JustTheFacts's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,148
- Reviews Submitted:681
- First Review:December 7, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Someone is killing the guests at a mountain resort, and you could be next if you don't figure out the mystery and solve a Mountain Crime!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Something A Little Different
PostedJanuary 22, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO/COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It was only on my third attempt that I was able to get into this game. It is slow to start, and I found the early adventure gameplay not at all obvious and generally confusing. Well, there is a little bit of that throughout, but eventually it doesn’t seem to matter much.
It was only on my third attempt that I was able to get into this game. It is slow to start, and I found the early adventure gameplay not at all obvious and generally confusing. Well, there is a little bit of that throughout, but eventually it doesn’t seem to matter much.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The cut scenes, of which there are many, use the 3D technique of adventure games, which I personally don’t like. They did a better job with this game than with most, but you have to laugh. The main character’s chest and waist have been exaggerated so much, he looks more feminine than manly. The game locations themselves are all clear and well done.
The cut scenes, of which there are many, use the 3D technique of adventure games, which I personally don’t like. They did a better job with this game than with most, but you have to laugh. The main character’s chest and waist have been exaggerated so much, he looks more feminine than manly. The game locations themselves are all clear and well done.
The soundtrack is good. You may find your character’s voice acting a little over the top, but again, it is well done. The music is very good in that it offers lots of variety and is very exciting at times.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You are a doctor who receives an emergency call from the White Wolf Hotel. Rushing to get to the hotel, you barely escape a car wreck. Your patient has disappeared, the hotel staff are AWOL, and another guest is dead.
You are a doctor who receives an emergency call from the White Wolf Hotel. Rushing to get to the hotel, you barely escape a car wreck. Your patient has disappeared, the hotel staff are AWOL, and another guest is dead.
Other guests behave suspiciously, there is an escaped lunatic out there, and now the weather has washed away the roads and you are stranded. The more you explore the hotel, the more bodies you find. How are they all connected? That question is never sufficiently answered for my taste.
GAMEPLAY
This is more an adventure lite game, with HOPs and puzzles that punctuate the struggle to find out what’s going on. The HOPs are a little different, in a scene, you will trigger a ring that depicts 6-8 items in greyscale. These make up the necessary components of whatever is needed. For example, a vacuum cleaner, or the items needed to clean an area. They are an interesting variant, but I don’t think I’d want too much of it. The HOPs get harder as the game progresses, with objects in the circle being less obviously a specific thing, so it starts to be more like a fragmented object puzzle.
This is more an adventure lite game, with HOPs and puzzles that punctuate the struggle to find out what’s going on. The HOPs are a little different, in a scene, you will trigger a ring that depicts 6-8 items in greyscale. These make up the necessary components of whatever is needed. For example, a vacuum cleaner, or the items needed to clean an area. They are an interesting variant, but I don’t think I’d want too much of it. The HOPs get harder as the game progresses, with objects in the circle being less obviously a specific thing, so it starts to be more like a fragmented object puzzle.
One weird thing I noticed in this game. If you need, say, a screwdriver, there will be several identical screwdrivers within the scene. And it doesn’t matter which one you click on, it will be accepted. I can think of no reason other than to make the puzzle a little easier, for why the developers did this.
There are quite a few puzzles, not heaps but some, and they are interesting and quite different from the norm. Hint is directional and you have an interactive map that tells you where you have active tasks. It doesn’t let you jump, though, so there is a fair amount of back and forth in a moderately complex geography.
COMBINED IMPACT
Not a bad game. I did finally enjoy it. I dislike the fact that I am still not entirely sure of the back story and how everything ties together. Still, as a DD or for a punchcard coupon, I think it is okay.
Not a bad game. I did finally enjoy it. I dislike the fact that I am still not entirely sure of the back story and how everything ties together. Still, as a DD or for a punchcard coupon, I think it is okay.
I recommend this game!
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 30 found this review helpful
Shocking, Compelling, Baffling!
PostedJanuary 22, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
INTENSE!! This game gives new meaning to the word. Telling this story involves looking at some of the uglier sides of life, so this game is right on the edge of decency. And it is a VERY challenging game to play. The feel of it is that of the more heavy duty of adventure and RPG games. Almost everything you need to do you must work out for yourself, and it is rarely a straightforward process.
INTENSE!! This game gives new meaning to the word. Telling this story involves looking at some of the uglier sides of life, so this game is right on the edge of decency. And it is a VERY challenging game to play. The feel of it is that of the more heavy duty of adventure and RPG games. Almost everything you need to do you must work out for yourself, and it is rarely a straightforward process.
It opens with a news report, that looks totally believable, and segues into a series of increasingly insane flashes on some disturbing construction work. Then the madman reveals his goal – to “make you understand”. Well, nothing good can come from trying to understand Charles Dalimar!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The professionalism in the introduction is carried on throughout the game. Graphics are superb. The sound track is varied, exciting, deadly, restful and silent, depending on where you are in the game. Background and ambient sounds are, frankly, distressing, and for part of the game I had to turn them off.
