LunaNik's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.8
- Helpful Votes:12,435
- Reviews Submitted:670
- First Review:November 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 19, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
3½ stars...If you're a HO fan, this one's for you.
PostedMarch 25, 2018
LunaNik
fromLazing on a Sunday afternoon.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
QUICK & DIRTY OVERVIEW
• engaging storyline
• tons of well-done HO scenes
• some minimal puzzles that aren't too hard
• beautiful, realistic graphics
• quite a short game
• engaging storyline
• tons of well-done HO scenes
• some minimal puzzles that aren't too hard
• beautiful, realistic graphics
• quite a short game
LONGER, MORE DETAILED REVIEW
Helen is having nightmares about the mansion she lived in as a child, so she visits a hypnotherapist to uncover the secrets of her past and overcome her fears. While it begins as a fairly basic storyline, the intrigue lies in the memories Helen regains, which propels you forward to uncover the truth.
Helen is having nightmares about the mansion she lived in as a child, so she visits a hypnotherapist to uncover the secrets of her past and overcome her fears. While it begins as a fairly basic storyline, the intrigue lies in the memories Helen regains, which propels you forward to uncover the truth.
Each section of the game consists of three doorways to Helen's past. The left and right rooms can be explored immediately, but you'll need one item from each room to open the central doorway. Along the way, you'll discover clues that will lead you to the truth.
The HO scenes are beautifully rendered…and actually challenging, since the objects are hidden. Some are camouflaged by background scenery, others by a non-specific description, and still others by being over- or under-sized, or defying gravity. The presentations include list, silhouette, find and use, and replace given objects in the scene. These HO scenes actually take time!
The puzzles are fairly basic and not difficult. I encountered standard and rotating rings jigsaws, rotate to swap tokens to their correct spots, find the differences, and other familiar, fairly easy, puzzles.
Production was a mixed bag. Still graphics were beautifully rendered; the realism pulled you into the scene. There was some in-game animation that was done well. Characters were more cartoonish and animated in a stop motion fashion, while the cutscenes were a series of stills. I didn't play with music, so I won't comment on it. There are no voiceovers.
The major downside to this game is its length. There are allegedly five days to the storyline, and I was halfway through Day Five when the demo ended. For this reason alone, I can't recommend it unless it's a really good sale. (Note: I had no technical difficulties playing this game with Mac OS 10.11.)
SHORT & SWEET CONCLUSION
It's not for me, since I'm not a huge fan of one HO scene after another, but if you are, you'll find these much more challenging than the 30-second HO scenes of today. Give the demo a try; you might like it.
It's not for me, since I'm not a huge fan of one HO scene after another, but if you are, you'll find these much more challenging than the 30-second HO scenes of today. Give the demo a try; you might like it.
Embark on a secret mission to save Princess Isabella!
Overall rating
1
/
5
29 of 41 found this review helpful
We've seen every element of this game a million times.
PostedMarch 24, 2018
LunaNik
fromWaiting patiently for Snow Leopard to arrive so I can replay some older, better games.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
QUICK & DIRTY OVERVIEW
• human "good" versus supernatural "evil"…again
• another princess in peril
• the same childishly easy puzzles we've seen a million times
• pro forma HO scenes, mostly zoom box multiples of the same object
• loads of shaped keys, mostly in pairs or groups
• human "good" versus supernatural "evil"…again
• another princess in peril
• the same childishly easy puzzles we've seen a million times
• pro forma HO scenes, mostly zoom box multiples of the same object
• loads of shaped keys, mostly in pairs or groups
LONGER, MORE DETAILED REVIEW
The storyline is one that has been used repeatedly: evil, demonic monster kidnaps helpless princess. The best thing I can say is that Saint Germain and his perpetual grunting were gloriously absent.
The storyline is one that has been used repeatedly: evil, demonic monster kidnaps helpless princess. The best thing I can say is that Saint Germain and his perpetual grunting were gloriously absent.
Gameplay was also familiar and much too easy. The usual back and forth completing silly tasks and finding shaped keys, of which there were 27 in the demo. That's one every two minutes, which is ridiculously lazy game design.
HO scenes were pro forma. Most were zoom box sized, find multiples of the same object or fragments of one object. Other presentations included straight and interactive lists, words in a narrative, silhouettes, pairs of similar objects, and multiple symbols.
