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:
Could your little boy be the child of prophecy?
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
A storyline with promise, stunning graphics, gameplay too easy.
PostedJune 22, 2016
LunaNik
fromI wonder what Nobu will do when he grows up...
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Mythic Wonders: The Child of Prophecy CE
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
I enjoyed the first game in this series, The Philosopher’s Stone, although I only gave it four stars because it was too easy. It had an excellent storyline and a beautifully immersive quality. Here, I’ve had a similar reaction, although I think the storyline was not as well-developed, which is a shame because it’s rare for us to see a game based on a non-Western mythos.
I enjoyed the first game in this series, The Philosopher’s Stone, although I only gave it four stars because it was too easy. It had an excellent storyline and a beautifully immersive quality. Here, I’ve had a similar reaction, although I think the storyline was not as well-developed, which is a shame because it’s rare for us to see a game based on a non-Western mythos.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
It’s been nearly five years since an anonymous stranger left a baby boy on your doorstep, along with an indecipherable scroll. You named him Nobu and vowed to raise him as your own son.
It’s been nearly five years since an anonymous stranger left a baby boy on your doorstep, along with an indecipherable scroll. You named him Nobu and vowed to raise him as your own son.
One day, as Nobu’s fifth birthday is approaching, you leave him alone for a few minutes in order to attend to your duties. When you return, Nobu is gone, and someone has ransacked your cottage. Now, you make another vow: to find Nobu and bring him home…whatever it takes.
PLAY THE GAME...
HO scenes offer limited variety:
• find and replace while listening to the backstory
• minimally interactive list
• sequential silhouette
• morphing objects
Alternately, you can play mahjongg.
HO scenes offer limited variety:
• find and replace while listening to the backstory
• minimally interactive list
• sequential silhouette
• morphing objects
Alternately, you can play mahjongg.
Puzzles include:
• several best left to elementary schoolchildren: the Towers of Hanoi, Simon Says, several iterations of matching pairs, a version of Match-4 where the four must be different, follow simple instructions, guess the order
• move a flower along a knotted ribbon, crossing each knot before ending at the yellow knot (easy)
• complete a number crossword following the clue (medium)
• rotate four circles so their configurations match the given keys (easy)
• rotate glass overlays to match a central design (easy)
• using the given directional arrows, plan out moves on a grid to get the token to its destination (medium)
• using a bucket, catch fish while avoiding debris (easy)
• choose the correct symbols which represent the answers to the given riddles (medium)
• a version of all lights on (medium)
• swap the lower lock parts to match the patters on the upper parts (easy)
• a zen garden where you were supposed to separate the colored pebbles according to the given rules (unfortunately, the instructions were written so poorly, it was impossible to understand the rules)
• make the correct number of connections to each numbered mask (easy)
• rotate a round maze to move the ball to the marked goal (easy)
• several best left to elementary schoolchildren: the Towers of Hanoi, Simon Says, several iterations of matching pairs, a version of Match-4 where the four must be different, follow simple instructions, guess the order
• move a flower along a knotted ribbon, crossing each knot before ending at the yellow knot (easy)
• complete a number crossword following the clue (medium)
• rotate four circles so their configurations match the given keys (easy)
• rotate glass overlays to match a central design (easy)
• using the given directional arrows, plan out moves on a grid to get the token to its destination (medium)
• using a bucket, catch fish while avoiding debris (easy)
• choose the correct symbols which represent the answers to the given riddles (medium)
• a version of all lights on (medium)
• swap the lower lock parts to match the patters on the upper parts (easy)
• a zen garden where you were supposed to separate the colored pebbles according to the given rules (unfortunately, the instructions were written so poorly, it was impossible to understand the rules)
• make the correct number of connections to each numbered mask (easy)
• rotate a round maze to move the ball to the marked goal (easy)
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics are glorious from the panoramic scenery to the close-up of sushi that looked realistic enough to eat. The rendering of the NPCs is a bit inconsistent; some of the characters seemed more cartoonish while others appeared more realistic.
The graphics are glorious from the panoramic scenery to the close-up of sushi that looked realistic enough to eat. The rendering of the NPCs is a bit inconsistent; some of the characters seemed more cartoonish while others appeared more realistic.
SOUNDBOARD...
I became annoyed with the music’s repetition and turned it off. More variety would have been better. Voiceovers were professional and environmental sounds were decent.
I became annoyed with the music’s repetition and turned it off. More variety would have been better. Voiceovers were professional and environmental sounds were decent.
TOOLBOX...
Inventory locks open and includes plus items. The jump map indicates where actions are available. There are no adorable animal helpers or magical items, except the memory potion, which is used automatically when you acquire a scroll.
Inventory locks open and includes plus items. The jump map indicates where actions are available. There are no adorable animal helpers or magical items, except the memory potion, which is used automatically when you acquire a scroll.
OH BOTHER!
The vocal track disappeared in a few areas, then returned. Other than that, I experienced no technical difficulties playing on my iMac with OS 10.11.3.
The vocal track disappeared in a few areas, then returned. Other than that, I experienced no technical difficulties playing on my iMac with OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
This game is definitely not CE-worthy. In the bonus chapter, help Satoshi find the shards of the magic mirror and end the feud between a god and goddess. Find 52 morphing origami cranes (but if you don’t find them in-game, there’s no opportunity to go back and get the ones you missed). Other than that, there’s the SG, wallpapers, and music.
This game is definitely not CE-worthy. In the bonus chapter, help Satoshi find the shards of the magic mirror and end the feud between a god and goddess. Find 52 morphing origami cranes (but if you don’t find them in-game, there’s no opportunity to go back and get the ones you missed). Other than that, there’s the SG, wallpapers, and music.
EPILOGUE...
I don’t recommend the CE because it’s not worth double the price. If you’re in the mood for a relatively easy game with beautiful graphics, and a unique storyline based in Japanese legend, then you may enjoy Child of Prophecy. Give the demo a try. I also recommend The Philosopher’s Stone, the first game in this series.
I don’t recommend the CE because it’s not worth double the price. If you’re in the mood for a relatively easy game with beautiful graphics, and a unique storyline based in Japanese legend, then you may enjoy Child of Prophecy. Give the demo a try. I also recommend The Philosopher’s Stone, the first game in this series.
Can you help the people of this frozen world?
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Not a perfect Voyage, but a huge improvement over the last two.
PostedJune 18, 2016
LunaNik
fromGiven a choice, could I choose summer neverending?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Amaranthine Voyage: Winter Neverending CE
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on completed game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
I have a love-hate-whatever relationship with this series, as evidenced by my reviews.
• I loved and recommend “The Living Mountain” and “The Shadow of Torment.”
• I hated “The Obsidian Book” and “The Orb of Purity.”
• “The Tree of Life” is in the whatever category.
I have a love-hate-whatever relationship with this series, as evidenced by my reviews.