The professionalism in the introduction is carried on throughout the game. Graphics are superb. The sound track is varied, exciting, deadly, restful and silent, depending on where you are in the game. Background and ambient sounds are, frankly, distressing, and for part of the game I had to turn them off.
Dalimar is really spooky, face and voice. Integrated from actual video, but suffering from poor reception, he nevertheless seems more real, more dangerous than your surroundings, and that works very well with what’s happening.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
It’s hard to give an indication of the story without spoiling it. You return to Ravenhearst manor after a series of disappearances in the surrounding area. The house is a burnt out wreck. The lighthouse is barely functional. Seems everything has been destroyed. The ghosts of Emma and the others try to warn you away, but offer to help you when you won’t leave. But their power is limited, whereas Dalimar’s...
It’s hard to give an indication of the story without spoiling it. You return to Ravenhearst manor after a series of disappearances in the surrounding area. The house is a burnt out wreck. The lighthouse is barely functional. Seems everything has been destroyed. The ghosts of Emma and the others try to warn you away, but offer to help you when you won’t leave. But their power is limited, whereas Dalimar’s...
MAKING PROGRESS
Where to start? In keeping with the tradition of the Mystery Case Files series, Escape From Ravenhearst takes some radical departures from the known and accepted. And after years of hand holding from other games, this game gives us almost no help at all. There is no map. There is no hint outside HOP scenes. The journal keeps story info but does not record clues. There are times when there is no information, no logic about where next to look, and you must systematically scour the area for signs of new information. The game geography is complex and strange, and with no map, very hard to navigate.
Where to start? In keeping with the tradition of the Mystery Case Files series, Escape From Ravenhearst takes some radical departures from the known and accepted. And after years of hand holding from other games, this game gives us almost no help at all. There is no map. There is no hint outside HOP scenes. The journal keeps story info but does not record clues. There are times when there is no information, no logic about where next to look, and you must systematically scour the area for signs of new information. The game geography is complex and strange, and with no map, very hard to navigate.
Then there are the HOP scenes. These are not like any others. You are given the number of MORPHING objects in a location and no other information. Included in the scene will be other objects with other roles, and there may well be some that require more than one move. They are far more difficult than you’d imagine, because the entire scenes are in constant motion. I completed only one scene without the use of the hint button. And I usually don't use any hints at all for HOPs.
There are also a couple of standard word list HOPs, including one which is a sketch book and cleverly done. There are also plenty of other very challenging puzzles. Most of them were too difficult for me to complete without the help of the walkthrough and/or skip. Even using a code or clue is more difficult than it seems at first glance, because you must interpret the information in unusual ways.
FINAL VERDICT
However you look at it, this game is not a walk in the park. It is a gruesome and gruelling trek through madness and hate. Yet, it is undeniably, compulsively, involving. Audacious and challenging, it is a MCF ‘tour de force’.
However you look at it, this game is not a walk in the park. It is a gruesome and gruelling trek through madness and hate. Yet, it is undeniably, compulsively, involving. Audacious and challenging, it is a MCF ‘tour de force’.
I recommend this game!
Jack's fiancée Emily was kidnapped by mysterious scientist! Can you unravel the mystery of the secret bunker and save Emily before she is used in dangerous experiments?
Overall rating
4
/
5
60 of 71 found this review helpful
Rats, Bats, Rust & Tunnels
PostedJanuary 22, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is a well-produced standalone SE. There are no bells and whistles of course, but its low key start is paired with crisp graphics and solid gameplay. Although not a world beater, this is a game with a unique story and enough of interest to keep you going.
This is a well-produced standalone SE. There are no bells and whistles of course, but its low key start is paired with crisp graphics and solid gameplay. Although not a world beater, this is a game with a unique story and enough of interest to keep you going.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are excellent, with clear and sharp images, pseudo-realistic. Though dark in places, the HOPs always have enough light. There is a lot of rust and grunge. This is not a ‘pretty’ game. The opening movie is very 3D adventure game stuff, which I personally dislike, but it is done well.
The graphics are excellent, with clear and sharp images, pseudo-realistic. Though dark in places, the HOPs always have enough light. There is a lot of rust and grunge. This is not a ‘pretty’ game. The opening movie is very 3D adventure game stuff, which I personally dislike, but it is done well.
One thing I really liked is that instead of black bars on the side of the screen when in WS mode, there is appropriate wallpaper. Even better, this changes from location to location and is actually a nice addition to the atmosphere.
The sounds are excellent. Particularly Emily’s scream. The music is unobtrusive. There are no voiceovers past the couple of lines in the opening scene (at least, not yet, we’ve not run into any other person so far).