Puzzles were the same old, same old. Jigsaw puzzles, matching pairs, sliding and swapping tokens, Simon Says, dexterity tests, mazes, copy the clue right in front of you, and randomly guess the order. No challenge and, therefore, not much fun. The best puzzle was a maze with obstacles in the catacombs. It wasn't difficult, but it was at least interesting.
In-game graphics were well-drawn and nicely detailed with quite good animation. Cutscenes, though, were pixellated and blurry. I could have done without the numerous, gigantic banners. Music was neither annoying nor memorable, and voiceovers were professional. CE bling was fairly comprehensive:
Gameplay—bonus chapter, replay 15 HOs, replay 12 puzzles
Collectibles—glass apples containing coins that were really easy to spot
Portfolio—4 soundtracks, 22 videos, 11 concept art, 5 wallpapers, 5 screensavers
Other—performance achievements, strategy guide
Gameplay—bonus chapter, replay 15 HOs, replay 12 puzzles
Collectibles—glass apples containing coins that were really easy to spot
Portfolio—4 soundtracks, 22 videos, 11 concept art, 5 wallpapers, 5 screensavers
Other—performance achievements, strategy guide
Hotspots were huge. I kept thinking I'd found a new spot to explore, when it was a place I'd already seen, because the hotspot extended really far away from the actual area of interest. Map was ok, although I noticed the "actions available" icon was difficult to see.
SHORT & SWEET CONCLUSION
Since storyline and gameplay are most important to me, this game isn't my cup of tea. And I can't justify bumping up my rating solely because the production was good. I'm bored with the supernatural, good versus evil, innocent kidnap victim plot, because it seems like every game that's released nowadays has that same storyline. And the gameplay wasn't the least bit challenging or innovative.
Since storyline and gameplay are most important to me, this game isn't my cup of tea. And I can't justify bumping up my rating solely because the production was good. I'm bored with the supernatural, good versus evil, innocent kidnap victim plot, because it seems like every game that's released nowadays has that same storyline. And the gameplay wasn't the least bit challenging or innovative.
Your mileage may vary, obviously, so give the demo a try. I might recommend this for rank beginners to the genre, but I think experts will be bored to tears.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop the Revenant before it's too late?
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 21 found this review helpful
Not remotely worthy of the MCF franchise.
PostedMarch 24, 2018
LunaNik
fromMourning the death of the MCF series.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
TL;DR VERSION
Shadow Lake was a better MCF game than this abomination.
Shadow Lake was a better MCF game than this abomination.
EXPANDED VERSION
Out of sheer boredom, I decided to demo this to see if my 2-star rating of the CE was accurate. It wasn't; 2 stars was much too generous. Not only is this not a MCF game, I question whether it deserves to be called a game at all. It's a series of illogical, disconnected actions no sane person would consider taking.
Out of sheer boredom, I decided to demo this to see if my 2-star rating of the CE was accurate. It wasn't; 2 stars was much too generous. Not only is this not a MCF game, I question whether it deserves to be called a game at all. It's a series of illogical, disconnected actions no sane person would consider taking.
• "Hey, I think I'll lug around this gross, discarded bedroom slipper full of hot chestnuts on the off chance it might be useful later." *rolls eyes*
• "How thoughtful of that crow to knock the water tank's valve out of that tree so I won't have to be bothered with actual gameplay. Er…Alister? Is that you?"
• "Amazing! This disconnected segment of neon sign is still glowing, despite the fact that the neon gas has escaped and the segment isn't hooked up to electricity. Oh my, it fits perfectly as the missing digit of this house number." *facepalm*
• "Why am I collecting flag pieces? Oh. For a 6-piece jigsaw puzzle. Thank the universe I have that kindergarten class on speed dial for these challenging puzzles!" *headdesk*
• "I'll bet the volume knob from this guitar will work to control the sewing machine, and that the sewing machine's tension wheel will work on this video game," said no one ever.
• "Super puzzle? It's neither super nor a puzzle! Simon Says?" *sigh* "Ooh, copying the visual clue…how innovative. Wait…another Simon Says?" *shakes head in disgust*
• "How thoughtful of that crow to knock the water tank's valve out of that tree so I won't have to be bothered with actual gameplay. Er…Alister? Is that you?"
