biscuitsmama's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:67,036
- Reviews Submitted:1148
- First Review:July 13, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 16, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A dark fog is taking over Bremen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
123 of 135 found this review helpful
WILL AN ANCIENT MELODY SAVE BREMEN AND ITS CITIZENS?
PostedFebruary 16, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromGive me an instrument and I will play a melody to save my sister
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Beasts of Bremen is game five in the Living Legends series, a series that I have found very enjoyable over the years. As with any series there are often a few misses along the way but Beasts of Bremen is a beautiful and excellent game. Although the game might appeal to children, I think it is perfect for experienced gamers who love a well-told storyline and creativity in their games. Beasts of Bremen is, IMHO, the perfect game to chase away those winter doldrums with its gorgeous graphics and light-hearted gameplay.
In this latest game in the Living Legends series you are on a mission to save your sister who has been cursed and trapped in the city of Bremen where she and other top musicians were invited to perform in the Bremen Music Festival. What a prestigious event and to be chosen to perform is indeed an honor. Something has gone terribly wrong and now the musicians are missing and fighting off the curse that is turning them into beasts. As you piece together the mystery you find that music is somehow the key to banishing the fog and fighting the curse. Will you be able to save Rosabella and the citizens of Bremen before it is too late?
You have an interactive transporter type map that is present when the game begins. A great thing about the map in the game, aside from allowing quick movement between scenes, is that it indicates where collectibles have not yet been found. If you happen to love finding all of the collectibles in a game you will certainly find the map very helpful.
As I have said many times the list style HOS are my favorite and I have been thrilled to find that most of the HOS are in this style. Most of the HOS are interactive, include puzzles, and are simply fun to play. I prefer not having to figure out what some dark blob in an item list might represent when finding objects. The HOS themselves have beautiful hand-drawn graphics and some well-hidden objects to find. The puzzles are very good although some might be easy. One of my favorite puzzles is found early in the game when we must place tokens in the correct place to create the scene. The trick is to find out where the tokens can be moved so they are not hidden by moss as you solve the puzzle. There is nothing extremely difficult early in the game but I know that developers often throw in the more challenging puzzles as the game progresses. Maybe some gamers who dislike puzzles in their games will find that they enjoy many of those found in Beasts of Bremen.
The CE version of the game has two types of collectibles to find – Paper Dolls and then others that are morphing objects. There are 22 achievements to earn as you play through the game. The other extras include Wallpapers, Screensavers, Concept Artwork, Music, Videos, Replay of HOPS and Puzzles, an in-game Strategy Guide and the Bonus game. Given the gorgeous graphic many of you will want to have the screensavers and wallpapers. I find this a very good package of extras and think the CE is an excellent value.
Living Legends Beasts of Bremen is destined to become one of my favorite games and one that I will enjoy playing more than once. Recently I have been going back into my gaming library and playing some older games that I enjoyed at one time or another and now Beasts of Bremen will be added to my favorites list. We have another rainy day here and nothing is better than playing a game that is creative and lovely. Please try the demo to see if you will enjoy the game as well.
I recommend this game!
20 years ago a terrible accident destroyed most of Cyan City. Now, Monica returns to uncover the secrets of her childhood!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A GAME THAT IS BACK TO THE BASICS - GREAT HOS, PUZZLES, JOURNAL & STORY
PostedFebruary 14, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromWow, this is what a great HO game should look like.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Only because recent games (2015-2017) have become so carbon copy and because they have deviated from the great HOS of earlier years, I decided to play through my gaming library and I am so happy that I made this choice, not only because it will save me money but because it refreshes what has now become very boring.
Phenomenon City of Cyan is not only a gorgeous game but it has terrific HOPS that are multi-tiered. Not only are the HOS creative the items are not always in your face easy to find. I have always loved finding objects from a list rather than by silhouette or by reading through storybook pages, or those tedious match scenes where I must find the matching pairs stashed behind the leaves in a tree or behind items in junk piles. The puzzles are interesting and fun as well as a bit challenging. At least the puzzles are not used to replace the great hidden object scenes.
The only downfall in the game is the rather abrupt ending. Honestly, I didn't realize I had finished the game until I found myself at the main screen. I wish there had been some sort of wrap-up to the storyline but perhaps that will come in the next game.