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Out camping one night, you and your fiancée are attacked by a strange robed man. When you come to, you find Emily has been dragged off into a secret bunker. Following her is not easy, the bunker is only accessible through a rust-ridden, damp and dingy set of tunnels, where the only living things you have seen are rats and bats. But you must make the most of the resources around you to survive and rescue her.
Out camping one night, you and your fiancée are attacked by a strange robed man. When you come to, you find Emily has been dragged off into a secret bunker. Following her is not easy, the bunker is only accessible through a rust-ridden, damp and dingy set of tunnels, where the only living things you have seen are rats and bats. But you must make the most of the resources around you to survive and rescue her.
GAMEPLAY
This is your average HOPA game. There are perhaps more puzzles than you’d expect (23). They vary from easy to tricky, and at least some of them are original. They suit the game very well.
This is your average HOPA game. There are perhaps more puzzles than you’d expect (23). They vary from easy to tricky, and at least some of them are original. They suit the game very well.
The HOPs (10) are visited twice. They are standard interactive word lists, but were a little bit more challenging, even on the lower of two difficulty levels. The items requiring interaction are indicated in the list, but there is no gears or hand cursor when you hover over them, and no sparkles to point them out.
There is no map, and the journal is good mostly for summarising the game thus far. The hint is directional and quick to refill. There is a lot of black bar commentary in this game, and much handholding. Apart from some tricky puzzles, the game is not hard, so many will find this extra layer of assistance annoying. Even I was mildly irritated by it.
COMBINED IMPACT
The game is a bit slow. I feel that I should have achieved more in the 35 mins the demo took. All things considered, nothing much had happened. Otherwise, I think this is a good game, particularly for a standalone SE. I love that the story setting is so totally different from any other. Although it is not really something I could get into, many will like it much more than me.
The game is a bit slow. I feel that I should have achieved more in the 35 mins the demo took. All things considered, nothing much had happened. Otherwise, I think this is a good game, particularly for a standalone SE. I love that the story setting is so totally different from any other. Although it is not really something I could get into, many will like it much more than me.
I recommend this game!
Emma`s soul is free. But a dark secret still lurks in Ravenhearst Manor. Return to Ravenhearst to continue this tale of twisted love.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
MCF’s 1st HOPA
PostedJanuary 21, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The change from this game and the previous Mystery Case Files games is enormous. In fact, they are no longer really in the same genre. This is a HOPA, with hidden object puzzles, assorted other mini-games, and a little wandering around style adventuring. The intro made it clear that despite being a continuation of the previous Ravenhearst story, it would not be a simple carbon copy.
The change from this game and the previous Mystery Case Files games is enormous. In fact, they are no longer really in the same genre. This is a HOPA, with hidden object puzzles, assorted other mini-games, and a little wandering around style adventuring. The intro made it clear that despite being a continuation of the previous Ravenhearst story, it would not be a simple carbon copy.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Once again, this game’s graphics improve on its predecessors’ markedly, but in this case it is the difference between bearable and unacceptable levels of quality. Although the HOP scenes are better than the locations, both are still a little grainy and blurred. However, not enough to detract from the game. There are also a lot of very dark scenes, and they can be annoying. The ghosts are incorporated into the game very well.
Once again, this game’s graphics improve on its predecessors’ markedly, but in this case it is the difference between bearable and unacceptable levels of quality. Although the HOP scenes are better than the locations, both are still a little grainy and blurred. However, not enough to detract from the game. There are also a lot of very dark scenes, and they can be annoying. The ghosts are incorporated into the game very well.
The creepy music! The ghostly voices! The eerie surrounding sounds. The soundtrack is good indeed. The music sounds almost orchestral, and is richly varied.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Ravenhearst continues to work its (dark) magic on you, and you have come back. Emma says there are other souls to be freed from this evil place. Again you search the manor for clues. This time, though, you are truly part of the story. You must decide where to go next, and what to look at or for. And you, eventually, must face Dalimar.
Ravenhearst continues to work its (dark) magic on you, and you have come back. Emma says there are other souls to be freed from this evil place. Again you search the manor for clues. This time, though, you are truly part of the story. You must decide where to go next, and what to look at or for. And you, eventually, must face Dalimar.
GAMEPLAY
This is no longer just a HOG, so it is a much more complex game to play. Most of the game still consists of HOPs, with those puzzle boards again. But there are less of them than in the past, because now you must find your own way around. The HOPs are now zoom-in windows, there is occasionally a little animation (bugs crawling around – ick), and are only visited twice . Hint shows you where an inventory item can be used. I hate this type of hint. Usually, it doesn’t help at all, because the area is not yet opened up. And hint takes 5 (!!) full minutes to refill.
This is no longer just a HOG, so it is a much more complex game to play. Most of the game still consists of HOPs, with those puzzle boards again. But there are less of them than in the past, because now you must find your own way around. The HOPs are now zoom-in windows, there is occasionally a little animation (bugs crawling around – ick), and are only visited twice . Hint shows you where an inventory item can be used. I hate this type of hint. Usually, it doesn’t help at all, because the area is not yet opened up. And hint takes 5 (!!) full minutes to refill.