• "Amazing! This disconnected segment of neon sign is still glowing, despite the fact that the neon gas has escaped and the segment isn't hooked up to electricity. Oh my, it fits perfectly as the missing digit of this house number." *facepalm*
• "Why am I collecting flag pieces? Oh. For a 6-piece jigsaw puzzle. Thank the universe I have that kindergarten class on speed dial for these challenging puzzles!" *headdesk*
• "I'll bet the volume knob from this guitar will work to control the sewing machine, and that the sewing machine's tension wheel will work on this video game," said no one ever.
• "Super puzzle? It's neither super nor a puzzle! Simon Says?" *sigh* "Ooh, copying the visual clue…how innovative. Wait…another Simon Says?" *shakes head in disgust*
This was not a thoughtful, creative, challenging, or interesting game by any stretch of the imagination, and it's certainly not worthy of the MCF franchise. The "bad guy" is a murder victim, while the "good guys" are self-centered, entitled bullies who aren't remotely relatable. It seems certain that Eipix has no idea why the MCF franchise was so successful, and why we treasure it.
Unless Adrian Woods takes pity on us, I'm afraid we must accept the fact that MCF is dead. Personally, I'm partitioning my hard drive to install Snow Leopard so I can replay the real MCF games. I can't WAIT to immerse myself in the intricacies of Ravenhearst, Madame Fate, Return to Ravenhearst, and The 13th Skull.
I don't recommend this game.
The Silent Age
Help Joe discover the truth behind humankind's extinction! Can a simple janitor and literally, "the average Joe," save humankind?
Overall rating
4
/
5
A breath of fresh air! Excellent, creative gameplay.
PostedMarch 23, 2018
LunaNik
fromFridays, I'm in love.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Current Favorite:
The Silent Age
(73)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TL;DR VERSION
• classic point & click adventure game
• complex, immersive storyline
• minimalist graphics, but everything is clearly recognizable
• innovative, unique gameplay
• classic point & click adventure game
• complex, immersive storyline
• minimalist graphics, but everything is clearly recognizable
• innovative, unique gameplay
STORYLINE
Our hero is Joe, a maintenance man at a high tech company. When he's promoted, he gains access to the labs, and encounters a dying man who has time traveled from 40 years in the future…and he needs Joe's help to prevent the extinction of humanity. He entrusts Joe with a solar-powered time traveling device and one task: find the time traveler somewhere in the future and warn him.
GAMEPLAY
The device allows Joe to travel back and forth from his own time to the future, which he'll need to do frequently to gather helpful items and access locked areas. For example, finding a locked door in the future, Joe might travel into the past to open it, then return to the future to explore it. Truly unique and creative gameplay!
Our hero is Joe, a maintenance man at a high tech company. When he's promoted, he gains access to the labs, and encounters a dying man who has time traveled from 40 years in the future…and he needs Joe's help to prevent the extinction of humanity. He entrusts Joe with a solar-powered time traveling device and one task: find the time traveler somewhere in the future and warn him.
GAMEPLAY
The device allows Joe to travel back and forth from his own time to the future, which he'll need to do frequently to gather helpful items and access locked areas. For example, finding a locked door in the future, Joe might travel into the past to open it, then return to the future to explore it. Truly unique and creative gameplay!
PRODUCTION
While the graphics are simple, they do a great job conveying the populated world of Joe's time and the contrasting decay of the abandoned future with no human beings. Animation is basic, but effective. There's not music, as such, but ambient background sounds that really accent the theme. Voiceovers are done well.
While the graphics are simple, they do a great job conveying the populated world of Joe's time and the contrasting decay of the abandoned future with no human beings. Animation is basic, but effective. There's not music, as such, but ambient background sounds that really accent the theme. Voiceovers are done well.
TECH STUFF
No technical issues. The user interface works well. There's no map, so be prepared to either play close attention to navigation, which is what I did, or draw a map of your own. Most areas of exploration are limited before you move on to a new area, so it's not like you're navigating a huge area with no map. Conversations provide you with useful information, but you can click through them as fast as you can read.
