I try not to be negative in my reviews, but this game doesn't feel like a Hidden Expeditions Game. No real connection to H.E.L.P. beyond the acronym, no danger, dumbed down Fact cards, bleh voice acting, and card board cut out characters. The most infuriating part is there are glimmers of potential with the King Arthur storyline, but Domini immediately quashes them.
As you can guess, this game is based on the Nutcracker ballet. I must say that compared to a previous Nutcracker game, the plotline is way more original (particularly this version of the Mouse King), if somewhat predictable. The VA was also well done. The puzzles and hidden object puzzles are fairly straightforward, and I agree with another reviewer that the morphing objects were a little too miniscule. The only reason I'm giving this game four stars instead of five is because, I feel like the developers squandered an opportunity to have bonus chapter be an enthralling prequel about a certain important character instead of a boring sequel with a forgettable villain.
You've been summoned by your uncle to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the city of Paris, and how they relate to a secretive club that he's a member of. The graphics and VA were excellent, giving the game a sinister noir edge to it. The storyline also featured some fascinating twists I didn't anticipate. The HOPs were tricky at times, but not impossible to complete, although some of the puzzles were annoying. The bonus chapter, while shorter, featured a fascinating investigation in its own right, complete with a shocking twist. I would recommend this game if you are either a Francophile, or a fan of Epix's Final Cut series.
The title character's extremely cheesy name aside, this was an excellent game with great visuals, well done voice acting, and shocking plot twists. The bonus chapter was an excellent continuation that didn't feel tacked on and tied up the handful of loose ends from the main game. My only quibble is that the morphing objects in HOPs were extremely difficult to spot, that was only a minor issue. I look forward to playing another Donna Brave game soon.
Before I continue with my review, I'd like to state that I like that Eipix broke away from using H.E.L.P. and opted to follow an archaeologist, although I wouldn't mind if H.E.L.P. made a cameo appearance later on. The storyline is fairly straightforward: your character uncovers a mysterious trident in the ruins of Pompeii and you have to find missing shells and uncover what Neptune's Gift is before the bad guys do. I enjoyed the Ancient Roman and Ancient Greek history accompanying the story, even if said history was somewhat streamlined for clarity. The locations/graphics were amazing, and VA was well done. The bonus chapter is told from the perspective on a fascinating character who I won't go into details about, to avoid spoilers. Suffice to say, it is worth getting the Collector's Edition for the bonus chapter.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
This story is loosely inspired by the Little Match Girl, with a bit of the Emperor's New Clothes, and Narcissus. The game starts off slow, but picks up speed and by the end my heart was ripped to pieces. I also liked the connections to certain past Dark Parables games. The VA was superb, and the bonus chapter provides some backstory for the match girl.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
This was an awesome, action packed game with excellent puzzles, and good HOPs. The VA was well done, the music really fit the various moments of the game, and the art was lovely. There is a bonus chaper that excellently ties up the loose ends left over from the main game, so I'd reccomend paying for the Collector's Edition to get it.
Fairly Interesting Start to Hollywood esque series
PostedSeptember 19, 2018
JocastaSilver
fromU.S.A.
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
While this title isn't as good as the subsequent ones due to poorly done VA, and a lot of backtracking, the storyline and the art were very well done, and I did care about saving the brother. the bonus chapter was interesting and tied up the loose ends from the main game.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
This was an exciting sequel with a fascinating storyline that ties into actual history. The VA is much better than it was in the first game, and I actually came to care about the fates of several of the characters. The art style was beautiful and well detailed. The bonus game was also well done, and provided some context behind one of the character's motivations.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Homage is probably the best of the Final Cut series. It builds off the previous games well into a nail-biting mystery. As for the culprit, it's a tricky balance between making it so obvious that people tune out until the big revelation to having it be completely out of left field and leaving viewers confused by the revelation, but the Eipix team did well with this. The puzzles were fairly straightforward, and the VA was excellent. The only downside is the HOPs were a bit tricky, but for the most part there was the option to play Match 3 instead. Above all, the art of the game is beautifully rendered. I even had to look up Art Deco on the Internet, because the game made the style grow on me. Recommend for anyone who enjoys mysteries, and Old Hollywood.