megwoman25's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:1,465
- Reviews Submitted:285
- First Review:December 20, 2011
- Most Recent Review:December 7, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A mysterious man in red summons you, sending you to a flying ship where a little girl needs your help!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not What I Expected...
PostedApril 28, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I own the first one (a collector's edition) in this series and found it amazing. I remember it did have an abrupt ending in the main game but everything else was flawless and it was all kinds of fun. This game however was not up to the same standard as the last and suffers in comparison. There were no voiceovers in the first but the game was good anyways. Somehow, having no voiceovers in this game...was a huge letdown and made the game not very exciting clicking through a bunch of "oh Im going to get you hahaha" type dialogue.
The hidden object scenes are interactive list and also silhouette interactive style. Both were easy enough to do and I didn't find there were too many. There are also an abundance of puzzles but none of them were original. Same old.. The game is VERY LONG so that was a huge plus but part of the reason its so long is because there is no map but miles and miles of walking to different locations. IF you don't like to go back and forth and back and forth, you will not like this game. Most of the hidden object scenes were visited twice but not all of them...
The best part of this game in my opinion were the difficulty levels because you could play casual with tons of sparkles, fast hints etc or a medium of the 2 or a really hard level that gave you the opportunity to skip and use the hint but you had to wait ages. The best part about this was that the hint button outside of hidden object scenes was not helpful and since there is no map, you were on your own. I found that I really enjoyed the hardness of that level but further into the game, I did put the game back on the medium level because it was hard sometimes to figure out where to go and I needed some guidance but having such a hard and on your own option was awesome.
This was before the time of cutesy helpers so thank god for that but the I didn't like this game much because of the plot. It was kind of weird and no why you were there or how you got there. Also, time seems to be a factor in these games but no time element was really in play until the last half of the game and only one room sooo it really wasn't clear most of the time what was going on. There is no locking inventory, no map, no storyline that is any interesting and compared to the first game...its understandable why this wasn't made into a collector's edition...
It had an ending that was satisfying although really stupid. Maybe with voiceovers I would have seen the direness of the situation more but it was all like blah blah blah by then. I did keep playing it til the end so thats something but I can't say I'll play it again or really want to. A lot of the tasks were like WHY am I doing this? As someone else said, wait for a sale or use a punch card coupon because although the first one in the series is amazing, this one is not up to that same standard and lacks any kind of wow factor...
I guess I recommend this...its definitely not the worst game I have played but I recommend the first one in the series more...
I recommend this game!
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Best Game I Have Ever Played...Review of Completed Gameplay..
PostedApril 25, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
WOW! I own a lot of games, probably over 400 and this is by far the best game I have ever played. I even rate it over games such as MCF when they first came out because this is great in every way. I would give this 10, 50, 100 stars if I could. Now why is this game so great? I would love to tell you!!!
Let's start at the plot...Its a murder mystery game and done so very well. The story is set through jazz music and it almost plays as a musical. Do yourself a favor and play with the sound on, this is a must listen to fully enjoy it! I have never used the soundtrack on the collector's editions before but I actually played them back after this game....thats how GOOD the music is! Anyways, the plot keeps you guessing and comes to a complete and satisfying conclusion in the main game. Bonus game takes you on a new journey into the past and its very good. Id say the main game took me 6+ hours and the bonus 1.5 hours. Thats a 7.5 hour game and usually I am a very fast player!!
The visuals are top notch and so life like. I mean usually I just notice how nice a game is but this is like worth taking your time to look at the detail. Very nicely done! A new standard in my opinion!
The hidden object scenes in this game are FANTASTIC & ORIGINAL! My gosh they were original! Can every game be like this? There were some regular interactive lists but also some put back the object and find certain items behind others. These were done so uniquely that I can't find the right words to even explain them. I really feel like one must try the game to understand how different and fun they are! The puzzles were great too. A lot of them were original and unique. There were a lot of puzzles but I love them so I didn't mind. I found they were all very doable and the instructions were quite clear.
