MysteryAngel145's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:812
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:July 23, 2014
- Most Recent Review:May 14, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save Vienna from a masked Phantom’s wrath?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
The Elusive Phantom brings down the House again!
PostedSeptember 22, 2019
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land and time far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on demo only: I am extremely critical when it comes to any Phantom of the Opera game, (being a big fan of ALW’s show/movie especially), and after the last big letdown, I wasn’t expecting much with this game – but I was pleasantly surprised. :)
The mystery and story are engaging – I love how they kept to the Phantom idea, with props, notes, etc, that player runs across - but I like that they did their own thing too, building what appears to be a different yet similar backstory…I love the unique, as long as any different adaptation doesn’t crucify the original character of the Phantom and/or his love for Christine (though in this game, there is no Christine, but it does appear he is gaining revenge for a lost love of some sort; at least that's the impression the demo gave)…
The gameplay was fun and at times a bit innovative – the chase game was intriguing – (traversing a maze of rooftops with the need to find boards and things to get across) – the morphs and collectibles were also nicely done, the masks changing to another object at a decent amount of time lapsed, though I admit, I do like the actual change a little slower, so it’s a bit more difficult to pinpoint. Morphs and collectibles are in every scene and have a hidden counter on the left to track them. The metal numbers you find (the collectibles) are to a game in the extras section - a counter game, where you need to spin the wheel either right or left the amount of spaces needed (there are four options) to get the right letters you need to form the word provided.
One thing I didn't like so well: As another reviewer said, the accents were inaccurate for some, not all, of the voices - they sounded American and not in sync with the time period, with the way they talked then. (I guess if I want to suspend disbelief, I can just think of it that a couple of casual Americans went to Vienna and got jobs there - lol) - It was only two of them I noticed that were all wrong and not Viennese / European - unfortunately they came at the very beginning, so gave a bad first impression of what to expect for those, like me, who crave the historically accurate in historical games.... Otherwise I thought the game well-crafted, and well-played...
I give it 4/12 stars - and have put this on my to-buy list - recommended to any Phantom fans or for those fans of opera and period pieces/dramas especially – to give this a try.
I recommend this game!
Help Sophia uncover the secret behind the Curse of Laroche Palace and rescue the Royal Family from their magical slumber.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
An enchanting jewel of a game!
PostedJuly 22, 2019
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land and time far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on demo - after being disappointed with so many of the latest releases, I have been going over the entire list of HOPA games offered, alphabetically, to try any I missed and ran across this gem- it reminded me strongly of the early Awakening games (of which I am a big fan of) - The feel of it, the setup of games, things to do, the beautiful medieval music - not intrusive but adding to the ambience - the splendidly outfitted rooms to visit (this is a royal castle and royal family, after all), and the brightness and color made the game experience enchanting and fun... as another reviewer said, I was so immersed, I didn't even mind backtracking (but there was a jump map to make the task easier) Nor did I mind not always knowing where something went and having to figure things out. In some games I get frustrated when that happens after trying everything again and again with no success- in this game, not so much. The hint was helpful at times, and at others - not a bit - lol - but I didn't really mind that either (as I do with most games) - Some of the scenes I was ready to pitch a tint and live there (the outdoor scenes especially.) :) When the demo ended, I actually voiced my regret with a heartfelt "awwww..." lol - that's okay- it's on my buy list now!
If you like the Awakening games, or exploring castles, or anything with a medieval feel - (even some steampunk, I think, with robots instead of dwarves and fairies that are there to serve you and lend aid) give this demo a whirl - you may find yourself just as enchanted as you discover the secrets of the castle and work to lift the curse off its sleeping inhabitants...
I recommend this game!
Can you find Gulliver and escape Lilliputia in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 56 found this review helpful
Hark! There are giants in the land...
PostedMarch 21, 2019
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land and time far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
And it's you.
I also found this game enjoyable - the demo I played - and the two carryalong gadgets made sense. When they are superfluous and aren't necessary to the story, or extreme, I don't like them used - but it *made sense* that you would need reading glasses with magnification to read the tiny print of the Lilliputians (since you are, after all, a giant) - and the barrel organ was something you find, "unlock" - and retrieve cylinders for (like a music box or player piano) throughout game, only to play the cut scenes - not intrusive at all. I enjoyed both.
I also found this game enjoyable - the demo I played - and the two carryalong gadgets made sense. When they are superfluous and aren't necessary to the story, or extreme, I don't like them used - but it *made sense* that you would need reading glasses with magnification to read the tiny print of the Lilliputians (since you are, after all, a giant) - and the barrel organ was something you find, "unlock" - and retrieve cylinders for (like a music box or player piano) throughout game, only to play the cut scenes - not intrusive at all. I enjoyed both.