The puzzles other than the boards are not that easy, and there’s no instructions with them, but you have a skip for them. Skip is quick. 30 minutes is added to your time, but there are no time restrictions for it to make a real difference. I found the adventure game play very hard. There never seemed to be anything I could do. The journal is quite good, but there’s no map. Somehow, however, I battled on without the walkthrough.
COMBINED IMPACT
This is the first Mystery Case Files game that is a HOPA, and I imagine it caused quite a stir at the time. While I still am uncomfortable with the graphics, this game is doable. But it is also a tough game for those of us spoiled by all the help we get today. It really isn’t my cup of tea, but as a DD or punchcard game, it’s not bad. Particularly if you like dark games, or are a collector.
This is the first Mystery Case Files game that is a HOPA, and I imagine it caused quite a stir at the time. While I still am uncomfortable with the graphics, this game is doable. But it is also a tough game for those of us spoiled by all the help we get today. It really isn’t my cup of tea, but as a DD or punchcard game, it’s not bad. Particularly if you like dark games, or are a collector.
I recommend this game!
The history of Ravenhearst Manor is shrouded in mystery. Unlock the secrets within this episode of Mystery Case Files™.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Interesting Antique
PostedJanuary 21, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This, the third game of the Mystery Case Files series, is also the first of the series-within-a-series, the Ravenhearst games. I can see in this game the origins of some of the great traditions for which MCF is known. But it is still an archaic game, and not much fun to play.
This, the third game of the Mystery Case Files series, is also the first of the series-within-a-series, the Ravenhearst games. I can see in this game the origins of some of the great traditions for which MCF is known. But it is still an archaic game, and not much fun to play.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Ravenhearst is miles more sophisticated than the first two MCF games. Not only are the graphics much better, but the gameplay and story treatment improves too. But the graphics are still awful, the HOP scenes are still junkpiles of irrelevant stuff, and some items are still tiny or partially hidden. The jigsaw games at the end of each chapter are distorted by the no-WS stretch, and are therefore more difficult to play.
Ravenhearst is miles more sophisticated than the first two MCF games. Not only are the graphics much better, but the gameplay and story treatment improves too. But the graphics are still awful, the HOP scenes are still junkpiles of irrelevant stuff, and some items are still tiny or partially hidden. The jigsaw games at the end of each chapter are distorted by the no-WS stretch, and are therefore more difficult to play.
I do like the improvements in sound, however. The music is varied, both eerie and suspenseful. There are some great sound effects, and there is the moaning and whispering of faint voices, just out of hearing range. Lovely spooky stuff!
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Ravenhearst Manor’s story is shrouded in mystery and myth. Is it haunted? By whom? Emma’s diary may have the answers, but pages are missing from it. Your latest assignment, Master Detective, is to discover the missing pages, and reveal their secrets. It is a classic haunted house tale. The nice thing about it, is it is a story. One that unfolds for us with the recovery of the diary pages. It is very involving, and even knowing the end, I still found myself looking forward to each new unveiling.
Ravenhearst Manor’s story is shrouded in mystery and myth. Is it haunted? By whom? Emma’s diary may have the answers, but pages are missing from it. Your latest assignment, Master Detective, is to discover the missing pages, and reveal their secrets. It is a classic haunted house tale. The nice thing about it, is it is a story. One that unfolds for us with the recovery of the diary pages. It is very involving, and even knowing the end, I still found myself looking forward to each new unveiling.
GAMEPLAY
This is a HOP game, and there are no inventory items, quests or side tracks along the way between HOPs. But there are puzzles. At the end of each chapter, a jigsaw in sepia must be completed to move on. As well, most locations have a “puzzle lock” to be opened in order to enter them. These are what are now seen as classic MCF puzzle boards, where a series of moves, most of which you can only discover by trial and error and a lot of random clicking, eventually activates a contraption that opens the door. These are far from easy and get harder as you progress, but there is no skip option. You can use your (limited number of) hints.
This is a HOP game, and there are no inventory items, quests or side tracks along the way between HOPs. But there are puzzles. At the end of each chapter, a jigsaw in sepia must be completed to move on. As well, most locations have a “puzzle lock” to be opened in order to enter them. These are what are now seen as classic MCF puzzle boards, where a series of moves, most of which you can only discover by trial and error and a lot of random clicking, eventually activates a contraption that opens the door. These are far from easy and get harder as you progress, but there is no skip option. You can use your (limited number of) hints.
The HOPs are standard word lists, still as cluttered and irrelevant as the other games, and just as irritating. Here, where you need them, the vast improvements in graphics are not so noticeable. You travel across 32 locations (HOP scenes) in the house, repeating some several times.
The game is different in a couple of other ways as well. There are two modes of play, regular and relaxed. Both are timed, but relaxed gives you more time. And we see what I imagine are some of the earliest morphing objects. They are not for collection, simply to add an extra layer of creep and charm to the game.
