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:
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
104 of 143 found this review helpful
Blinking Mary! Hold The Tabasco! Wonderful!
PostedAugust 1, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON ONE HOUR DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I just don’t know how they do it. Without stepping one pace away from the feel of this series, the developers have given us an exciting, disturbing and wonderful experience, all in the first minute.
I just don’t know how they do it. Without stepping one pace away from the feel of this series, the developers have given us an exciting, disturbing and wonderful experience, all in the first minute.
If the opening is anything to go on, and I think it is, this will be a fast paced roller coaster of a ride through our childhood fears and alternate worlds. This series used to be somewhat tamer than other creations by this developer – not anymore.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Pure magic. The graphics are red-drenched and dark, but remain clear, detailed and creative. Sound has been used here to create a spectacularly heightened sense of imminent danger. With 4 choices of sound sliders to pitch it perfectly for your preferences.
Pure magic. The graphics are red-drenched and dark, but remain clear, detailed and creative. Sound has been used here to create a spectacularly heightened sense of imminent danger. With 4 choices of sound sliders to pitch it perfectly for your preferences.
The music I think is sensational, and the ambient sounds include eerie children’s laughter. Special visual effects are accompanied by crashes of sound, and together they create a breathtaking atmosphere.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
I have loved this series since the first game, when we saved our sister, gone missing on her wedding day. Since then Super Auntie has seen our nephew Brandon made it into adulthood, rescuing him 3 times.
I have loved this series since the first game, when we saved our sister, gone missing on her wedding day. Since then Super Auntie has seen our nephew Brandon made it into adulthood, rescuing him 3 times.
Now we are at it again, this time rescuing our young niece from a terrifying boarding school where the adults are disappearing and the children are behaving as if possessed.
All of it has to do with the legend of Bloody Mary, and care must be taken to avoid mirrors after dark, if you are to escape her. So far, that’s all we really know.
MAKING PROGRESS
This is a HO game. There are plenty of puzzles, and many more adventure-style tasks and objectives, but the focus is still on the beautifully drawn HO scenes. They have interactive lists, and if I had one criticism for this game it would be that there are not other styles of HO puzzle offered.
This is a HO game. There are plenty of puzzles, and many more adventure-style tasks and objectives, but the focus is still on the beautifully drawn HO scenes. They have interactive lists, and if I had one criticism for this game it would be that there are not other styles of HO puzzle offered.
None of the action is difficult, although there is so much to do to begin with, I found myself losing track within the first 4 locations, of where which items were needed to do what. The interactive jump map is handy for this, although it tells you where an active objective is located rather than where you can take action. Hint and skip are quick in the easiest of 3 game modes.
BLING!
Well, heck, doesn’t the list go on! The usual gallery items, including 2 screensavers, collectible figurines depicting terrors , more achievements than I had time to count, and a secret room. Oh, and cute critters.
Well, heck, doesn’t the list go on! The usual gallery items, including 2 screensavers, collectible figurines depicting terrors , more achievements than I had time to count, and a secret room. Oh, and cute critters.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I loved that amongst all this activity, there was one location accessed fairly early that offered a safe haven from the “sturm und drang”. All this, and I didn’t even make it into the mirror worlds that are indicated on the map.
I loved that amongst all this activity, there was one location accessed fairly early that offered a safe haven from the “sturm und drang”. All this, and I didn’t even make it into the mirror worlds that are indicated on the map.
I swore I didn’t need the CE for a Grim Tales, all my others are SE, but this is just too good.
I recommend this game!
A long-forgotten artifact has just resurfaced, and the race to claim it will cause a devastating war. The only thing strong enough to stop it is one woman’s promise to the man she loves.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 11 found this review helpful
Good Basic Game, But NOT A CE
PostedAugust 1, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Despite a nice start, it is immediately obvious that this game is going to be pretty basic. The cut scenes are good, the voiceovers are great. But there is something in the no frills interface and menu page that tell you this is not going to have bells or whistles, and it doesn’t. Nice that it is set in India.
