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:
Travel through ghost worlds to investigate the mysteries of your family. Can you uncover the mystery of the tribal curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 76 found this review helpful
Very Impressive SE With Solid Adventure Play****
PostedAugust 11, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I really enjoyed this game, from the opening video to the moment the timer kicked me out. The graphics are very good, nice artwork, a hint of cartoon about it, but executed perfectly. The music and background sounds were well done and the sound effects very good indeed. No voiceovers. The budget must have been low, because it is not widescreen, but it looked perfectly okay for me with the side panels wallpapered.
I really enjoyed this game, from the opening video to the moment the timer kicked me out. The graphics are very good, nice artwork, a hint of cartoon about it, but executed perfectly. The music and background sounds were well done and the sound effects very good indeed. No voiceovers. The budget must have been low, because it is not widescreen, but it looked perfectly okay for me with the side panels wallpapered.
STORY
Dear ol’ Dad was something of an absentee father all your life, due to being dead, a state he reached by fathering a son – you. The curse on your family must be broken, or you will die too, at the birth of your own son. The solution lies in calling on the ghosts of your male ancestors to help you, which you can do by making voodoo dolls in their likeness and performing a special ritual. Interesting story, with a little originality in there.
Dear ol’ Dad was something of an absentee father all your life, due to being dead, a state he reached by fathering a son – you. The curse on your family must be broken, or you will die too, at the birth of your own son. The solution lies in calling on the ghosts of your male ancestors to help you, which you can do by making voodoo dolls in their likeness and performing a special ritual. Interesting story, with a little originality in there.
GAMEPLAY
This game feels more like a point and click adventure game than I have seen in quite a while. There is a lot of figuring out what to do next, clicking on things in the location to find out what happens, and puzzles to solve. There are plenty of HOPs too, which are visited twice. So while it has that p&c feel, it is familiar enough to get comfortable in it. The HOPs are more-than-usually interactive, word lists. As well, there are some items which you must collect pieces of from the location, which show up as a ring of items around the finished product image, as seen in earlier HOGs.
This game feels more like a point and click adventure game than I have seen in quite a while. There is a lot of figuring out what to do next, clicking on things in the location to find out what happens, and puzzles to solve. There are plenty of HOPs too, which are visited twice. So while it has that p&c feel, it is familiar enough to get comfortable in it. The HOPs are more-than-usually interactive, word lists. As well, there are some items which you must collect pieces of from the location, which show up as a ring of items around the finished product image, as seen in earlier HOGs.
I particularly liked the puzzles. They would seem to be ordinary familiar ones – right up until you read the instructions. For example, what looks like a standard ring puzzle, isn’t one at all, but something else entirely! None are overly difficult, but the Skip is slowish even in the easiest of the three levels of difficulty. The hint is directional. There is no map – that I saw, but they’re the kind of details I forget to note when I get involved in the game.
COMBINED IMPACT
Excellent standard edition game! A very relaxing but entertaining game – without a single helpful animal in sight! *wink*
Excellent standard edition game! A very relaxing but entertaining game – without a single helpful animal in sight! *wink*
I recommend this game!
Dear Witch Apprentice, are you ready to meet your fate? Win the magical ingredients needed to save your world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
51 of 75 found this review helpful
ABSOLUTELY NO HAND HOLDING!!
PostedJuly 29, 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
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
Gave this a quick once over. It failed to entice me, at first - but I had only 6 minutes left when I bailed, so it kept my interest. And I know, given the most significant thing in this game is that it has little to no handholding, and is also creepy, that there will be at least a dozen people who will love it *wink*.
The artwork is nice. Too dark and a bit gross, but a very good style. Just a hint of that dark outlined style that totally changes the look of a game, such as they do in Mortlake Mansion. Weird sound effects. The music is a nice change. A single guitar, at one point.
The developer is just a couple of people, and they produced a great first (I think) effort. But it is a very low key introduction. Just a (well chosen) voice, a little too slow in delivery, telling us a little of the circumstances we find ourselves in. The story is that you are an apprentice witch, and today is your final exam. I think. The story was pretty much lost as you try to figure out what needs to be done. So I may well have forgotten things.
This is the kind of HOP game where a ring springs out from (in this case) a golden ball, and the items pictured must be found lying around in a location. As well as this kind of gameplay, there is the finding of recipes, collecting ingredients and following the instructions. There appears to be little or no other gameplay, very few puzzles.
