JustTheFacts's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,148
- Reviews Submitted:681
- First Review:December 7, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
An eccentric artist's creations have sprung to life, and they're terrorizing a small town.
Overall rating
4
/
5
122 of 147 found this review helpful
He’s No Da Vinci, But...
PostedFebruary 1, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I initially played the beta for this game, and really didn’t care much for it, although most of it was very good and professionally done. There have been significant improvements, which I saw immediately upon starting the demo. Nice to know those beta surveys are actually of use! The intro is different, and quite amusing, but it never really grabbed me.
I initially played the beta for this game, and really didn’t care much for it, although most of it was very good and professionally done. There have been significant improvements, which I saw immediately upon starting the demo. Nice to know those beta surveys are actually of use! The intro is different, and quite amusing, but it never really grabbed me.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
For a game about art, it is very dark. Mind you, the art is not Van Gogh or even Picasso, but of a much deadlier genre. The art is actually quite lovely in parts. Including the fatal stuff. The game is dark, but not so dark that you cannot see the colours around you or the items in HOP scenes. Exterior shots are not, to my mind, on a par with the close up and HOP scenes, but it is nevertheless of a professional standard.
For a game about art, it is very dark. Mind you, the art is not Van Gogh or even Picasso, but of a much deadlier genre. The art is actually quite lovely in parts. Including the fatal stuff. The game is dark, but not so dark that you cannot see the colours around you or the items in HOP scenes. Exterior shots are not, to my mind, on a par with the close up and HOP scenes, but it is nevertheless of a professional standard.
The music and background noises are so unobtrusive I can’t remember them – whether that’s good or bad I’ll let you decide. I do remember some almost inaudible mutterings, as of people just out of hearing range, which I thought was absolutely excellent atmospheric stuff! The voices of the characters are also very well portrayed. Particularly young Beckie.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A spurned lover turns to his (magical) art to take his revenge. From his palette spring forth all manner of scary stuff, from medieval dragons to deadly plants. But we are not helpless. We too can wield this magical palette and paint needed items into life. Got an evil flower to deal with? Paint up some weed killer! And that is exactly what you do. Some of the other problems caused by this grieving madman are really quite humorous. How much trouble can a bowl of Jello be, after all? Well, that depends on your point of view – outside looking in, or from the inside?
A spurned lover turns to his (magical) art to take his revenge. From his palette spring forth all manner of scary stuff, from medieval dragons to deadly plants. But we are not helpless. We too can wield this magical palette and paint needed items into life. Got an evil flower to deal with? Paint up some weed killer! And that is exactly what you do. Some of the other problems caused by this grieving madman are really quite humorous. How much trouble can a bowl of Jello be, after all? Well, that depends on your point of view – outside looking in, or from the inside?
GAMEPLAY
A nice variety of puzzles and 3 types of HOPs. There are simple silhouettes, multiple items, and HOPs where you must replace the items to their correct spots. Each location is visited twice. The puzzles so far are easy and quite fun. I did not find the adventure moves intuitive, so had a bit of a hard time getting around for a while. But there is an interactive jump map, very basic but it does the job. And a directional hint. The journal consists of pages on the story and replayable videos.
A nice variety of puzzles and 3 types of HOPs. There are simple silhouettes, multiple items, and HOPs where you must replace the items to their correct spots. Each location is visited twice. The puzzles so far are easy and quite fun. I did not find the adventure moves intuitive, so had a bit of a hard time getting around for a while. But there is an interactive jump map, very basic but it does the job. And a directional hint. The journal consists of pages on the story and replayable videos.
One thing about this game I like, there is plenty to do in each scene. This does lead to a little back and forth, but so far the locations are sensibly proportioned. Another thing that is kinda fun because it’s different, is a little thing. The needed items are sometimes found by being dislodged from their hiding spots within a HOP by the activity you are generating in it. Nothing spectacular, but worth a Mona Lisa smile. (*rueful grin* sorry, just had to)
CE BLING!
There are lots of achievements, including the collectibles, 30 lovely little birds, each different. The rest is standard. Wallpaper, concept art, music, strategy guide, bonus chapter and replayable mini-games. The mini-games are accessed by another bonus game, Birds. About which I know nothing.
There are lots of achievements, including the collectibles, 30 lovely little birds, each different. The rest is standard. Wallpaper, concept art, music, strategy guide, bonus chapter and replayable mini-games. The mini-games are accessed by another bonus game, Birds. About which I know nothing.
COMBINED IMPACT
This is a great concept, which the devs have handled quite well, if not sensationally. I certainly would have made more out of the magical pallet than they did. So I’m not overwhelmed, but it is definitely a decent game. Many will probably rate it higher than me, but I do think it could have been a little better.
This is a great concept, which the devs have handled quite well, if not sensationally. I certainly would have made more out of the magical pallet than they did. So I’m not overwhelmed, but it is definitely a decent game. Many will probably rate it higher than me, but I do think it could have been a little better.
I recommend this game!
