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:
Can you save the Metzengerstein line before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
31 of 42 found this review helpful
A FAMILY FEUD TURNS DEADLY OR DOES IT?
PostedAugust 19, 2016
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Detective Dupin is back in the latest Dark Tales game Metzengerstein. You have traveled with Dupin to Hungary at the request of Mary von Metzengerstein whose daughter was attacked by what she calls a ghost. After you arrive on the scene you find that the attack could have been the result of a very long family feud. So now it is time to roll up your sleeves and delve into a new Dark Tales mystery. Alas, my favorite game detective has undergone some changes in recent years and he now looks rather worn and tired but I guess being involved in all these strange mysteries over the years has taken its toll; or maybe it is because he is now traveling in one of those rare and dangerous, early automated carriages that caused problems in the mid-19th century – lol.
The graphics are as dark and gloomy as they are in most of the EAP Dark Tales games, and in Metzengerstein they create a perfect setting for the game’s theme. The sound package was mediocre at best with the voice acting being very bland, with not even an attempt at the proper accents. The game offers four modes of gameplay including a custom setting. In the Custom mode you can set the hint and skip buttons in a range of 5 to 200 seconds. There are 5 chapters in the game and when the demo ended I was beginning Chapter 3 so this might be a short game. Your tools include an interactive map and also a camera that will provided filmed clues.
The HOP scenes are fairly standard but do include some variety. During the demo there were two storybook type HOPS where you must find the bold print items that are hidden in the scenes, a standard list type scene, and one where you find a certain number of an item. Most of the scenes are revisited but they usually change in “type”. I didn’t notice an option to switch to an alternate match 3 game rather than looking for objects.
The mini-games were well integrated into the gameplay but they were fairly typical of puzzles normally presented by this developer. I didn’t find any of them to be difficult during the demo but they usually become more challenging as the game progresses. One feature I like is that we can choose the level of difficulty on some mini-games. My least favorite types of mini-games are those manual dexterity types, particularly the ones where we are racing along a path and must avoid obstacles.
Dark Tales Metzengerstein is a study in family dynamics. What happens when your family is embroiled in a long-term feud that has deadly consequences? As much as I love this developer, the Dark Tales games are not my favorites and this game seems somewhat tedious and plodding – at least in the beginning. I love good mystery games and this one does have an interesting storyline. Even though there was one scene that I found rather gruesome, I did forge onward to solve the mystery. I was surprised that the full game is better than I initially thought it would be. I highly recommend that you try the demo before you buy to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
The HOP scenes are fairly standard but do include some variety. During the demo there were two storybook type HOPS where you must find the bold print items that are hidden in the scenes, a standard list type scene, and one where you find a certain number of an item. Most of the scenes are revisited but they usually change in “type”. I didn’t notice an option to switch to an alternate match 3 game rather than looking for objects.
The mini-games were well integrated into the gameplay but they were fairly typical of puzzles normally presented by this developer. I didn’t find any of them to be difficult during the demo but they usually become more challenging as the game progresses. One feature I like is that we can choose the level of difficulty on some mini-games. My least favorite types of mini-games are those manual dexterity types, particularly the ones where we are racing along a path and must avoid obstacles.
Dark Tales Metzengerstein is a study in family dynamics. What happens when your family is embroiled in a long-term feud that has deadly consequences? As much as I love this developer, the Dark Tales games are not my favorites and this game seems somewhat tedious and plodding – at least in the beginning. I love good mystery games and this one does have an interesting storyline. Even though there was one scene that I found rather gruesome, I did forge onward to solve the mystery. I was surprised that the full game is better than I initially thought it would be. I highly recommend that you try the demo before you buy to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The ones who touch the artifact must die. Will you be next?
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 119 found this review helpful
SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER NOT TO FIND ANCIENT TREASURE
PostedAugust 18, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Sometimes collecting or finding ancient artifacts can be very dangerous as you soon discover in the new Myths of the World – Island of Forgotten Evil. Your uncle was in possession of such an artifact and before you know it you are involved in intrigue and even something more deadly. Although the game has us again dealing with an evil entity (a theme that happens to be carved in stone here at BFG) I still happen to really like this game. I have found some of the puzzles a bit more difficult than those in some recent games and that is something I appreciate. The HOP scenes were excellent and varied with some being the multi-level type that this developer introduced to the genre.
