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:
Explore the vastness of a ship lost in time, what mysteries will you uncover amidst its Mayan idols, menacing sea creatures, and exotic treasures? Find out in this exciting new Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game on the open seas!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
Bonus Content Analysis, CE vs. SE
PostedOctober 26, 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
3
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED CE GAME
With 100+ offering their views on this game in the Collector’s Edition (including me), I thought I’d give you an idea on the differences between these two forms.
Accept as written that this game has all the hallmarks of a first rate CE game. Graphics, gameplay, story are all exceptional.
First of all, the main game ends conclusively, although they do add a one-liner that indicates where the bonus chapter will be headed. This is not at all a detriment to the ending. In fact, many games, including the ending of this one’s bonus chapter, imply a sequel without it spoiling the game.
The main game took me 4.5 hrs to complete, with some goofing around. The bonus chapter took 1 hour, which I consider to be too short. It was quite good, but didn’t reach the same standards as the main game. All new HOP & puzzles in all-new locations didn’t save it from being a bit strained and a little less than exciting in terms of story. On its own I’d give it a 3/5.
There are the usual gallery, wallpapers, concept art, screensaver, and music, none of which grabbed me. I’d really like to see more games where the wallpapers are something more than just a snap shot of the game, but included characters and animals, and left the edges free for us to put our desktop shortcuts.
There are also 20 mahjong boards to play. I find myself returning to this set instead of actual mahjong games I own. The boards are realistic and pleasant. So, for me at least, the bonus items are actually meaningful.
As well, achievements and collections abound. In the CE, there are 44 beyond objects to be found, 34 humming birds to find and catch, and 32 pieces of the Mayan calendar to collect. The SE includes the collection of the calendar pieces because they are needed to complete the game.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Personally, I am glad I bought the CE. I enjoyed both the extra collectives and the mahjong games. While the bonus chapter was not as good as the main game, there was no real let-down, so I figure I got my money’s worth.
But ifcollectibles and achievements do not mean much to you, I’d say you’d be just as happy with the SE.
I recommend this game!
Explore the vastness of a ship lost in time, what mysteries will you uncover amidst its Mayan idols, menacing sea creatures, and exotic treasures? Find out in this exciting new Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game on the open seas!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Lots To Collect!
PostedOctober 26, 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 DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The intro to this game is an almost movie-like presentation, although not overly exciting. The developers could have milked it for a more dramatic impact. The voiceover, always crucial in an intro these days, is very good. Very much like a teacher or parent reading an adventure story to their kids.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The quality of the graphics is very high. I won’t go to the extent of saying outstanding, because I have seen better, but this game still works, that’s for sure. The animation is flawless. They do an eerie orange and green combination for most of the game, which I personally didn’t like. The music is indistinctive and pleasant. As I mentioned, voiceovers are good.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The story is a bit different - always refreshing. We and our partner are transporting an arrested poacher back to the mainland by boat, when a strange mist rolled in, cloaking the approach of a much larger ghost ship. Which is still solid enough to totally destroy our vessel and land us on shore. Finding our husband and the poacher, if they’re alive, is turning out to be harder than we thought. (And will take roughly 4 hours to do!)
MAKING PROGRESS
I found the puzzles a little difficult at times, but puzzles are my weakness, so you may not have the same problem. These puzzles are a mixture of new and old, but are very well integrated into the story. There are 27 puzzles/mini-games and 17 HOPs, visited twice. The HOPs are what is noticeably interesting. There is all sorts of fun in them, including finding and catching 34 humming birds. To do this we must find and activate a Mayan artifact. We do this both times we visit. It is an interactive list, or we can choose to play mahjong instead. I found this quite a bit challenging. There is an interactive jump map and directional hint.
CE BLING!
I like this game’s bling. Bonus game, gallery, SG. Plus replayable HOPs and puzzles. Achievements, although not many. 34 of those lovely challenging humming birds to collect, plus 32 pieces of a Mayan calendar, and 44 beyond objects. Which were hard enough to find that I only got 2/3 of them. The main story ends well enough, although they did a line that makes it clear there’s more to be said. Bonus chapter is
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Lovely game. Graphics look great, the story is imaginative, the gameplay is, though straightforward, is not tediously easy.
I recommend this game!
Unlock the mystery of the Sculptor’s tragic fate!