Black Isle was supposedly abandoned after an earthquake but the truth is much more sinister! Join the Mystery Trackers and learn the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Disappointing After Raincliff
PostedJanuary 31, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
A big disappointment after the spectacular Raincliff, which remains one of the best games ever released, Black Isle fails to live up to the developer’s reputation. Although it has many of the great elements of the other Mystery Tracker games, it is sadly lacking in crucial areas.
A big disappointment after the spectacular Raincliff, which remains one of the best games ever released, Black Isle fails to live up to the developer’s reputation. Although it has many of the great elements of the other Mystery Tracker games, it is sadly lacking in crucial areas.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
By far the worst sin this game commits is in its visuals. They are just annoying. The artistic talent is there, but the technical quality is poor in parts, and many of both the locations and HOP scenes are lit in irritating ways that make it hard to see and concentrate. Also in the HOP scenes, items bleed into each other by having too much gold and/or shiny surfaces, so that again, it is hard to look at. Many are dark, static scenes, with rain further interfering with the eyes. That they can do better is obvious by the quality of the opening segments, by previous games like Raincliff, and even by certain scenes of breathtaking beauty in this. I cannot imagine a sound reason for this approach.
By far the worst sin this game commits is in its visuals. They are just annoying. The artistic talent is there, but the technical quality is poor in parts, and many of both the locations and HOP scenes are lit in irritating ways that make it hard to see and concentrate. Also in the HOP scenes, items bleed into each other by having too much gold and/or shiny surfaces, so that again, it is hard to look at. Many are dark, static scenes, with rain further interfering with the eyes. That they can do better is obvious by the quality of the opening segments, by previous games like Raincliff, and even by certain scenes of breathtaking beauty in this. I cannot imagine a sound reason for this approach.
The background sounds also drove me nuts in the end. There is only so much torrential downpour and thunder my nerves can take, and allowing that the game is one of the longer games I’ve played (or did it just seem that way?), it is just too much. There is little else to give us a break from it even when we are indoors. The music comes on only sporadically, but it is good and appropriately ominous. The voiceover, at the beginning, is well acted, but a far cry from being lip synched.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
In what is becoming a tradition for this series, we start with a news report, and this time it is the reporter herself who is kidnapped, right before our eyes. The supposedly deserted island harbours at least one cloaked and masked phantom, and we, agent of the quasi-secret Mystery Trackers group, are in pursuit. But given the weather, and the clearly paranormal abilities of our adversary, we are in for a hard time. And prepare yourself for some interesting surprises at the end of this one. For fans of the later Mystery Tracker games, this is where we first meet Agent Elf.
In what is becoming a tradition for this series, we start with a news report, and this time it is the reporter herself who is kidnapped, right before our eyes. The supposedly deserted island harbours at least one cloaked and masked phantom, and we, agent of the quasi-secret Mystery Trackers group, are in pursuit. But given the weather, and the clearly paranormal abilities of our adversary, we are in for a hard time. And prepare yourself for some interesting surprises at the end of this one. For fans of the later Mystery Tracker games, this is where we first meet Agent Elf.
GAMEPLAY
This is a game of evenly balanced HOPs and other puzzles/mini-games. Some of the instructions for the puzzles are vague and I found myself wishing for a strategy guide, which I’d normally never use. And there is an adventure component that is a bit more challenging as well. The HOPs are interactive word lists, in which some items will only be made available by the use of inventory items, which is a nice twist, and one that stumped me for a bit.
This is a game of evenly balanced HOPs and other puzzles/mini-games. Some of the instructions for the puzzles are vague and I found myself wishing for a strategy guide, which I’d normally never use. And there is an adventure component that is a bit more challenging as well. The HOPs are interactive word lists, in which some items will only be made available by the use of inventory items, which is a nice twist, and one that stumped me for a bit.
The interactive jump map is terrible. It opens on only 3 almost invisibly defined large areas, from which you must choose your location. In the locations, you get objectives yet to be completed, not where you can act next. And in any case, you must move in and out of those larger areas to get around. I found it more frustrating than simply backtracking. The hint gives specific suggestions for your next task, but does not take you there (that’s a luxury for later games), and surprisingly, I found even that annoying. Finding the room the hint function is referring to was sometimes a little crazy-making. (Poor game, couldn’t do anything right by me, could it?)
On a personal note, I hated that the cute owls we see everywhere were only collectible in the Collector’s Edition. It drove me nuts! And some of them are so cute.
COMBINED IMPACT
Much of the game is very good. It is an engaging story, which flows at a reasonable pace, although I felt bogged down by the more difficult gameplay. The special effects are excellent, the acting good. The gameplay sufficiently challenging to interest expert players, without being out of bounds for lesser mortals. It is also a long complex game offering intrigue. Mostly, what it isn’t is a game that is visually all it could be. This had the makings of another Raincliff, but the devs simply didn’t pull it off.
Much of the game is very good. It is an engaging story, which flows at a reasonable pace, although I felt bogged down by the more difficult gameplay. The special effects are excellent, the acting good. The gameplay sufficiently challenging to interest expert players, without being out of bounds for lesser mortals. It is also a long complex game offering intrigue. Mostly, what it isn’t is a game that is visually all it could be. This had the makings of another Raincliff, but the devs simply didn’t pull it off.
