s_sgs's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:3,617
- Reviews Submitted:99
- First Review:January 8, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 24, 2013
- Featured reviews1
Status:
If you have enough courage to challenge the darkness, then you’ll manage to find out the mystery of the Rossolimo family.
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 36 found this review helpful
Great Game. Would have been better with jump map
PostedMarch 30, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN ADVANCED (2nd of 3 modes), No sparkles, Some black bar hints.
This is a great game that maintains quality and fun factor throughout. The graphics and artwork are stunningly beautiful and unique. Nothing is run of the mill. The HOS design is far above what other games offer. The same care has been taken with the mini-games. They are fresh, original, and well executed.
Bonus play is not long but it does include new HOS and mini-games not found in main game. My only criticism is that a jump map would have saved a lot of back and forth.
GAME CONSTRUCT
--------------------------
STORYLINE: With Greece as the backdrop we save the world and a kidnapped friend from escaped evil. Bonus chapter fits in seamlessly by freeing the lost souls.
--------------------------
STORYLINE: With Greece as the backdrop we save the world and a kidnapped friend from escaped evil. Bonus chapter fits in seamlessly by freeing the lost souls.
TOOLS: Journal? Yes, reference only. Allows replay of cut scenes. Map? Oddly No. The result was a lot of traipsing back and forth. It's a good thing the scenery was beautiful. Plucky side-kick to help and crack-wise? No. Fine by me! :)
BELLS & WHISTLES: No collectibles, no morphing objects, and no achievements. This fun factor and craftsmanship easily allows this games to stand on its own without these extras. I do love that all games can be replayed after game completion. There are some whimsical touches to be found by clicking in the right places.....
GRAPHICS & ARTWORK: Nothing is gloomy, dreary, or retreaded from other games. The graphics are some of the best I've seen-crisp, detailed, nothing dark or fuzzy. There is a lot of variety in scenes from the bottom of the Ocean to a lab via tram, on to a mountain top via a Pegasus. The characters, creatures, and mechanical gizmos are well done keeping game play fresh, interesting, and fun.
HOS: Two types - find by list or replace objects in a scene - both very fun with unusual objects. Normally I endure HOS to get to the mini-games, but every one of these HOS were so beautiful and unique that it was a blast to figure them out.
MINI-GAMES: These are some of the most interesting, fun, and whimsical mini-games I've come across. Original mini-games kept popping up even in bonus play. The level of difficulty varies. Most were on the easy side with a few offering some challenge.
MUSIC/VO/SOUND EFFECTS: Well done but not a lot of variety so I turned it down halfway through.
-------------------
There is some reference to the occult and the subject matter would make this a poor choice for children.
-------------------
There is some reference to the occult and the subject matter would make this a poor choice for children.
However, those who like to take time exploring and enjoying the scenery with a balanced seasoning of HOS and mini-game will find this game to be delightful and memorable.
I recommend this game!
Experience a story about love so strong, it can overcome the most powerful evil! Explore visually stunning mystical dimensions and rescue your fiance!
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 50 found this review helpful
Fun & Well Done - Better than first
PostedMarch 18, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN EXPERT (2nd of 2 modes), no sparkles, some black bar hints.
**Not a game for children or those who do not like occult themes or ambiance that trends toward the dark side**
OVERVIEW THEME
-----------------------------------------
With "Kiss of Death", the developers have more than made up for any shortcomings of the first installment, "Sacra Terra: Angelic Nights", which is also a good game, but lacks polish. "Kiss of Death" is a gorgeous game that is engaging and fun to play start to finish and has a nifty Succubus as the arch evil to overcome.
-----------------------------------------
With "Kiss of Death", the developers have more than made up for any shortcomings of the first installment, "Sacra Terra: Angelic Nights", which is also a good game, but lacks polish. "Kiss of Death" is a gorgeous game that is engaging and fun to play start to finish and has a nifty Succubus as the arch evil to overcome.