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 70 found this review helpful
Looks Like Fun!
PostedOctober 26, 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 DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Nicely put together, somewhat creepy intro, with very clean graphics and charming, if occasionally a little overdone, voice acting. This game just looks and sounds good. The story is a little different and the Greek setting is wonderfully “Greek”. The music is light and unobtrusive.
Nicely put together, somewhat creepy intro, with very clean graphics and charming, if occasionally a little overdone, voice acting. This game just looks and sounds good. The story is a little different and the Greek setting is wonderfully “Greek”. The music is light and unobtrusive.
A sculptor has invented a strange ‘encasing’ device for his sculptures, and someone has used it to kill the sculptor himself and his wife. As an investigative reporter, we are sent to find out the truth. We meet interesting characters with their own issues, as well as people who can help us and a kitten who helps us out a little. Backstory is told in interesting excerpts found on diary tablets of stone, which are a collecting achievement.
MAKING PROGRESS (GAMEPLAY)
This game is unusual, because it is mostly a puzzle adventure. There are 20 or so, compared to just 7 HOPs. The puzzles range from very easy to “thank god for skip”, even this early in the game. And they are creative and fun to do. The HOPs are interactive lists, visited twice. Not counted as either HOP or puzzles are an unknown number of progressive silhouette (find & use) HOPs, also visited twice.
This game is unusual, because it is mostly a puzzle adventure. There are 20 or so, compared to just 7 HOPs. The puzzles range from very easy to “thank god for skip”, even this early in the game. And they are creative and fun to do. The HOPs are interactive lists, visited twice. Not counted as either HOP or puzzles are an unknown number of progressive silhouette (find & use) HOPs, also visited twice.
Action is fairly linear, and contained within each chapter. There is an interactive jump map that indicates objectives, not current actions. The hint is directional. Between them, I only used the SG to find out what it was like. (Good)
CE BLING!
There is quite a bit to find in this one and certainly enough to justify a CE status. The usual bonus game, SG, gallery, and replayable HOPs and puzzles. Plus 60 collectible coins to by statuettes for your collection room. 20 Morphing objects. Many achievements, quite a range from “complete x part of the game” to the standard timing and accuracy ones, plus a few goofball ones as well.
There is quite a bit to find in this one and certainly enough to justify a CE status. The usual bonus game, SG, gallery, and replayable HOPs and puzzles. Plus 60 collectible coins to by statuettes for your collection room. 20 Morphing objects. Many achievements, quite a range from “complete x part of the game” to the standard timing and accuracy ones, plus a few goofball ones as well.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
The first Dark Canvas got mixed reviews. Although I really liked it, many others didn’t. I don’t think this one will be as controversial. It will not my favourite CE game ever. But I think all those extras add to its charm and make it likely to be a better buy than the SE.
The first Dark Canvas got mixed reviews. Although I really liked it, many others didn’t. I don’t think this one will be as controversial. It will not my favourite CE game ever. But I think all those extras add to its charm and make it likely to be a better buy than the SE.
It is certainly a good game, and seems as though it will be fun to play.
I recommend this game!
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 96 found this review helpful
Features Summary From CE Demo
PostedOctober 25, 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 PART COMPLETED CE GAME
There are so many reviews that can give you the story etc. for this game. I found I had so many things to say, I've had to put in point form.
"These are the things I noticed:
• The intro and early part are repeatedly so exciting you may want to check your pacemaker
• There are 12 HO scenes in at least 3 styles – find & use objects outlined, fragmented objects that require some interaction, interactive lists. They are all a bit trickier than usual
• You can choose a challenging matching pairs game instead of the list HOPs
• There are 18 mini-games, all I saw were easy
• You must collect 26 pieces of evidence, which you will use in a game of deduction, in order to solve the mystery
• Your assistant in this game is a very long way from cute, or even trustworthy
• There are real dialogues (a lot of them, but all interesting and voiceovers are good)
• The demo was 2 out of 7 chapters. I ran out of time about ¾ of the way in.