• I loved and recommend “The Living Mountain” and “The Shadow of Torment.”
• I hated “The Obsidian Book” and “The Orb of Purity.”
• “The Tree of Life” is in the whatever category.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Eve Glover is back, and with a new job description: Savior of Troubled Worlds. She’s received a distress call from Corra, an arctic world perpetually covered in snow and ice. But it wasn’t always that way.
Eve Glover is back, and with a new job description: Savior of Troubled Worlds. She’s received a distress call from Corra, an arctic world perpetually covered in snow and ice. But it wasn’t always that way.
After going through the portal, Eve meets up with the rebellion and learns that the man in power, Terius Tar, is a tyrant with a loyal army he has dubbed Harvesters. Terius’ reign of terror includes a sacrificial rite called the Thawing Ceremony. Those who are chosen, allegedly for the great honor of aiding the thaw, never return. The rebellion seeks to find an artifact to overthrow Terius, an artifact that will control the Pylon’s weather center and return Corra to its natural cycle of seasons.
Meanwhile, there’s another race of beings on Corra: the Burrowers. They live underground and prevent access to the weather center, killing all Corrans who make the attempt. Can Eve dispel the neverending winter? Can she heal the rift between the Corrans and the Burrowers?
PLAY THE GAME...
Travel around the settlement, gathering items and information, and avoiding the Harvesters. HO scenes include interactive list, silhouette, matching pairs, find morphing objects, find multiples of two different objects to unlock list panels, and riddles. You can play bubble popper instead.
Travel around the settlement, gathering items and information, and avoiding the Harvesters. HO scenes include interactive list, silhouette, matching pairs, find morphing objects, find multiples of two different objects to unlock list panels, and riddles. You can play bubble popper instead.
Puzzles are about half retreads and half original and range in difficulty from relatively simple to quite difficult:
• rotate mirrors to reflect lasers in five colors from origination to destination
• use left/right arrows to navigate a sled following the given map
• rotate squares on a grid so that the tokens at their corners are aligned with their matching symbols
• select eight labeled buttons correctly, following the Harvesters’ Oath
• move tokens to their marked destinations, but you may only move them by jumping them over each other
• difficult nonogram/picross using pieces that slide until they meet an obstacle, so strategy is key
• copy the given patterns onto a honeycomb grid where the trick is in deciding placement
…and more.
• rotate mirrors to reflect lasers in five colors from origination to destination
• use left/right arrows to navigate a sled following the given map
• rotate squares on a grid so that the tokens at their corners are aligned with their matching symbols
• select eight labeled buttons correctly, following the Harvesters’ Oath
• move tokens to their marked destinations, but you may only move them by jumping them over each other
• difficult nonogram/picross using pieces that slide until they meet an obstacle, so strategy is key
• copy the given patterns onto a honeycomb grid where the trick is in deciding placement
…and more.
SIGHTSEEING...
I didn’t feel that the graphics and animation were up to Eipix’s usual amazing production. For an arctic world with snow everywhere and avalanches a constant threat, it didn’t snow much. There was no wildlife. The underground world seemed too clean given that the areas Eve was exploring had been abandoned for years. There was no dust, particulate matter in the air, etc.
I didn’t feel that the graphics and animation were up to Eipix’s usual amazing production. For an arctic world with snow everywhere and avalanches a constant threat, it didn’t snow much. There was no wildlife. The underground world seemed too clean given that the areas Eve was exploring had been abandoned for years. There was no dust, particulate matter in the air, etc.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music is excellent, varied and interesting. There are ambient soundscapes, motif variations, dramatic percussive accents, orchestral pieces both sweet and stirring, and more. Voiceovers are professional, but I thought environmental sounds could have been stepped up.
The music is excellent, varied and interesting. There are ambient soundscapes, motif variations, dramatic percussive accents, orchestral pieces both sweet and stirring, and more. Voiceovers are professional, but I thought environmental sounds could have been stepped up.
TOOLBOX...
Inventory locks open and includes plus items. The jump map indicates active areas. There is, thankfully, a complete lack of cute animal helpers.
Inventory locks open and includes plus items. The jump map indicates active areas. There is, thankfully, a complete lack of cute animal helpers.
OH BOTHER!
Despite the recent Mac update, the game failed to recognize that I’d successfully completed the puzzle in the Hall of MIrrors. I ended up having to skip it so I could move forward. I’ve contacted Eipix.
Despite the recent Mac update, the game failed to recognize that I’d successfully completed the puzzle in the Hall of MIrrors. I ended up having to skip it so I could move forward. I’ve contacted Eipix.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the bonus chapter, venture outside the settlement to deal with an illness being spread by the Exiles. Replay HO scenes, puzzles, and bubble popper. Collect “signs,” which are the odd globes in each scene, and morphing objects in the HO scenes. Earn performance achievements. Revisit Corra and collect items for your souvenir room. Download soundtracks and wallpapers, and view concept art and videos. And utilize the SG.
In the bonus chapter, venture outside the settlement to deal with an illness being spread by the Exiles. Replay HO scenes, puzzles, and bubble popper. Collect “signs,” which are the odd globes in each scene, and morphing objects in the HO scenes. Earn performance achievements. Revisit Corra and collect items for your souvenir room. Download soundtracks and wallpapers, and view concept art and videos. And utilize the SG.
EPILOGUE...
Overall, this is one of those games I’m not fully comfortable recommending wholeheartedly, so I’ll recommend that you try the demo. It gets kudos for original puzzles. I do recommend both “The Living Mountain” and “The Shadow of Torment” in the Amaranthine Voyage series. Happy gaming!
Overall, this is one of those games I’m not fully comfortable recommending wholeheartedly, so I’ll recommend that you try the demo. It gets kudos for original puzzles. I do recommend both “The Living Mountain” and “The Shadow of Torment” in the Amaranthine Voyage series. Happy gaming!
Not all fairy tales are just stories…
Overall rating
2
/
5
33 of 35 found this review helpful
This Tale should have remained Lost.
PostedJune 17, 2016
LunaNik
fromPlease bring back Surface's original storylines! And live actors.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Surface: Lost Tales CE
Review based on completed demo
Review based on completed demo
PROLOGUE...
From its inception, Surface was a groundbreaking casual game series. Its premise was appearances are deceptive, and sometimes reality goes deeper than what you see on the surface.
From its inception, Surface was a groundbreaking casual game series. Its premise was appearances are deceptive, and sometimes reality goes deeper than what you see on the surface.
In “Mystery of Another World,” a parallel universe was under the surface. In “The Noise She Couldn’t Make,” a young woman’s personality had fractured, creating a villainous creature bent upon her destruction. In “The Soaring City,” a genius inventor learned that his good intentions did not always translate into the greater good. And in “The Pantheon,” a terrifying alien conspiracy relating to missing persons was uncovered.
