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:
A mysterious man in red summons you, sending you to a flying ship where a little girl needs your help!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Hard Puzzles, Good Graphics
PostedFebruary 20, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE—Timeless: The Lost Castle
VERSION—Standard Edition (full game)
DEVELOPER—Boolat Games
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (fantasy)
STORYLINE—Haunted by nightmares of a red-cloaked figure, you board a flying ship for Europe but find yourself diverted to a castle amidst snow-covered mountains. You're tasked with releasing the spirit of a young girl, and soon discover that treachery is afoot.
GAMEPLAY—The Lost Castle is a puzzle-heavy adventure game with both list and silhouette HO scenes here and there. For a change, the puzzles are exceedingly difficult, not the throwaway time-wasters we're used to. You'll be firing some neurons on this one! The HO scenes are, for the most part, fairly simple with some interactive elements.
INTERFACE—Standard point 'n' click traveling and picking up of items. Your cursor changes to an eye to examine, a hand to pick up, and turning gears when an item is needed. Also, the jewel set in the cursor turns blue when you mouse over an area of interest, something that's easy to miss. You have the usual hint button as well as a journal which records your adventure and clues you discover. Something new: you also have a magic lens which reveals invisible items. It flashes when you can use it.
TECHNICAL—Not truly a bug, but there are several puzzles where clicking to pick up a piece, then clicking to place it does not work. You must drag 'n' drop each piece. Remember this and it'll save you a LOT of hair=pulling.
GRAPHICS—Quite beautiful background vistas, textures, and item renders. The HOS were clearly defined and the perspective and proportion were good. The colors were fantastic. Animation was minimal.
CUTSCENES—Stuttering animation. Not lifelike.
MUSIC—Honestly, I didn't really notice it, so it must have been minimal and not annoying.
SOUND—Appropriate and not irritating is about all I can say.
VOICEOVER—None.
SUMMARY—The only things holding me back from a 5-star rating on The Lost Castle are the lack of voiceovers, decent animation, and music. The storyline, while not unique, was fairly well-done and the ending was not abrupt. The graphics were beautiful. The puzzles were really well thought out. I definitely recommend this game if you like puzzles.
I recommend this game!
Join Esther as she attempts to influence the past in order to change the future and learn the secrets of the Ambrose family!
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Different Storyline + Unique Method of Gameplay = WIN
PostedFebruary 19, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Time Mysteries: The Final Enigma
VERSION—Standard Edition (full game)
DEVELOPER—Artifex Mundi
GENRE—Hidden Object/Adventure (fantasy mixed with science fiction)
STORYLINE—You're back in the role of Esther Ambrose, the time-traveling descendent of the Arthurian wizard Merlin. This time, you must save Viviana from being corrupted and restore the timeline. To accomplish all this, your uncle has created a new Portable Time Device (PTD) to whisk you through the continuum so you can uncover the mystery behind Viviana's transformation from Merlin's loving mate to his sworn enemy.
GAMEPLAY—I found this one to have a nice mix of adventure, HOs, and puzzles. The adventure portions are fairly straightforward: move around each area looking for items to collect, areas of interest, puzzles to solve, and HOs. The HOs were beautifully rendered with some interactive items. The puzzles ranged from simple to medium difficulty.
INTERFACE—The PTD functions as your transport map, as it will move you through space as well as time. Within each time period, the locations are small enough that back-and-forth traveling isn't onerous. Of course, you can't get to a particular era until you've found the appropriate crystal. You don't really need hints either, because the PTD shows you a large green exclamation point in the areas where you have active goals.
TECHNICAL—I found no bugs or difficulties.
GRAPHICS—Not photo-realistic, but well-rendered and accurate from a realism viewpoint as far as perspective and proportion. Painterly, with a mix of pastels and jeweltones.
CUTSCENES—Not as stunning as the in-game graphics, and the lip movements were awkward. Animation was a bit jerky.
MUSIC—Variations on a theme with the prevalent piece being orchestral and dramatic. In other scenes, the same theme was played on the piano and in a different tempo. Quite well done, although I wish there had been even more variations.
SOUND—Appropriate ambient and game sounds. Nothing special.
VOICEOVER—Quite well done, I thought. Each character's voice fit him or her, and no one was overly dramatic.
SUMMARY—I recommend this game based on its unique method of gameplay (the PTD), out-of-the-box storyline, eye candy graphics, excellent voiceover acting, and, lastly, to give Artifex Mundi your support. They've been really stepping it up lately with games like Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek. I think we hardcore gamers need more talented developers who reliably produce quality games.
