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:
Explore Dr. Blackmore’s latest experiment in a Haunted Halls: Fears from Childhood, a terrifying Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
Dr Blackmore’s Bringing Nightmares To Life!
PostedJuly 22, 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
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
An impressively scary introduction shows a small girl awake in the night, with terrifying transformations all around her, including a really evil looking teddy bear. We feel a sense of urgency, as well as general creepiness and vulnerability, and are reminded that Dr Blackmore, with his disgusting tentacles, is still out there...
An impressively scary introduction shows a small girl awake in the night, with terrifying transformations all around her, including a really evil looking teddy bear. We feel a sense of urgency, as well as general creepiness and vulnerability, and are reminded that Dr Blackmore, with his disgusting tentacles, is still out there...
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The technical quality of the graphics of this one are less impressive than in the first game of this series, even though they are far more interesting and creative, with surreal touches that evoke an instant emotional reaction. Again, there is voiceover only for the narrator of the introduction, but he is well done. The environmental sounds vary from mild to almost unendurable, but all are appropriate to the location.
The technical quality of the graphics of this one are less impressive than in the first game of this series, even though they are far more interesting and creative, with surreal touches that evoke an instant emotional reaction. Again, there is voiceover only for the narrator of the introduction, but he is well done. The environmental sounds vary from mild to almost unendurable, but all are appropriate to the location.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
This story picks up from where we left off in the first of the series (Green Hills Sanatarium). The mad and evil Dr Blackmore has escaped us and taken that boyfriend of ours with him into some sort of portal, so now we must confront the doc of his own turf. This turns out to be a weird fragmented corridor in what appears to be space. We soon discover that the doctor has kidnapped 5 children and is feeding off their fears, and we must save each of them from their worst fears turned real, before seeking out Tim (the fool who got himself kidnapped, twice).
This story picks up from where we left off in the first of the series (Green Hills Sanatarium). The mad and evil Dr Blackmore has escaped us and taken that boyfriend of ours with him into some sort of portal, so now we must confront the doc of his own turf. This turns out to be a weird fragmented corridor in what appears to be space. We soon discover that the doctor has kidnapped 5 children and is feeding off their fears, and we must save each of them from their worst fears turned real, before seeking out Tim (the fool who got himself kidnapped, twice).
MAKING PROGRESS
The game is primarily about HO scenes, there are a lot of them and they are all visited twice. There is a little animation and some interaction in them, which is a nice improvement.
The game is primarily about HO scenes, there are a lot of them and they are all visited twice. There is a little animation and some interaction in them, which is a nice improvement.
Puzzles are a bit harder than in the first game, and I found I had to skip a number of them, although there’s nothing we haven’t seen elsewhere. The nature of this story is purely imaginary, so that has allowed for some interesting twists in the adventure. I really enjoyed this aspect of this game. Figuring out how to defeat some really scary monsters and rescue the children is really quite challenging at times.
Certainly, lateral thinking is required. The action is broken up into self-contained chapters, so a map is not at all necessary useful, but we do have our electronic notebook with us, which keeps track of the story, and gives background on the childhood fears.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This game’s appeal is its very simplicity, at a time when games are getting relentlessly more complex. The focus is on playing the HO scenes and finding ways around the obstacles/monsters. And that’s why I like it. I also think the story is more involving – who doesn’t remember being afraid of something in the dark when they were kids?
This game’s appeal is its very simplicity, at a time when games are getting relentlessly more complex. The focus is on playing the HO scenes and finding ways around the obstacles/monsters. And that’s why I like it. I also think the story is more involving – who doesn’t remember being afraid of something in the dark when they were kids?
If you like HO games, and/or fancy a light-weight adventure, then you’ll enjoy this game.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Well Told Tale, Classic Series
PostedJuly 22, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s quite an exciting car smash we get ourselves into in the intro to this game. It’s been done before, yes, and since, but it is still well done. The voiceover is deep, authoritative, ominous.
It’s quite an exciting car smash we get ourselves into in the intro to this game. It’s been done before, yes, and since, but it is still well done. The voiceover is deep, authoritative, ominous.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Our foolish boyfriend has got himself in too deep investigating strange happenings at an abandoned asylum. After your dramatic arrival, you soon find a lot that’s strange yourself. It seems some mad doctor is experimenting with patients with phobias, although his methods don’t seem likely to help them any. You must help these poor people in order to find and rescue Tim, the boyfriend. There are some really interesting phobias in this one, and some bizarre treatments.
