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:
Defeat a great evil threatening the Vikings and help the king restore his domain to its former glory.
Overall rating
5
/
5
59 of 76 found this review helpful
Another Irresistible Viking Adventure
PostedNovember 12, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON FULL DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My favourite type of game is the HOPA, preferably one with no timer and no pressure. Yet, if I am not playing a HOG, there’s only a couple of other games where you’ll catch me. The original Northern Tale is one, my brave and sturdy Vikings with me,trying to beat the clock.
My favourite type of game is the HOPA, preferably one with no timer and no pressure. Yet, if I am not playing a HOG, there’s only a couple of other games where you’ll catch me. The original Northern Tale is one, my brave and sturdy Vikings with me,trying to beat the clock.
What does this build/time management/strategy game (I never know what to call these things) have that most do not?
Well, one thing is definitely the option of playing with no timer, which I love to have, but then don’t always use, lol. There is also an option to ‘queue’ your orders to the Vikings, allowing you to ‘think in advance’, and I love this mode. I believe one day I’ll actually win one of these games in multi-click mode, but I haven’t yet.
It goes without saying, that if you loved the first one of the series, you’ll love this one. There are few obvious signs of change. It looks and feels and sounds very similar. But the graphics really are more exciting and do give the game more depth. Everything else you’d like is the same. Like:
The 3 modes of play – normal, multi-click, no timer
45 levels, with 5 bonus levels which you can only play if you complete the main game.
Top scores and Awards are kept in main menu.
You can repeat any level you’ve tried before.
Nice touches like having a side panel for widescreen players.
The option to switch off the voices, the music, the sounds
Nice little Vikings are again running around making their “can do” way through all obstacles. And new characters and critters to meet - though I didn’t get to meet the promised mermaids and mushrooms, but I’m looking forward to it!
My one issue is nothing really. The game is v.e.r.y. slow to load.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
It is a fun little game, and worthy of many replays for a novice like me.
It is a fun little game, and worthy of many replays for a novice like me.
I recommend this game!
Begin your dangerous journey to the Caribbean island of the corsair Thomas de Grandpré.
Overall rating
2
/
5
37 of 46 found this review helpful
Sadly, It’s Just Not Good Enough
PostedNovember 11, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, the first thing to get straight, is, yes, this is obviously designed for young kids. Which is not the same as saying ‘childish’. So I will be evaluating the game with that in mind.
Well, the first thing to get straight, is, yes, this is obviously designed for young kids. Which is not the same as saying ‘childish’. So I will be evaluating the game with that in mind.
This game is professionally put together, but harks back to a style of HO game we rarely see now. It is a valid choice though, and one I think suits ‘family entertainment’. It doesn’t strike me as the sort of game kids of tween years would play on their own. It is not fast, furious and loud enough (*cheeky grin*). And it does require a fairly sophisticated understanding of the world whilst keeping the gameplay simple. So I can imagine Gran and the preteen kids come the next school holidays...
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics style is light, cartoon drawn, very ‘washed out watercolour’. Pretty without being cute. It is of a good quality, but not popular at the moment, and does make the game seem fairly flat. The music is, I swear, the same 3 or 4 bars throughout! The dialogues are written, there is no voice, and only rare special effects.
The graphics style is light, cartoon drawn, very ‘washed out watercolour’. Pretty without being cute. It is of a good quality, but not popular at the moment, and does make the game seem fairly flat. The music is, I swear, the same 3 or 4 bars throughout! The dialogues are written, there is no voice, and only rare special effects.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
I personally hate the way this story is told, but I think it would work for the younger crowd. Two children, aged 8 and 10, discover a diary in the attic, which suggests there is pirate treasure nearby. They, of course, set out to find it. The tale is told by the kids having a few lines of dialogue between and sometimes within HO scenes. Sometimes information is found in the location. Literally half the game time (approx.) is taken up with these asides.
I personally hate the way this story is told, but I think it would work for the younger crowd. Two children, aged 8 and 10, discover a diary in the attic, which suggests there is pirate treasure nearby. They, of course, set out to find it. The tale is told by the kids having a few lines of dialogue between and sometimes within HO scenes. Sometimes information is found in the location. Literally half the game time (approx.) is taken up with these asides.