If I had my way, the current batch of HOPA developers would take a look at some of the older games that have very high reviews and then perhaps go back to the basics of these excellent older games. Of course there are things I love about some of the newer games but, IMHO, I wish more of them were like City of Cyan. Yes, maybe the voice acting needed some help but I could get past that. I love having a real journal that gives information rather than links to videos within the game. Until there are changes to the newer games, I think I will have to content myself with the older HOPA games that really were worth the money.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop these stone-cold conspirators in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 28 found this review helpful
LET'S TOPPLE THE STATUES AND BURY THE SERIES
PostedFebruary 12, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromBorrBorrowed Life is another sequel that can't compare to the original. When will these sequels go away?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Royal Detective Borrowed Life is game four in a once great series that should have gone to the game graveyard after Legend of the Golem was released. By contrast the first game, Lord of Statues had 272 reviews where Legend of the Golem had only 42. Perhaps it would have been beneficial for BFG and the developer to look at the difference in the review numbers and then decide to let the series go. The developer of this series is one of my favorite and they have created terrific games in the past so they are definitely capable of producing a quality product but, unfortunately, Borrowed Life is not one of them.
The graphics are computer generated and lack the depth that comes with hand-drawn artwork. I don’t care for the style of the game and even though some scenes are fairly slick others are rather misty and washed out.
Aside from an unbelievable storyline the gameplay was very tedious and boring. The game length of only three chapters consisted of finding bits and pieces of items in order to progress in the game. I was so sick of finding five items to open one thing only to find that I might need two more in order to complete something else. Yes, there are two bonus chapters but by the time I finished the original game I had no interest in the bonus chapters.
The HOS, although varied in style, lacked imagination and seemed rather boring. I am an old school HO lover and prefer finding items from a list rather than finding matching pairs hidden among the leaves on a tree. I am not a fan of the storybook type, nor do I like scenes where I must match tiles to specific sections of a graphic particularly when what I should find is hidden in shadow or unidentifiable. The puzzles were a bit better than the HOS, with some even being difficult for me to complete. Even though the puzzles and HOS are even in total number it seemed like I could make no progress in the game until I solved a puzzle.
In the end, I can only hope that the developer with decide to scrap the series and use their talents to come up with something new and refreshing. If the trend of sequel after sequel continues, I am one gamer who may look elsewhere to find something far more stimulating to play. Please try the demo because you might find that Borrowed Life is a game that you will enjoy.
I don't recommend this game.
Cure a deadly virus that causes patients to suffer endless nightmares!
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 101 found this review helpful
DO NOT FALL ASLEEP!
PostedFebruary 9, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromNo matter what you do, don't fall asleep if you want to survive
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh no don’t fall asleep! Wake up – you must wake up my friend! With those words Redemption Cemetery Night Terrors, is finally here. As the game begins you receive an urgent message from Jane, an acquaintance from your college days, who desperately needs your help. Jane and her colleagues are being stalked by nightmarish killer and a deadly virus that strikes its victims when they fall asleep. Of course, you rush to her aid and then realize just how serious the situation has become. Are you too late or can you save Jane and her colleagues before all is lost? Enter this new Redemption Cemetery and find a way to stop the deadly virus.
The excellent hand-drawn artwork, voiceovers, and soundtrack with terrific background music and special effects all combine to create an entertaining gaming experience. There is a custom mode of gameplay available for those of you who like to set up your hint and skip times. You also have a transporter type map that will allow you to move quickly through the scenes and locate areas where tasks are available.
Although the HOPS and puzzles are nothing really new for those of us who have been around awhile, they are still good. The HOPs are interactive and the artwork in the scenes makes the items identifiable and fairly easy to spot. The developer uses the standard list type most often but there are other types of scenes as well. The puzzles are fairly easy but I did encounter some challenge with one or two puzzles in the demo. As is generally the case, I know that the puzzles will become increasingly difficult as the game progresses.
If you prefer the CE version of games this one includes finding statuettes that depict characters from other games in the series. For those of you who love earning achievements the ones in Night Terrors are multi-level. This developer is not known for providing a lot of extra content but there is the in-game strategy guide available for those times when you need an extra nudge. There is a bonus game plus music tracks, videos, concept artwork, wallpapers, and screensavers. You can also replay the puzzles and HOP scenes and a bonus game.
There have been some excellent games in the Redemption Cemetery series and then there were those that I didn’t like at all. In recent years the Redemption Cemetery games has become stale and redundant but Night Terrors proves that there just might be a spark of life still left. I was pleasantly surprised that I was drawn into the storyline and didn’t want to quit when the demo ended so, of course, I had to hit that buy button so I could see how the story unfolds. Although I am enjoying the game, please try the demo to see if Night Terrors is a game you will like as well.