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Not recommended for many reasons...
PostedFebruary 18, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I don't understand the rave reviews about this game. From the demo's beginning until I quit well before my time was up, I found this game lacking in almost every area.
The storyline didn't captivate me at all. The villain's nastiness was too easily overcome; her "powers" seemed weak. I felt no pressing need to rescue Edward or the frozen townspeople. There was no sense of urgency created by music, animation, etc.
The graphics in the sample screenshots looked quite well done. In game, however, they were washed out and lacked detail. The HO scenes were especially amateurish, and looked cobbled together from clip art.
The lack of voiceovers in this day and age is almost unforgivable. When combined with the puppet-like animation of the characters' mouths, it leaves the player detached from the storyline.
Lastly, it was just too easy. So easy that it was boring. I wouldn't buy the SE, never mind the CE. Frankly, I wouldn't even purchase this game as a DD.
I don't recommend this game.
An organ grinder seeks revenge, marking his victims with cards. Can you stop him before he destroys the entire city?
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
Elephant Games does it again!
PostedFebruary 9, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Chimeras: Tune of Revenge
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game plus bonus gameplay)
DEVELOPER—Elephant Games
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—You play the detective, returning to Graysand to solve a 13-year-old cold case. You arrive in the midst of a celebration at which a masked organ grinder is selling penny fortune cards…that are cursed! The first victim to fall prey to a series of mythical beasts appearing seemingly out of nowhere is the Mayor.
The organ grinder claims vengeance for the death of an innocent man, the same cold case you've returned to investigate. Who is innocent and who is guilty in Graysand? It's up to you to find out as you uncover a tangled web of deceit, murder, blackmail, and a long-held conspiracy.
The organ grinder claims vengeance for the death of an innocent man, the same cold case you've returned to investigate. Who is innocent and who is guilty in Graysand? It's up to you to find out as you uncover a tangled web of deceit, murder, blackmail, and a long-held conspiracy.
GAMEPLAY—A well-balanced combination of adventure, puzzle, HOS, and mini-games. None of the elements were difficult enough or intrusive enough to jog you out of the story, which I like. I completed the game without hints, but did use the strategy guide a few times. It's not real time, but there is a well-labeled table of contents to orient you.
INTERFACE—Hint and strategy guide at bottom left. Transport map and menu button at bottom right. Hover to access inventory.
TECHNICAL—No issues.
GRAPHICS—Well-rendered 3D objects in both still and animated scenes, while the backgrounds and characters had a more painterly feel to them.
CUTSCENES—Animated cutscenes presented real time events, while a more static comic book style was used to relate the backstory.
MUSIC—Appropriate to each scene, with the volume and drama increasing as the pace of the game stepped up.
SOUND—Both environmental and game sounds were well done.
VOICEOVER—With the small exception of the organ grinder's amalgam of British, Australian, and New Zealand accents, the voiceover acting was well done.
SUMMARY—Elephant Games is rapidly racing to the forefront of HOPA developers. Their overall quality once again shines in "Tune of Revenge," and I highly recommend it. I'm hoping for a sequel involving a character whose fate remained unknown at the end of the game. I can't say more without spoiling it. If you've played, you know who I mean.
I recommend this game!
Dark magic threatens our world! Can you stop the Shade and his minions before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Recommend, but Boomzap must fix its game mechanics!
PostedFebruary 8, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Otherworld: Omens of Summer
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game plus bonus gameplay)
DEVELOPER—Boomzap
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (fantasy)
STORYLINE—After having saved Fiona, a young human girl born with magic, from the Shade, the evil spirit of eternal Winter, in "Spring of Shadows," it's time to set off on a new quest. "Omens of Summer" has you seeking out Fiona's teacher Ms. Thomas, who has journeyed far and wide in a search for a way to defeat the Shade permanently. Ms. Thomas has discovered the existence of three artifacts which are closely guarded by unfriendly, but not evil, fey beings. She's opened portals to their realms, and it's your task to retrieve these artifacts.
The bonus chapter has you seeking old the oldest fey magician, who is in hiding from the Shade. It's not utterly necessary to the storyline, but is a bridge between this game and the next, which I assume will have "Autumn" in its title.
The bonus chapter has you seeking old the oldest fey magician, who is in hiding from the Shade. It's not utterly necessary to the storyline, but is a bridge between this game and the next, which I assume will have "Autumn" in its title.