This game is fully customizable so I was able to turn off black bar hints, sparkles etc and make the game my own. I found it to be relaxing, a bit challenging in places but doable and just downright a great game. I can't say enough good things about this game to be honest.
Let's talk about the Collector's edition vs Standard. Lately, I haven't been liking Collector's edition and feel like they aren't worth the money however this one is worth every penny and more. Usually I burn out and don't even want to play the bonus chapters but this game I couldn't stop and had to keep playing. I needed more, and more and more of this gaming experience. The standard will have a satisfying ending as it should. The bonus chapter takes you to new places as it should and is just a bonus but a very well done one. Also there are 44 notes to find, one in each scene and a morphing object in each hidden object scene (even the really original ones). I found that these notes were very hard to find in some scenes but the game lets you know if you need to find one because on the left hand side the note will be blue. When you find it, the note will turn gold. The same goes with the morphs because if you need it still it is a spiral and will shine blue but once found it will glow gold. It also tells you how many morphs there are but I found there are only 1 per scene.
Now if I can get through the bonus and collectibles, I never seem to make it through the extra activities in terms of rooms, things to put together, doing over hidden object scenes etc. I actually listened to the music again and I have NEVER done that before. Usually its annoying and loops but this music was breathtaking. I loved it and I loved how the main character was a black woman and portrayed so beautifully instead of the same voices we always hear. The atmosphere was wonderful and even though I have played some games in New Orleans, none of them even come close to what the developers have done with this one. It was like I was there and it wasn't cliche like most games set in places like this but very real. But anyways, I did all the extras. I did all the hidden object scenes again to get 3 stars, I fixed the instrument store which is a jigsaw puzzle and you get to go back to the game and find 44 more collectibles that lead you to a hidden object scene which was quite delightful and not at all expected. You also have a place to do connections and that is what opens up the instrument shop and extra collectibles.
The achievements in this game are remarkable because there are bronze, silver and gold levels. I was not able to get all the achievements but I felt like what I did get was good enough because some were pretty hard to get and since this game is now the 1st game in my top 10 list, I am sure I will replay it at some point and hopefully get all the achievements. Usually this kind of fluff bothers me but this game did not bother me in the least. In fact, once I got through all the extras, I wished there had been more of something because I didn't want this experience in gaming to end.
Also, THANK YOU DEVELOPERS FOR NOT PUTTING CUTESY ANIMALS YOU HAVE TO DRESS UP AND NAME!!!! Finally an adult murder mystery that didn't have annoying fairies or dragons or dogs or cats or helpers to dress up and name and buy things for! I liked that trend at first but it has become overkill now and this game went back to the basics in terms of plot line and threw all those wackadoo characters out the window and I am sooo happy!!! This was scary at parts, mysterious, beautiful, outrageous and mystifying. Yes, I am crazy about this game, Yes, I am super excited while writing this review! And the reason is because games like this come around once in a lifetime and its so rare to find a game so perfect in every way. A lot of developers come close but this game has it all. A must have game. Best of 2014 for sure!
I definitely recommend! Get the CE, you won't be sorry! I am also not a person who usually gives out 5 star ratings but this one deserves it! This will be my new standard and I can't see anything I have waiting to be played top this game for a very long time. This developer is amazing and I can't wait to see what is up next!
I recommend this game!
When Houdini’s promises of contact from beyond go unkept, his wife comes to you in a final plea to unravel his mysterious passing.
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Not a fan of this series...
PostedApril 21, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I loved the first one, Edgar Allan Poe, but since then I have not liked these games much. They lack a certain kind of oomph to them and there is no WOW factor for me. There are no voiceovers and everything is pretty quiet. They usually start with a mandatory tutorial, always in the same room. There is lots of dialogue to click through and nobody ever says anything that is all that interesting.
I find when I play these, I actually hope for more hidden object scenes because they are interactive and fun but I highly dislike the adventure part which is weird since usually its the other way around for me. The best part of these games is the fact you can collect ravens and clovers even in the standard editions. All these games are very linear too and there is no way to get rid of black bar hints.