The artwork is fresh and original and the supporting graphics crisp and clear with excellent color balance. Some scenes were fairly complex and others just very eye catching.
The theme is straight forward -- "Lilith", the original succubus, has been brought back to life and is sucking the souls from any young male passersby.
The game centers around a tree that holds 4 thorn covered frames representing missing hearts from Lilith's exploits. It's up to the player to recover these hearts setting their souls free, This is the only way our heroine can save her true love who has been made into Lilith's boy-toy.
DETAILS
------------
MAP: This jump-map has to be one of my all time biggie-favorites. Locations are covered by a thorny heart (theme carried through from main scene). Heart color reveals location of play and actionable areas (this can be turned off). Mouse over shows picture and name of location. Locations with undiscovered "found" objects are shown (This also can be turned off).
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MAP: This jump-map has to be one of my all time biggie-favorites. Locations are covered by a thorny heart (theme carried through from main scene). Heart color reveals location of play and actionable areas (this can be turned off). Mouse over shows picture and name of location. Locations with undiscovered "found" objects are shown (This also can be turned off).
ADVENTURE: There were quite a few items to find with a number obscurely placed. Some items stayed in inventory for a long time. That ring picked up near the beginning? -No worries. It comes in handy near the end.
iHOS: There are plenty and they are not difficult - one in each scene and some revisited. Item location is scattered but not cluttered or junk pile style. For the most part the words matched the items to find. Interaction was-fill the cup with tea, stamp the letter, zoom in to an area for more items. The scenes were nice with interesting objects but none really stood out for me.
MINI-GAMES: Most were fun and nicely packaged. They were easy, and none seemed new.--Pattern matching, color matching, align the circles, turn tiles to make a pattern,put items in the correct order using a guide found elsewhere, press bricks in the correct order through trial and error, etc.
OPENING DOORS/CHESTS: This was straight forward with a mix of keys, mini-games, and "specially shaped objects".
MORPHING/"FOUND" OBJECTS: There are 34. They are easier to spot than in the first installment and the cursor still turns into a hand when it runs over one making them easy to find. The map shows locations with undiscovered objects--This can be turned off.
ACHIEVEMENTS: None. A-ok with me as I find them distracting and don't feel completing a task deserves a pop up award box.
MUSIC: This was fine-- fit in with the theme and scenery, but I turned it off as it was distracting.
VOICE OVERS: These sounded a little hokey to me so I turned them down and read the lines while hearing a bit of what they were saying.
SOUND EFFECTS: Very good. Can't complain.
---------------------------
---------------------------
This is a high quality, very well designed game, with creativity in theme, artwork, and game play. I got a real kick out of playing, although again, the occult is not normally a theme I enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Travel through time to locate all seven parts of the Medallion!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
It's OK, but there are better out there
PostedMarch 15, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETION OF THE JAPAN Location -
The first Picross game I played was "Arizona Rose and the Pirate's Riddles", and I think that might have spoiled me toward similar games. I have tried a number including "World Riddles" and they are not on the same par.
This game does offer nice, crisp artwork and graphics, a trot around the world solving riddles and collecting awards. However, the presentation of the riddles and interface are lacking.
For example -
The tiles are large, the colors bland with no texture, and lots of easy to miss black tiles. The completed designs, at least in the Japan level, were simple without much imagination or interest.
I could find no feature that allowed a group of tiles to be selected, then turned all at once, so there was some tedium in being able to only turn one tile at a time - even if there were 10 or 15 at one time.
There was also a sea-sick effect created when selecting a tile. Not content to just flip over, each tile twirls a few times before settling down. Several tiles turned in rapid succession result in distraction from all the flapping and flipping.
Dimensions are not provided with each grid, so it's up to the gamer to eyeball the count while the clock is ticking. Maybe that is a feature to add difficulty, but I would prefer having the dimensions.
In order to retain "gold" status at each level and receive all the prizes and awards, each grid must be completed within "expert" time, no hints, and no errors. The player can replay each level as many times as desired.