For my personal experience, I’d rate this a three. But for many players it will be much better than that, so I’ll give it a recommended four.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
He’s No Da Vinci
PostedJanuary 30, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON BETA
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I don’t like the intro cut scene graphics at all. They are pixelated and ugly. Which, in a game about art, is a real shame. Mind you, the art is not Van Gogh or even Picasso, but of a much deadlier genre. I also didn’t care much for the intro in general, although it did have its amusing side.
I don’t like the intro cut scene graphics at all. They are pixelated and ugly. Which, in a game about art, is a real shame. Mind you, the art is not Van Gogh or even Picasso, but of a much deadlier genre. I also didn’t care much for the intro in general, although it did have its amusing side.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Forgetting the cut scenes, the art is actually quite lovely. Even the fatal stuff. The game is dark, but not so dark that you cannot see the colours around you or the items in HOP scenes. Exterior shots are not, to my mind, on a par with the close up and HOP scenes, but it is nevertheless professional standards.
Forgetting the cut scenes, the art is actually quite lovely. Even the fatal stuff. The game is dark, but not so dark that you cannot see the colours around you or the items in HOP scenes. Exterior shots are not, to my mind, on a par with the close up and HOP scenes, but it is nevertheless professional standards.
The music and background noises were so unobtrusive I can’t remember them – whether that’s good or bad I’ll let you decide. I do remember some almost inaudible mutterings, as of people just out of hearing range, which I thought was absolutely excellent atmospheric stuff! The voices of the characters were also very well portrayed. Particularly young Beckie.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A spurned lover turns to magical art to take his revenge. From his palette spring forth all manner of scary stuff, from medieval dragons to deadly plants. But we are not helpless. We too can wield this magical palette and paint needed items into life. Got an evil flower to deal with? Paint up some weed killer! And that is exactly what you do. Some of the other problems caused by this grieving madman are really quite humorous. How much trouble can a bowl of Jello be? Well, that depends on your point of view – from the outside or from the inside?
A spurned lover turns to magical art to take his revenge. From his palette spring forth all manner of scary stuff, from medieval dragons to deadly plants. But we are not helpless. We too can wield this magical palette and paint needed items into life. Got an evil flower to deal with? Paint up some weed killer! And that is exactly what you do. Some of the other problems caused by this grieving madman are really quite humorous. How much trouble can a bowl of Jello be? Well, that depends on your point of view – from the outside or from the inside?
GAMEPLAY
A nice variety of puzzles and 3 types of HOPs. There are simple silhouettes, multiple items, and HOPs where you must replace the items to their correct spots. The puzzles so far are easy. I did not find the adventure moves intuitive, so had a bit of a hard time getting around for a while. But there is an interactive jump map, very basic but it does the job. And a directional hint. The journal consisted of pages on the story and replayable videos.
A nice variety of puzzles and 3 types of HOPs. There are simple silhouettes, multiple items, and HOPs where you must replace the items to their correct spots. The puzzles so far are easy. I did not find the adventure moves intuitive, so had a bit of a hard time getting around for a while. But there is an interactive jump map, very basic but it does the job. And a directional hint. The journal consisted of pages on the story and replayable videos.
One thing about this game I liked, there was plenty to do in each scene. This did lead to a little back and forth, but so far the locations are sensibly proportioned. Another thing that was kinda fun because it was different, was a little thing. The needed items being dislodged from their hiding spots within a HOP by the activity you are generating in it. Nothing spectacular, but worth a Mona Lisa smile. (*rueful grin* sorry, just had to)
CE BLING!
In a beta, we’re not yet privy to most of that, but there are 30 lovely little birds to be found. For the rest, we’ll have to wait and see!
In a beta, we’re not yet privy to most of that, but there are 30 lovely little birds to be found. For the rest, we’ll have to wait and see!
COMBINED IMPACT
This is a great concept, which the devs have handled quite well, if not sensationally. With better cut scenes, though, this might have been a five star game.
This is a great concept, which the devs have handled quite well, if not sensationally. With better cut scenes, though, this might have been a five star game.
I recommend this game!
The town of Green Hill has really gone to the birds!
Overall rating
5
/
5
184 of 216 found this review helpful
Excellent Game, Unique In Parts
PostedJanuary 30, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Mystery Of The Ancients has been a pleasant series, with a couple of good 4 star games. Three Guardians is a sure-fire 5 star hit. From the exciting and beautiful opening sequences (both the one before and after the main menu), we are in for something absolutely excellent.
Mystery Of The Ancients has been a pleasant series, with a couple of good 4 star games. Three Guardians is a sure-fire 5 star hit. From the exciting and beautiful opening sequences (both the one before and after the main menu), we are in for something absolutely excellent.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are wonderful. The cut scenes some of the best I’ve seen, and the one after the main menu gets my vote for the best of its kind ever. Throughout, the visuals are beautifully crafted and distinctive, clear and bright in the HOPs. This is a fairly dark themed game, but the colours are there to produce a splendid show. There is plenty of movement and the animation is done very well.
