Domini has given us another of their use a pin to open a lock, find a wrench to turn the fire hydrant on, wave away the mist with a hat, collect the coupons blah blah blah and do so while items jump out at you like jump scares are even called for. Oh, and all while shielding your eyes from the garish colored world that is a Domini game. Absolutely nothing here I haven't seen 100 times before. I can't even recommend trying this one. Just awful.
The opening of this game is one of the most creative I've seen; it's worth doing the demo just to see it. Then you can decide if the combining of older and different games' characters appeals to you. I found it a bit pandering "you're the best gamer ever"? (oh no, I'm not!) but this is a for fun game. No harm, no foul. I found the HOs and mini games a bit too easy but that's just me. This game is much better than that very first review said it is. So give yourself a fun half hour and try it out. You're the world's best gamer, after all. Lol.
One of the best games ever was Smithsonian Castle by Hidden Expedition original developers. And that game stands the test of time. Intriguing quests and challenges, wonderful art, compelling storyline. I am beyond dismayed, I'm actually angry that a great series has fallen into the hands of the "cartoon" developer, Domini. Immediately the poor quality in the art shows, the irritating jumping out of objects, the color wash of Hanna Barbera. Why are we seeing more games from this bunch instead of good developers? Do I have to turn in my BFG card? Yeah, nobody cares. I write reviews, I do your beta testing, I even go into the corporate offices and give my "sought after" opinion, but I guess as long as people continue to buy this pap, this pap is what we are going to get. I couldn't make it 5 minutes into this one. BOO!
Another of this developer's oversaturated colors, lackluster storylines and challenge level for children. If I wanted to watch cartoons, I wouldn't come to a gaming platform to do so. And, no I'm not some sophisticate who believes everything must be on some la de dah level to win my approval. I like whimsy and goofiness. Just not junk food like this. I even had to kind of force myself to demo the game when I saw who the developer was, they have been that consistently awful this past year. Oh, and for added fun? They bluntly advertise their other (awful) games during this one. Boo.
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter Collector's Edition
(110)
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
This game is pretty and pleasant and has a bit of creepy thrill thrown in, like most of the Dupin games. He's here and in his usual form. I love this guy. He takes the character to the hospital and leaves you to defuse the bomb, put the fire out and save the villagers. Lol. There are way too many 'find the multiple emblems' to open things so you can get more emblems or keys. But it was still a pleasant diversion. I do wish the developers wouldn't make it laughably easy. The password you need for the typewriter? It's scratched into the table next to it. Really? So this falls into the category of pleasant no-brainer entertainment and if that's your cup of tea, enjoy.
I don't know about you guys out there, but not being able to travel is pretty sad. So to get to take a trip to the Amazon or Angkor Wat via a game is very good. This is an old style HOG, but it is not easy, like many of the newer ones are. Mini games come between each HOP, and they're quick and fun, and not too easy. I like the change of pace that provides. All in all, this was just fun, and I liked the info bits added in when you got a special object. Try it! I don't think you'll be mad at this.
Ok, I didn't even finish the demo. I was put off by the very good art unsupported by mediocre animation. I feel bad for these artists. They do their part but the other team members don't. The storyline was pretty cheesy right off the top, with the overwrought emotional declarations of the protagonist. Not my cup of tea, and felt off due to the sci-fi theme. Then the game play was the same old, same old. You have to wrap a piece of glass for a cutting tool? You have to charge your devices? You have to complete superhuman tasks (lifting tree trunks) like that's just a typical day? I'm afraid this didn't suspend disbelief for even a moment. So Hal, I mean Arnold, is your helper/gadget. What's fresh about that? Nada. Big ol' nada.
This is another rerun, of other games, other developers, other tasks. You've done it before, and if you're like me, you're pretty disappointed that the developers seem to have decided we are either pretty dumb, or we want easy no-brainer games to zone out. Not true. I'm looking for "bliss", that state when you come to and realize you're been doing something for hours and have lost time. Surgery does that for me. And some of the old MCF games. And early Phantasmat. So, all that being said, I think those of us who know should be recommending the old games that are so much better, to each other during our corona coma. Every review I do from now on will reference a great game I've recently replayed. I have gotten some of the best suggestions that way (looking at you pennmom). Join me! Maybe this will provide the incentive to improve. DISCLAIMER: having made this suggestion, I find the link to add "current favorite" is not working. So, I will suggest FIERCE TALES: THE DOG'S HEART CE. It's weird and wonderful, a bit dark so probably you should trial it first.
Another over colorized offering from Domini, with a nonsensical story, dizzying removes between scenes and I'm not spraying stray dogs with a fire hose, you monsters. I was trying to keep an open mind; I want to see this developer improve because they did put out a couple of games in the past that were worth some time. But this is another nope. It's not a good sign when you're wondering if you're more bored or annoyed and in quarantine even. Please try it yourself though.
I thought maybe it was a game on the lines of Ravenhearst. But it has no connection to the absolutely wonderful early MCF games. It did however, have a connection to all the other games coming out that offer the same puzzles (I consider myself a journeyman electrician due to all the wiring fixes I've done) but this game is abysmally easy. You don't have to look for anything in the HOs because all objects are right there. Overall, this game looks and plays and feels like it was thrown together in a hurry by a group that needed to turn it in on time. Did I say abysmal? Yeah, I did. So, all that being said, it is MY opinion and happily, BFG still allows the preview of most games, so you can see for yourself if it suits you. Wish they still had the forums.