Our foolish boyfriend has got himself in too deep investigating strange happenings at an abandoned asylum. After your dramatic arrival, you soon find a lot that’s strange yourself. It seems some mad doctor is experimenting with patients with phobias, although his methods don’t seem likely to help them any. You must help these poor people in order to find and rescue Tim, the boyfriend. There are some really interesting phobias in this one, and some bizarre treatments.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Despite its age (released 2010), this game still looks good, the hand drawn graphics (yes, it’s an ERS game) look sombre but not overly dark or disgusting. It opens in wide screen without noticeable distortion, which impressed me. The music is different from the norm with ERS, and the environmental sounds are chilling.
Despite its age (released 2010), this game still looks good, the hand drawn graphics (yes, it’s an ERS game) look sombre but not overly dark or disgusting. It opens in wide screen without noticeable distortion, which impressed me. The music is different from the norm with ERS, and the environmental sounds are chilling.
MAKING PROGRESS
There are a lot of HO scenes, and very few puzzles in this game. The HO scenes are clear, not too dark, and rarely are the objects small. There is animation, but no interactive items in the standard list. I like the way the list is broken up into segments, and the buzzing fluorescent lights. Adds ambience *smile*. A not very helpful hint works outside the HO scenes.
There are a lot of HO scenes, and very few puzzles in this game. The HO scenes are clear, not too dark, and rarely are the objects small. There is animation, but no interactive items in the standard list. I like the way the list is broken up into segments, and the buzzing fluorescent lights. Adds ambience *smile*. A not very helpful hint works outside the HO scenes.
BLING!
We have with us an electronic (I think) notebook to record information, including the medical records we find along the way. No map though.
We have with us an electronic (I think) notebook to record information, including the medical records we find along the way. No map though.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This is the first of the Haunted Halls series, and is very well put together. It is interesting how well a game can work, even without the ‘”Bling!”. I found the game as immersive and enjoyable as any of the blockbuster games that are the norm today.
This is the first of the Haunted Halls series, and is very well put together. It is interesting how well a game can work, even without the ‘”Bling!”. I found the game as immersive and enjoyable as any of the blockbuster games that are the norm today.
I recommend this game!
Hop aboard to cross the border between life and death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
33 of 53 found this review helpful
A Different Style In A Different Place
PostedJuly 21, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED CE GAME
Nice to get into a totally DIFFERENT CULTURE with this game. Although I am sure many people in the southern US states are familiar with the Festival of the Dead, there is little the rest of us know about it, so it is unexplored territory for many.
The general TONE of the game is REFRESHING too, it is HUMOROUS throughout, a dry wit not at all cartoonish, as the few funny games I’ve played seem to be.
The STYLE of GAMEPLAY was a little DIFFERENT too. The MINI-GAMES included ARCADE-STYLE games, which were REWORKED to make them easy enough for PLAYERS LIKE ME, who wouldn’t get past the first level of a genuine arcade game.
They took the form of games where you needed to time your response to bring it in within a given range. Some were also timed, but not restrictively so.
The HOS were of the INTERACTIVE LIST type. The ADVENTURE gameplay was not difficult, and you had a INTERACTIVE JUMP MAP & “THE GUIDE to the LAND of the DEAD”. This CHARACTER functions as HINT, COMPANION & JOURNAL – also useful as COMIC RELIEF.
One of the things I really liked about this game is the GRAPHICS. They were not in themselves spectacular, but they were a bit different from the norm, well done, and BRIGHT & CHEERFUL. All objects, in and out of HOS were easily seen and clear.
The various CHARACTERS throughout the game were very well conceived and their ANIMATIONS were EXCELLENT, and so were their VOICEOVERS. I just loved those guys, they really made the game.
The MUSIC was APPROPRIATE to the environment, but I found it annoying from time to time.
The CE game offers many EXTRAS, such as collectibles and achievements, but the BONUS CHAPTER is NOT NECESSARY to a satisfying conclusion to the game. I must admit I was happy to have the chance to collect all the decorated sugar skulls, which were an eye-opener!