GAMEPLAY
The game is formulaic. First, the kids find an envelope, have a conversation about it and decide their next moves to a different location, where a list will be discovered of items they must find. Having done so, they may get an inventory item and/or a puzzle to complete before another discovery, another decision, etc.
The game is formulaic. First, the kids find an envelope, have a conversation about it and decide their next moves to a different location, where a list will be discovered of items they must find. Having done so, they may get an inventory item and/or a puzzle to complete before another discovery, another decision, etc.
The HO scenes look nice, but are inanimate, and pale and washed out. There are 3 types – an non-interactive list, silhouettes, and fragmented objects. Many of the items are almost impossible to click on, let alone see, they are so tiny. And some of the items have (valid but obscure) names even I have never heard of, let alone a child.
The puzzles are nice. Easy, but interesting and not time consuming. Also, of course, not original. This game is like a trip down memory lane in its adoption of classic gameplay. One weird thing, in order to use an item from inventory, you must click on it and then confirm that you wish to use it. I suppose that might be relevant later on.
There is no independent movement, so no maps, journals etc, and only a rudimentary hint & skip system that take forever to refill.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I admit I couldn’t stick this one through to the end of the demo. It was stultifyingly boring to me. And, sadly, I think it will bore its intended audience as well. Too much ‘nothing much happening’, too much talking, too much filling in the background at the expense of momentum. There is nothing of excitement in this game for a kid (or grownup kid!). The pace is very slow, the locked-in gameplay is repetitious, and I just can’t see anyone finding it interesting, in light of the alternative games on offer.
I admit I couldn’t stick this one through to the end of the demo. It was stultifyingly boring to me. And, sadly, I think it will bore its intended audience as well. Too much ‘nothing much happening’, too much talking, too much filling in the background at the expense of momentum. There is nothing of excitement in this game for a kid (or grownup kid!). The pace is very slow, the locked-in gameplay is repetitious, and I just can’t see anyone finding it interesting, in light of the alternative games on offer.
I don't recommend this game.
The Torment of Mont Triste
No one dares fall asleep in the village of Mont Triste... for when sleep arrives, so does the mysterious Lord of Nightmares.
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 39 found this review helpful
CE vs. SE For More Eye Candy?
PostedNovember 10, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
When I first reviewed the CE of this game, I noted that the makings of a good CE were there – professional production, great graphics, solid story, collectibles and achievements, and, for me at least, nice wallpaper. Still, on a budget, I have waited for the SE before making my buying decision.
When I first reviewed the CE of this game, I noted that the makings of a good CE were there – professional production, great graphics, solid story, collectibles and achievements, and, for me at least, nice wallpaper. Still, on a budget, I have waited for the SE before making my buying decision.
Well, having played both demos (which on each took 50 minutes, no lollygagging), I think I must recommend the CE. There is just “that something, something” lacking in this game. And the extras make up for it. They give it that little bit of zing.
The game is beautiful, definitely. And imaginative. And so very alive – everything is richly detailed and well lit. The same can be said for the background noises, special effects and music. All satisfyingly animate. The voiceovers are excellent.
The HOPs are very good. I really liked the HOP where there is no gravity. I know it’s been done by others, but not as well. The objects are hidden in plain sight, and are not especially distorted. The interactions are not complex but there is many in each scene. I didn’t need hint at all for them – which is an achievement in the CE game, so I get a little extra thrill there. *cheeky grin*
The puzzles also have their achievements in the CE that are not here in the SE game. Which to my mind adds incentive to persist longer, and therefore get greater satisfaction when we win. There are a lot of puzzles and mini-games and a lot of them I found quite challenging (not that that means much – I usually do). There are quite a few really neat twists on more ordinary puzzles.
For the record, there are also collectibles in the CE game. I didn’t particularly like them because they look pasted in, and I think they were.
The game has an interactive jump map and directional hint. So what little adventuring is required is easy enough.
So, why the CE? Mostly it’s about the achievements, and the added excitement they can bring to a game. And because I think this game could use a bit more spice. Throw in some gorgeous wallpapers, an extra chapter and the built in strategy guide (for those puzzles I couldn’t get on my own), and I think you have a game worth the extra $$$.
If you’re tight, though, this is still a pleasant but not earth shattering game.
