This is a beautiful, relaxing game that has much to offer. The scenes are lovely, very well drawn and colorful. It takes you to a vast variety of locations and has several types of hidden object challenges in addition to clever puzzles and logic tasks. My only complaint is the voice that tells the story races through the dialogue in an emotionless monotone which is a shame because the story is a good one. Fortunately the music is soothing and very appropriate to the oriental theme. While it is not the most challenging game out there it is a lot of fun. I would especially recommend it to beginning players but advanced players will be charmed as well.
This game is like a fine gourmet meal. It is almost too rich but you can't help staying until the final course is served. The hidden object scenes are among the most delicious I have ever seen. The swelling music sets the scene and subtle sound effects add to a dreadful sense of anticipation. Relax and settle in for a long and satisfying journey. It takes a while to progress deep into the game although the main story is pretty clear in the beginning. You will pick up or be rewarded with objects long before you will be able to use them. Just go with it. Some things seem random. Enjoy the whimsey...while it lasts! I recommend the Collector's Edition. You won't want to miss the final chapter. Bon appetit!
The storyline in Shattered Minds: Masquerade gripped me from the opening sequence and never let go! This is a game with a 5 star story, 5 star voice acting and a flawless fun factor and challenge level. Where it failed me was inconsistent artwork in the hidden object scenes. It ranged from absolutely gorgeous detailed environments to amateurish drawings. There were clever and unusual items sprinkled with what I felt were a few unfairly hard to find items. The handy hint button is there to bail you but more than once I found myself saying, "You've got to be kidding!" I also had trouble shaking loose of an inventory item after trying to use it in an inappropriate way. Okay, my bad, but I should have just been able to place it back into inventory without having to exit the screen or scene. Despite these criticisms I think it is one of the most entertaining games out there at the moment. I don't normally purchase Collector's Edition games but I snagged this one at the last Big Fish Collector's Edition for the Standard Edition game price sale, and saved it up for New Years Eve. What a way to ring in the year! I didn't use the CE features much. The strategy guide was handy to get me headed in the right direction on some of the puzzles. The bonus chapter was interesting and enjoyable but the dramatic ending of the original game had already sealed the deal for me. So if you can't wait for another sale, I would recommend the Standard Edition. But definitely play this one, you won't regret it!
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Mystery Age: The Dark Priests
Stop the Chaos God’s Dark Priests once and for all! Amber must head back to Westwind Village to put an end to the evil for good!
This is a beautifully crafted hidden object game. Each scene is artfully rendered and a pleasure to search which is a good thing because you will be revisiting scenes time after time and then some. It never gets dull however. There are standard hidden object scenes, fragmented objects to collect and multiples of one type to find. In addition there are inventory items to place within scenes and plenty of items to carry about and eventually use to open other areas. It also contains interactive animations and clever puzzles. For me this game was major brain exercise but without the adrenalin rush I love in a game, a kind of rainy afternoon game as opposed to those I like to play on a dark and stormy night. It never became a personal quest for me but the journey is beautifully designed and a lot of fun!
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
(97)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
I thought this game had a great story line! However, this is not a game for sleepyheads! The plot twists come as a surprise but make sense and fit the story. You will have to pay attention and run the curser over the entire scene looking for clues. Some of the hidden objects are obscure, but are for the most part fair, and the music and artwork are a delight. Fortunately the game has natural chapter breaks if you need to catch a nap. If you miss something the hint button offers you a way back into the story so you are not left wandering around aimlessly. The puzzles are challenging and quite clever but not impossible for intermediate players and beginners can skip a few but hang in there! When you reach the end of the game you will reap the rewards of your labors. It's so nice to see a game that doesn't end abruptly after the last puzzle is solved. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
+44points
47of50voted this as helpful.
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
Charles Baskerville is the latest victim of a centuries-old curse! Help Holmes break the curse before the next murder occurs!
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles
(97)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
What a terrific game! There is so much content, that without the gentle hint system, a beginner would be playing for days! But make no mistake, you will want to play slowly and savor each scene, each puzzle and each dialogue sequence thoroughly. The hidden object scenes are lovely to look at and have just the right amount of challenge for a player like me. I have seen some of the puzzles before but they are presented in unique ways, appropriate to the advancement of the story line. The rules are stricter too, but a handy reset button allows all the do-overs you need to reach the logical conclusion. Some of the crime scenes may be a bit ghoulish for the faint of heart. As an animal lover I had one tense moment, but it passed when it was handled respectfully. After all, the story is essentially a occult murder mystery and a good one at that. It plays a little fast and loose with the original story so the plot twists will surprise and entertain avid Sherlock Holmes fans, and if you haven't read the stories, perhaps you will be inspired!
This beautifully drawn game is quite long but leaves you wishing for more after you reach its dazzling conclusion. The characters keep you moving in the right direction with the exception of the evil witch who provides enough obstacles to keep the challenge level high. You will have to earn your way to new locations and your travels take you to many unique areas. Fortunately a journal provides a map so you can clearly see where your objectives lie. A unique twist to a classic tale!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery of Mortlake Mansion
(87)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
This is one of my all time favorite games. I found it a little difficult as a beginner but once I got the hang of hidden object/adventure games, I went back and replayed it and had even more fun the second time around! The characters seem to be talking to YOU as you play along. The story is one of the best I've seen. Phantasmat is filled with lush, varied locations and clear hidden object scenes. There are multiple mysteries to solve and no one is what they seem!
This is a wonderfully satisfying game. I especially liked that it is broken into three chapters. Each story is complete, with just the right amount of hidden object scenes and puzzles to make for three very enjoyable evenings. The scenes are terrific to look at. There are lots of things to find and do and it all makes sense! The voices and animations are compelling and tell a good story. One character is a little over the top but overall the music and effects are first rate. Game on!
I recommend this game!
+20points
39of58voted this as helpful.
Mystery of Mortlake Mansion
Explore the dark halls of Mortlake Mansion and discover its secrets! Break the evil spells and become the owner of the mansion!
This is a game that all other games should be measured by. It has it all, beautiful graphics, haunting score, memorable characters and an engaging plot. As if this were not enough, it allows you to play as a male or female character and tailors the voice over accordingly. Good variety of puzzles in addition to clearly rendered hidden object scenes. This was the first hidden object game I ever played and it got me hooked on the genre. I have played dozens since but I still love to revisit the Manor!