Despite a nice start, it is immediately obvious that this game is going to be pretty basic. The cut scenes are good, the voiceovers are great. But there is something in the no frills interface and menu page that tell you this is not going to have bells or whistles, and it doesn’t. Nice that it is set in India.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The artwork in the game itself is pretty tatty I thought, in hand drawn style. While the (many) cut scenes have a nice flow, and imaginative characters that are very well drawn (and yes, the guys are better looking than ‘we’ are – now THAT’S different!), the rest is rough around the edges. No noticeable ambiance, but the music was pretty good to listen to.
The artwork in the game itself is pretty tatty I thought, in hand drawn style. While the (many) cut scenes have a nice flow, and imaginative characters that are very well drawn (and yes, the guys are better looking than ‘we’ are – now THAT’S different!), the rest is rough around the edges. No noticeable ambiance, but the music was pretty good to listen to.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
That’s the question, what IS happening? The story is complex and intriguing. Boyfriend sends you away so he can concentrate all his energies into finding some artefact with the usual scary legend behind it. But the moment he disappears, you rush back to help his friend to find him.
That’s the question, what IS happening? The story is complex and intriguing. Boyfriend sends you away so he can concentrate all his energies into finding some artefact with the usual scary legend behind it. But the moment he disappears, you rush back to help his friend to find him.
Someone seems to want you dead, there are ghostly apparitions, undead beings and untrustworthy associates. The full story on this one is already something I really want to know about, and it promises to be a busy adventure finding out.
MAKING PROGRESS
Very uninspired game play here. I felt there was a leaning towards simple, sometimes quite unusual, puzzles over HO scenes. The HOs are standard interactive lists. The map is interactive and acts as a transporter. Hint is directional.
Very uninspired game play here. I felt there was a leaning towards simple, sometimes quite unusual, puzzles over HO scenes. The HOs are standard interactive lists. The map is interactive and acts as a transporter. Hint is directional.
There is an incredible amount of things to do in each location, and this may be the game’s saving grace. There is no chance of boredom, even with the predictable tasks.
BLING!
The Cryptic Disk is a gadget that works only for you and allows you to see hidden symbols. When the disk is glowing find the 4 symbols and it will reveal a page of Daniel’s (boyfriend) notes. This is a nice touch for getting the necessary back story to understand what’s going on.
The Cryptic Disk is a gadget that works only for you and allows you to see hidden symbols. When the disk is glowing find the 4 symbols and it will reveal a page of Daniel’s (boyfriend) notes. This is a nice touch for getting the necessary back story to understand what’s going on.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
More than average activity in each location and an engaging story save an otherwise very ordinary game, but it is still not a CE worthy game. (CE extras are basic – gallery, SG, bonus chapter). I will be recommending the SE version when it is released.
More than average activity in each location and an engaging story save an otherwise very ordinary game, but it is still not a CE worthy game. (CE extras are basic – gallery, SG, bonus chapter). I will be recommending the SE version when it is released.
I don't recommend this game.
A letter offers new information about Elizabeth just as Lynn's powers have awakened. Help her overcome the darkness before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
24 of 25 found this review helpful
Genuine Sequel, Quality Fun
PostedJuly 31, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED CE GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At first, I was put off by the different artistic style of the graphics, but after a while I began to really enjoy it. This game is a direct sequel, and the intro does a very good job of filling in the back story without going on too much. You don’t need to have played the first game, but it does give more meaning to this one. From the start it is clear that this is going to be a high quality game.
At first, I was put off by the different artistic style of the graphics, but after a while I began to really enjoy it. This game is a direct sequel, and the intro does a very good job of filling in the back story without going on too much. You don’t need to have played the first game, but it does give more meaning to this one. From the start it is clear that this is going to be a high quality game.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are a (little unusual) style of “hand drawn in oils” and are top quality, although I did suffer distortion because the game wasn’t geared for wide screen, which seems a strange omission in such an otherwise exceedingly well produced game. The voiceovers are excellent. And I also found the ambient sounds appropriate and fitting the scenes. Music, unobtrusive.
The graphics are a (little unusual) style of “hand drawn in oils” and are top quality, although I did suffer distortion because the game wasn’t geared for wide screen, which seems a strange omission in such an otherwise exceedingly well produced game. The voiceovers are excellent. And I also found the ambient sounds appropriate and fitting the scenes. Music, unobtrusive.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Since we rescued our niece (?) from the witch Elizabeth (who was engaged to Lynn’s brother Tom) in the first game of this series, she has grown into a beautiful but troubled teenager, unaware of the extent of her magical power. She has not let go of her hatred for the witch who stole her entire family from her. When she hears from a woman in Germany in connection with Tom, she becomes determined to go there. This story is unusual only in that our ‘family member in need of rescuing’ actively resists saving. Story ends well.