I don’t recommend this game – I recommend the CE!
Travel around the globe with Jigsaw World Tour! Start your unforgettable tour today!
Overall rating
4
/
5
55 of 57 found this review helpful
Excellent Jigsaw Fun!
PostedNovember 9, 2013
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
BASED ON ONE HOUR DEMO
This is the best to date of the many jigsaw games produced by this (prolific) developer. It is a well presented game, with good graphics and very pleasant and relaxing music.
The major difference from most jigsaw games is that this one has so many photos. We have 7 boxes to choose from, each holding roughly 100 photos, which have been taken in the city each box represents. These are well taken shots and cover an interesting variety of aspects of the cities.
One unique innovation in this game is the option to change the resolution. Excellent idea!
There are also the standard options that you’d expect from an electronic jigsaw game.
*make pieces ‘stick’ to board when they are placed in the right spot – or not.
*set the number of pieces from roughly 12 to as much as 350.
*change the cut of the pieces
*rotation or not
Within the puzzle, there are further options
*background colour
*display an image and/or ghost of the board
*option to sort and/or show only edges
*set the number of pieces from roughly 12 to as much as 350.
*change the cut of the pieces
*rotation or not
Within the puzzle, there are further options
*background colour
*display an image and/or ghost of the board
*option to sort and/or show only edges
You also have a hint button and a magnifier, and a box for keeping some items separate.
And there is a point scoring system, although you are not under any type of time constraints.
As I say, this is my new favourite jigsaw game, but if I had one thing I could improve, it would be that the photos had captions. I know the Eiffel Tower when I see it, but most of the images were new to me, and I would have liked to have known what I was looking at.
I recommend this game!
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
3
/
5
67 of 92 found this review helpful
Crazy Cats & Crooked Fairy Tales
PostedNovember 9, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The developers of this game made a name for themselves in making FROGs (where we put FRAGMENTED OBJECTS together to make the most gorgeous artifacts you could ever hope to see) based on twisted fairy tales. Their distinctive series, “Dark Parables”, is just about the epitome of “absolutely beautiful”. So, can they pull it off again, with another, somewhat differently designed, fairy tale FROG?
The developers of this game made a name for themselves in making FROGs (where we put FRAGMENTED OBJECTS together to make the most gorgeous artifacts you could ever hope to see) based on twisted fairy tales. Their distinctive series, “Dark Parables”, is just about the epitome of “absolutely beautiful”. So, can they pull it off again, with another, somewhat differently designed, fairy tale FROG?
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Well, the game is certainly beautiful, imaginative and colourful, but I felt the graphics were a bit rough around the edges and at times too dark. I was put off immediately by the fact that the game’s visuals were not designed for widescreen/aspect correction. A game that relies so heavily on graphical splendour should really do better than this. So, I think, perhaps there is something more to this game?
Well, the game is certainly beautiful, imaginative and colourful, but I felt the graphics were a bit rough around the edges and at times too dark. I was put off immediately by the fact that the game’s visuals were not designed for widescreen/aspect correction. A game that relies so heavily on graphical splendour should really do better than this. So, I think, perhaps there is something more to this game?
Well, the music is certainly sensational. I absolutely love it. It is fairy tale light, with a jaunty air at times and a sombre timber at others, and the ambient sound is good . The voiceovers are nicely done, if a bit too high pitched for my liking.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Yes, well, that’s definitely confusing at this point. There is a old folk legend about this forest, our sister says, about a crooked man and young girls who disappear never to be seen again. Then of course, she is whisked off by a crooked man and his equally crooked cat. Now, I know we’re all out of cuteness, so let me reassure you, this is NOT a cute companion. In fact, he’s downright dangerous – and his cousin is even worse! I literally jumped and moved away from the monitor, on reflex. Nup, definitely not cute.
Yes, well, that’s definitely confusing at this point. There is a old folk legend about this forest, our sister says, about a crooked man and young girls who disappear never to be seen again. Then of course, she is whisked off by a crooked man and his equally crooked cat. Now, I know we’re all out of cuteness, so let me reassure you, this is NOT a cute companion. In fact, he’s downright dangerous – and his cousin is even worse! I literally jumped and moved away from the monitor, on reflex. Nup, definitely not cute.
