After trialing the CE Demo, I purchased the SE version to complete the series as the Extras (morphing objects, puzzle pieces, etc) were too easy and not worth the higher cost to me. Sadly we cannot trial the Bonus chapter, so check the reviews of those players who have completed it if you want to compare values.
The graphics were not bad, but Jack looks so much older than Anabel even though he is her Husband. Must be all those attacks and curses he has suffered in the games.
The music and sound effects were no better or worse than usual, and I was glad of the option to turn them off. The voice-overs were well done, and the gravelly, scary voice of the demon was appropriate.
I found the pace slow, with a lot of delays when loading the next puzzle or HO scene. The HO's were mainly find the pictures to match the words in a book, with occasional "find fragments" to complete a zoom in zone.
The strategy puzzles were incredibly easy, but the physical ones were awful for an elderly person like me. Shooting targets, or rapid and constant clicking to fill a meter are not my idea of fun, and I found myself skipping many of this type. I did enjoy the Maze puzzles, although I prefer the ones that stay lit up after you pass a section so you know where you've been when you have to backtrack.
By the end of the game you know there is another sequel planned, and it's doubtful I will purchase it. I'm getting very bored with this particular family after three generations, but loyal fans will probably disagree.
I don't recommend this game.
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Summer Adventure
Join Mary’s family and visit lovely places such as nearby beaches and landmarks in this hidden object adventure!
Based on the Demo... Is it raining? Then this is a handy way to kill time while you wait for the weather to improve. You only have the option of timed or relaxed mode. The music is boring and repetitive, but can be turned off. The HOs are slightly different than the usual cluttered junk-piles; still lots of extraneous objects, but spread across the entire screen. Some are fairly easy to find though well camouflaged, but one object in each scene is much harder to spot. Also, some of the descriptions are not in the English language. For example: the list has you searching for a pinzette, which is German for tweezers. Between each HO scene is a very simple puzzle, and you have the option to skip.
There isn't an actual story to follow, which is a relief after all the cookie cutter "rescue a relative and defeat Evil" games on offer. If you just want a relaxing game with a Summer theme, this is it. Not exactly my taste, but I would use a PCC or get it when it comes out later as a Daily Deal, or Catch of the Week, just so my grandchildren could play it. I recommend it with reservations. Try before you buy and decide for yourself.
If you are familiar with the Clutter games you will know all you need about this one. The graphics are clear and colourful. The instructions over-abundant and slow. You will never be in any doubt what to do next. There is a reasonable variety of puzzles. Altogether, a very easy game which I found boring. If you are in need of a simple match-3 game, try the Demo and decide if this is for you.
Slowest TM ever! Only managed 15 minutes of the Demo. No instructions at all, and no Goals as far as I could see. Who the Pests were was fairly obvious to an adult, but might confuse young children. When I purchased additional helpers, they overlapped and could not be directed to tasks or dragged apart. The workers picked fruit and veg automatically, but I tried to speed things up.The constant clicking had my fingers cramping by level 5 and I had to exit the game. The cartoon characters and bright colours may appeal to the very young, but I think even they would find the game-play tedious.
I've rarely suffered with motion sickness since I reached adulthood, but this game made me feel quite queasy. The Map was ok, but the Hints were virtually useless, and I had to skip most of the puzzles. I usually find something to encourage me to buy at COTW prices, especially with Bonus punches as an extra incentive, but I found nothing fun here.
I don't recommend this game.
+4points
4of4voted this as helpful.
Witch Hunters: Full Moon Ceremony
Defeat the evil witches and save the world from eternal darkness!
After completing the Demo... I really tried to like this game, but it includes some of the worst elements that I object to. The Hidden objects were not only tiny, but often in rather dark junk-piles that made them harder to see. No logic whatsoever, as the household included no Men, but the dressing room was full of things like neckties, mens hats, and other masculine items. The puzzles include my pet hate "Simon Says" type, and a dexterity puzzle (tracing a dress pattern with scissors), plus a very silly and easy one, restoring a picture by turning circles. Puzzles can be skipped. The transporter map is somewhat useful, but it does not indicate where actions are available to be taken. The best thing about this game was the clever transformation of each room from ordinary to creepy, as the graphics were outstanding.
--------------- CONTENT ALERT ------------
Players are already forewarned about the giant snake by other reviewers, but anyone disliking insects should avoid this game like the plague. Not only are spiders prevalent, but even the helpful termites are fast moving and somewhat scary. I found the glowing green spiders swarming the daughter's bedroom terrifying, and I'm not an arachnophobe. Developers should NOT include such things in games. Yes we know the Witches servant is evil, but this is too much.
As an old Granny, my reflexes are not as quick as one would wish, but with Strategy and chaining tasks it is possible to get 3 stars, even for someone as slow as me. I purchased this for my grandchildren, but played a few levels just to make sure it played on Windows 10. Some of my older games have stopped working, so I now find it necessary to check compatibility first. It's sensible to Demo games anyway, but as I play on MacBook I sometimes fail to Demo on PC before buying, and regret it later. Thankfully there were no issues with this game, graphics were crisp, and music was unobtrusive. Experienced players can turn off the Tutorial. A very nice TM game for the family
Based on the completed Demo... although I can't decide if I like Steampunk, I am in awe of the technical ability, talent, and imagination of the artists who create sketches of this nature. The designers of this game may not be the best of the genre, but do a creditable job of the drawings. This is described as a Gothic Horror, but I found nothing especially horrible or scary during the time I played.
You seem to be trying to rescue a girl from her Father, aka "Mad Scientist", while he believes he is protecting her from the ghost of her Mother. Hopefully this ambiguity will be resolved later in the game. You are also searching for your own Father, who was his partner and inventor of many outlandish machines.
The HOS are confusing, as you are only given clues of what to look for, not actual lists or silhouettes of items. You are given a helpful Map early on. The solutions for rusty items, locks to pick, etc. are quite inventive, as well. This is a welcome change from cookie cutter games of other Devs. My only real complaint is the time it takes to read and/or listen to the dialogue. There is no skip for this and it seems excessive. The game might possibly too difficult for beginners, but anyone looking for a challenge should enjoy it. By all means try the Demo and decide for yourself.
Lovely colours in keeping with the Mexican setting. Voice overs in character, and music appropriate and non-intrusive. A fairly easy, relaxing game with lots of interesting HOS throughout. The puzzles lacked clear instructions, but were not too difficult. The Map and Hint buttons could have been more helpful, as they only gave a general idea of area or action needed. I think this is a nice little game, not creepy or frightening, and should appeal to all the family. Good value as DD or other sale price, or if you need something to fill a PCC.
Based on the Demo... Mostly agree with the negative reviews, but I found myself interested and enjoying this game. There are a plethora of puzzles and mini-games, often occurring during gameplay itself at unexpected times. Nothing very difficult, and all self-explanatory, plus you can choose easy, which I prefer, or difficult if you want more challenge. The cutscenes can be annoying as they interrupt gameplay, but they do give you valuable information. The map indicates where you have actions available, and saves trekking back and forth looking for the usual tools, keys, etc. At the DD price it is a definite buy for me.