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:
To save her father, Bella vowed to stay with the beast, but is he truly evil? Help Bella follow her heart!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Now THIS is how you end a tale! :)
PostedDecember 26, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Game devs take note- THIS is how you end a tale for an HOA SE game- this gave a perfect feeling of satisfaction and was not one bit abrupt- loved that part- the ending- the most I think.
I give this a 4.5 - the story was very good, had a few twists, and I enjoyed the games and interactivity. Some of the HOPs were a bit hard to see (not impossible - but I have a large screen monitor)- because of the dark or monochromatic coloring. The music was lovely, most of the graphics bright and clear- and the map was good to transport to other places and see a general layout, but good for little else. It didn't show what needed to be done, what areas were closed off, etc. If you like that or don't mind it, then it won't bother you, and honestly it didn't bother me until the end. There are so many areas and scenes in this game and I was getting a bit frustrated trying to figure out how to find that last item needed. But after a lot of hunting of the map and each area, I did and it all worked out. :) The hint button is directional - telling you where to go next. And as I said, the ending made all of the gameplay, even the frustrating bits, worthwhile.
All in all a delightful tale, and a fun game. :)
I recommend this game!
Everyone deserves a second chance – even the stingiest of them all.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A Heartwarming Twist on a Beloved Classic
PostedDecember 24, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is so full of charm – it had me “awwwing” (as in “so sweet and cute”)- and crying (happy tears) throughout, like you do when you watch a really good heartwarming movie full of goodwill and cheer. The story was incredible- I love that we went back to give Scrooge a second chance to have a better life, changing things for him and others. The puzzles and games were intuitive, challenging, and fun! In every HOP scene, there was some kind of cute animation; all of them a regular list find as well as 2 or 3 interactive – and I loved how you could make things jingle, cats meow, lights switch on, items fall down, etc, that weren’t part of completing the puzzle- not just in the HOPs either. These little extras made the game so much more immersive. The penguins morphed, and I found 29 of 34 – always looking to find it before doing anything else in a new room or area, which leads me to think that there must have been 2 in some scenes/rooms, since there were no morphs in the bonus game, (which also was adorable, especially if you’re a cat lover- or even a mouse lover. There were the usual cartoon cats, but also normal looking kittens – cats everywhere you looked- the storyline a mystery, where you play detective finding paw prints with the help of the magnifier Sherlock Cat gives you. Such fun! You revisited areas that had changed a bit from the main game, and also entered new ones.)
Every scene throughout this game was fun and an “awww” moment. Though there were some poignant and somewhat sad moments too. I smiled so much, chuckled, and yes, even cried when certain (wonderful) things happened. A beautifully crafted story and game for the whole family.
My only cons: The Spirit of Christmas Future was well represented in graphics, though his voice seemed a bit too good-natured (didn’t really like some of the voiceovers of a couple of others) so it took a bit away from making it feel more real in those parts. My only other negative was something already mentioned- the beautiful music often cut out, sometimes right in the middle of the song, (why I gave that part only three stars). I noticed that entering a HOP always brought it back, and in the rest of game too- or completing a specific action successfully would- but really, that small bug is the least when compared to the rest of this game. Oh, and I loved the Carolers who sang 3 verses of Silent Night! That was a neat little extra- and this charming game has many little extras sprinkled all through it! As the saying goes “it’s all in the details.”
Would I recommend this game? Only if you like an old-fashioned, festive Christmas story filled with cheer and goodwill, the holiday spirit, doing good deeds for others (and they had one of my faves- the Little Match Girl!) – and enjoy fun and intriguing games, with oh so cute as well as beautiful scenery, story, and plenty of interaction and enjoyable things to do and see….
Otherwise, don’t bother. ;-)
I recommend this game!
The Rat King's wand has fallen into the hands of a vengeful baron. Team up with your new friend, the Tin Soldier, to stop him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 42 found this review helpful
A Christmas gem full of charm...