For half the cost, I think this game is easily as good value as the CE.
I recommend this game!
The mysterious League of Light has chosen you as their newest member. Are you up to your first assignment?
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 61 found this review helpful
Most Professional & Interesting
PostedJuly 20, 2013
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
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON HALF HOUR DEMO
This game is DIFFERENT from the START, but in subtle ways. Our INTRODUCTION to STORY has us arriving at a castle to which we have been summoned, where we meet the LEAGUE OF LIGHT.
This part is QUALITY CUT SCENE graphics, VOICEOVERS very good, almost LIP SYNCED successfully. Further BACKSTORY is provided by way of sepia toned comic-style art, and then we are off on our mission, shown in first person, riding a beautiful white steed.
There is a lot of these cut scenes and backstory inserts but I did not find them at all annoying, there is MUCH we need to KNOW and the information is interesting. I like the story, and didn’t find it distracting to find out more of what was going on.
There is lots to do in this game. We have some PROGRESSIVE SILHOUETTE HO SCENES, with the silhouettes actually being pics rendered in GREY SCALE. The GRAPHICS are CLEAR & DETAILED, the mini-puzzles that are part of the HO scene are engaging.
The somewhat-original PUZZLES are LESS FREQUENT and so far NOT DIFFICULT, but then the HOS are NOT NUMEROUS EITHER. We do visit some of them twice.
Mostly this game is about FIGURING OUT solutions to obstacles, i.e. ADVENTURE GAMEPLAY. But it is NOT at all DIFFICULT, the progress is LOGICAL, and we have an INTERACTIVE JUMP MAP, and a JOURNAL. HINT is not much use outside the HO scenes.
The LOOK of this one is VERY PROFESSIONAL, if not mind-blowing artistically, and they have done an excellent job on the BANSHEE – she is REALLY CREEPY.
The DEMO took me only 30 minutes, which has me wondering if this is a SHORT GAME?
BONUS CONTENT
Plenty here too. As well as the STANDARD offerings, gallery items, strategy guide and bonus chapter, we have:
ACHIEVEMENTS, not many, some easy to get, some related to the COLLECTIBLES.
There are 11 BESTIARY SCROLLS to find, and the information they provide about the enemy is useful. They can be read from the JOURNAL.
There are also COLLECTIBLE OWLS (34), and they are NOT EASY to see.
One ACHIEVEMENT includes answering 20 TRIVIA QUESTIONS about the game. COOL.
Also, as we get achievements we get FRESCO PARTS, which can be put together if we get them all. I like that idea.
I’m impressed with this one, no schmaltz, no extravaganzas, but what looks like a darn good tale well told.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the true murderer as you investigate a haunted house!
Overall rating
4
/
5
97 of 107 found this review helpful
Revised Opinion After Completed CE Game
PostedJuly 19, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED CE GAME
Based on the trial for the COLLECTOR’S EDITION, I was really impressed with this game. It showed marvellous INGENUITY & UNIQUENESS, as well as the more PREDICTABLE HIGH STANDARDS we expect from ERS.
But after COMPLETING the game, I’m NOT AS ENTHUSIASTIC as I was. This is certainly a VERY GOOD GAME, CE or SE, but it FALLS SHORT of being SPECTACULAR as far as I’m concerned. It is, however, in the BONUS CONTENT that my DISAPPOINTMENT lies, and this version of the game now seems to me the better of the two, taking in the extra cost.
I still ABSOLUTELY LOVE the INTRO CUT SCENES, as well as the reintroduction of our NEMESIS, SG, this time more INVOLVED in the story, and DRAWN in much more DETAIL. All the cut scenes with him are fun, such a NASTY LITTLE MAN, and with almost no dialogue is still one of the best PERSONALITIES of any game.
The STORY, which seemed so good at first, is not handled as well as it could be, and so I found it difficult to get INVOLVED and STAY TUNED to the nuances of the investigation. We are a detective brought in to investigate a murder on a rich family estate, but what we find is a mansion full of GHOSTS. Some friendly, some not so much.
