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:
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 74 found this review helpful
A THRILLING ADVENTURE TO SEARCH FOR A FABLED ARTIFACT
PostedJanuary 31, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromOn a race to find the fabled Spear of Destiny before it is too late
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It is 1942 and the world is at war. You play the game as an agent who has been charged with finding and destroying an important relic before the enemy can get its hands on it change the outcome. Set off on a dangerous journey full of adventure and intrigue, as you search for the Spear of Destiny. What I love about this game is that it is a departure from the everyday storyline of an ancient evil entity that wants to reincarnate and take over the world. Well, that and also because it has the thrill of adventure that it is reminiscent of my all-time favorite “big screen” hero.
Although the game is an SE, it certainly comes with most of the bells and whistles that we expect to find in CEs even though the strategy guide and bonus game are missing. The graphics are amazing and crystal clear on my large screen monitor. The overall soundtrack is excellent with the exception of the flat and dry voiceovers. The game settings include a custom mode so you can tailor the game to your specifications. Another thing that is refreshing about Spear of Destiny is that we are not inundated with sparkles that literally lead us through the game.
Your tools include a map that IS transportable and my other favorite tool, a diary is also included. Call me old-school but I love the written diary that I can refer back to when I want to check on something. I wish more devs would go back to that concept rather than chewing up memory with replays of cutscenes.
The HOPs are excellent and interactive. Even though most are the list type (my personal favorite) we do have some silhouette type scenes thrown into the mix for variety. The mini-games while not too difficult are fun to complete and while some require memory skills, others just require putting those brain cells to work.
Even though the game is an SE release, which surprised me, it has a lot of things that we normally find in CE games. There are six collections to complete, war uniforms to find and achievements to earn. There is no strategy guide but if you happen to get stuck in the game, you can use the hint or you can check in the game’s forum to see if another member can help you. Often BFG releases walkthroughs so there might be one available in the future. The game also includes wallpapers, concept art, music, replay of HOPs and mini-games.
It seems like I beta-tested this game ages ago and have been looking forward to its release. Now that it is here, it is better than I remembered. Spear of Destiny has a different storyline than the constant evil entity looking for a way back into the world that is the normal fare we are served-up on a weekly basis, and that is refreshing. It is wonderful to see a game from an “indie” dev who periodically comes along with a great surprise for HOPA lovers. What a novel idea to think out of the box and develop a game that cracks the set in stone mold just a little. Even though I love the game and it was an immediate purchase for me, please try the demo to see if it is one you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Track down the truth about your brother’s disappearance!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 35 found this review helpful
Will You Finally Find Your Brother?
PostedJanuary 29, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromTrying to find my brother and finally put an end to these dreams
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Our story begins with a revisit to Sullivan’s River where twenty years ago where several people vanished including your brother Darren who has been coming to you in your dreams. Your brother’s body was never found so what is he trying to tell you? Maybe this visit Sullivan River and the creation of a memorial might just be the thing to put your mind at ease. As you are preparing the memorial to your brother and the others who are missing you are suddenly whisked away to another reality and this is where the search for Darren really heats up.
The game does offer a custom mode so if you like to set up your hint and skip times here’s your chance. The voiceovers are good but lip sync is a bit odd and sometimes is shown in close-up circles while there is no lip movement in the larger screen and at other times there is lip-sync without the close-up, which makes it seem rather hit or miss. It is not a big thing in the scheme of the game but it points out a lack of attention to detail.
Your tools include an interactive map that is found early in the game. To access your map you will click on the tablet in the lower left section of your screen. The other tool is a rune sign that wards off evil spirits but, beware, you must complete a mini-game before it can be used. The mini-game is not one of my favorites and I am sure those evil spirits would have devoured me before I ever managed to charge the rune if this was real life and not a game.