I recommend this game!
Save the Maharaja's Park from its curse and create your very own exotic garden!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 51 found this review helpful
A WONDERFUL MATCH-3/PUZZLE GAME
PostedFebruary 7, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromWow, another must-have game. This one will keep me busy on a gloomy wet day.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
India Garden is one of those surprise match-3 games that is far more excellent than it might seem at first glance. As soon as I opened the game and saw the developer, I knew it would be a must have game for me since several years ago this developer created another game that has been one of my go-to games and one that I have installed on each new laptop over the years. That game is Stones of Rome and India Garden is much the same in concept although a bit more updated. India Garden has a storyline that finds two lovers longing to break a curse that keeps them from wedded bliss.
India Garden has lovely graphics that are colorful and clear. The concept of the game is much like some of the other quest type match-3 games but this one is much more puzzle-like as you move through the levels to build a beautiful garden and break the curse.
As you play each level, you earn coins to spend purchasing a variety of items for your garden. The number of coins you earn on each level depends on how you clear the board. The goal is to clear each level with as few moves as possible. The gauge on the right will decrease for each stone you place so it is important that you make a match with each stone if you can. Of course, it is not always possible to make a match but try to be as strategic as possible so that you set up the board for future matches. In the upper left there are arrows that show how many stones you can place without making a match, and for each non-matching stone placed you will lose an arrow. After you have used the allotted number of arrows, then the board will begin adding stones. Once the stones reach the bottom of the grid you lose. You can always replay each level and try to improve the score. If you manage to clear the board before the gauge reaches the first band then you will earn three stars and the most coins, which then decrease as the gauge moves lower.
As you play through the levels you will eventually earn power-ups that can help you when you find yourself in a tricky situation. Each level becomes increasingly more difficult with various obstacles thrown into the mix. Even with the obstacles, such as locked stones, it is still possible to earn all of the stars and the maximum amount of coins.
You might already have guessed that India Garden is a definite buy for me but I do recommend that you try the demo to see if you like the game. If you love India Garden and the puzzles in the game, I recommend that you also try Stones of Rome.
I recommend this game!
A malevolent monster is causing accidents in Universe City!
Overall rating
5
/
5
123 of 143 found this review helpful
STOP THE LETHAL PREDICTIONS AND SAVE THOSE YOU LOVE
PostedFebruary 4, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromYes another sequel but I still love the Edge of Reality games
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It has been less than a year since the first Edge of Reality game The Ring of Destiny was released and since I enjoyed it, I have been eagerly waiting for a sequel. However, when I beta tested the game for BFG, I had mixed feelings on whether it could live up to that first game but I decided that since there is a good 2fer sale, to go ahead and purchase Lethal Predictions. Although there are some things that I am not too sure I like, I still find the game to be very good.
The artistic style and the graphics are colorful and quite clear with only a bit of mistiness when the artists felt it was needed. One of the things that I find annoying is that some of the voiceovers are very slow and dragged out, making them seem painful. Your tools include the integrated map and a special bracelet that you receive early in the game. As is usually the case with special tools, its use is accompanied by a puzzle to solve.
The HOPS are my favorite type being mostly list with a bit of interaction. There is some variety included but, happily for me, the developers stayed with tradition. The puzzles are mildly challenging at times but for the most part they are not brain-numbing difficult.
There are some good extras in the CE version of the game along with the standard stuff such as achievements, concept art, wallpapers, screensavers, music, videos, replay of HOPS and puzzles, a bonus chapter and the strategy guide. Some of the collectibles to be found are quite hard to spot, and, yes, I did cheat when there was one that I absolutely could not find.
Although not everyone will like the game, it was perfect for me. We have yet another rainy wet weekend here so Lethal Predictions is the perfect way for me to spend the day since I can’t be out in my garden. Even though I have played HOPA games for over ten years, I still found places in Lethal Prediction where it was a bit difficult and I couldn’t find what I needed to do to progress. There are some gamers who might become bored with the game but I love it and am enjoying gawking at everything I see. Because I really enjoyed the first Edge of Reality game I hope that Lethal Predictions lives up to my expectations but thus far, I find it entertaining. Maybe because I am a dog lover with my own personal pack of Yorkies and a Chihuahua, I find the antics of Uni enjoyable to watch. Who could help but love a dog with big droopy eyes who wants to play at every turn? Edge of Reality 2: Lethal Predictions is, IMHO, a wonderful game but please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue her from a mysterious monster in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
73 of 108 found this review helpful
ONE MORE TIME RICHARD AND IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO GO AWAY!
