was potential, given the shadow people myth, but it wasn’t realized.
I don’t recommend this one. Better games by MadHead include:
• Beyond: Light Advent
• Maze: Subject 360
• Rite of Passage: The Perfect Show, Child of the Forest, and Hide and Seek
• Cadenza: Music, Betrayal, and Death
• Beyond: Light Advent
• Maze: Subject 360
• Rite of Passage: The Perfect Show, Child of the Forest, and Hide and Seek
• Cadenza: Music, Betrayal, and Death
I don't recommend this game.
The ones who touch the artifact must die. Will you be next?
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 34 found this review helpful
Consign this to the Island of Forgotten Games
PostedAugust 18, 2016
LunaNik
fromEipix, can we talk? We love your production values, but you need to step up the gameplay. We're adults. Bored adults. Make challenging puzzles! Hide those objects! Engage us!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Myths of the World: Island of Forgotten Evil CE
Review based on full demo
Review based on full demo
PROLOGUE...
As has been the case with the overwhelming majority of Eipix games of late, Island of Forgotten Evil has tons of style and very little substance. There’s nothing new in the HO scenes, and most of the puzzles are ridiculously easy, fillers, or both. And the story develops far too slowly to engage the player.
As has been the case with the overwhelming majority of Eipix games of late, Island of Forgotten Evil has tons of style and very little substance. There’s nothing new in the HO scenes, and most of the puzzles are ridiculously easy, fillers, or both. And the story develops far too slowly to engage the player.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Ancient Romans discovered and managed to contain a source of evil by locking it in a box and charging two brothers to separately guard the box and its key. Vespasian, guardian of the box, succeeded. But Sabinius’ men imagined that the key unlocked a great treasure, and murdered him for it.
Ancient Romans discovered and managed to contain a source of evil by locking it in a box and charging two brothers to separately guard the box and its key. Vespasian, guardian of the box, succeeded. But Sabinius’ men imagined that the key unlocked a great treasure, and murdered him for it.
The key was passed down the generations of Vespasian’s family until your Uncle Harry found it. His discovery led to his death at the hands of an ancient curse. Now the curse is after you, and must simultaneously protect yourself, save your uncle’s colleagues, and put an end to the curse once and for all.
PLAY THE GAME...
From your uncle’s house on the Isle of Wight to hidden caves bearing artifacts and information and beyond, follow the clues Uncle Harry left you to find Valor’s Light, which will both protect you and help you on your quest.
From your uncle’s house on the Isle of Wight to hidden caves bearing artifacts and information and beyond, follow the clues Uncle Harry left you to find Valor’s Light, which will both protect you and help you on your quest.
HO scenes are typical of this dev, imaginative in their variety and often multi-layered, but quite simple. Find and use, find multiples to unlock the panels of an interactive list, silhouette, sketched rebuses. Each HO scene has a morphing object. Alternately, you can play a Match-3+ game.
Puzzles are mostly repetitive, boring, and easy with a couple exceptions. Here’s a sample of the ones in the demo:
• Using Valor’s Light, play hot-cold until you find four symbols in the scene. (easy and repeating)
• Using Valor’s Light, defeat the centurion ghost with a two-level puzzle. First, shuffle through patterns for each of four quadrants of a shield until you find the right four. The centurion will then attack and shatter the shield, initiating the second part, a toddler-level jigsaw puzzle. (easy and repeating)
• Help a caterpillar from one part of a tree to another using a limited number of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal pieces. (easy but adorable)
• Slide the gears to their correct locations while avoiding the constantly moving red tokens. If a red token collides with a gear, you start over. (challenging and fun)
• Using Valor’s Light, play hot-cold until you find four symbols in the scene. (easy and repeating)
• Using Valor’s Light, defeat the centurion ghost with a two-level puzzle. First, shuffle through patterns for each of four quadrants of a shield until you find the right four. The centurion will then attack and shatter the shield, initiating the second part, a toddler-level jigsaw puzzle. (easy and repeating)
• Help a caterpillar from one part of a tree to another using a limited number of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal pieces. (easy but adorable)
• Slide the gears to their correct locations while avoiding the constantly moving red tokens. If a red token collides with a gear, you start over. (challenging and fun)
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics were inconsistent, with stunning production values in some parts and unfinished looking shapes and textures in others. For example, in the scene with the ship, the water was rendered beautifully, making the shoreline appear artificial in contrast. The palette is fairly dark with lots of blues, browns, and greys. NPCs are handpainted, but move in a lifelike manner.
The graphics were inconsistent, with stunning production values in some parts and unfinished looking shapes and textures in others. For example, in the scene with the ship, the water was rendered beautifully, making the shoreline appear artificial in contrast. The palette is fairly dark with lots of blues, browns, and greys. NPCs are handpainted, but move in a lifelike manner.
SOUNDBOARD...
Environmental sounds and voiceovers were done extremely well, but I didn’t find the music memorable.
Environmental sounds and voiceovers were done extremely well, but I didn’t find the music memorable.
TOOLBOX...
Locked open inventory panel with plus items, transport map customizable to note goals and available actions, icons to indicate collectibles and morphing objects, and Valor’s Light for two repeating puzzles.
Locked open inventory panel with plus items, transport map customizable to note goals and available actions, icons to indicate collectibles and morphing objects, and Valor’s Light for two repeating puzzles.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties or annoyances with Mac OS 10.11.6.
No technical difficulties or annoyances with Mac OS 10.11.6.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Bonus chapter, collectible lyres, morphing objects in the HO scenes, souvenir room, replay puzzles/HO scenes/Match 3+ games, performance achievements, the SG, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds.
Bonus chapter, collectible lyres, morphing objects in the HO scenes, souvenir room, replay puzzles/HO scenes/Match 3+ games, performance achievements, the SG, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds.
EPILOGUE...
Gameplay didn’t engage me, with the exception of the gears puzzle, which was challenging, and the caterpillar puzzle, which was too cute for words. The rest just annoyed me. The HO scenes took less than a minute each. And I agree with sunnyglow that everything about Valor’s Light was gimmicky. Eipix, it’s time to scrap the formula you’re following.
Gameplay didn’t engage me, with the exception of the gears puzzle, which was challenging, and the caterpillar puzzle, which was too cute for words. The rest just annoyed me. The HO scenes took less than a minute each. And I agree with sunnyglow that everything about Valor’s Light was gimmicky. Eipix, it’s time to scrap the formula you’re following.