PostedDecember 5, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
Yes, the backstory of the poor soldier is a little dark - but then Hans Christian Andersen was known for his "dark stories of the North"- dark fairy tales- which are more adult in nature than written for the children of today (fun fact: the original fairy tales of the 19th century like HCA's were actually written for adults, not children, and were more moralistic. Disney and others milked them down for children's entertainment). So even if this game doesn't faithfully follow Andersen's story as someone mentioned (I never read that one)- it is in keeping with the theme of how he wrote. That said- this game is no different than the other dark fairy tales I have played on BF (i.e. -Dark Parables, which I really enjoy)- so keeping that in mind - I absolutely loved the demo and was so excited to see this game finally listed. I just bought it, and can't wait to play the rest. :)
For all of us adults who are kids at heart and love an old-fashioned, old England Christmas tale, and who enjoy a story that has more meat to it than the fluffy rainbows and unicorns fairy tales designed for kids today - I highly recommend this game. And the sweet and touching romance of Charlie and his Nina was an added plus! :) Also cool that the Nutcracker is back with us! lol
As a game for children, be wary, as already mentioned there is a bit of dark tragedy in the cut scenes of backstory - much like Hans Christian Andersen would write (the Little Red Shoes fairy tale comes to mind which haunted me when I was a little girl). I would say this game should be for ages 12 and up because of the soldier losing his leg in the war in the backstory of cut scene. I didn't mind it, (though that part was sad)- because it makes the story more real and genuine - especially when the main characters are likeable - which they are- and those touches immerse me more deeply into the game so that when the happy ending does come, it gives even more impact, because of all the conflict they've been through to reach that point. (Story means everything to me, more so because I am a novelist.)
The HOS scenes were fun and colorful and interactive (even having puzzles within them!). All of the scenes were gorgeous, festive, and full of the Christmas spirit and old world charm. The puzzles/games are a lot of fun, some of them unique and inventive. (Really enjoyed making the toys and the backstory one with Charlie talking while the player moved him along to do various tasks during the war, etc.- sort of like a game and cut scene both) Oh- and loved the British accents of the main characters! <3 Felt very BBC-ish :)
The music was classical, beautiful, from The Nutcracker.
The cats were cartoonish, but fun.
The cats were cartoonish, but fun.
All in all, a great game to get one (or keep one) in the holiday spirit! :)
I recommend this game!
Rob from the rich and give to the poor! When an evil ruler taxes his people to near starvation, it's up to Robin to save the day!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Bulls-eye! - a charmer of a game! (based on demo)
PostedOctober 1, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It was light, fun, merry, and very in keeping with the time period as far as the music, dialogue, and the general ambiance. Others have said there are collectibles in each scene, but I noticed not all were mentioned (unless I missed someone writing it). So, in order that no one misses anything (as I almost did!) - I thought I'd list them. Besides the adventurous tasks (i.e.- having a blacksmith make things with inventory items as well as trading for other things with a merchant)- there are collectibles and extras that you usually only find in a CE game.
1) Wanted Posters of you (Robin Hood) hidden in each scene - when you grab them, they rip in half as if you are tearing them and dispensing of them - I loved that touch!
2) Gold coins, always hidden - and in many different places, so be sure and put your cursor over the scene!
3) Scraps of pardons signed by the king but torn by the bishop and scattered throughout the land. Once put together, it helps you obtain each of your merry men in your band so they will no longer be wanted and in need of hiding. You work with each man, one at a time, and once each of them joins your band, you are equipped with his "power" (strength, persuasion, etc) - skills used in the game to help the townsfolk and you in your quest.
4) Little blue will-o-wisps - a floating, glowing dot - somewhat similar to but different than the blue sparkles if you play on casual- there is only one in each scene and they seem to appear and disappear so keep a lookout - catching one helps to boost your hints, which are sometimes helpful and needed, because the map is not interactive, nor does it show tasks needing to be done, etc.