COMBINED IMPACT
Of its kind and time, this is an excellent game, showing the ability to adapt and improve over the previous MCF games. It is still too archaic, though, to play for fun unless you have far greater tolerance than I for awful graphics and repetitious gameplay. But those puzzle boards are something else!
Of its kind and time, this is an excellent game, showing the ability to adapt and improve over the previous MCF games. It is still too archaic, though, to play for fun unless you have far greater tolerance than I for awful graphics and repetitious gameplay. But those puzzle boards are something else!
I don't recommend this game.
A crime spree baffles Huntsville™ police! Can you help solve the crime?
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Where It All Began
PostedJanuary 21, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first of the most talked about HOPA series on Big Fish, Huntsville was released in 2005. So do not think this is a game which would compare with anything available today. It was wonderful for its time. And is a must have for collectors, but really is too old now for anyone else.
The first of the most talked about HOPA series on Big Fish, Huntsville was released in 2005. So do not think this is a game which would compare with anything available today. It was wonderful for its time. And is a must have for collectors, but really is too old now for anyone else.
I think there’s one lesson to be learned for developers today, though. Laugh!! Perhaps one of the reasons the early Mystery Case Files were such a hit was that they were funny.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
I guess there are worse games, visually speaking, out there even today, but this game is just too difficult to see. The graphics are both blurry and grainy, and many items are tiny or partially hidden. The HOP scenes are very cluttered. The music is decidedly repetitious, and I hate it, but it has become the ‘signature’ tune for the MCF series – at least, most of them.
I guess there are worse games, visually speaking, out there even today, but this game is just too difficult to see. The graphics are both blurry and grainy, and many items are tiny or partially hidden. The HOP scenes are very cluttered. The music is decidedly repetitious, and I hate it, but it has become the ‘signature’ tune for the MCF series – at least, most of them.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You are the new detective, and you have 14 cases to solve, from theft to counterfeiting to malicious damage. Each case stands free of the others, and must be attempted in order.
You are the new detective, and you have 14 cases to solve, from theft to counterfeiting to malicious damage. Each case stands free of the others, and must be attempted in order.
GAMEPLAY
In order to investigate your cases, you must search for clues in various locations indicated on the map. You choose the order. There you will find a dozen or so objects listed in the panel on the right. You get 3 hints, and have a limited time to find all the items. At the end of each level, you have a “swap tiles” puzzle to complete the picture and see who the guilty party is. You then move on to the next case, after receiving your new detective ranking. The levels/cases get harder each time, with more hidden objects, more locations, and less time.
In order to investigate your cases, you must search for clues in various locations indicated on the map. You choose the order. There you will find a dozen or so objects listed in the panel on the right. You get 3 hints, and have a limited time to find all the items. At the end of each level, you have a “swap tiles” puzzle to complete the picture and see who the guilty party is. You then move on to the next case, after receiving your new detective ranking. The levels/cases get harder each time, with more hidden objects, more locations, and less time.
COMBINED IMPACT
I can’t like the game. It is just too old both in style and in quality of production. For those who remember the days when this was first released, I think it would be a great trip down memory lane, but otherwise...
I can’t like the game. It is just too old both in style and in quality of production. For those who remember the days when this was first released, I think it would be a great trip down memory lane, but otherwise...
I don't recommend this game.
Explore the abandoned house and search for the missing heir!
Overall rating
5
/
5
106 of 116 found this review helpful
“Out There” HOG Not For The Faint-Hearted!
PostedJanuary 20, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Did you watch the video? Brilliant! And a good indicator of the game, which is perhaps the best standalone I have seen in months of pretty good standalone SEs. But there’s nothing ‘nice’ about it. This is full-on creepy horror, done in a very different style to any of the other games that claim to be dark and eerie.
Did you watch the video? Brilliant! And a good indicator of the game, which is perhaps the best standalone I have seen in months of pretty good standalone SEs. But there’s nothing ‘nice’ about it. This is full-on creepy horror, done in a very different style to any of the other games that claim to be dark and eerie.
One thing you need to know up front is that it is pure HOG, and very easy, but there are custom settings available. There are also things that may disturb some people. Including really scary mounted hunters’ trophies that you must ‘rekill’. And a disembodied hand. And a boy who looks normal but is creepier still.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Although dark, there is nothing difficult about seeing this game. The graphics are as crisp and clean as the best of them. There is darkness around the edges of the HOPs, but not where you are looking for items, which maintains the atmosphere while not interfering with the game. Items are realistically depicted, and appear to be relevant to the era and story. Everything is very dingy. Unusually, the inventory panel is on the top.
Although dark, there is nothing difficult about seeing this game. The graphics are as crisp and clean as the best of them. There is darkness around the edges of the HOPs, but not where you are looking for items, which maintains the atmosphere while not interfering with the game. Items are realistically depicted, and appear to be relevant to the era and story. Everything is very dingy. Unusually, the inventory panel is on the top.