I don't recommend this game.
After a suspicious accident, you find yourself stranded at a run-down motel. But you soon realize the area hides a terrifying secret...
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Ignore my CE review...read this one instead.
PostedAugust 17, 2016
LunaNik
fromMore games with live actors! And that morphing thing with their faces...that was epic!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Fright SE
Review based on completed game
Review based on completed game
PROLOGUE...
I reviewed the CE demo earlier this year and gave it only two stars, citing a slowly-moving story and puzzles that were too simple. I’m happy to report I’ve changed my mind after having played the SE all the way through.
I reviewed the CE demo earlier this year and gave it only two stars, citing a slowly-moving story and puzzles that were too simple. I’m happy to report I’ve changed my mind after having played the SE all the way through.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
The dream seemed so real. You’re running through rows of corn, pursued by a dark fog, and scenes of terror surround you. Menacing scarecrows threaten you on one side while a murder of crows attacks on the other. Up ahead, you can see a little girl on a swing with her back to you. She vanishes, replaced by a house that decays before your eyes.
The dream seemed so real. You’re running through rows of corn, pursued by a dark fog, and scenes of terror surround you. Menacing scarecrows threaten you on one side while a murder of crows attacks on the other. Up ahead, you can see a little girl on a swing with her back to you. She vanishes, replaced by a house that decays before your eyes.
You awaken with a start, seated on a bus traveling through a cornfield. As you look out the window, you see sights familiar to you from your dream. Suddenly, crows fly across the road and the driver loses control. You both make your way to a nearby motel, only to discover that people have been disappearing in the vicinity for years.
As surreal things begin happening, you realize your dream was prophetic. The black fog is real, and it’s possessing the people at the motel, causing them to attack you. And the motel owner and his wife are acting really strange.
PLAY THE GAME...
The game area isn’t that large, consisting only of the motel, the owner’s house, part of the cornfield, and a chunk of the land and road leading to this bizarre vignette which seems to be detached from reality. Everything is in a state of decay; from clues, no one has been here for ten years until you and the other guests. This is an adventure-heavy game, but there are still plenty of HO scenes and puzzles.
The game area isn’t that large, consisting only of the motel, the owner’s house, part of the cornfield, and a chunk of the land and road leading to this bizarre vignette which seems to be detached from reality. Everything is in a state of decay; from clues, no one has been here for ten years until you and the other guests. This is an adventure-heavy game, but there are still plenty of HO scenes and puzzles.
HO scenes are all sequential list in which the items you find are used in the scene to find other items. All of them were initiated supernaturally. For example, in your role as the player, you might pick up a photo and get pulled into it for a HO scene. This effect/device was really cool, since you didn’t always know when it would happen: photo, TV, mirror, etc.
There were quite a few original puzzles and, while none were horribly difficult, most were enjoyable. Here’s a sample of my faves:
• Interact with Emma’s toy box: find and replace the items in the farmyard scene. (Similarly, interact with a diorama of the motel.)
• A panel with three labeled sliders has clues detailing the relationship among the three sliders (greater than, less than, equal to). Following the clues, move the sliders into the correct position. Four levels.
• On a map of the US, there are pins depicting something that can be found in each state. Swap them until each is on the correct state. (Yes, there’s a list of the states with theirs pins, so if you know which state is which, this makes the puzzle easy. I chose to ignore the list and just look at the pins themselves.)
• An origami instruction book details how to fold a paper airplane. For each step, push pins connected by string appear on your paper. Move the pins to create the correct fold lines for each of the eight steps.
• Using left/right arrows to aim and the red button to shoot, hit eight crows that are carrying corncobs with your tomato-shooting slingshot…LOL.
• Interact with Emma’s toy box: find and replace the items in the farmyard scene. (Similarly, interact with a diorama of the motel.)
• A panel with three labeled sliders has clues detailing the relationship among the three sliders (greater than, less than, equal to). Following the clues, move the sliders into the correct position. Four levels.
• On a map of the US, there are pins depicting something that can be found in each state. Swap them until each is on the correct state. (Yes, there’s a list of the states with theirs pins, so if you know which state is which, this makes the puzzle easy. I chose to ignore the list and just look at the pins themselves.)
• An origami instruction book details how to fold a paper airplane. For each step, push pins connected by string appear on your paper. Move the pins to create the correct fold lines for each of the eight steps.
• Using left/right arrows to aim and the red button to shoot, hit eight crows that are carrying corncobs with your tomato-shooting slingshot…LOL.
SIGHTSEEING...
Backgrounds are rendered extremely realistically down to the peeling paint, grunge on the kitchen stove, detailed wood grain and fabric, and reflective glass and metal. The palette is evocative of the time period in which the game is set, and is reminiscent of photographs from that era.
Backgrounds are rendered extremely realistically down to the peeling paint, grunge on the kitchen stove, detailed wood grain and fabric, and reflective glass and metal. The palette is evocative of the time period in which the game is set, and is reminiscent of photographs from that era.
Close-ups are crisp and detailed, and excellent use of light and shadow create dimension. Animation is absolutely stunning. And the live actors fit perfectly into the computer animation, especially when they become possessed! The transformation is seriously creepy.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music is atmospheric and lends itself well to the surreal theme of the game. There’s a repeating piano motif that reminds me of The Twilight Zone, as well as lots of ambient, horror movie-type soundscapes. Environmental sounds were excellent.
The music is atmospheric and lends itself well to the surreal theme of the game. There’s a repeating piano motif that reminds me of The Twilight Zone, as well as lots of ambient, horror movie-type soundscapes. Environmental sounds were excellent.
Voiceovers were a bit hit or miss, I thought. Given that the setting was Kansas, the accents were off. The cop on the radio sounded like a Brit who’d lived in Boston for the past 20 years, while both the elderly woman and the motel owner’s wife appeared to have learned English as a second language.
TOOLBOX...
Inventory locks open; there are no plus items. The map indicates areas where actions are available and transports, although the house and motel are on separate pages, thus requiring two clicks. The camera is the journal.
Inventory locks open; there are no plus items. The map indicates areas where actions are available and transports, although the house and motel are on separate pages, thus requiring two clicks. The camera is the journal.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.6. There were a couple of minor annoyances, however. The lip synching was off in a few places. And the map was kind of sketchy to navigate; you had to hover until the area lit up before clicking in order to transport, and it was tough to find the sweet spot.