That would be my only complaint with this game - the almost useless map- but it's not a big complaint at all. I just had too much fun to care! lol
The gameplay is in keeping with the time period, puzzles too (maybe a few objects in the HOS scenes were not used then or too modernized, but with the fun factor, it was easy to forgive that) - also very cool how you can take a break from the adventure/quest, to play the archery mini games by "entering" the competition through the bulletin! So clever how the devs fashioned this. The voice-overs are superb (Robin's voice sounds much like Zelena's from Once Upon a Time- the TV show) and there are a lot of humorous bits in the game where I broke out in a laugh. The characters are engaging and endearing, and I also enjoyed eavesdropping on their conversations. Just one of many little touches that made the experience memorable.
I can't say enough good things about this game.
It will be one I play over and over again. (though I have approx. a hundred BF games, and have played double that in demos.)
It will be one I play over and over again. (though I have approx. a hundred BF games, and have played double that in demos.)
It just leaves you with a good, cozy feeling as you play, with never a dull moment - and I really prefer games that achieve that goal. :)
This game gave me the same overall good feeling as the Awakening series - Intriguing, bright, cheery, not too dark, with music that's light and airy and bright- interesting and unique characters/story- and loads of fun!
btw- I am not a child or teen. I am a woman with two grown children and am a strong period drama lover. I don't consider myself a beginner either- not after the many games I've played on here! lol But I challenge you- try the demo, and see for yourself what all the stir is about. ;-)
Devs- if you're reading this- we need more SEs like this one, please! :)
I recommend this game!
Can a vampire and an ordinary girl be together, if the vampire's father opposes this?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Like playing 2 games in one!
PostedSeptember 9, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
* Review based on playing complete game and bonus round
I had a blast with this one- you take turns playing as both the young woman abducted (Emily), trying to find her way out of the castle, AND as her fiancé (Enron), who happens to be Dracula’s son, and is trying to find his bride to be who was abducted by his father. Very much like playing out a novel, seeing it from both points of view- and I loved that. It kept the game fresh.
Another cool plus- you collect garlic throughout game which you can buy different looks with the panels of the interface as you play the game. So much fun- I ended up changing the panels each time I changed characters while playing the game (you can do so through the map, which then shows the interface at the bottom)- there are four styles to buy with your garlic, and you can choose however many you wish and switch out as often as you like. To do so with the two I chose (one for her, one for him), made it feel more like I was in their shoes as well.
The bonus round took up right where main game left off - only you play just as Emily- this time saving your beloved Enron from (immortal?) danger. It was a good long play, a full length chapter with 10 different locations to visit, only one of them a revisit, which was at end in main game. Both main game and bonus were well worth the hours spent. Main game ends a bit abruptly- not too bad – but bonus brings satisfying closure with one of the endings (you get to choose what you will do). I chose the more romantic idea, and was very pleased with the way it concluded, like finishing a good story. I looked at the other ending on Youtube - not the best of conclusions, and I think the devs could have worked a bit more on that. One gives you a tragic/realistic view, the other gives you a romantic/fantasy one.
The other CE bling was the outside of a castle you get to refurbish with the bats you find throughout game, 15 collectibles of things associated with vampires, achievements, and the usual wallpaper/music, etc - I'm not into that as much so don't really pay attention, though I did "collect" and also dress up my castle. lol
The graphics were lovely – the characters likeable and drawn well, the voiceovers pleasant – and though many scenes were creepy, with the usual skeletons, gargoyles, etc, not to mention old Drac himself - it was offset by beautiful roses, angels, butterflies, and a romantic feel both in scenery and in some games – giving it a Gothic dark romantic atmosphere. The gameplay as well as the task finding was both unique and interesting- some of it easy, some of it more difficult. A good mix- and a lot of cool tasks and puzzles. I loved the vampires and the roses with the moonlight game. It took me forever to figure out how to make the roses all bloom with light- but I did! Only one game did I skip after giving it a pretty good go, having to do with counting sides of crystals and rotating rings to equal the sum given (I hate math games, sorry. lol) The voiceovers were nicely done, and the little girl ghost and subplot story about her was sweet but sad.