But the puzzles are great. They take old ‘favourites’, like the ‘match the pairs’ and add interesting, slightly more difficult components. In this case, the “objects” are insects on the spines of very old books, where you must find the matching pairs to eliminate. The insects are not clearly apparent, and there can be more than one insect on a spine. In another, you complete a ‘mirror’ jigsaw, but don’t dally! The glue you must add for each piece will dry.
Which brings up an important point. Don’t try this game if you’re squeamish. There are spiders, snakes, insects and other creepy stuff everywhere. Another point in favour, dark and eerie fans! *wink*
There is a hint (on the left side, marked 'H') and a notebook with replayable video clips and copies of the recipes, marked 'D', on the right. And a small button top right of the inventory bar marked 'M', which takes you to the main menu - where 'Exit' is seriously hidden in the bottom left corner. The entire interface in this game felt wrong.
Hint and Skip take forever, and there are no choices of difficulty levels. Also, no map. Hint is not much help either, most often you get that old fashioned “There is nothing to do here”. Which is better than no hint at all, but only just. Eventually, if you go blindly clicking away forever, as I had to, on just the 2nd HOP (and I’m not usually THAT bad), a very faint hint of a sparkle will highlight the items you’re searching for. But it didn’t register on me, until I hit the last object left to find.
The entire game felt old fashioned, with its low level of adventure play and virtually no help, and the style of HOP. Which will also appeal to those who like the classics. I think I’d have to call it a iHOG, rather than a HOPA. Personally, I felt a bit simple, playing this game, because everything, even the HOPs, makes you think. Not really my cup of tea for a stand alone. But if you like that style of play, the game certainly is of sufficient quality and a certain charm. And despite my preference for HOPA’s I will definitely be getting this game with a punch card credit.
I recommend this game!
Your investigative report on the Weeping Woman of San Cristobal turns personal after you witness a kidnapping. Is the legend true?
Overall rating
4
/
5
51 of 74 found this review helpful
Lively & Fun
PostedJuly 26, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Very “Calavera” & “Mexicana”, this game is Mexican in flavour, so lots of bold bright colours, Latino accents, mixed legends and religions, and don’t forget the painted skulls. This one is set 2 weeks before Halloween and the Day of the Dead, but has the same carnivale atmosphere.
Very “Calavera” & “Mexicana”, this game is Mexican in flavour, so lots of bold bright colours, Latino accents, mixed legends and religions, and don’t forget the painted skulls. This one is set 2 weeks before Halloween and the Day of the Dead, but has the same carnivale atmosphere.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Loud! (The graphics that is, lol). The background noises and music are much less obtrusive. Accents vary from what feels to me like a parody of Mexican accent (but I honestly wouldn’t have a clue so don’t take my word for it), to almost Accentless to this Australian pair of ears. Lip synced. Music nicely varied.
Loud! (The graphics that is, lol). The background noises and music are much less obtrusive. Accents vary from what feels to me like a parody of Mexican accent (but I honestly wouldn’t have a clue so don’t take my word for it), to almost Accentless to this Australian pair of ears. Lip synced. Music nicely varied.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Legend has it the Weeping Woman in the river steals a child every year on 17th Oct. It is a revenge thing for her children were stolen from her by a cheating husband. The town tries to appease the Woman by holding a festival that looks suspiciously like the Day of the Dead to me, but again, what do I know?
Legend has it the Weeping Woman in the river steals a child every year on 17th Oct. It is a revenge thing for her children were stolen from her by a cheating husband. The town tries to appease the Woman by holding a festival that looks suspiciously like the Day of the Dead to me, but again, what do I know?
You are a reporter, and you are here to investigate the true facts of the very real children who are disappearing each year. But you are not into any of that silly legend stuff. The people in the town fall into two categories, those who believe in the festival and those who don’t.
GAMEPLAY
Mostly easy, but fun. And a couple of unique ways of presenting familiar ones. Well integrated into the story. HOPs are interactive list, with more interaction than I normally see. More of them than is usual in these days, too. Adventure gameplay is easy, very logical, but not linear. There is an interactive jump map (that gets you to the general location – these are locations that include 2 or 3 others), and a directional hint. Journal with basic information. 4 levels of difficulty, including custom. Inventory lock.
Mostly easy, but fun. And a couple of unique ways of presenting familiar ones. Well integrated into the story. HOPs are interactive list, with more interaction than I normally see. More of them than is usual in these days, too. Adventure gameplay is easy, very logical, but not linear. There is an interactive jump map (that gets you to the general location – these are locations that include 2 or 3 others), and a directional hint. Journal with basic information. 4 levels of difficulty, including custom. Inventory lock.