The story lines behind the first four installments in the Surface series were well-written and developed. Sadly, with the fifth installment, the series went downhill and has remained there, presenting derivative story lines and repetitive gameplay. The “movies intertwining with real life” scenario of “Reel Life” has been done multiple times, including by Sir Terry Pratchett in his Discworld series, and anthologized in Terri Windling’s Bordertown series. “Game of Gods” was clearly a Jumanji rip-off. The “all the adults have disappeared” theme of “Alone in the Mist” has been explored many times, including William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” and Cloud 9’s television series “The Tribe.” And immersion in “Return to Another World” was impossible given the consistent irrationality of its game design.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Here we have another derivative story line…and a confusing, tangled mess. Take every fairy tale you can think of and toss them in a blender, then press purée. Cross that with a woman in our modern world who, for no apparent reason, suddenly discovers that she’s really Cinderella, and part of the “Council of Princesses” which is in charge of Fairyland while the Princes are out battling the evil threatening its borders. To add to the confusion, her cat IRL turns out to be the Cheshire Cat from Wonderland. Really, Elephant…just tromp all over my childhood with combat boots, why don’t you?
Here we have another derivative story line…and a confusing, tangled mess. Take every fairy tale you can think of and toss them in a blender, then press purée. Cross that with a woman in our modern world who, for no apparent reason, suddenly discovers that she’s really Cinderella, and part of the “Council of Princesses” which is in charge of Fairyland while the Princes are out battling the evil threatening its borders. To add to the confusion, her cat IRL turns out to be the Cheshire Cat from Wonderland. Really, Elephant…just tromp all over my childhood with combat boots, why don’t you?
PLAY THE GAME...
As is typical for Elephant games, you’ll be finding a gazillion medallions, amulets, tokens, and bas reliefs to fit into matching indentations to unlock doors, boxes, chests, and caches. Otherwise, things you need are either broken, incomplete, or in the hands of a fairyland denizen who refuses to hand it over unless you trade.
As is typical for Elephant games, you’ll be finding a gazillion medallions, amulets, tokens, and bas reliefs to fit into matching indentations to unlock doors, boxes, chests, and caches. Otherwise, things you need are either broken, incomplete, or in the hands of a fairyland denizen who refuses to hand it over unless you trade.
HO scenes include mildly interactive list, silhouette, sequential silhouette, pairs, unlock panels to reveal lists, and return items to the scene. None are challenging.
Puzzles include:
• using left/right arrows to navigate your car around obstacles,
• using left/right, up/down, big/small controls to assemble a puzzle,
• swap monster tokens to their country of origin,
• swap figurines to match diagnoses,
• repair a net by choosing the correct three portions of each symbol presented (of the ten shown),
• get Cinderella to the ball by interacting with the scene,
• jump tokens over each other until only one remains,
• move a key through a maze of glass tubing using magnets.
• using left/right arrows to navigate your car around obstacles,
• using left/right, up/down, big/small controls to assemble a puzzle,
• swap monster tokens to their country of origin,
• swap figurines to match diagnoses,
• repair a net by choosing the correct three portions of each symbol presented (of the ten shown),
• get Cinderella to the ball by interacting with the scene,
• jump tokens over each other until only one remains,
• move a key through a maze of glass tubing using magnets.
SIGHTSEEING...
I still miss the live actors. Backgrounds have a handpainted look, and there’s lots of forced perspective. In places, the graphics have a cut-and-pasted appearance to them because shadows are lacking. This isn’t Elephant’s best work.
I still miss the live actors. Backgrounds have a handpainted look, and there’s lots of forced perspective. In places, the graphics have a cut-and-pasted appearance to them because shadows are lacking. This isn’t Elephant’s best work.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music is lovely, appropriate to the theme. Voiceovers are ok, although the grunting of the Huntsman got on my nerves after awhile. Environmental sounds were decent.
The music is lovely, appropriate to the theme. Voiceovers are ok, although the grunting of the Huntsman got on my nerves after awhile. Environmental sounds were decent.
TOOLBOX...
Inventory locks open and there are plus items. The jump map indicates active areas. No animal helpers, thankfully.
Inventory locks open and there are plus items. The jump map indicates active areas. No animal helpers, thankfully.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Bonus game that doesn’t relate to the main story, SG, morphing objects, collectible Surface flowers, performance achievements, and the developer’s portfolio.
Bonus game that doesn’t relate to the main story, SG, morphing objects, collectible Surface flowers, performance achievements, and the developer’s portfolio.
EPILOGUE...
Once again, I recommend buying the first four and not bothering with the rest of this series. I still replay Mystery of Another World, The Noise She Couldn’t Make, The Soaring City, and Pantheon. Happy gaming!
Once again, I recommend buying the first four and not bothering with the rest of this series. I still replay Mystery of Another World, The Noise She Couldn’t Make, The Soaring City, and Pantheon. Happy gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Your son is lost in a deserted mansion. Discover the strange things that occurred here to save your child!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
4½ stars...more adventure games, please!
PostedMay 1, 2016
LunaNik
fromNo junk piles. No jigsaw puzzles. No shaped medallions. No illogical nonsense. I'm in adventure game heaven! Please, BFG, could I have some more?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Parallels Cross
Review based on completed game
Review based on completed game
PROLOGUE...
As I’m a diehard adventure gamer, Parallels Cross was right up my alley. Not a HO scene in sight! Puzzles that actually required me to stretch my brain, not simply complete a silly jigsaw puzzle suitable for a 3-year-old. While this game lacks the bells and whistles of most modern games, it more than makes up for it with challenging gameplay and a storyline that tantalizes without being spoonfed to you.
As I’m a diehard adventure gamer, Parallels Cross was right up my alley. Not a HO scene in sight! Puzzles that actually required me to stretch my brain, not simply complete a silly jigsaw puzzle suitable for a 3-year-old. While this game lacks the bells and whistles of most modern games, it more than makes up for it with challenging gameplay and a storyline that tantalizes without being spoonfed to you.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
While on a trip with your son Jake, you come across a detour because trees have fallen across the road. Upon taking the detour, it too is blocked by a fallen tree. While examining the blockage, Jake runs from the car to a nearby mansion. For some reason, he refuses to listen to you telling him to wait.
While on a trip with your son Jake, you come across a detour because trees have fallen across the road. Upon taking the detour, it too is blocked by a fallen tree. While examining the blockage, Jake runs from the car to a nearby mansion. For some reason, he refuses to listen to you telling him to wait.
When you arrive on the grounds of the mansion, it’s abandoned, but you glimpse Jake through one of the windows. Finally, you manage to get inside and, from the clues, realize that the mansion was used for scientific experiments involving gifted children. What prompted Jake to come here? Where are the other children? What happened here?
PLAY THE GAME...
Despite being labeled a hidden object game, there are no HO scenes in this game. It’s purely a first person adventure game with puzzles. There is no hand-holding; you’re left alone to observe the environment in combination with your inventory and determine what needs to be done. Even the black bar tips, in most cases, will only hint at your course of action…a refreshing change.
