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:
Darkness has engulfed Grimville! Use your cunning and wits to unravel the evil intrigues and save the town!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 55 found this review helpful
Kinda Nutty, But...
PostedNovember 18, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This not a game I would normally find interesting. The graphics are very cartoony, the story is slow and a bit hokey, and there is way too much dialogue. However, it is unique and warrants special attention because of it.
This not a game I would normally find interesting. The graphics are very cartoony, the story is slow and a bit hokey, and there is way too much dialogue. However, it is unique and warrants special attention because of it.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics remind me of the better concept art we get in CE. Roughed out images, thickly applied colours and textures, very dark and noticeable outline. But as that type of art goes, it is pretty good. And the HOPs are more detailed and realistic, with objects clearly defined. The soundtrack is not good. No voiceovers, and there’s lots of dialogue, the music is very repetitive, and ambient sounds are mostly unnoticeable.
The graphics remind me of the better concept art we get in CE. Roughed out images, thickly applied colours and textures, very dark and noticeable outline. But as that type of art goes, it is pretty good. And the HOPs are more detailed and realistic, with objects clearly defined. The soundtrack is not good. No voiceovers, and there’s lots of dialogue, the music is very repetitive, and ambient sounds are mostly unnoticeable.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
This story is told in the opening scenes, which are too long and too many for most of us impatient to get to the action. We are a member of a society dedicated to curbing misbehaving magical beings. It is our job to track down and identify these individuals wherever suspicions may suggest their existence. When we confirm it, we call in the big guns.
This story is told in the opening scenes, which are too long and too many for most of us impatient to get to the action. We are a member of a society dedicated to curbing misbehaving magical beings. It is our job to track down and identify these individuals wherever suspicions may suggest their existence. When we confirm it, we call in the big guns.
MAKING PROGRESS
Our investigation begins in the train station of Grimville, where a suspicious murder has taken place. In order to move ahead, we must talk to many characters, real conversations, and they give us a quest to do before they will give us what we need. They also help with information and tips.
Our investigation begins in the train station of Grimville, where a suspicious murder has taken place. In order to move ahead, we must talk to many characters, real conversations, and they give us a quest to do before they will give us what we need. They also help with information and tips.
At the beginning, the quests seem so inane I thought I’d wouldn’t be able to hang in for the hour, but it improves somewhat. It is definitely a game of the more adventure-style gaming than HOPs or puzzles. In the hour I came across 2 HOP scenes, each visited 3 times, and 2 (easy) puzzles. The HOPs are interactive word lists, very basic. There are also very few items just ‘lying around’ as we go from location to location.
There is a map, but it is vague and cannot be used for help on the next move or as a jump map. There is a goodish journal. Its notes section is pretty well useless, but the task lists are detailed and very helpful. The hint is interesting. It gives us a suggestion of who we should speak to, and directional arrows to take us to where they are. One thing that was very difficult to adjust to was the directions we moved in. Going ahead is never as easy as just point up, or back. Most of the moves from one location to another are sideways and at different angles.
The unique factor that may make all the difference in this game is that, throughout the game we must make choices that affect the ending of the story and what other characters do. Combine this feature with comic book graphics, lots of dialogue with lots of characters, and the quest-driven nature of the gameplay, I think it is best to view this as a mini-adventure game.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I found the whole game a little childish and I suspect there is an attempt at sending up these characters, but I didn’t find the game actually funny. Not a game for HOP fans, but perhaps for those who enjoy adventures, with a little tongue in cheek?
I found the whole game a little childish and I suspect there is an attempt at sending up these characters, but I didn’t find the game actually funny. Not a game for HOP fans, but perhaps for those who enjoy adventures, with a little tongue in cheek?
In the end, though, it is not a game I’d recommend.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel to Urami Island to find Victoria's missing sister.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Okay, But Just Barely
PostedNovember 17, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The low key intro, with its sepia tones and (antique) film grade visuals, set the mood for this game – ominous but also drab. No voices. The story is bare-bones and sketchy. The puzzles and mini-games are ordinary. Same goes for the HOPs. The game just dragged.