MAKING PROGRESS
This game is another FROG, but the FROG scenes are few and far between. Instead we are constantly meeting new puzzles at every turn. These are excellent and inventive puzzles, including wonderful puzzle boards, and even this early in the game, one was too hard for me. Their integration into the gameplay is fairly arbitrary though. The quests are limited and not always intuitive. I found myself relying on hint to get me around.
This game is another FROG, but the FROG scenes are few and far between. Instead we are constantly meeting new puzzles at every turn. These are excellent and inventive puzzles, including wonderful puzzle boards, and even this early in the game, one was too hard for me. Their integration into the gameplay is fairly arbitrary though. The quests are limited and not always intuitive. I found myself relying on hint to get me around.
There is a directional hint, and (a first from these developers) an interactive jump map (with really cool pop up locations). It tells you where there is an active area of interest. The problem was, whenever I used it, it said there were no active etc.’s, so it was of little help.
BLING!
Well, there’s some nice goodies here. There are 20 cursed (morphing) objects to collect, plus some things listed simply as ‘items’. There are pop-up notes (7), and 25 achievements. These are given once for each puzzle completed – so, 25 puzzles. There are 6 chapters, plus the bonus chapter. The demo covers the first 2. There are also the usual gallery items and 9 replayable puzzles. SG was helpful.
Well, there’s some nice goodies here. There are 20 cursed (morphing) objects to collect, plus some things listed simply as ‘items’. There are pop-up notes (7), and 25 achievements. These are given once for each puzzle completed – so, 25 puzzles. There are 6 chapters, plus the bonus chapter. The demo covers the first 2. There are also the usual gallery items and 9 replayable puzzles. SG was helpful.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I like it, and I loved having a cat as the enemy, but not so much that I’ll rush out immediately and buy the CE. Cool collectibles aside, I did find the graphics a bit disappointing, and the gameplay a bit off. Still, there’ll be 1000s who’ll love this game. For them,...
I like it, and I loved having a cat as the enemy, but not so much that I’ll rush out immediately and buy the CE. Cool collectibles aside, I did find the graphics a bit disappointing, and the gameplay a bit off. Still, there’ll be 1000s who’ll love this game. For them,...
I recommend this game!
Should anyone ever check in to a place called the Final Journey Hotel?
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 54 found this review helpful
CE Or SE? (Bonus Content Review)
PostedNovember 9, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
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 COMPLETED GAME
Many great reviews can be read in the CE thread, so I’ll concentrate here on the Bonus Content.
Briefly, this game is just about everything I could ask for. Amazing intro, beautiful graphics, classic story, great soundtrack and of course excellent gameplay with a balance of HOPs, puzzles, mini-games, and adventure. And I am glad to see a human partner, a la M. Dupin from the Dark Tales series, who might be described as cute (*cheeky grin*), but definitely not saccharine.
As you’d expect from Elephant, the game is put together very professionally. So you can anticipate a great game in either the Collector’s or Standard Editions.
*****Bonus Content Review *****
Bonus Chapter: While the main game ends abruptly, it also ends with finality. The extra chapter is a story that *could* follow from it, but certainly didn’t have to. The game took me a little over an hour to complete, but I was tired and skipped quite a few mini-games. The locations are half made up by revamped old locations, and 100% new ones. All the puzzles and HOPs are new.
Although the story was interesting and fun, I still got the feeling of it having been ‘tacked on’. There were errors in spelling etc. which you rarely see in Elephant games. And sometimes there wasn’t much justification for the actions the characters made. But enjoyable enough.
Gallery: Wallpapers, concept art, music.
Strategy Guide: Clear and well done without being exceptional. I would have preferred more screenshots with better detail.
Collectibles: These are morphing paintings and seriously cool. Not too hard to find, but I still managed to miss one.
Achievements: Standing on the mantel of a comfortable fireplace. The expected achievements and couple of odd ones.
Achievements: Standing on the mantel of a comfortable fireplace. The expected achievements and couple of odd ones.
Secret Room*: Without doubt the most appealing feature to come as a result of us crying, “different, give me different” in the forums.