PostedFebruary 2, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI am so tired of sequels, I am so tired of sequels – did I really say I am tired of sequels?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes Aunt Gray, you are off to save yet another or your relatives as your niece finds herself in trouble in game number twelve of the Grim Tales series, Graywitch. While researching a distant relative, Victor Gray, Stacy disappears and it is up to you (with the help of your dearly departed and I might add annoying grandfather Richard) to save her. As the story unfolds, do you really want to know more about Victor Gray and his beloved wife?
As is the case in games from the Mammoth, the graphics are excellent and crystal clear. Even those scenes that might be dark and dreary out of necessity are crisp and easy to see. The game offers the usual four modes of play, one of which is the custom mode where hints and skips recharge in a range of 15 to 90 seconds depending on your preference. Your tools include an interactive map. Richard is around to help you periodically and to give you items that you might need during your adventure.
As is the case in games from the Mammoth, the graphics are excellent and crystal clear. Even those scenes that might be dark and dreary out of necessity are crisp and easy to see. The game offers the usual four modes of play, one of which is the custom mode where hints and skips recharge in a range of 15 to 90 seconds depending on your preference. Your tools include an interactive map. Richard is around to help you periodically and to give you items that you might need during your adventure.
Since there are many other reviewers who provide every detail of a game, I am not going to duplicate their efforts. I will only say that I did find the HOPS and the puzzles quite enjoyable. There is variety found with both the HOPS and puzzles but I’ve seen it all before.
IMHO, the extras provided by this developer are always worth the additional cost. There are morphing objects and other collectibles to be found along with the standard fluff that we find in all CE games. It is basically a matter of preference but for new gamers, I recommend the CE games because they do include a helpful strategy guide.
With Graywich being game number twelve in the Grim Tales series, I am wondering if we see endless sequels because developers find it easier to include artwork and other details from the previous games or, perhaps, it might be Felix, who is demanding sequels to generate sales based on previous profitability. Whatever the reason, I think there should come a time when the developer or Felix realize that enough is enough. Even though I am personally over the edge with this series and wish it would take Richard and go to that game graveyard in the sky, I have to say that Graywitch is a terrific game and still enjoyable, more so for those who are new to the genre. So why did I give the game a high rating? Simply because, not everyone will be as tired of the series thing as I am, and the game is great, but just not for me. This developer knows how to tell a story and how to craft a top-notch game. Although I think the game is excellent, I am still on the fence about purchasing yet another sequel in the BFG library. It really is time for a “breath of fresh air” and some new ideas to grab those of us who have been HOPA addicts for years. As always, please try the demo because Grim Tales Graywitch might just be the game you love.
I recommend this game!
Can you save reality from the Imaginary World?
Overall rating
4
/
5
90 of 106 found this review helpful
FIND, ANALYZE AND NEUTRALIZE THE DANGEROUS ARTIFACT
PostedJanuary 28, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromWho would have guessed that being a Keeper would be such a tough job!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You play this second game in the Keeper of Antiques series, The Imaginary World, as Alexandra who agreed to continue her Uncle Pau’s work as a Keeper of Antiques. It’s a good thing that we now have you on the job when an artifact becomes activated and triggers a catastrophic event that is allowing strange creatures and plants from another dimension into our world. The current events certainly look bleak but with help from the Keeper’s Device, a tool that is designed to locate, analyze and neutralize artifacts, along with a few other tools that you might just have up your sleeve, there is no doubt that you can save the world. Well, off course, you must find the Keeper’s Device first, and so another saga in the Keepers of Antiques series begins.
There are four modes of game play offered so that you can select the one that best suits the way you like to play a game: Casual, Normal, Hard, and Custom. If you select the Custom mode the hints recharge in a range of 10 to 35 seconds, and the puzzle skips in a range of 10 to 50 seconds.
There are four modes of game play offered so that you can select the one that best suits the way you like to play a game: Casual, Normal, Hard, and Custom. If you select the Custom mode the hints recharge in a range of 10 to 35 seconds, and the puzzle skips in a range of 10 to 50 seconds.