The next are items I believe will only be available in the Collector’s Edition
• Collectible butterflies (30) – hard to find
• Collectible ‘elusive’ (morphing) objects (30) – harder to find
• 19 backstory objects
• Achievements relating to all these plus the gameplay and the story, and the pieces of evidence
• Redwood Encyclopaedia
• Usual gallery items
• Excellent Strategy Guide
• Bonus Chapter"
• The intro and early part are repeatedly so exciting you may want to check your pacemaker
• There are 12 HO scenes in at least 3 styles – find & use objects outlined, fragmented objects that require some interaction, interactive lists. They are all a bit trickier than usual
• You can choose a challenging matching pairs game instead of the list HOPs
• There are 18 mini-games, all I saw were easy
• You must collect 26 pieces of evidence, which you will use in a game of deduction, in order to solve the mystery
• Your assistant in this game is a very long way from cute, or even trustworthy
• There are real dialogues (a lot of them, but all interesting and voiceovers are good)
• The demo was 2 out of 7 chapters. I ran out of time about ¾ of the way in.
The next are items I believe will only be available in the Collector’s Edition
• Collectible butterflies (30) – hard to find
• Collectible ‘elusive’ (morphing) objects (30) – harder to find
• 19 backstory objects
• Achievements relating to all these plus the gameplay and the story, and the pieces of evidence
• Redwood Encyclopaedia
• Usual gallery items
• Excellent Strategy Guide
• Bonus Chapter"
Although I've not completed the game, I can assure you that it fulfills the promise of the demo and is a thoroughly excellent game.
I recommend this game!
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
124 of 149 found this review helpful
How Can I Possibly Wait Until Monday?!
PostedOctober 24, 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 DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
First impressions can be just plain wrong. This game starts out with an unacceptably long load, but everything else is just amazing, and once you’ve loaded it once, the game never takes long thereafter. And within minutes I was completely hooked.
First impressions can be just plain wrong. This game starts out with an unacceptably long load, but everything else is just amazing, and once you’ve loaded it once, the game never takes long thereafter. And within minutes I was completely hooked.
The opening was very professionally done, top quality production values all the way, but it is not the overly dramatic. We, the detective or is it defense lawyer?, arrive home after a successful case. Nothing much to it really, even when we find a baby on our doorstep.
But the guy in the hat arrives, and things pick up! We’re off to a deserted mansion that may or may not be real, and many adventures ensue. We find a (mechanical) assistant, an interactive jump map (that indicates only what you want it to, it can be adjusted in the options menu), and a locket to get us started, along with our notebook.
The gameplay is the amazing thing about this game. It is almost completely new, both puzzles and HOPs. There are 20 HOPs (including CE chapter), and endless puzzles. They are original, quirky and sometimes just plain hard. Many items in the locations are hiding behind others that you must move, mini-games and puzzles often only give you part of the picture, and each HOP is different.
Just one example, within the second HOP, you must find a number of silhouetted items. But they are not exactly the item you are looking for. For example, a silhouette of a bird is a ‘bird symbol’, the required item is ANY bird, not a direct replica. In this particular HOP, the scene where you must find things is a stained glass window with many small pieces joining together to make an image.
In another HOP, the items on the list, when found, reveal a fragmented object (FROG). When all pieces are found, you can use the object to interact within the scene for the inventory item.
The mini-games gave me a bit of a headache. They were all new too, and sometimes it took me a while to catch onto what I should be doing (HINT: Keep the book open when finding fragments of symbols in the general location). In the case I just mentioned, even the otherwise very good SG and the not-as-helpful-as-I’d-like map left me confused.
CE BLING!
This game is definitely a CE game. Extras include gallery with music, wallpaper, concept art. 20 Replayable HOs. Collectible roses. Achievements. SG. And 3 bonus chapters/games. One is the usual follow on. One can only be played once you have collected all the roses. And then, something they call “Sugar Rush Hidden Object Puzzle”.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
In a year where we have been wowed over and over again with games that capture our imagination and challenge our brain cells, this one is right up there as one of the best of the year. I wouldn’t even try to resist!
In a year where we have been wowed over and over again with games that capture our imagination and challenge our brain cells, this one is right up there as one of the best of the year. I wouldn’t even try to resist!
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
52 of 64 found this review helpful
Seriously Scary!
PostedOctober 22, 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 CE GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Spectacular start to the game. Blood drenched colour, the music is so ominous, the acting dramatic. A truly creepy beginning.