CE BLING!
I like the collectibles. There are morphing flowers (25), which are lovely, and hidden golden skulls (25), where you actually have to move something in the location to see them. One each in each location. There is a separate achievements area in the Main Menu, also available from the journal. Achievements are painted skulls, and have both performance and story. Morphing flowers have own area too. Concept art (9) looks like the finished product to me, and there are also 6 wallpapers.
I like the collectibles. There are morphing flowers (25), which are lovely, and hidden golden skulls (25), where you actually have to move something in the location to see them. One each in each location. There is a separate achievements area in the Main Menu, also available from the journal. Achievements are painted skulls, and have both performance and story. Morphing flowers have own area too. Concept art (9) looks like the finished product to me, and there are also 6 wallpapers.
COMBINED IMPACT
I really enjoyed it. I was just going to glance in at it to see what it was like, and I got caught up in it.
I really enjoyed it. I was just going to glance in at it to see what it was like, and I got caught up in it.
It may be a bit on the short side, that was my feeling, but I am hoping someone will correct me on that. I think it borders on being less than adequate as a CE, but it does have that fun feeling and I can see getting to the end of it and wanting more. So,
I recommend this game!
Save your daughter from a mysterious mirror-hopping monster!
Overall rating
5
/
5
121 of 158 found this review helpful
A Bit Easier, But Still Magnificent!*****
PostedJuly 19, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
IN BRIEF
Not very interesting or visually spectacular intro, although makes a nice story set up for the series. Don’t remember that from first one.
Not very interesting or visually spectacular intro, although makes a nice story set up for the series. Don’t remember that from first one.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Graphics look gorgeous, clear and delightful art, both in the locations and the HOPs. Music is uniquely lovely.
Graphics look gorgeous, clear and delightful art, both in the locations and the HOPs. Music is uniquely lovely.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You, your husband and your daughter are all “Travellers”, able to move between different worlds through the use of books. Daughter can travel with mirrors. 12th birthday, daughter first goes into coma, then gets grabbed into another world. Interesting thing, husband was actually useful for about 5 minutes, and in at least one instance, you get to play him.
You, your husband and your daughter are all “Travellers”, able to move between different worlds through the use of books. Daughter can travel with mirrors. 12th birthday, daughter first goes into coma, then gets grabbed into another world. Interesting thing, husband was actually useful for about 5 minutes, and in at least one instance, you get to play him.
GAMEPLAY
A good variety of puzzles, mini-puzzles (like inventory-assembled items) and HOPs. The HOPs are quite different from each other. All have morphing object in them. There are interactive word lists, progressive find and use, unique matching pairs, replace items in scene, and find pictured type of item. E.g. a flower x3. They will all be flowers, but won’t all look the same. There are some other nifty gimmicks in them as well. Some of the HOPs actually advance the story or provide back history as you complete them.
A good variety of puzzles, mini-puzzles (like inventory-assembled items) and HOPs. The HOPs are quite different from each other. All have morphing object in them. There are interactive word lists, progressive find and use, unique matching pairs, replace items in scene, and find pictured type of item. E.g. a flower x3. They will all be flowers, but won’t all look the same. There are some other nifty gimmicks in them as well. Some of the HOPs actually advance the story or provide back history as you complete them.
Other puzzles and general game play are much easier than first Nevertales, so far. But it still took me just over an hour to complete the demo. There is a handy interactive jump map with objectives available and completed scenes, a journal with notes, achievements and objective list. Hint is directional. 3 levels of difficulty plus custom. Aspect correction. 4 sound sliders. Lockable inventory bar. Game timer.
A couple of extras. Alice’s dollhouse has lost its rooms. You find them as you play. They are her means of communicating with you.
CE BLING!
A lot of collectible book symbols, one per location, and there is an indicator for them, plus morphing items in the HOPs. The gallery includes 20 wallpapers, roughly, and about 14 ‘before and after’ concept art sketches. There are 10 musical tracks.
A lot of collectible book symbols, one per location, and there is an indicator for them, plus morphing items in the HOPs. The gallery includes 20 wallpapers, roughly, and about 14 ‘before and after’ concept art sketches. There are 10 musical tracks.
Additional gameplay includes 17 HOPs which you unlock as you play them. There is also a treasure hunt game to ensure you have all the collectibles, and a Tower Defence game. Plus, the usual bonus chapter and hidden chapters opened when you have played the treasure hunt game.
There are achievements, which can be accessed through the journal, and cover performance and story.