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.6. There were a couple of minor annoyances, however. The lip synching was off in a few places. And the map was kind of sketchy to navigate; you had to hover until the area lit up before clicking in order to transport, and it was tough to find the sweet spot.
EPILOGUE...
While this was a traditional ‘vengeful ghost’ story, I thought the presentation and development were both done well. I happen to like adventure-heavy games, so I enjoyed thinking of ways to use the items in my inventory. I loved the interactive HO scenes and the way I was drawn into them, and about half the puzzles were fun. And the graphics were top notch.
While this was a traditional ‘vengeful ghost’ story, I thought the presentation and development were both done well. I happen to like adventure-heavy games, so I enjoyed thinking of ways to use the items in my inventory. I loved the interactive HO scenes and the way I was drawn into them, and about half the puzzles were fun. And the graphics were top notch.
So I do recommend this game, counter to my review of the CE. In fact, I may upgrade to to the CE. If you’ve only played the demo and found the story too slow, I did too. It gets better…much better. (I also recommend the Nightmare Realm series by this dev.) Happy gaming, fishies!
I recommend this game!
For years, Barton Mansion sat abandoned, a haunting reminder of an obsession gone wrong. But something sinister still lurked there...and it's stirring.
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Eye-Searing Neon Dimensions: Mindnumbing
PostedAugust 16, 2016
LunaNik
fromUgh. Matching pairs. Ok, another puzzle. Wait...matching pairs again? What the...? HO scene, HO scene, puzzle time! Seriously? Matching pairs?!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Mini-game: A ghost is obsessed with continually building her home and will commit any act, however heinous, to further her goal. Simultaneously, she is deathly afraid of matching pairs of symbols. To win this mini-game, resolve the cognitive dissonance created by this illogical situation. Bonus points if you can win without being blinded by the horrible use of overly bright colors.
Puzzle: During the demo, keep track of how many times this inane games requires you to play some version of matched pairs. Bonus points if you win without being lulled to sleep by the exact same music used in every episode of this series.
Super Puzzle: Develop a plan for extricating the awesome Siberian Husky from this disaster of a game universe. He deserves much better. Bonus points if you manage to trap the devs in their own dark dimensions, forced to play matching pairs for all eternity, or until they learn to release games for adults.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your world from darkness in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Your Call of the Ancestors has been forwarded to an automated answering system. At the tone, please hang up and don't call back.
PostedAugust 15, 2016
LunaNik
fromThis is no reflection of life. Life is not painted in shades of neon.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Reflections of Life: Call of the Ancestors CE
Review based on full demo
Review based on full demo
PROLOGUE...
Reflections of Life is a series that has been inconsistent in quality. Tree of Dreams had a great story, but horribly nonintuitive gameplay that included illogical use of inventory items, not helped by a dysfunctional map. Equilibrium, on the other hand, was an all-around five star game with original puzzles and bar-breaking HO scenes. Dark Architect, while not as good as its predecessor, was still worth playing. Call of the Ancestors plays like any number of games that have come out recently: lots of click bait, but not much in the way of substance once you’re on the hook.
Reflections of Life is a series that has been inconsistent in quality. Tree of Dreams had a great story, but horribly nonintuitive gameplay that included illogical use of inventory items, not helped by a dysfunctional map. Equilibrium, on the other hand, was an all-around five star game with original puzzles and bar-breaking HO scenes. Dark Architect, while not as good as its predecessor, was still worth playing. Call of the Ancestors plays like any number of games that have come out recently: lots of click bait, but not much in the way of substance once you’re on the hook.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Your sister Alice has just turned 21, though judging from her behavior when faced with a birthday present, she’s much too immature for the motorized scooter you gave her. Well, you won’t have to find out, because as soon as she opens your grandmother’s crystal ball, hooded cult members kidnap her and set your shop on fire. Fortunately, the spirit of a seer named Loreley inhabits the crystal ball and quickly fills you in on the backstory.
Your sister Alice has just turned 21, though judging from her behavior when faced with a birthday present, she’s much too immature for the motorized scooter you gave her. Well, you won’t have to find out, because as soon as she opens your grandmother’s crystal ball, hooded cult members kidnap her and set your shop on fire. Fortunately, the spirit of a seer named Loreley inhabits the crystal ball and quickly fills you in on the backstory.
Loreley was the last of a group of seers who imprisoned the evil Luther’s army within the Gates of Oblivion. Her dying act was to remove Luther from his body so he couldn’t free them. He’s been waiting these long centuries for another seer to come of age so he can possess her body, free his army, and…wait for it…take over the world!!! It’s all on you now.
PLAY THE GAME...
Leave your shop to burn to the ground—without even calling 911—and chase the cult to its lair, then join Loreley in the spirit world. HO scenes in the demo included minimally interactive list, find and use, find and replace, multiples, and all of one kind. Plus, there’s a repeating HO that narrates the backstory in which you find and replace objects among several pages, switching back and forth as necessary (reminiscent of the storybook HOs in Dark Architect).
Leave your shop to burn to the ground—without even calling 911—and chase the cult to its lair, then join Loreley in the spirit world. HO scenes in the demo included minimally interactive list, find and use, find and replace, multiples, and all of one kind. Plus, there’s a repeating HO that narrates the backstory in which you find and replace objects among several pages, switching back and forth as necessary (reminiscent of the storybook HOs in Dark Architect).
Puzzles in the demo included:
• Given a map divided into a grid, fold it along the grid lines, following the visual clues, to reveal the path to the cult’s lair (easy).
• A circle of arcane symbols has six fixed arrows inside it. Rotate the arrows until their symbols match the correct symbols in the circle. (Stupidly easy. If one arrow matches, they all do.)
• There are five rotating circles in an X-shape. The four corner ones are themed, and each has four tokens. The middle circle swaps tokens between the other four. Get all the tokens to their correct circles (medium).
• Two shards of glass at the top of the puzzle must reach their goals at the bottom. In the middle are rows of blocks, movable by left-right arrows. Move the arrows to allow the shards to drop down to their goals. A row cannot move if there’s a shard in it (easy).
• A variation of the “pipes” puzzle presents a grid with a potion droplet in the center and two flowers along the edge. Using all the given pipe-shaped vines, fill in the grid to ensure the potion can reach the flowers, connecting all loose ends and using all vine pieces (medium).