For beautiful artwork and graphics along with many hours of great game play, "Arizona Rose...." sets the standard. -Check it out and see how it compares.
Despite misgivings about the way game play is implemented I do recommend it. Taken in doses, there is enough fun factor and challenge to make it worthwhile.
I recommend this game!
The demons of the Seven Deadly Sins have broken free of their fiery prison and taken up residence in Sacra Terra!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 26 found this review helpful
A lot to recommend it, but seriously, no jump map?
PostedMarch 14, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN EXPERT (2nd of 2 modes), sparkles with HOS but no where else, some black bar hints.
SUMMARY
--------------
Great game play with a good helping of adventure, interesting mini-puzzles, and list style iHOS (note little 'i'). Though some scenes were a little fuzzy and dark around the edges, the artwork and graphics are very nice and creative. There are morphing, "Found", objects but no achievements. The ending was well thought out and unhurried. -Refreshing. My only dislike - No jump-map. For this game, that meant a lot of e-schlepping back and forth.
--------------
Great game play with a good helping of adventure, interesting mini-puzzles, and list style iHOS (note little 'i'). Though some scenes were a little fuzzy and dark around the edges, the artwork and graphics are very nice and creative. There are morphing, "Found", objects but no achievements. The ending was well thought out and unhurried. -Refreshing. My only dislike - No jump-map. For this game, that meant a lot of e-schlepping back and forth.
DETAILS
------------
------------
STORYLINE: This game adds a nice twist the familiar "abandoned town with evil and the world needs to be saved", by bringing in the 7-Deadly Sins as the evil to be hunted and dealt-with and of course, there is an angle involving Angels.
MORPHING/FOUND Objects: There are one in every scene, typically hidden in dark places and hard to find. There is a loophole which meant that I managed to find them all which almost never happens. ****spoiler alert**** Run the cursor across the screen, especially the dark edges. When the cursor becomes a hand it's a dead give away. I suspect this will be disappointing for those who like this feature ***end spoiler alert.
JOURNAL: The journal is kept up to date and I used it to help keep track of objectives, even though it didn't specifically record those.
MAP: The map was included as a section of the journal. It was easy to read and showed locations where actions were available. In expert mode I wish they would not show active areas.
No ability to "JUMP" to locations -
The past few games I have played, the availability of a jump-map wasn't much help as with the layout it was easier to e-walk than stop and pull up a map. NOT SO in this game. Scenes are revisited so many times including a minimum of 14 trips to the Cathedral that it became tedious midway through.
iHOS: Increased in frequency as game progressed - almost too much by the end. Despite the number of HOS, there was not a lot of variety. Scenes were revisited several times. Each was list style with minor interaction. None were junk pile or crowded which I appreciate, but none of them were so striking that I wanted to stop and take-in the scenery.
MINI-GAMES: These were fun, in keeping with the theme of the game, for the most part easy, and ok in the fun department. A lot of pattern matching, aligning circles, getting marbles through a maze. I would like for there to have been more mini-games at the expense of shaving off a few of the iHOS.
MUSIC/SOUND EFFECTS: Didn't add anything to game play for me and were distracting so turned them off.
Even though the graphics weren't "WOW" and there were a few more HOS than I might like, the game has originality, all elements are in keeping with the theme, and it was just plain fun to see the interpretation of the 7-Deadly sins into demons and then do away with them.
I recommend this game!
A chance discovery sends Arizona Rose on a new life of adventure and it’s up to you to help her decipher Blackbeard's treasure maps!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 44 found this review helpful
Fun From the Get Go - I LOVE THIS GAME!
PostedMarch 12, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is the first Picross I have come across and now I am hooked. The trouble is, of the few I have found, none of them are on a par with this one.
The game is very polished, with crisp, bright graphics and a Nautical theme. There are mini-games and picture based HOS between levels. The music is upbeat and fits with the action, but I keep it turned down as after a while it is distracting.