No technical issues. The user interface works well. There's no map, so be prepared to either play close attention to navigation, which is what I did, or draw a map of your own. Most areas of exploration are limited before you move on to a new area, so it's not like you're navigating a huge area with no map. Conversations provide you with useful information, but you can click through them as fast as you can read.
CONCLUSION
The sole reason this is not a five-star game for me is that I found it a bit tedious waiting for Joe to walk from location to location. (Generally, I prefer first-person adventure games for this reason.) However, the gameplay is brilliant and the storyline is well-developed. Honestly, compared to the endless cookie cutter HOPAs we've seen lately with their shallow plots and easy gameplay, this game is superb.
The sole reason this is not a five-star game for me is that I found it a bit tedious waiting for Joe to walk from location to location. (Generally, I prefer first-person adventure games for this reason.) However, the gameplay is brilliant and the storyline is well-developed. Honestly, compared to the endless cookie cutter HOPAs we've seen lately with their shallow plots and easy gameplay, this game is superb.
Dive into the Middle Ages and play the successor to the worldwide #1 hit, Bridge Constructor!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Same issues as Playground: inadequate tutorial and awkward game mechanics.
PostedMarch 23, 2018
LunaNik
fromFridays, I go painting in the Louvre.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Improvements in Medieval over Playground: more detailed graphics, a storyline to provide context. However, I had the same issues with this episode. I found the tutorial sadly lacking. No information was provided about material cost and structural specs. And the game mechanics were awkward.
Also, it was impossible to find the balance point between coming in under budget AND not exceeding weight tolerances. If you built on the cheap, you exceeded the weight tolerance. If you spent money, you stayed with the weight tolerances, but not within the budget. There must be a microscopic sweet spot between the two, but I couldn't find it.
Recommend you try the demo.
Can you defend the townspeople from the dangerous black lotus?
Overall rating
1
/
5
13 of 25 found this review helpful
Pro forma storyline, gameplay suitable for children, unimpressive production.
PostedMarch 23, 2018
LunaNik
fromMissing the challenging, interesting, and entertaining games from five years ago.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
TL;DR VERSION
• shallow storyline we've seen a million times
• repetitive, simplistic gameplay
• elusive hotspots
• unimpressive graphics and animation
• monotonous music and mediocre voiceovers
• loads of shaped keys/indentations
• shallow storyline we've seen a million times
• repetitive, simplistic gameplay
• elusive hotspots
• unimpressive graphics and animation
• monotonous music and mediocre voiceovers
• loads of shaped keys/indentations
It's hard to believe this is from the same dev that created Bridge to Another World: Alice in Shadowland and Living Legends: Uninvited Guests, both beautifully creative reboots of classic fairy tales. This game features a plot we've seen a million times: stealing the life essence of young people to restore youth/achieve immortality, and it's extremely shallow with characters that lack personality.
Exploration follows today's typical laundry list of silly tasks; running back and forth to find shaped keys, deal with dangerous wildlife, gather ingredients, and the like. Completely predictable. The HO scenes were either interactive lists with multiple toddler-level jigsaws, or find multiples that match the central image.
The puzzles mostly weren't worthy of the label "puzzle." More simple jigsaws, matching pairs, random guessing, spelling names (not even kidding), collect items by size (seriously?), and complete non-puzzles like copy the clue and click to advance the plot. Only one presented any challenge at all; one of the jigsaws had only half the pieces available at a given time, switchable by clicking a button, so it required a bit of strategy. Other than that, you could fly through these "puzzles" in your sleep, even if you're a beginner.
I found the production mediocre, which was a disappointment after the lifelike detail in the opening animation. Items lacked texture and detail. The palette was either desaturated almost to greyscale or eye-searingly saturated with neon colors, a trend I detest. It completely destroys immersion to see unnaturally glowing turquoise moonlight, bright orange candlelight, and highlighter pink mist. The music was repetitive and voiceovers were mostly awful, with a couple exceptions.
Hotspots were poorly programmed; I frequently had to click more than once. Also, anytime animation was playing, my mouse was unresponsive, delaying gameplay. I won't waste time detailing the CE bling since the main game was so uninspiring.