What I did not like- the music sometimes cut off during the HOS, which was jarring. The HOS were interactive and fun, but then suddenly there was nothing but silence, not even ambient noise...it felt strange. Possibly a glitch in the system? (Since this only happened on a few of them toward the end of the main game). Also, some of the items were a bit misleading – a “pie” for a cherry turned out to be a cupcake (which wasn’t even around in that time period) and there were a couple of other things a bit off besides, but don’t let these minor setbacks deter you from this intriguing game.
I am so glad I got the CE for the extras- the content of the bonus game alone was worth the extra price.
I gave it a 5 - because I did love it - story, characters, game play, uniqueness, artwork, music - the whole shebang- and I didn't want it to be over when the ending came - but because of the glitches I mentioned, I knocked some down on the techniques.
Two fangs up- I recommend for all the dark romance lovers out there! :)
I recommend this game!
Your investigative report on the Weeping Woman of San Cristobal turns personal after you witness a kidnapping. Is the legend true?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Festive, fun and a tad frightening... (based on demo)
PostedAugust 18, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
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
I hesitated with this one, because frankly I am tired of games with skulls and skeletons and drab scenes everywhere, (washed out, murky colors that usually are associated with "mystery" and "spooky" and "paranormal" themes in games) - so wasn't sure what I'd get when I read that one of the collectibles is skulls -but the other is flowers. The basis of storyline I had seen before (of this true legend) on the show Grimm. It was in fact one of my favorite episodes - so I decided to give this game a whirl- and I'm glad I did!
The graphics are beautifully drawn, the colors bold and festive, the atmosphere that of a fun fiesta. Even the cemetery was not so creepy- and the skulls were mostly painted (carnival like) - with exotic flowers everywhere in every scene, including the morph ones to find! The music also had a festive feel to it, without being overbearing, but pleasantly worked as bg accompaniment while going about tasks, etc. Puzzles were fun- a few of them like things you might do at a carnival - some a bit more of a challenge than others. HOS scenes were bright, lovely to look at, with objects clear and defined - all of them interactive, some a bit more than others.
If you think it odd that you collect both beautiful flowers and hidden skulls (these gold)- it fits perfectly for the theme of game, which takes place during the festival of "Flores de los Muertos"- which translated means, "Flowers for the dead"
where the Weeping Woman always makes her appearance, to those children she has targeted to abduct.
where the Weeping Woman always makes her appearance, to those children she has targeted to abduct.
So while the game is beautiful, fun, and festive, there are creepier aspects to it, that at times give an intriguing, goosebumps feel- the knowledge of being watched, spirits of the dead suddenly appearing, and some things at first seen that are not what they truly are (at least that is how it appears with the 90 min. demo), etc... don't want to go into it and ruin it for anyone, but suffice it to say, this game delivers - light, breezy and festive- but always with an underlying air of the sinister about it too... (Based on what I've played so far...)
Yes, I'm buying though I'm not sure if I'll go with the CE or SE - morphs of flowers were fun, hidden skulls okay, but the usual content of concept art and wallpapers isn't a draw for me in any of the games - I glance at them once and then no more. The flower garden is nice (where the morphs go), and the achievements are okay- but not a grabber either. For me, it's the bonus chapter -both theme of story plot and amount of extra gameplay that will determine if I get this as a CE - and always is, the morphs and collectibles just an added bonus.) So I'll read to see what others say about that before I decide.
All in all, an enjoyable 65 min. spent (the time it took me to complete the demo) and I didn't want it to end!
I recommend this game!
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Great game - but be warned- collect all acorns or miss out!
PostedAugust 15, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
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
Storyline was excellent, engaging and immersive, the graphics clear, colorful, and well done.
The HOS scenes were partly interactive, clever, and loads of fun- the music they played during all of these was the same, but such a soothing, lilting piano melody- made me want to stay in each HOS forever, and in fact I didn't rush through those scenes to try to get any achievements for them. I liked the beautiful music that much. lol At times it was even a reprieve from the frantic adventure pace of some scenes in story.