COMBINED IMPACT
This game isn’t blowing me away as much as the first one did, but, to me, it is still better because it is easier to play. I found the first one a bit tough, which detracted from my enjoyment. I think this is an extraordinarily good game, and with so many extras, I wouldn’t dream of buying anything other than the CE.
This game isn’t blowing me away as much as the first one did, but, to me, it is still better because it is easier to play. I found the first one a bit tough, which detracted from my enjoyment. I think this is an extraordinarily good game, and with so many extras, I wouldn’t dream of buying anything other than the CE.
I recommend this game!
Ominous Objects: Family Portrait Collector's Edition
A father returns home to find his children missing - all but one, who refuses to say a word...
Overall rating
5
/
5
72 of 161 found this review helpful
Deadly Paintings
PostedJuly 17, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
From the makers of Dark Dimensions comes a nicely dark magical painting game. Not to be confused with the other game I recently reviewed, Haunted Manor 3: Painted Beauty. It is another fine example of how a fertile imagination and artistic talent can create gems for our entertainment.
From the makers of Dark Dimensions comes a nicely dark magical painting game. Not to be confused with the other game I recently reviewed, Haunted Manor 3: Painted Beauty. It is another fine example of how a fertile imagination and artistic talent can create gems for our entertainment.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The excellent intro features clear and lifelike cut scenes with a narrative voiceover that sounds just perfect for the part, even if the intonation is a bit odd at times. I can forgive anything, though, in a character that uses irony! The locations are gorgeous, a huge castle filled with glorious colourful objects and lavish furnishings. The mix of light tinkling music and subtle ambient sound is so sweet, it lulls you. But don’t get too comfortable, there is evil afoot and as is so often the case, it’s noisy! No attempt has been made to lip synch, the characters remain still. The voiceover does some responses to certain actions.
The excellent intro features clear and lifelike cut scenes with a narrative voiceover that sounds just perfect for the part, even if the intonation is a bit odd at times. I can forgive anything, though, in a character that uses irony! The locations are gorgeous, a huge castle filled with glorious colourful objects and lavish furnishings. The mix of light tinkling music and subtle ambient sound is so sweet, it lulls you. But don’t get too comfortable, there is evil afoot and as is so often the case, it’s noisy! No attempt has been made to lip synch, the characters remain still. The voiceover does some responses to certain actions.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You arrive home after months abroad to find your family in direst emergency. Your wife explains that 3 of your 4 children have just suddenly disappeared, and your oldest girl has locked herself in her room and won’t come out. Suddenly, a ferocious Doberman, pictured in the painting nearby, materialises and threatens your wife. It will take a little deduction to find out how to deal with him, and with the other dangerous creatures that seem to spring out at every turn.
You arrive home after months abroad to find your family in direst emergency. Your wife explains that 3 of your 4 children have just suddenly disappeared, and your oldest girl has locked herself in her room and won’t come out. Suddenly, a ferocious Doberman, pictured in the painting nearby, materialises and threatens your wife. It will take a little deduction to find out how to deal with him, and with the other dangerous creatures that seem to spring out at every turn.
Eventually your daughter tells you what happened. They were in the library and the younger daughter wanted a new book to read. Reaching up for one activated a secret passage behind the bookcase. There they saw a portrait of a stern-faced man, and as they looked, he became dark scary smoke, that wrapped itself around the children and drew them into the portrait.
The ghostly presence must be that of the original owner, a skilful artist from centuries past, who when painting his family portrait lost his whole family into it. He was tried for their murders and burned at the stake! Is it he whose malevolent presence has taken off with our children, and is setting the paintings’ inhabitants upon us?
GAMEPLAY
Another excellent game of varied gameplay. The HOPs are mixed, a mini-puzzle in an interactive word list, where the final object must be pieced together from the fragments exposed when you take away the items on the list. Others include misplaced items and progressive silhouettes. One, at least, is visited twice.
Another excellent game of varied gameplay. The HOPs are mixed, a mini-puzzle in an interactive word list, where the final object must be pieced together from the fragments exposed when you take away the items on the list. Others include misplaced items and progressive silhouettes. One, at least, is visited twice.
Other puzzles are somewhat more familiar, but nicely done and well integrated. There is a variety of difficulty amongst them. The adventure side is even more than usually sensible, and there is not too much to and fro. Three levels of difficulty. A teleporting hint, and an interactive jump map. There is no journal, just a task list, and our achievements, and our pet’s playroom. Yes, there is a cute companion, a fluffy cat who is most helpful, and for whom we can purchase stuff.
