dyingjoy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.5
- Helpful Votes:280
- Reviews Submitted:17
- First Review:February 29, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 17, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Explore snowy Dahlia Farms in this unique hidden object/farming sim hybrid! Build greenhouses and keep the farm going throughout the winter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 48 found this review helpful
A Ton of Fun in this Snowy Sequel
PostedDecember 17, 2013
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed the first game a lot, and would have been happy with a sequel that just continued the HO/Time Management fun, but Farmington Tales 2 is a lot more than that.
The story has the same funny charm as the first one, and comes to you through short interactions with the farm's zany characters rather than through long cut scenes, so it is easy to zip past if you don't care about it.
The new, snowy farm is a lot of fun to work with, and I enjoyed setting up rows of greenhouses for my plants. There are ton of puzzles that pop up between the HO scenes to keep you on your toes, and a seemingly endless supply of clever quests for you to pick up. Each one has a little joke or pop culture reference hidden in it, and adding those extra items to find among the various HO scenes adds some more challenge.
The HO scenes are gorgeous, and I really enjoyed seeing the snow drifting to the ground in the outdoor scenes. Each scene has not only the standard items list, but also gems you can find to unlock more HO scenes, special items to complete quests, and a series of challenges that appear at the top of the screen to complete (anything from find 3 items in alphabetical order to find an item before the hint bird points it out). Each scene has so much to do that it always feels fresh and new.
The 1 hour trial zipped by in a blink, and from what I could tell there is even more content than the first game, which I played for many, many hours. I had barely begun to fix up the farm in the first hour...this is a definite buy for me.
Hope the review helps...I am off heading back to Farmington.
The story has the same funny charm as the first one, and comes to you through short interactions with the farm's zany characters rather than through long cut scenes, so it is easy to zip past if you don't care about it.
The new, snowy farm is a lot of fun to work with, and I enjoyed setting up rows of greenhouses for my plants. There are ton of puzzles that pop up between the HO scenes to keep you on your toes, and a seemingly endless supply of clever quests for you to pick up. Each one has a little joke or pop culture reference hidden in it, and adding those extra items to find among the various HO scenes adds some more challenge.
The HO scenes are gorgeous, and I really enjoyed seeing the snow drifting to the ground in the outdoor scenes. Each scene has not only the standard items list, but also gems you can find to unlock more HO scenes, special items to complete quests, and a series of challenges that appear at the top of the screen to complete (anything from find 3 items in alphabetical order to find an item before the hint bird points it out). Each scene has so much to do that it always feels fresh and new.
The 1 hour trial zipped by in a blink, and from what I could tell there is even more content than the first game, which I played for many, many hours. I had barely begun to fix up the farm in the first hour...this is a definite buy for me.
Hope the review helps...I am off heading back to Farmington.
I recommend this game!
Return to the undersea world of Lagoona and save Poseidon Park from closing down!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 30 found this review helpful
Such a fantastic game!
PostedOctober 8, 2013
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I enjoyed the first Lagoona game, but this one really blew my socks off. The art is fantastic, the storyline is funny and clever, and the game play is just amazing.
I've only just finished playing the hour trial, and I feel like I barely scratched the surface of the game. The game is absolutely gorgeous, and they make use of the underwater setting to really add a lot of charm to every scene.
The characters, which are all fully voiced, are all quirky, weird, and funny. I normally skip through dialogue, but I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. It was a nice change of pace from all the spooky games I have been playing lately.
The hidden object play is the meat of the game, and it was so incredibly well done. Your list of items for each scenes is a mix of named items, silhouettes, fragmented items, and riddle items. The riddles I encountered were clever, but not too hard. These scenes are't junkpiles, and everything is worked well into the scene so it takes a bit of study to really get to know the scenes.
What is more, each scene has gems hidden in them, and collecting them allows you to unlock puzzles and games within each HO scene. There are also newspaper scraps that help you unlock new Ho scenes for later, extra items to complete quests, and eventually food to feed your sea ponies.
Yes, I said sea ponies. Outside of the hidden object scenes, you are renovating Poseidon Park- and underwater theme park that is just as charming as all the characters. Among the attractions and building to upgrade there are also the sea pony stables. You feed the ponies food you find hidden in HO scenes to make them stronger, and to increase the speed at which their golden manes grow. Then you harvest the hair (to keep them safe from getting tangled) and sell it for more money to fix up the park.