Morphing was fun to have in every scene, but like another player said, a bit obvious - though not always. The collectible keys were sometimes out there, but sometimes difficult to spot - and I had to leave one scene with key undiscovered so that I could play all of demo and not lose out on time! lol - I also liked how we could change some items around - not part of gameplay - like a sand drawing from a "G" to a smilie face to a heart or a rope into a knotted one, then a noose, or a skull drawn on wet window into a snowflake- interaction with some items not part of gameplay - little extras to bring a smile.
A few of the puzzles started very easy, then grew more challenging (within same puzzle) - I liked that. Sort of like a process, to familiarize you with the puzzle and then get progressively harder to challenge you.
I found the artwork creative and interesting - a buckled hat for a roof of a florist, a man's belt for a bridge, and other giant's items from our world trickled here and there throughout. It didn't bother me that the matchsticks burned like torches and were not quick to go out - this is all fantasy after all, and it's believable that they devised some method to make them long-burning - Gulliver was a scientist that helped them with many things before he became a traitor, so that too made a fairytale like sense.
And finally - it is so NICE to have a story and a game that is imaginative and fun - and NOT be bombarded with ten kinds of macabre evil, dark magic, and the like at every turn. I get so tired of all that (and don't buy those games anymore). The scenes are colorful and interesting - I enjoyed scanning each one to see all the innovative ways they produced the Lilliputian land using giant's tools, but of course, they have everyday things their size too. I also did not find it odd to see a large rat there - rats can grow very big, and whose to say one of the giants didn't bring it along with them somehow, or it slipped through the portal unaware to the giant, just as the butterfly did (It appears there was more than one giant that came through, according to story)...
Try the demo and see for yourself. For this "giant" I am intrigued to know and play more of the tale...
A sizzling take on the classic tale of greed, yearning, and redemption.
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 19 found this review helpful
Be Careful What You Wish For...
PostedNovember 1, 2018
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
...the Little Match Girl may be near.
I am always super excited to see another Dark Parables game - and this one was no exception.
PLEASE DO NOT STOP making these - they are one of several series I have in completion. It would have to take drastic changes for me to stop buying them. I just love this series of games!
The ambiance of the music always fits so well with the D.P. games, creating just the right atmosphere - I love the brilliant jewel-tone colors and that everything is jeweled or detailed, filigreed or fancy in some way (though in the first scenes of the game, I agree with another reviewer, it was a bit hazy/blurry- perhaps because of the fire and smoke in story and that it is nighttime in game - but as I played further into the demo, like when reaching the maze - the colors became brilliant, the picture sharper. The same artistic rendering was used for people - though I wouldn't exactly call it cartoonish- as in all their games. If there was a change made, it isn't a big one that I could see.
As in all their games, the stories they devise are massive twists on classic fairy tales/parables - The Little Match Girl no exception. Yes, it is different than Andersen's work, but so are ALL of these Dark Parables stories - and with every one of them I was satisfied with character growth, plot resolution, etc, by story's end, so I'm sure I will be with the Little Match Girl too. One of the parables to unlock was The Little Match Girl story, (one of my favorite Andersen fairy tales growing up as a girl) but rewritten with an ending that fit this game. Another thing they like to do is blend classic tales - (I think this one also was a take on the Emperor's New Clothes? Or maybe King Midas with everything turning to gold? Not sure on that yet.) And of course, beloved characters from former D.P. tales make an appearance in some form or other, if not in person, with a mention in things found as you play...I like their way of telling backstory through things run across in your quest - extravagant plaques and statues with things written, or a page or picture or other item - not a cut scene telling backstory (that's okay too, but Dark Parables has a unique way of doing things that have always made them stand out and I admire that) -
I'm happy they still have the parable pieces to find and their challenging morphs in many scenes! Please don't stop that either - but like another reviewer said - it would be SO COOL if you could go back to how you did it with the first game - where the morphs were triggered after entering other places and then going back - finding morphs where there were none before. Oh, that was such fun! I remember when I first saw that happen in a garden scene of Curse of Briar Rose - I did a double take - super excited to see such a neat concept - it was like a surprise gift to run across - and each time I found one that had been triggered after that, I squealed like a kid at Christmas time. lol I think only Dark Parables ever did their morphs that way.
Back to the review - lots of fun, would recommend, is #1 on my "to buy" list. But check out the demo for yourself- and enjoy! :)
I recommend this game!
Use new vampire abilities to save your beloved in time!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 40 found this review helpful
Morph lovers - take a bite out of this!
PostedSeptember 13, 2018
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game was exceptional. I did not find it too dark to see as one reviewer said (it could be the monitor/backlight is an issue for some? On my computer - at med. brightness- I could spot everything well) - It does take place in caves/cells/ outdoors at night (the demo), so there's no sunlight, but the scenes are all lovely with roses everywhere, the colors perfect for a game of this caliber.