Since we rescued our niece (?) from the witch Elizabeth (who was engaged to Lynn’s brother Tom) in the first game of this series, she has grown into a beautiful but troubled teenager, unaware of the extent of her magical power. She has not let go of her hatred for the witch who stole her entire family from her. When she hears from a woman in Germany in connection with Tom, she becomes determined to go there. This story is unusual only in that our ‘family member in need of rescuing’ actively resists saving. Story ends well.
MAKING PROGRESS
We have an even balance of HO scenes (interactive lists) and puzzles, many of the puzzles new twists on old with a few original ones as well. I had to skip a couple purely because my patience was wearing thin, but I don’t think any of them are too hard. Nor would I call them too easy, though. You do need to put in a bit of effort. The interactive jump map is a big help as the game progresses, because the variety of the locations makes it was hard to remember where you 'need that widget'. Hint and skip are pretty quick, depending on what game mode you choose. There’s also a journal.
We have an even balance of HO scenes (interactive lists) and puzzles, many of the puzzles new twists on old with a few original ones as well. I had to skip a couple purely because my patience was wearing thin, but I don’t think any of them are too hard. Nor would I call them too easy, though. You do need to put in a bit of effort. The interactive jump map is a big help as the game progresses, because the variety of the locations makes it was hard to remember where you 'need that widget'. Hint and skip are pretty quick, depending on what game mode you choose. There’s also a journal.
BLING!
Our imp. He’s cute but not saccharine, and has an individual personality all his own. He is also ever eager to help in the adventure. There’s a game timer as well.
Our imp. He’s cute but not saccharine, and has an individual personality all his own. He is also ever eager to help in the adventure. There’s a game timer as well.
Instead of playing HO scenes, you can opt to play a pair matching memory game. Seeing each HO scene was revisited, I did one of each, which was kinda cool.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I enjoyed this game more than I expected to, once the graphics started appealing to me. The story is good, even if done many times before, and I loved having voiceovers that were both professionally done and easy on the ear.
I enjoyed this game more than I expected to, once the graphics started appealing to me. The story is good, even if done many times before, and I loved having voiceovers that were both professionally done and easy on the ear.
I recommend this game!
Natalie has unwittingly embarked on a dangerous and exciting journey! Can she prevent ancient evil spirits from awakening?
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 55 found this review helpful
I Don’t Actually Hate It
PostedJuly 31, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Clearly, this is another game from the back of the closet, where I suspect it has been for at least a couple of years. Everything about it is old-school and low budget. But it did give you a chance to adjust brightness according to a referent point, which I liked.
Clearly, this is another game from the back of the closet, where I suspect it has been for at least a couple of years. Everything about it is old-school and low budget. But it did give you a chance to adjust brightness according to a referent point, which I liked.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The intro is a comic book styled graphics (poorly done but not dismal) and the written story (no voiceover) goes on too long. Cut scenes are video or more comics, and there are too many of them.
The intro is a comic book styled graphics (poorly done but not dismal) and the written story (no voiceover) goes on too long. Cut scenes are video or more comics, and there are too many of them.
The game graphics are low resolution photo realism, clear but you can see the pixels. Another thing I did like was the ‘camera’ rolled with the movement of the ship, and you had the option to keep or discard this.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
NEVER accept lifts from strangers! Especially sea captains offering you passage from Portugal to America on his cargo ship. I mean, what were you thinking? Still, it’s a different story, and therefore has its charm.
NEVER accept lifts from strangers! Especially sea captains offering you passage from Portugal to America on his cargo ship. I mean, what were you thinking? Still, it’s a different story, and therefore has its charm.
You can’t sleep due to all the strange noises, so you go to investigate. After a couple of side tracks, you discover an ancient amphora with glowing green light emitted from it. It is the prison of a terrible evil, and it has gotten out. You must perform a ritual to save the crew and yourself.