The HOPS are interactive and multi-tiered meaning that in many of them we must first find so many of two types of items to open the scene. Even though the list of items to find in some of the HOPS, they were a bit challenging at times. If the game has a strong point, it is the puzzles. There are far more puzzles than there are HOPS and although some of them are easy many seemed more difficult. I particularly disliked the rune activating puzzle because I often find that type of puzzle frustrating.
There is not much to say about the CE content because it is fairly standard and you either like the CEs or you don’t. For those of you who want to know there are collectibles and morphing objects.
In Soul Catcher we are AGAIN dealing with an evil being who steals souls and I am becoming so bored with this overworked theme. Can’t anyone come up with something new? I keep thinking, and I must be wrong, that game developers are very creative but obviously they only know how to do one thing repetitively. Although we are revisiting Sullivan River, Soul Catcher is more of a fantasy type game with lots of color rather than the decaying camp setting of the original game. Even though I am tired of the storyline theme, I do like many of the puzzles, and overall found the game playable and entertaining. It was easier in Soul Catcher to figure out where to go and what to do because of the interactive map but I found the puzzles a bit more difficult. My plea to game devs is that with the start of a new year, perhaps they can close the book on this rehashed storyline and come up with something refreshing. I am still going to give the game high marks for graphics and gameplay because I am sure that there are many of you who will be over the moon with the game. As for me, it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for but there is always next year. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if Soul Catcher is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 116 found this review helpful
IS THE AVENGER REALLY A GHOST?
PostedJanuary 28, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The legendary Paxton Creek Avenger has returned (or has he) and he has a major grudge against the Mystery Trackers organization. Our Avenger seems to believe that the Mystery Trackers is somehow responsible for all the “sins” in the world. So what does he do? During a performance at the opera he kidnaps the daughter of the MT organization’s chief so now it is time for you to step up to the plate and rescue Ann before it is too late. With your loyal pal, Elf, by your side, you set off on an adventure to rescue Ann and put an end to the Avengers crime spree.
The gameplay modes include: Elf, A la mode, Avenger, and Detective. The Detective mode is customizable and you can set your hint and skip times by using the slider bars. However, the times are not specified so you must rely on what you think they might be but I found that the lower end of the bar is almost an immediate reset. The graphics are wonderful and the lip-synced voiceovers are excellent.
The game’s tools include an interactive map and your canine companion. Even though I have become very weary of animal helpers or other game gimmicks, the MT series just wouldn’t be the same without Elf. Of course since I have a little chihuahua that looks almost identical to Elf, I can’t help but love him.
There are various types of interactive HOPs that we are all familiar with by now. There are no surprises here but I love HOPS no matter the type and that is why I am a huge fan of these games. The mini-games are also familiar but very well-crafted and were better than I expected. There are some multi-level puzzles that extend the gameplay and make us think a bit more. I am such a fan of puzzles in a game and they are terrific in Avenger.
The CE content includes collectibles, photo pieces and morphing objects. Of course the standards are included as well. All in all Mystery Trackers Paxton Creek Avenger is a great CE value and one I recommend.
Mystery Trackers Paxton Creek Avenger is a five-star game that I would rate higher if possible. Every move is not obvious and it requires some thought to figure out what the next step should be. The entire package from the graphics to the sound is excellent. After a couple of games in the series that left me rather bored, I am happy to see an MT game that goes back to the basics of great gameplay with excellent HOPS and mini-games. To say I loved the game is almost an understatement. I know that many of you are extremely underwhelmed with Elf but I can’t imagine a Mystery Trackers game without him. His antics are very cute and I think he is quite dapper in his little doggie tuxedo. Even though I love this game, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
When an age spell drains your vitality, will you save your family?
Overall rating
5
/
5
59 of 71 found this review helpful
A NEW LOOK AT THE WITCHES' LEGACY SERIES
PostedJanuary 22, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Quite frankly I had hoped that the Witches’ Legacy series had finally met its end after the last game so I was quite surprised to see yet another one come along. I was becoming quite bored with the series even though I love the dev and always look forward to their games. We now have a new saga in the series and it is sort of a prequel I guess as I am having some difficulty coming to an understanding of the story. There is a tie in of sorts that I am sure will develop as the storyline evolves.
