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:
Can you save the holidays before it’s too late?
Overall rating
1
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
1½ stars...kind of a mess.
PostedJanuary 2, 2018
LunaNik
fromWhy do I live where it's freezing?!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Mostly "broken zipper pull" gameplay. There were three missing or broken cabinet knobs during the demo, and tons of locks needed traditional or shaped keys. The usual laundry list of "Why am I doing this?" tasks.
HO scenes were presented in a variety of ways, but none of the objects was actually hidden. Alternative Match-3. Mini-games were too easy and there wasn't much variety. Mazes, moving tokens to the correct slots, jigsaws, copying the clue, and such. No thought required to solve them.
Each scene has a multitude of details, almost to the point that they're too crowded. The harsh neon palette didn't really convey "Christmas game." And animation was extremely pixellated.
Lastly, there was an animal helper, banners for everything, and conversations that typed out one letter at a time, which you couldn't skip without missing storyline. The extras appeared to be geared toward children, and the plot was vaguely Oz superimposed on a Christmas game, which didn't really match up. It's not for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Ready to solve a gripping mystery? Tackle ingenious riddles in this hidden object puzzle adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
3½ stars for me, but would make a great game for family play.
PostedJanuary 2, 2018
LunaNik
fromWhy do I live where it's freezing?!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It's not my cup of tea, mainly because the story moves slowly and the gameplay is rather repetitive. However, I don't think it's a bad game.
Gameplay is divided into map levels, each with a collectible, and some with achievements. The HO scenes are all FROGs and, to be honest, I found them quite a bit more challenging than most HOPAs coming out these days. The dev really made an effort to hide the fragments. None of them was in plain view, but camouflaged in a variety of ways. You can use your scroll wheel to zoom in and out.
There are some puzzles and mini-games as well, with clues to be found in the scene. Mostly, gameplay was fairly intuitive; if you stopped and looked around, you could always figure out what needed to be done. You can also replay levels to improve your performance.
I do think the timed scenes would be frustrating for kids. There are an awful lot of silhouettes to decipher and find, and not a lot of time is provided. Plus, the scene automatically zooms in for these scenes, so you have to drag your mouse to view different parts of the scene.
Overall, it's a well-made, thoughtful game that I think would be fun for parents or grandparents to play with kids in the 8-12 year age group. It's definitely different from the cookie cutters!
It's more than your average survival show...
Overall rating
1
/
5
31 of 41 found this review helpful
Not remotely challenging, engaging, or interesting.
PostedDecember 30, 2017
LunaNik
fromOw, my eyes! What's with the neon palette?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I realize I've submitted quite a few negative reviews this year, but let's be honest: developers, with rare exceptions, have released games with overused, trite storylines; unhidden object scenes; stupidly simple puzzles; and unimaginative gameplay.
This game is a prime example. We've seen this storyline a billion times: the supernatural revenge scheme, starring characters who are helplessly inept and a villain that's not remotely frightening or evil. We've seen this gameplay a billion times too: unhidden object scenes that can be completed in 15 seconds, puzzles that a child would scoff at, endless shaped keys, and the usual laundry list of nonsensical tasks. It's about as entertaining as watching paint dry.
The 'puzzles' included several jigsaws, each containing fewer than 8 pieces; versions of matching pairs; copying the clue that's right in front of you; and moving around parts of a device to match. We could all successfully solve this type of inane gameplay in our sleep, even beginners to the genre.
HO scenes were a joke; no objects were hidden and the interactions were predictable. Inventory items were mostly used as soon as they were found, and most were hidden or locked up in irrational ways. Like the guy who needed his cane, which apparent broke apart into 4 pieces, 3 of which somehow managed to be locked up. Or the tile that magically ended up inside a pinball machine.
I've been a fishie for more than 10 years now, and the past few years tells me what to expect for the future. The era of immersive, challenging HOPAs is dead. Mostly, what we get are games like this one, games that lack innovation, creativity, and originality. And they mostly get rave reviews, which just prompts the devs to whip out their cookie cutters for the next dull, simplistic episode.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you and your friends escape what’s lurking in the mist?
Overall rating
1
/
5
44 of 48 found this review helpful
1½ stars...THREE Phantasmat episodes this year, and not one of them even approaches the original.