The low key intro, with its sepia tones and (antique) film grade visuals, set the mood for this game – ominous but also drab. No voices. The story is bare-bones and sketchy. The puzzles and mini-games are ordinary. Same goes for the HOPs. The game just dragged.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The quality of the graphics is not all that high, the definition is low, grainy and almost monochromatic – just varying shades of brown and grey. Widescreen stretches the graphics to a noticeable effect, as well as washing them out. The HOP scenes show more colour, but no animation and very little interaction.
The quality of the graphics is not all that high, the definition is low, grainy and almost monochromatic – just varying shades of brown and grey. Widescreen stretches the graphics to a noticeable effect, as well as washing them out. The HOP scenes show more colour, but no animation and very little interaction.
The special effects and background sounds are very good, and the music varied well.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The story is fairly mystifying for most of the game. We know that we must return to the island we spent some dreadful part of our childhood in, in answer to our sister’s distress call. The rest comes in dribs and drabs. Why we left, what was so horrible, what is your sister doing back here, and who is that creepy person who is making us feel so unwelcome? The questions are never completely cleared up.
The story is fairly mystifying for most of the game. We know that we must return to the island we spent some dreadful part of our childhood in, in answer to our sister’s distress call. The rest comes in dribs and drabs. Why we left, what was so horrible, what is your sister doing back here, and who is that creepy person who is making us feel so unwelcome? The questions are never completely cleared up.
MAKING PROGRESS
As with everything else in this game, the gameplay is dreary. We wander around room to lifeless room, trying to find our sister, coming across unbelievable numbers of locked doors. We are often required to take individual inventory items from one end of the island to the other, with a map that covers only the major landmarks (nothing inside of the many-roomed school). It does not reveal any active areas and can’t be used as a jump point. Expect a lot of toing and froing.
As with everything else in this game, the gameplay is dreary. We wander around room to lifeless room, trying to find our sister, coming across unbelievable numbers of locked doors. We are often required to take individual inventory items from one end of the island to the other, with a map that covers only the major landmarks (nothing inside of the many-roomed school). It does not reveal any active areas and can’t be used as a jump point. Expect a lot of toing and froing.
The HOPs are straightforward, sometimes a little difficult due to the darkness and graininess of the scenes. The game offers a sliding toggle for brightness, but it could have used one for contrast too! And aspect ratio. In fact, the game would probably have been a good game with just those changes.
Puzzles are mostly well known, and again, are unimaginatively incorporated into the story. But every game has its redeeming feature and this one is its hint function. It is our companion, a steam punk robot, and he really gives a hint – not the next step, just a mere suggestion in the right direction, such as, “Look again in the master bedroom”.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This is not a truly bad game, there are many worse ones out there. But it is below average on all counts, and although some may like it, I don’t and I can’t recommend it.
This is not a truly bad game, there are many worse ones out there. But it is below average on all counts, and although some may like it, I don’t and I can’t recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Save the besieged alpine village of Martlet and rescue its residents from the mysterious living statues in this exciting Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Game In Brief***** + Bonus Content Review ****
PostedNovember 17, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
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
Last count, 262 people had posted their reviews for this game on Big Fish. So there really can’t be anything left to tell you that you haven’t heard before.
Here are the high points for me about one of my top ten favourites of all time:
*Exciting and breathtaking videos, full of spectacle, sound and activity.
*Excellent graphics and sound track. Especially the ‘chimes’ music.
*Delightful animations of unusual assistants and impressive bad guys.
*Interesting and different story with hidden complexities.
*Choose your own ending!
My only complaints are with a draggy cursor (okay with system one but not as much fun), and an inventory panel that is not lockable.
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW ****
BONUS CHAPTER
The main game ends satisfactorily. The bonus chapter carries on easily with either ending, and is not at all needed for either. This bonus was disappointing. After such a brilliant game, the chapter has only 1 old location and 4 new ones, 4 new HOPs and 4 new puzzles. It took me only 30 mins to complete, and even allowing that I skipped 2 puzzles, I only did so way after the skip became available.
The main game ends satisfactorily. The bonus chapter carries on easily with either ending, and is not at all needed for either. This bonus was disappointing. After such a brilliant game, the chapter has only 1 old location and 4 new ones, 4 new HOPs and 4 new puzzles. It took me only 30 mins to complete, and even allowing that I skipped 2 puzzles, I only did so way after the skip became available.
The story was a total nothing. Achievements did not continue through this chapter.