• Given a map divided into a grid, fold it along the grid lines, following the visual clues, to reveal the path to the cult’s lair (easy).
• A circle of arcane symbols has six fixed arrows inside it. Rotate the arrows until their symbols match the correct symbols in the circle. (Stupidly easy. If one arrow matches, they all do.)
• There are five rotating circles in an X-shape. The four corner ones are themed, and each has four tokens. The middle circle swaps tokens between the other four. Get all the tokens to their correct circles (medium).
• Two shards of glass at the top of the puzzle must reach their goals at the bottom. In the middle are rows of blocks, movable by left-right arrows. Move the arrows to allow the shards to drop down to their goals. A row cannot move if there’s a shard in it (easy).
• A variation of the “pipes” puzzle presents a grid with a potion droplet in the center and two flowers along the edge. Using all the given pipe-shaped vines, fill in the grid to ensure the potion can reach the flowers, connecting all loose ends and using all vine pieces (medium).
SIGHTSEEING...
Searing neon colors abound, often clashing with each other in one scene. For example, outside the shop, a virulent pink and purple sunset and an electric blue bus stop vie with an unholy reddish-orange conflagration for the privilege of branding the backs of your eyeballs.
Searing neon colors abound, often clashing with each other in one scene. For example, outside the shop, a virulent pink and purple sunset and an electric blue bus stop vie with an unholy reddish-orange conflagration for the privilege of branding the backs of your eyeballs.
The repeating backstory HO scenes have a cut-and-pasted look to them, independent of the fact that the objects on the list have actually been cut from their positions and pasted elsewhere into the scene. This is especially disappointing in light of how beautifully the storybook scenes were done in Dark Architect.
Quite a bit of the perspective seems off. I don’t mean the forced perspective that is used in some games to create an atmosphere; I mean scenes just look wrong. In the shop scene, for example, the shop is leaning toward the street so much that it looks like it’s about to fall over. And the entire scene is tilted, street and all. Graphically speaking, not this dev’s best work.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music was appropriate with some nice piano and orchestral work, but nothing really caught my ear. Environmental sounds were decent, and voiceovers were just ok. The lead character was a bit emotionless and made odd attempts to be humorous, which didn’t fit either her own situation or her attitude toward her sister’s. Loreley’s voice was excellent, but the shaman’s made him sound stupid which seemed judgmental to me.
The music was appropriate with some nice piano and orchestral work, but nothing really caught my ear. Environmental sounds were decent, and voiceovers were just ok. The lead character was a bit emotionless and made odd attempts to be humorous, which didn’t fit either her own situation or her attitude toward her sister’s. Loreley’s voice was excellent, but the shaman’s made him sound stupid which seemed judgmental to me.
TOOLBOX...
Lockable inventory panel with plus items. Jump map with “something to do here” indicators. Completely useless journal. Loreley in her crystal ball to banish evil enchantments, which struck me as a time-consuming gimmick.
Lockable inventory panel with plus items. Jump map with “something to do here” indicators. Completely useless journal. Loreley in her crystal ball to banish evil enchantments, which struck me as a time-consuming gimmick.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Collectible “familiars” which look like fur-covered rocks. An annoying slide-in banner pops up every time you find one. (Pro Tip to Devs from Gamers: Get rid of this!!! Just have an indicator alongside the inventory panel!) Bonus chapter details Loreley’s story, plus there’s a secret chapter (presumably if you collect all the familiars). Replay HOs and puzzles. Use the SG and peruse the dev’s portfolio of sights and sounds.
Collectible “familiars” which look like fur-covered rocks. An annoying slide-in banner pops up every time you find one. (Pro Tip to Devs from Gamers: Get rid of this!!! Just have an indicator alongside the inventory panel!) Bonus chapter details Loreley’s story, plus there’s a secret chapter (presumably if you collect all the familiars). Replay HOs and puzzles. Use the SG and peruse the dev’s portfolio of sights and sounds.
EPILOGUE...
It’s not for me. While the storyline might have had potential, the characters refused to behave as if they were actually part of the story. I mean, had hooded cult members burned down my shop, kidnapped my sister and allowed a demon to possess her, then killed me, I wouldn’t be frolicking around the spirit world marveling at the magic and making jokes.
It’s not for me. While the storyline might have had potential, the characters refused to behave as if they were actually part of the story. I mean, had hooded cult members burned down my shop, kidnapped my sister and allowed a demon to possess her, then killed me, I wouldn’t be frolicking around the spirit world marveling at the magic and making jokes.
Add awful graphics, subpar voiceovers, and just ok gameplay, and it’s a no from me. I do recommend Equilibrium and Dark Architect from this series, as well as Whispered Secrets: Everburning Candle, also from this dev. Happy gaming, fishies!
I don't recommend this game.
You're the last hope to stop the ancient curse!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
3½ stars for recycled music, simplistic mini-games, and a glitch
PostedAugust 8, 2016
LunaNik
fromI really should have left Fiora in the well. Or found some duct tape. It could happen! I found a package of nylons, didn't I?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lost Lands: The Golden Curse CE
Review based on completed demo + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on completed demo + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
In The Golden Curse, the emphasis is more on the adventure and HO portions of the game; the mini-games are mostly throwaways. Either they’re just too simplistic or they’re (once again) recycled programs from previous games. Not that there isn’t a lot to do here, but I found myself much more annoyed this time around than I was playing The Four Horsemen.
In The Golden Curse, the emphasis is more on the adventure and HO portions of the game; the mini-games are mostly throwaways. Either they’re just too simplistic or they’re (once again) recycled programs from previous games. Not that there isn’t a lot to do here, but I found myself much more annoyed this time around than I was playing The Four Horsemen.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Once again, Maaron has summoned Susan from our world to the Lost Lands. An ancient curse has been awakened by a treasure hunter, and monsters previously turned into harmless statues are returning to life to terrorize the citizens.
Once again, Maaron has summoned Susan from our world to the Lost Lands. An ancient curse has been awakened by a treasure hunter, and monsters previously turned into harmless statues are returning to life to terrorize the citizens.
This will be Susan’s most difficult quest to date, as she’ll not only have to defeat multiple evil beasts, but also return all the cursed items to the hoard, and banish them from the Lost Lands once and for all.
PLAY THE GAME...