PostedDecember 25, 2017
LunaNik
fromI don't know about you, but every time I'm imprisoned by a raving nutter, I always think to myself, "I should find another bookend." They're so useful, don't you think?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW
Based on the completed demo, which I downloaded with a great deal of trepidation, this game is emblematic of Eipix's modus operandi: buy out a game franchise, then ruin it. How they can't see their own downfall is beyond me; just four years ago, an Eipix game typically had 75-100 reviews posted, mostly positive. Not anymore. NINE fishies posted reviews. I'm the tenth.
Based on the completed demo, which I downloaded with a great deal of trepidation, this game is emblematic of Eipix's modus operandi: buy out a game franchise, then ruin it. How they can't see their own downfall is beyond me; just four years ago, an Eipix game typically had 75-100 reviews posted, mostly positive. Not anymore. NINE fishies posted reviews. I'm the tenth.
The answer to, "How do we sell more games?" is NOT to churn them out one after the other like an assembly line, but to take the time to create original storylines and challenging gameplay. Did I mention that this is the THIRD Phantasmat episode this year? THAT is the problem.
STORYLINE
Thin on the ground. You're camping. Your friend Jane disappears. There's mist here and there, and a figure with glowing eyes who, apparently, wants you to play hide and seek. You're kidnapped by a man muttering inanities. He drags you into a house and leaves you there, free to escape. Notes you conveniently find scattered about mention some kind of disease. The usual Eipix formulaic storyline that manages to be both shallow and muddled at the same time. As usual, they've missed the point of the Phantasmat series entirely.
Thin on the ground. You're camping. Your friend Jane disappears. There's mist here and there, and a figure with glowing eyes who, apparently, wants you to play hide and seek. You're kidnapped by a man muttering inanities. He drags you into a house and leaves you there, free to escape. Notes you conveniently find scattered about mention some kind of disease. The usual Eipix formulaic storyline that manages to be both shallow and muddled at the same time. As usual, they've missed the point of the Phantasmat series entirely.
GAMEPLAY
Laundry list of silly tasks and a myriad of shaped keys. By the time the demo ended, my inventory was filled with baffling items like "cylinder wrap," "wine barrel badge," and "specimen rack key." The use of the word "badge" chilled me to the bone, as I knew it presaged a future of running back and forth in an endless search for medallions, amulets, bas reliefs, and the like. No.
Laundry list of silly tasks and a myriad of shaped keys. By the time the demo ended, my inventory was filled with baffling items like "cylinder wrap," "wine barrel badge," and "specimen rack key." The use of the word "badge" chilled me to the bone, as I knew it presaged a future of running back and forth in an endless search for medallions, amulets, bas reliefs, and the like. No.
HO SCENES
The morphing object scene was excellent. The rest were junkpiles of unhidden objects accompanied by lists of various types. The silhouette one was particularly challenging, as most of the drawings, which resembled rough woodcuts, were unidentifiable.
The morphing object scene was excellent. The rest were junkpiles of unhidden objects accompanied by lists of various types. The silhouette one was particularly challenging, as most of the drawings, which resembled rough woodcuts, were unidentifiable.
MINI-GAMES/PUZZLES
A step up from the usual collection of jigsaw puzzles, Simon Says, and sliding misplaced tokens around. I especially liked the second electrical box puzzle. Make a path from the power to the five lights by using the columns' buttons to rotate the entire column of path pieces. That's the kind of puzzle I expect, one that makes me have to strategize the solution.
A step up from the usual collection of jigsaw puzzles, Simon Says, and sliding misplaced tokens around. I especially liked the second electrical box puzzle. Make a path from the power to the five lights by using the columns' buttons to rotate the entire column of path pieces. That's the kind of puzzle I expect, one that makes me have to strategize the solution.
PRODUCTION
Not up to Eipix's cinematic standards. The NPCs appeared to be paper dolls being moved about by hyperactive children. None evinced an ounce of emotion, but wore the same deadpan faces regardless of what was happening. Background scenery had a rough, unfinished look, and many of the items in HO scenes were unrecognizable. Animation was pixellated and blurry.
Not up to Eipix's cinematic standards. The NPCs appeared to be paper dolls being moved about by hyperactive children. None evinced an ounce of emotion, but wore the same deadpan faces regardless of what was happening. Background scenery had a rough, unfinished look, and many of the items in HO scenes were unrecognizable. Animation was pixellated and blurry.
The voiceovers either lacked affect or were melodramatic in the Scooby Doo mode. "Curses!" Really? Who says that? No attempt was made to flesh out the characters, so it was impossible to care about them. And there were only four soundtracks, another sign that Eipix is cranking out games too fast. They usually offer at least eight.