The graphics are wonderful. The cut scenes some of the best I’ve seen, and the one after the main menu gets my vote for the best of its kind ever. Throughout, the visuals are beautifully crafted and distinctive, clear and bright in the HOPs. This is a fairly dark themed game, but the colours are there to produce a splendid show. There is plenty of movement and the animation is done very well.
The voices are just fabulous. No attempt has been made at lip synch, but the acting is good, the voice very much a part of the character it represents. The background sounds are fairly unobtrusive, and the music is much the same.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Your niece calls you for help. She is trapped in a town besieged by ravens, and a sinister man in a raven feather coat. Her boyfriend disappeared after the ravens attacked him, and others have gone missing as well. On your (extremely dramatic) arrival, you find a virtual ghost town, the only people in sight disappearing before your eyes beneath the ravens. There is dark magic around, and you don’t know how you are going to counter it, but so far, being handy with a gun has helped! A broken amulet finds its way into your possession, and you find something you can use to defend yourself – if only you can find all the missing crystals.
Your niece calls you for help. She is trapped in a town besieged by ravens, and a sinister man in a raven feather coat. Her boyfriend disappeared after the ravens attacked him, and others have gone missing as well. On your (extremely dramatic) arrival, you find a virtual ghost town, the only people in sight disappearing before your eyes beneath the ravens. There is dark magic around, and you don’t know how you are going to counter it, but so far, being handy with a gun has helped! A broken amulet finds its way into your possession, and you find something you can use to defend yourself – if only you can find all the missing crystals.
GAMEPLAY
So far, the HOPs in the demo are a variation of the progressive silhouette style, with grey scale pix rather than silhouettes. Each has an easy puzzle to complete within them. They are fun rather than challenging. I can remember only a couple of mini-game outside these HOPs, although there are of course the usual locks and codes around. Something that I can’t define as mini-game or puzzle, a diorama that you must move along by choosing the correct (exceedingly obvious) objects, begins the tale of the origin of the Three Guardians.
So far, the HOPs in the demo are a variation of the progressive silhouette style, with grey scale pix rather than silhouettes. Each has an easy puzzle to complete within them. They are fun rather than challenging. I can remember only a couple of mini-game outside these HOPs, although there are of course the usual locks and codes around. Something that I can’t define as mini-game or puzzle, a diorama that you must move along by choosing the correct (exceedingly obvious) objects, begins the tale of the origin of the Three Guardians.
The journal is unique. It offers only character cards, which are added to as you gain information, and replayable videos. It will be interesting to see how that works out. The map is an interactive jump map, and hint is directional. So you have help for the many little errands you must run to get the items you need. This adventure component represents a larger portion of the game than other recent games have offered, but it is not difficult. There are 3 sets of difficulty options if you want a tougher challenge.
Finding pieces of the amulet increases your powers of magic in breaking down magic barriers and defending yourself against minions. One mini-game is associated with the amulet and crystals. To charge them, you must play 3 align-the-stars puzzles. These are easier than it normally is. And fun!
CE BLING!
There are 33 adorable squirrels to collect, plus 20 jigsaw pieces and 9 character figurines. These have achievements associated with them, as well as performance based ones. There is also an achievement where you must answer a simple question from the game. Each achievement gets you a piece of fresco and if you get all the achievements you can put together the final fresco to win the “ultimate” achievement.
There are 33 adorable squirrels to collect, plus 20 jigsaw pieces and 9 character figurines. These have achievements associated with them, as well as performance based ones. There is also an achievement where you must answer a simple question from the game. Each achievement gets you a piece of fresco and if you get all the achievements you can put together the final fresco to win the “ultimate” achievement.
There is a lot of concept art, very very good, and unfortunately not saveable. There are also some excellent wallpapers, and music. Heavy on the collectibles but a bit light on in the other standard CE bling! Of course, there is a bonus chapter and an in-game strategy guide.
COMBINED IMPACT
A very impressive game. The delightful artwork is combined with not-quite standard gameplay, it is relaxing and fun, and the story is intriguing. The whole package is so professionally done, I just want to sit and admire. *goofy grin*
A very impressive game. The delightful artwork is combined with not-quite standard gameplay, it is relaxing and fun, and the story is intriguing. The whole package is so professionally done, I just want to sit and admire. *goofy grin*
I recommend this game!
Guide the adorable Sala on his quest to find the delicious bubble cake in this unique and colorful arcade game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Nom, Bubble Cake!
PostedJanuary 29, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
Never tried bubble cake? Then you obviously haven’t played this funny little platformer. Now, there’s only one kind of game I play worse than time management games and that’s platformers, but I did enjoy this one in the brief time I managed to stay in the game.
You are given the choice to play in different definitions, or in windowed mode, and I found windowed the most comfortable. The graphics are cartoony and pretty, not much on detail, the music is a little childish too, but then so is the game.
Salawanda is a cute salamander traversing the bottom of the pond (?) she is in. She encounters nasty bumblebees and nice frogs and eats all the jellyfish and bubble cake she can find. Staying alive is tough, though, because there are so many obstacles to get around, and later there are bully bubbles!