MAKING PROGRESS
The gameplay is straightforward and old-fashioned. The HO scenes (11) are interactive list, and are surprisingly difficult. Items are well disguised, and the interactions are not obvious. Some words are wrongly translated.
The gameplay is straightforward and old-fashioned. The HO scenes (11) are interactive list, and are surprisingly difficult. Items are well disguised, and the interactions are not obvious. Some words are wrongly translated.
The puzzles/mini-games (15) are also oddly difficult. They require manual dexterity as well as brain power. For example, click on 6 rods that move at different speeds in the correct order and pace so that they all move out of the lock at the same time.
Hint is quick, and directional outside HO scenes. Skip is slower. There is a journal with task list and a map. The many corridors of the ship are confusing and so even though the map is neither interactive or a jump map it is useful.
BLING!
Both HOs and puzzles are replayable from the main menu.
Both HOs and puzzles are replayable from the main menu.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This would have been a well thought of game a couple of years back I think, and it’s not all bad even now. It does have low production standards, and is outdated, and it is also too slow with too much reading. But the story is interesting, and the puzzles are original.
This would have been a well thought of game a couple of years back I think, and it’s not all bad even now. It does have low production standards, and is outdated, and it is also too slow with too much reading. But the story is interesting, and the puzzles are original.
I’m withholding judgement and neither recommending it or not.
Solve the mystery of a seaside town as you uncover your lost memories!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 57 found this review helpful
Dolphin Friendly Winner!
PostedJuly 30, 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 CE MAIN GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Absolutely thrilling from the first moments. High tension intro followed by easy first scenes while we get the hang of it, and then we’re off again. The dolphin ride was so good I started feeling sea sick!
Absolutely thrilling from the first moments. High tension intro followed by easy first scenes while we get the hang of it, and then we’re off again. The dolphin ride was so good I started feeling sea sick!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Graphics are excellent, style is hand drawn, plenty of colour and light for the most part, rich and detailed locales, on land and under the sea. Cut scenes are excellent. Ambient sound very well done, appropriate. Music inoffensive and can be lowered separately.
Graphics are excellent, style is hand drawn, plenty of colour and light for the most part, rich and detailed locales, on land and under the sea. Cut scenes are excellent. Ambient sound very well done, appropriate. Music inoffensive and can be lowered separately.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The story is a new one! You are pushed over a cliff, apparently drowned, but somehow managed to reach shore. You have no idea of who you are, know nothing about the locket you are holding, or why that guy tried to kill you.
The story is a new one! You are pushed over a cliff, apparently drowned, but somehow managed to reach shore. You have no idea of who you are, know nothing about the locket you are holding, or why that guy tried to kill you.
People on the island seem to know you, and as you stumble around getting orientated, you meet the woman in the locket portrait. She is grabbed by the villain and you intend to save her – she may have the answers you seek. The ending is conclusive and does not need the bonus chapter.
MAKING PROGRESS
The game has a nice balance between HOs, puzzles and adventure. The HO scene types are interactive list or find-and-use silhouettes. Most of the puzzles were doable. Near the end I skipped a couple because I simply didn’t have the patience.
The game has a nice balance between HOs, puzzles and adventure. The HO scene types are interactive list or find-and-use silhouettes. Most of the puzzles were doable. Near the end I skipped a couple because I simply didn’t have the patience.
You have a interactive jump map for getting around, and hint will help if there is something to do in that scene. There is a journal to keep track of story – which gets a bit confusing in the middle for a while. I found the getting around easy enough, with the help of the map. I might have felt the strain a bit more if I didn’t have it. But the progression is logical, it’s usually apparent what inventory items will be needed where, and nothing drags on and on.
BLING!
The CE version of this one has massive bling factor, but from the way it played, I am guessing most of it will not be in this version. If you can live without wallpapers, achievements and morphing objects, then this would be the better buy. Although I did use the Strategy Guide this time, which I rarely do.
The CE version of this one has massive bling factor, but from the way it played, I am guessing most of it will not be in this version. If you can live without wallpapers, achievements and morphing objects, then this would be the better buy. Although I did use the Strategy Guide this time, which I rarely do.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Loved every minute of this game. A new and interesting story, superb production qualities, pleasantly challenging without brain strain, and dolphin friendly!
