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:
Luna’s friend calls her to a remote island after unearthing ancient mystery. Now together they face the cult of the Wolf Man.
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 60 found this review helpful
Adventure Game Fans, rejoice!
PostedNovember 26, 2012
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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
full game
Collector's Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Gogii/Silverback
Gogii/Silverback
GENRE
Adventure
Adventure
STORYLINE
You play as Luna, and you travel to Lycan Isle to help your friend Tara uncover a mystery. When you arrive, you discover she's gone missing. The local "strange old woman" Brina offers her help, but it appears she has ulterior motives. The police are no help at all, and it seems that the entire island has shut down for the night. If that isn't bad enough, you keep catching glimpses of a strange creature. (If you know the derivation of the name "Lycan," you've already deduced the nature of the "Beast.")
You play as Luna, and you travel to Lycan Isle to help your friend Tara uncover a mystery. When you arrive, you discover she's gone missing. The local "strange old woman" Brina offers her help, but it appears she has ulterior motives. The police are no help at all, and it seems that the entire island has shut down for the night. If that isn't bad enough, you keep catching glimpses of a strange creature. (If you know the derivation of the name "Lycan," you've already deduced the nature of the "Beast.")
GAMEPLAY
This is strictly an adventure game, and all the items you're asked to find are items you need to progress. No junk piles here. Instead, you're treated to a landscape that bridges the gap between the realistic and the surreal. Some scenes are merely a treat for the eyes; there's nothing to find there. I found this made the game that much more real, being a bit sick and tired of the incessant junk piles. There's an extra achievement: locating the ten items that belong to Tara.
This is strictly an adventure game, and all the items you're asked to find are items you need to progress. No junk piles here. Instead, you're treated to a landscape that bridges the gap between the realistic and the surreal. Some scenes are merely a treat for the eyes; there's nothing to find there. I found this made the game that much more real, being a bit sick and tired of the incessant junk piles. There's an extra achievement: locating the ten items that belong to Tara.
The Beast of Lycan Isle is very reminiscent of the Empress of the Deep series, not surprising since it's by the same developer.
INTERFACE
The lower left corner contains a number of items to aid you. First is your journal, which notes important clues as well as keeping a running commentary of your adventure. There, you'll also find the map, which you find as you need it. A nice touch. It's not a jump map, and there is a bit of backtracking, but not enough to be annoying. The map is hand-drawn and shows "Polaroid photos" of each locale when you mouse over them.
The lower left corner contains a number of items to aid you. First is your journal, which notes important clues as well as keeping a running commentary of your adventure. There, you'll also find the map, which you find as you need it. A nice touch. It's not a jump map, and there is a bit of backtracking, but not enough to be annoying. The map is hand-drawn and shows "Polaroid photos" of each locale when you mouse over them.
You also have a "Polaroid photo" of Tara to help you complete the achievement of locating her ten clues, the items that belong to her. There's an amulet here as well, but I won't say what its powers are as that would spoil things. Lastly, there's a sort of steampunk DVD player which plays discs that Brina leaves here and there for you.
The hint button is in the lower right, and is quick to recharge in casual mode. The strategy guide link is at upper right, and places you at a point near where you are in the game. I think I used it twice.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Just beautiful. As usual, Gogii stands out for their larger than life landscapes and that touch of the surreal. Each area reflects the emotional atmosphere of that point of the game in lighting and color.
Just beautiful. As usual, Gogii stands out for their larger than life landscapes and that touch of the surreal. Each area reflects the emotional atmosphere of that point of the game in lighting and color.
CUTSCENES
Overall, the cutscenes were well done, with the small exception of the animation being a bit jerky. Perhaps Gogii was trying to keep the file size down. Or perhaps I'm just spoiled. :-)
Overall, the cutscenes were well done, with the small exception of the animation being a bit jerky. Perhaps Gogii was trying to keep the file size down. Or perhaps I'm just spoiled. :-)
MUSIC
Honestly, I didn't notice any. Either there was none, or it was so integrated into the game that it became as ambient as atmospheric sounds.
Honestly, I didn't notice any. Either there was none, or it was so integrated into the game that it became as ambient as atmospheric sounds.
SOUND
Very well done. There were creepy growls here and there that startled me, as well as atmospheric noises and action sounds.
Very well done. There were creepy growls here and there that startled me, as well as atmospheric noises and action sounds.
VOICEOVER
Solid. Luna spoke throughout the game, guiding you as to what needed to be done. This was not hand-holding, however, nor was it annoying. The characterization of Brina was spot on, I thought. She had that perfect mix of cantankerous old woman, mentor to Luna, and keeper of secret knowledge.