GALLERY ITEMS
I love Elephant’s wallpapers because they are actually designed, not just glorified screen shots. You get the necessary room on either side to have a couple of icons! The concept art is nice too, and you can save it. As well, there are replayable videos and music.
.
ACHIEVEMENTS & COLLECTIBLES
I love Elephant’s wallpapers because they are actually designed, not just glorified screen shots. You get the necessary room on either side to have a couple of icons! The concept art is nice too, and you can save it. As well, there are replayable videos and music.
.
ACHIEVEMENTS & COLLECTIBLES
There are 10 achievements, 5 story related, 5 accomplishments (some of these have levels). There are also collectibles, with their own ‘show case’. These are the 26 miniatures of various characters in this game and from other Elephant games. Excellent fun, each different. (And if you find you’re unable to close a close up screen, look for one there.)
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Brilliant game, the other bonus content makes up for the offending bonus chapter, I’m thrilled to own this game.
Brilliant game, the other bonus content makes up for the offending bonus chapter, I’m thrilled to own this game.
I recommend this game!
Life imitates art with deadly results in this thrilling whodunit!
Overall rating
4
/
5
146 of 167 found this review helpful
Refreshing
PostedNovember 16, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
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 ONE HOUR DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting this! The initial intro to the main menu is classy but low key. Nothing prepares you for the sudden actions in the opening video of the game itself.
Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting this! The initial intro to the main menu is classy but low key. Nothing prepares you for the sudden actions in the opening video of the game itself.
Best news is: this is a genuinely new story! And the telling of this intriguing tale combines with such a refreshing array of new and imaginative puzzles and mini-games, that it doesn’t matter that the HOPs are fairly standard, because you are already hooked.
SO WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Your husband, a writer, is framed for the spectacular murders of several of your friends. At least, you hope it’s a frame! You save your American friend, who is a detective, from a similar fate, and with his help you set out to prove your husband’s innocence. It seems someone is killing off Boston’s artists and intellectuals, using your husband’s books to guide him. First task is to save a sculptor has been attacked and is in immediate danger of suffocation.
Your husband, a writer, is framed for the spectacular murders of several of your friends. At least, you hope it’s a frame! You save your American friend, who is a detective, from a similar fate, and with his help you set out to prove your husband’s innocence. It seems someone is killing off Boston’s artists and intellectuals, using your husband’s books to guide him. First task is to save a sculptor has been attacked and is in immediate danger of suffocation.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are great. Not the best out there, but a more than respectable effort. I enjoyed the demo, talking a walking tour, so to speak, through the environment of the game. It is pleasant and interesting rather than beautiful. The music is very low, the voices are excellent, and you get a full range of options for sound adjustment.
The graphics are great. Not the best out there, but a more than respectable effort. I enjoyed the demo, talking a walking tour, so to speak, through the environment of the game. It is pleasant and interesting rather than beautiful. The music is very low, the voices are excellent, and you get a full range of options for sound adjustment.
GAMEPLAY
This game is not outrageous or daring; its gameplay is fairly standard, except, as I said earlier, the puzzles are new. I liked the different approach taken in designing them. I can’t explain what that is, except that the entire atmosphere of the game “feels” different. The puzzles are neither too hard nor too easy, and outnumber the HOPs, but not overwhelmingly.
This game is not outrageous or daring; its gameplay is fairly standard, except, as I said earlier, the puzzles are new. I liked the different approach taken in designing them. I can’t explain what that is, except that the entire atmosphere of the game “feels” different. The puzzles are neither too hard nor too easy, and outnumber the HOPs, but not overwhelmingly.
The fun part starts with the options to tailor your level of difficulty. 3 modes, plus a custom mode and a separate interactive (jump) map option. You have a bunch of things to help your investigation. An evidence board. A well put together Journal, where you can replay the videos. A magnifying glass to detect the 40 collectible fingerprints.
Unbelievably, I got so engrossed in playing that I forgot to check what kind of hint system operates outside the HOPs.
CE BLING!
Now this looks interesting. The essentials are there, SG, bonus chapter, gallery items. Plus a couple of extras we won’t see until we finish the game. There is Russell’s book (that’s hubby), and a segment called “Microscope” about which I have not a clue. As well as the collectible fingerprints there are 25 teapots, and some other ‘hidden items’ not revealed in the demo (which I was still a long way from completing when time ran out). And, of course, achievements.