GAMEPLAY— There are not a lot of HOS in this game, but there are a ton of interactive areas, puzzles, and mini-games. All are a mix of easy to challenging, familiar to new.
INTERFACE—Your journal, at bottom left, records the ongoing story as well as clues you discover along the way. The hint system, transportation map, and strategy guide (which is in real time) are at bottom right.
TECHNICAL—As with all Boomzap games, the game mechanics are lacking to the point that they interfere with the overall experience. First, I have my trackpad set at max sensitivity, and Boomzap games are not consistent in recognizing that for some reason. Clicking to travel or pick things up is not a problem, but whenever I'm zoomed in to assemble something, I have to actually click…and the game doesn't always recognize the click.
Another annoying element of all Boomzap games is when assembling things (which there's always a lot of!), it always seems that you have to be on the exact right pixel before the game will accept that you've placed a piece correctly. And there are times when, if you inadvertently put something down in the wrong place, you can't pick it up again…at all. I've had to actually start the entire game over again because of this.
These two issues caused me to reduce my rating of this game's fun factor.
Another annoying element of all Boomzap games is when assembling things (which there's always a lot of!), it always seems that you have to be on the exact right pixel before the game will accept that you've placed a piece correctly. And there are times when, if you inadvertently put something down in the wrong place, you can't pick it up again…at all. I've had to actually start the entire game over again because of this.
These two issues caused me to reduce my rating of this game's fun factor.
GRAPHICS—Boomzap's pastel and jewel-tone painterly style.
CUTSCENES—Looped animation with voiceovers. Nothing special, but necessary to the storyline.
MUSIC—Ethereal, then dramatic. Very Boomzap.
SOUND—Appropriate and not annoying.
VOICEOVER—Decently done, although Fiona's voice was a touch grating after awhile.
SUMMARY—If Boomzap perfected its game mechanics, this would be a 5-star game for me. But it's impossible to overlook. The storyline is a nice take on a fantasy good versus evil tale, human child born with magic coming of age. I like the fact that the HOS are limited and necessary to the adventure rather than the gratuitous "junk piles everywhere," and I'm very glad to see the HO genre evolving.
If the game mechanics issue doesn't bother or affect you, I highly recommend this game.
If the game mechanics issue doesn't bother or affect you, I highly recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
Your brother is kidnapped during an air show. Search for him in a beautiful world where the sky is as wide as your imagination.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another perfect "Surface" game from Elephant!
PostedFebruary 8, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Surface: The Soaring City
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game including bonus play)
DEVELOPER—Elephant Games
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (SF/fantasy)
STORYLINE—Your brother Jeremy is a brilliant engineer and inventor who is unveiling his latest masterpiece at a local air show. Amazingly, it's a floating city populated by winged people! Suddenly, the winged people attack the air show and kidnap Jeremy, accusing him of inhumane experiments. It's up to you to rescue your brother and clear his good name. Travel to a fantastic city in the sky run by Jeremy's steampunk inventions…and see what surprises are in store for you. Honestly, the story really grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
GAMEPLAY—Acquire items in five ways: (1) Some items are simply left for you to find and use; (2) Some items require a tool before you can acquire the item; (3) Some items are acquired after completing a HOS; (4) Some items are given to you by the game's characters; and (5) Some items are acquired upon solving a puzzle.
The HOS are a bit different. Some of the items on your list will require you to utilize an inventory item to complete. For example, your list might say "peeled apple." The apple is in the HOS while the peeler is in your inventory. This feature presents an additional challenge to the game which I liked, as you don't know which inventory items will be used in HOS and which will be used as tools.
Quite a few of the mini-games are brand new concepts, which made this game that much more enjoyable. I know we've all been complaining about seeing the same old mini-games over and over again. Not here!
The HOS are a bit different. Some of the items on your list will require you to utilize an inventory item to complete. For example, your list might say "peeled apple." The apple is in the HOS while the peeler is in your inventory. This feature presents an additional challenge to the game which I liked, as you don't know which inventory items will be used in HOS and which will be used as tools.
Quite a few of the mini-games are brand new concepts, which made this game that much more enjoyable. I know we've all been complaining about seeing the same old mini-games over and over again. Not here!
INTERFACE—Your journal and map are at bottom left, and the map is a jump map with each location not only labeled but also decorated with an item from the locale. In addition, the map tells you if you've completed that location or if there are still tasks to perform, a nice touch. The journal mainly catalogs the story as it unfolds.