Awakening Darkness begins when you (Jack) arrive home for dinner with your mom and sister Nikki. What you stumble on when you open the door is almost beyond belief as you see a witch who has possessed your sister and turned your mom into an old woman. Will you be able to save the day and restore the balance before you too succumb to the witch’s curse and turn to dust?
The graphics are quite good and very colorful. One of the things I enjoy most in games from this dev is that there is such attention to detail and one never knows what will respond when items are clicked. IMHO, I have almost as much fun clicking around the screen to see what happens as I do playing. It must take a huge amount of work to make all of the little items in a game respond and I certainly appreciate the effort the dev puts into their games.
I love the interactive map that is provided in games from this dev. The map not only helps us transport quickly from place to place but it also shows where we have collectibles and morphing objects to find – a very helpful feature.
The HOPS and puzzles are just about what we would expect to find with some being multi-level and very interactive. The puzzles are easy except I always hate the “Simon Says” type where we need to repeat the sequence. I always struggle with those and once I hit my tolerance level I need to use the skip button.
As is usual for this game dev the CE version has collectible puzzle pieces and morphing objects hidden in each scene. Sometimes the morphing objects and collectibles are difficult to spot but I don’t give up until I find them. The rest of the CE content is the standard stuff that we expect to find in CEs. That being said, I think the collectibles and morphing objects make the CE very worthwhile.
Do I like the game? Well, I certainly appreciate the new storyline that is different than the overly-done story of Lynne and Edward. I appreciate all of the fun little details in the game along with the excellent graphics and sound package. All in all it is an entertaining game and one that I am enjoying as I delve into the tale of Morgana, Cassandra and the new family they have caught in their snare and battle of the witches. Even though this game is perfect for me, please try the demo to see if it is one you will like.
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity Collector's Edition
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
5
/
5
71 of 135 found this review helpful
ANOTHER DAY ON THE JOB! AT LEAST I HAVEN'T BEEN REPLACED BY A PUPPET YET
PostedJanuary 21, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You play the game as a detective: I am sure that comes as no surprise! You receive a letter from the mayor of Saltsbruck asking for your help in finding his daughter who has gone missing. There have been reports of a monster with glowing eyes seen at night in the streets and the mayor is concerned for his daughter’s life.
The game offers four choices of gameplay Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. In the custom mode the hints and puzzle skips recharge in a range from 10 to 200 seconds. One of the interesting things about the game settings is that you can choose your gender and appearance. The graphics are excellent as are the voiceovers.
Aside from the interactive, transporter type map we don’t seem to have any other tools – no pet helpers, and no gimmicks – so we can just play the game using our brain power to get things done. What a novel idea!
It seems that most games follow the same pattern now with very little difference in the types of HOS they offer. There is a mix of styles including the story type where we find the item according to the highlighted word and another where we find items by their silhouettes shown on a page. The first couple of puzzles during the demo were fairly easy but I did have a problem making sense of what to do when following the formula to fill the glass heart. The puzzles are nothing new but they are still what make the gameplay fun for me so as long as they are entertaining and not over-the-top frustrating, then I am very happy.
There are collectibles and achievements but not much else in the way of extra content. As much as I love this team and their floppy bunny ears, I must admit that they don’t give us much in the way of incentive to purchase their CE games. Of course, we do have the integrated strategy guide and a bonus chapter so that might be enough for some of us.
The Puppet Show series have not been at the top of my list of favorite games in recent years but after a few missteps, I must admit that they got it right with Puppet Show the Face of Humanity. As I was playing through the demo for the game I was so impressed with what an excellent game the bunny team has created this time around. One of the things I enjoyed was the humorous dialogue that had me laughing out loud. As I exited the coach at the beginning of the game, I felt like I was getting the captain’s reminder to collect my belongings as I leave an airplane – lol. The storyline in the Face of Humanity is excellent and I knew right away that I wanted to play the entire game. Everything in the beta left me wanting more and I have been eagerly waiting for the full release. Now that it is here, the game is an instant buy for me but, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if you might agree that this is an excellent game.