Solid. Luna spoke throughout the game, guiding you as to what needed to be done. This was not hand-holding, however, nor was it annoying. The characterization of Brina was spot on, I thought. She had that perfect mix of cantankerous old woman, mentor to Luna, and keeper of secret knowledge.
BONUS CONTENT
The bonus play is in two parts. In the first part, you find artifacts to restore the museum. The second part is a quest. That's really all I can say without spoiling it. You don't miss anything if you wait for the SE, but if you loved the storyline, you'll love the bonus material.
The bonus play is in two parts. In the first part, you find artifacts to restore the museum. The second part is a quest. That's really all I can say without spoiling it. You don't miss anything if you wait for the SE, but if you loved the storyline, you'll love the bonus material.
SUMMARY
I highly recommend this game, and I hope that Gogii continues this storyline. I smell a prequel, myself. LOL. This one was truly enjoyable and a really nice break from the plethora of HOGs we've been getting lately.
I highly recommend this game, and I hope that Gogii continues this storyline. I smell a prequel, myself. LOL. This one was truly enjoyable and a really nice break from the plethora of HOGs we've been getting lately.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the truth before you become the next page in the killer’s diary?
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Not up to ERS standards...don't bother
PostedNovember 22, 2012
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
1
/
5
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
ERS
ERS
GENRE
Hidden Object/Adventure
murder mystery
Hidden Object/Adventure
murder mystery
STORYLINE
The Conti family's maid contacts you to investigate the alleged murder of two women. I couldn't tell you more if I wanted to, and I played the game. Personally, I found three female bodies. The elder Conti, apparently, has three sons, and is remarrying. They react with varying degrees of shock. It was entirely unclear what each one's actions were. The ending was not only unexpected and abrupt, but utterly vague. I still have no idea what happened and why.
The Conti family's maid contacts you to investigate the alleged murder of two women. I couldn't tell you more if I wanted to, and I played the game. Personally, I found three female bodies. The elder Conti, apparently, has three sons, and is remarrying. They react with varying degrees of shock. It was entirely unclear what each one's actions were. The ending was not only unexpected and abrupt, but utterly vague. I still have no idea what happened and why.
GAMEPLAY
I found the gameplay stilted and unnatural to the extent that I wasn't able to immerse myself in the story at all (not that the story was developed enough to warrant immersion). The "hot spots" were awkwardly placed and overlapped in places, making it easy to miss things. The HO scenes were easy; I never used a hint. Collect fans in the HO scenes to acquire hints.
I found the gameplay stilted and unnatural to the extent that I wasn't able to immerse myself in the story at all (not that the story was developed enough to warrant immersion). The "hot spots" were awkwardly placed and overlapped in places, making it easy to miss things. The HO scenes were easy; I never used a hint. Collect fans in the HO scenes to acquire hints.
On the other hand, the adventure portion seemed to have been designed by an insane person. Actions made no sense (bandage, then disinfect?). Object use was inexplicable (the base of a chalice is part of a car jack?). And hints merely pointed at the general area where something needed to be done, or said "I should look elsewhere."
There was a LOT of backtracking and no map. The journal was fairly useless. One positive: there were some unique puzzles and mini-games, and my fun factor rating is based solely on that.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Graphics were in ERS's typical painterly style. Objects were realistic enough to be recognizable.
Graphics were in ERS's typical painterly style. Objects were realistic enough to be recognizable.
CUTSCENES
Inexplicable and unhelpful.
Inexplicable and unhelpful.
MUSIC
Repetitive and annoying.
Repetitive and annoying.
SOUND
Not noticeable enough to comment on.
Not noticeable enough to comment on.
VOICEOVER
Only at the beginning. Voiceovers and text during the cutscenes would have helped.
Only at the beginning. Voiceovers and text during the cutscenes would have helped.
SUMMARY
I wouldn't recommend this game even as a Daily Deal. I won't play it again, and have already uninstalled it. This seemed like a quickie sequel and ERS should be ashamed. It doesn't remotely live up to their usual standards.
I wouldn't recommend this game even as a Daily Deal. I won't play it again, and have already uninstalled it. This seemed like a quickie sequel and ERS should be ashamed. It doesn't remotely live up to their usual standards.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover Poseidon’s ancient secrets hidden under the town of Black Water!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Gorgeous Graphics, Great Game
PostedNovember 12, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
demo
Collector's Edition
demo
DEVELOPER
Maria Glorum
Maria Glorum
GENRE
Adventure/Hidden Object
mythology/horror
Adventure/Hidden Object
mythology/horror
STORYLINE
On a remote island in the town of Black Water, two archaeologists have uncovered an ancient ruin…and awoken a titanic monster from its cursed sleep. The town has been evacuated and the archaeologists haven't been heard from in days. It's up to you to discover what happened to them, solve the mystery of the Black Water Curse, and defeat the ancient evil.