Examples of awards for successful completion of a level include a map that uncovers a 3x3 section of the tiles, a skull that uncovers a column of tiles, an eye that uncovers a row of tiles, and other similar goodies. These come in handy although I prefer the added challenge of flying solo - no hints, no help.
The texture and color of the tiles is lush and vibrant - A little reminiscent of the shag rugs so popular in the 70s. The images revealed by completing a screen are clever and creative.
As already pointed out, the game saves the last state so the player can safely exit the game completely, then pick up where game play left off.
I recommend this game!
Follow the trail of the mysterious woman in white and discover the secret behind her terrible task!
Overall rating
5
/
5
92 of 117 found this review helpful
No Bones About it....REFRESHING, UNIQUE, FUN GAME
PostedMarch 8, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN 2nd (Advanced) of 3 modes), black bar hints, but no sparkles.
SUMMARY
--------------
This game is a grabber from the first cut-scene when an old man sitting by a toasty fire discovers more in his book than dust mites.
--------------
This game is a grabber from the first cut-scene when an old man sitting by a toasty fire discovers more in his book than dust mites.
The story quickly moves to what is now a defunct town crawling with Zombies all in need of something before they will help as well as the Museum where the ancient and bony ship resides.
Though the subject matter might sound gruesome, the game is not. The scenes are bright and beautiful, with humor and whimsy woven throughout game play.
Even the music is terrific! Go Figure. --a mix of Jazzy Piano and Spooky strings (Not unlike "Tubular Bells" from the original Exorcist movie).
The artwork/graphics design, Voice Overs, Cut Scenes, and music were harmonized to maintain an ambiance of mystery, intrigue, and a little bit o' the creepy while keeping tongue firmly planted in cheek.
There was a good balance between iHOS, mini-game, and adventure and had the bells and whistles many expect from CEs these days.
DETAILS
--------------------
STORYLINE: First and foremost for me was having bits and pieces around the fantastic discovery of the ship of bones, infighting to make it available to the public before proper analysis, a mysterious psychic, leak out from various sources.
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STORYLINE: First and foremost for me was having bits and pieces around the fantastic discovery of the ship of bones, infighting to make it available to the public before proper analysis, a mysterious psychic, leak out from various sources.
THEME & AMBIANCE: The artwork, characters such as a ferocious ice dog with spikes like a porcupine, and icy-crackly sound effects, really got across that IT WAS COLD. Those who chill easily or who are fed up with Winter themes might want to wear an extra pair of socks or play the game in the summer! :)
ARTWORK, DESIGN, GRAPHICS: I was a little reminded of H.R. Giger the guy who created the creatures for the movie Alien, only the creatures in this game are very cool looking but not gruesome or dark. Designers THANKS for thoroughly utilizing various areas within each scene rather than leaving a number of "pass-through" scene that might be nice to see but otherwise don't seem to have much purpose.
FIRE BOOK: I am not sure what I think of this gimmick, but the book sits on the lower left of the screen. When supernatural help is needed runes appear that must be matched against scenes already visited. Completing this would ignite the book to overcome cursed areas, Ice Dogs, and other enemies.
JUMP MAP: The simple, elegant design of having Polaroid style photos of scenes visited and which of these has available actions. Without it, there would be a lot of schlepping to locate runes when time to ignite the book.
SIDE-KICK: There is Hamlet, an aged Raven with bifocals helps reach things making sassy comments and adding story details. - I just wish they'd let us keep the gaff so we could reach things on our own! :)
COLLECTIBLES/ACHIEVEMENTS: There are 22 Goblins to seek and find. There are achievements it seems for just about everything because boxes seemed to pop up all over the place.
IHOS a plenty: Areas were typically used only once which I always appreciate. The scenes were beautiful and rich in detail. -No junk pile style, no overcrowding. Interaction was basic, feeding a mouse to get a "sated mouse" or stacking Russian dolls, move curtain to reveal, etc.
