I am a big fan of this game series. Previously, I have enjoyed all of the MT games at varying levels, and was excited when this one was released. To be completely honest, this game's storyline seemed very similar to some in the past-- except this time, it's frozen. I agree with other reviewers that the gameplay was choppy. The puzzles seem to be over simplified, and I really didn't care for the ones involving the scanner and obvious symbols. That part of play didn't really seem to add anything to the game or storyline. Elf, as usual, was cute, but even that plucky little fellow couldn't carry what appeared to be a rushed-through release from this franchise. I am sorry that I used two credits on this one. Better to wait for the standard edition!
After downloading the trial, I played for a while, then deleted it. I had the same trouble with the lock that a previous reviewer mentioned, and I found the especially dark theme not to my taste, nor did I find it typical of other MT games.(I have all of them, and it's my second favorite series!) During the Labor Day Sale, I downloaded the game again as part of the deal. With the purchase, the technical issue resolved itself. I thought I would give it another go. While the play ran flawlessly, I found the games not to be much of a challenge, and the storyline to become increasingly dark. It was a little more occult in nature than some of the other MT games, and I personally found it a turn off. If you are into that, then you might really like it, but don't expect it to be as impressive as the other Mystery Trackers games in story line or challenge. I deleted the game after giving it another half hour. It just wasn't what I was looking for. In its favor, however, is the return of the adorable Elf. Too cute for words, but not enough to rescue the game for me.
I don't recommend this game.
+3points
3of3voted this as helpful.
Manor Memoirs Collector's Edition
Help Scarlett write her next novel!
Overall rating
3/ 5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun game, but same fare with a different face
PostedSeptember 1, 2014
Somervell
fromMideastern US
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
I will preface this average review by saying that this game is fun. It has the obligatory cute pet, household upgrades and story line of its predecessors in the series-- GardenScapes, for example, is almost identical in method of play. In fact, several of the HOG's are set in the exact same background drawings as the other games in the series. The objects are different, but the settings are the same. Any fans of the series will recognize them immediately. If you loved the earlier games in this series, you will like this one equally. It even features the traditional hidden gold bonus coins in the HOG's.
The bottom line is that the game is fun, but I fail to see anything that merits a Collectors' Edition of the game. There isn't anything new yet that makes this an improvement on the rest of the series. It appears that the story lines of the last three games will be tied together. I have not played all the way through, but because of the Labor Day sale, I was happy to purchase the game to finish it. I think that had there not been a sale, I would wait for the SE, and probably give it a higher rating. It's enjoyable, but there doesn't seem to be anything new under this particular Playrix sun.
This game was worth the price. I have played all of the MT games, and this one was as well-written, if not better than the others. The storyline was interesting and the games ranged from very easy to rather challenging. There was an excellent variety of puzzles within the game, and they provided a good diversion from HOGs with excellent graphics. The HO scenes were not terribly challenging, but the storyline and the other tasks made up for that deficit. I found myself having to use the hint option several times. Play is not always intuitive, but the hint button recharges frequently, and I think the challenge level is appropriate for an intermediate gamer. I have finished the standard play of the game and am now in the bonus material. I am not sure how long it will go. If the standard edition ends at the same place as the storyline for the CE, I think that it will feel like an unresolved ending, and the play is relatively short, but it leaves room for the ever-popular continuation. Hopefully the bonus material of the CE will wrap up some loose ends. I am pleased that I purchased the game, and would recommend it to anyone from young teens to adults. Graphics might be creepy for young children, and there are some occult images that might be disturbing to some people. I really liked the game overall. I hope that other gaming franchises with "mystery" in their name will take the challenge and offer something as entertaining with their next offering. Good work, developers! The Mystery Trackers franchise's sterling reputation is still shining!
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Can't tell you how much I wish I had read the reviews before jumping into this game. It's clearly my own fault for purchasing before trying, but what a waste of credits! What can I say? I trusted the MCF branding as having a reputation for high-value and impressive games.
The quality just isn't here in this one. The hidden object games seem to be focused in two locations in a frame. It's different, but not in a good way.They are not particularly challenging. The storyline is-- well-- odd, at best. The game play is repetitive and annoying. I am a huge fan of the MCF franchise, and most of their games have been played multiple times. I am not even sure that I will finish this one. It's just the same stuff, different screen shot with a few "shock value" pop ups thrown in for the "spooky" factor. Sorry, Big Fish Team, this one needed to be thrown back into the pond.
Shattered Minds: Masquerade is one of the better offerings from Big Fish lately. It kept me entertained throughout with a good mix of not-terribly difficult puzzles, but terrific scenery and smooth and rapid scene transfer. It was over too soon, as I was enjoying the game so much.
It had a terrific spooky atmosphere and unique storyline and it being set in New Orleans was just a plus for me!
Well-designed game- but contains occult activities
PostedNovember 26, 2011
Somervell
fromMideastern US
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
This was a very good game and technically well-executed. Hint button recharges in a good amount of time and the HOG's are easy, but keep the game moving along. Mini games were also fun and a little challenging, and pretty creative.
Before I get flamed for the title of my review-- let me emphasize that I fully expected Weird Park to have dark themes. I like that in a game. I played the game for several hours, but then got to a point where direct occult activity was involved (above any beyond the general storyline, or occasional hidden objects, which didn't bother me.) Might be fine for some, but not for me. I ended up wasting a game credit as a result.
Bottom line? If the issues above don't bother you, it's a winner, and you will probably really enjoy it. If they do bother you, you might want to make another selection