Now this looks interesting. The essentials are there, SG, bonus chapter, gallery items. Plus a couple of extras we won’t see until we finish the game. There is Russell’s book (that’s hubby), and a segment called “Microscope” about which I have not a clue. As well as the collectible fingerprints there are 25 teapots, and some other ‘hidden items’ not revealed in the demo (which I was still a long way from completing when time ran out). And, of course, achievements.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This game looks like a winner to me. Maybe not a world beater, but not an also-ran either.
This game looks like a winner to me. Maybe not a world beater, but not an also-ran either.
I recommend this game!
Play as recently deceased Claire unraveling the secrets of her undead powers in this shadow-soaked Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Edgy Vampire Story
PostedNovember 14, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON FULL DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I really love the way this game looks at the opening shots, Boston at nightfall, impressionist-style. Unfortunately, the quality of the graphics and the simplistic gameplay kill any lingering affection for this game.
I really love the way this game looks at the opening shots, Boston at nightfall, impressionist-style. Unfortunately, the quality of the graphics and the simplistic gameplay kill any lingering affection for this game.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This game was released in 2008, so you’d expect something primitive, and it is. The graphics are awful, and are reason enough to uninstall it. The music was the really great part. It had an edgy, urban feel about it, which complemented the locations perfectly. It is the true source of the delightful atmosphere of this game.
This game was released in 2008, so you’d expect something primitive, and it is. The graphics are awful, and are reason enough to uninstall it. The music was the really great part. It had an edgy, urban feel about it, which complemented the locations perfectly. It is the true source of the delightful atmosphere of this game.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The story unfolds through the use of graphic novel style art, with speech balloons. It works okay. This vampire story has our heroine, recently infected, fighting to gather the essence needed by all vampires to survive as “Nocturnals” i.e. being able to feed off something other than humans. If she does not, she will lose her immortality and/or enter an eternal sleep.
The story unfolds through the use of graphic novel style art, with speech balloons. It works okay. This vampire story has our heroine, recently infected, fighting to gather the essence needed by all vampires to survive as “Nocturnals” i.e. being able to feed off something other than humans. If she does not, she will lose her immortality and/or enter an eternal sleep.
MAKING PROGRESS
This is where the game disappoints. Despite the bad graphics, I would have enjoyed this game with decent gameplay. What we get is, read a page of graphic-novel story. Enter HOP scene and find the listed objects.Complete a mini-game (Mastermind, if you remember it), the same one each break, with increasing difficulty. There is no ‘here’ outside HOP scenes, which are junk piled and hard to see properly.
This is where the game disappoints. Despite the bad graphics, I would have enjoyed this game with decent gameplay. What we get is, read a page of graphic-novel story. Enter HOP scene and find the listed objects.Complete a mini-game (Mastermind, if you remember it), the same one each break, with increasing difficulty. There is no ‘here’ outside HOP scenes, which are junk piled and hard to see properly.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Atmosphere is the best thing about this game. It would be great to see someone do something similar, with all the advantages of today’s technology.
Atmosphere is the best thing about this game. It would be great to see someone do something similar, with all the advantages of today’s technology.
I don't recommend this game.
A terrifying explosion has destroyed a secret bunker and you have been called in to investigate! Capture the culprit before it’s too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Great Adventure Primer
PostedNovember 14, 2013
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
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Now this one was a surprise! Twice I have started this game, and twice I’ve wondered how it ended up on my desktop, I hated it so much. I never got past the first chapter. The look and feel of it seemed archaic, and I just didn’t like it, even with the u-beaut features like 360 deg pan.
Now this one was a surprise! Twice I have started this game, and twice I’ve wondered how it ended up on my desktop, I hated it so much. I never got past the first chapter. The look and feel of it seemed archaic, and I just didn’t like it, even with the u-beaut features like 360 deg pan.
Well, third time’s the charm. Coming back to this game with more experience under my belt, I started to see what I missed before. This game is like an adventure/rpg game, in both graphics and gameplay. The reason it feels so old to me is that it has been years since I played this style of game.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are 3D, clunky admittedly, but once into it, you don’t notice. The pan is in most locations, and is great once you get used to it. This is a sci-fi game, so there are lots of strange machinery and power systems, and nothing much that could be called attractive. The music is that eerie electronic whine you get with most sci-fi games. The voiceovers are sporadic, but very good.