At the centre of all the problems is the MAGIC BOOK OF WISHES, VOX, which is our friend SG’s sought after goal. Apparently this book has imprisoned the souls of the family, tying them to the estate. There are many twists and turns, and some real surprises, before the truth is revealed.
PUZZLES & HO SCENES are IMAGINATIVE, CLEAR, and LOVELY TO LOOK AT. Those of you who know ERS’ work may notice (or it could just be me) that the GRAPHICS seem a little more STYLISED than usual.
The SOUNDTRACK is GOOD, including the VOICEOVERS. In the past I’ve been a critic of ERS’ sounds, but they are doing a great job IMPROVING on them with the ‘NEW GENERATION’ games, and the MUSIC here is by far their best offering.
HO SCENES are PROGRESSIVE SILHOUETTE (find this pictured item, to do that, to get that... until you have INVENTORY ITEM) and INTERACTIVE LIST. The PUZZLES were NOT very HARD, although as always I missed a few. The BALANCE is weighted towards HOS, which you visit twice.
Getting around, finding INVENTORY ITEMS and using them is NOT TOO HARD either. You have a DIRECTIONAL HINT, A JUMP MAP (NO indication of ACTIVE TASKS), and a JOURNAL.
The story ends well and doesn’t need the CE’s bonus chapter to finish it.
So despite my disappointment with the CE version of this game (all the little extras just didn't seem to compensate), I have no problems recommending this one, and if the story had have been handled a little better, it would have rated five stars.
I recommend this game!
After using a secret alias to board the Titanic, things go terribly wrong and you find yourself trapped among the wreckage. In order to earn freedom from your watery tomb you must appease your captor by re-writing history and freeing the spirits trapped aboard the 'unsinkable' luxury liner as well as discover why fate has chosen this destiny for you.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Supernatural Forces At Work On Titanic?
PostedJuly 18, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
.
This is the 6th game in the Hidden Mysteries series, and the 2nd one they have done on the Titanic. I remember only that I didn’t like that one at all when I trialled it, so I can’t tell you if this is a genuine sequel or not.
.
This is the 6th game in the Hidden Mysteries series, and the 2nd one they have done on the Titanic. I remember only that I didn’t like that one at all when I trialled it, so I can’t tell you if this is a genuine sequel or not.
There is certainly a different approach to the Titanic STORY here, with spirits and portals and time travel.
The intro is impressive if simple. It is like a SLIDESHOW with ANIMATIONS and the GRAPHICS look great. The LOCATIONS look convincingly ornate and expensive to me. It's quite a visually attractive game without being at all schmalzy.
There are no voiceovers in the game. You can skip conversations, but keeping track of the plot will be almost impossible if you do, although the ‘ship’s log’ will help. The scene is set for a true MYSTERY from the very beginning.
For reasons that aren’t revealed until late in the game, you have gone to extraordinary lengths to be on the Titanic’s maiden voyage in order to meet a famously wealthy man.But somehow you end up at the bottom of the ocean with amnesia. I’ll let you find out for yourself the hows and whys.
The GAMEPLAY is mostly HO SCENES, with a few MEDIUM difficulty PUZZLES. This is a STRIPPED DOWN style of game, so while you have EXCELLENT COMPUTER-GENERATED GRAPHICS, there is no animation and no interaction in the HOS. It is a static standard list.
The ADVENTURE is restricted to a FEW locations for each chapter, so the MAP is not essential, but it does give you indicators where you have TASKS still to complete. There are PORTALS that assist some of your travelling. HINT is useless outside HOS.
I have played about 6 Titanic games, and this is my favourite. It is really WELL MADE, offers a DIFFERENT kind of STORY, and has STRAIGHTFORWARD HO gameplay.
It is however a simple game and easy game and will not be to everyone’s liking and certainly cannot compete with the extravaganzas now available.
It is however a simple game and easy game and will not be to everyone’s liking and certainly cannot compete with the extravaganzas now available.
Still,...
I recommend this game!
There are screams heard in Silent Hollow... Trouble at the Mystery Trackers headquarters means you're called in to help.
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 43 found this review helpful
Oh Wow! Delightful Excess!
PostedJuly 18, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON FULL DEMO
This game is, happily, totally OVER THE TOP. It has everything we’ve ever asked for – um, except a JOURNAL.