POSSIBLE SPOILER
*This is where you find the replayable puzzles and HOPs. But there is a story to follow, and you must solve some puzzles in order to activate others. It’s like a real game in simpler form*
*This is where you find the replayable puzzles and HOPs. But there is a story to follow, and you must solve some puzzles in order to activate others. It’s like a real game in simpler form*
For my money, the CE extras are very much worth the extra money, but you still won’t be disappointed with the SE if you’re on a budget.
I recommend this game!
As Sara tries to find a miracle cure for her ailing brother, she unravels the dark events of her own past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 61 found this review helpful
Pretty Good, Actually
PostedNovember 5, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
SO good to see a new story! Yes, we want to save the little brother, but with medication, not derring-do!
SO good to see a new story! Yes, we want to save the little brother, but with medication, not derring-do!
The intro to the game is not bad. The cut-scenes are, throughout the game, not of the highest quality, but this opening does give you a good understanding of the story. There are, for my liking, a few too many cut-scenes. If they had been a bit more ‘high impact’, I probably wouldn’t’ve minded them.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This is a modern-day adventure with sci-fi overtones so, appropriately, the graphics are pseudo-realistic. I don’t particularly like this style, and many would call it outdated, but if you can’t be ‘pseudo-realistic in a sci-fi, when could you? I think the graphic style is mandated by the subject matter.
This is a modern-day adventure with sci-fi overtones so, appropriately, the graphics are pseudo-realistic. I don’t particularly like this style, and many would call it outdated, but if you can’t be ‘pseudo-realistic in a sci-fi, when could you? I think the graphic style is mandated by the subject matter.
The sound track is well done. The special effects work, the background ‘music’ is minimalist electronica played only faintly and far away. The voiceovers are good. There is an attempt at lip sync that I feel gets close enough.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
A famous scientist has spent years since the loss of his wife and children (how is not yet known) developing a cure for cancer and many other ‘incurable’ diseases. On the night before the announcement to the world that he would be releasing this drug free of charge to the world an explosion and resulting fire destroys the lab. It is unknown if there are any survivors, but you meet a young woman whose brother was a special patient of the doctor/scientist. She is looking for the cure, from clues left to her by the scientist.
A famous scientist has spent years since the loss of his wife and children (how is not yet known) developing a cure for cancer and many other ‘incurable’ diseases. On the night before the announcement to the world that he would be releasing this drug free of charge to the world an explosion and resulting fire destroys the lab. It is unknown if there are any survivors, but you meet a young woman whose brother was a special patient of the doctor/scientist. She is looking for the cure, from clues left to her by the scientist.
As well, we must deal with a savage half man/ half monster, who is not happy to see us, but it seems as if he may be a product of an experiment gone wrong. What has been going on in this laboratory?
MAKING PROGRESS
A straightforward adventure, liberally sprinkles with fairly easy puzzles, this game treats the few HOPs scenes as puzzles as well. In other words, you can skip them altogether. I am sure that will appeal to some! For those who like HOPs, there are not as many as usual, and they are all interactive lists, but the graphics are clear and sharp and the objects are fairly relevant to time and place.
A straightforward adventure, liberally sprinkles with fairly easy puzzles, this game treats the few HOPs scenes as puzzles as well. In other words, you can skip them altogether. I am sure that will appeal to some! For those who like HOPs, there are not as many as usual, and they are all interactive lists, but the graphics are clear and sharp and the objects are fairly relevant to time and place.
There are a few surprises in the ‘peripherals’ as well. The hint button gives you an actual hint, AND allows you to choose to jump to the spot. This is good, because the map is not at all interactive. The journal contains Summary, Evidence, Map, Tasks, and Diary.
There are also achievements – more than one set! First there are 14 green glowing easy-to-spot radioactive parts. And Dr Goodwin’s awards – whatever they might be – I caught a couple but I’ve no idea how. All the way through this game you are collecting mini-collections of one thing or another that have no immediate place in the story. It’s just that sort of game.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I always judge stand-alone SE games more generously than ex-CE standard editions, and on that basis, this is a good game. The graphics are not of a high enough quality for a CE, so it can’t compete with them. But an excellent punchcard coupon game.
I always judge stand-alone SE games more generously than ex-CE standard editions, and on that basis, this is a good game. The graphics are not of a high enough quality for a CE, so it can’t compete with them. But an excellent punchcard coupon game.