Despite being labeled a hidden object game, there are no HO scenes in this game. It’s purely a first person adventure game with puzzles. There is no hand-holding; you’re left alone to observe the environment in combination with your inventory and determine what needs to be done. Even the black bar tips, in most cases, will only hint at your course of action…a refreshing change.
Puzzles range from relatively simple to fiendishly difficult, and include:
• A three-dimensional maze where you must move the token to the destination. It sounds simple, but there are optical illusions revealed only when you rotate the maze. Also, you can move and rotate one path of the maze. This one was my favorite.
• Using a lab set, create a levitating formula following the recipe, which is a logic puzzle.
• Unlock a safe using a substitution cipher according to the clue you’ve found. There are several possibilities.
• Given a grid of hexagons and seven light, light up all the hexagons. When you come to a dead end, you’ll have to choose another lights. You’ll have to strategize and plan out the seven paths so you don’t run out of lights.
• A three-dimensional maze where you must move the token to the destination. It sounds simple, but there are optical illusions revealed only when you rotate the maze. Also, you can move and rotate one path of the maze. This one was my favorite.
• Using a lab set, create a levitating formula following the recipe, which is a logic puzzle.
• Unlock a safe using a substitution cipher according to the clue you’ve found. There are several possibilities.
• Given a grid of hexagons and seven light, light up all the hexagons. When you come to a dead end, you’ll have to choose another lights. You’ll have to strategize and plan out the seven paths so you don’t run out of lights.
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics are reminiscent of old school adventure games, fairly static environments, but beautifully detailed textures. The NPCs are well rendered, but minimally animated.
The graphics are reminiscent of old school adventure games, fairly static environments, but beautifully detailed textures. The NPCs are well rendered, but minimally animated.
SOUNDBOARD...
There’s not music, as such, but ambient soundscapes that really accent the idea that the mansion and grounds are abandoned. Environmental sounds are somewhat lacking, although there are sounds for actions you take. There are no voiceovers.
There’s not music, as such, but ambient soundscapes that really accent the idea that the mansion and grounds are abandoned. Environmental sounds are somewhat lacking, although there are sounds for actions you take. There are no voiceovers.
TOOLBOX...
The inventory panel doesn’t lock open, which is a bit annoying. (I tended to move my mouse to the side when I wanted to “go back,” so I wouldn’t trigger it.) The map does transport, but merely shows areas you’ve completed, not areas with active objectives. Like I said, no hand-holding. And the journal is a necessity, as it stores clues you’ll need…passwords, patterns, pictures, and the like.
The inventory panel doesn’t lock open, which is a bit annoying. (I tended to move my mouse to the side when I wanted to “go back,” so I wouldn’t trigger it.) The map does transport, but merely shows areas you’ve completed, not areas with active objectives. Like I said, no hand-holding. And the journal is a necessity, as it stores clues you’ll need…passwords, patterns, pictures, and the like.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
EPILOGUE...
The best way to play an adventure game is slowly. Take your time! Observe each environment you enter with an eye toward items that might be useful, areas of interest, etc. We’ve become so used to relying on sparkling areas and changing cursors that we become frustrated when a developer requires us to actually think. This game does. And it’s awesome. Happy gaming!
The best way to play an adventure game is slowly. Take your time! Observe each environment you enter with an eye toward items that might be useful, areas of interest, etc. We’ve become so used to relying on sparkling areas and changing cursors that we become frustrated when a developer requires us to actually think. This game does. And it’s awesome. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Is the notorious Axiom Butcher back from the grave?
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 35 found this review helpful
The Elephant needs new game concepts.
PostedApril 30, 2016
LunaNik
from"I'm going to hide an ordinary, useful object, then lock it away by creating an indentation that requires a matching medallion. While I'm at it, I'll hide (and possibly lock up) the medallion. Yeah. I'm going to do that for everything," said no one ever.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I lasted 15 minutes into the demo before exiting in disgust. My inventory was already full of medallions, amulets, bas reliefs, and token. I'd visited only three areas and all of them were riddled with shaped indentations.
The lack of logic had already reared its ugly head. Why would you keep a spare oven knob in your garage? And keep it locked up as if it were something precious? If you're managing a hotel that's open to guests, why is everything in the place falling apart?
Apparently, I'm the minority who believes that familiarity breeds contempt. This game is a rehash of every other Elephant game of the past five years. I wouldn't play it if it were free.
I don't recommend this game.
Confront an ancient evil and uncover your true! After a startling revelation changes your world forever, you must embark on an epic journey to save mankind.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Even at the end of the game, this History remained Untold.
PostedApril 30, 2016
LunaNik
fromAfter playing this game, I still don't know what happened.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Untold History: Descendant of the Sun CE
Review based on completed game
Review based on completed game
PROLOGUE...
Untold History is an apt title for this game. Even though I’ve finished playing, I feel like I still don’t know what happened. The storyline was extremely confusing, mostly because it lacked backstory, so there was little context in which to place your character and her actions, the villains she encountered, and the various deities. Because of this, playing the game felt rote, like I was going through the motions for no real purpose that I could understand.
Untold History is an apt title for this game. Even though I’ve finished playing, I feel like I still don’t know what happened. The storyline was extremely confusing, mostly because it lacked backstory, so there was little context in which to place your character and her actions, the villains she encountered, and the various deities. Because of this, playing the game felt rote, like I was going through the motions for no real purpose that I could understand.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Aarya discovers she is the Descendant of the Sun, heir to a powerful magical artifact. She sets off on a quest to find it, constantly threatened but not really hampered by the forces of darkness. She fights two villains, easily defeating them. Once Aarya finds the artifact, the game abruptly ends with no resolution regarding her new role, or the fate of the villains.
Aarya discovers she is the Descendant of the Sun, heir to a powerful magical artifact. She sets off on a quest to find it, constantly threatened but not really hampered by the forces of darkness. She fights two villains, easily defeating them. Once Aarya finds the artifact, the game abruptly ends with no resolution regarding her new role, or the fate of the villains.
PLAY THE GAME...
This aims to be a story-driven game, but there are a million loose threads that fail to ever be woven into the storyline, so it feels fractured and disconnected. Aarya travels through nearly every type of biome imaginable—grassy steppe, desert wasteland, lush oasis, rocky cave, steep mountain, verdant jungle—collecting things to help further her quest.
This aims to be a story-driven game, but there are a million loose threads that fail to ever be woven into the storyline, so it feels fractured and disconnected. Aarya travels through nearly every type of biome imaginable—grassy steppe, desert wasteland, lush oasis, rocky cave, steep mountain, verdant jungle—collecting things to help further her quest.
There are tons of junkpile HO scenes, all minimally interactive list, and you’ll receive two objects from each one. Mini-games run the gamut from simple to moderate difficulty, both retreads and originals. A few examples…
• Choose the correct of four cards based on the given riddle.
