Well, I do ask that a game provides me with the option of removing all the help and allow me to struggle through solving the mystery on my own. ERS gets an enthusiastic thumbs-up from me for this one, stumped on the hardest mode right in the first minutes of game-play.
It was supposed to be a routine mission. But when a dragon attacks your plane, crash-landing in a lush valley, you're drawn into the adventure of a lifetime!
I really do appreciate how so many developers are trying to provide as much of a challenge as possible to those who crave it. Custom modes usually get it right, allowing me to turn off EVERYTHING that would provide help moving through the game.
Un-checking Indicate Plus Items doesn't actually hide plus items, which some games are good at doing. All un-checking does here is to make the plus sign silver in color, instead of red when Indicate Plus Items is checked. If plus items were truly hidden, this would be a 5-star purchase.
I recommend for intermediate or beginner players, not for experts.
I don't know what all the low ratings are about - this is great fun! Yes, it's gory, and I like that sort of thing. The developers were kind enough to warn those of you who are faint of heart right in the beginning.
I'm never invested in these "tales" reminding me that much of Poe's actual stories, only in whether I can choose the hardest mode and lose myself in gameplay - I had no trouble here. Like my title says, 90 minutes flew by while I worked with no hints or sparkles and enjoyed the crisp artwork. I look forward to collecting the usual CE bells and whistles: wallpapers, concept arts and screen savers.
I do still wonder what happened to Dupin's French accent, though...
I recommend this game!
+4points
5of6voted this as helpful.
Redemption Cemetery: Clock of Fate Collector's Edition
Can you undo the past and set the trapped souls free?
This storyline is not for the faint of heart. If the cheesiest monster movie gives you nightmares, don't try this one. As someone who enjoys a good nightmare, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
As for gameplay, I always enjoy reading and having to think about the correct object to click. But also liked having the choice to switch to an alternate mode - good challenge to make switching modes part of the achievements, too.
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
That is disappointing because I loved his deep French accent in past Dark Tales. Can't imagine what the developers were thinking there, but they haven't lost their storytelling touch. Another twist on a Poe mystery with lovely artwork. Took more than a minute to get the hang of the magic mirror, but once I understood its purpose I was glad to have it as an investgative tool.
I laughed at the graphic content warning, thinking how bad could it be? But, it is a delightfully disturbing story for those of us who like a good nightmare once in a while.
I'm surprised at the number of players who compliment the art. I found too many instances where I saw a pomegranate or mushroom when said item didn't appear on the list of hidden objects. The story saves it though, so I will play part 2...
I don't recommend this game.
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
PuppetShow: The Price of Immortality Collector's Edition
Your friend vanishes after investigating the mysterious Theater of Emotions
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Now that's the Puppet Show I know & love!
PostedApril 4, 2015
LaVonNadine
fromLos Angeles, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
ERS has redeemed itself after the disappointing "Lightning Strikes." Clear and colorful artwork, crazy horror-filled storyline, customized gameplay for us hardcore players who don't want clues about where to look. Allowing the player to choose to play as male or female is a nice touch.
If they choose to keep the stories coming in this same vein, I'll keep playing...
I recommend this game!
0points
1of2voted this as helpful.
PuppetShow: Lightning Strikes Collector's Edition
The women of Paris are being turned into puppets! Can you find out who's pulling the strings?
The PuppetShow series has been my #1 favorite ever since I joined Big Fish for art, storyline continuation and challenges. But I couldn't ignore so many 1 & 2 rated comments, so I decided against trying this one - UNTIL IT WON AN END OF YEAR AWARD.
So I jumped in, loving the art as usual. Was pleasantly surprised to find I could choose a style of art with which to play: classic or steampunk. Loved reading a find list and having to think about what the image might look like, but having the option to switch the view if I wanted. Loved meeting a new group of characters set in a different location with a brand new mystery to solve.
Oh how I wish ERS didn't find it necessary to hand-hold me through hard mode. The tutorials continued even after I chose to skip the very first one - I turned the trial off after only 20 minutes.
Crisp artwork and one of the most imaginative stories I've ever played. Who would've thought that just maybe, Death could be tamed by a beautiful woman? Most of the mini-games gave me a headache, but that is after all one of the reasons I play: to be made to ponder.
Looking forward to completing the remaining Riddles...
Eerie music fills the air in Vienna, where shadows terrorize people in the streets. Two musical prodigies have gone missing. Can you save them without striking a single false note?