And swimming is a bit of a hit and miss kind of thing. Your cursor moves Salawanda, but sluggishly, as she swims through the water, only speeding up after some time, and turning in response slowly and erratically.
Salawanda must get all 6 of the jellyfish to score points with which to buy cute hats (choice of 3 only in the first stage, don’t know if there’s more later). Top scores are recorded, from 0% to 100%. I managed to get through the first 10 levels, to finish the Mellow Garden, in 30 minutes of concentrated play, scoring only 40-50% each level. Two levels later, I ground to a halt unable to pass 4 mean bumblebees. I don’t know how many stages there are to the game.
This is not an easy platformer, but it is cute and light-hearted, and simple to grasp. It has the advantage of being a non-verbal game, so it can be played by anyone.
As a time gobbler, it’s a beauty.
I recommend this game!
Help the secret organization of Mystery Trackers find 3 missing celebrities in the mysterious Void family mansion!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Wonderland Of Invention
PostedJanuary 29, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Hard to believe this is the first of the Mystery Trackers series. It is such a sweet and simple game compared to the hard hitting, spectacular sequel Raincliff, and all that have come since. Yet you can see the quality and excitement in this game that are characteristic of all these games. Although a quiet start, the tension builds quickly and the mysterious atmosphere lasts the whole game.
Hard to believe this is the first of the Mystery Trackers series. It is such a sweet and simple game compared to the hard hitting, spectacular sequel Raincliff, and all that have come since. Yet you can see the quality and excitement in this game that are characteristic of all these games. Although a quiet start, the tension builds quickly and the mysterious atmosphere lasts the whole game.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
There is no widescreen option, of course, and the graphics have aged a little, but are artistically delightful and on most monitors, you’d not see much difference from a decent game made today. And the colours are bold and bright, the HOPs cleverly designed to misdirect the eye while remaining clear enough to see. I did find an occasional item difficult to find because of the age of the graphics, but they were few. Being a little more mature, shall we say, there are few animations and the HOPs are less fun because of it.
There is no widescreen option, of course, and the graphics have aged a little, but are artistically delightful and on most monitors, you’d not see much difference from a decent game made today. And the colours are bold and bright, the HOPs cleverly designed to misdirect the eye while remaining clear enough to see. I did find an occasional item difficult to find because of the age of the graphics, but they were few. Being a little more mature, shall we say, there are few animations and the HOPs are less fun because of it.
The background sounds are great. There are frogs in the pond, and rain dripping into it too. There are spooky noises in the house, and some wonderful booms and crashes. The music is mixed. Some I liked more than others. Voices don’t play much of a part in this game, but they are used to get effect. Love the radio in our car.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
We belong to a quasi-secret society called Mystery Trackers and we have been called in to investigate the disappearances of 3 famous people who have visited the mansion of recluse-inventor Malleus Void. Well, nobody rolled out the welcome mat for us, so we’ve had to improvise. The things we find in the mansion will both amaze and shock. And the mystery will become ever more intriguing.
We belong to a quasi-secret society called Mystery Trackers and we have been called in to investigate the disappearances of 3 famous people who have visited the mansion of recluse-inventor Malleus Void. Well, nobody rolled out the welcome mat for us, so we’ve had to improvise. The things we find in the mansion will both amaze and shock. And the mystery will become ever more intriguing.
GAMEPLAY
Nicely simple gameplay, considering the series’ tendency to be a bit tougher in more recent games. There are HOPs and other mini-games/puzzles in equal number – 38 each. Which makes it a very long game. Even I could not play it in one sitting. The HOPs are simple word lists, and as you progress you are required to get more and more multiples of some of the items. The puzzles, too, increase in difficulty as the game moves forward.
Nicely simple gameplay, considering the series’ tendency to be a bit tougher in more recent games. There are HOPs and other mini-games/puzzles in equal number – 38 each. Which makes it a very long game. Even I could not play it in one sitting. The HOPs are simple word lists, and as you progress you are required to get more and more multiples of some of the items. The puzzles, too, increase in difficulty as the game moves forward.
The adventure side of the game is at its most simple. You rarely keep inventory items for long, and the game seals off behind you once you are finished with an area, so there is never too many locations to work on at once. There is no map, but hint is literally a hint. Not quite the answer, but enough for you to know where to go and figure it out. The journal receives a lot of information, and some of it is necessary, so it is good to read it regularly.
BLING!
This game has 12 achievements, which are mostly story related, but there are a couple of performance based ones.
This game has 12 achievements, which are mostly story related, but there are a couple of performance based ones.
COMBINED IMPACT
I surely did love playing this game, especially just after playing the latest in this series. It’s certainly not as sophisticated as its brothers, but it is a sweet game with a lot of imagination and verve.
I surely did love playing this game, especially just after playing the latest in this series. It’s certainly not as sophisticated as its brothers, but it is a sweet game with a lot of imagination and verve.
I recommend this game!
A hidden-object, adventure, building and matching game set on a mysterious Island chain!
Overall rating
5
/
5
87 of 98 found this review helpful
A Little Of What You Like
PostedJanuary 28, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Undiscovered is an undiscovered little cross-genre masterpiece. It really does have a little of everything. Don’t be put off by thinking it’s another cute little Match-3 game. It is. But it is also so much more!
