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:
The Order’s most closely-guarded secret sleeps deep beneath the ancient Spanish streets. What lies within this mysterious box?
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 102 found this review helpful
Beware Of Cheap Imitations
PostedApril 3, 2013
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
CE GAME JUST COMPLETED
On the dangers of reviewing a game on the demo alone:
The reviews on this page are the most obvious divide I’ve seen between demo reviewers and completed game reviewers. Those who complain about too much dialogue & too easy puzzles clearly didn’t play the whole game.
I’d already written the comments below, for the CE, before I checked out this page, so here’s how it really is. I hope you will try it for yourselves, and I honestly think you’ll be impressed by this game.
I thought I was over gushing about the graphics, but here I am again. Wow! This game just looks so professional. But it’s not all about the graphics, or even mostly, because this game is top calibre stuff all the way.
As a member of the Order of the Keepers, we have dealt with evil before (Lost Progeny, great game). But this time the world really will end if we don’t stop the evil monster Vlad, one of the creepiest bad guys in HOPA games. He’s after the infamous Pandora’s Box, and in his hands, that means havoc and destruction for at least 500 years.
You have a good journal for keeping track and a jump map of different design from the norm.
In the beginning there is a lot of cutscenes and dialogue (very well done, but not in sync), as the backstory is laid out for us. Soon enough, we’re on our own though.
The game starts out quite easy – I was quite surprised at the simplicity of the puzzles, having played the other Keepers game - but the surprise was short lived. It soon became the more complex and intriguing game I expected.
I enjoyed the HOS, which were interactive and often required more than one action before receiving an object. The graphics on some were not as good as they should have been, but they were interesting and challenging.
The puzzles, some new, some old, some unique to the Keepers series, ranged in difficulty, getting harder as they went.
The CE offers about an hour’s extra play – enjoyable story, on a par with the rest of the game. Also a SG of course, and extra mini-games. If you’re like me and often feel like you’re puzzle-challenged, you might want to consider the CE for these alone.
There are also Achievements (all easy to get), and morphing objects to collect. Like the puzzles, the morphing objects start out very easy to see, but as the game progressed, become more tricky.
Either CE or SE, you can’t beat a game like this. Interesting, challenging and best of all, fun.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 74 found this review helpful
It’s A Big Step Up
PostedApril 3, 2013
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
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Ah, the charming M. Dupin is back with a new investigation, and has asked his ‘talented assistant’ (that’s you – he’s so sweet!) to help find a missing woman. Mysteriously, a black cat is the one to greet us on our arrival, and throughout the game he points us in the right direction to new evidence and clues. That you are no longer an apprentice and must meet new, higher, standards of investigation soon becomes obvious.
This game is a big step up from the original Dark Tales: Murders In Rue Morgue. Besides a different and more complex story requiring much more independent thinking, we have dozens of interactive HOS to scour. They are still beautifully crafted, a step closer to the pastel colours ERS are known for, and the item list still doesn’t tell you which items are interactive. We now visit all those HOS twice.
We have a lot more puzzles – though still not many by today’s standards – and they are still easy. However, we now get instructions for some of them. And they combine with an increase in the adventure content to radically change the nature of the game play. We are at liberty to wander all the sites already opened at our leisure, and with no hint button and no map, you could be at it for quite a bit before you get back on course. The journal is a great way to keep the story in mind and describes events well, but is no real use as a guide.
This is where the Dark Tales series first dips its toe into the world of true HOPA games, and the experience is a nicely paced adventure perfect for the intermediate player and/or Edgar Allan Poe fans.
PS. Crazy cat ladies might enjoy chasing a black cat through the grounds of a dilapidated estate as well!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
52 of 56 found this review helpful
Love At First Sight
PostedApril 3, 2013
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
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME COMPLETED MANY TIMES
Back online after 5 years away, almost my first experience of HOPA style games was the Dark Tales series, and it was love at first sight. 18 months and 300 games later, I still count M. Dupin as the best character in any game I’ve played. But it takes more than my crush on M. Dupin to get five stars from me.
Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s story, this game has real appeal to horror and literature fans alike. Told as it is in M. Dupin’s “voice” (not literally, he doesn’t get an actual voice until “Premature Burial”, but I can hear him all the same), we are led through the process of the investigation each step of the way. This means the game is very story driven, with almost no choice of direction, and very little of adventure-like gameplay.
Although it doesn’t feel like it, this game is almost exclusively HOS with a few easy puzzles. The HOS, by the way, are amazingly well done for the time this was produced (2009), with beautiful graphics, much more vibrant than the pastels for which ERS are famous now, that can still hold their own against most games.
Despite, as I said, Dupin’s control of play movement, he’s not much of a one for hand holding. The HOS are interactive, but there is no indication on the list, you have to figure it out yourself. The items are hard to find not because they are in junk piles but because they are cleverly disguised.
Likewise, there is NO, yes I said NO hint at all outside of HO scenes. Puzzles, though simple, come without instructions but, thankfully, with a skip button. It took me 10 minutes of fruitless searching for a code to realise one such game was a simple matching pairs puzzle!
Each HOS is visited just the once, but some locations have up to 4 HOS, which sometimes interact between themselves!
The journal is a treat in itself, not so much for its usefulness, which is debatable, but for the notes made about M. Dupin and the art of investigation.
It all adds up to a delightful atmosphere of the macabre without being at all gruesome.
Having finished it I am sure that, like me, you will not want to be without the rest of the Dark Tales series... They get even better from here.
I recommend this game!
Investigate the disappearance of the chancellor's daughter and uncover the long lost kingdom of the exiled Frog Prince!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 34 found this review helpful
Good Not Great Fragmented Object Game
PostedMarch 31, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
GAME COMPLETED TWICE
Not a fan of FHOGs, I never expected to download this game, but after playing the “Red Riding Sisterhood” and enjoying it I decided to reassess my attitude towards them. This series is the leader, I think, in this kind of game, and whilst I am still less than enthusiastic, I don’t mind this game for a change.