The gameplay was fun, and while I'm not a big fan of games where I have to perform pagan rituals (just don't like it) I tried to skim info on them, to find only what was needed, or forget that aspect of story and just play the game, which wasn't hard, as creative as it was.
The reason I gave this 4.5 stars is, unlike other games by this developer, where you collect all the items throughout game and at end of main game it unlocks a chapter in bonus area - in the other games I have played by them, with similar setup - if you forgot to get any of the collectibles, you had the option to go back into those scenes end game and find what you missed so you could play all the bonus extras. In this game you did NOT, and I got so caught up in the story at the end of main game I forgot to look for the last of the acorns. As a result, I lacked 3 of the 34 acorns I was supposed to find, and the extra hidden chapter of the lighthouse was locked to me. The only way for me to play the rest of the bonus extras is to play the whole game over from the start and be sure and collect every last, blooming acorn. I wish the devs had made it to where you could go back and get what you missed, so you don't miss out on any extras, (when you're so caught up in such an intriguing game/story, it's easy to do!) - but alas, it is not designed that way.
So be warned - collect all the acorns before the last cut scene - or you will miss out on all the extras in the bonus area. You'll still get the bonus chapter, just not the hidden one called "Old Lady" (takes place inside the lighthouse)
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of game I did get to play - and especially the bonus chapter of rewriting history. :) Also the bit at the end of main game with the hamsters, (when you first click on the bonus) was adorable. I would have loved to see that as a mini movie it went by so fast I almost missed it! lol
And I don't mind pet helpers one bit - they're so much nicer to look at then a hook, a cane or an umbrella for those high or tight spots. ;-)
All in all, a great game.
I recommend this game!
Discover the story of Jean Valjean, the hero of the novel "Les Misérables"!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Historians will like this! (based on demo)
PostedAugust 14, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
While this isn't one of the types of games we have lately been spoiled with - with all the bells, whistles, and ease of comfort in the control we're given (ie- having to click and drag items {this game} and not just click, or being without a map and journal, both of which this game doesn't have or need)- all those little quirks aside, I had fun with this. This is a game I would play in doses though, a little each day.
The cut scenes with the characters are a bit amateur, and some of the dialogue was not spoken in those days - the expressions used. Also, a few objects I noticed in the HOSs were not used in that time period- but if the movies and books can get away with all that, I'll give this game that advantage too. For the most part the items used were very relevant to that time period, interesting to look at, and it might have just been mistakes that slipped in (i.e.- in one HOS, they had a modern day clothespin- but then in the next, it was the type used in that century). There is sometimes learning involved, (i.e. - a foreign item of that century not used today) - and then to see what it is with the hint button - which is something I like - games that broaden my knowledge of a given time period. :) Sometimes I'll even pull up my dictionary to find out what an item is, then hunt for it in the HOS, when I'm not timed (like in a demo) ;-) .
This is a much more simplistic game, in how the mechanics work, though I liked the puzzles, which were relatively easy with only a short hint to get you started. The HOSs were in the medium range of difficulty for some items - but very sharp and clear. The song used when going into each HOS was the same each time- and though I liked it, it did get a bit monotonous after about the 6th HOS. (you also return to the HOSs at points and they replace all items you previously clicked in other games, so it's like it looked the first time)
Instead of arrows and sparkles- we get eyes and footsteps in big medallions. It was "in your face" but no different than playing the casual mode version on other games, just different ways of showing something is there. Not as "pretty" as the other games (sparkles and arrows), but still, not a huge drawback, except for those who play in expert mode.
All that said, if you are not a HOG lover, you won't like this game, because there are a lot of them, but the graphics are sharp and colorful and clear, able to be seen well (on my widescreen monitor).
**** Who I think will enjoy this game *****
*historians
*those who like to read or write historical literature
*those who have an interest in France, especially early 19th century
*those who like HOGs
*those who like to read or write historical literature
*those who have an interest in France, especially early 19th century
*those who like HOGs
This game was also engineered more for the beginner.