Your hint function and strategy guide are at bottom right. I didn't use any hints, as I wanted to get all the achievements. The strategy guide is not "real time," but does have a table of contents.
Your hint function and strategy guide are at bottom right. I didn't use any hints, as I wanted to get all the achievements. The strategy guide is not "real time," but does have a table of contents.
TECHNICAL—The voiceovers, text, and actings did not synchronize, which was a minor annoyance (and not something for which I would take points off). Also, it could be because the minute I finished playing, my Mac prompted me to update Flash.
A few times, the description in the HOS list did not match the item. For example, the item was a drawing compass while the list said "astrolabe." A bit more attention to translation would readily solve this issue.
A few times, the description in the HOS list did not match the item. For example, the item was a drawing compass while the list said "astrolabe." A bit more attention to translation would readily solve this issue.
GRAPHICS—Utterly superb and quite beautiful, as they always are in the Surface series. Lovely use of color, appropriate perspective, realistic textures, and just a touch of the surreal that is the hallmark of Surface games.
CUTSCENES—Very well done! They really seemed to be from my (the player's) viewpoint. The animation was not static or stuttered, but smooth and realistic down to the slow start and speeding up of actions. The cutscenes reflected what was occurring; character interactions were calmer while explosions were chaotic.
MUSIC—Especially appropriate. When the storyline became urgent, so did the music. It was like a soundtrack.
SOUND—Appropriate to the actions and environment.
VOICEOVER—Decently done, if a touch melodramatic. However, the main character is attempting to rescue his brother from a floating city populated with winged people, so we can forgive him his excited speech. LOL.
SUMMARY—"The Soaring City" (and the Surface series overall) is one of the best games I've played. I highly recommend it without reservations. And if you don't already have "Mystery of Another World" and "The Noise She Couldn't Make", go buy those too. Seriously. You'll thank me. I would buy a Surface game without even playing the demo.
I recommend this game!
Stop the villainous Visage from ruining Mardi Gras in Shattered Minds: Masquerade, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Great story idea that needed better development
PostedJanuary 14, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
TITLE
Shattered Minds: Masquerade
Shattered Minds: Masquerade
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Vast
Vast
GENRE
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
dark fantasy/mystery
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
dark fantasy/mystery
STORYLINE
You're a detective, called in to track down the elusive Visage, a magician who has blanketed New Orleans in a mysterious fog that has wiped the features from everyone's faces. As if you didn't have enough to do, the Bordeaux family, thought to have been burned alive in a fire long ago, has returned to exact their revenge on New Orleans, and it's up to you to stop them. I found this to be a unique storyline, but wish it had been a bit better developed, especially the ending, which was extremely abrupt.
You're a detective, called in to track down the elusive Visage, a magician who has blanketed New Orleans in a mysterious fog that has wiped the features from everyone's faces. As if you didn't have enough to do, the Bordeaux family, thought to have been burned alive in a fire long ago, has returned to exact their revenge on New Orleans, and it's up to you to stop them. I found this to be a unique storyline, but wish it had been a bit better developed, especially the ending, which was extremely abrupt.
GAMEPLAY
The game is a mix of adventure, HO scenes, and mini-games. The adventure part of it is pretty straightforward. The HO scenes were well done, I thought, with some unusual methods of hiding items in plain sight. You'll need sharp eyes, but mostly you'll need to think outside the box. The mini-games were standard and fairly easy.
The game is a mix of adventure, HO scenes, and mini-games. The adventure part of it is pretty straightforward. The HO scenes were well done, I thought, with some unusual methods of hiding items in plain sight. You'll need sharp eyes, but mostly you'll need to think outside the box. The mini-games were standard and fairly easy.
INTERFACE
There's no map, but you won't need one as the game is divided into sections. Your journal holds your notes and clues you find along the way. Hints recharge pretty quickly, and you'll probably be thankful for this. I used this feature more often than I expected to in the HO scenes. The cursor doesn't change much to indicate you can travel.
There's no map, but you won't need one as the game is divided into sections. Your journal holds your notes and clues you find along the way. Hints recharge pretty quickly, and you'll probably be thankful for this. I used this feature more often than I expected to in the HO scenes. The cursor doesn't change much to indicate you can travel.
TECHNICAL
I had to force quit and restart once when the game froze after a cutscene.