This version differs from a standard edition though because it has a light strategy guide aka why its a deluxe edition. I found that it wasn't very helpful, not that I use them very much anyways.
There was a point in time where I used to think if a game had collectibles, then even if it wasn't the best game, it still was fun and had potential and this is what I thought when I bought this game and past games in this series but now I have come to realize that collectibles, achievements etc mean nothing if the game is boring, predictable and lackluster. Having to find more things just drags a game on forever and sometimes thats the last thing you want! I did not like playing this game and I left it before it finished so I did not see the ending but I played the majority and I just did not find it appealing and I so wish I hadn't bought the other games in this series because I am not looking forward to any of them. There are just some games that are not for me and this happens to be one of them! There are a lot of better houdini games and I recommend those highly over this. I don't recommend...but I do know this series is popular so I know many will disagree with me. To each their own.
I don't recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Rescue your abducted brother from eternal darkness in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Adventure Lite...Review based on Finished Game..
PostedApril 11, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a really good game. I have never heard of the developers so I assume they are new. It is a bit hidden object scene heavy but you only play each scene once! Sometimes there are multiple scenes to do in a room but its not until you come back to said room later does another brand new scene appear for you to search. I really enjoyed this because going back to the same scene again and again can make a game tiresome but this one kept the game very entertaining. The hidden object scenes in the mirror world were the kind where you put back items or do tasks backwards which gave the game a fun spin. I wish I had spent more time in the mirror world as the tasks there were a lot more appealing and intriguing.
This game also had a lot of puzzles. Some were the same run of the mill but others were pretty unique and original. Some of the puzzles were quite hard in fact which I enjoyed. I played on expert mode and every once and awhile Id see a sparkle but it wasn't annoying or too much. There is not hand holding in this game but then its not much adventure although there is a lot of back and forth and since there is no map, your sneakers will get a workout.
Now, mirror world is a bit odd. Its exactly the same as the world you are in except flipped...like a mirror. So you do some of the same tasks you do the first time around but backwards...you open the same doors but some things are different and things you change affect the real world. I personally wasn't all that thrilled with this mirror world but I did enjoy the hidden object scenes/puzzles within it as they were original and thought provoking.
Id probably give this game 3.5 stars but I rounded up. My negatives are that there is no locking inventory which I really like, when you open doors you have to actually back out and then go through the door or it says the door is still locked. Also, some hidden object scenes were very dark and hard to see items. Mirror world was kind of repetitive and more time there would have been better. It sparkles every once and awhile on hard mode. You use items really quickly so its a no brainer for most of them. Black bars on sides (played on Mac 10.6.8) Storyline is pretty dumb in places and predictable BUT NO CUTESY HELPERS. YAY! A true ghost game!
I felt that this game was quite short despite the hoards of hidden object scenes but it was okay with me as the plot couldn't have handled anymore game and then it would have been a tedious go visit every hidden object scene 2-3 times so I am glad they cut it short. I wouldn't say this game is scary but since it has pentagrams and rituals, I guess it goes to the demonic side although not as bad as some other games. That stuff doesn't bother me but I know some others dislike it. I LOVED that this game was free of cutesy helpers, pets to dress up, talking flowers etc. For once it went back to the days when we had actual scary stories or an attempt at one.
I recommend this game but be prepared for lots of back and forth, hidden object scenes and to wear out your sneakers. Kudos to a new developer who has a great game!
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Review of Completed Game...
PostedApril 8, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I played the entire game including bonus chapter and extras and this version I would give a 3.5 but if I had bought the standard edition, I would have given it 5 stars. Here is why...