Spectacular start to the game. Blood drenched colour, the music is so ominous, the acting dramatic. A truly creepy beginning.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The game should be gloomy. Everything is coloured with blood red. Yet it is not. The graphics are clear, detailed and beautiful, and there is no trouble with seeing HOs or found items. The music, as I say, is positively panic-inducing right from the start. Coupled with the eerie sounds of children’s laughter, the whole package is quite devastating. It is, I think, the most frightening of all the games produced by this developer.
The game should be gloomy. Everything is coloured with blood red. Yet it is not. The graphics are clear, detailed and beautiful, and there is no trouble with seeing HOs or found items. The music, as I say, is positively panic-inducing right from the start. Coupled with the eerie sounds of children’s laughter, the whole package is quite devastating. It is, I think, the most frightening of all the games produced by this developer.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
This game is the 5th in the Grim Tales series, and those who have played the other games will recognise our character of “Super-Auntie”, but I’m sorry to say, no more of our nephew Brandon. It is our niece who begs for our help, and it is her school that we race to.
This game is the 5th in the Grim Tales series, and those who have played the other games will recognise our character of “Super-Auntie”, but I’m sorry to say, no more of our nephew Brandon. It is our niece who begs for our help, and it is her school that we race to.
After the first half hour or so, it's the school and the urban legend of Bloody Mary that we focus on. I didn’t really have any idea of what that legend was (it’s not one we have here), but it didn’t take long to figure out. You don’t to have played the other games, or be familiar with the legend to enjoy this game.
Bloody Mary seems to have manifested in the mirrors at our niece’s school. Teachers are disappearing and students are behaving weirdly. All of it has to do with the legend of Bloody Mary, and care must be taken to avoid mirrors after dark, or she will drag you into her world.
MAKING PROGRESS
There are plenty of puzzles and HO scenes in this game, along with a lot of adventure tasks. There is a lot to do. It is all good fun, a little harder than easy, but not super difficult.
There are plenty of puzzles and HO scenes in this game, along with a lot of adventure tasks. There is a lot to do. It is all good fun, a little harder than easy, but not super difficult.
The beautifully drawn HO scenes have interactive lists, and if I had one criticism for this game it would be that there are not other styles of HO puzzle offered. There’s an interactive jump map that tells you where there are active tasks, not whether you can currently do anything about them, which is a bit frustrating. Hint is excellent, giving you concise instructions on what to do next. Both hint and skip are quick in the easiest of 3 game modes.
BLING!
There is a huge list of CE extras that you’ll probably miss out on, but I was unimpressed with the bonus chapter, which seemed to have been sloppily put together and while it was long, was not very immersive or convincing.
There is a huge list of CE extras that you’ll probably miss out on, but I was unimpressed with the bonus chapter, which seemed to have been sloppily put together and while it was long, was not very immersive or convincing.
One good aspect was that, the replayable HOs and puzzles were not unlocked until you had completed the bonus chapter, and then, you play a kind of ‘readers digest’ version of the main game. You must find an item to unlock each HO scene and puzzle, by completing one of them. I thought that was worth the extra price.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This is a great game, in either version, but I prefer the CE with its extras. But if you’re not into that kind of thing, and achievements don’t grab you, this game would be an excellent buy.
This is a great game, in either version, but I prefer the CE with its extras. But if you’re not into that kind of thing, and achievements don’t grab you, this game would be an excellent buy.
I recommend this game!
While visiting your uncle, you stumble upon a curious case. Men are vanishing, reappearing dead days later. Who killed them?
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
In Brief
PostedOctober 20, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
This is not a bad game, but there are many others which top it in both artwork and gameplay. I do like the story though. Your uncle has been searching the world over for none other than our old enemy Morgana. As well, there is at least one venomous killer around, killing people off willy nilly. How that all relates is the business of this story.
The graphics are very precise and realistic. But nothing to rave about. Similarly, liked not loved the music. The desert setting makes for a change.
Gameplay is very puzzle-oriented, there are loads of them. Interactive lists for the HOs, with some complex interactions. Puzzles were fairly easy, most are familiar, and many of them incorporated into something that is believably.
The interactive jump map contains active areas, where goals necessitate a return to this location, but later. The flags can be toggled on/off. As well as a directional hint.
I particularly liked the different ways the backstory videos were activated within the game. Not just the same method each time. And the back story gives anyone who didn’t play the first game all they need to know.
CE BLING!