There are morphs - 2-3 of them PER SCENE! Many are not easy to spot and stay in each state for a long time - I love that type of morph hunting, where it's not so obvious. And this vampiric theme of a game of vampires and hunters is really cool! Not sure how "traditional" it is with vampire lore - but I love the story anyway! :) Just the right amount of horror and romance to make this a definite buy (I don't like horror games that are all about jump scares and drip with evil every scene) - Colored glass animal figurine collectables are in every scene as well - 2-3 of those per scene - they are transparent, some a bit easy to see, but still fun to find - there is a counter to the left showing how many collectables/ morphs are there to find - Easy to click the tab for those who want to keep track, and ignore for those who prefer a bit more challenge, keeping track on their own - you also have that option with the map...
Games fit with vampire/hunter theme and are fun to play, with a bit of challenge.
Games fit with vampire/hunter theme and are fun to play, with a bit of challenge.
An adorable bat you help, but don't carry- but you do have a dragon bracelet in your tools that tells you the story of each of the vampires whose tears you find, and with each, you gain their power (flying, strength, etc). The cool dragon talks to you and narrates backstory. Some of the voiceovers were a little stilted, but others were done well. The music is recognizable- the same used in all this dev's games - (Good thing I really like it lol) but it does fit with the theme and can be turned off if not wanted.
All in all, a great game to sink one's teeth into. If the hunters don't find you first - muahaha! ;-)
So give the demo a try. Especially if you love romance stories and vampires, I think you'll love this game.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your beloved escape a mad composer in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
This is NOT Phantom of the Opera
PostedAugust 13, 2018
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Those who love Phantom/Erik and Christine together or love the Phantom himself will not like this game for the story presented. Like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom, this one wears a half mask, is lean, attractive, strong, musical and magical – and that is where the similarities end. His name is Isaac not Erik (thankful for that) but Christine is still Christine and Raoul is Raoul (with different last names) – the story takes place in an opera house, much of it in the Phantom’s booby-trapped secret tunnels and rooms. The Phantom in this story is all villain - nothing like ALW, Kay or even G.L.s Phantom. There is no shred of humanity in him, only madness – in this game, he never taught Christine to sing and he doesn't love her or even like her – he wants only to kill her and harm her, for her voice in his ghostly Opera. She never heard of him or met him before he abducted her through the mirror - which he did by chaining her with magical ropes and pulling her through as she was screaming for help.
As an E/C lover, and long time fan of PotO – this is what makes me hesitate in buying the full game. I could barely get through the demo, wincing at their OOC (out of character) idea of the Phantom and all the lovey-dovey Raoul and Christine (R/C) bits (which I wanted to ffwd through lol).
R/C lovers and Phantom haters will LOVE this game. I recommend it for them and also those who don’t care either way (or know the original story).
E/C lovers and those who like the Phantom - proceed with caution. Play the demo first, or you may be very disappointed if you buy outright. Just because it says it's Phantom does not make it so.
The only similarities are that some of the characters have the same names, it takes place in an opera house with Christine a rising opera singer, and the Phantom is scarred, musical, and wears a half mask.
(For E/C and Phantom lovers, I strongly recommend the collector’s edition of the game shown in my profile – Mystery Legends Phantom of the Opera – it plays like a fanfiction sequel, and is E/OW (other woman – Christine’s daughter, actually)– but is kinder to Erik (who calls himself Erik) and follows story so much better, (though not 100%). The bonus is shocking and dissatisfying to some – but soooo Erik, and I rather liked it. ;-) It’s an older game, so doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of newer ones, but it's so much fun!)
As for the rest of this game – The games and HOPAs were good with the usual tasks for games of this nature, though that was also enjoyable – good coloring and music - and I love the interaction of objects that do nothing for the progression of the game. That is a feature of Domini’s games- and I love those little surprises – like opening a grandfather clock to the side, and a bat flying out. 3 collectibles (gems in popups), theater posters, and props – with a signal atop inventory bar to show you when there is one in room (or popup).
So play the demo and see. I have most of these Dark Romance games, but am unsure about this one, since story is so important to me when I play … and I was put off by their bad version of the Phantom.
Can you defend the townspeople from the dangerous black lotus?
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 40 found this review helpful
Beware the Black Lotus, (but not the game)...
PostedMarch 22, 2018
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on demo - as soon as I heard the gorgeous music, I recognized them as the devs who do Living Legends (they use the same epic music, which I think has become a trademark) - Right away you are thrown into a live or die situation, and the way it was presented was excellent - made to feel the danger...
The graphics and beautiful artwork paired with the immersive story and great characters are tops - these kinds of games draw me in. With a fantasy story/ medieval type setting/ and lovely abundant use of flowers/hearts/gems it gave off just the right amount of romance, outside interaction, etc, to make the experience exciting and the gameplay beautiful. There are ghosts and skulls, but they aren't a detraction (they are a bit chilling, but not gloomy and dark for those put off by that).