There is so much going on in every part of this game that I can't believe it isn't a collector's edition. This is definitely a buy for me!
I've only just finished playing the hour trial, and I feel like I barely scratched the surface of the game. The game is absolutely gorgeous, and they make use of the underwater setting to really add a lot of charm to every scene.
The characters, which are all fully voiced, are all quirky, weird, and funny. I normally skip through dialogue, but I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. It was a nice change of pace from all the spooky games I have been playing lately.
The hidden object play is the meat of the game, and it was so incredibly well done. Your list of items for each scenes is a mix of named items, silhouettes, fragmented items, and riddle items. The riddles I encountered were clever, but not too hard. These scenes are't junkpiles, and everything is worked well into the scene so it takes a bit of study to really get to know the scenes.
What is more, each scene has gems hidden in them, and collecting them allows you to unlock puzzles and games within each HO scene. There are also newspaper scraps that help you unlock new Ho scenes for later, extra items to complete quests, and eventually food to feed your sea ponies.
Yes, I said sea ponies. Outside of the hidden object scenes, you are renovating Poseidon Park- and underwater theme park that is just as charming as all the characters. Among the attractions and building to upgrade there are also the sea pony stables. You feed the ponies food you find hidden in HO scenes to make them stronger, and to increase the speed at which their golden manes grow. Then you harvest the hair (to keep them safe from getting tangled) and sell it for more money to fix up the park.
There is so much going on in every part of this game that I can't believe it isn't a collector's edition. This is definitely a buy for me!
I recommend this game!
Search the Wizbury School of Magic for the stolen gold, and rebuild the school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
Great Fun, Nice Change of Pace
PostedMay 27, 2013
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really enjoyed both the mechanics and the story here. I'm not sure why some people refer to it as a kids game- while it isn't full of murder and blood like a lot of the other games here, the humor and story made it a lot of fun for me (and I am sadly far from being a kid). I think it is nice to explore a sotry that isn't all gloom and doom.
The HO scenes are well done, and have objectives, hidden gems, and lots of interactivity to them. Even when you replay a scene there is a whole new slate of objects and even occasional puzzles woven in to make it seem fresh and new.
Between learning spells, finding objects, exploring the castle, selling items, and upgrading the castle there is a ton to do. I'm through the trial and don't feel like I am all that far into the game...definitely a by for me.
The HO scenes are well done, and have objectives, hidden gems, and lots of interactivity to them. Even when you replay a scene there is a whole new slate of objects and even occasional puzzles woven in to make it seem fresh and new.
Between learning spells, finding objects, exploring the castle, selling items, and upgrading the castle there is a ton to do. I'm through the trial and don't feel like I am all that far into the game...definitely a by for me.
I recommend this game!
Let's get farming in this unique Hidden Object farming simulator hybrid! Harvest the perfect crop, sell it at the market and search the farm for treasures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Such a fantastic game
PostedOctober 9, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am used to getting my hidden hidden object fix in adventure games, but I loved how the farming game elements were woven together with hidden object play.
The story scenes are simple and sweet, with very well done voice over. You need to help a farmer save his farm after mortgaging it to cure his sick wife. You interact with a bunch of interesting and wacky characters as you start fixing up the farm, though it is easy to skip any dialogue if that isn't interesting to you.
The hidden object scenes are extremely well done. The art is top notch, and I never had problems identifying even the smaller items in the scenes. They have a really clever way of catering to expert hidden object players without making things too hard for the less experienced- they add in a challenges at the top of each HO screen (things like find 3 items in alphabetical order, or chain together 5 items in five seconds). These give you extra money, and provide extra levels of challenge. They also have gems to find in every scene, along with occasional quest items, so every play through feels unique.
Rebuilding and running the farm is a lot of fun. You take the money you earn from cleaning up and selling the items around the farm to buy animals, crops, and make improvements. You get to pick different styles, so you can personalize the surprisingly large farm, and you get the watering, harvesting, and planting cycle that makes even more money. I really enjoyed getting my farm running perfectly.