This 5th game of the Mystery Trackers series is definitely the best so far, and I already rate one of these games (Raincliff) as one of the BEST EVER.
We have the sumptuous graphics of an ELEPHANT EXTRAVAGANZA, vibrant colours, crystal clear realism, imaginative invention. The moment the game opens you are overwhelmed by technical expertise and artistic talent.
As a Mystery Trackers agent, you are called in to investigate the ultimate emergency, a ROGUE AGENT. Considering what we are capable of, and the kinds of weapons and gadgetry available to us, this is as dangerous to the world as JAMES BOND gone over to the DARK SIDE.
Agents are falling victim to his attacks all over, and only you seem immune.
The STORY would have been great fun, even if the GAMEPLAY wasn’t, but of course it is!
HO SCENES are bright, clear, and the objects well defined. They are INTERACTIVE LISTS, and at this stage each is visited just the once. The PUZZLES & MINI-GAMES, have all been doable to me so far, and look great.
The ADVENTURE is the DOMINANT aspect of this game and that is where it gets really interesting. We have many resources to draw on. There is an INTERACTIVE JUMP MAP, HINTFUL HINT (that is, it gives you suggestions, not directions), and 4 MODES OF DIFFICULTY, so name your own choice of SKIP, sparkles etc.
As well, from our LAST ADVENTURE, we have retained the services of our FAITHFUL COMPANION, Elf, who is also immune to the rogue agents MIND CONTROLLING weapons. We also have 3 PARANORMAL ABILITIES, which must be activated as we go.
We will run into the victims along the way, and from them we COLLECT DOSSIERS on each agent, their PSYCHIC PET, and weaponry. So in total, we have 15 PETS in our menagerie. There are also DUCATS (gold coins) to collect for purchases in the 2 SHOPS, the agency one and ELF’S SHOP.
There are dozens of TROPHIES too.
In the BONUS CONTENT we have the usual GALLERY ITEMS, plus the 2 SHOPS, the PETS, a SECRET ROOM, the SG and a BONUS CHAPTER (as well as 6 main game chapters).
If I’ve missed something I wouldn’t be surprised, the 45 minutes of the demo were ACTION-PACKED, EXCITIING and INVOLVING.
I can’t wait to get this game!
I recommend this game!
Only by discovering clues left by advanced civilizations can you stop the return of an ancient enemy and save Earth.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 33 found this review helpful
Different, Simpler, Style Of Gameplay
PostedJuly 17, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
This game is really quite different from any other game I’ve seen lately, so I’m finding it a little hard to describe it to you. I’m going to try to do it step by step.
You are due for a holiday, so you set off in your CESSNA for BIMINI to do a little diving and salvaging. Once you arrive, you enter the airport and browse the brochures. One or more will be highlighted by your cursor changing to a magnifier. (By the way, if you want to use the custom cursor, you have to select it, and you must do so every time you reopen the game.)
The information the BROCHURES give you will allow you to leave the airport and get the TAXI. You will then see a MAP with the available LOCATIONS, and you move there.
Each location gives you a little more information or an inventory item, but never very much at one time. The items are usually used immediately, and you may have to return to the same source of information (e.g. Museum) several times. Within a given LOCALE, you will travel by TAXI (ie. The map). Moving from one locale to another is done in the PLANE.
BLACK BAR COMMENTS, your JOURNAL, and HINT are all available (and needed) to help you sort out where next to go. They give specific suggestions (e.g. It’s time for a dive now).
You don’t really do much compared to the amount of information provided for the STORY, but you must go through these steps in order to PROGRESS. Having completed all the tasks needed for one locale, the GAME/JOURNAL will tell you where to fly your plane.
You have VERY FEW HO SCENES to find items, they are not interactive, WORD LISTS, with the highlighted item being your inventory item. As well, some inventory items are retrieved through the EVEN FEWER PUZZLES. None of these are difficult. But they are also NOT CENTRAL to the game. In fact, to my mind the game really only consists of GATHERING INFORMATION.
All this travelling is leading us to the conclusion that there are aliens among us, but it takes a long time to get there. The STORY itself looks VERY INTERESTING, so I am sorry it is not better presented.
This is not a game I would enjoy, despite some good production qualities, and the attraction of being different, because it moves TOO SLOWLY. But that’s just me.