• Place Tetris-like pieces on a grid, ensuring that like symbols are in the same column.
• A pentacle has colored seed pods at its five points. Exchange the seeds along the lines of the star so each seed matches the color of its pod. The circle rotates after each move, so strategy is required.
• On a map of planetary orbits, move each of five tokens along spots in the orbits to its destination.
• Move a rectangular block through a grid and into the hole. The block flips from its short side to its long side, so you have to plan your moves.
• Choose the correct of four cards based on the given riddle.
• Place Tetris-like pieces on a grid, ensuring that like symbols are in the same column.
• A pentacle has colored seed pods at its five points. Exchange the seeds along the lines of the star so each seed matches the color of its pod. The circle rotates after each move, so strategy is required.
• On a map of planetary orbits, move each of five tokens along spots in the orbits to its destination.
• Move a rectangular block through a grid and into the hole. The block flips from its short side to its long side, so you have to plan your moves.
SIGHTSEEING...
The backgrounds are gorgeous, as are items in close up, like mini-games and zoomed-in actions. HO scenes have a more cut-and-paste look to them. NPCs aren’t articulated and don’t move in a lifelike manner, nor do they lip-synch.
The backgrounds are gorgeous, as are items in close up, like mini-games and zoomed-in actions. HO scenes have a more cut-and-paste look to them. NPCs aren’t articulated and don’t move in a lifelike manner, nor do they lip-synch.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music reminded me of a soundtrack to a fantasy quest movie. It was definitely appropriate for the game. Environmental sounds were decent, and voiceovers were professional.
The music reminded me of a soundtrack to a fantasy quest movie. It was definitely appropriate for the game. Environmental sounds were decent, and voiceovers were professional.
TOOLBOX...
Lockable inventory panel, but no plus items. That is, there are some, but they combine automatically when you get both parts. The map indicates active tasks and transports. The journal collects the pages you find here and there, which mostly give information on the story.
Lockable inventory panel, but no plus items. That is, there are some, but they combine automatically when you get both parts. The map indicates active tasks and transports. The journal collects the pages you find here and there, which mostly give information on the story.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties with Mac OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Bonus chapter (which I haven’t played yet), the SG, wallpapers, music, and concept art. Not much for a CE.
Bonus chapter (which I haven’t played yet), the SG, wallpapers, music, and concept art. Not much for a CE.
EPILOGUE...
I really wish the story had been better developed, and the HO scenes had been more modern. The mini-games were excellent, but the HO scenes became boring. Since the storyline was confusing, there wasn’t much impetus to finish the game. I suggest trying the demo for yourself.
I really wish the story had been better developed, and the HO scenes had been more modern. The mini-games were excellent, but the HO scenes became boring. Since the storyline was confusing, there wasn’t much impetus to finish the game. I suggest trying the demo for yourself.
It's up to you and your canine companion to save the city!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 22 found this review helpful
I'm on the fence with this one, neither over- nor under-, just whelmed.
PostedApril 28, 2016
LunaNik
from"Driven by pure will and coffee beans" is, literally, the story of my life. Coffee is liquid life.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Edge of Reality: Ring of Destiny CE
Review based on completed demo
Review based on completed demo
PROLOGUE...
Ring of Destiny hangs on an interesting but somewhat convoluted storyline. There were too many different kinds of magical artifacts. I think things would have been much clearer if the crystals were like magical batteries…charge them and let them imbue other things, like the guard’s spear in the beginning. It would have been more intuitive that way. “Ooh…there’s a crystal I can charge. Then when I see an object with a crystal setting, I’ll recognize it as a magical object.” Know what I mean?
Ring of Destiny hangs on an interesting but somewhat convoluted storyline. There were too many different kinds of magical artifacts. I think things would have been much clearer if the crystals were like magical batteries…charge them and let them imbue other things, like the guard’s spear in the beginning. It would have been more intuitive that way. “Ooh…there’s a crystal I can charge. Then when I see an object with a crystal setting, I’ll recognize it as a magical object.” Know what I mean?
ONCE UPON A TIME...
When you adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever named Ice, the last thing you expected was that he was a messenger from another world. Ice chose you to wear the Ring of Destiny, a magical artifact with numerous powers. Before you even have time to get used to the idea, you’re whisked off to the world of Agora where the dark creatures of its prison labyrinth are close to breaking free and wreaking havoc on the world. You have very little time to learn how to use the Ring and its powers. The fate of Agora is, quite literally, in your hands.
When you adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever named Ice, the last thing you expected was that he was a messenger from another world. Ice chose you to wear the Ring of Destiny, a magical artifact with numerous powers. Before you even have time to get used to the idea, you’re whisked off to the world of Agora where the dark creatures of its prison labyrinth are close to breaking free and wreaking havoc on the world. You have very little time to learn how to use the Ring and its powers. The fate of Agora is, quite literally, in your hands.
PLAY THE GAME...
Travel around Agora finding needed items for your quest, fixing broken things, and assembling incomplete objects. The denizens of Agora may help or hinder you, but doing them favors might get them on your side.
Travel around Agora finding needed items for your quest, fixing broken things, and assembling incomplete objects. The denizens of Agora may help or hinder you, but doing them favors might get them on your side.
HO scenes include interactive silhouette, interactive list, find key words from a narrative, correctly find ingredients in a recipe based on the clues, and FROG.
Mini-games were all relatively easy and included:
• a repeating test of dexterity involving using the mouse to drag a token along the lines of a rune
• a swap pieces jigsaw where a bit of strategy was required, as only certain spots could be swapped
• navigate through the dark forest by helping Ice sniff out the correct path, matching footprints in three levels of increasing difficulty
• translate a dragon’s speech by finding relevant objects in the scene
• a repeating match-3+ to charge magical objects
• destroy the shadow figures by moving the wizard to spaces adjacent to them
• guide Ice through a monster-infested swamp by moving him through a grid of numbered squares where the numbers predict when the monsters will appear
• a repeating test of dexterity involving using the mouse to drag a token along the lines of a rune
• a swap pieces jigsaw where a bit of strategy was required, as only certain spots could be swapped
• navigate through the dark forest by helping Ice sniff out the correct path, matching footprints in three levels of increasing difficulty
• translate a dragon’s speech by finding relevant objects in the scene
• a repeating match-3+ to charge magical objects
• destroy the shadow figures by moving the wizard to spaces adjacent to them
• guide Ice through a monster-infested swamp by moving him through a grid of numbered squares where the numbers predict when the monsters will appear
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics fit perfectly with the fantasy theme with charmingly hand-painted landscapes, stark and monotone villains, adorable fairyland creatures, and your loyal and handsome pup Ice. Animation is not completely realistic, but done well nonetheless.