As a diehard gamer for the past 35 years, this isn't gaming. It's an interactive story with childishly easy activities, most of which aren't related to the plot, but shoehorned in every couple minutes. There's nothing to figure out in this game; it barely requires functioning neurons. Not remotely a five-star game, and one star is generous.
I don't recommend this game.
When a Myth Seekers agent goes missing, you're called in to discover the truth in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
3½ stars…based on completed game.
PostedMarch 18, 2018
LunaNik
fromCan I hibernate until winter is finally over?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW
• Interesting, unique storyline.
• Well-integrated gameplay.
• Exploration a bit repetitive, but absolutely intuitive.
• Excellent puzzle-like HO scenes.
• Moderately decent puzzles.
• Superb still graphics and crisp, clear animation.
• Characters somewhat cartoonish.
• Finicky hotspots. Perfect user interface.
• Interesting, unique storyline.
• Well-integrated gameplay.
• Exploration a bit repetitive, but absolutely intuitive.
• Excellent puzzle-like HO scenes.
• Moderately decent puzzles.
• Superb still graphics and crisp, clear animation.
• Characters somewhat cartoonish.
• Finicky hotspots. Perfect user interface.
STORYLINE
We are the Myth Seekers, an elite agency of experienced specialists who intervene to protect humanity from the gods. My name is Amelia, and I'm the newest member. As an expert on Roman mythology, the agency assigned me to recover Vulcan's hammer, which won't be an easy task.
We are the Myth Seekers, an elite agency of experienced specialists who intervene to protect humanity from the gods. My name is Amelia, and I'm the newest member. As an expert on Roman mythology, the agency assigned me to recover Vulcan's hammer, which won't be an easy task.
Bellona, Mars' twin sister and goddess of war, has stolen the hammer as part of her revenge plot against Vulcan. She has already successfully blamed him for the ancient eruption of Mount Vesuvius and, if she finds the pearl of Venus, she'll unleash a new eruption. I must seek help from the gods and goddesses to stop Bellona and clear Vulcan's name.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay was incredibly well-integrated into the storyline. In exploration mode, actions were fairly intuitive and, even though some of the usual "laundry list" was included, inventory items were used logically. Some of the puzzles were a cross between a HO scene and a mini-game. Several times, the only instruction given was "interact with the scene," which I love. Other times, the "puzzle" required visiting several areas and gathering inventory items.
The gameplay was incredibly well-integrated into the storyline. In exploration mode, actions were fairly intuitive and, even though some of the usual "laundry list" was included, inventory items were used logically. Some of the puzzles were a cross between a HO scene and a mini-game. Several times, the only instruction given was "interact with the scene," which I love. Other times, the "puzzle" required visiting several areas and gathering inventory items.
There were distinctive HO scenes and mini-games as well. The HOs included interactive lists, FROGs, multiples, and more. The mini-games included the usual variations of jigsaw puzzles, mazes, and moving things to their proper places, but generally more complex than the simple ones we usually see. My favorites:
• Reverse Sudoku: Swap tokens on a grid to match the clues labeling the rows and columns, but only tokens that match in shape or color may be swapped.
• Parking Lot Jigsaw: Slide the Tetris-shaped pieces around the grid to restore the image, using the background as a clue.
• Correctly mix 8 paint colors, then use them to restore the fresco.
• Reverse Sudoku: Swap tokens on a grid to match the clues labeling the rows and columns, but only tokens that match in shape or color may be swapped.
• Parking Lot Jigsaw: Slide the Tetris-shaped pieces around the grid to restore the image, using the background as a clue.
• Correctly mix 8 paint colors, then use them to restore the fresco.
PRODUCTION
Lovely graphics in a palette of warm jewel tones. Animation was done well, except the characters moved a bit oddly and appeared a somewhat cartoonish. Cutscenes were crisp and clear. Music remained in the background and was fairly nondescript. Voiceovers were excellent, as were environmental sounds.
Lovely graphics in a palette of warm jewel tones. Animation was done well, except the characters moved a bit oddly and appeared a somewhat cartoonish. Cutscenes were crisp and clear. Music remained in the background and was fairly nondescript. Voiceovers were excellent, as were environmental sounds.
TECH STUFF
Hotspots were a touch finicky, I thought. The inventory panel was extremely well-designed, as is always the case with Mariaglorum. It actually extended nearly all the way across the screen, and scrolled automatically to offscreen items.