ISSUES
Gameplay wasn't remotely intuitive. At one point, the correct tool to scrape off wallpaper was...a kitchen spatula. Seriously? Does no one at Eipix know how to draw a putty knife?
Gameplay wasn't remotely intuitive. At one point, the correct tool to scrape off wallpaper was...a kitchen spatula. Seriously? Does no one at Eipix know how to draw a putty knife?
I'm also truly sick and tired of the implausible game device of locking up everyday objects as if they're priceless treasures. It's not believable that someone locked up a feather duster in a safe, then broke off the handle, then hid half the combination in the bottom of a well, and the other half in my glovebox. C'mon, Eipix.
CONCLUSION
Eipix used to be one of my favorite devs. They took their time with games, wrote original and interesting storylines, formulated beautiful and challenging puzzles, and presented the whole thing in the most glorious, lush graphics. The series "Saga of the Nine Worlds" is an example of what they should be doing, while simultaneously staying away from other developers' series. We want quality, not quantity. I'd rather see six excellent games a year from them than the 21 mostly subpar games they've released this year. Because when Eipix is good, they're amazingly good. But when they're bad, they're just awful.
Eipix used to be one of my favorite devs. They took their time with games, wrote original and interesting storylines, formulated beautiful and challenging puzzles, and presented the whole thing in the most glorious, lush graphics. The series "Saga of the Nine Worlds" is an example of what they should be doing, while simultaneously staying away from other developers' series. We want quality, not quantity. I'd rather see six excellent games a year from them than the 21 mostly subpar games they've released this year. Because when Eipix is good, they're amazingly good. But when they're bad, they're just awful.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Don't bother with any of them except the original developed by Codeminion and simply entitled "Phantasmat." I just replayed it a few weeks ago, and it still remains one of my all-time favorites.
Don't bother with any of them except the original developed by Codeminion and simply entitled "Phantasmat." I just replayed it a few weeks ago, and it still remains one of my all-time favorites.
I don't recommend this game.
Lisa is helping Santa Claus deliver presents to a small town when her car transforms into candies! Help her fix her car and save Christmas!
Overall rating
1
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
OK, this one is clearly for children.
PostedDecember 25, 2017
LunaNik
fromFreezing in New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW
I see from existing reviews that this game isn't new, but from 2014. And at less than 200 MB in size, it must be extremely short; download time was 5 seconds. My review is based on playing it as an adult. But based on 30 minutes of the demo, this game was designed with children in mind, so if you have young kids or grandkids, have them play the demo.
I see from existing reviews that this game isn't new, but from 2014. And at less than 200 MB in size, it must be extremely short; download time was 5 seconds. My review is based on playing it as an adult. But based on 30 minutes of the demo, this game was designed with children in mind, so if you have young kids or grandkids, have them play the demo.
STORYLINE
Lisa's car turns (sort of halfway) into candy while driving through a forest. In order to deliver Christmas presents on time, the task that Santa (her grandfather) has charged her with, Lisa must figure out what happened, starting with investigating a nearby cottage.
Lisa's car turns (sort of halfway) into candy while driving through a forest. In order to deliver Christmas presents on time, the task that Santa (her grandfather) has charged her with, Lisa must figure out what happened, starting with investigating a nearby cottage.
GAMEPLAY
Overwhelmingly, gameplay consisted of completing a laundry list of minor tasks (melt the ice, feed the birds, help the NPCs, etc.) and finding regular and shaped keys to access needed items. However, there are accessible places that the game doesn't allow you to click on until the right time, which makes you think there's nothing there.
Overwhelmingly, gameplay consisted of completing a laundry list of minor tasks (melt the ice, feed the birds, help the NPCs, etc.) and finding regular and shaped keys to access needed items. However, there are accessible places that the game doesn't allow you to click on until the right time, which makes you think there's nothing there.
HO SCENES
All junkpiles and all straight lists with all objects in plain view. The final object you get is unrelated to the HO scene, since it's an item that's not on the list or hidden within the scene.
All junkpiles and all straight lists with all objects in plain view. The final object you get is unrelated to the HO scene, since it's an item that's not on the list or hidden within the scene.
MINI-GAMES
Both were versions of extremely easy jigsaw puzzles.
• Drag the rows and columns to restore the three figures in the correct order.
• Swap and rotate four round pieces to restore the image.
Both were versions of extremely easy jigsaw puzzles.