Loved every minute of this game. A new and interesting story, superb production qualities, pleasantly challenging without brain strain, and dolphin friendly!
I recommend this game!
After discovering that the queen has been having a secret relationship you are sent away to Roanoke Island!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
One Of My All Time Favourites
PostedJuly 30, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
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 COMPLETED GAME
.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is not a big money game. There’s no movie-like opening scenes, the game opens directly to the main menu page. There’s no voiceover, and the tale being told is simple. But it is a lovely game to play.
.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is not a big money game. There’s no movie-like opening scenes, the game opens directly to the main menu page. There’s no voiceover, and the tale being told is simple. But it is a lovely game to play.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are pretty good – and it opens in wide-screen mode. The style is hand drawn, vibrant colours, although many scenes are quite dark. The HO scenes offer clear and detailed objects with little disguise.
The graphics are pretty good – and it opens in wide-screen mode. The style is hand drawn, vibrant colours, although many scenes are quite dark. The HO scenes offer clear and detailed objects with little disguise.
The music is moody, occasionally regal, never annoying. Ambient sound adds just the right touch of authenticity. The entire experience is gentle and almost... thoughtful.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
A friend has stolen the queen’s cursed amulet, and fingered you for the deed. Today is the day of your execution. Since only a miracle can save you now, where must this game be going?
A friend has stolen the queen’s cursed amulet, and fingered you for the deed. Today is the day of your execution. Since only a miracle can save you now, where must this game be going?
It’s great to play a story that doesn’t involve the rescue of idiotic family for a change. What you will have to do is pacify a bunch of unruly royals, no mean feat, and the historical references are fun.
MAKING PROGRESS
This is a HO game. There is a strong streak of adventure there too, but it is at its most logical. There are also a few puzzles (fast skip), and they are pretty straightforward. The progress is even and hotspots are pinpointed by sparkles. If you get stuck the interactive map will show you where to go – but it is not a jump map.
This is a HO game. There is a strong streak of adventure there too, but it is at its most logical. There are also a few puzzles (fast skip), and they are pretty straightforward. The progress is even and hotspots are pinpointed by sparkles. If you get stuck the interactive map will show you where to go – but it is not a jump map.
The HO scenes are visited twice, and are slightly interactive lists. Hint is a bit slower than skip, but okay. There is a harder mode where both take longer and there are less sparkles.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I’ve reread what I’ve just written, and it makes the game sound flat. It’s not. It is interesting, you get to meet famous historical figures and the intrigues are amusing. No, it is not going to win any awards, but I guarantee that you’ll enjoy a few quiet hours with the British royals and their disputatious subjects.
I’ve reread what I’ve just written, and it makes the game sound flat. It’s not. It is interesting, you get to meet famous historical figures and the intrigues are amusing. No, it is not going to win any awards, but I guarantee that you’ll enjoy a few quiet hours with the British royals and their disputatious subjects.
I recommend this game!
Giant mutated plants have sprung up across the city! It's time to save the day!
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 39 found this review helpful
Give It At Least 15 Minutes
PostedJuly 24, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON FULL DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
INTENSE!
Some people are going to hate this game from the start. The intro cut scene is ominous and involves a child. But we get past that. It is very well done though, lovers of spooky movies will love it...
INTENSE!
Some people are going to hate this game from the start. The intro cut scene is ominous and involves a child. But we get past that. It is very well done though, lovers of spooky movies will love it...
The opening interactions are also likely to put off a completely different set of people if they do not give the game a chance. At first, you may find the voiceover a bit annoying, the music DEFINITELY annoying and way too upbeat, and the whole atmosphere positively trite.
For example, you first task is to decorate a very cutesy birthday cake for your daughter. After the intro and the threat it presented, it seems jarring. Then the scary stuff invades this happy scene, and you ‘get’ its relevance.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
I love graphics full of lush green tropical things, and they are here in abundance. The graphics are very clear, well drawn and eerie. It’s part photo-realism, part drawing. Done in a fashion that is pretty much out of style now, but done exceptionally well. This is, though, some of the best disaster art I’ve seen in a game.
I love graphics full of lush green tropical things, and they are here in abundance. The graphics are very clear, well drawn and eerie. It’s part photo-realism, part drawing. Done in a fashion that is pretty much out of style now, but done exceptionally well. This is, though, some of the best disaster art I’ve seen in a game.