The graphics are drenched in a lot of blue and pink tones that seem to be used almost exclusively in this game. Not only is there an overabundance pink and blue in the graphics, they often appear misty or fuzzy as they were in the early games in the Witches’ Legacy series. The voice overs are okay but they are rather flat, lack emotion, and at times are slow or drawn out.
Your tools include a transporter type map that provides a gold star when you have located all of the collectibles, morphing objects and puzzle pieces in a scene. Another tool is the Keeper’s Device that will help you find and neutralize dangerous artifacts. Of course, it is one of those tools that will need to be periodically recharged by playing a mini-game.
The HOPS are varied and interactive but nothing really new. If you are familiar with other games from this developer I am sure you have seen the types of HOPS they include in their games. I happen to love the games from this developer and find their HOPS creative and, most importantly, fun to play.
The HOPS are varied and interactive but nothing really new. If you are familiar with other games from this developer I am sure you have seen the types of HOPS they include in their games. I happen to love the games from this developer and find their HOPS creative and, most importantly, fun to play.
The puzzles or mini-games are not difficult even though there is one early in the game that was tricky and had me stumped until I finally got it. After playing another CE this week that was puzzle heavy, I am happy to find a game with bit more balance between HOPS and puzzles. The puzzles in The Imaginary World are far more enjoyable and not the frustrating toggle/spin types that I happen to dislike.
If you prefer the CE version of games this one includes morphing objects, collectible items, and puzzle pieces to find located in the various scenes in the game. If you love earning the achievements then you will be happy that there are 18 of them in this game with many of them being multi-part. Other extras include the standard fluff such as wallpapers, artwork, screensavers and soundtrack, a bonus chapter, and a 47-page strategy guide. This developer always includes a ton of extras in their CE games so they are a very good value if you happen to love finding extra goodies and taking advantage of the in-game strategy guide.
The Keeper of Antiques 2 the Imaginary World is not, IMHO, as good as the first game but maybe I feel that way because I am becoming a bit tired of fantasy games and would like to see a bit of variety with some mystery or sci-fi games in the mix since a steady diet of one thing becomes rather boring. That being said, although this is not a stand-out game it is still quite good. When writing my reviews I try to remember that there are always new gamers who have not played as many HOPA games as some of us and they are probably as enthusiastic over the HOPA genre as I was many years ago. So in deference to some of the newer gamers I will say that The Keeper of Antiques 2, the Imaginary World is a game full of discovery, great gameplay, and a lot to do. All in all it is a very entertaining and enjoyable game with an interesting storyline. As always I suggest that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The mind is a powerful enemy in this gripping thriller!
Overall rating
4
/
5
113 of 140 found this review helpful
PUZZLES, PUZZLES, AND MORE PUZZLES
PostedJanuary 26, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI solve a puzzle and then there is another. I know there is a HO game here somewhere
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You and your special paranormal abilities are on the job once again in The Hangman, the sixth game in the Mystery Tales series. This time you have been contacted by a police inspector who has been investigating a series of suicides that he suspects are really murders with an out of this world motive that only someone with your abilities would be able to understand.
I happen to like this developer and their wonderful graphics created using beautiful hand-drawn artwork that is rich in color. For me the graphics appear very clear with no fuzziness at all. The other technical aspects include:
4 Modes of Gameplay – Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Custom
Hints and Skips Recharge in a range of 15 to 90 seconds in Custom Mode
You have an interactive map that is found early in the game.
Your other tool is those special glasses that allow you to see “beyond this world.”
The HOPS, at least the few in the demo are interactive and multi-level list type. There is nothing new or unusual but they are well-designed and they are fun. If you don’t like searching for items there is an alternative game to play. Many of you know that I happen to love puzzles in a game but there are too many of them in the demo, even for my liking. I know many gamers do not care for puzzles in their HOPA games and I think that after trying the demo, many of them might choose to skip the game altogether. It is only my opinion, but I felt that the overabundance of puzzles interfered somewhat with actual gameplay. The puzzles are not all difficult but one or two did take some patience to solve. At first I thought the puzzles were terrific but finding one after another they quickly became tiresome. There are many gamers, including myself, who love puzzles in HOPA games but the mistake here is that the game soon becomes bogged down with puzzles. For those who don’t like puzzles there is always the skip button.
4 Modes of Gameplay – Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Custom
Hints and Skips Recharge in a range of 15 to 90 seconds in Custom Mode
You have an interactive map that is found early in the game.