• Drag the rows and columns to restore the three figures in the correct order.
• Swap and rotate four round pieces to restore the image.
PRODUCTION
Some of the graphics up close were nicely detailed, but some things lacked sufficient detail to make them recognizable. Limited soundtracks meant the music was repetitive. There were no voiceovers; instead, boxed text popped up when a NPC spoke. There was very little animation. The palette was beautiful, except for the unnatural depiction of light.
Some of the graphics up close were nicely detailed, but some things lacked sufficient detail to make them recognizable. Limited soundtracks meant the music was repetitive. There were no voiceovers; instead, boxed text popped up when a NPC spoke. There was very little animation. The palette was beautiful, except for the unnatural depiction of light.
ISSUES
There were a number of atrocious translations. A roll of tape was labeled "skotch," and an unidentifiable cylindrical object turned out to be a "petard." I still have no idea what that last object actually was. Also, the hint button worked about half the time. Lastly, the game mechanics were twitchy.
There were a number of atrocious translations. A roll of tape was labeled "skotch," and an unidentifiable cylindrical object turned out to be a "petard." I still have no idea what that last object actually was. Also, the hint button worked about half the time. Lastly, the game mechanics were twitchy.
CONCLUSION
Children or rank beginners might enjoy this, but it's too easy and silly for even a rainy day game, especially for experts. It's reminiscent of most cookie cutter games released today, with shaped keys, a series of silly tasks, and simple HO scenes and puzzles.
Children or rank beginners might enjoy this, but it's too easy and silly for even a rainy day game, especially for experts. It's reminiscent of most cookie cutter games released today, with shaped keys, a series of silly tasks, and simple HO scenes and puzzles.
Restore the magic of Christmas to a mysterious island!
Overall rating
1
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
1½ stars...shallow storyline, sparse gameplay
PostedDecember 25, 2017
LunaNik
fromMay your days be merry & bright, and may all your games be out of sight.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW
Based on 20 minutes of the demo, the devs were more interested in spending time and money on graphics and animation to the detriment of the storyline and actual gameplay.
Based on 20 minutes of the demo, the devs were more interested in spending time and money on graphics and animation to the detriment of the storyline and actual gameplay.
STORYLINE
Queen Tempest strikes Santa's sleigh with lightning, and he crash lands on an island. Apparently, we're a demigod of fire named Ember, and for some reason, we're the only one who can get to the island, according to Marta Claus (?) and Jack Frost.
Queen Tempest strikes Santa's sleigh with lightning, and he crash lands on an island. Apparently, we're a demigod of fire named Ember, and for some reason, we're the only one who can get to the island, according to Marta Claus (?) and Jack Frost.
I found the storyline childish and rather shallow; it failed to develop at all in the first 20 minutes and so it failed to engage me. It didn't come across as a Christmas game at all, just a typical good versus evil story with made-up elements that weren't all that creative.
GAMEPLAY
In the first 20 minutes, there were no puzzles and only one HO scene, a progressive find-and-use that wasn't the least bit intuitive. Gameplay consisted mostly of finding missing shaped keys and trying to figure out what the point was.
In the first 20 minutes, there were no puzzles and only one HO scene, a progressive find-and-use that wasn't the least bit intuitive. Gameplay consisted mostly of finding missing shaped keys and trying to figure out what the point was.
PRODUCTION
A myriad of blurry animated cut scenes made the game both drag and lag. Still graphics were ok, but the palette was overly bright. Only four soundtracks, none of them Christmas-y. Voiceovers were stilted.
A myriad of blurry animated cut scenes made the game both drag and lag. Still graphics were ok, but the palette was overly bright. Only four soundtracks, none of them Christmas-y. Voiceovers were stilted.
ISSUES
The 1.34 GB game size, given the sparsity of the actual gameplay, appears to be the result of crowding as much animation as possible into the game, all of which skipped and stuttered.
The 1.34 GB game size, given the sparsity of the actual gameplay, appears to be the result of crowding as much animation as possible into the game, all of which skipped and stuttered.
CONCLUSION
I failed to find anything enchanting in this game. It was a cookie cutter, simplistic HOPA with thin Christmas frosting. Maybe children would like it. To me, substance is far more important than style.