I can’t say much about the bonus content because I have not bought the CE, but other reviewers have indicated that the Collectible posters, plus the usual gallery items, SG, bonus chapter, and achievements. Fairly standard fare.
I can’t say much about the bonus content because I have not bought the CE, but other reviewers have indicated that the Collectible posters, plus the usual gallery items, SG, bonus chapter, and achievements. Fairly standard fare.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This game is much better than the original Web Of Deceit game, but is still not going to set the world on fire. It is a good well-made game, that I am happy to recommend.
This game is much better than the original Web Of Deceit game, but is still not going to set the world on fire. It is a good well-made game, that I am happy to recommend.
I recommend this game!
You've been invited to take part in the World Tournament of Mahjong!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Well Thought Out
PostedOctober 19, 2013
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
5
/
5
BASED ON FULL HOUR DEMO
This game looks good. Nothing flash, but colourful and lively. I like the imaginative locations, which represent a casino style setting with a Chinese flavour. I also appreciate the cleverly designed “contest” rules. Working your way up to the top is going to take skill, speed and dedication.
There are six rooms, each representing the next stage in your progress to the top, each with 10 boards. All boards are doable, not fantasy configurations. To gain access to a room, you must have achieved, on each of the boards, a certain value on 3 different measures:
1. Removed a certain number of gold tiles
2. Received so many points
3. Completed the board in a set number of moves
2. Received so many points
3. Completed the board in a set number of moves
The board is finished once the number of gold tiles is complete. Points can be multiplied by increasing the speed of your play, the moves set are not necessarily the minimum possible (yet at least), but they are a challenge after the first few boards. If you do not reach all the goals in one try, say you didn’t have enough points but the other goals were reached, you can replay it focussing on the points and no need to repeat your performance on the other goals.
The mahjong play itself tends to classic, except you are allowed to shuffle – as often as you wish. The tiles come in 3 styles.
This is a more challenging game of mahjong than the others I have played on Big Fish, and I think I would probably be unable to get very far. But for a seasoned player, this might be just the thing to liven up the game.
I recommend this game!
Defeat the giant to save the world from destruction!
Overall rating
4
/
5
127 of 138 found this review helpful
Interesting And Unusual Gameplay!
PostedOctober 19, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This game’s strong point is its different gameplay. The intro is not so impressive, but pleasant enough, and most aspects of the game are the same.
This game’s strong point is its different gameplay. The intro is not so impressive, but pleasant enough, and most aspects of the game are the same.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
There’s nothing really to say about the story, because it’s mostly the very familiar one. Jack is tricked into buying magical beans, which create a massive vine that reaches up into the clouds.
There’s nothing really to say about the story, because it’s mostly the very familiar one. Jack is tricked into buying magical beans, which create a massive vine that reaches up into the clouds.
You are a fairy tale investigator and it is your job to get the beans back before they are used to set a very nasty giant free. Then, of course, Jack is kidnapped. Not overly childish or cartoonish, but I think that it will appeal to a younger audience as well as an adult one.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
This game is a little low key, but well drawn and it has excellent voiceovers. The drawing is with a light hand. Very detailed, not heavy on the colour saturation, but bright and airy. It is nicely done and the ‘fairy tale’ atmosphere is achieved well, without any ‘cute’ factor per se. The voices are very good. The soundtrack is fairly quiet and can be adjusted for music, voice and effects. The music is different.
This game is a little low key, but well drawn and it has excellent voiceovers. The drawing is with a light hand. Very detailed, not heavy on the colour saturation, but bright and airy. It is nicely done and the ‘fairy tale’ atmosphere is achieved well, without any ‘cute’ factor per se. The voices are very good. The soundtrack is fairly quiet and can be adjusted for music, voice and effects. The music is different.
MAKING PROGRESS
This is the intriguing part of the game. It is a HOG (Hidden Object Game), with a few puzzles and some well-supported adventure. By which I mean, there is plenty of help if you want it. If you don’t you can use a slider to adjust the timing of hint, skip and glints. Too much help for a lot of players, I suspect.
This is the intriguing part of the game. It is a HOG (Hidden Object Game), with a few puzzles and some well-supported adventure. By which I mean, there is plenty of help if you want it. If you don’t you can use a slider to adjust the timing of hint, skip and glints. Too much help for a lot of players, I suspect.