I recommend this game!
Your son is lost in a deserted mansion. Discover the strange things that occurred here to save your child!
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 114 found this review helpful
AN EXCELLENT "SLEEPER" GAME THAT CAUGHT ME BY SURPRISE
PostedJanuary 18, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromGet ready to use your brain as you play your way through this wonderful game
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Every once in a while we get a great “sleeper” game that turns out to be wonderful and Parallels Cross is definitely that game and one that is worth keeping. The storyline might be familiar but that is okay with me because the gameplay makes up for what the story might lack in originality.
The graphics are surprisingly good but there are no voiceovers. The written dialogue is understandable and that goes a long way in making up for the lack of voices. There are not a lot of bells and whistles in the game so what you see is what you get.
Your tools include a journal and an interactive map. The other tool you need to rely on is your brain along with your ability to solve problems. It seems like it has been so long since we have had a good game where there is no hand-holding to guide us every step along the way.
There are some great puzzles in the game as well as good HOP scenes. In some ways the game plays more like an adventure game as we go about finding solutions to the problems we encounter. Yes, in many ways the game seems rather old school but in other ways its simplicity achieves a level of challenge that is missing in some of the glitzy, more polished games that come along each week.
Parallels Cross is not a game that you will rush through as it will take some time figuring out what needs to be done where and using what. My little gray cells will surely get a workout with this game – something that has been missing in most HOPA games for quite some time now. Actually finding solutions without glitzy cut scenes and being led by the pinkie to the obvious can be lots of fun.
If you like challenges without in-your-face solutions and stimulating gameplay, then Parallels Cross might be just what you are looking for in a game. Even though the game was an instant buy for me, as always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The mountain town of Glockenverk is in the grip of a dramatic and deadly cold spell. Set out with your trusty feline friend, Mr. Jenkins, to crack the case!
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 88 found this review helpful
THE HANDS OF TIME ARE BEING FROZEN IN THIS FUN FANTASY GAME
PostedJanuary 17, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromUgh, feeding Mr. Jenkins a whole, fresh fish to coerce him to do something was almost too much
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well detective, grab your purrball, Mr. Jenkins and head off to investigate another Ominous Object. This time you have been called by Heinrich the Clockmaker to a town called Glockenverk (really – LOL). When you arrive you meet Kate – after she steals your watch – and that is when you skate head on into your investigation. It looks like Heinrich has run out of sand in the big clock and very odd things are happening in town. People and animals are turning to ice and even some prehistoric beasts are arriving to complete the mystery. Can you help Kate set things right and get the clock ticking again in Glockenverk?
I am not sure where to begin but firstly, the color palette turned me rather blue. I am so tired of the pink, purple, and blue tones used in these types of games but if I can get over the queasiness created by the color palette at least the graphics are sharp and crystal clear. The voiceovers are not bad but then again, they are not excellent.
Your tools include an interactive map AND Mr. Jenkins. Not only do we have an animal helper but now we have to feed him fish to get him to provide his fetch and carry duties. Sorry devs, but this was almost too much for my early morning tummy to handle. I had high hopes that the days of animal helpers might be over but some devs just don’t seem to want to relinquish their purrballs easily. Not only do we have Mr. Jenkins to help us out, we also have a watch that must be charged before use by playing a mini-puzzle that I happen to like the mini-puzzle that must be played
The HOPS are excellent and make up for the disastrous color palette. Even though we might visit the HOPS more than once (something that doesn’t bother me) they are different each time. If for some reason you find the HOPS difficult, you can play an alternate match-3 game. The puzzles are usual and not too difficult. That being said, I play almost every HOPA game released and my experience has been that the puzzles are generally more challenging as a game progresses so I am not too concerned when they appear easy in the beginning.