I failed to find anything enchanting in this game. It was a cookie cutter, simplistic HOPA with thin Christmas frosting. Maybe children would like it. To me, substance is far more important than style.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
• The Brothers Claus (4.2/5★)
• The Brothers Claus (4.2/5★)
BEST GAMES BY THIS DEV
• Dark Dimensions: City of Fog, Somber Song
• Ominous Objects: Family Portrait
• Sable Maze: Sullivan River, Norwich Caves, Nightmare Shadows
• Dark Dimensions: City of Fog, Somber Song
• Ominous Objects: Family Portrait
• Sable Maze: Sullivan River, Norwich Caves, Nightmare Shadows
I don't recommend this game.
Save a missing family from an infamous haunted house!
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 19 found this review helpful
I've never seen so many matching pairs in one game.
PostedDecember 17, 2017
LunaNik
fromWishing devs would remember they're developing games for adults.
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
2
/
5
OVERVIEW
Based on the full demo, if you prefer games with minimal HO scenes and tons of repetitive mini-games, you might like this. I quit when faced with the 6th matching pairs mini-game. I know I sound like a Negative Nellie lately, but I'm really tired of cookie cutter games with stories that have been done a million times and gameplay that offers no challenge at all.
Based on the full demo, if you prefer games with minimal HO scenes and tons of repetitive mini-games, you might like this. I quit when faced with the 6th matching pairs mini-game. I know I sound like a Negative Nellie lately, but I'm really tired of cookie cutter games with stories that have been done a million times and gameplay that offers no challenge at all.
STORYLINE
In this 12th episode of Dark Tales, the McDougall family is trapped inside their house, which has a long and convoluted history. (I would totally buy a house that the locals had nicknamed "the Devourer of Souls," wouldn't you?) Mark's and Louisa's adopted daughter, Lilly, is possessed by a witch and creates all sorts of havoc. Once you free Lilly, it's not over, because now you must fight the witch's attempt to posses you. Whilst repeatedly saving Dupin from his own ineptitude. (Honestly, I'm not sure of the reason for his presence in these games; he seems to constantly get himself in trouble and he adds nothing to the storyline.)
In this 12th episode of Dark Tales, the McDougall family is trapped inside their house, which has a long and convoluted history. (I would totally buy a house that the locals had nicknamed "the Devourer of Souls," wouldn't you?) Mark's and Louisa's adopted daughter, Lilly, is possessed by a witch and creates all sorts of havoc. Once you free Lilly, it's not over, because now you must fight the witch's attempt to posses you. Whilst repeatedly saving Dupin from his own ineptitude. (Honestly, I'm not sure of the reason for his presence in these games; he seems to constantly get himself in trouble and he adds nothing to the storyline.)
GAMEPLAY
Lots of "broken zipper pull" style tasks and shaped keys. As usual, both the first aid kit AND the fire bucket of sand were locked up. Who does that? No one. Coin as screwdriver, vines and roots to clip, a fire to extinguish, etc. Completely predictable.
Lots of "broken zipper pull" style tasks and shaped keys. As usual, both the first aid kit AND the fire bucket of sand were locked up. Who does that? No one. Coin as screwdriver, vines and roots to clip, a fire to extinguish, etc. Completely predictable.
HO SCENES
• Find 12 keys, then randomly pick through them until you find the correct one.
• Find 15 pages, all of which are in plain sight.
• List with no interactions.
• Same scene, interactive list.
That's all, folks. Four HO scenes in an hour.
• Find 12 keys, then randomly pick through them until you find the correct one.
• Find 15 pages, all of which are in plain sight.
• List with no interactions.
• Same scene, interactive list.
That's all, folks. Four HO scenes in an hour.
MINI-GAMES
Only 2 of the mini-games were actually interesting:
• Place wooden pieces onto the grid to guide four balls to their matching dishes. If you make a mistake, you have to start over, so this actually required some strategy and critical thinking.
• Copy the symbol arrangement: Move symbols along the lines, rotating the rim as needed. Again, this one required some strategy, since you had to "unarrange" some of the pieces that were already in the right place in order to move other pieces.
Only 2 of the mini-games were actually interesting:
• Place wooden pieces onto the grid to guide four balls to their matching dishes. If you make a mistake, you have to start over, so this actually required some strategy and critical thinking.
• Copy the symbol arrangement: Move symbols along the lines, rotating the rim as needed. Again, this one required some strategy, since you had to "unarrange" some of the pieces that were already in the right place in order to move other pieces.
The rest of the mini-games included SIX versions of matching pairs, THREE "copy the clue that's right in front of you," TWO jigsaw puzzles, ONE simple Simon Says, and a couple other extremely easy ones.