At times, there are "thinking cap" moments involved where it doesn't outline exactly what you're to do - not difficult, but not always hand-holding either. Most of it is that way though.
I would recommend waiting for a sale or freebie since there were those little quirks that don't make this game as well defined as others - (in the way it was put together) - and I had to laugh that the sound continued with the snoring, after the guy woke up and was talking to the inspector. That brought a chuckle but didn't make me lose interest in the game.
If you can forgive the little quirks mentioned (sound/music can always be turned off) - and you fit any of the types I listed above, give it a go with the demo and see what you think ...
Though there are games I have loved and enjoyed a lot more, I didn't dislike this one. And I loved the historical trivia. I especially liked finding the transparent butterflies- clicking on those gave interesting and little known trivia facts of historical France that I enjoyed learning.
I recommend this game!
Your sister disappears the night of her star debut – and there are ghosts in the theater! Will this dance ever end?
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Dance for ME!
PostedJuly 25, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Any PotO lovers (Phantom of the Opera) will soon see the similarities to that story from the intro alone - he is a talented but jealous composer who lives beneath a theater and is in love with the star of the show (not a singer but a ballet dancer)- He is very much a Phantom! ;-) But then...so is she... lol
First I'll say what I did not like, then what I did:
Cons:
The voiceovers were a little too gruff (but since I think these were Russian actors, by their names, that makes sense- it's just at times the tone didn't seem to fit the emotion) - also he sounded older than the 20-something guy he was supposed to be.
There was also one area in the flies, that the music felt too fast (made me tense)- and made it difficult to do the tasks/puzzles as expected.
Lastly, I did not like the bonus chapter story - for one, it completely made the ending of the main game make little sense, nullifying everything we had just seen.
Pros:
I loved the main game storyline- the ending, too, (the way it played out felt necessary for closure) - and there WAS closure with this, the bonus chapter an addition only and not detrimental to the main story, though it did help to explain some motives/ POV. (But as I said before, I could have done without it).
I loved that the majority of the entire game took place inside the old theater (or under it), and on its grounds...the music was gorgeous, the graphics artistic and realistic, the main story, the yellow roses to collect, the collectible souvenirs to later find, the games/puzzles/HOS - there really wasn't much about this one I didn't enjoy and when it was over, I wish it had gone on and on and on.
Add to that the historical feel of being played in the 19th century- with the ambiance and settings that contributed to that time period, (though not sure they had invented short matchsticks yet) - but it made it perfect, since I am a strong period drama lover and a romantic. :) This fit both.
Oh- and you guys have to watch the credits!! They often made me smile or laugh out loud - they included little "bios" about each of the crew that were very humorous. After hours of playing such a dark and haunting love story - to read that helped lift the spirits (no pun intended ;-)) - a lot!
I highly recommend, whether you go with the CE or SE (which has a very satisfying end). Trust me, you're not missing anything by not playing that add-on chapter! lol
I recommend this game!
Escape from a town that is lost in time and space! Explore the mysterious city and solve its riddles to make it home!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Made you really use your brain...
PostedJuly 25, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This was a game that made me really think- a lot of walking back and forth to collect items, which I didn't mind so much, (though a map would have been helpful)- but the games were very challenging to get the items needed.
Sometimes the "instructions" were not always clear at first. But if you really studied the areas (not always the area you were in), you would find symbols to pictorially describe how to play the game. The journal helped, and had added info not shown in the game, so was important to read- though the info wasn't always deposited right away. For instance, if you ran across something that was the key to solving a later puzzle - it didn't drop into the journal. Only once you ran across that puzzle it pertained to (which could be more than halfway through the game), then went BACK to that earlier area would the page then drop into the journal to help you play the game. All in all, it took some thought, very little was handed to you - but the game play itself was enjoyable.