On a remote island in the town of Black Water, two archaeologists have uncovered an ancient ruin…and awoken a titanic monster from its cursed sleep. The town has been evacuated and the archaeologists haven't been heard from in days. It's up to you to discover what happened to them, solve the mystery of the Black Water Curse, and defeat the ancient evil.
GAMEPLAY
The map in this game is as much a work of art as it is functional. It's beautifully drawn, and indicates active areas and objectives as well as functioning as a transporter. The journal holds your notes, collected bits of backstory, and clues you gather. I didn't use the hint system during the demo, but I would imagine it's not necessary outside the HO scenes considering the nature of the map. The puzzles range from familiar to unique, but the familiar have been adapted to the context of the game. They're of medium difficulty. There are also 39 turtles to find (special objects).
The map in this game is as much a work of art as it is functional. It's beautifully drawn, and indicates active areas and objectives as well as functioning as a transporter. The journal holds your notes, collected bits of backstory, and clues you gather. I didn't use the hint system during the demo, but I would imagine it's not necessary outside the HO scenes considering the nature of the map. The puzzles range from familiar to unique, but the familiar have been adapted to the context of the game. They're of medium difficulty. There are also 39 turtles to find (special objects).
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Amazingly rendered 3D graphics in both static and animated scenes, all in rich colors. I can't say enough about the graphics; they are superlative.
Amazingly rendered 3D graphics in both static and animated scenes, all in rich colors. I can't say enough about the graphics; they are superlative.
CUTSCENES
Perfect. The monster startles and even frightens at times, it's so realistic. The backstory fills in in an illustrated manuscript style.
Perfect. The monster startles and even frightens at times, it's so realistic. The backstory fills in in an illustrated manuscript style.
MUSIC
With apologies, I apparently had the music volume too low to notice it.
With apologies, I apparently had the music volume too low to notice it.
SOUND
Ambient and game sounds appropriate and well done.
Ambient and game sounds appropriate and well done.
VOICEOVER
The only voice I heard during the demo was the narrator's and, considering the "ancient mythology" theme of the game, I thought his southern drawl out of context. It's not something that would stop me from purchasing though.
The only voice I heard during the demo was the narrator's and, considering the "ancient mythology" theme of the game, I thought his southern drawl out of context. It's not something that would stop me from purchasing though.
SUMMARY
If this is the quality of game Maria Glorum produces, we can expect great things from them. This is a buy for me, and I recommend it. Overall, it's a superior game.
If this is the quality of game Maria Glorum produces, we can expect great things from them. This is a buy for me, and I recommend it. Overall, it's a superior game.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery of the ghostly violinist?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Hauntingly beautiful...
PostedNovember 12, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
demo
Collector's Edition
demo
DEVELOPER
Boomzap Games
Boomzap Games
GENRE
Adventure/Hidden Object
mystery
Adventure/Hidden Object
mystery
STORYLINE
You return in your role as Dana Knightstone, novelist and solver of romance mysteries. This time, you're called upon by your cousin, Sebastian, to investigate the enigma of a beautiful ghost of a musician. But you're not alone in your search to uncover the ghost's secrets! Your quest takes you to beautiful Austria.
You return in your role as Dana Knightstone, novelist and solver of romance mysteries. This time, you're called upon by your cousin, Sebastian, to investigate the enigma of a beautiful ghost of a musician. But you're not alone in your search to uncover the ghost's secrets! Your quest takes you to beautiful Austria.
GAMEPLAY
Your trusty journal holds your notes as well as clues you discover in your quest for the truth. To be honest, I became so engrossed in the game, I failed to notice the hint system and whether there was a map! This is more of an adventure game than a true HO game, in my opinion, as the HO scenes are so integrated into the storyline that they really seem a necessary part of the game, which is unusual. Some are of the list type, with a portion of the list requiring an extra step. Others are "find several objects that fit this category."
Your trusty journal holds your notes as well as clues you discover in your quest for the truth. To be honest, I became so engrossed in the game, I failed to notice the hint system and whether there was a map! This is more of an adventure game than a true HO game, in my opinion, as the HO scenes are so integrated into the storyline that they really seem a necessary part of the game, which is unusual. Some are of the list type, with a portion of the list requiring an extra step. Others are "find several objects that fit this category."