I recommend this game!
Guide little Emmy through her fears and back to the real world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 27 found this review helpful
Bit Of An “Also Ran”
PostedNovember 3, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON BOTH CE & SE DEMOS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The intro to this game is VERY impressive. The diffident telling of the story of a fear-ridden girl who finally drifts down into catatonia is so sad and engaging. This is not an unknown story by any means, we have seen it many times before. But I can’t enough of stories centred around dreams and nightmares, and the curing of them. In this one, it is our niece who needs help in fighting her many phobias, which have driven her totally away from the world.
People not into bugs might want to skip this game, if the demo is a good example of what’s to come. So far the phobias have been of dogs and spiders, storms and being alone. Judging by the map, the demo covers about 1/3 of the game.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are okay in this game, a bit grainy and a little too cartoony. Well enough drawn, but not always well lit. One thing I always like is the way scenes change from their nightmare form to a happy comfortable dream, which is done here reasonably well, but again not impressively so. I also liked the holographic doctor. There is a aspect ratio toggle in the Options menu – a really great feature, it lets many more people with different systems to enjoy the graphics.
The sounds are well done, but the music is irritating in just a short while. The voiceover in the intro is awesome, but that bear is going to drive me nuts. The background noises are very good and add a great deal to the atmosphere.
GAMEPLAY
I would say the game is not difficult, if it weren’t for the mini-games. There are 18 puzzles, most easy to moderate, but some I just had to skip. There are 13 HOPs (interactive list) visited twice. You also get an interactive jump map, and directional hint, but no journal. Plus that annoying bear helps out far more often than I liked, and usually I don’t mind that kind of thing. We are also in frequent contact with the professor on the outside monitoring the girl’s vital signs. He acts like a kind of cheer squad. “You’ve done it! She is improving!”
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
A decent fun game, but nothing I saw in the CE demo suggested this was of a CE standard, and replaying it now, I feel the same. I will probably buy the SE, but it is not at the top of my list.
I recommend this game!
Find a kidnapped teenage girl and save yourself in Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek, a fun Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
CE Content Review
PostedNovember 2, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
MAIN GAME
A pleasure to play. Dramatic and involving introduction with a class act to follow. The weather is awesome. The voiceovers are very believable. The graphics are in line with the weather, very grim and darkish, never anywhere is it brightly coloured. But items are still easy to see, and the graphics are very clear.
A pleasure to play. Dramatic and involving introduction with a class act to follow. The weather is awesome. The voiceovers are very believable. The graphics are in line with the weather, very grim and darkish, never anywhere is it brightly coloured. But items are still easy to see, and the graphics are very clear.
The HOPs are frequent, and take the form of interactive lists. The puzzles are generally doable without too much brain strain.
A unique feature of the game is the EVIDENCE BOARD. It is a game-long puzzle where you must find the evidence pieces and draw correct conclusions about them. Not always easy.
The story follows the opening, beginning with us trying to identify ourselves as we endure temporary amnesia whilst knowing that we are in terrible danger. The number of twists and turns is quite high, and you need to stay on top of your game to keep track of things.
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW
The bonus chapter refers to an investigation in the past, and we play a different but relevant person. The two stories are linked, but the bonus one takes place before the main game. It is certainly not necessary for closure, but does allow for the possibility of more Enigmatis stories to be told.
The chapter is conducted largely in scenes visited in the main game, some of which have been revamped. All the puzzles and HOPs are new. There is a feeling of dislocation because you are now playing the part of a man, instead of the female detective of the main story.
There is also a feeling that not as much effort was put into the making of this game. In parts, the graphics are a bit grainy, yet in others they are different, more cartoonish, than in any other part of the game, and decidedly better than the rest. And there is some sloppy translations in the HOP lists.
Other CE extras include, in game SG, wallpapers, movies (including those tremendous introductory ones), concept art, music, and replayable Hidden Object Puzzles.
I was given this CE version for free, so it is no loss to me either way, but I think there is enough in the main game to satisfy a player, and the extra dollars for the CE are not justified by the bonus content. Still, if you prefer CEs I am sure you’ll like this one.
I recommend this game!
Journey down a magical road to save two worlds!