The graphics are 3D, clunky admittedly, but once into it, you don’t notice. The pan is in most locations, and is great once you get used to it. This is a sci-fi game, so there are lots of strange machinery and power systems, and nothing much that could be called attractive. The music is that eerie electronic whine you get with most sci-fi games. The voiceovers are sporadic, but very good.
MAKING PROGRESS
You are investigating an explosion in a secret base. You are a junior agent and so are given the simple tasks before being allowed to actively look for clues. So in every location there are items you must find, and only occasionally will they be found in a HOP scene. But finding things can be a challenge even in the general location. Boxes must be moved, chests opened, lights directed to the right corner... all to find those 15 fuses you need to start the generator – you get the idea.
You are investigating an explosion in a secret base. You are a junior agent and so are given the simple tasks before being allowed to actively look for clues. So in every location there are items you must find, and only occasionally will they be found in a HOP scene. But finding things can be a challenge even in the general location. Boxes must be moved, chests opened, lights directed to the right corner... all to find those 15 fuses you need to start the generator – you get the idea.
Puzzles are not a huge part of the game, but they are loads of fun. Most of them are new to me, and some were too hard for me to do. Skip is delightfully quick! I had to refer to the walkthrough once on an action I would have called a puzzle but which was not skippable, and the context didn’t give enough information.
Each chapter is a closed system, with its own objectives, locations, characters, and (interactive jump) maps. Etc. There is also a journal which can be really handy, with tasks included. Hint transports you instantly to where you need to be.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
If you like adventure games (or large file), or you would like to learn how to play them, this is an appealing adventure-lite choice.
If you like adventure games (or large file), or you would like to learn how to play them, this is an appealing adventure-lite choice.
I recommend this game!
This was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. But instead of walking down the aisle, you're in another dimension, battling a mad inventor to save your family!
Overall rating
4
/
5
112 of 138 found this review helpful
Good All-Rounder
PostedNovember 14, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
At first I thought, oh yeah, I know these graphics, must be our prolific friends from ERS. But I was wrong. This developer has gone for the same look and feel, with hand painted colours, and the mechanical gadgets of the PuppetShow series. Although with a lighter hand. (When I used the aspect ratio toggle, the similarity was greatly reduced.)
At first I thought, oh yeah, I know these graphics, must be our prolific friends from ERS. But I was wrong. This developer has gone for the same look and feel, with hand painted colours, and the mechanical gadgets of the PuppetShow series. Although with a lighter hand. (When I used the aspect ratio toggle, the similarity was greatly reduced.)
This game is a genuine sequel to the original “Whispered Secrets: Tideville”. The son you rescued then, Tim, now an adult and a scientist himself, is your fiancé, but your old role receives what might be called an ‘honourable mention’, we/she are poisoned.
Another game that this one has similarities with is Dreamscapes: The Sandman. Remember those delightfully ugly little surveillance bots scattered throughout the game, peering watching leering. Collectibles of course.
On the good guy side, we have a dragonfly vacuum bot that sucks toxins out of the air. And that’s as close as we get to cute in the actual game. The achievements room has a nameable cat at the fireplace, but you don’t NEED to go there... Mind you, it is the achievements and collectibles that I especially like. But then I also love cats.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Frustrated mad scientist is trying to invent the eternal energy supple, gets desperate, poisons your soon-to-be mother-in-law, then hijacks your scientist/inventor fiancé to help him in his terrible experiments – in another dimension!
Frustrated mad scientist is trying to invent the eternal energy supple, gets desperate, poisons your soon-to-be mother-in-law, then hijacks your scientist/inventor fiancé to help him in his terrible experiments – in another dimension!
Well, it’s certainly not your standard story beginning. You are kept busy finding all his tools, caches with special ingredients, puzzles to unlock secret rooms – all in order to follow him into the new dimension.
MAKING PROGRESS
The emphasis is on HOPs. They are interactive lists, visited twice, sometimes too soon after the first visit. The puzzles so far have been easy, different but not astonishingly so, and the adventure component is very straightforward. The interactive jump map shows a lot of locations. Objectives are highlighted, not available tasks. Hint was directional.
The emphasis is on HOPs. They are interactive lists, visited twice, sometimes too soon after the first visit. The puzzles so far have been easy, different but not astonishingly so, and the adventure component is very straightforward. The interactive jump map shows a lot of locations. Objectives are highlighted, not available tasks. Hint was directional.