TECHNICAL
Hardly worth mentioning, but it is something that occurs in all Boomzap games…I have my trackpad set so that I don't have to press to click; I just have to tap. In the HO scenes and puzzles, the game doesn't recognize this; I actually have to press to click. No idea why.
Hardly worth mentioning, but it is something that occurs in all Boomzap games…I have my trackpad set so that I don't have to press to click; I just have to tap. In the HO scenes and puzzles, the game doesn't recognize this; I actually have to press to click. No idea why.
GRAPHICS
The beautifully rendered 3D graphics are richly colored and captivating.
The beautifully rendered 3D graphics are richly colored and captivating.
CUTSCENES
Sort of stop motion in style, but it doesn't detract from the story at all.
Sort of stop motion in style, but it doesn't detract from the story at all.
MUSIC
Haunting…really gorgeous.
Haunting…really gorgeous.
SOUND
Both ambient and game sounds are appropriate and well done.
Both ambient and game sounds are appropriate and well done.
VOICEOVER
The voiceover acting is quite good, especially Dana's.
The voiceover acting is quite good, especially Dana's.
SUMMARY
Boomzap is one of my favorite developers, so I knew I'd enjoy this game. I'll definitely be adding it to my collection, but I'll probably wait for the SE (only because I have quite a few free game codes to use up). This one is worth it.
Boomzap is one of my favorite developers, so I knew I'd enjoy this game. I'll definitely be adding it to my collection, but I'll probably wait for the SE (only because I have quite a few free game codes to use up). This one is worth it.
I recommend this game!
Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love Collector's Edition
After the Raven Queen crashes her wedding, Thumbelina must save her prince to reclaim her happy ending!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Elephant Games score again!
PostedNovember 11, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
demo
Collector's Edition
demo
DEVELOPER
Elephant Games
Elephant Games
GENRE
Hidden Object/Adventure
modern fairy tale
Hidden Object/Adventure
modern fairy tale
STORYLINE
You play as Thumbelina, just about to marry your prince when an evil witch, claiming the prince is betrothed to her, disrupts the nuptials, turns the wedding guests to stone, and absconds with the prince. It's up to you to rescue him and restore the Floral Kingdom to its glory.
You play as Thumbelina, just about to marry your prince when an evil witch, claiming the prince is betrothed to her, disrupts the nuptials, turns the wedding guests to stone, and absconds with the prince. It's up to you to rescue him and restore the Floral Kingdom to its glory.
GAMEPLAY
A transporter map is at your disposal, as is a hint system (which I did not use during the demo). There are tons of objects to collect both from HO scenes and from interactive portions of the areas themselves. The puzzles range from familiar to unique, but none are overly difficult. This is a game for a relaxing evening when you're interested in immersing yourself in the storyline, graphics, and experience.
A transporter map is at your disposal, as is a hint system (which I did not use during the demo). There are tons of objects to collect both from HO scenes and from interactive portions of the areas themselves. The puzzles range from familiar to unique, but none are overly difficult. This is a game for a relaxing evening when you're interested in immersing yourself in the storyline, graphics, and experience.
TECHNICAL
No issues.
No issues.
GRAPHICS
Quite beautiful! Since you're Thumbelina, many of the objects are oversized, lending a delightfully surreal and whimsical air to the game.
Quite beautiful! Since you're Thumbelina, many of the objects are oversized, lending a delightfully surreal and whimsical air to the game.
CUTSCENES
Short and appropriate with voiceovers.
Short and appropriate with voiceovers.
MUSIC
Not intrusive, the music adds to the immersive experience.
Not intrusive, the music adds to the immersive experience.
SOUND
Lots of ambient sound as well as gameplay sounds.
Lots of ambient sound as well as gameplay sounds.
VOICEOVER
Wonderfully done! The evil witch's voice is evocative of someone who has been betrayed and it out for revenge.
Wonderfully done! The evil witch's voice is evocative of someone who has been betrayed and it out for revenge.
SUMMARY
Elephant Games keeps improving with each game they release. I will definitely purchase this one, though I may wait for the SE as I have a few free game codes expiring this month.
Elephant Games keeps improving with each game they release. I will definitely purchase this one, though I may wait for the SE as I have a few free game codes expiring this month.
I recommend this game!
Discover the Red Riding Hood Sisters and defeat the nefarious Wolf Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Another winner from Blue Tea Games
PostedNovember 10, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
full game
Collector's Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Blue Tea Games
Blue Tea Games
GENRE
Fragmented Hidden Object
fairy tale
Fragmented Hidden Object
fairy tale
STORYLINE
You return as the Detective, this time investigating the Wolf Queen's return to the Vosges Mountains. It's intended that you are to work with the Red Riding Hood Sisters, a band of female warriors who protect the land from the Wolf Queen's mist wolves. Unfortunately, all but one of the Sisters has been kidnapped by the Queen, and it's now up to you to rescue them as well as rid the land of the evil Queen and her minions.