There are some very well done cut scenes, as well as some sepia film drawings on the history. These are recorded in your notebook, along with tasks, and notes that include recipes, formulae and codes.
When it comes to music, this game gets 10/10 for originality and atmosphere. Some of the music is straight out of a “rave”, hard-hitting, loud and claustrophobic. Most is much quieter, but it nevertheless very original in style and maintains the ominous mood. The voiceovers, although only used for narration, are excellent and very professional. Being indoors, there’s little in the way of ambient sound, but the hollow ringing of footsteps in an empty building.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A haunted house story par excellence. You are invited to find the owner of an abandoned mansion in Scotland. So you tour the rooms of a truly devastated house, where everything is old and rotten and laden with cobwebs. But clearly there are other ‘living’ beings in the house, including a perfectly normal-looking boy who just happens to be able to disappear, and set things on fire, by his wishing it. The exploration of the house, far more than any attempt at finding an heir, seems to be your major preoccupation. You are very much alone and silent, there are none of those black bar comments made by our “inner voices”.
A haunted house story par excellence. You are invited to find the owner of an abandoned mansion in Scotland. So you tour the rooms of a truly devastated house, where everything is old and rotten and laden with cobwebs. But clearly there are other ‘living’ beings in the house, including a perfectly normal-looking boy who just happens to be able to disappear, and set things on fire, by his wishing it. The exploration of the house, far more than any attempt at finding an heir, seems to be your major preoccupation. You are very much alone and silent, there are none of those black bar comments made by our “inner voices”.
GAMEPLAY
As a HOG, this game has very little adventure play. Although you can wander around all over the mansion, most of the items and info you need to progress are found through completing HOPs. These come in several types. There are word lists, item sketches and multiples. There is also an informal kind of HOP where you will find a bunch of one item in a location, like feathers, and will need to collect them, although you are not given any instruction to do so. They’ll just be lying around in suspiciously large numbers. Further into the game, I noticed some of the HOPs included interaction, which you have to work out yourself. Each HOP is visited once only.
As a HOG, this game has very little adventure play. Although you can wander around all over the mansion, most of the items and info you need to progress are found through completing HOPs. These come in several types. There are word lists, item sketches and multiples. There is also an informal kind of HOP where you will find a bunch of one item in a location, like feathers, and will need to collect them, although you are not given any instruction to do so. They’ll just be lying around in suspiciously large numbers. Further into the game, I noticed some of the HOPs included interaction, which you have to work out yourself. Each HOP is visited once only.
There are mini-games, not really puzzles. These include things like using a distillery to obtain an item, or putting together a machine. These tasks are usually helped by a pic of the item/s needed to proceed. Nothing like the sort of thing you need a skip button for, and there isn’t one. Hint, too, only tells you “nothing to do here”. There is an interactive jump map, but I found it mostly unnecessary. There is also a ‘map’ that shows up as the filler when the game is loading (which happens too often), and is not meant to show where you are moving from/to.
COMBINED IMPACT
For some time I’ve pondered why no developer had made a quality game with a decent story and high end production values that was pure HOG. It seemed that only HOPA players could look forward to the best art and imagination. Well, a well-packaged HOG with genuine quality and a specific appeal.
For some time I’ve pondered why no developer had made a quality game with a decent story and high end production values that was pure HOG. It seemed that only HOPA players could look forward to the best art and imagination. Well, a well-packaged HOG with genuine quality and a specific appeal.
I recommend this game!
The Queen's Hope Diamond is gone. No one is talking. It's up to you to recover the stolen gem. You be the detective.
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
Innocent Beginnings
PostedJanuary 19, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, you know, 2008 is a long time ago in the world of games, so it should not be a surprise to anybody that this is a simple HOG with awesomely awful graphics and no ‘bells & whistles’. And, for me, blindingly boring gameplay. For what it is, though, it is still very clever.
Well, you know, 2008 is a long time ago in the world of games, so it should not be a surprise to anybody that this is a simple HOG with awesomely awful graphics and no ‘bells & whistles’. And, for me, blindingly boring gameplay. For what it is, though, it is still very clever.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The HOP scenes are some of the most junky and overstocked HOP scenes you’ll ever see. 100s of items without rhyme or reason, or any connection to the story. Distorted objects, some half hidden behind other things. And some very, very tiny items as well. But somehow, I managed to find all the items on the lists without hint most of the time. There is no animation or interaction, so the scenes look very flat and lifeless. The atmosphere is created by the background sounds. These are on a separate track, so you can adjust for your own preferences on music, sound effects and background noise. The music is like the visuals. There seems no connection between it and what’s going on.