Undiscovered is an undiscovered little cross-genre masterpiece. It really does have a little of everything. Don’t be put off by thinking it’s another cute little Match-3 game. It is. But it is also so much more!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are simple, but their less-than-state-of-the-art standards are cleverly disguised with the less than subtle use of an airbrush. The game looks soft and gentle throughout as a result. The match-3 items are simple and pleasing, as are the huts we’ll build and the hidden objects we’ll find. The whole setting is prettily portrayed, with beautiful beaches and jungles. The music varies, but in all cases is sweet.
The graphics are simple, but their less-than-state-of-the-art standards are cleverly disguised with the less than subtle use of an airbrush. The game looks soft and gentle throughout as a result. The match-3 items are simple and pleasing, as are the huts we’ll build and the hidden objects we’ll find. The whole setting is prettily portrayed, with beautiful beaches and jungles. The music varies, but in all cases is sweet.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You are helping the survivors of a shipwreck, making good use of all you can find and salvage, exploring the island you are stranded on and setting up some basic shelter. This covers the opening chapter of the story, which I still had not completed in the 45 minutes I played.
You are helping the survivors of a shipwreck, making good use of all you can find and salvage, exploring the island you are stranded on and setting up some basic shelter. This covers the opening chapter of the story, which I still had not completed in the 45 minutes I played.
GAMEPLAY
Well, where to start? There are 3 modes to the game. Story mode, challenge(not sure) and zen (untimed). You must complete chapter 1 of story mode to unlock the other two.
Well, where to start? There are 3 modes to the game. Story mode, challenge(not sure) and zen (untimed). You must complete chapter 1 of story mode to unlock the other two.
But that doesn’t mean you are fighting the clock for the first chapter. You can choose casual, which allows you to continue past the clock, or expert, where you must achieve each level’s goals within a set time. I played casual, and would never even dream of trying to stick to the clock, but it was still 15 levels before I started losing the time bonus.
You have a field guide to keep track of tasks and record story elements. It’s both handy and fun.
The MATCH-3 game is pretty standard with the usual bonuses, powerups and obstacles.
The BUILD game is basic at this stage. Just a few upgradable huts requiring points to build, some other buildings that require specialised equipment you’ll find along the way.
The HOP is again simple. Nothing exceptional, but pretty, and the items are easily spotted in the uncrowded scene.
There are occasional (so far easy) PUZZLEs. Not many. I saw one.
There is even a very basic ADVENTURE component. In one level, you come across an ancient statue that is damaged, you must look around you, find the missing pieces (beat up a venus flytrap plant) and reap goodies when you fix it.
The one game type not yet represented is TIME MANAGEMENT, which is fine by me, but I am suspicious. Something gives me the feeling that even that is possible in the levels to follow. Remember, I have not even finished the first chapter.
COMBINED IMPACT
This is actually not a game I would normally play. I am strictly a HOPA fan, with the occasional “other” type when bored. Yet I enjoyed this, and only stopped for this review. For anyone who is more versatile in their playing, this will be a real light-hearted treat.
This is actually not a game I would normally play. I am strictly a HOPA fan, with the occasional “other” type when bored. Yet I enjoyed this, and only stopped for this review. For anyone who is more versatile in their playing, this will be a real light-hearted treat.
I think it is a game to delight all ages and interests, and levels of competency. Have fun!
I recommend this game!
Hoyle Illusions Mahjongg
Enjoy a wide variety of tile sets, myriad levels, beautiful environments, layout variations and much more in this new and exciting Mahjongg Adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 31 found this review helpful
Can You Spell Cookie Cutter?
PostedJanuary 28, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
BASED ON FULL HOUR DEMO
ENOUGH!! TWO almost identical mahjong games by the same developer on the same day, where the most obvious change is the way they spell mah-jongg? I repeat ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!
Do I sound outraged? Good, because I am. In concept, presentation and game mechanics, this game is identical to Mahjong Gold, also released today. I have gotten used to 8 Floor churning out near identical mahjong games every month, but that doesn’t mean I like it. This is going too far. Let me illustrate, as best one can with only standard text. *means actual differences [ ] is what I changed from my other review, which I did yesterday, not knowing what today would bring
This *magic-show mystery* [pirate]-themed game has the standard features I would expect in any mahjong game. This includes:
• 20 different boards x 6 locales (from Trickster [Cabin Boy] to Master Illusionist [Admiral]) = 120 levels
• Objectives for earning stars (time, number of steps, points, number of gold tiles retrieved)
• Silver bonus tiles that automatically fill your multiplier meter
• Magic-show [Pirate]-themed board designs
• Shuffle bonus automatically applied
• 3 types of tiles – original, magic-show[pirate] and large print numbers (The magic [pirate] tiles are [absolutely beautiful] pretty)
• High scores and Achievements
• *Hand-painted style backgrounds & Comic story board*
• Pleasant [Exceptional pirate] music *No awards to the composer* this time [(give the composer a bonus for this one, it’s worth buying the game for that alone!)]