They do interesting stuff with sound. The early cut scenes are very intense, and it is because the use of sound. The screams you hear sound like real screams. The acting is very good. And disturbing. There is little music after the first scene. It is all ambient sounds.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Somehow, mutant plants have suddenly taken over the city. Your daughter and her father are somewhere in the city, and you take off after them. You meet other survivors and generally help where you can, while you search for them.
Somehow, mutant plants have suddenly taken over the city. Your daughter and her father are somewhere in the city, and you take off after them. You meet other survivors and generally help where you can, while you search for them.
MAKING PROGRESS
The gameplay is straightforward and easy adventure. There are HO scenes with a list and a bit of interaction and you visit them twice. Not many puzzles, all of them easy, although with some nice twists. There is a journal, no map, and directional hint. I did not find the ‘getting around’ at all difficult, but it is fun.
The gameplay is straightforward and easy adventure. There are HO scenes with a list and a bit of interaction and you visit them twice. Not many puzzles, all of them easy, although with some nice twists. There is a journal, no map, and directional hint. I did not find the ‘getting around’ at all difficult, but it is fun.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Give this game a chance, and I think it will hook you. It’s not an extravaganza, there’s no bling!, but it is out of the ordinary and fun.
Give this game a chance, and I think it will hook you. It’s not an extravaganza, there’s no bling!, but it is out of the ordinary and fun.
I recommend this game!
In this adventurous romance, outwit powerful villains and break an evil curse inflicted upon your love, Hari, while saving your best friend’s life!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Surprisingly Good Puzzle Adventure
PostedJuly 24, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
BASED ON FULL DEMO
Being a stickler about graphics, and disliking the older realism style, I really didn’t expect to like this much after reading the reviews. Still, there was some disagreement over the quality of the artwork, so I thought I’d take a peak.
I’m ruling with the minority voters on this one. I think the graphics are great. They are what they’re intended to be, that is, photorealistic. Which is, admittedly, out of fashion, but that doesn’t speak to their quality. The scenes are all crisp, clear, and bright, and I haven’t seen anything like a junk pile yet, not even the workshop.
I’m also not too sure about saying it doesn’t have HO scenes. There are plenty of things to find, it’s just they are right there in the general location, not in a separate pile. You must find a set of particular items, often several sets, in order to progress to the next location. So if you think of that location as a multiples HO scene, it makes more sense. A nice touch is that the game tells you how many items are needed for each set, and when you have found all the items that are in one place, so you know to look for the rest of the set in another.
I do think I am able to appreciate this game more than other reviewers because I HAVEN’T played the first, which seems to have set up expectations that this one doesn't deliver on.
This is not the world’s most exciting or sophisticated game. The romance (what little there is of it) seems childish, but it’s an easy time killer and nice to play.
I recommend this game!
Work as a Park Ranger in a beautiful National Park!
Overall rating
4
/
5
110 of 121 found this review helpful
Very Nicely Done ‘Family’ Game!
PostedJuly 23, 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
2
/
5
BASED ON ONE HOUR DEMO
This is a well put together HO game designed primarily for the younger crowd (and their grandparents of course!). It offers a GAMEPLAY style we don’t find so often anymore, as games have moved away from stand-alone HOs.
So although it’s got things like COLLECTIBLES, they presented in a manner that only PRETENDS to be ADVENTURE GAMEPLAY.
Really, there are just HO SCENES and PUZZLES. The HOs are LIST type, where items must be found in the LOCATION, not in separate scenes. There is some interaction, and sometimes an item on the list is actually an ACTION you must perform.
A nice touch are the 3-4 LOST ITEMS to be found in each location. These are indicated by a silhouette of the item, and you have to find the first item before being shown the next, and so on.
The PUZZLES come between HO locations. At the completion of a chapter, you tally up your points (more for the faster you find all the objects). You have the option to replay the location (immediately or anytime later) to improve your score.
You then return to the map, and start the next phase. This usually begins with a VERY EASY & SKIPPABLE puzzle. Then you move into the next location. All the puzzles were topical on the theme of the National Park and its inhabitants.
You do have the option to play 'casual' or 'timed'.