The graphics are excellent as are the voiceovers and various other sounds in the game. We have the standard modes of gameplay as well as a custom mode where you can fiddle with various settings when setting up the gameplay. Your tools include an interactive map and an amulet, a dreadful gimmick that I dislike. Now that the pet helper craze seems to have for the most part ended it has unfortunately been replaced by these gimmicks that seem to be in every game that is released. IMHO, they are nothing more than something thrown into a game to extend the game length and oftentimes I think they interfere with the game’s flow.
The CE version of the game include collectible lyres, morphing objects, achievements to earn, a bonus chapter, strategy guide, wallpapers, video, pictures, a souvenir room, skipping stones, and a replay of HOPS and puzzles. This is a decent CE package that many of you might like.
Although the game theme is familiar, the storyline is very good and grabbed my attention once the game kicked into high-gear. As always it took a bit before the game moved along – after I escaped a burning house, and started following the clues left by my uncle. Yes, the game is what many might consider cookie-cutter but I happen to love most games from this developer who knows how to present a well told story and include the things I enjoy in HOPA games. Some might find the game easy but I enjoyed the level of challenge that was not too overly difficult but at the same time was not as easy to figure out as some games. I enjoyed the variety in the puzzles and that there seemed to be more of them than HOP scenes. I think the game has something for everyone and particularly gamers who might be new to the genre. For me the Island of Forgotten Evil is another great addition to the Myths of the World series and one I know will provide several hours of entertainment. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
A young woman joins the Order of monster hunters and discovers its dark secrets.
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 69 found this review helpful
AN EXCELLENT GAME WITH A WELL-TOLD STORYLINE
PostedAugust 14, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromThere is no way I want to meet a Koshmaar face to face.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In this latest offering in the Grim Legends series, “The Dark City”, you play the game as Silvia, a member of the Order who lost her memory in an accident a year ago. As an apprentice to Master Solomon you hunt monsters that don’t belong in this world. W when the game begins you are off to meet with him at an abandoned theater where a monster, most likely a Maskwraith, has recently been seen. You soon learn that the sighting is a trick to draw Master Solomon away from headquarters where the Incarceri stones that imprison the dreaded Koshmaars (monsters who feed off the negative emotions of people who then are turned into their servants) are locked away in its vaults. With the Incarceri stones missing you and Master Solomon begin an adventure to return the stones and the Koshmaars to its vaults before disaster is unleashed upon the world.
The graphics are excellent as is the sound package including the voiceovers that are some of the best I have heard in recent games. Although there is a custom mode, unfortunately it does not allow you to turn of the dreaded misclick penalty in the HOPS. Really? I, as others, hate that penalty and one would think that would be obvious to the developer. Your tools include an interactive transporter type map that is present at the beginning of the game.
The Dark City has more mini-games than HOPS so those of you who love puzzles will be very happy. As is typical there are varying levels of challenge in the puzzles with some being very easy while others are quite challenging. Even though there are more mini-games than HOPS, the HOPS that I found seemed to include some variety. There were a couple of the storybook HOPS as well as the traditional list type scenes that were included in the demo but hopefully there will be some other types as I continue with the full game. Although there was nothing really new or different in either the HOPS or the mini-games those that are included in the demo are still entertaining.
The Dark City has more mini-games than HOPS so those of you who love puzzles will be very happy. As is typical there are varying levels of challenge in the puzzles with some being very easy while others are quite challenging. Even though there are more mini-games than HOPS, the HOPS that I found seemed to include some variety. There were a couple of the storybook HOPS as well as the traditional list type scenes that were included in the demo but hopefully there will be some other types as I continue with the full game. Although there was nothing really new or different in either the HOPS or the mini-games those that are included in the demo are still entertaining.