Because I don’t care for having to feed Mr. Jenkins fish or the color palette, one would think I didn’t like the game but that is not true. I actually enjoyed the game and the gameplay so with a small deduction for the graphics, the game is a low 5-star game. Even with all the blue and purple, I am ready for something a bit more colorful than crumbling bricks and dreary graphics. I am a big fan of fantasy games so Ominous Objects Trial of Time will be a great game to play on a dreary, cold and rainy day. Even though I like the game, please try the demo to see if Trial of Time is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
3
/
5
45 of 59 found this review helpful
I WISH THIS STORM HAD IGNITED A SMALL SPARK OF INTEREST
PostedJanuary 16, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI think I will stay inside and away from this storm
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A storm is raging when you receive an urgent request from your friend Professor Mann asking you to bring him an ancient relic as soon as possible. Of course while you are flying to meet him your plane is damaged by the ferocious storm and possibly something else. After you arrive at your destination the situation goes from bad to worse as you find yourself now the most likely next victim of this weather phenomenon.
The graphics are good and true to other games in the Rite of Passage series. The voice overs are excellent as are the stormy ambient effects in the game. The game offers a custom mode of gameplay so you can fiddle with settings and tailor the game to the way you like to play.
Your trusty cellphone is your most valuable tool in the game. At least in the demo I didn’t see any special tools or gimmicks but I didn’t want to continue the game so who knows what lies ahead.
The interactive HOPS are varied and interactive but even they seemed boring. Puzzles are super easy and there was nothing electrifying present. Although the puzzles seem easy at first maybe the difficulty level will increase later in the game.
The CE content includes collectibles and treasures to find. The game also includes morphing objects as well those standard achievements to earn by playing the game. The other CE items are the standard fare and fairly slim.
The games from this developer and the Rite of Passage series are generally excellent so I am not sure what happened with Heart of the Storm. Maybe it is just an off day for me but, quite frankly, I couldn’t get enthused about a game that seemed to lack anything that could ignite even a small spark of interest. Overall, the game was boring and flat. I expect so much more from this development team – one that has brought us some innovative and terrific games in the past so now I am left wondering what happened. The demo is fortunately very short because I certainly wasn’t interested in playing much longer. Again it might just be my mood today and even though I didn’t care for the game you might love it. Please try the demo to see if you have a different opinion.
I recommend this game!
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family... or are they?
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 59 found this review helpful
THIS IS A FAMILY REUNION YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS
PostedJanuary 15, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromIMHO, the best Phantasmat ever. This family reunion is full of intrigue and mystery
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
At the end of 2015 there were some absolutely terrific games released and Behind the Mask was one of those. It is only my opinion, but this is probably my favorite game of the entire year. It is suspenseful and has an excellent storyline that kept me intrigued until the end of the game. Following is the review I submitted for the CE release. In the month since the game was released, I have played it three times simply because I loved it and also because there was so much to do. It is without hesitation that I recommend this awesome game to all of you who are looking for a good challenge and some spooky entertainment.
Seems it’s time for a Ward family reunion and what a “killer” event it promises to be. Just beware, don’t drink any tea that Aunt Abigail offers. Phantasmat Behind the Mask is an awesome game in a series that has been quite disappointing in recent years. But after playing the game’s beta release, I could hardly wait until the full game was released. IMHO, Behind the Mask is everything a Phantasmat game should be and more.
As you arrive at the family mansion and take a look at the gloomy old, family estate, that should have been your first clue to run the other way, because it certainly doesn’t look like it is ready for what should be a festive occasion on a beautiful May evening. Once you make your way into the estate there should have been a sign that said “welcome to the family reunion from you know where.” It isn’t long before you realize that there is something very wrong with the members of the Ward family and you must protect yourself from their murderous intent.
The graphics are excellent and create the perfect setting for Behind the Mask. What a terrific job the developer did in capturing every detail in the decaying mansion to bring this game to life. I love the music, ambient sounds and the excellent voiceovers. Because I was so immersed in the storyline and the graphics, I almost believed that I was the one dealing with my departed relatives.