The HOPA scenes are also lovely - full of story, activities and fun. There is a jump map that also shows collectibles, but I had to click on the demo again and go back and check - I was so immersed in the story, I realized afterward I didn't use it once. (It's usually one of the first things I look for in a game).
The collectibles are smoky, nearly invisible phoenixes - and interesting thing - they're made of smoke - barely seen - but as I completed an area, when I came back, one phoenix I missed was glowing brightly in the sky (where it had been nearly invisible before)! Maybe a glitch, or maybe they really were programmed to do that once an area is cleared of main game tasks - I don't know. (sorry) Got the others before I cleared each area, but for anyone who reads this before playing the demo, it might be fun to find out if they are geared to do that. ;-)
I will be purchasing this game soon - have all the others (and all of Living Legends as well) - love these devs and what they do with a game of this type theme! I recommend you try the demo and experience it for yourself...
I recommend this game!
Explore kingdom ruins and meet the exiled Salt Princess.
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 13 found this review helpful
Dark Parables is back in all its glory!
PostedMarch 18, 2018
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm late to the party with my review - and will make this short and sweet - I love this series and hope they never stop. Dark Parables is back with its morphs AND the parables to find (in recent games the morphs were the parables) - I own all of this series and this game will be my next purchase. The only meh factor was that it wasn't a jump map- but it is clear and easily defined, actually showing a pic of the "active task" room needed to go to - and you only move within a few rooms at a time - so it's not a lot of running back and forth all over the map. Story is interesting, graphics are beautiful with an Anime touch, music is gorgeous and fits the fairytale theme. Games and HO FROGS are fun, with just the right amount of challenge.
Another winner! Try the demo and see...
I recommend this game!
Can you save the holidays before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
62 of 77 found this review helpful
Along the yellow brick road to a festive Christmas...
PostedDecember 14, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I give this a 4.5 - An imaginative offering from Domini. Graphics were colorful and bright, but though the music was festive, it wasn't Christmas music (perhaps my one true complaint). Also, there were times when there was no music at all (in Hidden Object scenes). The map was a bit hard to see the places to go at times, because it was so dazzling with color/images, the thin red exclamation points kind of blended in at times with all the color and I felt they should have stood out more (just something for devs to consider for future games)... the interaction of stationary objects made up for minor flaws mentioned above and all were delightful (clicking on objects that are not part of actual gameplay) - heavy in the first few scenes, diminishing in number toward end of demo. Some of the interaction could be accomplished only once (snow falling off trees, or lights fizzling out, for instance) other times it could be repeated (i.e. -lighting a Christmas tree or wreath). Such fun, these little extra surprises, and one of my favorite parts of this game. :)
I also like that they have an "easy"& hard" meter for mini games - if it's too hard, you can switch to "easy"- same for if it's too easy, to make it harder, and able to do it within game (not having to go change difficulty in menu). Nice feature to have. Emeralds collected in pop-ups buy ornaments to decorate tree at end - and the fireworks found in actual scenes can be set off, one at a time, in bonus, for a fun and festive Christmas blast. :) Also loved biting into and fully eating the cupcakes found scattered throughout the game - yummy! :)
A fun holiday romp into Oz! Try the demo and see for yourself... And Merry Christmas!
Can you break an evil curse and save the day?!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
There ARE interactive objects in this delightful Christmas game...
PostedDecember 11, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, Virginia, Christmas fairytales do exist- and being a lover of all things Christmas and fairytales- this combo was delightful- I love this game! It was nice to have something a little different (Santa does not make a game Christmas). And this charming tale is a spin-off on Beauty and the Beast with a little Christmas magic thrown in- and a lot of Christmas goodies, in both the cute and bright graphics and the things to do. My review is mainly to clear up any confusion or point out something not mentioned...
The music was all Christmas-themed and played throughout, which I appreciate in a Christmas game, including older songs that are not widely known (and which I've heard on Christmas CDs.) There are two types of morphs- snowmen found in all scenes and wedding guest collectibles found in some of them. Puzzle pieces in the pop-ups, often two in the same one - and yes, some stationary items DO interact, though not in all scenes. You have to click around on everything to find these little gems, which makes it more of a treasure hunt. In the first few scenes, I found bells that ring when you click on them, cute little gingerbread houses with windows that light up in a row with bell-like notes played when it happens, and another with smoke that curls up from the chimney, wreaths that light up when you touch them, bows that rustle, etc. (Take note, some of the interaction is in the pop-up windows as well...)
All year long I look forward to the release of Elephant's annual Christmas game, I have all of them, and this year's tale does not disappoint. Try the demo and see for yourself...
And Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful and joyous New Year! :)
I recommend this game!