Grim Legends the Dark City is an excellent game with an exciting storyline and wonderful characters. I have been eagerly awaiting the games release since playing the beta many months ago. The full game did not disappoint and it was much better than I even suspected. The story is well-told and it holds together throughout the game. I don’t want to say too much and give them away but there are a few surprises in store as you play through the game. The developer has done an excellent job with bringing some fresh ideas that make The Dark City is probably one of the best games I have played this year. Even though I love this game, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your world from darkness in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
64 of 94 found this review helpful
CAN LORELEY PREDICT AN END TO SEQUELS?
PostedAugust 13, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromLooking through my library of older games to find something worthwhile to play
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
In yet another game in the endless cycle of sequels this time in the Reflections of Life series, we find (yep, you guessed it) an evil entity trying to reincarnate and take over the world. Have all developers become brain dead and need only old ideas to create their games. Something that was once novel has become so overused that it is numbing.
The Reflections of Life series has been terrific in the past but, honestly, I struggled to make it through to the end of the demo. Yes, the game does become a bit more interesting at the end of the demo but I am tired of throwing away my cash at something that really has nothing new to offer in return.
Some of the HOP scenes were good but even those didn’t grab me. The puzzles, although entertaining, were so easy that they required no thought whatsoever to complete.
The CE package is unremarkable as well with collectible familiars to find in each scene. Other extras include the standard fluff along with a strategy guide – but in a game with very little challenge, the strategy guide isn’t needed.
Since the inception of CE games I have purchased almost every HOPA that was introduced until recently. The games have become so trite and boring that I have not purchased three of the recent releases. I am longing for some challenge and innovation in HOPA games. Very easy, boring and laughable CE games (and lousy sale incentives) mean that I won’t be adding to BFG’s bottom line this week. For those of you who love the Reflections of Life series, I urge you to try the demo before you buy because, like me, this might be a game you choose to skip. Hopefully, we will see better games in the coming weeks. Maybe Loreley can use her crystal ball and predict an end to sequels.
I don't recommend this game.
Return to Blake's Mountain to save an innocent family!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 38 found this review helpful
RETURN TO BLAKE'S MOUNTAIN AND HELP HANK HUNTER
PostedAugust 12, 2016
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The latest game in the League of Light series “The Gatherer” is a return to Blake’s Mountain and is a tie-in of sorts to “Wicked Harvest” a very popular game that was released in 2014. Once again we have our little scarecrow helper but this time we witness his transformation from average boy to scarecrow as he is trying to help us very early in the game. It seems that evil is afoot in Blake’s Mountain and Hank Hunter has the feeling that he is being watched and has requested help from the League detectives. You arrive in Blake’s Mountain expecting to meet with Hank but instead you are greeted by a guard who refuses to believe that you are a detective sent by the League to help, particularly because someone else is masquerading as the League detective. It is not long before you find yourself in chains and now you must escape before you will be able to help anyone.
The graphics are not as excellent as they were in the earlier games in the series and seem to be a bit washed out. It is also rather ludicrous that we have the Hank Hunter sounding and looking as if he is a member of the Confederate Army in the US while he is from Blake’s Mountain in Ireland. There is a custom game option available but IMHO it is rather useless.
Your tools include a transporter type map and a little scarecrow helper who I happen to think is quite cute. I know some gamers hate helpers and I don’t always mind them but guess it happens to depend on the helper, the game and my mood – lol.
The HOPS are extremely well-crafted and excellent. There is a lot of variety so I doubt you will become bored as you play through the game. I personally am fairly old-school and love the standard list type HOPS but those are what were available when I began playing HOPA games ages ago. The mini-games are almost too easy at times and not as entertaining as the HOP scenes. Generally the minis increase in difficulty as we play through the game so I am holding out hope for so more challenging puzzles later.
The CE version of the game is fairly light on extras so it is a matter of preference between buying the CE or waiting for the SE release a month from now.
The CE version of the game is fairly light on extras so it is a matter of preference between buying the CE or waiting for the SE release a month from now.