I had to force quit and restart once when the game froze after a cutscene.
GRAPHICS
Well-drawn and colorful, although some items in the HO scenes were a bit sketchy (pun intended).
Well-drawn and colorful, although some items in the HO scenes were a bit sketchy (pun intended).
CUTSCENES
Sort of choppily animated, but it didn't really detract from the storyline.
Sort of choppily animated, but it didn't really detract from the storyline.
MUSIC
I had the music volume fairly low. It wasn't annoying.
I had the music volume fairly low. It wasn't annoying.
SOUND
Appropriate and not annoying.
Appropriate and not annoying.
VOICEOVER
Mostly well-done, albeit a bit histrionic at times, even given the fact that the actors were voicing clearly insane people.
Mostly well-done, albeit a bit histrionic at times, even given the fact that the actors were voicing clearly insane people.
SUMMARY
I acquired this during the "half-price on Vast Games" sale, so that was definitely worth it. I'd recommend it at that price or as a Daily Deal. Frankly, I'd rather not encourage this trend we seem to be seeing lately of abrupt and/or bad endings. Developers have been sadly lacking in the storyline department of late. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of puppets, masks, asylums, and missing relatives.
I acquired this during the "half-price on Vast Games" sale, so that was definitely worth it. I'd recommend it at that price or as a Daily Deal. Frankly, I'd rather not encourage this trend we seem to be seeing lately of abrupt and/or bad endings. Developers have been sadly lacking in the storyline department of late. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of puppets, masks, asylums, and missing relatives.
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Not up to Spirits of Mystery standards
PostedJanuary 3, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
full game
Collector's Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
ERS
ERS
GENRE
Hidden Object/Puzzle Adventure
fantasy
Hidden Object/Puzzle Adventure
fantasy
STORYLINE
You're back in your role as the plucky princess always fighting the evil witch Mortis and her lover/sidekick Isa in this third installment of Spirits of Mystery. This reads somewhat like a prequel, since you defeated Mortis and Isa in Song of the Phoenix, but there's not enough backstory regarding their relationship for it to qualify as one. Anyway, off you go to save another kingdom from their evil machinations, this time concerning the revival of a minotaur, who makes only a token appearance. You also have to rescue your four magical animals, whom Isa has kidnapped.
You're back in your role as the plucky princess always fighting the evil witch Mortis and her lover/sidekick Isa in this third installment of Spirits of Mystery. This reads somewhat like a prequel, since you defeated Mortis and Isa in Song of the Phoenix, but there's not enough backstory regarding their relationship for it to qualify as one. Anyway, off you go to save another kingdom from their evil machinations, this time concerning the revival of a minotaur, who makes only a token appearance. You also have to rescue your four magical animals, whom Isa has kidnapped.
GAMEPLAY
This is mainly an adventure game with HO scenes and puzzles along the way. The HO scenes repeat several times—which is irritating—and are either of the junk pile variety or the serial action, "do this to get that" type. The junk pile HOs are extremely cluttered, some of the descriptions are questionable, and the font style is hard to read. The serial action HOs are more fun, being more innovative and interactive. The puzzles are nothing we haven't seen before, and none of them were difficult.
This is mainly an adventure game with HO scenes and puzzles along the way. The HO scenes repeat several times—which is irritating—and are either of the junk pile variety or the serial action, "do this to get that" type. The junk pile HOs are extremely cluttered, some of the descriptions are questionable, and the font style is hard to read. The serial action HOs are more fun, being more innovative and interactive. The puzzles are nothing we haven't seen before, and none of them were difficult.
The adventure portion, on the other hand, was somewhat chaotic. Several times, I found myself in an area before I had collected the items needed there, and the black box text was cryptic at best, leaving me wondering why I couldn't do anything in that area. Other times, I was simply at a dead end with no idea what to do next. And some interactive areas were easy to miss, being close to the "go back" hot spot or the very edges of the screen.
INTERFACE
A crystal ball at bottom right gives you hints. At bottom left is the amulet holding your magical animals. If you feed them, they'll help you. (That's all I can say without spoiling things.) I didn't notice whether there was a map, but your travels are segmented into smaller areas, so there's not a lot of backtracking.
A crystal ball at bottom right gives you hints. At bottom left is the amulet holding your magical animals. If you feed them, they'll help you. (That's all I can say without spoiling things.) I didn't notice whether there was a map, but your travels are segmented into smaller areas, so there's not a lot of backtracking.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Graphics are the usual ERS painterly style.