There are also a bunch of charming puzzles that come up throughout the game. Many are variations on games I've seen before, but with interesting twists and great art. There were even a few I haven't played before, which is rare. They are all available to be played from the main menu once you have unlocked them, so any that really grab you can be played whenever you want.
This game was a ton of fun to play, and feels really polished. I hope we see more games like this in the future.
The story scenes are simple and sweet, with very well done voice over. You need to help a farmer save his farm after mortgaging it to cure his sick wife. You interact with a bunch of interesting and wacky characters as you start fixing up the farm, though it is easy to skip any dialogue if that isn't interesting to you.
The hidden object scenes are extremely well done. The art is top notch, and I never had problems identifying even the smaller items in the scenes. They have a really clever way of catering to expert hidden object players without making things too hard for the less experienced- they add in a challenges at the top of each HO screen (things like find 3 items in alphabetical order, or chain together 5 items in five seconds). These give you extra money, and provide extra levels of challenge. They also have gems to find in every scene, along with occasional quest items, so every play through feels unique.
Rebuilding and running the farm is a lot of fun. You take the money you earn from cleaning up and selling the items around the farm to buy animals, crops, and make improvements. You get to pick different styles, so you can personalize the surprisingly large farm, and you get the watering, harvesting, and planting cycle that makes even more money. I really enjoyed getting my farm running perfectly.
There are also a bunch of charming puzzles that come up throughout the game. Many are variations on games I've seen before, but with interesting twists and great art. There were even a few I haven't played before, which is rare. They are all available to be played from the main menu once you have unlocked them, so any that really grab you can be played whenever you want.
This game was a ton of fun to play, and feels really polished. I hope we see more games like this in the future.
I recommend this game!
Build a thriving colony in a vast wilderness teeming with surprises!
Overall rating
4
/
5
A really enjoyable twist on Sim and Time Management
PostedJuly 30, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this game, which had a lot of the elements of Virtual Villagers, but without the persistent world and very slow progress that always annoyed me about that game.
You are setting up a colony on a distant island, and you must manage your slowly growing number of colonists is harvesting resources, exploring the island, and uncovering treasures. Part of the game involves trade with the homeland, where you can acquire additional colonists, trade resources for money, and acquire bits of technology to advance your progress on the island.
The pace of the game is very good, and I never felt like I was just sitting around waiting for things to happen. Every time I accomplished a goal it seemed like two more would pop up fairly quickly.
The art style is decent, if a bit cartoonish. It was nice to have characters distinct enough that I could recognize who was who right away.
All in all, this is a great game, and well worth a buy for anyone with even a slight enjoyment of this style of play.
You are setting up a colony on a distant island, and you must manage your slowly growing number of colonists is harvesting resources, exploring the island, and uncovering treasures. Part of the game involves trade with the homeland, where you can acquire additional colonists, trade resources for money, and acquire bits of technology to advance your progress on the island.
The pace of the game is very good, and I never felt like I was just sitting around waiting for things to happen. Every time I accomplished a goal it seemed like two more would pop up fairly quickly.
The art style is decent, if a bit cartoonish. It was nice to have characters distinct enough that I could recognize who was who right away.
All in all, this is a great game, and well worth a buy for anyone with even a slight enjoyment of this style of play.
I recommend this game!
Journey through the mesmerizing world of Nevernear in this exciting Match 3 adventure! Match dazzling gems in Jewel Match 3!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Great match 3 that never gets old
PostedJuly 30, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
While I don't really need a storyline to explain why I am making matches, I enjoyed the mythical story that came along with this game. It helped keep things fresh, and advanced the gameplay along with the story.
The occasional minigame and hidden object scene seemed to pop up anytime I felt like I was getting my fill of match 3 goodness, and invariably added in another spell for me or another obstacle to the board so that the complexity was always advancing.
It won't be long before you are powering up impressive spells, and moving from board to board to gather keys, treasures, and mana to clear each level.
This is simply a great game that constantly improves as you play, and since there are 3 levels of difficulty it provides a ton of play for your money.
The occasional minigame and hidden object scene seemed to pop up anytime I felt like I was getting my fill of match 3 goodness, and invariably added in another spell for me or another obstacle to the board so that the complexity was always advancing.
It won't be long before you are powering up impressive spells, and moving from board to board to gather keys, treasures, and mana to clear each level.