PRODUCTION
Production was a mixed bag. I thought the graphics and animation were terrific, but the music was monotonous and the voiceovers were awful. The adults had no affect, and Lilly's child's voice reminded me of a dog's squeaky toy. The creepy voice was good, though.
Production was a mixed bag. I thought the graphics and animation were terrific, but the music was monotonous and the voiceovers were awful. The adults had no affect, and Lilly's child's voice reminded me of a dog's squeaky toy. The creepy voice was good, though.
ISSUES
No technical difficulties on Mac OS 10.11.6.
No technical difficulties on Mac OS 10.11.6.
EXTRAS
Bonus chapter that provides the backstory, achievements, strategy guide. Collect 60 fortune cookies, each of which contains (cringe) a jigsaw puzzle piece. There are 7 portraits of "extraordinary ladies," each with a biography. There are 6 "sweets" to taste. Replay 15 lackluster HOs and 17 simplistic mini-games. And the dev's portfolio includes 10 wallpapers, 6 screen savers, 5 downloadable soundtracks, 13 pieces of concept art, and 10 movies.
Bonus chapter that provides the backstory, achievements, strategy guide. Collect 60 fortune cookies, each of which contains (cringe) a jigsaw puzzle piece. There are 7 portraits of "extraordinary ladies," each with a biography. There are 6 "sweets" to taste. Replay 15 lackluster HOs and 17 simplistic mini-games. And the dev's portfolio includes 10 wallpapers, 6 screen savers, 5 downloadable soundtracks, 13 pieces of concept art, and 10 movies.
CONCLUSION
Matching pairs is a game for CHILDREN. Period. Devs really need to stop believing that matching pairs is a puzzle that's interesting to adults. I mean, when you're not playing computer games, do you ever whip out a deck of cards and play Concentration? No, because you're an adult.
Matching pairs is a game for CHILDREN. Period. Devs really need to stop believing that matching pairs is a puzzle that's interesting to adults. I mean, when you're not playing computer games, do you ever whip out a deck of cards and play Concentration? No, because you're an adult.
And while jigsaw puzzles can be done well, these were too easy. The only type of in-game jigsaw that offers a challenge is the type where all pieces are not accessible at the same time. IRL, adults are generally only interested in jigsaw puzzles of at least 1,000 pieces.
And, let's be honest, aren't we all sick unto death of haunted houses and evil witches? I know I am. I have to say I'm baffled by the rave reviews from "expert" gamers.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Please see pennmom36's review; she kindly listed them all, including the dates of release and the average ratings.
Please see pennmom36's review; she kindly listed them all, including the dates of release and the average ratings.
BEST GAMES BY THIS DEV
• Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga (2012)
• PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville (2009), Souls of the Innocent (2010), Return to Joyville (2012), The Price of Immortality (2015)
• Redemption Cemetery: Salvation of the Lost (2013) Clock of Fate (2015)
• Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga (2012)
• PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville (2009), Souls of the Innocent (2010), Return to Joyville (2012), The Price of Immortality (2015)
• Redemption Cemetery: Salvation of the Lost (2013) Clock of Fate (2015)
I don't recommend this game.
Awakened from centuries of slumber, you must save the future!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Loved everything...except the too easy gameplay.
PostedDecember 13, 2017
LunaNik
fromWishing for challenging gameplay for a change.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
OVERVIEW
The storyline is presented logically and at a good pace. The production is incredible. Sadly, the gameplay is what brings this game down…it's much too easy.
The storyline is presented logically and at a good pace. The production is incredible. Sadly, the gameplay is what brings this game down…it's much too easy.
STORYLINE ★★★
Anabel and Jack are not powerful enough to defeat Ezar the demon. So they awaken the Ancient One who last defeated Ezar. Once she finds her Grimoire, she has access to spells and potions to help further her quest. It's a race for time, for the Ancient One must reach the World Tree before Ezar so she can close the portal between the Real World and the Other World once and for all.
Anabel and Jack are not powerful enough to defeat Ezar the demon. So they awaken the Ancient One who last defeated Ezar. Once she finds her Grimoire, she has access to spells and potions to help further her quest. It's a race for time, for the Ancient One must reach the World Tree before Ezar so she can close the portal between the Real World and the Other World once and for all.