You return as the Detective, this time investigating the Wolf Queen's return to the Vosges Mountains. It's intended that you are to work with the Red Riding Hood Sisters, a band of female warriors who protect the land from the Wolf Queen's mist wolves. Unfortunately, all but one of the Sisters has been kidnapped by the Queen, and it's now up to you to rescue them as well as rid the land of the evil Queen and her minions.
The Bonus Game is a fresh take on The Boy Who Cried Wolf, as well as providing a prologue to the story.
GAMEPLAY
If you've played Blue Tea's games, you're familiar with FROGs. Instead of the standard HO scene, you're presented with one object that's been broken into pieces, and you must find the pieces. The FROG scenes are of medium difficulty. I never used a hint, and there were only a few times when it took me a couple minutes to find a particular piece. The puzzles are not overly difficult, but do require some thought.
If you've played Blue Tea's games, you're familiar with FROGs. Instead of the standard HO scene, you're presented with one object that's been broken into pieces, and you must find the pieces. The FROG scenes are of medium difficulty. I never used a hint, and there were only a few times when it took me a couple minutes to find a particular piece. The puzzles are not overly difficult, but do require some thought.
There is a map, and it indicates where your objectives are as well as active areas. It won't transport you, and there is a considerable amount of backtracking, but since the game area isn't that large, the backtracking isn't onerous. I used that time to search out any morphing objects I'd missed the first time around.
TECHNICAL
No technical difficulties.
No technical difficulties.
GRAPHICS
Absolutely gorgeous, as are all of the Dark Parable games, with sumptuous color and amazing detail.
Absolutely gorgeous, as are all of the Dark Parable games, with sumptuous color and amazing detail.
CUTSCENES
Animated in a sort of painterly graphic novel style, I quite enjoyed the cutscenes. They added to the experience. And the characterizations of the Wolf Queen and the Sisters was spot on.
Animated in a sort of painterly graphic novel style, I quite enjoyed the cutscenes. They added to the experience. And the characterizations of the Wolf Queen and the Sisters was spot on.
MUSIC
As usual, Blue Tea excelled at creating music that enhanced the game. Six tracks are available for download in the CE version.
As usual, Blue Tea excelled at creating music that enhanced the game. Six tracks are available for download in the CE version.
SOUND
Ambient sounds as well as game sounds were appropriate and complemented the game.
Ambient sounds as well as game sounds were appropriate and complemented the game.
VOICEOVER
Superlative voice acting…the Wolf Queen's voice virtually dripped with evil intent.
Superlative voice acting…the Wolf Queen's voice virtually dripped with evil intent.
SUMMARY
I would highly recommend this game, as I would anything Blue Tea Games developed. Overall, this game is stunning and really involves the player in the story. I can hardly wait for the next installment of Dark Parables. Of course, now I have to go back to the beginning and play the entire series in order! Enjoy!
I would highly recommend this game, as I would anything Blue Tea Games developed. Overall, this game is stunning and really involves the player in the story. I can hardly wait for the next installment of Dark Parables. Of course, now I have to go back to the beginning and play the entire series in order! Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Save Brightfield from a shocking plot by a dastardly organization!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A must-have!
PostedNovember 9, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
VERSION
Collector's Edition
full game
Collector's Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Elephant Games
Elephant Games
GENRE
Hidden Object
weird science/secret society
Hidden Object
weird science/secret society
STORYLINE
You return in your role as the Mystery Trackers detective, this time investigating the town of Brightfield, which is being evacuated due to the appearance of some strange and aggressive animals. Helping you out is your most brave and awesome canine companion Elf. It turns out that these bizarre creatures are the creations of the Four Aces, a secret society hatching a nefarious plot of some sort. The basic game comes to a natural ending, while the bonus play adds a segue to a sequel.
You return in your role as the Mystery Trackers detective, this time investigating the town of Brightfield, which is being evacuated due to the appearance of some strange and aggressive animals. Helping you out is your most brave and awesome canine companion Elf. It turns out that these bizarre creatures are the creations of the Four Aces, a secret society hatching a nefarious plot of some sort. The basic game comes to a natural ending, while the bonus play adds a segue to a sequel.