This is simply a great game that constantly improves as you play, and since there are 3 levels of difficulty it provides a ton of play for your money.
I recommend this game!
A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford. You must search the city for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping the global epidemic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
A great game on nearly every level
PostedJuly 2, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Fun Factor
An immediately gripping storyline, partnered with effectively realistic/gritty graphics and an innovative attempt to make all HOS interactive and challenging, and you have a recipe for success. It is no wonder this game has climbed the rankings so swiftly since its release and I would be very surprised if it did not find its way to the number 1 slot.
The only universal complaint is that the game might be too short; I think that can be considered something of a compliment, in the end. When something is this riveting, you want it to last longer.
Visual/Sound Quality
The art style of this game goes for realism, and generally makes it there. Gritty textures and coloration can make for palettes that occasionally blend in together, especially during HOS scenes, but in general the moody graphics and patently abandoned feeling of the various scenes works incredibly well, especially given the storyline. The UI animations follow the same pattern.
All the cut scenes make use of live footage, but are clever enough to obscure that footage with grain and static so that it matches the art style. Old videos, news footage, or phone messages all feel appropriately like evidence from an apocalyptic event. Nothing is clean and perfect, but nor should it be. The NPCs, in particular, are surprisingly effective in their presentation. A figure doesn’t need to be
perfectly animated to be threatening, or disturbing.
perfectly animated to be threatening, or disturbing.
A lot of ambient animation in background scenes keep the visuals from feeling static, even if they do feel decayed and forlorn.
There are quite a few cut scenes which may slow down the game pace, but they’re easily skipped, and work well to advance the story.
The VO acting follows the typical range from mediocre to quite good; the news cast voices in particular are a bit rushed , but the first antagonist is fantastic in a faceless horror-movie sort of way.
The ambient sounds and music all add excellently to the setting. They are moody, jarring, and help keep up a sense of tension and danger while exploring a distinctly disturbing game.
Level of Challenge
The ability to create a custom difficulty setting sets this game apart from its fellows. While it has both a preset casual and advanced setting, the in-game menu allows you to adjust each of the typical difficulty elements (sparkles, hint button, etc) independently, from within the game even while playing.
In addition, the HOS are all extremely interactive. Every single item found must be used to find other items, which must be used to secure the final item. Rather than being a plain visual scavenger hunt, the HOS feel more like a condensed instance of the typical game-play where you need to find object A to unlock object B and so on.
The puzzles run the gamut, and have a great deal of variety. Overall they are quite challenging, and even the particularly easy puzzles feel as though they might take two or three tries to get right. I especially liked the fact that some puzzles had multiple elements, like a simple code puzzle where you have to first find the shredded document with the code, then reconstruct it jig-saw style, and finally enter the code into a system where one entered digit changes the other. The simple act of entering a sequence of numbers was made engaging and very challenging.
Storyline
What is it about apocalypses that are so fun? A viral epidemic has struck Oxford (but not Oxford England, based on the lack of posh accents), and the key to an antivirus rests with a missing little girl who miraculously recovered while her twin sister perished.
Even for games of this type there is a grim undertone. Within the first cut scene an innocent six year old girl is dead, and she’s not the only casualty you’ll directly encounter.
The quest to find a missing little girl is heightened by the critical value of studying that girl’s immune system to develop an antivirus for a plague that is clearly deadly, clearly virulent, and clearly capable of spreading past quarantine zones. Add in a hastily abandoned town still filled with a crazy survivor or two, the ominous helicopters occasionally circling overhead, and it’s hard to lose track of the sense that your mission is the only thing that will prevent the rest of the world from devolving into the post-
apocalyptic blight of Oxford.
apocalyptic blight of Oxford.
I recommend this game!
Help Islabelle the Mermaid save an orphanage as you seek and find your way across beautiful underwater locations!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
Cute, Clever, and Lots of Fun
PostedJune 25, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've been looking around for good games I may have missed, and this definitely qualifies. The story is charming and funny, and less steeped in the murder and creepiness that is so common. The underwater characters are neat, and I caught a lot of pop culture references from them (I'm sure someone who is more in the loop would catch even more).