The HOP scenes are some of the most junky and overstocked HOP scenes you’ll ever see. 100s of items without rhyme or reason, or any connection to the story. Distorted objects, some half hidden behind other things. And some very, very tiny items as well. But somehow, I managed to find all the items on the lists without hint most of the time. There is no animation or interaction, so the scenes look very flat and lifeless. The atmosphere is created by the background sounds. These are on a separate track, so you can adjust for your own preferences on music, sound effects and background noise. The music is like the visuals. There seems no connection between it and what’s going on.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Someone has stolen the Queen’s Hope diamond, and you are on the case. You must narrow down a list of 21 suspects by establishing where each of them was at the time of the crime.
Someone has stolen the Queen’s Hope diamond, and you are on the case. You must narrow down a list of 21 suspects by establishing where each of them was at the time of the crime.
GAMEPLAY
For the most part, this is standard HO gameplay of the time, with 22 levels involving 30 locations, each of which is visited 3 times over the course of the game. What makes this game unique is the packaging. Each level represents one suspect, and you receive some (very amusing) background data on the person before launching into a search of the areas relevant to them.
For the most part, this is standard HO gameplay of the time, with 22 levels involving 30 locations, each of which is visited 3 times over the course of the game. What makes this game unique is the packaging. Each level represents one suspect, and you receive some (very amusing) background data on the person before launching into a search of the areas relevant to them.
So, first, the info. Then, at each level, a number of search locations on a map, with a number of objects needed to be found. Each new level includes more locations, and higher levels revisit earlier ones. There is a (very generous) time limit, you score points per level, and you have a limited number of hints per level (5). You only need to get most of the objects listed, usually 2-3 less than the total. At the end of the chapter, you complete a picture puzzle that tells you where the suspect was at the time of the heist. This is MCF, so it’s not skippable.
As the levels progress, they become more and more complex, and you must do more than just find the HOs, or must find them using unique tools or in different ways (e.g. multiples of). Ultimately, though, it is all about the objects.
COMBINED IMPACT
I wasn’t around at the time this game was released, so I don’t know how it compared to others, but even today, many of the strictly HO games are less interesting in the way they present their levels and locations (I’m thinking of series like “Big City Adventures”, where you just seem to go round and round the map and its 25 locations).
I wasn’t around at the time this game was released, so I don’t know how it compared to others, but even today, many of the strictly HO games are less interesting in the way they present their levels and locations (I’m thinking of series like “Big City Adventures”, where you just seem to go round and round the map and its 25 locations).
I can’t handle the graphics, and am not a big fan of pure HOGs in any case, so I’ve played it, and will probably never play it again. It is an interesting artifact for my game collection, but I can’t recommend it for its fun value.
I don't recommend this game.
Monika’s father, the inventor of a teleporter, has mysteriously disappeared! Travel through parallel worlds and save her father.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Good For Strictly HO Gamers
PostedJanuary 19, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is a reasonably old game, so I was not surprised by the comic strip style opening, nor the lack of voiceovers. The intro soon has you ready for an adventure across multiple worlds, with the minimum of backstory.
This is a reasonably old game, so I was not surprised by the comic strip style opening, nor the lack of voiceovers. The intro soon has you ready for an adventure across multiple worlds, with the minimum of backstory.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics, other than the cut scenes, are quite good. Very much in the realistic style, and generally bright and clear enough to see all you need to. There is some blurring of the edges, but not as much as you might expect.
The graphics, other than the cut scenes, are quite good. Very much in the realistic style, and generally bright and clear enough to see all you need to. There is some blurring of the edges, but not as much as you might expect.
The music in the intro was very different and interesting, and in the rest of the game fairly unobtrusive. I must say the environmental sounds were pretty inconspicuous.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Your father has finally put together the transporter you and he have been working on, and while you’re asleep, he tries it out. Something has gone terribly wrong; he has left a note saying that he is being chased by something, and that you must not follow him. So of course you do. The world you find yourself in is Roboworld. A depressing junkyard of rusting and defunct machines. You do find some functional robots, and from them you learn the history of this world. There are some interactions with the robots that are really quite amusing. Your father seems to have become irrelevant, and is not mentioned again.
Your father has finally put together the transporter you and he have been working on, and while you’re asleep, he tries it out. Something has gone terribly wrong; he has left a note saying that he is being chased by something, and that you must not follow him. So of course you do. The world you find yourself in is Roboworld. A depressing junkyard of rusting and defunct machines. You do find some functional robots, and from them you learn the history of this world. There are some interactions with the robots that are really quite amusing. Your father seems to have become irrelevant, and is not mentioned again.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay is a bit interesting. This is a strictly HOP game. No puzzles at all, and limited adventure activity which is kept within a small area of action. There is no hint, no map and the “notebook” keeps only codes picked up and objectives. Still, nothing is super-hard, and a tour of recently played areas soon turns up the solution.
The gameplay is a bit interesting. This is a strictly HOP game. No puzzles at all, and limited adventure activity which is kept within a small area of action. There is no hint, no map and the “notebook” keeps only codes picked up and objectives. Still, nothing is super-hard, and a tour of recently played areas soon turns up the solution.