Travel through five areas of the Lost Lands: the pastoral Druid Valley, the dangerous Dark Lands, the fabled Floating Islands, the underground Dungeon, and the surreal Castle of Madness. HO scenes are all find-and-replace silhouettes, each with a puzzle or mini-game.
Travel through five areas of the Lost Lands: the pastoral Druid Valley, the dangerous Dark Lands, the fabled Floating Islands, the underground Dungeon, and the surreal Castle of Madness. HO scenes are all find-and-replace silhouettes, each with a puzzle or mini-game.
Of the 25 mini-games, 6 were variations on jigsaw puzzles. Really, we’re adults. 3 were fairly simple ’swap tokens’ puzzles. There was also a (cringe) Towers of Hanoi, a (shudder) connect-the-dots, a (roll eyes) ball and cups Three Card Monte, and (stick tongue out) TWO matching pairs. They fell down on the mini-games this time. A few were enjoyable:
• This one was done in the first two games as well, but with differently-themed tokens. On a backdrop, there are two rotating circles bearing tokens and an area between them for swapping tokens from circle to circle. Rotate and swap until the tokens are in the correct spots, matching the backdrop.
• On a pegboard, place Tetris-shaped pieces to guide balls dropping from the top pipe into the four bottom pipes. You must get a ball into each of the four bottom pipes at least once.
• Play a version of Chutes & Ladders until you beat the monster. This would have been more fun (1) if there were more hazards on the board, and (2) if you actually moved your piece yourself.
• This one was done in the first two games as well, but with differently-themed tokens. On a backdrop, there are two rotating circles bearing tokens and an area between them for swapping tokens from circle to circle. Rotate and swap until the tokens are in the correct spots, matching the backdrop.
• On a pegboard, place Tetris-shaped pieces to guide balls dropping from the top pipe into the four bottom pipes. You must get a ball into each of the four bottom pipes at least once.
• Play a version of Chutes & Ladders until you beat the monster. This would have been more fun (1) if there were more hazards on the board, and (2) if you actually moved your piece yourself.
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics are spectacular, with lots of variation in environment, both exterior and interior. From the forbidding Dungeon with both rough caverns and dressed stone rooms, to the magical Floating Islands and their differing biomes, to the outrageous Castle of Madness where the laws of physics are suspended, a lot of care and attention went into creating realism by using perspective, depth of field, light and shadow, and incredible detail.
The graphics are spectacular, with lots of variation in environment, both exterior and interior. From the forbidding Dungeon with both rough caverns and dressed stone rooms, to the magical Floating Islands and their differing biomes, to the outrageous Castle of Madness where the laws of physics are suspended, a lot of care and attention went into creating realism by using perspective, depth of field, light and shadow, and incredible detail.
Animation is superb in both cutscenes and close-ups. NPCs move in a lifelike manner, although some of the lip synching was a bit reminiscent of the hinged jaw of a marionette.
SOUNDBOARD...
Again, the music is recycled, unfortunately. Since I played all three games in this series together, it was easy to recognize themes I’d heard before.
Again, the music is recycled, unfortunately. Since I played all three games in this series together, it was easy to recognize themes I’d heard before.
Environmental sounds are excellent and voiceovers are done well, which is good since the NPCs never shut up. This dev uses the device of having a NPC explain items to you when you click on them. Unfortunately, that feature repeats when you click on the same item again, and quickly becomes annoying. When you’re figuring out how to do something, you don’t want to hear, “The tea ingredients go here,” repeated ad nauseum. And Fiora’s constant chattering made me wish I’d left her in the well.
TOOLBOX...
The map is divided into the five areas, necessary since each areas is quite large. Active areas, collectibles, and morphing objects are indicated for each scene and next to the area title, so you don’t miss any. The inventory panel locks open and includes plus items, and the journal both narrates your journey and notes clues and patterns you’ll need.
The map is divided into the five areas, necessary since each areas is quite large. Active areas, collectibles, and morphing objects are indicated for each scene and next to the area title, so you don’t miss any. The inventory panel locks open and includes plus items, and the journal both narrates your journey and notes clues and patterns you’ll need.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3, although there is a glitch in the bonus game that has yet to be addressed. When making the antidote, if you do not follow the recipe exactly in order, you cannot take the pestle, even though you’ve added all ingredients and used the mortar to grind them.
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3, although there is a glitch in the bonus game that has yet to be addressed. When making the antidote, if you do not follow the recipe exactly in order, you cannot take the pestle, even though you’ve added all ingredients and used the mortar to grind them.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the bonus chapter, you play a young Sandra just after her parents’ ship crashes in the Dungeon of the Lost Lands, and you need to rescue them both.
In the bonus chapter, you play a young Sandra just after her parents’ ship crashes in the Dungeon of the Lost Lands, and you need to rescue them both.
Replay 25 mini-games (but none of the HO scenes). There are 7 jigsaws, some of which are only accessible if you collect all morphing objects, statuettes, manuscripts, and items for Susan’s purse. There’s also a quiz on the game content, and 20 puzzles where you must connect like-colored tokens on a grid without crossing lines.
In the dev’s portfolio are 8 wallpapers, 33 concept art, 23 cutscene videos, and 8 (not new) soundtracks. Lastly, you have the SG.
EPILOGUE...
I would recommend the SE version of The Golden Curse, if only to complete the series, but I’m not convinced this is CE-worthy for several reasons:
• The soundtrack, while downloadable, isn’t new music. It’s the same 8 tracks used in The Four Horsemen, 6 of which were used in Dark Overlord.
• The mini-games aren’t worthy of being replayed.
• The other extras offered—more jigsaw puzzles and 20 levels of connect-the-tokens—are uninteresting.
• You can’t replay the HO scenes, which were MUCH more interesting than the mini-games.
• The bonus game has a glitch, and you can’t get past it to finish the chapter.
I would recommend the SE version of The Golden Curse, if only to complete the series, but I’m not convinced this is CE-worthy for several reasons:
• The soundtrack, while downloadable, isn’t new music. It’s the same 8 tracks used in The Four Horsemen, 6 of which were used in Dark Overlord.
• The mini-games aren’t worthy of being replayed.
• The other extras offered—more jigsaw puzzles and 20 levels of connect-the-tokens—are uninteresting.
• You can’t replay the HO scenes, which were MUCH more interesting than the mini-games.
• The bonus game has a glitch, and you can’t get past it to finish the chapter.