GAMEPLAY
A map aids your travels, noting areas which will help you progress and allowing you to transport there. The HO scenes are of the "junk pile" variety, but most are in context—inside a medicine cabinet or a briefcase, for example—and are of medium difficulty. The mini puzzles range from familiar to unique, and from relatively simple to somewhat challenging. Several nice touches mark this game. First, you have Elf to help you in tight spots. He can fetch objects for you, for example. Second, you keep some tools to be used more than once. Collect chips to spend at the Dog Shop rewarding Elf for his loyalty, and collect the odd hybrid animals that appear from time to time.
A map aids your travels, noting areas which will help you progress and allowing you to transport there. The HO scenes are of the "junk pile" variety, but most are in context—inside a medicine cabinet or a briefcase, for example—and are of medium difficulty. The mini puzzles range from familiar to unique, and from relatively simple to somewhat challenging. Several nice touches mark this game. First, you have Elf to help you in tight spots. He can fetch objects for you, for example. Second, you keep some tools to be used more than once. Collect chips to spend at the Dog Shop rewarding Elf for his loyalty, and collect the odd hybrid animals that appear from time to time.
TECHNICAL
I experienced a disconnect in the tracking between voiceover and live action, but don't let that deter you from purchasing this game. It was, at most, a minor annoyance.
I experienced a disconnect in the tracking between voiceover and live action, but don't let that deter you from purchasing this game. It was, at most, a minor annoyance.
GRAPHICS
Live actors enhance beautifully rendered 3D graphics. Wonderful use of color and animation which really sets the mood of the game and allows you to immerse yourself in the story. I recommend playing with the lights down.
Live actors enhance beautifully rendered 3D graphics. Wonderful use of color and animation which really sets the mood of the game and allows you to immerse yourself in the story. I recommend playing with the lights down.
CUTSCENES
The cutscenes are of two types: live action and updates. The live action scenes occur during the game when you encounter the Four Aces and other story characters. The intersection between live actor and rendered graphics is seamless. The updates are of the film noir variety—voiced over by a narrator—and contain information. They're quite frequent, but they fill in the backstory for you and contribute to your immersion into the story.
The cutscenes are of two types: live action and updates. The live action scenes occur during the game when you encounter the Four Aces and other story characters. The intersection between live actor and rendered graphics is seamless. The updates are of the film noir variety—voiced over by a narrator—and contain information. They're quite frequent, but they fill in the backstory for you and contribute to your immersion into the story.
MUSIC
Honestly, I didn't even notice it! So I'd have to say it added to the overall experience, as I generally notice the irritating music.
Honestly, I didn't even notice it! So I'd have to say it added to the overall experience, as I generally notice the irritating music.
SOUND
Appropriate ambient sound as well as sounds to let you know you've found things and completed tasks.
Appropriate ambient sound as well as sounds to let you know you've found things and completed tasks.
VOICEOVER
The voiceover acting is quite well done, especially the film noir-style narration.
The voiceover acting is quite well done, especially the film noir-style narration.
SUMMARY
Overall, a superlative game that I would definitely recommend. It's not a necessity to buy the CE, but if you really love the demo, I'd go for it. I felt it was well worth it.
Overall, a superlative game that I would definitely recommend. It's not a necessity to buy the CE, but if you really love the demo, I'd go for it. I felt it was well worth it.
I recommend this game!
End the Charleston Curse before it wipes out an entire family and save a young girl in Witches’ Legacy: The Charleston Curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
Worth a Daily Deal
PostedNovember 8, 2012
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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Elefun Games
Elefun Games
GENRE
Hidden Object
occult
Hidden Object
occult
STORYLINE
You discover that you're the last living relative of Lynn Charleston, an orphan raised by an elderly woman whom you soon discover is an evil witch who has murdered the rest of the Charleston family. You arrive at the manor to rescue Lynn from the clutches of the witch Elizabeth. I do wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt. There is a natural ending, but it could have been played out better, along with referencing the possibility of a sequel. Perhaps the CE did that.
You discover that you're the last living relative of Lynn Charleston, an orphan raised by an elderly woman whom you soon discover is an evil witch who has murdered the rest of the Charleston family. You arrive at the manor to rescue Lynn from the clutches of the witch Elizabeth. I do wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt. There is a natural ending, but it could have been played out better, along with referencing the possibility of a sequel. Perhaps the CE did that.
GAMEPLAY
There is no map, so prepare for backtracking from room to room. However, the area isn't all that large so the amount of travel doesn't interfere with gameplay, at least in my opinion. Some of the HO scenes are repeated, but only once. The most innovative part of this game is that you collect fragments of Lynn's drawings which, when completed, animate to fill you in on the backstory and present you with necessary information. The drawings go into your journal, along with notes and other papers you collect. The hint system works both within the HO scenes and outside them. In the HO scenes, the hint encircles an object on the list. Otherwise, you're directed to a specific area, but not told what to do, which is nice.
