I didn't want to play the bonus game, because I knew when I finished that, the game would be over. It is a wonderful game full of great puzzles to solve and plenty of interactive HO scenes.
The story itself is really interesting. The only thing I didn't enjoy as much were the time sensitive action scenes. But that is on me, because I tend to get all tense and panic, then I blow it. Other than that, another great game from one of the best creators of casual games.
Although most of the puzzles made me feel like a bit of a brainiac (which let me know they weren't that hard) I still enjoyed them
I thought the overall graphics were very good.
The HO's were interesting and interactive.
This is a nice long game, so be prepared to sit awhile and play.
The only nit I have to pick, is if you don't get all of the puzzle pieces (which I never seem to do) you have no option to go back and find them once the game is over. Other developers let you go back in and find things (like morphing objects or hidden symbols). I wish this company would consider that.
I rarely do a review, but if I warn someone off of this game, I will have done my job. It is repetitive to the point of distraction. The scenes in many of the areas are so dark, you will find it difficult at best to search them and the story line wasn't really revealed until almost the end. To top it off, the bonus game is EASILY the shortest I've ever played, lasting all of 20 minutes.
I'm afraid I only made it a little over 10 minutes into the game, before I backed out and deleted. Old school is one thing, but I prefer a game that isn't from the "dark ages" of computers. I didn't even see the option to choose "casual, expert, or whatever". Just type in your name and go. The first HO I did, it was difficult to make out the objects. I got down to one item left and hit the hint button. When I saw the area it highlighted, I STILL couldn't make out the shape, So I just clicked where told and went on.
Anyway, for those who like REALLY old games, this may be for you. For me, not so much.
I fell in love with the first game in this series, and after playing the demo of this one, I believe the love affair is going to continue. While some may say the game is short (can't speak to that because I've only done the demo) the quality, sound, and story make up for that.
I've played really long games that were tedious. I'd rather play a game that draws me in and keeps my attention until the end.
I usually always turn off the music in these games. Not this series! The jazzy blues in the background really adds to the over all feel of the game.
I really like the different way the HO scenes are handled. It takes a bit to get used to the differences, but it's worth it.
As soon as I finished the demo, I was back at Big Fish hitting the buy button. I don't think I'll be sorry.
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?
For the first time I can remember, I didn't turn off the music while playing. The jazz background added such a nice atmosphere to the story and was enjoyable to listen to.
As for the story, it was complicated and interesting. It seemed as if everyone was either related or knew each other well, and at times it was difficult to keep up with all of the interactions, but it was worth the trouble.
Now, as to the HO's. They were so different from the usual run of the mill HO's that it took me awhile to understand what was expected. That said, I totally enjoyed them, once I got the hang of them. They were always interesting and never boring.
The puzzles varied from ones you know well to a few new ones and for me at least, varied from simple to bang your head against the wall hard. That's fine, because it keeps you on your toes.
I wasn't expecting this game to be "all that" and I was more than surprised by how much I loved it. I pretty much never write reviews, but this game deserves all the good reviews it can get.
I even went through the various options of finding the rest of the music notes (some are easy to spot and others could take you all day). There were other 'after game' achievements to try too, and I pretty much played them all. Why? Because I didn't want the game to end.
I don't normally review games, but this one is worth it. I'm not sure why this wasn't offered as a CE, but tickled I was able to get it for a credit.
It has a good storyline, special runes to click on and if you find enough of them (they are not all that obvious) you get access to a secret room at the end. There is a bonus chapter to boot. Interactive HO's and lots of puzzles keep the game moving along.
There is an interactive map that shows you where things still need to be completed and will transport you there (so no shoe leather required). Also, there is a strategy guide! It wasn't listed by name, but I stumbled on it. Click on the shoe prints in the lower right of the screen and that opens it up. Very helpful.
The game is a good length and keeps you interested.
I would feel bad about leaving a lousy review, but I'll bet dollars to doughnuts this is an old game dragged out of the attic and dusted off to be sold. Like several other reviewers I exited stage right when I got to the car I was supposed to fix up. I uninstalled the game and I won't be second guessing that decision.
It feels like a "formula" game. Tell a story at the beginning to get your interest, and then abandon that and have you running around renovating apartments and old cars. Really??
A total waste of time.
I don't recommend this game.
0points
1of2voted this as helpful.
Journey: The Heart of Gaia
After being kidnapped, Liz must free the Underworld from the tyranny of Scartaris Umbra.
Overall rating
4/ 5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
from challenging to simple
PostedNovember 7, 2012
sullysdragons
fromWashington
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This game is well worth a credit, which surprised me. The graphics are bright and cartoonish, but that works fine. The hint points out things you may have missed.
This is NOT a HO game, but more of a find objects to fix/build etc. game.
Some of the puzzles are very challenging, while others are quite simple, so there are times you will be frustrated and others where you breeze through.
I haven't finished the game yet, but I am enjoying the basic story line and having characters along with your who can help at times is nice.
Because I'm not done, I can't be sure about the length, but so far it seems to be a pretty good amount of time (some of those durn puzzles really make it last ;+) ).
Until the next CE comes out, this is a good substitute.