This game has collectibles which are "characters representing fear" that look like chess pieces...kind of. Even though I found all but one of them, they weren't typical collectibles. I would rather have had morphs or something not so obscure to find. When you find them, it gives you extra story in the bonus section that you can read about the Bloody Mary curse. Also, there is a hall of memories that you can play after the bonus chapter. You start with a sun and that opens a hidden object scene you have already played and the item you get in that scene opens the next door which is a puzzle that is previously played in the game and so on...Then there is the bonus chapter which took me about 1.5 hours. Its a good length BUT I found it completely unnecessary to the storyline. It explained why there was a curse to begin with but it was tied into a love story with a mom who didn't approve of the fiance and didn't really tie in to the whole boarding school, creepy figure in the mirror type story. Basically I thought the extras package was lacking and that is why I take off stars for this edition.
Now the main game was a whole different story. The main game was creepy! 1...2...Mary is coming for you. Reminded me of Nightmare on Elm Street with Freddy coming for you! and I am a big fan of cheesy horror movies so this was right up my alley. In terms of the series Grim Tales, don't expect it to be like the others in this series. You are helping your niece Jackie and I have no idea how she relates into your family tree in terms of Luisa from the previous ones. All the other ones tie into Luisa but this one didn't so I felt like even though it fit into the Grim Tales aspect well, it didn't quite fit the series if you have played them in order like I have. However, I did really enjoy what I played. Spooky enough, challenging enough, interactive hidden object scenes, an actual ending that was a satisfying conclusion hence why the bonus chapter really annoyed me because the conclusion of that chapter was not satisfying!
As always this developer has amazing cutscenes, graphics, music and ambience. I had a lot of fun playing this game but I do not recommend getting the collector's edition due to the fact the bonuses aren't really worthy of paying extra for. The collectibles were not anything special and everything was pretty substandard. Wallpapers, concept art, strategy guide which I didn't need at all during the main game but needed A LOT in the bonus because it made no logical sense what needed to be done.
So, I recommend this game BUT only as the standard edition. I would have given 5 stars for a wonderful game had I not had the disappointment of the extras. Cheers!
Remove an evil curse that has caused a whole kingdom to be trapped in their dreams! Save a beautiful princess before it’s too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Review of Completed Game...
PostedApril 1, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is an oldie so I am sure most everyone has already covered the basics in their reviews. I can understand now why when the 2nd one in the series was released, people were upset that they changed the format. Personally, I am kind of glad they changed it because some of the items were extremely hard to find and others I wanted to pick up and then couldn't until the game prompted me too and those kind of games drive me a bit crazy but I overlooked it because of how outdated this game is.
You collect 65 maple leaves throughout the game and you must get them all or you can't complete the ending but there are 2 per room and they are easy peasy to find. The graphics in this game could be better but like I said, its outdated. Some of the things to find were soooo tiny. It plays like a frog but not really. There are fragments but there are also items. You help a lot of people, you rescue a princess however the ending was not what I expected. There is an evil witch mentioned in the game as with typical fairy tales...she froze everyone then vanished. Since there are 3 of these, I am sure she will return at some point.
I had tried this game a long time ago and disliked it because I hated frogish type games (fragmented object games) but since then my tastes have evolved some thanks to the dark parables series developers so picking this up as a daily deal was a no brainer considering I own the rest of the series but never played them. I would probably rate this a 3.5. Its great in terms of original gameplay. There's no map but it functions as if it has one. its very linear but yet not boring. There were many characters, spells, things to find but not when you want to only when the game says you can hence the lower rating. Also, wasn't a big fan of the ending although I did like how the prince learned "the best thing in life is to love and be loved" and thus he found happiness although not in the way you would think in terms of a fairy tale. Anyways, I recommend this game because its the first in a series but for serious gamers, people who like a challenge or great graphics, remember its old and you have to just go along with it to really like it.
I recommend this game!
Take a journey through medieval times. Help Joan of Arc to build a new kingdom and change the fate of the people in this epic story of honor and courage.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Good Match 3 Game
PostedMarch 28, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As far as match 3 games go this is pretty standard fare but I did like it. You use the money you make during the levels to buy buildings to repopulate and support the town. Each building gives you a new power in the beginning and then later on you just get 2 coins for a flower, sword, gem etc and that helps you accrue more money to finish the town as the items get more expensive as you go. Usually in most of these games I finish the town wayyyy before I am done with the game however with this game I finished the town when I was on level 91 and there are 100 levels so I really felt like the game was rather long.