There are GREAT COLLECTIBLES. Being a PARK RANGER, you are of course, a proactive environmentally aware person, so you nab every RECYCLEABLE item to be found in a location. Namely, bottles, cans, papers etc.
The LOOK of the game is immediately recognisable as ‘for kids’. Well done graphics are bright, crisp and colourful. The items are presented in realistic settings with true perspective, so some are very hard to see, being pretty small.
The SOUND is pretty ORDINARY, I would rather have heard more of the forest sounds than the (soon repetitious) pleasant enough MUSIC.
The STORY is not going to be a best seller. It is your first day on the job as Park Ranger, and you are very excited. You are given the ‘grand tour’ and told about how the work gets done. In the process you get to visit all the wonders, and enjoy all the adventures the park offers.
It’s a NICE LITTLE GAME and even though it was not designed with me in mind, I played the FULL HOUR simply because I ENJOYED IT.
I recommend this game!
Prepare for a mind-bending journey into the realm of the weird in Haunted Halls: Revenge of Dr. Blackmore! Brace yourself for the unexpected in this exciting Hidden Object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
I Like The Changes
PostedJuly 22, 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
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Newspaper headlines flash past giving details of apparently totally unconnected disappearances, including your own. THEN, it gets creepy. You wake strapped into some futuristic restraint chair, a disembodied voice tells you there is no chance of escape, and our old buddy Dr Blackmore turns up, literally crawling the walls! This can’t be good.
Newspaper headlines flash past giving details of apparently totally unconnected disappearances, including your own. THEN, it gets creepy. You wake strapped into some futuristic restraint chair, a disembodied voice tells you there is no chance of escape, and our old buddy Dr Blackmore turns up, literally crawling the walls! This can’t be good.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
As always the ERS graphics are water-colour, hand-drawn, very detailed and clear. The cut-scenes look good, but personally, I thought there were a bit too many of them. Still, I can see the temptation, when you see what Blackmore looks like now. Sounds are all good. Music has a definite sci-fi feel to it, and the voiceover for the computer is perfect.
As always the ERS graphics are water-colour, hand-drawn, very detailed and clear. The cut-scenes look good, but personally, I thought there were a bit too many of them. Still, I can see the temptation, when you see what Blackmore looks like now. Sounds are all good. Music has a definite sci-fi feel to it, and the voiceover for the computer is perfect.
The doctor has his own special way of speaking in all 3 of these games, and I should have mentioned before that I don’t like it. But it is at least unique, and quirky enough to sound insane.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
We start off a little differently than the other Haunted Halls games, because not only is Tim captured, but so are we. The space ship-like location is inescapable, and Blackmore monitors everything, so we have no choice but to play the role he has planned for us.
We start off a little differently than the other Haunted Halls games, because not only is Tim captured, but so are we. The space ship-like location is inescapable, and Blackmore monitors everything, so we have no choice but to play the role he has planned for us.
The four disappearances from the introduction have one thing in common, they are all people who have crossed Blackmore. Now he has sent them each to a specific time and place, each the scene of a major catastrophe, to suffer a Blackmore-decreed appropriate end. And we’ve got to release them in order to get to Tim.
MAKING PROGRESS
The Haunted Halls series continues to be mostly about HOs, but there is a lot of changes in this game since the last. There are, for example, four styles of HOs, including the 3 different types of silhouettes, and the interactive list. The puzzles are okay for the most part, many of original ones.
The Haunted Halls series continues to be mostly about HOs, but there is a lot of changes in this game since the last. There are, for example, four styles of HOs, including the 3 different types of silhouettes, and the interactive list. The puzzles are okay for the most part, many of original ones.
I liked the portable laboratory, where we mix up potions, following detailed instructions. This one is more fun than these things in other games, because it is just difficult enough to have to pay attention.
There is also a specific puzzle that comes at the end of each chapter, getting more difficult each time, that is setting dials on gauges, where one affects the others.
The electronic notebook is a big help in keeping track of things, because there is no map and the hint button only tells there’s nothing to do.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I forgot to mention there are a lot of interesting critters doing curious things throughout the game, but no cute companions.
I forgot to mention there are a lot of interesting critters doing curious things throughout the game, but no cute companions.
And, I found the game took quite a long time to complete.
Very good game!
I recommend this game!