I am sure there are some people who will enjoy this game, if they like easy adventures and fact finding.
I am on the fence, and can neither recommend or not.
Become a business shark – play Mahjong on the exchange! Climb the ladder of success and Wall Street will bow to you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 47 found this review helpful
Professionally Presented, “Real” Mah-jong
PostedJuly 15, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
More business-like than business style, this version of the universally popular game offers CLEAN LINES, PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION STANDARDS, and easily grasped BONUSES and EXTRAS.
This game is NOT offering BEAUTIFUL BACKDROPS, dozens of MODES of PLAY, or oodles of POWER UPS. What it does offer is a well packaged good old-fashioned mah-jong game, played the way it should be played, with CLEAR GRAPHICS, a CHOICE of a half dozen standardised tile sets, and clearly defined GOALS.
The backdrops are standard business fare and not a DISTRACTION, and the MUSIC is SOOTHING and unobtrusive.
There are many boards, levels and achievements. You must qualify to unlock each one before you can move on, each involving greater difficulty and more intricate GAMEPLAY. You can REPLAY any board to improve your SCORE. Your score is based on TIME, NUMBER of MOVES used, number of “SPECIALS” cleared, and the number of REGULAR tiles left at the end of the round. “Specials” must be completely cleared to complete the board.
Despite the emphasis on BUSINESS indicated in the GAME DESCRIPTION and things like the TROPHY names, I didn’t feel any sense of being involved in any kind of story or particular activity.
I like this game. It reminds me of the mah-jong I played before it turned into a game filled with stuff that made no sense to me in a traditional strategy game. I have some of those complex, “change the tiles, the boards, the nature of the objectives and gameplay, collect explosive devices, etc” mah-jong games and I find them totally unappealing.
This is what mah-jong should look like.
I recommend this game!
Your murderous half-sister has escaped, and you've got the last piece of your father's treacherous film projector...
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 40 found this review helpful
Another Cinematic Blockbuster
PostedJuly 14, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
The first Final Cut game was a spectacular TRIBUTE to the ART of CINEMATOGRAPHY. Despite graphics that to my eye are not as high quality, this game is NO LESS a work of art. And MORE FUN. There are more exciting things happening and lots of interesting LOCATIONS.
The ARTWORK is still VERY GOOD, but it seems a little less seamless and a little more fuzzy. All of it seems to be in the right time period, and looks very AUTHENTIC. The MUSIC is DRAMATIC and can catch you unawares. It made me jump a couple of times.
This game picks up the STORY a year after the events of the first. Our crazy half-sister, who tried to kill us last time, has ESCAPED from the asylum, and we can only assume we are again in danger. Luckily, Dad’s old friend the General is there to whisk us off to the safety of the nearby ARMY BASE.
But really WEIRD STUFF starts happening even before we’re through the gates, and we crash just outside of them.
The GENERAL is unconscious and we go off looking for help. Soon the HALLUCINATIONS that caused the accident start again. But now we discover their SOURCE. An apparently ordinary FILM PROJECTOR. If you’ve played the other game, you’ll know immediately where this is going. If not, you’ll soon catch up.
I prefer the GAMEPLAY of this one over Final Cut 1. It is EASIER on the old brain cells. HO SCENES are INTERACTIVE LIST, or you can try your hand at MATCH 3 instead. All the objects are CLEAR & LARGE, and the scenes not overly cluttered. The PUZZLES so far I have found REASONABLY EASY, and include ones that I’ve seen before but only in other games by this developer.
The ADVENTURE is logical, but interesting. It is made TRICKY by a wonderful trick I love to see. Remember those HALLUCINATIONS? Well, once we learn how to shut them down, we have 2 VISUAL OPTIONS for each LOCATION. The ability to use items from one to the other greatly increases the complexity (and interest) of the GAMEPLAY.
COLLECTIBLES include MORPHING OBJECTS, film strips, and lucky clovers. There are also ACHIEVEMENTS. Other CE EXTRAS are wallpapers, music, SG, Bonus Game, replayable HOs and puzzles, and a “special bonus chapter”, which is secret.
This is another PREMIUM QUALITY game from this developer.
I recommend this game!