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Horsemen are drawing nearer...on leather steeds they ride...
PostedAugust 7, 2016
LunaNik
fromPros: large, long game with lots to do. Cons: some recycled mini-games and music, NPCs that don't shut up.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Lost Lands: The Four Horsemen CE
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
The idea that there are parallel realms existing alongside our world, accessible to us through magical portals, has been an irresistible theme in literature, poetry, film, and gaming. And the Lost Lands series carries out that theme so well, transforming an ordinary mortal from our world into the heroine of the fantastic Lost Lands.
The idea that there are parallel realms existing alongside our world, accessible to us through magical portals, has been an irresistible theme in literature, poetry, film, and gaming. And the Lost Lands series carries out that theme so well, transforming an ordinary mortal from our world into the heroine of the fantastic Lost Lands.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
It seems like only yesterday Susan traveled the Lost Lands to rescue her son Jimmy from the clutches of the Dark Lord. While very little time has passed in our world, several centuries of peace have transpired there. But now, there’s a new threat: the dreaded Four Horsemen.
It seems like only yesterday Susan traveled the Lost Lands to rescue her son Jimmy from the clutches of the Dark Lord. While very little time has passed in our world, several centuries of peace have transpired there. But now, there’s a new threat: the dreaded Four Horsemen.
These aren’t the Four Horsemen of our world, but they’re just as deadly and just as evil. Representing fire, ice, darkness, and death, they ride in search of a magical artifact that will allow them access to parallel realms, including ours! The legend of Susan’s bravery against the Dark Lord has been passed down through generations, so Maaron calls her through a portal to help save the Lost Lands once again.
PLAY THE GAME...
Travel around five areas of the Lost Lands—Plains, Wasteland, Frozen Mountains, Swamps, and Darkwoods—in your quest to acquire the Golden Compass before the Four Horsemen do. HO scenes are find-and-replace silhouettes, often including a puzzle or mini-game.
Travel around five areas of the Lost Lands—Plains, Wasteland, Frozen Mountains, Swamps, and Darkwoods—in your quest to acquire the Golden Compass before the Four Horsemen do. HO scenes are find-and-replace silhouettes, often including a puzzle or mini-game.
Some of the mini-games are recycled from Lost Lands: Dark Overlord, but with a new design. There are also numerous variation of the jigsaw, including torn pages, rotating concentric circles, swap the wedges, sliders, and swap the pieces. However, most of them are more difficult than usual owing to the intricacy of the picture being assembled. My favorite mini-games:
• A pastoral backdrop contains two rotatable circles bearing animal and plant tokens. Between the circles is an area to swap tokens from one circle to another. Rotate the circles, swapping tokens as necessary, until the tokens are placed to match the backdrop.
• Given three rows of decorated weapons—hammers, swords, and axes—slide the frames to choose the three that best match the shields shown (8 levels).
• Place 8 monk figurines (who are holding their hands outstretched at different heights) correctly so that energy balls form between the monks.
• Three rotatable concentric circles each bear flower emblems. To each side, there are ‘free spaces’ where you can slide emblems from the outer two arcs. Rotate the circles and use the free spaces to line up the emblems so that all three circles match.
• A pastoral backdrop contains two rotatable circles bearing animal and plant tokens. Between the circles is an area to swap tokens from one circle to another. Rotate the circles, swapping tokens as necessary, until the tokens are placed to match the backdrop.
• Given three rows of decorated weapons—hammers, swords, and axes—slide the frames to choose the three that best match the shields shown (8 levels).
• Place 8 monk figurines (who are holding their hands outstretched at different heights) correctly so that energy balls form between the monks.
• Three rotatable concentric circles each bear flower emblems. To each side, there are ‘free spaces’ where you can slide emblems from the outer two arcs. Rotate the circles and use the free spaces to line up the emblems so that all three circles match.
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics are stunning. Panoramic scenery makes great use of depth of field to create realism so that it looks like you can step into the scene. Interiors use forced perspective to draw you in. And zoomed-in views like mini-games are incredibly detailed and dimensional.
The graphics are stunning. Panoramic scenery makes great use of depth of field to create realism so that it looks like you can step into the scene. Interiors use forced perspective to draw you in. And zoomed-in views like mini-games are incredibly detailed and dimensional.
Animation is superb with none of the cutscene blurriness that was present in Dark Lord. Clearly, The Four Horsemen was optimized for HD monitors. The cutscene preceding the bonus chapter was awesome, as was the depiction of Susan using the portals. NPCs are well-drawn and articulated, and move and lip synch realistically.
SOUNDBOARD...
Complaint time: Six of the eight soundtracks are exactly the same as those from Dark Lord. It’s fine to have the general series theme be the same, but seriously? This is just lazy. It’s a different game; write new music.
Complaint time: Six of the eight soundtracks are exactly the same as those from Dark Lord. It’s fine to have the general series theme be the same, but seriously? This is just lazy. It’s a different game; write new music.
Environmental sounds are excellent. Each area includes things like wind, chirping birds, and other ambient sounds that adds to immersion. Voiceovers are professional, but here I have another complaint.
In several areas, when you click on something, a NPC pops up and begins explaining what you’re viewing. Which is fine the first time you look at the item…but NOT fine when it happens every single time you click on it! And there was no way to shut them up. At the very least, the explanation should have occurred once with an option for repeated explanations with a “click here,” instead of automatically. It was extremely annoying to the point that I nearly didn’t WANT to give the apple to the dwarf to save his life.
TOOLBOX...
The map is divided into the areas I mentioned above, which is utterly necessary as each area is huge. There are indicators for available actions, morphing objects, and machine parts both at each scene and at the area tab. There’s also a journal which both narrates your journey and notes clues you find.
The map is divided into the areas I mentioned above, which is utterly necessary as each area is huge. There are indicators for available actions, morphing objects, and machine parts both at each scene and at the area tab. There’s also a journal which both narrates your journey and notes clues you find.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the bonus chapter, play Folnur the dwarf as Maaron sets him on his quest to protect Susan. Replay 21 mini-games (but none of the HO scenes). Collect all morphing objects, manuscript pages, and performance achievements and you’re rewarded with three ‘mosaics’ to complete. Collect all machine parts and you get 20 increasingly complicated pipes puzzles.