Hotspots were a touch finicky, I thought. The inventory panel was extremely well-designed, as is always the case with Mariaglorum. It actually extended nearly all the way across the screen, and scrolled automatically to offscreen items.
CONCLUSION
While not a perfect game, it's definitely worth a credit or PCC. Fantastic storyline, interesting gameplay, and immersive production. Give it a try!
While not a perfect game, it's definitely worth a credit or PCC. Fantastic storyline, interesting gameplay, and immersive production. Give it a try!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the townspeople from paying for a dark past?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
BASED ON THE COMPLETED GAME
PostedMarch 18, 2018
LunaNik
fromDear devs…Be more like Mariaglorum.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OVERVIEW
• immersive storyline
• complex HO scenes
• innovative puzzles
• moderately challenging gameplay
• incredibly detailed graphics and stunning animation
• lovely ambient soundtrack
• immersive storyline
• complex HO scenes
• innovative puzzles
• moderately challenging gameplay
• incredibly detailed graphics and stunning animation
• lovely ambient soundtrack
STORYLINE
An ancient king wages war with dark magic, but when trapped in his castle by the opposing force, he suicides and transfers his soul to the black dagger, to be wielded by his minion. Generations later, there's a string of unsolved murders, and Detective Duncan calls on your supernatural expertise to help.
An ancient king wages war with dark magic, but when trapped in his castle by the opposing force, he suicides and transfers his soul to the black dagger, to be wielded by his minion. Generations later, there's a string of unsolved murders, and Detective Duncan calls on your supernatural expertise to help.
Even though this is yet another supernatural story with artifacts, every element is explained and in context. Both story and characters have depth. There are several subplots and surprising twists, so I won't say any more.
GAMEPLAY
Exploration—Some running around, but confined to small areas. Quite a few of the tasks are predictable, repeated, and rather silly. However, the series of actions you must take is intuitive, and there's no bizarre use of inventory items. I would have liked more variety instead of repeatedly oiling rust, using acid on metal, and repairing ladders.
Exploration—Some running around, but confined to small areas. Quite a few of the tasks are predictable, repeated, and rather silly. However, the series of actions you must take is intuitive, and there's no bizarre use of inventory items. I would have liked more variety instead of repeatedly oiling rust, using acid on metal, and repairing ladders.
HO Scenes—Best I've seen in ages. Most of them were presented in an original format, multi-layered, and extremely interactive. They were not pro forma, and they took some time to complete. Many included puzzles. My favorites were a find-and-use in a close-up of hunting trophies, and a find multiples then match drawings in a library.
Puzzles—A mix of familiar and new in varying difficulty levels from fairly easy to moderately involved. My favorites were a complex piano puzzle that required deciphering markings, a multi-level puzzle involving a computer, and a maze with obstacles in a hospital. (Who doesn't get lost in a hospital? I swear, they're all designed by Escher.)
There was a refreshing lack of hand-holding, gimmicky gadgets, and animal helpers. Also, gameplay was well-integrated and contextual, not merely pasted into the plot.
GRAPHICS/ANIMATION
Incredibly realistic graphics! Fabrics have detailed textures and skin includes pores and 5 o'clock shadow. Shadows and light are perfectly done. No effort was spared to add details, including dust falling from bolts as they're unscrewed. And the animation of characters is lifelike.
Incredibly realistic graphics! Fabrics have detailed textures and skin includes pores and 5 o'clock shadow. Shadows and light are perfectly done. No effort was spared to add details, including dust falling from bolts as they're unscrewed. And the animation of characters is lifelike.
MUSIC/SOUND
The music mostly remains in the background, but doesn't fade from your attention. Instead, it accents both the mood of the scene and your actions. Voiceovers are excellent, as are environmental sounds. And game sounds are not intrusive.
The music mostly remains in the background, but doesn't fade from your attention. Instead, it accents both the mood of the scene and your actions. Voiceovers are excellent, as are environmental sounds. And game sounds are not intrusive.
TECH STUFF
Scenes transition quickly, and hotspots are appropriate. Animation doesn't interfere with gameplay, and is smooth with a high frame rate. There's a refreshing lack of pop-up banners, with the exception of a small one near the inventory panel that details your current goal.
