I just finished playing the standard edition trial and after reading the reviews of the Collectors Edition, I purchased the CE instead of the SE. I can't wait to play the extra bonus chapters. Read the reveiws of those who have played them. I think playing as a villain would add interest. I loved the story and graphics the artwork is awesome. I enjoyed this game immensely. I got a little grossed out on the blood, but it's only a game, it's only a game... I made it to the mansion and have to purchase this game. I can't stand the suspense, I have to play it. I loved the mini games they were challenging, and the HO searches are great, no itty bitty teeny tiny can't find it items in this game! Everything about this game meets my qualifications, it's fun, interesting and not too hard, and it's logical sequence and visuals and intriguing story that keeps me playing.
I liked the game until I had to find the fractured pieces to make up an item. The graphics were great up until finding the pieces. They were not well hidden like some of the other games I've played, so I gave this game a lower score than it should have had. The pieces were like an afterthought. The hidden object scenes were fine and finding items to use were rather difficult. Luckily, I could use the hints and the tasks along with the stategy guide to direct my moves. I would not have advanced without it, since one of the first things I had to find the screwdriver and I would never had been able to guess where it was. I don't think I will purchase this game. It is different that they combined the various game play, which makes it interesting, but it's not very intuitive and this distracts from the fun of playing.
I will definitely buy this game. The mini games and hidden object scenes were well thought out and detailed and artwork is exquisite. The minigames were pretty easy to figure out, but they took a lot of thought. They didn't follow the standard type of mini game that you see in almost every game. It makes this game so different from the standard HOG. I love all of the detail and especially the background critters, the bugs and mice and moths, etc. They added a nice touch of movement. The fish in the fountain hidden object search was sweet, who would have thought to add that touch, It was brilliant! This game has so much depth and detail. The game is logical and takes a lot of thought about what to do next. The only drawback for me was the pause in shifting to the next scene. It didn't take a lot of time, but it was annoying, especially when you go back and forth between areas. I hope this game will set the standard for future hidden object games.