GAMEPLAY ★★
Mostly logical actions that furthered the storyline. Things that were locked up actually were special. However, there were some deviations from common sense. I'm unsure why I couldn't reach the child in the second story window, but could reach the elevated train in order to get the ladder. And I'm pretty sure the train's broken glass window tore my arm apart when it opened.
Mostly logical actions that furthered the storyline. Things that were locked up actually were special. However, there were some deviations from common sense. I'm unsure why I couldn't reach the child in the second story window, but could reach the elevated train in order to get the ladder. And I'm pretty sure the train's broken glass window tore my arm apart when it opened.
HO SCENES - all easy (alternative: match pairs…ugh) ★
Interactive list, riddles, interactive silhouettes, highlighted words in a narrative, patterns, and missing pieces in zoom scenes. (I didn't see any of Dumbledore's memories in the pensieve, did you?)
Interactive list, riddles, interactive silhouettes, highlighted words in a narrative, patterns, and missing pieces in zoom scenes. (I didn't see any of Dumbledore's memories in the pensieve, did you?)
MINI-GAMES - all easy ★
• Slide the figures along the lines to their correct slots.
• Rotate left three or right one to light all the spheres
• Restore the image by rotating three rings.
• Destroy the monsters with a spell as they appear one at a time.
• Swap the figures to their correct slots.
• Click to snag the bag with the grappling hook when the crosshairs target it.
• Swap the Real World and Other World tokens. Tokens from different worlds cannot be adjacent.
• Follow the instructions to make a potion (repeating).
• Rotate and swap to arrange the inner and outer orbs to match the central symbol.
• On the array of orbs, draw the symbols that appear.
• Defeat Ezar by destroying his spheres by playing Bubble Shoot.
• Find the correct path by matching hidden symbols.
• Slide the figures along the lines to their correct slots.
• Rotate left three or right one to light all the spheres
• Restore the image by rotating three rings.
• Destroy the monsters with a spell as they appear one at a time.
• Swap the figures to their correct slots.
• Click to snag the bag with the grappling hook when the crosshairs target it.
• Swap the Real World and Other World tokens. Tokens from different worlds cannot be adjacent.
• Follow the instructions to make a potion (repeating).
• Rotate and swap to arrange the inner and outer orbs to match the central symbol.
• On the array of orbs, draw the symbols that appear.
• Defeat Ezar by destroying his spheres by playing Bubble Shoot.
• Find the correct path by matching hidden symbols.
GRAPHICS ★★★★★
Beautiful animation, especially of the snake-like and flying creatures. They really moved in a lifelike manner. Good poser work, including lip synching. The still graphics were more understated, and with less detail and texture overall. But the palette set the mood perfectly.
Beautiful animation, especially of the snake-like and flying creatures. They really moved in a lifelike manner. Good poser work, including lip synching. The still graphics were more understated, and with less detail and texture overall. But the palette set the mood perfectly.
SOUND ★★★★★
Your ears won't be bored, as there are 31 soundtracks! I'm certain I've never encountered a game with anywhere near this number of compositions. The rhythms and instruments are quite varied. I heard strings, choral singing, mandolin, various types of percussion, piano, horns, woodwinds, a full orchestra, multiple ambient soundscapes, and any number of processor effects (like flangers, delays, and reverbs). Really amazing soundtrack.
Your ears won't be bored, as there are 31 soundtracks! I'm certain I've never encountered a game with anywhere near this number of compositions. The rhythms and instruments are quite varied. I heard strings, choral singing, mandolin, various types of percussion, piano, horns, woodwinds, a full orchestra, multiple ambient soundscapes, and any number of processor effects (like flangers, delays, and reverbs). Really amazing soundtrack.
Voiceovers were excellent, especially the Ancient One and Ezar. And sound effects were done extremely well.
TECHNICAL
No issues playing on Mac OS 10.11.6 (El Capitan). There was, however, quite a bit of loading time between scenes.
No issues playing on Mac OS 10.11.6 (El Capitan). There was, however, quite a bit of loading time between scenes.
EXTRAS ★★
Pretty slim, IMO. Bonus chapter, achievements, and strategy guide. Collectible morphing objects and dragon footprints. 9 wallpapers, 3 screensavers, a bunch of concept art, and 31 soundtracks. As far as I could see, there were NO replayable HO scenes or mini-games, and that should be a requirement for a CE.
Pretty slim, IMO. Bonus chapter, achievements, and strategy guide. Collectible morphing objects and dragon footprints. 9 wallpapers, 3 screensavers, a bunch of concept art, and 31 soundtracks. As far as I could see, there were NO replayable HO scenes or mini-games, and that should be a requirement for a CE.