MINI-GAMES: These were all well done, beautifully designed and detailed, with a variety of games from the familiar piece together a photo or arrange tiles to make a picture to some new ones which would be tough to describe here. Though puzzles are my favorite so I avoid skipping any, but made exceptions for this game.
ADVENTURE: There are a lot of areas to explore, a lot of items to collect, and some cool things to construct. I had to double back a couple of times for items I had missed.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND: I appreciate the originality, the incredible graphics, artwork, and design and what must have been Herculean efforts that went in to this game.
I recommend this game!
The Order’s most closely-guarded secret sleeps deep beneath the ancient Spanish streets. What lies within this mysterious box?
Overall rating
4
/
5
55 of 71 found this review helpful
Liked it more than 1st- Beautiful & Quality Game Play to End
PostedMarch 2, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON COMPLETED GAME PLAY IN HARD CORE (3rd of 3 modes), no sparkles, twinks, blinks, hints.
-achievements, morphing objects,
SUMMARY
-------------
This is a well constructed game with a lot to recommend it including an engaging story that builds through to the end. Some games seem to be "front loaded" with all the good stuff occurring in the 1st hour or "trial play period", then things just go bland. Not so here at all. This is a polished, well designed, beautiful game, that delivers on iHOS, Adventure, Mini-Game, and all the other bells and whistles people have come to expect.
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This is a well constructed game with a lot to recommend it including an engaging story that builds through to the end. Some games seem to be "front loaded" with all the good stuff occurring in the 1st hour or "trial play period", then things just go bland. Not so here at all. This is a polished, well designed, beautiful game, that delivers on iHOS, Adventure, Mini-Game, and all the other bells and whistles people have come to expect.
DETAILS
------------
MORPHING OBJECTS - Normally I am not a fan. I never manage to find them all and the first thing I do in each scene is look for them, which just distracts. This game is the EXCEPTION. I busted out laughing at some of the morphing objects. Some were very well placed and others were just funny. I really got a kick out of them and no, I didn't find them all.
------------
MORPHING OBJECTS - Normally I am not a fan. I never manage to find them all and the first thing I do in each scene is look for them, which just distracts. This game is the EXCEPTION. I busted out laughing at some of the morphing objects. Some were very well placed and others were just funny. I really got a kick out of them and no, I didn't find them all.
ACHIEVEMENTS- Something else I'm not a fan of but I know others will be happy. There are plenty. When those "achievement" boxes spring up constantly I sometimes feel like a trained Seal getting my e-Fish treat for doing the trick right.
iHOS- These were very interactive, fun, and creative right until the end. There were enough to be interesting and fun and some sites were visited more than once, but they were not tedious.
MINI-GAMES- Doors, Boxes, etc. were opened through puzzles or just keys. There was no schlepping back and forth finding random shapes to open random devices to eventually find a key. The puzzles seemed more challenging, but that may be only in hard core mode. There was a wide variety with some new to me, including astronomy, dominoes, connecting circuits, arranging pictures from scraps, etc.
TOOLS- There was a jump map, but I didn't reference it after the first couple of times because it seemed easier just to "walk" where I wanted. The journal was kept up to date, detailed, and held useful game info.
GRAPHICS/VOICE OVERS & ALL SUCH- All beautiful and well done. I am fine with just text, but the VOs were professional and added to atmosphere as did the music. The music was very unobtrusive and suitable so it stayed on.
AMBIANCE- As others have commented, the setting and scenery are beautiful. The scenes for the most part are not dark. The overall theme is serious without gags or too many laughs other than the iHOS & morphing objects.
This is just a great game that I hope others enjoy playing as much as I did. Folks who like a lot of iHOS might feel a little deprived, as mentioned there are a good number but not too many for my taste. Folks who like mini-games should get their fill in number, variety, and challenge. For adventure lovers there is plenty to explore and plenty to do.
I recommend this game!
Explore the magical world of Enchantia as you race to save the land from the evil Phoenix Queen.
Overall rating
2
/
5
66 of 83 found this review helpful
Sadly, no......