The graphics fit perfectly with the fantasy theme with charmingly hand-painted landscapes, stark and monotone villains, adorable fairyland creatures, and your loyal and handsome pup Ice. Animation is not completely realistic, but done well nonetheless.
SOUNDBOARD...
I found the music somewhat monotonous, too dramatic. I would have preferred ambient music and more environmental sounds. Voiceovers were professional.
I found the music somewhat monotonous, too dramatic. I would have preferred ambient music and more environmental sounds. Voiceovers were professional.
TOOLBOX...
Interactive jump map that indicates areas with available tasks. Lockable inventory panel with plus items. And the Ring, of course, which gives you quite a few magical powers (as you learn them).
Interactive jump map that indicates areas with available tasks. Lockable inventory panel with plus items. And the Ring, of course, which gives you quite a few magical powers (as you learn them).
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties or bothersome issues with Mac OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties or bothersome issues with Mac OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
Discover the Queen of Shadow’s past in the bonus chapter. Replay HO scenes and mini-games. Collect hidden dragons in each scene. Earn performance achievements. Other candy includes the SG and the developer’s portfolio of music, wallpapers, screensavers, movies, and concept art.
Discover the Queen of Shadow’s past in the bonus chapter. Replay HO scenes and mini-games. Collect hidden dragons in each scene. Earn performance achievements. Other candy includes the SG and the developer’s portfolio of music, wallpapers, screensavers, movies, and concept art.
EPILOGUE...
This is one of those middle-of-the-road games that, after the demo, I’m not sure whether I like. On the one hand, there were some original HO presentations and mini-games. And the storyline has promise. On the other hand, the game was really easy, and the story elements were a bit confusing. So, my recommendation is to try the demo.
This is one of those middle-of-the-road games that, after the demo, I’m not sure whether I like. On the one hand, there were some original HO presentations and mini-games. And the storyline has promise. On the other hand, the game was really easy, and the story elements were a bit confusing. So, my recommendation is to try the demo.
Solve the mysteries of Stoneville and escape with your life!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A good, solid game with plenty of variety.
PostedApril 27, 2016
LunaNik
fromI can only imagine how high the life insurance premiums are for League of Light detectives.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
League of Light: Silent Mountain CE
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
After six months of waiting, Mariaglorum finally released a patch for the Mac version. (See the “Oh bother!” section.) I’ve enjoyed the other entries in this series, so I’m glad I got a chance to play this one.
After six months of waiting, Mariaglorum finally released a patch for the Mac version. (See the “Oh bother!” section.) I’ve enjoyed the other entries in this series, so I’m glad I got a chance to play this one.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Your colleague Louise has gone rogue in the mountains near Stoneville, so the League of Light assigns you to find her. Soon, you’re hot on her heels…but so are a group of strange guards using magical weapons that turn people and things to stone. Louise says the League is lying to you, and quickly loses you in a mountain maze hiding a dangerous secret that could destroy the League…and the world.
Your colleague Louise has gone rogue in the mountains near Stoneville, so the League of Light assigns you to find her. Soon, you’re hot on her heels…but so are a group of strange guards using magical weapons that turn people and things to stone. Louise says the League is lying to you, and quickly loses you in a mountain maze hiding a dangerous secret that could destroy the League…and the world.
PLAY THE GAME...
There’s lot of back-and-forth to find items and tools in the various areas, necessary to unlock, reveal, fix, and assemble things. HO scenes include interactive list, sequential silhouette, and one-item FROGs. One repeating HO scene narrates the backstory; each scene is briefly narrated, then requires you to find four of a particular item.
There’s lot of back-and-forth to find items and tools in the various areas, necessary to unlock, reveal, fix, and assemble things. HO scenes include interactive list, sequential silhouette, and one-item FROGs. One repeating HO scene narrates the backstory; each scene is briefly narrated, then requires you to find four of a particular item.
Mini-games are legion in this game and range from fairly simple to medium difficulty. A brief sample:
• “Program” the figurine’s journey to his destination using plus and minus number tiles to avoid the fires.
• In first person perspective, click on the arrows to steer the boat and avoid obstacles that appear out of the mist.
• On a grid, move colored squares to their matching destinations. The squares will move until they hit an obstacle, so this requires strategy. Three levels, increasing in difficulty.
• Boss puzzle: aim and hit four randomly moving skulls, then aim at the “boss” by clicking on the horizontal and vertical bars when their sliders are in the green sections.
• “Program” the figurine’s journey to his destination using plus and minus number tiles to avoid the fires.
• In first person perspective, click on the arrows to steer the boat and avoid obstacles that appear out of the mist.
• On a grid, move colored squares to their matching destinations. The squares will move until they hit an obstacle, so this requires strategy. Three levels, increasing in difficulty.
• Boss puzzle: aim and hit four randomly moving skulls, then aim at the “boss” by clicking on the horizontal and vertical bars when their sliders are in the green sections.
SIGHTSEEING...
The graphics are richly detailed and sumptuously colored. Each scene has a depth of field that makes it look as though you can step into your computer. Brilliant use of light and shadow add realism, especially in the animations. And the NPCs are well-rendered, moving and acting quite lifelike.
The graphics are richly detailed and sumptuously colored. Each scene has a depth of field that makes it look as though you can step into your computer. Brilliant use of light and shadow add realism, especially in the animations. And the NPCs are well-rendered, moving and acting quite lifelike.
SOUNDBOARD...
The music is somewhat varied but not spectacular. Environmental sounds could have been stepped up a bit, I thought. Voiceovers were professional, although the NPCs did have a tendency to monologue.
The music is somewhat varied but not spectacular. Environmental sounds could have been stepped up a bit, I thought. Voiceovers were professional, although the NPCs did have a tendency to monologue.
TOOLBOX...
Interactive jump map that indicates active objectives. “!” icon details your current goal. Owl icon notes whether you’ve found the collectible owl in the scene. Lockable inventory panel with simple and complex plus items.
Interactive jump map that indicates active objectives. “!” icon details your current goal. Owl icon notes whether you’ve found the collectible owl in the scene. Lockable inventory panel with simple and complex plus items.
OH BOTHER!
Previously, the game had a glitch that made it unplayable. Since I had enjoyed the demo (up until the glitch), I’m glad they fixed it. I finished the demo without issues and decided to purchase. The patch works perfectly…I had no technical issues with the game on Mac OS 10.11.3
Previously, the game had a glitch that made it unplayable. Since I had enjoyed the demo (up until the glitch), I’m glad they fixed it. I finished the demo without issues and decided to purchase. The patch works perfectly…I had no technical issues with the game on Mac OS 10.11.3
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the bonus chapter, derail a plot to exterminate the League of Light by its nemesis, the Shadow Guards. Collect owls and character figurines for no substantive reason, just a performance achievement. If you earn all the achievements, you get the pieces for a jigsaw puzzle. Oh, joy. You can go back and get the ones you missed.