What I did not like- the music. This is the first HOPA game I have played where I wanted to shoot the gramophone. lol- sorry. It was very repetitious, with the same 3 or 4 songs playing on a track the entire game (after 5 hours of this, it gets tiring), and there was one instrumental song I absolutely despised and didn't feel like fit for the game theme at all. The haunting ones with the choir voices were cool, though, and I enjoyed those two- one sounded almost epic, but I finally had to turn the volume down for awhile to avoid that irritating other song, which affected my playing skills (like a leaky faucet dripping in the background - making it impossible to focus on my tasks).
Which brings me to my next dislike-
Entering that creepy ritualistic area where we developed the picture - the haunting sounds were enough- you didn't need to add the ghostly whispers chanting in a foreign language what sounded like spells- I don't like that in my games. The creepy music and normal sounds of moaning, creaking, etc were enough. I also ended up turning the sound down every time I entered that chamber for a task. At least the game allowed to adjust volume without going to the main menu, so that was helpful since I did it a lot! lol
Entering that creepy ritualistic area where we developed the picture - the haunting sounds were enough- you didn't need to add the ghostly whispers chanting in a foreign language what sounded like spells- I don't like that in my games. The creepy music and normal sounds of moaning, creaking, etc were enough. I also ended up turning the sound down every time I entered that chamber for a task. At least the game allowed to adjust volume without going to the main menu, so that was helpful since I did it a lot! lol
Also once, toward the end, the game did crash, but I was able to easily get back into it and it didn't give me any problems after that.
The mini-games and puzzles were often challenging but fun- I really enjoyed the arcade one with pulling the lever and the warrior knight going the number of spaces on the die to get to the top of the hill, fighting the monsters along the way. I could have played that one again and again. :) The theater one was so cute too, with the knight, princess, and evil guy coming out their separate doors - and figuring out the right sequence.
Also enjoyed stopping the train, later developing the picture (creepy chanting aside), finding the gears with the glowing crystal, and other tasks/games.
Also enjoyed stopping the train, later developing the picture (creepy chanting aside), finding the gears with the glowing crystal, and other tasks/games.
Some of the HOS were clear and easy to spot, some were not. A couple I dreaded going back into those dark areas, for that reason, but I thought it was cool how once the objects disappeared, they didn't reappear upon re-entry later in the game. That helped spotting things easier (especially in the dark places, like that shed).
The story was nice, but - (SPOILER for end!!! Go to "end of spoilers" if you don't want to know!) - ...it might only be the romantic in me - but I would have preferred to actually *see* the Count and his bride reunite, perhaps even address "me" - before suddenly finding myself back on the train. It helped to see them from a distance, but it would have been nice if you had made their reunion a bigger part of the story, since the evil is what separated/destroyed them in the first place, as well as their love being the reason for its existence. It would have felt more finished this way - once the evil was destroyed, since they were the only ghosts who sought our help and were vital to the entire story.
****END of SPOILER
The hint button was pretty good. When I entered an area where nothing was available, it would say "it's time to move on"- and show the glowing sparkles in the direction needed to go, with the hint not needing to fill up in those situations. (this is on casual, I don't know about harder play)
While this game wasn't a favorite, there were aspects of it I did enjoy, and I did want to play it through til the end (NOT hoping it would finish soon) so I think it was worth it, especially on the sale I got it for. :)
SE or CE? I am a beginner, I guess, since I play on casual and have played only about 6 full games on here (and about 10 demos)- in the two months since I found the BF site. I never needed the SG, the hint button was enough, though it was a bit of a challenge at times. I skipped only one game - and that was because I accidentally read the Roman numerals wrong (my fault, it was a simple number!) and thought I had it all lined up right and figured out, then when the puzzle didn't release the item- I looked again and realized I messed up. lol So, I didn't want to repeat the many steps with the clocks to fix it! lol)- There is a bonus chapter in the CE, which I might look up to see if anyone played it on youtube, just to see that bit of story, but the SE that I played was conclusive to the story of main game.
I recommend this game!