In the bonus chapter, play Folnur the dwarf as Maaron sets him on his quest to protect Susan. Replay 21 mini-games (but none of the HO scenes). Collect all morphing objects, manuscript pages, and performance achievements and you’re rewarded with three ‘mosaics’ to complete. Collect all machine parts and you get 20 increasingly complicated pipes puzzles.
There are 8 wallpapers, 32 concept art, 18 cutscene videos, and 8 downloadable soundtracks in the developer’s portfolio.
EPILOGUE...
Like Dark Lord, The Four Horsemen is a quite large and long game, well worth buying. I recommend both, but I’m subtracting a bit for recycled mini-games and music. Happy gaming, fishies!
Like Dark Lord, The Four Horsemen is a quite large and long game, well worth buying. I recommend both, but I’m subtracting a bit for recycled mini-games and music. Happy gaming, fishies!
I recommend this game!
Something pulled your son into a shimmering portal. Dive into a magical world to find him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
I definitely got lost in this one!
PostedAugust 6, 2016
LunaNik
fromBest animal helper ever! Quiet, unobtrusive owl who didn't bring me a single Howler.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lost Lands: Dark Overlord CE
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
I’ve always loved stories about parallel universes. There’s something about them that captures the imagination. Whether it’s Oz, Narnia, Xanth, Hogwarts, Wonderland, or just about any other world existing alongside ours, my outer adult is always ready to accompany my inner child to a new world.
I’ve always loved stories about parallel universes. There’s something about them that captures the imagination. Whether it’s Oz, Narnia, Xanth, Hogwarts, Wonderland, or just about any other world existing alongside ours, my outer adult is always ready to accompany my inner child to a new world.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Susan and her son Jimmy were driving when she received a phone call. When she responsibly pulled over near a forest to answer her cell, Jimmy followed the sound of his name being called, and was pulled through a portal by eldritch forces into a parallel world. Susan quickly followed and found herself in the Lost Lands, once a joyful magical world. But evil has seduced a citizen of the Lost Lands, and he is working to reincarnate a demon…using Jimmy’s body. Can Susan save Jimmy, defeat the demon, and restore the Lost Lands?
Susan and her son Jimmy were driving when she received a phone call. When she responsibly pulled over near a forest to answer her cell, Jimmy followed the sound of his name being called, and was pulled through a portal by eldritch forces into a parallel world. Susan quickly followed and found herself in the Lost Lands, once a joyful magical world. But evil has seduced a citizen of the Lost Lands, and he is working to reincarnate a demon…using Jimmy’s body. Can Susan save Jimmy, defeat the demon, and restore the Lost Lands?
PLAY THE GAME...
There are three large levels to explore: forest, mountains, and castles. Along the way, Susan will aid the residents of the Lost Lands, discover objects and tools that will advance her quest, repair broken items, and solve a plethora of puzzles.
There are three large levels to explore: forest, mountains, and castles. Along the way, Susan will aid the residents of the Lost Lands, discover objects and tools that will advance her quest, repair broken items, and solve a plethora of puzzles.
HO scenes include interactive list, generally with at least one area where you can zoom in, replace objects in the scene, and find and use the silhouetted objects.
Mini-games run the gamut from the range of jigsaw variations (torn pages, concentric rotating circles, swap the wedges) to several quite easy ones we’ve seen time and time again to the following, my favorites:
• On a pictorial backdrop, there are two rotating circles containing tokens, with a mechanism between the circles to swap tokens from one circle to another. Rotate and swap until each token is in its correct place according to the backdrop.
• Find the similarities between two pictures (much more difficult than ‘find the differences’).
• On a grid of blue and green squares, rotate groups of four squares to replicate the given pattern.
• Find and replace sections of a model of a castle.
• On a device with three concentric circles, each consisting of leaf emblems, rotate the outer two circles and use the ‘free spaces’ until all three circles match.
• On a grid with some squares blocked off and some marked with circles, move the token through all the circles on the grid, making sure not to cross your path.
• On a pictorial backdrop, there are two rotating circles containing tokens, with a mechanism between the circles to swap tokens from one circle to another. Rotate and swap until each token is in its correct place according to the backdrop.
• Find the similarities between two pictures (much more difficult than ‘find the differences’).
• On a grid of blue and green squares, rotate groups of four squares to replicate the given pattern.
• Find and replace sections of a model of a castle.
• On a device with three concentric circles, each consisting of leaf emblems, rotate the outer two circles and use the ‘free spaces’ until all three circles match.
• On a grid with some squares blocked off and some marked with circles, move the token through all the circles on the grid, making sure not to cross your path.
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics include charmingly hand-painted backgrounds with realistic depth of field and lush jewel tones, majestic interiors with sweeping perspective and incredible detail, and close-ups with stunning texture and dimension. Animation is smooth, although cutscenes are a touch blurry on a HD monitor. NPCs move and lip synch realistically.
The graphics include charmingly hand-painted backgrounds with realistic depth of field and lush jewel tones, majestic interiors with sweeping perspective and incredible detail, and close-ups with stunning texture and dimension. Animation is smooth, although cutscenes are a touch blurry on a HD monitor. NPCs move and lip synch realistically.
SOUNDBOARD...
All the musical pieces are orchestral, but each features a different section in the melodic portion of the piece. One offers a plaintive violin melody, while another presents a stirring horns section at the forefront. Still another showcases the woodwinds. All in all, I found the music to be appropriate to the theme and pleasantly ambient. Environmental sounds were appropriate and voiceovers were professional and well-acted for the most part.
All the musical pieces are orchestral, but each features a different section in the melodic portion of the piece. One offers a plaintive violin melody, while another presents a stirring horns section at the forefront. Still another showcases the woodwinds. All in all, I found the music to be appropriate to the theme and pleasantly ambient. Environmental sounds were appropriate and voiceovers were professional and well-acted for the most part.
TOOLBOX...
The map is divided into levels. Active areas are indicated both on each map, and next to the name of the area. And the map transports. The journal stores passwords and patterns Susan will need, as well as narrating the story. And the inventory includes an owl to fetch things that are out of reach, but he’s not used often, so he’s not an “annoying animal helper.”
The map is divided into levels. Active areas are indicated both on each map, and next to the name of the area. And the map transports. The journal stores passwords and patterns Susan will need, as well as narrating the story. And the inventory includes an owl to fetch things that are out of reach, but he’s not used often, so he’s not an “annoying animal helper.”