The HOP scenes are some of the best I have seen in a long time. Some of them are the progressive scenes where you must obtain one item to find the next. Even if the HOPS are not progressive, many of them are multi-level and contain puzzles to solve as you locate certain items. If you don’t want to find items in the HOP there is an alternative match-3 game that you can play. As is the current trend most of the puzzles in the game are fairly standard and easy to solve, although they do become a bit more difficult as the game progresses. There is a mini super puzzle early on and I am hoping there will be at least one or two full super puzzles later in the game. There is wide variety in the puzzles that is sure to keep most of us happy as we play through the game.
The CE version has morphing objects, collectibles, achievements and all of the other goodies we expect to find from this developer. Of course the in-game strategy guide is one important feature of all CE games and very useful, particularly if you are new to playing HOPA games. Overall the game is a fairly decent CE value.
To say that I love this game is an understatement. I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Behind the Mask and now that it has arrived, it certainly lives up to my expectations. We have a more in-depth look at Abigail, Claude, Norman, Lisbeth, Patrick, and Thomas as we delve into the Ward family history. The game seems longer than most and it is a bit challenging as it is not easy to find some items and figure out what to do with them. Of course the game was an instant buy for me and I didn’t bother to download the demo but it might not be for everyone. Please try the demo to see if Behind the Mask is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 100 found this review helpful
A GORGEOUS FANTASY GAME FULL OF SURPRISES
PostedJanuary 14, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromTravelling through this gorgeous game as I save Queen Clio and the worlds from disaster
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely love the Reflections of Life series. Each game in the series is well-crafted and long (at least for me because I am a gawker and look at everything). The games are beautiful with gorgeous graphics that are stunning. This game is so full of things to look at and to click on just to see what happens. If you enjoy a feast for the eyes then this might be the game and series for you.
In Dark Architect, the worlds are under attack and Queen Clio was saved in the nick of time by your uncle as she was about to plummet to her doom. A meeting of the guardians has been called and you, Grace, have been sent to assist Queen Clio and to prevent the destruction of the Worlds by some unknown evil force and its minions. Using your wits, and aided by your trusty owl, you will overcome a multitude of challenges in this incredible game.
The game offers four modes of gameplay including the custom mode. As noted above the graphics are terrific and rich in color and clarity. The voiceovers and sound complete the package making this an extremely impressive game. The game has five chapters plus the two bonus chapters that are included in the CE version. My experience with the previous games in the series is that the chapters are long. The strategy guide has fifty-two pages and that is usually an indication of game length.
Your tools include an interactive map, your owl companion, and special lenses that you will find as you move forward in the game. Each lens can be used only once and must be activated before use by playing a mini-game but in this case it adds to the fun.
The HOPS are very well-designed and puzzle-like. There are many different styles in the mix but if you don’t want to search for items or figure out how to complete the scene, you do have the option of switching to a match-3 game. The mini-games, although not too difficult, are a lot of fun with many of them requiring a lot of thought.
The CE content is an excellent value and, IMHO, very deserving of the CE label. There are sixty-five observers to be found throughout the game and not all of them are easy to spot. One of the things I like about the game is that there is a pop-out on the left side of the screen that indicates how many observers must be found in each scene, which is very helpful if we want to make sure all of them have been found. Other collectibles are surprise gifts but, at this point, I have no idea what they might be. Additional extras include two bonus chapters, a strategy guide, music, wallpapers, videos, and the option to replay the HOPS and mini-games.
By now you are aware that I think this is a wonderful game. Even though I am rather tired of the storyline of some evil bent on destruction, with the gorgeous package in this game it can be overlooked. Of course, the game was an instant buy for me and one that I will replay many times in the future. If you want a beautiful fantasy game with excellent gameplay features, then Reflections of Life Dark Architect might just be the game for you.
I recommend this game!