CE BLING!
The cat has many items of furniture and entertainment that you can purchase with the coins you find as you play. I detected no other collectibles. The achievements cover performance, and there are quite a few of them. There is a Match-3 game, wallpaper x6, concept art x16, music x4, and 19 videos called Developers’ Diary. I watched the first two, and really enjoyed them. They were funny, and showed the developer’s team as likeable and friendly.
The cat has many items of furniture and entertainment that you can purchase with the coins you find as you play. I detected no other collectibles. The achievements cover performance, and there are quite a few of them. There is a Match-3 game, wallpaper x6, concept art x16, music x4, and 19 videos called Developers’ Diary. I watched the first two, and really enjoyed them. They were funny, and showed the developer’s team as likeable and friendly.
COMBINED IMPACT
Well, I love a good magic painting game, and this one is fine. Not a world-beater, but lovely graphics for spectacular locations, interesting HOPs, and an engaging story... and I’m a push over.
Well, I love a good magic painting game, and this one is fine. Not a world-beater, but lovely graphics for spectacular locations, interesting HOPs, and an engaging story... and I’m a push over.
I recommend this game!
Resolve a family squabble before the gates to the realm of the dead swing open and horrors beyond imagination pour into this world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 99 found this review helpful
I LOVE THIS GAME!
PostedJuly 16, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When I played the beta of this game, I liked it but felt it needed work. Well, the developers have clearly put in the work, because this game is sensational! The opening is delightful. Not dramatic, but interesting, great to look at, and informative. It sets the scene nicely for the action that follows.
When I played the beta of this game, I liked it but felt it needed work. Well, the developers have clearly put in the work, because this game is sensational! The opening is delightful. Not dramatic, but interesting, great to look at, and informative. It sets the scene nicely for the action that follows.
The story allows for a choice of endings. Two sisters, both apparently endowed with magic powers, are in conflict about opening a portal to the “Other Side”. Doing so will give great knowledge and power to humanity, but also much death. You are a supernatural detective, and you have been lured here by one of the sisters to help stop the other, who is trying to open the gate. The other sister says you were lured here as the next sacrifice needed to keep the door shut. You have to decide whom you should trust.
This game is primarily HOPs, there are lots and lots of them, and they are far better fun than the usual word list. There are many portions of it that are progressive – “find this to find that”, and they are all quite different. The graphics are colourful and very well done, with some great surreal artwork, and the music is delightful though a bit repetitive. So far, there hasn’t been much of the gross stuff I saw in the beta, but I am sure it’s coming – they kept the ‘catching spiders with a frog’ mini-game, after all, and it was quite a bit icky creepy! So be prepared for disembodied hands conducting surgery on various non-human (thank goodness) body parts.
The puzzles are not hard, and entertaining, although there was a reversi game. I am absolutely appalling at that sort of thing, and after many attempts had to skip. The frog game required a little dexterity and good timing. So, a bit of everything in the mini-games as well. There is a journal with info, and history as found (in books as you make your way through the tower), and objectives.
There are two levels of difficulty, a hint (Boris the very cheeky cat) who is as likely to scoff at you as be helpful, but will do so eventually *grin*. The map is rudimentary to say the least, it consists of a sketch in the journal showing which floor you are on.
BLING!
Yup! A stand alone standard edition with bling! There are 100 collectible cat’s paws, which can be found in both the locations and the HOP scenes, or anywhere else for that matter. They are not always depicted as coins. Any image of paw prints will do, so keep your eyes peeled. Including places that you must unlock after finding clues or inventory items to get at them. There are no hints for these, so if you can’t find a code for example, you’ve missed out. They can be used to accessorise the cat. It might be worth doing, just to see his reaction. The accessories are power ups. You can use them to decrease hint refill time, for instance. There are also achievements, both story and performance ones.
Yup! A stand alone standard edition with bling! There are 100 collectible cat’s paws, which can be found in both the locations and the HOP scenes, or anywhere else for that matter. They are not always depicted as coins. Any image of paw prints will do, so keep your eyes peeled. Including places that you must unlock after finding clues or inventory items to get at them. There are no hints for these, so if you can’t find a code for example, you’ve missed out. They can be used to accessorise the cat. It might be worth doing, just to see his reaction. The accessories are power ups. You can use them to decrease hint refill time, for instance. There are also achievements, both story and performance ones.
COMBINED IMPACT
I really loved this new updated game. It is great to look at, entertaining to play, and I am in love with Boris the cat. I am looking forward to more dealings with Boris, and seeing what the other floors of the tower have to offer. Enough that I might even, for the first time in months, buy this game without waiting until Monday!