Overall rating
3
/
5
77 of 98 found this review helpful
Warning Massive Cute Alert!
PostedNovember 2, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
And they just keep coming... I give up on trying to ignore them, the cute games just won’t stop and I can’t stop wanting them either! But if you are not into cute, RUN!
And they just keep coming... I give up on trying to ignore them, the cute games just won’t stop and I can’t stop wanting them either! But if you are not into cute, RUN!
This game is in cute overload! In fact, it’s overload all the way. We even start with not one but two vehicle accidents! As well as 2 cute companions and a fairy who helps out with backstory!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The artwork on this one is a little primitive, clearly by design. The brush strokes are broad, lots of solid colour, everywhere very well lit. The many ‘magic creatures’ are drawn in loving detail and do seems magical. The fantasy world we visit is likewise lovely. The British voiceovers are good (and a nice change), the words are spoken a little too slowly for me, but not uncomfortably so. I love the music, which is light and relaxing.
The artwork on this one is a little primitive, clearly by design. The brush strokes are broad, lots of solid colour, everywhere very well lit. The many ‘magic creatures’ are drawn in loving detail and do seems magical. The fantasy world we visit is likewise lovely. The British voiceovers are good (and a nice change), the words are spoken a little too slowly for me, but not uncomfortably so. I love the music, which is light and relaxing.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
This is all a bit foggy (pardon the pun) in the early stages – I couldn’t quite get a handle on what was going on. We happen upon a man who has been enchanted into a tree, and that gets us into all sorts of trouble. An evil wizard has escaped from his tomb, he is controlling a terrible fog which will destroy not only our world, but another, magical one besides. We give and receive help from all manner of magical creatures on our quest down the Road of the Kings.
This is all a bit foggy (pardon the pun) in the early stages – I couldn’t quite get a handle on what was going on. We happen upon a man who has been enchanted into a tree, and that gets us into all sorts of trouble. An evil wizard has escaped from his tomb, he is controlling a terrible fog which will destroy not only our world, but another, magical one besides. We give and receive help from all manner of magical creatures on our quest down the Road of the Kings.
GAMEPLAY
Nothing startlingly new here. There are interactive lists for the HOPs. There are puzzles, easy through to “you’ve got to be kidding”. There is one puzzle that you replay each time you need a new rune charged (there were 3 in the demo). Each time it is a bit more challenging, but not the hardest mini-game by far.
Nothing startlingly new here. There are interactive lists for the HOPs. There are puzzles, easy through to “you’ve got to be kidding”. There is one puzzle that you replay each time you need a new rune charged (there were 3 in the demo). Each time it is a bit more challenging, but not the hardest mini-game by far.
The adventure is easy, and there’s a good map with “you can do something here” and “you’ve finished here” indicators – my favourite. It also jumping. The notebook is unobtrusive and I didn’t use it. Hint is directional. So it is pretty easy to get around and figure out what to do next.
BLING!.
There is a whole lot of collecting going on! We need to find 38 tiny little bells, which are definitely not easy to find. There are also 20 magical creatures for your bestiary, and crystals needed to restore the fairy’s power. These last two are not exclusive to the CE (although the bestiary probably is), because they are needed to complete the main game.
There is a whole lot of collecting going on! We need to find 38 tiny little bells, which are definitely not easy to find. There are also 20 magical creatures for your bestiary, and crystals needed to restore the fairy’s power. These last two are not exclusive to the CE (although the bestiary probably is), because they are needed to complete the main game.
There are loads of achievements, but most are of the ‘meet the fairy’ kind.
Then there are the staples – gallery items, bonus chapter, SG, and replayable mini-games.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I didn’t enjoy this one the most out of all the cute fantasy games of late. While it is definitely pretty, and the characters are surely lovable, but there is nothing in this game that is outstanding. The puzzles are mostly known, if in slightly different forms, even the critters have a certain lack of originality to them.
I didn’t enjoy this one the most out of all the cute fantasy games of late. While it is definitely pretty, and the characters are surely lovable, but there is nothing in this game that is outstanding. The puzzles are mostly known, if in slightly different forms, even the critters have a certain lack of originality to them.
Not that it’s not a fun game, I think it is, just not extraordinary. All this considered, I think I’ll rate the SE higher.
I recommend this game!