Scenes transition quickly, and hotspots are appropriate. Animation doesn't interfere with gameplay, and is smooth with a high frame rate. There's a refreshing lack of pop-up banners, with the exception of a small one near the inventory panel that details your current goal.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this is nearly a five-star game. Had the challenge level been increased a bit, and had there been fewer silly and repetitive tasks, it would be perfect. I highly recommend it, as well as the rest of the games in this series, except Mud Water Creek.
Overall, this is nearly a five-star game. Had the challenge level been increased a bit, and had there been fewer silly and repetitive tasks, it would be perfect. I highly recommend it, as well as the rest of the games in this series, except Mud Water Creek.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Lockwood Manor (2011)
Curse of the Black Water (2012)
Three Guardians (2014)
Deadly Cold (2015)
Mud Water Creek (2016)
The Sealed and Forgotten (2017)
Lockwood Manor (2011)
Curse of the Black Water (2012)
Three Guardians (2014)
Deadly Cold (2015)
Mud Water Creek (2016)
The Sealed and Forgotten (2017)
I recommend this game!
Explore kingdom ruins and meet the exiled Salt Princess.
Overall rating
2
/
5
32 of 49 found this review helpful
I wanted to like it, but…
PostedMarch 16, 2018
LunaNik
fromEnjoying a calm weekend before the next snowstorm.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Dreamscapes: The Sandman
(165)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
TL;DR VERSION
Convoluted storyline. Tons of notes to read. Characters that looked alike. Hundreds of shaped "keys," nearly always in groups. Lots of running back and forth. Easy puzzles and FROGs. No customizable difficulty level. Not CE-worthy; there's not much extra gameplay. More details below…
Convoluted storyline. Tons of notes to read. Characters that looked alike. Hundreds of shaped "keys," nearly always in groups. Lots of running back and forth. Easy puzzles and FROGs. No customizable difficulty level. Not CE-worthy; there's not much extra gameplay. More details below…
STORYLINE
Rather convoluted. Backstory was conveyed by a gazillion plaques, letters, and notes, instead of being integrated into gameplay. (Those storybook HO scenes actually serve a purpose.) I really wish the story had been told differently, because it could have been incredibly immersive. The female characters all had the same anime face, so it was difficult to tell them apart (a problem which did not occur in The Red Riding hood sisters, I should add, since they had different faces, hairstyles, clothing styles, and body types). I also thought the magical white dragonflies was a rather silly contrivance.
Rather convoluted. Backstory was conveyed by a gazillion plaques, letters, and notes, instead of being integrated into gameplay. (Those storybook HO scenes actually serve a purpose.) I really wish the story had been told differently, because it could have been incredibly immersive. The female characters all had the same anime face, so it was difficult to tell them apart (a problem which did not occur in The Red Riding hood sisters, I should add, since they had different faces, hairstyles, clothing styles, and body types). I also thought the magical white dragonflies was a rather silly contrivance.
GAMEPLAY
Bring an extra pair of sneakers; you'll need them, as there's tons of running back and forth, and the map doesn't transport. The few puzzles were too easy, and the FROG scenes lacked the careful detail that characterized Blue Tea games, so the fragments were easy to spot. Plus, most of the gameplay consisted of slotting shaped objects into indentations, and we all know how much I adore that pastime. To make it worse, the objects had long and complicated, yet similar names. I mean, how am I supposed to remember where the "ornate princess plaque" goes as opposed to the "decorative princess panel?"
Bring an extra pair of sneakers; you'll need them, as there's tons of running back and forth, and the map doesn't transport. The few puzzles were too easy, and the FROG scenes lacked the careful detail that characterized Blue Tea games, so the fragments were easy to spot. Plus, most of the gameplay consisted of slotting shaped objects into indentations, and we all know how much I adore that pastime. To make it worse, the objects had long and complicated, yet similar names. I mean, how am I supposed to remember where the "ornate princess plaque" goes as opposed to the "decorative princess panel?"
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Eipix's usual fantastic job on graphics and production, except for the blurred, pixellated cutscenes. With only five compositions, the music became repetitive. Voiceovers and environmental sounds were okay.