At no time did I really feel challenged, but the game was involving enough for me to totally forget I was on a demo, and I was suddenly thrown out of the game without warning. That so rarely happens to me, it is a measure of success in itself.
BLING!
The CE comes with all you’d expect. Gallery items, bonus chapter, strategy guide, achievements and collectibles – and the cat. I don’t think I missed anything.
The CE comes with all you’d expect. Gallery items, bonus chapter, strategy guide, achievements and collectibles – and the cat. I don’t think I missed anything.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I really got into this one and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it is not 5 star material. Much as I loved it, there is nothing terribly new or outstanding about this game. It is just a really good game. The CE version, is justified if you’re into the Bling! I think I’ll deprive myself of one more gorgeous cat and fireplace this time, and wait for the SE.
I really got into this one and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it is not 5 star material. Much as I loved it, there is nothing terribly new or outstanding about this game. It is just a really good game. The CE version, is justified if you’re into the Bling! I think I’ll deprive myself of one more gorgeous cat and fireplace this time, and wait for the SE.
I recommend this game!
Travel into the past to discover the mystery behind strange disappearances.
Overall rating
3
/
5
48 of 59 found this review helpful
Out Of Style Perhaps, But It Has Its Moments
PostedNovember 13, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Another nice game that, while clearly down market, is a decent game, spoiled a little by being too slow. (I seem to be saying that a lot lately). This game does have a few redeeming features that should please many gamers – the puzzles are almost all originals! There is a considerable amount of brain power put into this aspect of the game, and the results show it.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This is a low budget game, delivered in an out of date style, and if that bothers you, this game is a non-starter for sure. The graphics are essentially comic book style, with some variation into pseudo-realism, particularly in the HO scenes. These were nice and clear, even if the items are very well hidden, and occasionally too small. Another way in which this game feels nostalgic is that it is based in an abandoned hospital – sound familiar? So the graphics are not beautiful nor cute.
Another redeeming feature is the sound effects. These are a hoot. Wherever you go, remember to click on items around the room. Like the grandfather clock, when you get to it.The music is very pleasant. Voiceovers would be way out of this game’s league, but the dialogue is never much anyway.
MAKING PROGRESS
The searching for HOs is another return to previous fashions – the interactive list is on the left side of the screen, and often the items are in the general location, not a close up junk pile. There are also some multiple object puzzles as well. The puzzles/mini-games are to be found fairly frequently, more so than the HOPs. As I said, they are excellent, because I’ve hardly seen a one that was familiar even in principle. Some were extraordinarily easy, but some were hard too.
There is a directional hint, and nothing else to help you on your way, but it really is enough. Although not necessarily overly easy, it is logical and straightforward in its gameplay.
This game also has collectibles. 36 crystals, to be exact. Whether they are used in the game I do not know.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I think this game has a place in the Big Fish pond. It is well constructed and conceived, admittedly slow and dated, but I wouldn’t consider a punchcard coupon a waste for this one.
I recommend this game!
Your archaeologist fiancé has been abducted in Prague! Unravel an ancient mystery and save humanity from destruction as you rescue him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Unusual!
PostedNovember 12, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
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
I read some reviews of this game before I played the demo, because I did, I wasn’t expecting much from this game. There’s no doubt about it, this game doesn’t meet the normal criteria for a 2013 game.
I read some reviews of this game before I played the demo, because I did, I wasn’t expecting much from this game. There’s no doubt about it, this game doesn’t meet the normal criteria for a 2013 game.
Its biggest crime is it is just too slow, and it harks back to an older style of HO game... But it is not really like any other game, now or then. It is unique, and I’m going out on a limb, because I liked it!
The opening is low key and in tune with the game to come – relaxed, leisurely, with an emphasis on story and dialogue. Then there is also “travel time”, which really has no purpose I can think of but to make sure you get the feeling of distance. Throughout the game there is, I admit, far too much of both. It slows the game right down, but if you can reconcile yourself to that, it plays quite well. Have I mentioned: leisurely.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are different and a little weird. They seem somehow shiny. But I liked the overall effect. It made me feel like I was seeing what Prague really looked like for the first time. I’ve never been to any part of Europe, but the Prague of this game is what I imagine Eastern European cities would look like.