Your other tool is those special glasses that allow you to see “beyond this world.”
The HOPS, at least the few in the demo are interactive and multi-level list type. There is nothing new or unusual but they are well-designed and they are fun. If you don’t like searching for items there is an alternative game to play. Many of you know that I happen to love puzzles in a game but there are too many of them in the demo, even for my liking. I know many gamers do not care for puzzles in their HOPA games and I think that after trying the demo, many of them might choose to skip the game altogether. It is only my opinion, but I felt that the overabundance of puzzles interfered somewhat with actual gameplay. The puzzles are not all difficult but one or two did take some patience to solve. At first I thought the puzzles were terrific but finding one after another they quickly became tiresome. There are many gamers, including myself, who love puzzles in HOPA games but the mistake here is that the game soon becomes bogged down with puzzles. For those who don’t like puzzles there is always the skip button.
If you prefer the CE version of a game, this one includes the following goodies - 15 morphing or cursed objects, 19 puzzle parts, 18 ghostly pounds, achievements, a pet collection, replay of 17 hops and 20 mini-games, 15 wallpapers, 10 concept artwork, music, a sneak peek puzzle, cursed items exhibit, strategy guide and bonus chapter. The game seems quite long having 7 chapters and a 60 page strategy guide.
Since I love games from this developer I will buy the Hangman, even though there are far too many puzzles in the demo. Perhaps the developer should realize that a few loud voices who always want more puzzles do not make up the entire HOPA loving crowd. IMHO, there should be a realistic balance HO scenes, puzzles, storyline and gameplay otherwise a game may lose a large number of sales since not all HOPA game lovers are into puzzles. That being said, the game is still a buy for me. Who knows, maybe I will feel differently about all the puzzles as I play the full game. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if Mystery Tales the Hangman is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
What's waiting for you in the Shadow Realm?
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 74 found this review helpful
EVEN A NEW MAGE CAN SAVE HIS FRIENDS
PostedJanuary 21, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromPlaying a beautiful game while counting those raindrops that keep falling outside my window
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Ah, today is a very special day and it is the day that you will finally be confirmed as a mage. The path hasn’t been easy but it was well worth the effort and now you must face your first real test. Something is not right in Grimsdale and the Arch Mage, Archie, has dispatched Veronica to the scene. No sooner has Veronica passed through the portal than things go terribly awry and Archie is injured by the falling debris. Now it is up to you to pass through the portal, save Veronica, and put your newly earned status to the test. Armed with your courage and special spell you must now face the challenges in Grimsdale and learn what has happened so that you can save the day!
Although the graphics might appear cartoonish, they are created with brilliant and gorgeous hand-drawn scenes. At least on my laptop and large monitor, the graphics are crystal clear with no fuzziness at all. As is the case with most new games there is a custom mode of gameplay included so that you can fiddle with the various settings. Your tools include a map and, most importantly, your new bracelet that will hold various spells. Of course nothing is ever easy in HOPA land so you must find the crystal spells first before they can be used.
I love the HOPS in the game that are varied in style with many being interactive and multi-tiered. If you happen to enjoy puzzles, then this third game in the Shrouded Tales series is most likely one that will keep you happy. I found that a few of the puzzles were difficult and some of course that seemed a bit frustrating but still I did manage to get through them by taking my time. IMHO, puzzles add a lot to HOPA games and they break up the monotony of just playing through a story to find lost or broken items. The puzzles in The Shadow Menace are well crafted and most are fairly easy to get through as you save the day in Grimsdale.
If you prefer the CE version of a game then in the Shadow Menace you can collect cards scattered throughout the game. IMHO, the game is what I consider CE-light meaning that there is not a lot of extra content. Of course there is the strategy guide that you might need if you are fairly new to playing HOPA games.
Had I not been “hungry” for a great fantasy game to play, I might have passed on the weak CE version of the Shadow Menace since I don’t think there is enough extra content to warrant the higher cost. However, I do love the Shrouded Tales series and always have found them to be excellent games. Even though you might think the game seems easy because of the cartoonish graphics, there is a lot to do and find as you move from scene to scene. Even with as many HOPA games as I have played, I had to use the hint button more than once to keep me on track. Since I stopped playing to write my review, I am now anxious to jump back in and continue playing this wonderful game. Not everyone likes fantasy type games but if you do, I can recommend the Shrouded Tales series. Happy gaming friends!
I recommend this game!