Throughout the game there are objects of a kind you can bet you are going to need, e.g. shovel, which may be lying around, but until you have ‘collected’ the task it’s needed for, you will not be able to pick it up. I know many people find that irritating, but I didn’t find it to be too big a problem.
To proceed you must first talk to characters and find out your tasks. These are recorded in a bar under the inventory bar, each task with its own tab. Tasks will require the collection of certain objects or pieces of objects to found in that location, listed by a simple pic of each. There are usually only 3-4 items.
Some of the items will be locked until you complete a puzzle within the scene. These are indicated by a padlock over the image. Some pieces may not be found in the current location, in which case, the object will be faded. As well as this form of HOP, there are also standard interactive word lists. You can have several objectives happening at once across several locations. There is an interactive jump map and directional hint to help you to find your way.
CE BLING!
The usual bonus chapter comes after 7 standard chapters. The Strategy Guide is very good, giving precise instructions and clear screenshots. The gallery items are the usual, but there’s a lot more of them than most. There are also 40 Collectible Eggs (of the Faberge sort), which are well hidden. I didn’t see the other collectible item, or any achievement room , but perhaps the advertised extra scenes and challenging the giant are related to these.
The usual bonus chapter comes after 7 standard chapters. The Strategy Guide is very good, giving precise instructions and clear screenshots. The gallery items are the usual, but there’s a lot more of them than most. There are also 40 Collectible Eggs (of the Faberge sort), which are well hidden. I didn’t see the other collectible item, or any achievement room , but perhaps the advertised extra scenes and challenging the giant are related to these.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I am intrigued by the different gameplay. I’ve not seen any quite like this. Other than that, and the collectible eggs being so well camouflaged, I didn’t see anything to particularly interest me in the CE.
I am intrigued by the different gameplay. I’ve not seen any quite like this. Other than that, and the collectible eggs being so well camouflaged, I didn’t see anything to particularly interest me in the CE.
I recommend this game!
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 84 found this review helpful
Another Sensational Surface Game
PostedOctober 18, 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 CE GAME
The Surface series is one of my favourites. You can rely on top quality production values, thrills and spills, and interesting gameplay. The great appeal of this series is the masterful conception and creation of alien worlds, given depth and credibility by the attention to detail and the imaginative drafting of characters and locations.
The intro to this game is a bit different, with a stutter-like flow of images rather than the more familiar video form. Still the excitement and spectacle that we expect from a CE though.
Actually, the video cut scenes, normally a high point, are not as fantastic as we’d normally expect from Elephant. Images aren’t clear and there’s some pixilation. The graphics in the locations and the HO scenes, though, are excellent, and despite this being a fairly dark game, quite clear and bright.
The voiceovers were a little overacted, but on the whole added to the experience. Music, wonderful, the same for ambient sounds.
A year after your husband and daughter are caught in a mysterious train disappearance, you go back to get some ‘closure’. There’s a nutty scientist there who says he may be able to help you reunite with your family. He’s not a man you’d immediately take to, but you’ll do anything to see them again.
And seems as if the scientist knows his stuff, because early on you both are dropped into the crash site of the train. The story you follow is of the survivors of that wreck, and the war you must wage against the evil you discover in this strange and hostile world. Although the story has been done before, there are some interesting additions here that make it unique.
Marvellous combination of gameplay. Almost every puzzle was new to me, and ranged in difficulty, all definitely doable. Hidden Object Puzzles (HOP) are well presented interactive lists. Both puzzles and HOPs are fairly well balanced and are nestled in an adventure that I found a little more challenging than most games. Hint is a hint, skip is fast (on casual), there’s also a journal, a task list and an interactive jump map. Transporting is not really necessary because each chapter is kept in a small area.
There’s a lot to be said for the CE extras in this game. Bonus chapter is not necessary to the story, but is an interesting divergence from it. It took me about 1 hour, and used all new locations and puzzles. And as well as the expected, there are collectibles, achievements, and replayable mini-games and HOPs that are unlocked as you pick up enough of the collectibles. These extras are presented in a unique way that makes them almost a “reader’s digest” edition of the game. Great fun! (For more details on CE extras, see my review of the CE of this game.)
If you can afford it, or are willing to wait for a sale, I would advise getting the CE this time. Those extras are really u-beaut mate, as we Aussies might say.
I recommend this game!