We all like different things in games but I was surprised at the low ratings given to the game by some other reviewers. I happen to love the League of Light series and although the graphics might not be as terrific I still am enjoying the gameplay. It took me a bit longer to get started and to figure out what to do when I first arrived at Blake’s Mountain but once I found the one item I needed, I moved forward quite easily. I actually liked the storyline and found the game quite entertaining. After completing the game, I still believe that it is quite a good game, although not the best in the series. Even though I love this game, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your new friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
35 of 59 found this review helpful
A DISAPPOINTING GAME IN A ONCE GREAT SERIES
PostedAugust 11, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromPerhaps the Magic should disappear with a selfie!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Gerard Dewitt is a young Parisian inventor whose employer thinks he lacks the intellect and creativity to come up with any worthwhile invention. Soon after being fired Gerard encounters a man who gives him the Lumina Camera and tells him that he will soon be famous – for a price that is!
The game graphics are crisp and lovely but something about the game left me feeling that it is the same as every other game I’ve recently played and definitely not as good. As if the game being the same old thing is not enough, I had to suffer through really bad dialog and flat voice acting. The story had so much potential to become an excellent game but it was so choppy in execution that it fell flat. I have enjoyed some of the games in the Ominous Objects series but just couldn’t become enthused over Lumina Camera. It is a rather so, so game with nothing new to grab me and hold my interest. Not only is the game boring the puzzles are very easy. After playing an excellent HOPA last week that had everything I love, this game is soon to be relegated to the good ole laptop trash bin.
There is not much to say about the game because I really couldn’t suffer through more than about 10 minutes of choppy play and storyline. Watching Mr. Jenkins splash around in a puddle was the only interesting and fun thing about Lumina Camera. I did manage to play long enough to make it through one HOP scene and a few of the simple puzzles but that’s it. Nothing new and nothing remotely interesting shows that this development team needs to find its magic - something that was lost along with Gerard Dewitt’s job. Many of you might enjoy this game and find it perfect for your gaming tastes, but for me it is a total waste of time. As always please try the demo because Lumina Camera might just be a game you will like.
I don't recommend this game.
It's up to you to save the Swan Princess’s kingdom!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 36 found this review helpful
THE SWAN PRINCESS NEEDS YOUR HELP, OR DOES SHE?
PostedAugust 7, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromA good Dark Parables but I really miss my cup of tinted tea!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In this latest installment of the Dark Parables series you have been called in to investigate the theft of the magic seed that is the key to reviving the Goddess Flora who keeps the balance of nature. What is even worse and beyond imagination is that the suspected thief is a high-ranking member of the prestigious Swan Guard whose members are all pledged to protecting the Goddess. Travel on a journey through this magical land to meet with the princess and help her in her quest to find the missing Magic Seed.
Although the original developer of the series retains the name rights, there is nothing left of them in the recent games that have transitioned to another top BFG game developer. The graphics lack the depth and beauty of the original artistic team and now have that misty washed out appearance that is typical in games from the big E team. In many ways the graphics are comical and lackluster by comparison. Unfortunately, where the difference in style is most noticeable is in the FROG scenes that now are flat and lack the gorgeous style of the originals. I hate to say it but I struggled through the first FROG scene because most of the fragments needed were so muted that they disappeared within the scene, which is where the artistic difference is most apparent. IMHO, I believe the game deserves low five-star rating even with the change in graphics style.
With the Swan Princess and the Dire Tree being a Dark Parables game most of the HOS are the FROG type with a few traditional HOPA scenes thrown in for good measure. As I commented above the FROG scenes created by the new developer are not nearly as much fun as those in the original series. I hate to say it but the word tedious is most appropriate. For the most part the mini-games seem easy but there are a few that are more challenging.
Yes, the Swan Princess and the Dire Tree might not be as glorious as the original Dark Parables games but it still is a very good HOPA/FROG game. The storyline held my interest and, apart from the first tedious FROG, the gameplay was entertaining. I am an avid fan of the Dark Parables games and, even though the series is not quite the same, it retains enough of the original premise that it is one I will add to my collection. Even though I like this game, please try the demo to see if it is one that you will enjoy.