I really loved this new updated game. It is great to look at, entertaining to play, and I am in love with Boris the cat. I am looking forward to more dealings with Boris, and seeing what the other floors of the tower have to offer. Enough that I might even, for the first time in months, buy this game without waiting until Monday!
I recommend this game!
Nightfall: An Edgar Allan Poe Mystery
Travel to Paris and work with Monsieur Dupin! Investigate lots of cases and meet unforgettable personalities!
Overall rating
3
/
5
126 of 148 found this review helpful
Almost Got Me, But...
PostedJuly 15, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It’s a Free To Play game. I have tried a few of these now, trying to figure out why they are so popular, but it continues to escape me. I dislike them, but not wholly because they strike me as misleading at best. There really is nothing free about them, except maybe the first hour. Which is spent doing a lot of tutorial-style stuff anyway. By the time you get to your first case, you need more energy – which is of course where the actual dollars come in.
I don’t like these sorts of games for other reasons as well though. I’ve never bothered to explain these games to others, but finally, I will have a go at it here.
The object of the exercise is to accumulate experience points, and increase your levels, at which point more interesting stuff happens. The initially simple quests you are sent on show you the basics of getting around the map, searching a HOP, and interacting with characters . What this actually entails is quite complex, and unless you’ve played these games before, you will need that tutorial.
You attain the goals – experience, crystals, coins, energy, power ups and specific quest items, as well as collectibles for extra rewards – by completing these HOP scenes. Each of which have only a half a dozen items listed. You will need to return to these scenes many times before they are completed, but the list and the placement of the items change each time. Still, I was bored after the first two. They do spice it up a bit with a “night” mode, and a “frost” mode, but it is still the same scene. There is a magnifier I found useful, and a hint. Which I didn’t dare use in case it took away stuff I’d have to buy. There is also a thermometer which indicates what multiples of the points for an item apply, which goes up as you find items quickly and down when you don’t.
Generally, there will be quest items, say a newspaper, to be gained in these searches as well. Once you have completed the quest you must click on the indicator for it in the top left to get credit for it and receive your reward. Areas open up only when you have completed certain quests, found certain items, or reached a certain level.
You could play at this level interminably, but taking on each quest takes energy, and that’s what you must, ultimately, pay for. Because once you have run out of it, you cannot play again for a certain period of time. I am a little fuzzy on how much time that is.
Okay, enough about the gameplay. The story is attractive. You answer a request from M. Dupin to help him with his brand new detective agency. You are introduced to his secretary, who in fact does most of the explaining – why is that man so camera shy? – and soon you are searching Dupin’s house for forgotten items. Learning about how to create your own wardrobe, and how to decorate the very Spartan office.
Actual crimes start happening, including a reworked one fans will recognise, done in such a way that the HOPA game’s ending will not be correct. Guess they have to keep the suspense going. You get to meet the police involved, for whom you must first do favours of course, and then you will be ready to search the crime scene with M. Dupin.
Oh, look at the time! We’d better buy some energy before starting this investigation. Yup, you guessed it, the minute something interesting looks like happening, we must pause from our “sponsor” and buy something. Only $2.50, sure, but slippery slope I reckon, so even though I was tempted to keep playing, I refrained and got out while I could lol.
Did I, ultimately, enjoy it? Well, the music and the art were so Dark Tales, it was wonderful. M. Dupin, when he showed up, looked particularly handsome and much more like his old self. The HOPs were all disgustingly easy even by my standards, and the rest was just frou frou as far as I was concerned. No story could develop smoothly with that chip chop design of playing quests, so over time I think it would really get my goat.
Still, I stuck it out for an hour, and didn’t actively hate it. A lot of that was Dark Tales nostalgia. Still, I might go back...
As for recommending it, I can’t go conclusively one way or the other. Which is the best I’ve had to say about any of these F2P games.
Fly to Paris to cover the opening of Paris's hottest new restaurant, Le Roi Soleil! Help discover who murdered the restaurant's famous chef!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 78 found this review helpful
Another Nice iHOG
PostedJuly 15, 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
I like this game! It’s simple, no flashy videos or special effects, no complex story, no fanfare at all really. But it looks lovely, is light-hearted despite the subject matter – murder – and it has fun HOP scenes that are a just a little challenging. I really enjoyed the art and the music in this one. Even the office atmosphere created by almost subliminal voices in the first location. The imagery is basically static, but the impression of movement is created by a little animation in the right spots.