The HO scenes are crisp and clear, with well hidden objects. In addition to your list, you can gather jewels to unlock new areas, special quest items that get you more money, and plans to allow you to improve other parts of the house, so it always feels like you have a lot to do.
The puzzles that pop up are a nice change of pace, and give you more money for fixing the place up, so it feels like they serve a good purpose. None of them were too hard, but they do take a little bit of effort to work out.
The fix it up mechanic was really nice...I enjoyed getting to choose how to make the place look, and feeling like I could really see my progress in the game become tangible.
This game was a really well done, fun, and funny hidden object game, with enough bells and whistles to make it perfect way to spend the day.
The HO scenes are crisp and clear, with well hidden objects. In addition to your list, you can gather jewels to unlock new areas, special quest items that get you more money, and plans to allow you to improve other parts of the house, so it always feels like you have a lot to do.
The puzzles that pop up are a nice change of pace, and give you more money for fixing the place up, so it feels like they serve a good purpose. None of them were too hard, but they do take a little bit of effort to work out.
The fix it up mechanic was really nice...I enjoyed getting to choose how to make the place look, and feeling like I could really see my progress in the game become tangible.
This game was a really well done, fun, and funny hidden object game, with enough bells and whistles to make it perfect way to spend the day.
I recommend this game!
The Fairy Godmother, Gwendolyn, needs you to repair and upgrade Albian Castle for the Convention of Magic Masters!
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 33 found this review helpful
Serious HO Fun
PostedJune 5, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I don't know how I missed this when it first came out, but I'm glad I finally tried it out. It has been a long time since I played a straight hidden object game, and I didn't realize how much i had missed it.
The storyline is charming, light-hearted, and magical- you need to help restore the castle for an upcoming magic convention. The story is cute, but not intrusive, so you are never more than a few clicks away from the next hidden object scene.
There are some nice puzzles that pop up on occasion, though they are all skippable. Since they provide extra money for restoring the castle, I solved all the ones I cam across.
It is the HO scenes that really drive the game play. Every room is bursting at the seams with cleverly hidden items. It has been a long time since I had to work so hard to find the items on my list- not because they are small or hard to make out, but because the placement was very clever. There are also gems (which give more money for fixing up the castle), wands (which give you more hints), and fairies (who uncover items for you) hidden in each scene. Any time I can't find an item on the list I search for one of those, and by the time I've grabbed a few jewels or picked up a new wand, suddenly my fresh perspective uncovers the item I was having trouble with.
There is also a nice bonus for finding items quickly, one after the other, so as my skills starten to sharpen, I would find 4 or 5 items before starting to click them to get big bonuses.
This is a very straightforward hidden object game, but it is so well executed that it really grabbed me. I was shocked when the trial ended so quickly...the hour just flew by.
The storyline is charming, light-hearted, and magical- you need to help restore the castle for an upcoming magic convention. The story is cute, but not intrusive, so you are never more than a few clicks away from the next hidden object scene.
There are some nice puzzles that pop up on occasion, though they are all skippable. Since they provide extra money for restoring the castle, I solved all the ones I cam across.
It is the HO scenes that really drive the game play. Every room is bursting at the seams with cleverly hidden items. It has been a long time since I had to work so hard to find the items on my list- not because they are small or hard to make out, but because the placement was very clever. There are also gems (which give more money for fixing up the castle), wands (which give you more hints), and fairies (who uncover items for you) hidden in each scene. Any time I can't find an item on the list I search for one of those, and by the time I've grabbed a few jewels or picked up a new wand, suddenly my fresh perspective uncovers the item I was having trouble with.
There is also a nice bonus for finding items quickly, one after the other, so as my skills starten to sharpen, I would find 4 or 5 items before starting to click them to get big bonuses.
This is a very straightforward hidden object game, but it is so well executed that it really grabbed me. I was shocked when the trial ended so quickly...the hour just flew by.
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart Collector's Edition
Dive into an epic journey as a museum owner in pursuit of an undead pirate who has kidnapped your daughter in Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Pretty, Polished, & Fun
PostedJune 2, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Fun Factor
Girl meets Pirate. Pirate kidnaps daughter. Girl rescues daughter and discovered pirate’s terrible curse.
There is a lot to like in The Cursed Heart, including some excellently rendered cut scenes (the ship hitting
the museum is spectacular) and a very slick opening chapter. Thereafter the game trends towards the
familiar and predictable, and the quest to save the daughter never really gels.