Yes, the Swan Princess and the Dire Tree might not be as glorious as the original Dark Parables games but it still is a very good HOPA/FROG game. The storyline held my interest and, apart from the first tedious FROG, the gameplay was entertaining. I am an avid fan of the Dark Parables games and, even though the series is not quite the same, it retains enough of the original premise that it is one I will add to my collection. Even though I like this game, please try the demo to see if it is one that you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The head of the Maybard family has been murdered!
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 44 found this review helpful
A GOOD MYSTERY GAME
PostedAugust 7, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromA good mystery but could have done without the gimmicks
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Just like many others, I have been waiting for a good old-fashioned mystery but I am not sure about this one. As an investigator with special paranormal talents, you have been called to investigate the recent murder of Emmett Maybard. Not only was Emmett murdered but his sister has had an attempt on her life as well. Of course since it is a murder mystery it begins with blood spatter but fortunately it is mostly left to the imagination. As much as I love a good mystery game, IMHO, this game bogs down from the first moment when I had to use my special ability to search for clues. I absolutely hate this feature and when that was the first thing I had to do upon beginning the game, it was almost the last. Fortunately, I plodded onward and the game does become much better.
The graphics are excellent except that some of the characters seem comical, particularly the butler who sort of hops rather than walks when he answers the door. Aside from that the graphics seem excellent and crisp. The voiceovers are also extremely good. The game also offers a custom mode where the hints and skips can be set for 1 second, which I am sure will appeal to many.
You have an interactive map and then a gimmicky monocle to use that allows you to see auras. As I mentioned above, I hate this gimmick and almost didn’t continue in the game because I dislike it so much. Your other tool is an investigation kit that allows you to dust for fingerprints.
The first mini-HOP is searching for obscure clues when arriving at the Maybard Estate and I hated that particular opening scene. The next HOP was silhouette that had almost unidentifiable renderings of the objects to find. The silhouette type HOPS are my least favorite unless they are well-crafted and this one was not. Fortunately the HOPS are varied in style and some are excellent. The mini-games are very good and although most are easy there are a few that offer more challenge.
Cursed Cases Murder at the Maybard Estate is an excellent quality game that I am sure will appeal to many HOPA lovers but for me it felt tedious and rather boring. The use of the gimmicky monocle was an item that I believe bogged down the momentum of the game. Since I had a free game coupon I did get the game but it will probably sit in my GM until I have nothing else to play. Even though I didn’t care for the game I am sure many of you will love it and find that it is just the type of game you have been waiting to play. As always, I suggest you try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
After an explosion at Stonehenge, fiery and icy portals appear!
Overall rating
5
/
5
70 of 136 found this review helpful
A GORGEOUS VISIT TO STONEHENGE AND BEYOND
PostedAugust 6, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Labyrinths of the World Stonehenge Legend is a wonderful fantasy game – in fact one of the best in ages! Once again your sister Margaret has ended up in trouble and she turns to you for help. Doing what older sisters always do, you rush off to the legendary site of Stonehenge to save Margaret after an explosion damages the circle of stones. The graphics are gorgeous and the game is full of creative HOP scenes and fun puzzles. Your tools include an interactive map that is present at the beginning of the game, and a diary or journal that keeps track of your tasks and other notes. Happily, I didn’t find any gimmicky tools or animal helpers, aside from brief encounters with a few critters that were helpful and then gone. There is a custom mode available for those of you who like to set your own gameplay options.
Trouble has found your sister Margaret once again and you receive a tearful call from her asking for your help. Margaret was doing research at the famed Stonehenge when a disastrous explosion injured her and took the lives of her colleagues. When you arrive at the site you realize that Margaret is lucky to be alive. Now begins the investigation where you will find there is more to those fabled stones than you ever thought possible. Will you be able to restore balance to Stonehenge and prevent the catastrophe from causing even more cataclysmic damage to your entire world? Learn the answers you seek as you enter Stonehenge and beyond to another gorgeous world that is also in danger.
Stonehenge Legend has some beautiful HOS that are varied with some being quite interactive. Although some of the puzzles seem familiar, they are somehow different with some requiring a lot of thought to solve. During the demo I skipped several of the puzzles because I didn’t want to take the time to solve them at that point. Once I get into the full game, I can take more time to figure out some of those trickier puzzles.