The HOPs are standard word lists. Some have interaction required, but these items are not indicated on the list. There is little animation in any part of the game, and so the HOP scenes do feel a little flat. The items are pasted into the scene, something I don’t normally like, but it is okay here.
They are sometimes hard to find because they are partially hidden by other objects, and sometimes they are not their full size, but they are rarely actually tiny. The scenes are well lit and as clear as the graphics allow.
Expect to visit an HOP scene up to 3 times. This is where it is interesting. On returning to a scene, you will find the objects have been moved around. Some of the objects you collected will be back again, but in different places! And some new ones will have been added. This simple trick made it quite fun to return to a previous scene.
COMBINED IMPACT
It is hard to decide just how I feel about this game. I like the trick with the HOs, but otherwise I found it dreary without having the virtue of a specifically creepy or dangerous atmosphere.
It is hard to decide just how I feel about this game. I like the trick with the HOs, but otherwise I found it dreary without having the virtue of a specifically creepy or dangerous atmosphere.
It depends, too, on what the other worlds might be like. But I wouldn’t want to be spending a few hours wandering around Roboworld. It was just too depressing, despite the occasional laugh.
Still, it is an excellent HOG for those who want more than unconnected HOPs, but don’t want to be burdened with too much adventure gameplay or headaches from puzzles.
For them ...
I recommend this game!
Is it just a high fever or something much worse? One doctor's house call is about to become an investigation!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Nice HO Game
PostedJanuary 18, 2014
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I surprised myself by really enjoying this game. I bought it on a whim, and didn’t expect much, but it is really quite fun. As long as you like HOPs.
I surprised myself by really enjoying this game. I bought it on a whim, and didn’t expect much, but it is really quite fun. As long as you like HOPs.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are a bit rough at times, but I don’t think they were bad. Instead, it’s more that the game’s looks suffered from a lack of animation. Had there been more of it, I think the impression the game made would have been much better. As it was, it was a bit flat. The music was very much in the background, but sometimes the ambient sound would become distracting. The voiceovers were excellent.
The graphics are a bit rough at times, but I don’t think they were bad. Instead, it’s more that the game’s looks suffered from a lack of animation. Had there been more of it, I think the impression the game made would have been much better. As it was, it was a bit flat. The music was very much in the background, but sometimes the ambient sound would become distracting. The voiceovers were excellent.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
As a doctor you come to the home of a man whose daughter is suffering some unknown ailment, but which seems pretty obvious (to us as players), when we notice the bite marks. The rest of the story is about following clues about the origin of this illness, which means, of course, who exactly has attacked her. In the process, the young patient disappears, so then you must also look to find her. What makes this a bit of a weird kind of vamp story is the beautiful though deadly flowers that seem to be taking over.
As a doctor you come to the home of a man whose daughter is suffering some unknown ailment, but which seems pretty obvious (to us as players), when we notice the bite marks. The rest of the story is about following clues about the origin of this illness, which means, of course, who exactly has attacked her. In the process, the young patient disappears, so then you must also look to find her. What makes this a bit of a weird kind of vamp story is the beautiful though deadly flowers that seem to be taking over.
GAMEPLAY
There are a lot of HOPs, all of them simple word lists, all of them visited three times. I know, it’s a lot, particularly seeing there are not, by comparison all that many puzzles. But the scenes are well drawn, the items easy enough to find, and you do not come back to the same scene too soon – in most cases. The puzzles are mostly familiar, but some were new and fun.
There are a lot of HOPs, all of them simple word lists, all of them visited three times. I know, it’s a lot, particularly seeing there are not, by comparison all that many puzzles. But the scenes are well drawn, the items easy enough to find, and you do not come back to the same scene too soon – in most cases. The puzzles are mostly familiar, but some were new and fun.
As an alternative to HOPs, you could play an old-style brick and paddle game, with the games getting harder as you progressed through the game.
There is a large amount of adventure gameplay, with loads of locks to be opened, inventory items to find and use, and exploring. The hint is directional, and you also have a note book. The map is a jump map, but doesn’t indicate active areas. And it is inside the notebook, which is a pain. Further, each time, it is laboriously unfolded before you can look at it, and refolded before you can leave. It was often easier just to traipse around without it.
Which brings me to one objection I have with this game. Every action is done slowly, whether it is unscrewing a light bulb, or opening a crate with a crowbar, or simply turning a key in a lock. It slowed the game down, and artificially lengthened it, without actual content.
COMBINED IMPACT
I enjoyed this game. As a standalone SE, I believe it rates far better than most. It is a game for HOP lovers, but there’s still plenty of us out there, and many will love this game.
I enjoyed this game. As a standalone SE, I believe it rates far better than most. It is a game for HOP lovers, but there’s still plenty of us out there, and many will love this game.
I recommend this game!