• *Wand bonus that shades blocked tiles*
• Objectives for earning stars (time, number of steps, points, number of gold tiles retrieved)
• Silver bonus tiles that automatically fill your multiplier meter
• Magic-show [Pirate]-themed board designs
• Shuffle bonus automatically applied
• 3 types of tiles – original, magic-show[pirate] and large print numbers (The magic [pirate] tiles are [absolutely beautiful] pretty)
• High scores and Achievements
• *Hand-painted style backgrounds & Comic story board*
• Pleasant [Exceptional pirate] music *No awards to the composer* this time [(give the composer a bonus for this one, it’s worth buying the game for that alone!)]
• *Wand bonus that shades blocked tiles*
To progress through the levels you must meet the goals set for each board. These are:
1. Remove a certain number of gold tiles (the more non-gold tiles left at end of play earns more points)
2. Receive so many points (points are awarded on time taken between moves and involve a multiplier)
3. Complete the board in a set number of moves
4. Time taken to clear the board
2. Receive so many points (points are awarded on time taken between moves and involve a multiplier)
3. Complete the board in a set number of moves
4. Time taken to clear the board
The board is finished once the number of gold tiles is complete. Points can be multiplied by increasing the speed of your play, the moves set are not necessarily the minimum possible (yet at least), but they are a challenge after the first few boards. If you do not reach all the goals in one try, say you didn’t have enough points but the other goals were reached, you can replay it focussing on the points and no need to repeat your performance on the other goals.
What I didn’t see was an indication of the number of matched pairs available. I really love this feature. *There is an attempt here at a story, which was badly started, because I have no idea what it meant.*
I liked that, though not a widescreen game, it catered to wide screens by having wallpaper on the sides. This could have been more magical [piratical] though.
And forget the other nice things I said about the pirate game. If you must get one of these, get Mahjong Gold, although this one is slightly more relaxing.
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Return To Raincliff
PostedJanuary 27, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON BETA
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The best game of one of the very best series, the original Mystery Trackers Raincliff was a brilliantly conceived and produced game. One of the best games ever produced in fact. So it is delightful to have the opportunity to return to a place of such vivid memories. And the Raincliff of today is just as exciting, involving, and don’t forget *cold* as the previous one. And a good bit creepier.
The best game of one of the very best series, the original Mystery Trackers Raincliff was a brilliantly conceived and produced game. One of the best games ever produced in fact. So it is delightful to have the opportunity to return to a place of such vivid memories. And the Raincliff of today is just as exciting, involving, and don’t forget *cold* as the previous one. And a good bit creepier.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This is authentically Raincliff. You can see it all around you, the same taste of the town from the first game. The graphics, at least in the beta version, are not as good, though. The reporter is a little cartoony, and there is an occasional outline to be seen. Perhaps, though, you’ll never see that, as I am writing before the game is complete. Otherwise, the visuals are clear and clean and cold. Yes, I do keep coming back to that, don’t I? But it was one of the qualities of the original game that, among dozens of icy games, it was a stand out for realism. And this follows faithfully.
This is authentically Raincliff. You can see it all around you, the same taste of the town from the first game. The graphics, at least in the beta version, are not as good, though. The reporter is a little cartoony, and there is an occasional outline to be seen. Perhaps, though, you’ll never see that, as I am writing before the game is complete. Otherwise, the visuals are clear and clean and cold. Yes, I do keep coming back to that, don’t I? But it was one of the qualities of the original game that, among dozens of icy games, it was a stand out for realism. And this follows faithfully.
And nobody can criticise the marvellous way in which this game makes invisibility visible.
The sounds add to the atmosphere. The bitter wind whines at you the whole time you’re outdoors. There are all sorts of weird and creepy sounds in the background, and the voices of the invisible chatting as if it was you who couldn’t be seen. Splendid. Some of the sound effects will catch you off your guard, too, and give you nasty shock. The music was sufficiently unnoticeable to allow the other sound effects to dominate.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
An increase in supernatural activity, a missing reporter, something is amiss in Raincliff again. Early signs are that she has been kidnapped, or worse, and the videos she leaves behind her are very disturbing. Evidence clearly points to an unknown number of invisible individuals living in the city, and they are not pleased to see you. But there does seem to be one almost angelic looking person prepared to help. Who is he/she?
An increase in supernatural activity, a missing reporter, something is amiss in Raincliff again. Early signs are that she has been kidnapped, or worse, and the videos she leaves behind her are very disturbing. Evidence clearly points to an unknown number of invisible individuals living in the city, and they are not pleased to see you. But there does seem to be one almost angelic looking person prepared to help. Who is he/she?
GAMEPLAY
Raincliff balances HOPs with other mini-games and adventure play well. It is a bit more challenging than most games, but not beyond the logical powers of most players. The adventure component is fairly obvious without being boring, and there is a hint button that takes you to the active area, and an interactive jump map. There is no journal, just a camera so you can replay the journalist’s tapes.
Raincliff balances HOPs with other mini-games and adventure play well. It is a bit more challenging than most games, but not beyond the logical powers of most players. The adventure component is fairly obvious without being boring, and there is a hint button that takes you to the active area, and an interactive jump map. There is no journal, just a camera so you can replay the journalist’s tapes.