Eipix's usual fantastic job on graphics and production, except for the blurred, pixellated cutscenes. With only five compositions, the music became repetitive. Voiceovers and environmental sounds were okay.
TECH STUFF
I disliked the lack of custom difficulty level. Generally, I set things for no sparkles, no cursor changing, and no map markings, but the lowest time on hints and skips. Here, I had no choice. If I wanted no interactive help, I was forced to do without hints and skips.
I disliked the lack of custom difficulty level. Generally, I set things for no sparkles, no cursor changing, and no map markings, but the lowest time on hints and skips. Here, I had no choice. If I wanted no interactive help, I was forced to do without hints and skips.
CE BLING
Not spectacular. Extra gameplay consisted only of the bonus chapter and some replayable puzzles. I'm not really a fan of a zillion different types of collectibles, which there were. The rest of the bling was the usual stuff found in the dev's portfolio, which is just a by-product of making the game and doesn't require extra work on the part of the dev.
Not spectacular. Extra gameplay consisted only of the bonus chapter and some replayable puzzles. I'm not really a fan of a zillion different types of collectibles, which there were. The rest of the bling was the usual stuff found in the dev's portfolio, which is just a by-product of making the game and doesn't require extra work on the part of the dev.
CONCLUSION
Since I was unable to become immersed in the storyline and found the gameplay either monotonous or too easy, it's not for me. I recommend you try the demo for yourself.
Since I was unable to become immersed in the storyline and found the gameplay either monotonous or too easy, it's not for me. I recommend you try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you and your father escape a mystical and dangerous realm?
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 35 found this review helpful
3½ stars for the gorgeous production and gameplay improvement.
PostedMarch 11, 2018
LunaNik
fromExpecting yet another super snowstorm...up to 18 inches. Funny, I don't remember moving to Dire Grove.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Creator's Spark is a prequel of sorts. Taleworld was created from the collected stories of your father, Godfrey Lang, who went missing when you were a child. Now, you've received a clue to his whereabouts. Cyrus, an evil wizard, is holding your father captive because he wants the creative Spark, currently in the possession of good Queen Helen. Can you unravel this hate triangle, free your father, and save Taleworld? Let's hope so, or the rest of the series might disappear.
Gameplay has improved somewhat. Most of the usual laundry list that infests exploration was missing, thankfully. There is still a plethora of shaped keys, however. Among the matching pairs, sliding tokens, jigsaws, and "moving one affects others" are several new puzzles. I especially enjoyed playing Connect-4. The HO scenes are typical for Madhead. Overall, the challenge level should have been stepped up.
Madhead has, once again, created a stunning and imaginative fictional universe. Every location is fanciful and interesting, and I "wasted" a bit of my demo just looking around. Characters are drawn and animated well with the best lip-synching I've ever seen. The palette is extremely colorful, but not remotely garish…just perfect.
Ten varied musical compositions keep your ears entertained, and environmental sounds abounded, aiding in immersion. Voiceovers were truly professional, with appropriate affect and beautiful tonality.
I found the CE bling too sparse to justify double the price; the only extra gameplay consists of the bonus chapter and 20 HO scenes, and half the portfolio amounts to free advertising for the dev (the profile icons and cover photos). Also, the collectibles were really easy to spot. I'll probably pick up the SE as a rainy (or snowy) day game, given the fact that my credits are piling up with hardly anything on which to spend them. Try the demo; it's not a 5-star game by any means, but it is an improvement.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
The stars represent my ratings for each game.
The Beauty Within (2013) ✭✭✭✭✭
Shattered Image (2014) ✭✭✭✭✭
Smoke and Mirrors (2014) ✭✭
Legends (2015) ✭✭✭✭
Hidden Doorway (2016) ✭✭✭✭✭
Forgotten Pages (2017) ✭✭✭✭
Creator's Spark (2018) ✭✭✭½
The stars represent my ratings for each game.
The Beauty Within (2013) ✭✭✭✭✭
Shattered Image (2014) ✭✭✭✭✭
Smoke and Mirrors (2014) ✭✭
Legends (2015) ✭✭✭✭
Hidden Doorway (2016) ✭✭✭✭✭
Forgotten Pages (2017) ✭✭✭✭
Creator's Spark (2018) ✭✭✭½