Graphics are the usual ERS painterly style.
CUTSCENES
Cutscenes are the usual ERS painterly style animation.
Cutscenes are the usual ERS painterly style animation.
MUSIC
Appropriate, except for a repetitive "The Lost Boys vampires flying" sound which was annoying.
Appropriate, except for a repetitive "The Lost Boys vampires flying" sound which was annoying.
SOUND
The usual ERS ambient and game sounds.
The usual ERS ambient and game sounds.
VOICEOVER
Fairly well done, although the characters seemed a bit self-important and disrespectful considering they were addressing a princess.
Fairly well done, although the characters seemed a bit self-important and disrespectful considering they were addressing a princess.
SUMMARY
In my opinion, this is the weakest of the three in the series. Although I would still recommend it, it was a bit of a disappointment after Song of the Phoenix. The storyline seemed fragmented and the minotaur itself superfluous, merely lending himself to the game's name rather than as an integral part of the story. Also, the ending was abrupt…no denouement. Nor did the bonus play provide any; it was a completely different storyline.
In my opinion, this is the weakest of the three in the series. Although I would still recommend it, it was a bit of a disappointment after Song of the Phoenix. The storyline seemed fragmented and the minotaur itself superfluous, merely lending himself to the game's name rather than as an integral part of the story. Also, the ending was abrupt…no denouement. Nor did the bonus play provide any; it was a completely different storyline.
I had difficulty becoming interested in the game's characters as they had little personality aside from helpless neediness or gratuitous evil. Similarly, gameplay seemed fragmented, which is unusual for ERS games. There were a few times when I simply had no idea what to do next, and the items in my inventory provided no clue.
If you have Amber Maiden and Song of the Phoenix, I would recommend you purchase this one if only to continue your collection. If not, Song of the Phoenix is the best of the series, to my mind…and the CE is worth it.
I recommend this game!
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 32 found this review helpful
A wondrous and magical game for the holidays!
PostedDecember 26, 2012
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Elephant Games
Elephant Games
GENRE
Hidden Object-Puzzle-Adventure
Christmas Fantasy
Hidden Object-Puzzle-Adventure
Christmas Fantasy
STORYLINE
You're off to the Christmas Ball, but first you must help Albert rescue his love Mary from the evil Rat King. There's just one fairy tale hitch: the Rat King has turned Albert into the Nutcracker, and Mary into a doll. Fortunately, you'll have not only Albert's help, but the help of others you'll rescue along the way. But I won't spoil the fun for you!
You're off to the Christmas Ball, but first you must help Albert rescue his love Mary from the evil Rat King. There's just one fairy tale hitch: the Rat King has turned Albert into the Nutcracker, and Mary into a doll. Fortunately, you'll have not only Albert's help, but the help of others you'll rescue along the way. But I won't spoil the fun for you!
GAMEPLAY
This is more an adventure game with puzzles and HO scenes along the way. The puzzles (or mini-games) range from the familiar but difficult to some that are unique. The HO scenes fit naturally into the environment rather than being strangely placed random junk piles. Sparkles indicate both areas of interaction and HO scenes. The HO scenes are of medium difficulty; I used only a couple hints.
This is more an adventure game with puzzles and HO scenes along the way. The puzzles (or mini-games) range from the familiar but difficult to some that are unique. The HO scenes fit naturally into the environment rather than being strangely placed random junk piles. Sparkles indicate both areas of interaction and HO scenes. The HO scenes are of medium difficulty; I used only a couple hints.
INTERFACE
You have a transporter map which is beautifully done. Small candlesticks are rendered in each area. A lighted candle shows you where you are. Golden candlesticks show areas with stuff to do, while pewter ones show inactive areas. When you hover over a candlestick, a small picture of the area pops up.
You have a transporter map which is beautifully done. Small candlesticks are rendered in each area. A lighted candle shows you where you are. Golden candlesticks show areas with stuff to do, while pewter ones show inactive areas. When you hover over a candlestick, a small picture of the area pops up.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Breathtaking, both still and animated. Gorgeous colors and textures which evoked both cold and wintry as well as holiday cheer.
Breathtaking, both still and animated. Gorgeous colors and textures which evoked both cold and wintry as well as holiday cheer.
CUTSCENES
Rendered in a flashback style, with the Nutcracker narrating, the cutscenes mainly fill you in on the backstory.
