Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
The visuals are actually stunning (not a word I use often). A great way to relax after brain-strain on other games/puzzles. You need this in your inventory as a go-to when you want to unwind.
Full Game on casual level. Nice pace, well written, and great graphics. The puzzles were well done, including several which were unique. Really enjoyed the game.
I have enjoyed this series for a long time, but I'm afraid that this edition just did not measure up. The storyline is confused, as is the flow of the game. There is no map, but there is a hint option. We don't really get to know the characters, how they interact and why. The graphics were alright, and I do not use sound, so I cannot give an opinion on that. Earlier entries in this series had a better feeling (maybe logic?), but this is still a decent game, it just doesn't fit with the past efforts. This is a definitely "try before you buy" game.
I bought the game since I have enjoyed the series. This entry, however was just not up to the standards set by the previous editions. On the PLUS side: The artwork was very good. The storyline followed the theme of the series (save the lost souls). On the MINUS side: The gameplay was clunky (that's the best word I can find to describe it). The game and the bonus game both seemed to be too short. There didn't seem to be very much of a challenge involved in the puzzles. The gameplay just seemed to become boring. I did not offer an opinion on the sound and/or music as I play without sound. The bottom line: It's like the unpopped kernel at the bottom of a bag of popcorn, it may have had the potential of the others, but it just didn't live up to what may have been.
This third and final installment of the trilogy is certainly the best. The chapter ties together the previous segments and returns the key characters. The minigames and unique and enjoyable. The HOs are clear and well done. The interactive map speeds up the game by eliminating time wasting repetitive movements. Let's have more of this style!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This is the third (and hopefully not final) chapter in this unique series. The characters change in each new edition, but the concepts remain pretty much the same. The obvious challenge to the game is simply to defeat the collection of opposing characters. You acquire gold from battles, and use it to purchase everything from equipment (weapons, armor, etc) to skills and magical abilities, to even purchasing additional warriors. The less obvious goal is to achieve more experience points, which translates to a total score. As this score increases to the next goal level, your abilities are also increased. You can successfully complete the game regardless of the total score, but the challenge is to get the highest possible score. The program will save up to three games, including the final score. You can replay the game endlessly trying to improve past performances. There are an infinite number of possible pathways you follow: Not all of the characters available are needed, nor are all of the equipment and magic which you can purchase. Differing strategies allow you to improve your game. It's not just about winning, it's about winning well.
This was such a pleasant and refreshing improvement to the normal offerings in this genre. It offers a logical, well thought out storyline. The graphics were nicely rendered, and minigames were imaginative and well presented. Overall, this game was very enjoyable, and one which I can recommend with wholehearted enthusiasm.
The game was very well done and entertaining, but the Bonus Content is what makes this such an exceptional value. It contained a surprisingly wide array of challenges. Through the regular game, the mini games were varied and challenging. The hidden object screens were not too frequent. The only improvement I could recommend would be to correct the few HO object names which were poorly translated into English.