There is a lot to like in The Cursed Heart, including some excellently rendered cut scenes (the ship hitting
the museum is spectacular) and a very slick opening chapter. Thereafter the game trends towards the
familiar and predictable, and the quest to save the daughter never really gels.
A perfectly fine game. I would recommend at please playing through the demo before purchase to avoid
buyers remorse.
buyers remorse.
Visual/Sound Quality
There was some discord in the art style. The daughter is done in a 3D style. Several NPC’s are barely
animated at all with extremely crude paper-doll style animations. Some of the cut scenes are classical
animation, while some look like computer graphics animation.
animated at all with extremely crude paper-doll style animations. Some of the cut scenes are classical
animation, while some look like computer graphics animation.
The lighting is very dynamic and excellent overall. Use of shadows, and swinging items make the sense
of being on a ship at sea come home.
of being on a ship at sea come home.
The number of cut scenes is fairly high, including additional animations for simple activities. If there is a
locked door you need to insert the key (animation). Then turn the key in the lock (another animation).
Finally you need to open the door (third animation). I rather prefer this to instances where dropping a
key on the door completes the whole process. Some commenters clearly feel this is unnecessary, but I
find it more immersive.
locked door you need to insert the key (animation). Then turn the key in the lock (another animation).
Finally you need to open the door (third animation). I rather prefer this to instances where dropping a
key on the door completes the whole process. Some commenters clearly feel this is unnecessary, but I
find it more immersive.
That being said there are quite a few cut scenes and dialogues. The VO acting is generally good, with the
notable exception of the daughter (an inconvenience if you’re supposed to want to rescue her). If any
effort was made to sync lip movements to the words it’s not apparent. This is a minor annoyance, but
I would rather see a still portrait with a voice-over than watch a model mechanically open and close its
mouth while dialogue runs.
notable exception of the daughter (an inconvenience if you’re supposed to want to rescue her). If any
effort was made to sync lip movements to the words it’s not apparent. This is a minor annoyance, but
I would rather see a still portrait with a voice-over than watch a model mechanically open and close its
mouth while dialogue runs.
The sound quality was very good, both in terms of music and ambient effects.
Level of Challenge
With two difficulty modes the game either delivers the hints directly to you with sparkles and glints, and
no miss penalty in HOS, or none of the above, leaving the experience a little random.
no miss penalty in HOS, or none of the above, leaving the experience a little random.
The heavily stylized art style makes the HOS occasionally difficult, if only because some objects blend
into the background too well. This is offset by an alternative Majong puzzle that lets you breeze right
past the HOS. If you don’t take the majong route the HOS are reasonably challenging, including items
that are only revealed after alteration or interaction.
past the HOS. If you don’t take the majong route the HOS are reasonably challenging, including items
that are only revealed after alteration or interaction.
The puzzles themselves run the gamut from shockingly easy (a very rudimentary pick-up-sticks) to
moderately easy (color alignment puzzles).
moderately easy (color alignment puzzles).
Story obstacles are the most difficult, but for the most part the game follows a very linear course. A
standard map and journal help keep track of objectives and clues, but there is very little mystery in what
to do next at any point. Those seeking a challenge will be disappointed.
standard map and journal help keep track of objectives and clues, but there is very little mystery in what
to do next at any point. Those seeking a challenge will be disappointed.
Storyline
The thing I liked most was that the story started in a museum before sweeping out to see on a haunted
ship. That being said, the story is predictable, and it is clearly meant to follow a tried and true course.
The primary motivation for moving through the story is to rescue the daughter. But the daughter is so
graphically out of place that whenever she appears it tended to drag down the immersion-level. Add to
that her general annoyingness and it was difficult to have any motivation to move forward other than an
urge to mechanically go from obstacle to obstacle.
ship. That being said, the story is predictable, and it is clearly meant to follow a tried and true course.
The primary motivation for moving through the story is to rescue the daughter. But the daughter is so
graphically out of place that whenever she appears it tended to drag down the immersion-level. Add to
that her general annoyingness and it was difficult to have any motivation to move forward other than an
urge to mechanically go from obstacle to obstacle.
I recommend this game!