Rendered in a flashback style, with the Nutcracker narrating, the cutscenes mainly fill you in on the backstory.
MUSIC
Lovely, as they are selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.
Lovely, as they are selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.
SOUND
Not only appropriate, but standout from the usual game sounds. Ambient sounds were excellent as well.
Not only appropriate, but standout from the usual game sounds. Ambient sounds were excellent as well.
VOICEOVER
Quite well done, voiceovers were mainly the Nutcracker's narrations.
Quite well done, voiceovers were mainly the Nutcracker's narrations.
SUMMARY
Elephant Games has really stepped up on this one. I definitely recommend this game. It was a joy to play, both relaxing and challenging.
Elephant Games has really stepped up on this one. I definitely recommend this game. It was a joy to play, both relaxing and challenging.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery of the ghostly violinist?
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Disappointed in BoomZap...too easy
PostedDecember 17, 2012
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
BoomZap
BoomZap
GENRE
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
Mystery (Supernatural)
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
Mystery (Supernatural)
STORYLINE
You return in your role as Dana Knightstone, a novelist who can see ghosts. This time, you travel to Austria to help your ill cousin Sebastian, who can also see ghosts. Sebastian has been experiencing visitations of a ghost named Elise, a violinist like him. Elise asks him to solve her murder and find the original music she wrote, along with her priceless violin. Since he is ill, he asks for your help. The only problem is…someone else is after the violin as well.
You return in your role as Dana Knightstone, a novelist who can see ghosts. This time, you travel to Austria to help your ill cousin Sebastian, who can also see ghosts. Sebastian has been experiencing visitations of a ghost named Elise, a violinist like him. Elise asks him to solve her murder and find the original music she wrote, along with her priceless violin. Since he is ill, he asks for your help. The only problem is…someone else is after the violin as well.
GAMEPLAY
Move from area to area, picking up objects you'll need, solving puzzles, and completing HO scenes which provide you with additional necessary items. Being a huge BoomZap fan, I'm sorry to have to say that the puzzles range from ridiculously easy (match up the halves according to the clues right in front of you) to tedious (untangle the cables). The HO scenes, while beautifully rendered, are child's play.
Move from area to area, picking up objects you'll need, solving puzzles, and completing HO scenes which provide you with additional necessary items. Being a huge BoomZap fan, I'm sorry to have to say that the puzzles range from ridiculously easy (match up the halves according to the clues right in front of you) to tedious (untangle the cables). The HO scenes, while beautifully rendered, are child's play.
INTERFACE
There's no map, but the travel is linear with minimal backtracking since you move from chapter to chapter. Your journal holds the story as it unfolds, as well as clues you'll need to progress. Hints recharge quickly.
There's no map, but the travel is linear with minimal backtracking since you move from chapter to chapter. Your journal holds the story as it unfolds, as well as clues you'll need to progress. Hints recharge quickly.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Instantly recognizable as BoomZap, developer of the Awakening quartet and the new Botanica series. Well-rendered in proportion and perspective, and beautiful use of color.
Instantly recognizable as BoomZap, developer of the Awakening quartet and the new Botanica series. Well-rendered in proportion and perspective, and beautiful use of color.
CUTSCENES
Appropriate to the story, but neither long nor annoying.
Appropriate to the story, but neither long nor annoying.
MUSIC
Quite beautiful, which is apropos given the theme of the game. Haunting violins.
Quite beautiful, which is apropos given the theme of the game. Haunting violins.
SOUND
Game and ambient sounds appropriate and tolerable.
Game and ambient sounds appropriate and tolerable.
VOICEOVER
The voice of Dana Knightstone, as usual, is quite well done, brimming with personality and determination. Sebastian came off somewhat naive. His butler's voice was a dead ringer for Ahnuld…"I'll be back."
The voice of Dana Knightstone, as usual, is quite well done, brimming with personality and determination. Sebastian came off somewhat naive. His butler's voice was a dead ringer for Ahnuld…"I'll be back."
SUMMARY
If you're a Dana Knightstone fan, I would recommend this game to you, if only to complete your collection. Otherwise, I found it far too easy. Frankly, I'm glad I used a "free game" coupon. It's a shame, really, because the story line was terrific.
If you're a Dana Knightstone fan, I would recommend this game to you, if only to complete your collection. Otherwise, I found it far too easy. Frankly, I'm glad I used a "free game" coupon. It's a shame, really, because the story line was terrific.
I don't recommend this game.