The graphics are different and a little weird. They seem somehow shiny. But I liked the overall effect. It made me feel like I was seeing what Prague really looked like for the first time. I’ve never been to any part of Europe, but the Prague of this game is what I imagine Eastern European cities would look like.
There is certainly nothing wrong with the game’s clarity, and in the HO scenes, the look is different, with a more painterly aspect to it. And I liked that too. There is a strange thing that is done with the voiceover (which, overall, is good). Initially the entire dialogue is acted out, but later only important lines are spoken, so it changes the effect that the voice has, increasing its importance to the game. The sounds, like the images, seem appropriate to an intriguing investigation rather than a gut wrenching thriller.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The story is the first I’ve noted on Big Fish that has at its heart a WWII conspiracy. A well-loved theme of novel writers! Between them, your uncle and your archaeologist fiancé have managed to get into trouble over a site with alleged evidence of alien technology on earth, which the bad guys apparently knew about, way back when. So of course there are bad guys now who want to get there first, and your fiancé is kidnapped.
The story is the first I’ve noted on Big Fish that has at its heart a WWII conspiracy. A well-loved theme of novel writers! Between them, your uncle and your archaeologist fiancé have managed to get into trouble over a site with alleged evidence of alien technology on earth, which the bad guys apparently knew about, way back when. So of course there are bad guys now who want to get there first, and your fiancé is kidnapped.
Unlike most games, the start of your investigation begins, not with a car crash, but with red tape at government departments. This is so incredibly like the Eastern Bloc stereo type you have just got to get into it.
GAMEPLAY
This is not much of an adventure game, although you do get to find some inventory items and must figure out how to use them. Most of this is fairly obvious. It is played more like a HOG, with HO scenes interspaced by travel time, dialogue and an occasional (almost ridiculously easy) mini-game (fill the colours on a painting). There are 3 types of HOP. An interactive list, multiples, and misplaced items. There is also a sorting game.
This is not much of an adventure game, although you do get to find some inventory items and must figure out how to use them. Most of this is fairly obvious. It is played more like a HOG, with HO scenes interspaced by travel time, dialogue and an occasional (almost ridiculously easy) mini-game (fill the colours on a painting). There are 3 types of HOP. An interactive list, multiples, and misplaced items. There is also a sorting game.
There is a journal to track the story, and there is a hint that does indeed give you a hint. I like that in a game. The map is used by the game to get you around, but you have no access to it.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
The litmus test for any demo is, of course, whether you are disappointed when it ends. I certainly was, both disappointed, and surprised. The time had run completely away from me. Which is why I am happy to recommend giving the demo a try. It might surprise you the way it did me.
The litmus test for any demo is, of course, whether you are disappointed when it ends. I certainly was, both disappointed, and surprised. The time had run completely away from me. Which is why I am happy to recommend giving the demo a try. It might surprise you the way it did me.
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Icy Charm
PostedNovember 12, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
BRIEF IMPRESSIONS
How spoiled we have all become! We do expect so much more of games than we did even just a year ago.
How spoiled we have all become! We do expect so much more of games than we did even just a year ago.
This is a good game that was hugely popular when it was released, only 18 months ago. But there are no voiceovers, few sound effects, barely heard music. No useful hint outside HO scenes (“Nothing to do here right now”). There is no map, interactive or not. The HO scenes themselves have no animation, they are almost all interactive lists, with very limited interaction, and visited twice. The puzzles are, now at least, all familiar. How many of us would as enthusiastically recommend it today?
And yet this IS a good game. The gameplay is absorbing, the graphics are high quality and beautiful, the puzzles are interesting, and everything moves at a good pace. The story is fairly old hat – the Ice Queen has been released by gullible men she has lured to do her bidding, and your silly fool of a husband is the next in line. You must save him and the world by destroying her power, and end the endless winter. This game tells that story smoothly integrated with the gameplay, keeping us busy as we delve deeper into the frozen land.
One thing that is really well done is the transformation of scenes from winter to emergent spring. It’s my favourite special effect I never get tired of it, and I love the way it is done here.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
If you want an immersive wintery experience, one that is comfortable and relaxing, rather than thriller material, I think you’d enjoy this one.
If you want an immersive wintery experience, one that is comfortable and relaxing, rather than thriller material, I think you’d enjoy this one.
I recommend this game!