There are chains, ice, crates and rocks to break through each with great sound effects. For me, half of the fun of Match 3 games are the noises it makes when things burst and this game had lots of great sound effects. The music was not obtrusive and most of the time I forgot it was even on. There are 100 levels and there are achievements which is a nice touch. I suggest trying to get the level under 1 minute during the first couple levels because it will become impossible by the middle and so obviously I never got that one!
My only complaint about this game was that you can play in 3 different modes: the original swapping, the chain and the pop blocks mode. I found that the original swapping mode is the only one I could do multiple levels on timed and actually be able to make it without starting over. The chain and pop modes are extremely hard which is great if you want a challenge but one of the achievements is playing at least one round in each type and it took me a LONG time to do that. Usually I am pretty good at chain and especially at pop but this game gave nooo leniency at all for mistakes or slowness.
The great thing about this game though is the timer. IF you are about to lose a level, you can pause and go to options and change it to relaxed mode so you don't have to do the same one over again. I only realized this close to the end and there was only one level, 95 I believe that I just could not do and had to use the relaxed version but overall this game is great as its lengthy, intense but fun and can be relaxing put in the right mode. I definitely recommend this game and I am sure I will replay it someday!
I recommend this game!
There are screams heard in Silent Hollow... Trouble at the Mystery Trackers headquarters means you're called in to help.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Review of Completed Game...
PostedMarch 26, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As far as this series goes, I enjoyed The Void & the original Raincliff but then I felt like this series went to a place of complete boredom and shame as I haven't enjoyed the following games like Black Isle, Four Aces etc. However, this installment brought me back to why I loved this series to begin with. This game is very well done, very mysterious and interesting. Even though Elf is still there, he isn't whining or taking up most of the screen or the game. He is not intrusive as I felt he was in other games. I really had to tear myself away from this every night in order to go to bed. Its games like this, I wish there were more of.
The plot was very interesting as you go to home base and learn about all the different agents and what they can do while you save them. You get 3 powers from some of the agent gadgets as well as a magnifying glass type thing that finds cubby holes that are not seen to the naked eye. This feature was very fun as not all rooms have cubby holes and its fun to explore! Finally we have an installment in this game not set in the snow! Hooray for that! The powers were fun to use and spread out quite nicely throughout the entire game.
Game length took me about 5+ hours as it took me 2 days to play this game putting in about 2 or 3 hours each night. The hidden object scenes are interactive as usual and you play each once. There are codes in the hidden object scenes that apply to a puzzle lock in the scenes that you must put in the right order to get some items. I found the writing quite small on the codes and wished they were a little bigger but not a show stopper. The mini games were pretty original although I would have liked some more that made me think but I was able to complete all but one of them. There was more adventure than hidden object scenes which I enjoy.
The only downside to this game is that I felt like the ending was really abrupt. I kind of wished I had purchased the collector's edition to see what happened next but I was satisfied with the ending because I did save the day and all that, just kind of quick there at the end. This game seems to go on forever as there are many locations and a great map and hint system that makes a strategy guide really unnecessary.
I was going to bypass this installment as I haven't liked the last few in this series but saw this as a daily deal and couldn't resist it for $2.99. I feel like I won the lottery since this is one of the best games I have played for awhile and I really enjoyed playing it. It was hard to put down but those are the best kinds of games. I only hope the next installment is as fun as this one proved to be. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Help Zulu`s Zoo win a million dollar grant by making sure the zoo is in tip top shape. Find and feed the animals to succeed!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
One of my favorites!!