There is no map, so prepare for backtracking from room to room. However, the area isn't all that large so the amount of travel doesn't interfere with gameplay, at least in my opinion. Some of the HO scenes are repeated, but only once. The most innovative part of this game is that you collect fragments of Lynn's drawings which, when completed, animate to fill you in on the backstory and present you with necessary information. The drawings go into your journal, along with notes and other papers you collect. The hint system works both within the HO scenes and outside them. In the HO scenes, the hint encircles an object on the list. Otherwise, you're directed to a specific area, but not told what to do, which is nice.
TECHNICAL
I encountered no technical issues.
I encountered no technical issues.
GRAPHICS
Painterly, but realistic enough to make objects recognizable. The use of color was excellent and added to the immersive experience, as did the animation.
Painterly, but realistic enough to make objects recognizable. The use of color was excellent and added to the immersive experience, as did the animation.
CUTSCENES
Short and informative.
Short and informative.
MUSIC
Quite lovely, and not repetitive enough as to be annoying. Set the mood nicely.
Quite lovely, and not repetitive enough as to be annoying. Set the mood nicely.
SOUND
Ambient sound was appropriately spooky and not overdone.
Ambient sound was appropriately spooky and not overdone.
VOICEOVER
Infrequent narrative within the game, voiceovers really only occurred during cutscenes.
Infrequent narrative within the game, voiceovers really only occurred during cutscenes.
SUMMARY
While I enjoyed this game, I was also glad to have acquired it during the Halloween spooky game special. I would definitely recommend it as a Daily Deal.
While I enjoyed this game, I was also glad to have acquired it during the Halloween spooky game special. I would definitely recommend it as a Daily Deal.
I recommend this game!
Take on Time Mysteries: The Ancient Spectres, a challenging Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game! Stop the evil witch Viviana!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Recommend as a Daily Deal
PostedNovember 5, 2012
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
5
/
5
VERSION
Standard Edition
full game
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Artifex Mundi
Artifex Mundi
GENRE
Hidden Object
Arthurian fantasy
Hidden Object
Arthurian fantasy
STORYLINE
You play as Esther Ambrose, a direct descendant of Merlin, the good wizard, and Viviana, the evil witch. You've just learned that you've inherited a dilapidated mansion, and you must imprison Viviana and save Merlin. To aid you, you have a time machine with which you can travel to five different periods in the mansion's history. One warning: at least in the SE, the ending is extremely abrupt and you're left with a cryptic "to be continued" at a quite crucial point in the game. I was not at all happy.
You play as Esther Ambrose, a direct descendant of Merlin, the good wizard, and Viviana, the evil witch. You've just learned that you've inherited a dilapidated mansion, and you must imprison Viviana and save Merlin. To aid you, you have a time machine with which you can travel to five different periods in the mansion's history. One warning: at least in the SE, the ending is extremely abrupt and you're left with a cryptic "to be continued" at a quite crucial point in the game. I was not at all happy.
GAMEPLAY
The time machine functions as an interactive map, telling you where active areas are and allowing you to travel there instantly. There are a lot of HO scenes, and each one repeats several times. The hint system functions both within the HO scenes and outside them. In the HO scenes, you can see a silhouette of each item by mousing over its name in the list, or click on "hint" if you really can't find it. You can also skip a HO scene entirely by switching over to a "click three or more balls" game, a nice feature when you're playing the same scene for the fourth time! The journal holds your notes and lists your objectives.
The time machine functions as an interactive map, telling you where active areas are and allowing you to travel there instantly. There are a lot of HO scenes, and each one repeats several times. The hint system functions both within the HO scenes and outside them. In the HO scenes, you can see a silhouette of each item by mousing over its name in the list, or click on "hint" if you really can't find it. You can also skip a HO scene entirely by switching over to a "click three or more balls" game, a nice feature when you're playing the same scene for the fourth time! The journal holds your notes and lists your objectives.
TECHNICAL
For me, if I switched to the "three or more balls" game in lieu of the last item on the HO list, the game quit on me. When I restarted, I had to play the entire HO scene again with a different list.
For me, if I switched to the "three or more balls" game in lieu of the last item on the HO list, the game quit on me. When I restarted, I had to play the entire HO scene again with a different list.
