Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove
(355)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
This game has some neat features. It is a match-play game. However, when you play the levels, you earn coins that allow you to travel to a different location. A puzzle of key areas around Japan details the place while you piece it together. After so many matching games, you are given keys that open up a hidden object game with picture and word modes. The hidden object reminds me of a stunning Lisa Frank artwork.
This review is part of a demo that was exclusive before release. I do not mind choosing your adventure. However, I wish the points would not appear; it may have been because I chose the relaxed mode. That said, I enjoyed the uniqueness of the mini-games, the hidden objects were enjoyable, and the concept of the story was fun. I ended up purchasing this game with buy-one-get-one because I enjoyed the art; there were no grammatical issues, and the game's flow was fun.
I wrote this as a special promotion of exclusive access to try before it is released to the public. However, the time of life had me delayed a bit before I could send the review. Firstly, this is not a map of wandering around to discover new things. City of Stories is the title of a game of following a book; yes, there is quite a bit of reading about a storyline. There are unique collectible objects to find within the storyline that offer a different challenge. If you are not in the mood to search and find, no worries; there is an alternative method (match-3) to build coins for the magic garden, which can be purchased throughout gameplay. The magic cards throughout the game are a tarot style that also creates the dynamics. Overall, one thing that I enjoyed about this game was the different mini-games. The mini-parts were not overall hard and were unique to the game. The hidden objects were different enough that purchasing this game was well worth it. While the acting is a bit below average, the game pace of the storyline corresponded with the flow of the game, making for a relaxing game that was truly enjoyable. I also enjoyed that there were no grammatical errors, and each part was meticulously calculated as a part of the game's theme, making for an alternative experience that allows players to become immersed in the storyline. The cartoon-style art is unique enough that an individual can identify the hidden pieces to be found. City of Stories game may be a sleeper, but being able to read throughout gives the feeling of being a part of a story that is not to be missed. This game is genuinely great, and I hope there are more like this.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst ®
(174)
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
1/ 5
This was a paint-by-number game, and after about five minutes, I was pretty annoyed. The colors are all the same. The music was relaxing, but mostly, all the details were filled in, and all 400 colors were of the same color genre. When the number was filled in, the details filled the color, so it was an elementary game.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst ®
(174)
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This could have been higher, please. Does anyone check for errors in spelling? When paying for the game, a small thing to ensure that games do not have any mistakes is on the back burner. Besides that, I enjoyed playing this game; it was very relaxing, and I did not use the "hard" or "timed" and just played it. I am usually not a match-three game; however, there was so much variety in the game that it was a nice break.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove
(355)
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
For the most part, it is a decent game. What I found annoying was garlic to get rid of a snake; some items could not be picked up unless an order was placed first. Some hidden objects had to be put together, which is acceptable; however, in a search and find, the directions are vague regarding whether the item is to be placed or found. The interaction was also pretty ambiguous- I always treated a game like someone had never played, so I dropped two stars for those reasons. Mostly, the detective work reminded me of Murders in the Building, but without the comedy.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst ®
(174)
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
I wanted to like this game as I saw my children who could help with reading and problem-solving skills. However, every single search and find had at least one misspelled word that drove me bonkers. A sled is a sled, not a sledge. So for that, I dropped a star. The other reason for dropping a star was that the mini-game instructions were very vague, and I had to reset the game repeatedly to understand the overall goal for each mini-game. So, for that reason, I docked another star. If this game was free, then, for a relaxing, non-timed version, it's great for children.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Redemption Cemetery: Grave Testimony
(68)
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Story line is pretty good. Overall some of the concepts of completing tasks is a bit confusing. The hidden finding objects are challenging. Choose your dialogue is a bit harsh. The skip and hints are way to trigger happy to skip the overall experience which was a bit unnerving, some people actually want to finish the special zones. Enjoyable game for the most part, but I just wish some answers were a little less condescending.
There is no storyline at all. It's simply search and find, puzzles, and Christmas relaxing games. There is a challenging mode with timers and the benefit of decorating a tree. I enjoy this game but will not add it to my library as I am more of an adventure storyline type of gaming individual. However, the scenes are beautiful, the music is relaxing, and if that is the type of game you enjoy, this is calming.
I wanted to like this game; I am just burnt out on matching games. The market has been so flooded that I only tried this for about 25 min. Now that aside, if you are craving matching games, the music is relaxing, the game pace is good, and the cute little mini-games are unique and different, but overall, it's just not a cup of tea. The only pet peeve is I wish there were some acting, it adds the charm when there is acting.