But it is not for everyone. It involves a LOT of (written) dialogue, most of it unnecessary, but amusing. If you liked Toymaker, and can ignore or enjoy a little repartee between characters, this will probably appeal. The next step in the game is explained and justified by all this chatter, but the map will take you to the right place anyway, as it is labelled with the areas where a task awaits.
The gameplay is pure HOPs with the occasional easy but fun puzzle. The HOPs are mostly simple interactive word lists, although there is at least one multiples of. The scenes may be visited twice – one scene is so far. There are locations within locations – for example, the kitchen of the restaurant has a walk-in freezer. Hint is quick on the easiest of 3 levels. And I needed it occasionally. There is a little more back and forward than ideal, particularly for a HOG.
The story is a bit different, always good. You are a food reporter and are accompanied by a “paparazzi” (your word, you really don’t like him) photographer on your mission to investigate the death of a famous chef. Luckily, you know the restauranteur, and are given access to the scene of the crime, and the most likely suspects.
I like the fact that you sleep in this game lol! How often is that taken into account! I also like the fact that we are in Paris is a part of the game. French words pop up everywhere, and the French stereotypes are part of the fun.
An easy game, with pleasant visuals and very pleasant music. A lot of light-hearted quips, and visible items in cluttered but clear and interesting HOP scenes. That’s enough for a punchcard credit, and I’d even buy it in a sale, I think. It is relaxing and engrossing.
I recommend this game!
Real estate agent Angie Dee must get her first home ready for sale. Explore, solve puzzles and clean cobwebs to unravel the house’s mystery in this amusing adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
36 of 106 found this review helpful
TOO HARD!
PostedJuly 14, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
At first, the game gives a good impression. It’s basic, but the graphics are dark but good. The sound effects and music are appropriate. The dialogue is amusing and easily understood (also skippable). But this iHOG, and it really is about the Hidden Object scenes, I never even found a puzzle before I had to give up playing, is just a bit too weird. Pity, it has some nifty ideas.
I really like the story for instance. As a new real estate agent, you are given the most tedious assignment! Spruce up this suburban deserted house and find out what drove the previous inhabitants to leave so abruptly that most of their stuff is still here, lying in HOP junk piles *giggle*. And I love the 60s feel of the place (or is it 70s?). I don’t like that we have to drag the inventory item to where it must be used, and that the inventory bar is not lockable.
However, I also like finding cobwebs and bugs in every location. We are here, after all, to clean up a deserted house for property inspections! So, in each location, close up shot and window, there is an indication of how many of these creepies there are and how many you’ve found. Although you know how many there are in a location, there is no hint for this element of the game. But even after completing a HOP, you can return to it to find remaining bugs. This is a fun idea. But having to exit using the back arrow, which is in the top left, from everything, HOP scene, locations, everything. That is not a fun idea. It’s just irritating.
About the HOPs. They are not only TOO HARD!!!, but weird as well. The graphics are quite dark, and seeing items is difficult. But worse, they are often very small, and very well integrated into the scene. The scenes are ‘busy’, and a small pink gun-like silhouette gets pretty much rendered invisible in a splotch of pink paint. As well, when you find an item, the word on the list is heightened with yellow, until the next item you find, when it will become shaded. Why this is so totally escapes me. I can see no point to it whatsoever.
I never did get to a puzzle. Or very far into the game, in the 30 minutes I gave it a shot. It is too hard for me, I admit it. For HOPA (as opposed to iHOG) fans, this game does not have much to offer. It is almost exclusively very hard HOP scenes, and not much of anything else.
But it is quirky, and cheeky, and if you are really, really good at HOPs, you might find this an interesting challenge.
I recommend this game!
Was Veronica West’s death an accident… or a cold-blooded murder?
Overall rating
5
/
5
88 of 202 found this review helpful
Whodunit The Eipix Way
PostedJuly 12, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Opening scenes are good, exciting and mysterious, and done in the very best of whodunit film making. But I am tired of the art deco motif. I love the interface, its colours and crisp lines, but it is sooo déjà vu, at first it almost seemed a part of the Final Cut series. Yes, Eipix, it looks beautiful, but it also looks far too familiar.
Opening scenes are good, exciting and mysterious, and done in the very best of whodunit film making. But I am tired of the art deco motif. I love the interface, its colours and crisp lines, but it is sooo déjà vu, at first it almost seemed a part of the Final Cut series. Yes, Eipix, it looks beautiful, but it also looks far too familiar.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
As mentioned, lose the art deco, or alter it to some other aspect of the era. Apart from that, the art is splendid. The cut scenes are an improvement of some of Eipix’s recent games, and they have done some fun things with point of view. The lip synching is direct in this game, and well done. The actors are good. The music is fine. Ambient noise & special effects also good.