GRAPHICS
Overall, the graphics are decent, albeit a bit dark in some places, even with my monitor at its brightest. Many of the objects in the HO scenes are partially hidden behind other objects, making them difficult to find. The HO scenes are the typical "junk pile" type. I did find several instances where an item on the list could have been several items in the scene. For example, I was asked to find a "bow." In the scene, there were two tied bows and a crossbow. I find that a bit sloppy. Outside of the HO scenes, there were items I only discovered because they were sparkling, or because I happened to mouse over them and my cursor changed.
Overall, the graphics are decent, albeit a bit dark in some places, even with my monitor at its brightest. Many of the objects in the HO scenes are partially hidden behind other objects, making them difficult to find. The HO scenes are the typical "junk pile" type. I did find several instances where an item on the list could have been several items in the scene. For example, I was asked to find a "bow." In the scene, there were two tied bows and a crossbow. I find that a bit sloppy. Outside of the HO scenes, there were items I only discovered because they were sparkling, or because I happened to mouse over them and my cursor changed.
CUTSCENES
Short and informative, the cutscenes did not interfere with gameplay. Even the cutscene indicating that you were traveling through time was short enough so as not to be irritating.
Short and informative, the cutscenes did not interfere with gameplay. Even the cutscene indicating that you were traveling through time was short enough so as not to be irritating.
MUSIC
Initially, I found the music to be quite beautiful, but it did become repetitive and annoying after a while, and I turned the volume down to 25% as I prefer some music over just silence. A bit more variation in the music would have been nice.
Initially, I found the music to be quite beautiful, but it did become repetitive and annoying after a while, and I turned the volume down to 25% as I prefer some music over just silence. A bit more variation in the music would have been nice.
SOUND
Appropriate and not at all annoying. Sometimes, developers choose sounds to indicate you've correctly completed an action, and those sounds get to be irritating. That wasn't the case here, thankfully.
Appropriate and not at all annoying. Sometimes, developers choose sounds to indicate you've correctly completed an action, and those sounds get to be irritating. That wasn't the case here, thankfully.
VOICEOVER
Esther does comment on certain items that are not interactive, and her comments are repetitive, but other than that, the voiceovers were informative and not intrusive.
Esther does comment on certain items that are not interactive, and her comments are repetitive, but other than that, the voiceovers were informative and not intrusive.
SUMMARY
I have mixed feelings about this game. On the one hand, Artifex Mundi is a developer that has improved by leaps and bounds in all areas of game creation, so I'm willing to give them a break until I see what the sequel brings. And I love Arthurian fantasy. On the other hand, this game had a lot of issues, at least for me. I'd recommend it as a Daily Deal, but not at full price.
I have mixed feelings about this game. On the one hand, Artifex Mundi is a developer that has improved by leaps and bounds in all areas of game creation, so I'm willing to give them a break until I see what the sequel brings. And I love Arthurian fantasy. On the other hand, this game had a lot of issues, at least for me. I'd recommend it as a Daily Deal, but not at full price.
I recommend this game!
After your sister vanishes on her wedding day no one has any idea what happened to her, so it's up to you to find the truth!
Overall rating
2
/
5
14 of 15 found this review helpful
Only worth a Daily Deal
PostedNovember 2, 2012
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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Storyline: Your sister, who recently married, has disappeared. Time to head to the ancestral mansion to find out what happened. Did her husband murder her? A mysterious figure leads you through your sister's memories to unravel the enigma.
What seems to be a promising storyline is utterly ruined by the abrupt, unfinished ending. I have no quibble with offering both CE and SE versions of a game, but you shouldn't have to purchase the CE to receive a logical ending to the game! I won't spoil it by saying what happened to the sister. I'll only say that no logical reason is given for the actions of the perpetrator, leaving the player feeling disappointed and ripped off.
Graphics: I rated this poorly for four reasons. First, in almost every HO scene, there was more than one item that fit a description on the list. For example, when "bat" appeared on the list, there was both a fruit bat and a baseball bat in the scene. Annoying.
Second, the items that were line drawings required you to click on the outline, which was sometimes quite thin, leading you to think you hadn't found the correct item.
Third, items necessary to progress repeated ad nauseum: keys, medallions, and bas reliefs ran rampant through this game.
Fourth, what animation existed was on extremely short loops, creating an almost comical effect.
Music: Neither noticeable nor bothersome.
Gameplay: Linear, with one main area and several separate "memory" areas to explore and solve. Quite a bit of backtracking. There's a journal, which I found unnecessary as I never used it. The hints recharge quickly. There are loads of HO scenes and quite a few puzzles, most of which we've seen before.
Summary: To be honest, I found myself rather bored with this one when I usually take my time and enjoy the experience, submersing myself in storyline, graphics, and music. This one just didn't grab me at all. I uninstalled it as soon as I finished.
I don't recommend this game.