In the bonus chapter, derail a plot to exterminate the League of Light by its nemesis, the Shadow Guards. Collect owls and character figurines for no substantive reason, just a performance achievement. If you earn all the achievements, you get the pieces for a jigsaw puzzle. Oh, joy. You can go back and get the ones you missed.
You cannot replay HO scenes or mini-games, so that’s a huge negative against the CE. Other extras include the SG, downloadable music and wallpapers, and concept art. The bonus chapter does, however, occur in entirely new areas, not areas recycled from the main game. And it’s fairly lengthy.
EPILOGUE...
All in all, this was a fairly solid game. I would have liked the CE to have included the ability to replay the HO scenes and mini-games, and wish that collecting all the owls actually unlocked something. For those reasons, I’d get this game on sale…which I did. Try the other two games in this series as well: Dark Omens and Wicked Harvest. Happy gaming!
All in all, this was a fairly solid game. I would have liked the CE to have included the ability to replay the HO scenes and mini-games, and wish that collecting all the owls actually unlocked something. For those reasons, I’d get this game on sale…which I did. Try the other two games in this series as well: Dark Omens and Wicked Harvest. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
A fire at the local asylum takes on a supernatural life of its own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
4½ stars...may this dev's creative candle be everburning!
PostedApril 26, 2016
LunaNik
fromThanking my lucky stars that no one can Section 12 me, although I can't help but wonder what supernatural power I'd develop.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Whispered Secrets: Everburning Candle CE
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
And we have a winner, fishies! Everburning Candle combines a well-thought-out storyline with appropriate backstory, ending, and denouement; interesting gameplay; and stunning production.
And we have a winner, fishies! Everburning Candle combines a well-thought-out storyline with appropriate backstory, ending, and denouement; interesting gameplay; and stunning production.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
A fire at the local asylum uncovers a dastardly plot involving a group of unusual patients dubbed “the Outcasts” with supernatural powers. Even though there was no medical need, the Outcasts were locked up in the asylum by those they trusted, in collusion with the asylum’s greedy Director.
A fire at the local asylum uncovers a dastardly plot involving a group of unusual patients dubbed “the Outcasts” with supernatural powers. Even though there was no medical need, the Outcasts were locked up in the asylum by those they trusted, in collusion with the asylum’s greedy Director.
Betrayed by their loved ones and abused by the Director and Head Nurse, the Outcasts are filled with negative emotion which has fueled their powers. And they’re very, very angry.
PLAY THE GAME...
Explore the asylum and confront the Outcasts one by one. Find clues about their lives to convince them that revenge is unnecessary. Along the way, you’ll run into a variety of HO scenes, including:
• Interactive list
• Narrated backstory - find the words in all caps
• Puzzle cube - find and replace, spinning the cube to see the other side
• Several multi-panel find and replace - themes include x-rays, bulletin boards, story books, and tapestries
The multi-panel ones were my favorite, and were actually challenging.
Explore the asylum and confront the Outcasts one by one. Find clues about their lives to convince them that revenge is unnecessary. Along the way, you’ll run into a variety of HO scenes, including:
• Interactive list
• Narrated backstory - find the words in all caps
• Puzzle cube - find and replace, spinning the cube to see the other side
• Several multi-panel find and replace - themes include x-rays, bulletin boards, story books, and tapestries
The multi-panel ones were my favorite, and were actually challenging.
Mini-games included both retreads and originals, ranging from fairly easy to medium difficulty, including:
• Untangle the crossed spider webs, but be careful; red ones can break if you stretch them too far.
• Restore the broken pieces to a decorative door while a monster is breaking it apart.
• A 6x3 Sudoku with three-dimensional figurines.
• Resuscitate a patient following the on-screen instructions, including unblocking his airways, taking his pulse, and performing CPR.
• Move the token through the maze, turning the crossroads as needed, and crossing colored spots to open new pathways.
There was a decent variety, and most weren’t throwaway.
• Untangle the crossed spider webs, but be careful; red ones can break if you stretch them too far.
• Restore the broken pieces to a decorative door while a monster is breaking it apart.
• A 6x3 Sudoku with three-dimensional figurines.
• Resuscitate a patient following the on-screen instructions, including unblocking his airways, taking his pulse, and performing CPR.
• Move the token through the maze, turning the crossroads as needed, and crossing colored spots to open new pathways.
There was a decent variety, and most weren’t throwaway.
SIGHTSEEING...
Eye candy, including the backgrounds, close-up details, and NPCs. Naturally, there was a lot of creepiness, but there were plenty of dream sequences that were brightly colored to break up the darker tones. Details were impeccable with beautifully crisp lines. And the NPCs were very realistic.
Eye candy, including the backgrounds, close-up details, and NPCs. Naturally, there was a lot of creepiness, but there were plenty of dream sequences that were brightly colored to break up the darker tones. Details were impeccable with beautifully crisp lines. And the NPCs were very realistic.
SOUNDBOARD...
With ten musical compositions, your ears will be happy. Most of them are ambient in nature, rather than overly melodic…soundscapes, if you will. “Angelina’s Song” is the one number that is sung. On the surface, it sounds like a child’s song…until you listen to the horrifying lyrics sung in a little girl’s voice.
With ten musical compositions, your ears will be happy. Most of them are ambient in nature, rather than overly melodic…soundscapes, if you will. “Angelina’s Song” is the one number that is sung. On the surface, it sounds like a child’s song…until you listen to the horrifying lyrics sung in a little girl’s voice.
A couple of other descriptions: “Asylum’s Whispers” combines a backdrop of muted tubular bells with whispers both in the background and more loudly. “Darkest Hour” has a melodic theme played on both music box and piano against a backdrop of strings.
Environmental sounds are done well, and voiceovers are really professional. I always have an issue with children’s parts being voiced by adults using falsettos, but the children in this game sounded like kids.
TOOLBOX...
Lockable inventory panel with plus items. Interactive jump map that notes current objectives. Journal that stores clues and other items.
Lockable inventory panel with plus items. Interactive jump map that notes current objectives. Journal that stores clues and other items.
OH BOTHER!
No technical difficulties on Mac OS 10.11.3.
No technical difficulties on Mac OS 10.11.3.
OOH! PIECE OF CANDY...
In the lengthy bonus chapter, discover how Angelina was lured into Fiona’s plan for revenge. Collect all 36 marbles and play a concentric circles jigsaw to unlock a brief second bonus chapter in which you answer more riddles from the other children. (Yes, you can go back and collect any marbles you may have lost…er, I mean, missed!) Replay mini-games and HO scenes. Other extras include the SG, performance achievements, downloadable music, wallpapers, and concept art. This one’s definitely CE-worthy.
In the lengthy bonus chapter, discover how Angelina was lured into Fiona’s plan for revenge. Collect all 36 marbles and play a concentric circles jigsaw to unlock a brief second bonus chapter in which you answer more riddles from the other children. (Yes, you can go back and collect any marbles you may have lost…er, I mean, missed!) Replay mini-games and HO scenes. Other extras include the SG, performance achievements, downloadable music, wallpapers, and concept art. This one’s definitely CE-worthy.