PostedMarch 25, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't know what it is about this game but its one of my all time favorites. I love finding the animals, trash, sharp metal objects, toys etc and I love the sound effects. I play this game to relax or when I need a challenge. It works both ways. Some things are extremely hard to find especially whenever you have to take pics because the screen is blurry except for where the lens of the camera is but the hints are plentiful. Finding stars in the scenes makes the hint button load faster. There is a test after each round. If you have enough stars you can skip it all together with but its really fun and really a no brainer in terms of what they ask you. IF you don't have enough stars to take the test at the end of the round, you can play mini games to get enough. I personally only find the puzzle and the matching enjoyable. I can never figure out what I am supposed to be doing on the two others but you get to choose which one to play or if you even want to play them at all. You'll know when you can take the test as it appears on the right hand side and the locations will turn red.
My only pet peeve with this game is that items once removed come back. If I am truly cleaning up the zoo, then why do I come back to all the clutter I just collected? Some areas of the zoo are hard to see what is what because of lighting or just outdated graphics but it doesn't seem to bother me. This is a pure hidden objects game but its very fun to find the animals, garbage and clean up your zoo plus learn about animals and find the stars. Some things blend in sooo well but when I spot a star and I think I have gotten them all then I get excited.
Give it a try, its a go to game and I've replayed it bunches of times and I still have a hard time finding some of the objects. I like a good challenge and this game will give you a relaxing feel if you don't like to be timed or a challenge if you like things that are hard to spot at times. I prefer both aspects and I love every bit of this game and yes I do recommend it!
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
Face off against Davy Jones and his nightmares from the deep!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Review of Completed Game...
PostedMarch 19, 2014
megwoman25
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
First of all, had I bought the SE of this game, I would have given it 5 stars. The CE has collectibles and a pretty decent length bonus chapter BUT I preferred the first one in this series because of the absolute astonishing graphics and stand out story line. However, that one I ironically got as a SE and after playing it wished I had bought the CE whereas this one I have the CE and wished I bought the SE...Can't seem to get it right LOL
So like I said although this game offers the usual quality we see by Artifex Mundi, the story line wasn't as gripping as the first one and thats my reason for 4 stars. Other than that though, the game is absolutely fabulous. Has a great mixture of HOPs to puzzles. Puzzles were some of the same we always see but also a mixture. The second time around, HOPs were fragments that went to a puzzle sometime later on in the game. This happens a lot in the bonus chapter.
The bonus chapter, sets up the game for another one and although Im sure the next one will set the stage so that missing this bonus chapter doesn't hinder your knowledge of the game, an important item is gained in this chapter that set the stage for the next game. Our heroine might be finding herself in a bit more trouble than the last two adventures. My hope is that there will be a plot twist or some more action as I felt this one lacked a real twist. I kept hoping something would surprise me but I found it very predictable.
The collectibles in this game are very well done. You have golden octopi, morphing parrots and seahorses. I personally am not a fan of more than one collectible. I find it makes the game more busy than it has to be and almost confusing. I did like finding the morphing parrots though because they are super HARD to find. When I realized I was 3/4th of the way done and had only found 4 that I had missed a lot. I wandered back through the game and wouldn't see a parrot so Id look at the strategy guide and it would say it was in the room I was just in! I would go back in and have a look and it would just magically appear out of nowhere. I thought at first I was losing my mind but even rooms I had been in before and saw nothing, going back the bird would be sitting there. Needless to say, I didn't find all the parrots. The octopi were easier to spot although not golden until you touch them which made them hard to spot but I did manage to find them all. The seahorses were few and you could only find them when you moved random boxes. I seemed to miss those said boxes as I missed a few. Whoops.
I did like how the Siren was an original idea but it became very predictable and I felt more in tune with the original. Also, the box where you place the tokens was way more life like in the last one. I remember seeing it the first time and gasping at how I felt I could just reach out and touch it. However, this is a very good game and the main game has a proper ending therefore although the collectibles were fun to find in this edition, I did not find that the bonus chapter warranted the extra money. I do however recommend this game especially if you are a fan of artifex mundi. They just make amazing games! Stunning graphics, amazing voiceovers and story lines. Cheers to the developers!
I recommend this game!