CE BLING!
This is a beta version, so I can’t tell you all there’ll be in the CE. What I did see is an Achievements room with beautiful masks, and the most amazingly sweet music! There are also collectible toads, each decked out to represent a different country. There is also a frost mode. This is a neat idea. A thermometer keeps track of how cold you are, which drops when you are outside. When it gets low enough, you must find a morphing object that will keep you warm, such as a pair of gloves that morphs to a book. There is an achievement for playing in this mode, but you can turn it off within the game.
This is a beta version, so I can’t tell you all there’ll be in the CE. What I did see is an Achievements room with beautiful masks, and the most amazingly sweet music! There are also collectible toads, each decked out to represent a different country. There is also a frost mode. This is a neat idea. A thermometer keeps track of how cold you are, which drops when you are outside. When it gets low enough, you must find a morphing object that will keep you warm, such as a pair of gloves that morphs to a book. There is an achievement for playing in this mode, but you can turn it off within the game.
COMBINED IMPACT
I don’t know whether it’s the frigid atmosphere of Raincliff, or the eerie feeling of being watched, but on a pleasant summer evening in Oz, I had the shivers playing this game. Either way, you can’t ask for a better demonstration of the success of this game.
I don’t know whether it’s the frigid atmosphere of Raincliff, or the eerie feeling of being watched, but on a pleasant summer evening in Oz, I had the shivers playing this game. Either way, you can’t ask for a better demonstration of the success of this game.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent HOG!
PostedJanuary 27, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON BETA
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s been a while since we had a truly exclusively Hidden Object game. It’s been worth the wait. This a marvellous whodunit with all the flavour and quality of a HOPA without the added stress and confusion associated with complex stories and quests. Here we follow the investigation from HOP to HOP with a smooth and easy transition that will delight true HOG players.
It’s been a while since we had a truly exclusively Hidden Object game. It’s been worth the wait. This a marvellous whodunit with all the flavour and quality of a HOPA without the added stress and confusion associated with complex stories and quests. Here we follow the investigation from HOP to HOP with a smooth and easy transition that will delight true HOG players.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Good quality graphics that make items easy to see – once you look at them the right way, of course! They are accompanied by fun ambient sounds and an excellent voiceover who keeps us up to date without too much waffling and stating of the obvious (yeah, sure, there is a little of that of course). The bad guy is fun, clear voiceover, and the way he hides his identity is a giggle.
Good quality graphics that make items easy to see – once you look at them the right way, of course! They are accompanied by fun ambient sounds and an excellent voiceover who keeps us up to date without too much waffling and stating of the obvious (yeah, sure, there is a little of that of course). The bad guy is fun, clear voiceover, and the way he hides his identity is a giggle.
One feature that really tickled me, I found the overhead fan’s steady whup, whup, whup, annoying. Out of pique I clicked on it as if that would shut it up, and it did!! So, we can turn off the fan, then open the window (full realism here, it’s hot so we need to), and we get the sounds of a busy world coming in. What a wonderful touch!
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A serial killer calling himself the “Toymaker” is playing games with us. He leaves clues and video recordings at the scenes of his crimes, taunting us. As the detective in charge of the case, we must follow his clues to various locations and find what he has left for us, solve his cryptic clues and track him down.
A serial killer calling himself the “Toymaker” is playing games with us. He leaves clues and video recordings at the scenes of his crimes, taunting us. As the detective in charge of the case, we must follow his clues to various locations and find what he has left for us, solve his cryptic clues and track him down.
GAMEPLAY
This is suitably simple. Each location has something the Toymaker has left us, which forms part of a puzzle we need to solve. So each chapter consists of us receiving an initial clue, pointing in the direction of one or more locations. In each we conduct a HOP to find another piece. Once all locations have been cleared, we must solve the puzzle to move on. Each level requires more locations be completed and a more complex (but still reasonable) puzzle.
This is suitably simple. Each location has something the Toymaker has left us, which forms part of a puzzle we need to solve. So each chapter consists of us receiving an initial clue, pointing in the direction of one or more locations. In each we conduct a HOP to find another piece. Once all locations have been cleared, we must solve the puzzle to move on. Each level requires more locations be completed and a more complex (but still reasonable) puzzle.
There is an apparently limitless help button, which you may well need. These scenes contain objects that are cleverly disguised, although obvious once you see them. The game does not have a journal or case book, which I think would be helpful in keeping the story together. While most HOG players aren’t much interested in story, this game has a nice one, and a dossier on suspects or similar would have added to the fun.
My one serious criticism is that the cursor is way too big. There are also a few translation errors. While the useful of a bayonet and a knife may be similar, they are not the same objects! *cheeky grin*
COMBINED IMPACT
This is a neat game, both in design and production standards. I would absolutely have to own it were I a primarily HOG player. As it is, preferring HOPAs, it will still be on my wish list.
This is a neat game, both in design and production standards. I would absolutely have to own it were I a primarily HOG player. As it is, preferring HOPAs, it will still be on my wish list.
I recommend this game!