CONCLUSION
As I said in the title of my review, I loved everything about this game except the much too easy gameplay. I definitely won't purchase the CE, but might consider the SE when it's released, if only because this would make a good rainy day game, so I recommend you try the demo.
As I said in the title of my review, I loved everything about this game except the much too easy gameplay. I definitely won't purchase the CE, but might consider the SE when it's released, if only because this would make a good rainy day game, so I recommend you try the demo.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
1. The Charleston Curse (2012)
2. Lair of the Witch Queen (2013)
3. Hunter and the Hunted (2014)
4. The Ties That Bind (2014)
5. Slumbering Darkness (2015)
6. The Dark Throne (2015)
7. Awakening Darkness (2015)
8. Dark Days to Come (2016)
9. The City That Isn't There (2017)
10. Covered by the Night (2017)
11. Rise of the Ancient (2017)
Notice that Elefun has released THREE episodes in this series this year. Time to put this series to rest and start some new ones.
1. The Charleston Curse (2012)
2. Lair of the Witch Queen (2013)
3. Hunter and the Hunted (2014)
4. The Ties That Bind (2014)
5. Slumbering Darkness (2015)
6. The Dark Throne (2015)
7. Awakening Darkness (2015)
8. Dark Days to Come (2016)
9. The City That Isn't There (2017)
10. Covered by the Night (2017)
11. Rise of the Ancient (2017)
Notice that Elefun has released THREE episodes in this series this year. Time to put this series to rest and start some new ones.
BEST GAMES BY THIS DEV
• Fear for Sale: Nightmare Cinema
• Mayan Prophecies: Ship of Spirits
• Witches' Legacy: The Charleston Curse, Hunter and the Hunted
• Fear for Sale: Nightmare Cinema
• Mayan Prophecies: Ship of Spirits
• Witches' Legacy: The Charleston Curse, Hunter and the Hunted
Can you stop a dangerous specter from destroying the opera?
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
Nope.
PostedDecember 13, 2017
LunaNik
fromSTILL boycotting shaped keys.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Clearly, Eipix has chosen quantity over quality. They've churned out 20 games this year, including FOUR in November alone. This frantic pace results in cookie cutter games filled with illogical gameplay, repetitive puzzles, and shallow storylines...like this game.
Gameplay was inane; it was impossible to intuit the actions you were supposed to take because the available actions and the inventory items didn't match up in any meaningful way.
Interactions in the HO scenes were similarly incomprehensible, and the lack of enjoyment was not improved by the inclusion of childish puzzles like Simon Says.
The storyline was sparse and dull, making it difficult to care about the characters and their fates. I just couldn't become immersed because there was nothing to engage me.
Eipix used to be at the cutting edge of game development, but currently, the overwhelming majority of their games are like this one: simplistic, shallow, and illogical. When they take their time, they release wonderfully immersive series like Saga of the Nine Worlds and Amaranthine Voyage. The rest of the time, they're coasting.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save yourself and your daughter in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Project Yawn
PostedDecember 13, 2017
LunaNik
fromSTILL boycotting shaped keys.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I reviewed the CE of this game, but it was never published for some reason. So, here it is.
There's nothing new or original about this game, including the storyline, which reminded me of Silent Hill. The bandage-wrapped nurse. The abandoned town. The creepy kid. The car trouble. The missing child. I kept looking around for Pyramid Head.
Gameplay was puzzle-heavy, although most didn't deserve the moniker "puzzle." Three versions of matching pairs. Two "copy the clue." Three types of "move tokens to their matching spots." Three levels of Match-2+. A version of "pipes." Yadda yadda yadda.
The HO scenes had a variety of presentations, but no hidden objects. And this game was overflowing with shaped keys, most of them in groups of at least three. So much nope.
There was no logic. A feather duster was locked up as if it were a priceless treasure. FOUR locks secured a crowbar. (Maybe it was the Royal Crowbar of Elephantland.) Why make a raft when the bridge could be repaired?
Elephant used to be one of my absolute favorite developers. The earliest episodes in this series were epic, and I still play them. The Mystery Trackers series started out beautifully, then faded out to the same repetitive nonsense in this game. What happened to the pachyderm? I own 32 of their games, and the 20 that are from 2014 or earlier are at least four stars. This barely deserves the two stars I gave it.
I don't recommend this game.