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the bonus chapter, Susan returns to the Lost Lands to help the Spirit of the Lake save the lake life from polluted waters. Replay 27 mini-games (but not HO scenes, unfortunately). For each of the 8 categories of collectibles you complete, you can solve a puzzle. Earn 24 performance achievements and use the SG. Lastly, there are 9 wallpapers, 9 concept art, 16 videos, and 6 downloadable soundtracks.
In the bonus chapter, Susan returns to the Lost Lands to help the Spirit of the Lake save the lake life from polluted waters. Replay 27 mini-games (but not HO scenes, unfortunately). For each of the 8 categories of collectibles you complete, you can solve a puzzle. Earn 24 performance achievements and use the SG. Lastly, there are 9 wallpapers, 9 concept art, 16 videos, and 6 downloadable soundtracks.
EPILOGUE...
Overall, Dark Overlord was a thoroughly enjoyable game. And it’s quite long too. While some of the mini-games were simplistic, and many of the usual devices for furthering the game—shaped medallions, broken items, and the like—were used, somehow it didn’t detract from the immersion and enjoyment. There was enough variety and the story was well-developed. I recommend this one. Happy gaming, fishies!
Overall, Dark Overlord was a thoroughly enjoyable game. And it’s quite long too. While some of the mini-games were simplistic, and many of the usual devices for furthering the game—shaped medallions, broken items, and the like—were used, somehow it didn’t detract from the immersion and enjoyment. There was enough variety and the story was well-developed. I recommend this one. Happy gaming, fishies!
I recommend this game!
Mysterious creatures are terrorizing the train!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Train to Hellswich? Hopefully, it's a one-way trip.
PostedAugust 4, 2016
LunaNik
fromYou're a detective, and you just disassembled a really useful gun...to get a spring. Turn in your badge, Detective.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Mystery Trackers: Train to Hellswich CE
Review based on partial demo
Review based on partial demo
PROLOGUE...
Mystery Trackers was once a groundbreaking series. Now, it’s typical of every Elephant game released lately:
• Storyline elements “borrowed” from others? Check.
• Same old mini-games suitable for grade school children? Check.
• HO scenes where nothing is really hidden? Check.
• Completely illogical actions? Check.
• 8,439,227 shaped medallions? Check.
Mystery Trackers was once a groundbreaking series. Now, it’s typical of every Elephant game released lately:
• Storyline elements “borrowed” from others? Check.
• Same old mini-games suitable for grade school children? Check.
• HO scenes where nothing is really hidden? Check.
• Completely illogical actions? Check.
• 8,439,227 shaped medallions? Check.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
You and Elf are finally taking a vacation. Once your train leaves the station, Dementors—sorry, I mean “mysterious hooded creatures”—begin terrorizing your fellow passengers. Fortunately, while they scare the life out of everyone else, they leave you alone to track the mystery of what they’re doing and why.
You and Elf are finally taking a vacation. Once your train leaves the station, Dementors—sorry, I mean “mysterious hooded creatures”—begin terrorizing your fellow passengers. Fortunately, while they scare the life out of everyone else, they leave you alone to track the mystery of what they’re doing and why.
PLAY THE GAME...
Explore the train to discover that an insane person, possibly you, has packed your vacation suitcase with both wool socks AND flip-flops, handcuffs (Really, detective?), a lone spoon, and other anomalous items. You’ll have to get inside not one, but two pouches with broken zippers within the first 15 minutes of this irrational game. Apparently, you forgot to pack your medication, because you disassemble a quite useful gun to get a spring which magically fits a lock that lacks one.
Explore the train to discover that an insane person, possibly you, has packed your vacation suitcase with both wool socks AND flip-flops, handcuffs (Really, detective?), a lone spoon, and other anomalous items. You’ll have to get inside not one, but two pouches with broken zippers within the first 15 minutes of this irrational game. Apparently, you forgot to pack your medication, because you disassemble a quite useful gun to get a spring which magically fits a lock that lacks one.
HO scenes include find two of each silhouette shown and minimally interactive list. Puzzles I encountered included dragging a star to fill a grid (ridiculously easy), a decoder puzzle using a clock face (easy), light three symbols by rotating the dial using the two buttons (medium), and a Match-3 to use the electronic unlocking device (easy).
SIGHTSEEING...
Graphics are beautifully rendered, detailed, and dimensional. Animation is smooth and fairly realistic. NPCs are hand-drawn, but realistic. The palette is pleasing.
Graphics are beautifully rendered, detailed, and dimensional. Animation is smooth and fairly realistic. NPCs are hand-drawn, but realistic. The palette is pleasing.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music is ok; nothing to write home about, but not overtly annoying either. Environmental sounds are done well. Voiceovers are professional.
The music is ok; nothing to write home about, but not overtly annoying either. Environmental sounds are done well. Voiceovers are professional.
TOOLBOX...
Inventory panel locks open, contains plus items, and includes a task bar. Jump map indicates areas where actions are available. Of course, you have Elf to help you get into tight places, and he’s fetchingly dressed in a Hawaiian shirt.
Inventory panel locks open, contains plus items, and includes a task bar. Jump map indicates areas where actions are available. Of course, you have Elf to help you get into tight places, and he’s fetchingly dressed in a Hawaiian shirt.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties on my iMac running OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Bonus chapter, performance achievements, the SG, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds. Collect puzzle pieces (for a jigsaw…woo hoo!) and morphing objects.
Bonus chapter, performance achievements, the SG, and the developer’s portfolio of sights and sounds. Collect puzzle pieces (for a jigsaw…woo hoo!) and morphing objects.
EPILOGUE...
Elephant has fallen into the Eipix habit: high production values masking simplistic and irrational gameplay and an unoriginal storyline. I don’t recommend this one. Better games by Elephant include:
• Grim Tales: Bloody Mary
• Mystery Trackers: Black Isle, Four Aces
• Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues
• Surface: Mystery of Another World, The Noise She Couldn’t Make, The Soaring City, The Pantheon
• Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love
Elephant has fallen into the Eipix habit: high production values masking simplistic and irrational gameplay and an unoriginal storyline. I don’t recommend this one. Better games by Elephant include:
• Grim Tales: Bloody Mary
• Mystery Trackers: Black Isle, Four Aces
• Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues
• Surface: Mystery of Another World, The Noise She Couldn’t Make, The Soaring City, The Pantheon
• Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love
I don't recommend this game.