The CE version of the game is loaded with extras. There are several types of collectibles to find, morphing objects, achievements and all of the other standard items we expect to find in a CE game.
I love this game and, at least for me, it is so much better than the other games in the series. I found the storyline grabbed my attention and I wanted to know more about what caused the disaster at Stonehenge. The characters were interesting and, although I wasn’t too fond of some of the voice acting it is still a very interesting and entertaining game. In recent months I have become a bit bored with the same old theme in HOPA games and I love it when a game developer steps outside of the box and shows a great deal of creativity. It is refreshing to see a game that doesn’t deal with evil beings or witches striving for world dominion. Honestly, I am looking forward to seeing more games that move a bit further from the supernatural and concentrate more on a good mystery or well-told story. This developer has nailed it with a game that should be a definite contender for game of the year. I’m hoping that the next Labyrinths of the World will be just as terrific as Stonehenge Legend. As always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I love this game and, at least for me, it is so much better than the other games in the series. I found the storyline grabbed my attention and I wanted to know more about what caused the disaster at Stonehenge. The characters were interesting and, although I wasn’t too fond of some of the voice acting it is still a very interesting and entertaining game. In recent months I have become a bit bored with the same old theme in HOPA games and I love it when a game developer steps outside of the box and shows a great deal of creativity. It is refreshing to see a game that doesn’t deal with evil beings or witches striving for world dominion. Honestly, I am looking forward to seeing more games that move a bit further from the supernatural and concentrate more on a good mystery or well-told story. This developer has nailed it with a game that should be a definite contender for game of the year. I’m hoping that the next Labyrinths of the World will be just as terrific as Stonehenge Legend. As always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
Stop the evil Princess of Hearts and discover your true destiny!
Overall rating
5
/
5
84 of 102 found this review helpful
A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY?
PostedAugust 4, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Bridge to Another World series continues with this new game of shadows, shards, and possibly a case mistaken identity in an excellent new spin on the “Wonderland” story. Although my favorite game in the series is The Others, Alice in Shadowland is a huge improvement over the original game. The graphics are excellent, and when paired with excellent voice acting the Friends team has created a game that is sure to become a favorite of many gamers.
In the game you play as Alice who may or may not be the “real” Alice who once fell into Wonderland. As a wife and mother your life is busy but you still have a passion for jogging; however, on this particular morning run you are pushed into the water and that is where your journey into Shadowland begins. You will meet some rather familiar characters as you try to restore order and escape the realm that is now ruled by a tyrannical princess.
You will find an interactive map early in the game along with other tools, some of which fall into the gimmicky category. The tools are not difficult to use but somehow I don’t see the purpose of inserting these time-fillers into what, IMHO, could be an excellent game without them. You also have your cell phone that serves as a flashlight or a camera when needed.
The HOPS are very well designed and some items are difficult to find. I had to put my little brain cells to work in some of the scenes as it wasn’t always obvious what an item might be. The scenes vary in style with some list type scenes while others are in storybook format. The puzzles seem a bit easy to me but they were still fun to complete. Most of the puzzles have been seen before but with the developer’s spin that makes them unique to Shadowland.
Along with the regular extras that are included in most CE games we have collectible cards and then morphing objects to find. The collectible cards are easy to spot but the morphing objects are sometimes difficult to find. There is a pop-out on the left side of your screen that will let you know how many cards or objects are to be found in a particular scene.
The Alice in Wonderland theme has never been a favorite of mine but I think Shadowland shows a great deal of creativity for the Friends group. They have put together a game that has great gameplay and all of the elements I love in a game. As I write this, I am still trying to figure out who Alice might be but I am sure that I will find the answer as I play more of the game. For me the HOPs and puzzles are well-integrated into the game which makes the gameplay flow seamlessly into the storyline. Although I had not played the beta release for the game I knew after the first twenty minutes that Shadowland is the type of HOPA game I love. Many of the games I have enjoyed in the past have come from this group of Friends who continue to bring out some of the best HOPA games available and I know that Shadowland will continue that tradition. Even though I love the game, please try the demo to see if Shadowland is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!