EPILOGUE...
Everburning Candle followed logically along a well-written storyline, unfolding naturally and reasonably. Gameplay was rational, but presented enough of a challenge to be fun. The production values were high both visually and aurally. And the long bonus chapter plus the plethora of other extras made this CE worth the extra money. I recommend it…enjoy!
Everburning Candle followed logically along a well-written storyline, unfolding naturally and reasonably. Gameplay was rational, but presented enough of a challenge to be fun. The production values were high both visually and aurally. And the long bonus chapter plus the plethora of other extras made this CE worth the extra money. I recommend it…enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
Developers of the World: Change Your Formula
PostedApril 26, 2016
LunaNik
fromNO MORE JIGSAW PUZZLES!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Labyrinths of the World: Changing the Past CE
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
Review based on full game + bonus chapter + extras
PROLOGUE...
Not an all-time great game. The storyline should have been fleshed out more, and gameplay should have been more challenging. The collectibles should have unlocked bonus gameplay instead of merely display screens. Just mediocre.
Not an all-time great game. The storyline should have been fleshed out more, and gameplay should have been more challenging. The collectibles should have unlocked bonus gameplay instead of merely display screens. Just mediocre.
ONCE UPON A TIME...
Peter, a fellow agent, has gone rogue to save Debby, the woman he loves. But according to Peter’s housekeeper, Debby is faking her illness. That’s not stopping Peter from traveling into the past to retrieve three artifacts that will give him the power to cure her. Unfortunately, these artifacts are extremely powerful and can take over a weak person, turning them to evil.
Peter, a fellow agent, has gone rogue to save Debby, the woman he loves. But according to Peter’s housekeeper, Debby is faking her illness. That’s not stopping Peter from traveling into the past to retrieve three artifacts that will give him the power to cure her. Unfortunately, these artifacts are extremely powerful and can take over a weak person, turning them to evil.
You’ve been tasked with catching up with Peter and retrieving the three artifacts. Now, your realize you’d also better keep your eye on Debby and discover whether or not she has an ulterior motive.
PLAY THE GAME...
In addition to searching Peter’s house for clues, you’ll travel to three fantasy versions of historical periods: Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. All three eras are experiencing the effects of Peter’s interference in his search for the relics, and you’ll have to restore the balance.
In addition to searching Peter’s house for clues, you’ll travel to three fantasy versions of historical periods: Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. All three eras are experiencing the effects of Peter’s interference in his search for the relics, and you’ll have to restore the balance.
HO scenes are all easy; objects are not actually hidden. Themes include interactive list; silhouette lists in singles, pairs, and triples; find and use; and find morphing objects to reveal the interactive list.
Mini-games are mostly easy with a few that are of medium difficulty. They include:
• Multiple jigsaw puzzles: swap stripes, slide stripes, rotate pieces, concentric circles.
• Plug wires into numbered terminals to match the totals on four batteries…so, basic addition.
• Given a phrase, click on its letters which zoom at you from a whirling maelstrom. You don’t have to click on them in order, so this is quite simple.
• On a three-dimensional board, slide armored figurines around until they’re all placed within the correct era.
• On a circular board, place the given dragon eyes on the spots in the correct places to complete the pattern. The pattern that each eye represent doesn’t become visible until the eye moves over a spot.
• Two similar puzzles where you program the character’s journey first, then press play to see if you’re correct.
• Multiple jigsaw puzzles: swap stripes, slide stripes, rotate pieces, concentric circles.
• Plug wires into numbered terminals to match the totals on four batteries…so, basic addition.
• Given a phrase, click on its letters which zoom at you from a whirling maelstrom. You don’t have to click on them in order, so this is quite simple.
• On a three-dimensional board, slide armored figurines around until they’re all placed within the correct era.
• On a circular board, place the given dragon eyes on the spots in the correct places to complete the pattern. The pattern that each eye represent doesn’t become visible until the eye moves over a spot.
• Two similar puzzles where you program the character’s journey first, then press play to see if you’re correct.
SIGHTSEEING...
If you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and accept historical anachronisms and fantastic elements, the graphics are done well. The use of color and the attention to detail are spectacular. Animation is smooth, and NPCs move in a relatively human manner.
If you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and accept historical anachronisms and fantastic elements, the graphics are done well. The use of color and the attention to detail are spectacular. Animation is smooth, and NPCs move in a relatively human manner.
SOUNDBOARD...
This game seemed quieter than most, as the music was quite dynamic. There wasn’t a lot of variety, but environmental sounds were good. Voiceovers were just ok; a few were extremely melodramatic.
This game seemed quieter than most, as the music was quite dynamic. There wasn’t a lot of variety, but environmental sounds were good. Voiceovers were just ok; a few were extremely melodramatic.
TOOLBOX...
Interactive map that transports and indicates areas with a current objective. Time device that speeds up and slows down time. Lockable inventory panel with plus items.
Interactive map that transports and indicates areas with a current objective. Time device that speeds up and slows down time. Lockable inventory panel with plus items.
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, travel to the future and free its society from a greedy power company. Replay HO scenes and mini-games. Collect puzzle pieces, character figurines, and magical artifacts (for no apparent reason). Take a personality quiz (which concluded that I belong in the Renaissance). There’s also the SG, performance achievements, and the developer’s portfolio of wallpapers, concept art, and music.
In the bonus chapter, travel to the future and free its society from a greedy power company. Replay HO scenes and mini-games. Collect puzzle pieces, character figurines, and magical artifacts (for no apparent reason). Take a personality quiz (which concluded that I belong in the Renaissance). There’s also the SG, performance achievements, and the developer’s portfolio of wallpapers, concept art, and music.
EPILOGUE...
The storyline left a lot of questions unanswered, I thought. Just how were these artifacts supposed to help a terminally ill woman, given what they did? What use were they, separately, to the three eras? I also felt that the main game ended much too abruptly.
The storyline left a lot of questions unanswered, I thought. Just how were these artifacts supposed to help a terminally ill woman, given what they did? What use were they, separately, to the three eras? I also felt that the main game ended much too abruptly.
Once again, we have a game falling into the category of “lots of time spent on graphics, medium amount of time spent on storyline, very little time spent on actual gameplay.” HO scenes and mini-games were simple, and mini-games were mostly retreads. Honestly, I wouldn’t be at all sad if I never saw another virtual jigsaw puzzle again in my entire life.
I also don’t see a reason to include collectibles that do nothing. I mean, I spent extra time looking for puzzle pieces, figurines, and magical artifacts…for what? So I could look at them once the game was over? Collecting them should have unlocked more gameplay! And we should be able to go back and get any we missed.
I don’t know…it wasn’t a horrible game. It was just “meh.”