As mentioned, lose the art deco, or alter it to some other aspect of the era. Apart from that, the art is splendid. The cut scenes are an improvement of some of Eipix’s recent games, and they have done some fun things with point of view. The lip synching is direct in this game, and well done. The actors are good. The music is fine. Ambient noise & special effects also good.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Famous actress (who happens to work for our favourite film makers) falls/jumps/pushed off a lighthouse on the night of her birthday party. Island sealed off when you, the detective, arrive to investigate. You have a partner you apparently worked with before, sweet voice, very mild. Your boat dies just as you arrive on the island, so he sticks by the boat while we meet the suspects and snoop around. Already, everyone you meet is behaving suspiciously.
Famous actress (who happens to work for our favourite film makers) falls/jumps/pushed off a lighthouse on the night of her birthday party. Island sealed off when you, the detective, arrive to investigate. You have a partner you apparently worked with before, sweet voice, very mild. Your boat dies just as you arrive on the island, so he sticks by the boat while we meet the suspects and snoop around. Already, everyone you meet is behaving suspiciously.
GAMEPLAY
Less HOPs and puzzles in this game makes way for a new style of play, almost entirely unseen before. Have a “deduction dialogue” magnifying glass that gives a hint at something you may want to question when you are talking to suspects. For instance, the maid says she has been crying all night. The magnifier has written under it “Crying all night?” A quick look and click at her eyes and handkerchief show she’s lying and she is forced to revise her story. And so on with her jewellery etc. At other times, it may be an object sketched that you should ask about.
Less HOPs and puzzles in this game makes way for a new style of play, almost entirely unseen before. Have a “deduction dialogue” magnifying glass that gives a hint at something you may want to question when you are talking to suspects. For instance, the maid says she has been crying all night. The magnifier has written under it “Crying all night?” A quick look and click at her eyes and handkerchief show she’s lying and she is forced to revise her story. And so on with her jewellery etc. At other times, it may be an object sketched that you should ask about.
This unique puzzler is combined with a suspect list and an ‘evidence’ board. The list gives detailed information on the history and details you bring out on each subject. The evidence board has items that must first be found and put together, like an incriminating photograph. Later, another way of viewing objects as clues and evidence occurs at the murder scene, where successively highlighted objects give you information about what happened.
The HOPs so far include an interactive word list that is followed by a fragmented object that must be put together once you get it into inventory. Then another mini-HOP of silhouettes, uniquely presented, accompanied by a multiples of. Both types can be swapped for a bubble shooter game I had so much fun with I didn’t notice I had finished with the list and was now “finding” fragmented parts!
Puzzles also include odd little differences, all fun and not difficult. There is no journal, only the evidence board. But there is directional hint and an interactive jump map. And the partner – not that he’s been much use so far. Three levels of difficulty plus a custom mode.
CE BLING!
Achievements, just listed in a sliding, well, list. Not my preferred way of viewing them. 44 collectible stars, and unknown number of morphing objects in the HOPs. Replayable HOPs and Mini-games, and the Bubble Popper game, all accessed through the Extras. You can get up to 3 medals each in playing the Extras HOPs. There’s also a Souvenir Room, a Making Of video, movies and music. Wallpapers look good (12).
Achievements, just listed in a sliding, well, list. Not my preferred way of viewing them. 44 collectible stars, and unknown number of morphing objects in the HOPs. Replayable HOPs and Mini-games, and the Bubble Popper game, all accessed through the Extras. You can get up to 3 medals each in playing the Extras HOPs. There’s also a Souvenir Room, a Making Of video, movies and music. Wallpapers look good (12).
COMBINED IMPACT
Will I love this game? Of course, it is Eipix, and they seem unable to serve up anything but irresistible fare for me. This is not going to be my favourite, I imagine, however. The whole “detective from the era” thing somehow escapes my interest. But I love what they’ve done with the deduction dialogue and crime scene evidence, it is fresh and new.
Will I love this game? Of course, it is Eipix, and they seem unable to serve up anything but irresistible fare for me. This is not going to be my favourite, I imagine, however. The whole “detective from the era” thing somehow escapes my interest. But I love what they’ve done with the deduction dialogue and crime scene evidence, it is fresh and new.
I recommend this game!