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN HARD CORE (3rd of 3 modes) no sparkles, no black bar hints, no hints.
I can't believe that I don't like this game!
Normally anything Green Tea Games does is golden. They often, as with this game use Fragmented Object which I like very much.
Normally anything Green Tea Games does is golden. They often, as with this game use Fragmented Object which I like very much.
So what's the deal?
The first cut-scene was a wow! - Stunning. Dramatic. A real winner. Got the blood pumping. The last cut-scene is also good, not on the same par but still very good.
In between was a bunch of really beautiful places with a lot of what felt to me like chores. For me this game was just not fun. UN-FUN.
Of the good --- of course the graphics and artwork are detailed and gorgeous and as mentioned the game started strong. The characters and voice overs are well done as was the music when kept at low volume. There is also a compass and jump map. Yay!
The rest just felt like a lot o' work....
STORY: It starts sort of being about finding songbird-chicks. Not the long legged ones walking around in mini-skirts with people writing songs about them, but these neon-colored songbird-chicks.
To this thin layer more plot was piled with the introduction of a new character or world. --The Elves did this, the Dwarfs did that, the Centaurs were involved, and then the Sky-bird- well that's something altogether different you see. Well, I didn't see, but that's just the point.
FROG/HOS: Part of the problem could have been the ever increasing number of FROG. Yikes! I mean yeah, the scenes were beautiful and at first I thoroughly enjoyed them, but a couple of times I noticed 3 in a row.
The reward for schlepping from FROG to FROG? -A piece of statue, some random potion for later use, some medallion or amulet or figurine.....Plug that in somewhere a box or door opens or yawn...
MINI-GAMES: What about mini-games? They were few and far between. Even though easy they were fun and cleverly put together. The ones I remember were plugging some figurine picked up elsewhere into the top of a box to get it to open. sigh.
COLLECTIBLES: There were morphing objects, but no other collectibles or achievements were apparent.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend this game.
For the person who wants a strong storyline, a little adventure, some fun mini-puzzles,don't stop here....
I don't recommend this game.
Find the festivalgoer abducted by the gargoyles of Notre Dame and uncover the cathedral’s dark past in this reimagining of the Victor Hugo’s classic tale.
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 57 found this review helpful
Fantastic! Took my time & savored the experience
PostedFebruary 15, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME HARD CORE (3rd of 3 modes), no sparkles, no help in map, some black bar hints.
Delightful surprise - This 2nd installment exceeded all expectations. The first "9 The Dark Side" was so fun, original, and challenging I doubted the sequel would get off the ground.
To my delight I actually liked this one even more than the first installment. Notre Dame as a back drop and edgy storyline (no need to repeat here). The graphics & artwork are inspired. Each area was beautiful serving multiple functions giving the adventurer a lot to investigate. It was interesting and fun start to finish.
This seemed like primarily an adventure game with well thought-out and clever mini-games that varied in difficulty, and a balance of iHOS, all very well done. Due to the adventure aspects it was not always obvious what to do next sending me to the strategy guide more than once which was great.
I have a nit-picky pet peeve which also annoyed me in the first installment - Use something the wrong way or make a bad click and a black bar remark ending "...too bad there is no cavalry to call for help" popped up so repetitively it became grating. -I was hoping for new material.
--------------------
GAME CONSTRUCT
--------------------
GAME CONSTRUCT
MAP=YES. Jump map. In hard core mode is shows only available locations which I appreciated. Don't know if other modes showed more detail.
JOURNAL=NO. Not needed. All background material was available where found throughout game.
COLLECTIBLES=NO. Fine by me.
ACHIEVEMENTS=YES. To get all of them you must play in HARD CORE mode and play the tutorial.
MUSIC=Original and enjoyable but not a lot of variety so it was turned down at mid-point. VOICE OVERS were good - Those who want lips and words in sync might be annoyed.
SIDE-KICK=YES. There is a little Gargoyle who can fly and reach things while making sassy comments.
iHOS=There are a reasonable amount. All well done and enjoyable. Some were "assemble the pieces" that required visits to more than one area to complete.
MINI-GAMES=Plentiful and fun. Most easy others offered some challenge. Examples: Wiring a circuit, runes and codes, one involving photographs of a mime was completely original and fun, magnets, potions, baking, carving.
This game has all the ingredients that intrigue me - gorgeous and historic location, well constructed scenes, lots to see and investigate, challenge in figuring out what to do next, well done balance of iHOS, plentiful interesting and clever mini-games, with a cohesive, non-hurried ending.
Great game! Highly Recommend for those who like adventure and some challenge.
I recommend this game!
An organ grinder seeks revenge, marking his victims with cards. Can you stop him before he destroys the entire city?
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 105 found this review helpful
CLASS ALL ITS OWN! Adventure, Puzzles, iHOS balanced
PostedFebruary 10, 2013
s_sgs
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN HARD CORE (The 3rd of 3 modes) No sparkles, but black bar hints.
On the few occasions that a truly excellent, instant classic game comes along that manages to be fresh, fun, and thrilling start to finish it's unfortunate there isn't a standalone, special rating as this game deserves.
This is now my official, all-time, biggie favorite for originality in storyline, beautiful graphics, creative and fun iHOS and mini-Games, and all with a nice dose of adventure tossed in.
Our bad-guy is right on point with his gruff cockney accent and evil laugh. There are plenty of very cool characters including a Medusa, Dragon, Murderous Book - Yes, book. These characters are all lushly and deliciously brought to life.
The town in which the story takes place gives ample opportunity to explore and doesn't waste our time with pass-through, or "use once" scenes.
The quality of iHOS and mini-puzzles stayed top notch, even to the last when the fortune cards collected are assembled for one last game. By the way - Rhymes on the fortune cards were pretty cool, playing a part in the mystery, and adding to game play.
The are collectibles- 10 magical creatures. I didn't remember to look for them until midway through so didn't find them all. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and play it again... :)
I highly recommend this game for people who like mystery, mythical creatures, romance, and a variety of type of game play.
GAME CONSTRUCT:
OBJECT: Find and try to save the lives of 13 poor slobs who bought fortune cards at a street fair. Also, cCollect 10 Magical Animals along the way.
COMPANIONS=Yes. One. We are given a little fiery bird early on that flies into hot places to retrieve objects and who will light torches and fuses. I would have been ok with a box of matches, but he was admittedly much cuter and more handy.....
MAP=Yes, Allows jumping to locations (love that!), although even in hard core mode it shows locations where actions are available, those that are done, and those that will have action again. I'd rather just see where to jump as the extra info feels like hints and takes away from adventure aspects.
JOURNAL=NO. Not Needed.
STRATEGY GUIDE= Yes. Good. In particular good help with a couple of puzzles. Wish it tracked with game - that is a nice feature.
HINTS=Didn't use, so don't know.
BLACK BAR HINTS=Plentiful even in hard core mode. I wish there were an option to turn these off as they detract from adventure and the only one allowed to hold my hand is my husband! :)
iHOS=There was a good balance, not too many, none revisited, no junk pile, & all beautiful in detail. Yay! Minor interaction - add a handle to a pair of glasses, put pills in a jar, open a shell to find a pearl...
MINI-GAMES=Plentiful, very fun, in perfect theme with game, and most are easy. The strategy guide kept me from pulling my hair out on a couple that gave me trouble.
MUSIC/VO=ALL excellent. Music non-intrusive, in perfect sync. with events. VOs, especially our villain were great.
COLLECTIBLES=Yes. There were 10 magical creatures, but you have to watch for them as they "appear" in a scene at some point - not always the first time through.
AWARDS=I didn't find any. Ok by me.
In My Humble Opinion, Good games like this one stand on their own. Collectibles and awards are gimmicks and serve more to distract than add to game play. No offense intended as I know many people LOVE these features.
Thanks so much for the excellent work Elephant Games and more like this please.
I recommend this game!