What won me over was the beauty of the locations and the objects we reconnect. Everywhere you look there are pretty flowers, glittering jewellery, etc. A second reason was the collection of specific objects like ships in a bottle or elements jars. These are exquisite items you piece together but must collect all six before doing a simple puzzle with them. For the most part all the puzzles were simple, but some were quite ingenious. Which brings me to some of the reasons I am still only lukewarm about this game.
Although there is a fun story we follow, it isn’t told well. The gameplay was too repetitive and simplistic and fairly linear. It is tightly controlled – there’s no chance to wander aimlessly about smelling the roses. Also, though there are a lot of HO locations, we still visit each four times, way too much for my taste. The puzzles are repeated too.
There are morphing objects too, ever popular, but they were hard to find. Normally pretty good at them, I only found 12/20 this time round.
So of course, I will recommend this game; it is a classic after all. But not without reservations.
I recommend this game!
Vampire Legends: The True Story of Kisilova Collector’s Edition is an incredible adventure based on the true story of the first documented case of vampirism ever!
Overall rating
4
/
5
133 of 154 found this review helpful
GREAT Idea For A Game
PostedMarch 31, 2013
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
5
/
5
FULL ONE HOUR DEMO ONLY
I confess, I was sold before I downloaded just by the nature of the story. Which is why I am breaking my own rules and doing an in depth review on a demo. So, in order of my noticing them, here’s what we know:
* Great story potential was well presented from the first with the best voice acting I’ve heard, and lip sync! VO can be switched off.
* Graphics were not great on widescreen. But when I toggled the aspect ratio, they were much better.
* No sign of a SG in the extras – it’s integrated and directly underneath the hint button. Seven chapters plus bonus (I think), what I saw of it was good and useful, but my bet is most of us will not need it.
* We have a “M. Lupin” style partner, who communicates with the other characters and us.
* REALLY good animations.
* There is a lot of dialogue so far, and plenty of action, but it serves to move the game along rather than slow it down. All the voiceovers are good. Only early scenes are lip synced.
* Interactive HOS were usual junk piles, usual interactions, no hiding in dark corners or super small items. Hint is specific and quick to refill on both easy and hard mode.
* Puzzles were all familiar and easy, but presented in some nicely imaginative ways. Skip quick, but again, unless they get harder later, won’t be needed by most.
* Good ambient sound and appropriate music, interesting not annoying.
* 51 mins to complete on easy level. Hard level shows no sparkles, otherwise, skip and hint slower, basically I could have played on either and not noticed.
My conclusion.
The devs spent their talents on the presentation of the story, and are looking to entertain rather than challenge. This is a very easy relaxing game. Though I don’t think it will be a short one for all that.
It appeals to me already – I LIKE these people, and I want to know what’s really happening.
It doesn’t have the usual spectacle and glamour of a collector’s edition, and I think most will prefer to buy the standard. My problem is, I want that extra chapter!
I recommend this game!
Travel to Red Lake Falls to track down the latest Dark Dimension!
Overall rating
4
/
5
60 of 73 found this review helpful
It’s A Hard Slog For Amateur Puzzlers
PostedMarch 30, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME (ALMOST) COMPLETED TWICE
So many important things to say about this game that I had to take a breather and get them down. This game is a long and arduous journey for me, an intermediate puzzler, HO diva, and intrepid adventurer. Don’t get me wrong, it is a good, probably a great, game, but it is too much for one sitting that’s for sure!
I was disappointed to find that the “Beauty” of the title didn’t bring with it beauty in the artwork. It is top quality, talented work, but no one has given us gorgeous fantastical concoctions. Instead we are not-so-welcomed into town by living wax grotesqueries and statues we just wished we could be sure WERE wax.
In other words, the atmosphere is one of a seriously creepy game, based around an equally creepy story. I want to take a moment for the story.
This is by far the best job of characterisation I’ve seen in over 500 games I’ve trialled and played. The emotional conflicts between the girl and her brother, his frustration and confusion, her hurt and sense of betrayal, great stuff. The relationships between the other lead characters are excellently portrayed too. And their weaknesses, eccentricities and obsessions.
I don’t know if this is helped by having live actors (who were a bit over the top I thought), but certainly the dialogue and frequent well-timed very well crafted cutscenes really added to the reality of these people’s dramas. I found myself taking sides in the arguments – and my mum sat in for a while and sided against me!
Finally, it would not be right to write about a Dark Dimension game without mentioning the high quality, difficulty, and originality of their games. City Of Fog, the first of this series, was notable for them as well. However, as with that predecessor, a number of original games don’t have clear enough instructions, in the game or in the strategy guide. Us amateurs need a little more hand holding.
At the very least I hope to see more reset buttons in future games. Oh, and very interactive and entertaining HOS.
Now I‘ll go finish off the bad guy/gal...
I recommend this game!
Get tips and hints from our handy Strategy Guide! Follow our crystal clear instructions and helpful tricks to succeed!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Better Than Nothing?
PostedMarch 30, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Hard to rate an SG at less than three, when the alternative is nothing, but in this case I'd advise not to waste your money on an inaccurate and often vague instruction manual.
Better still, don't buy the game. It's inaccurate and vague too! :)
Although some of the puzzles in this game are interesting, none would have been difficult enough for me to need the SG if proper instructions had been given. Unfortunately, the guide didn't offer clarification.
Often, the guide's only instruction was the same as the black bar: Turn the circles to the correct position. I think a little more information on the principles at work might have made an infuriating puzzle something new and different.
Also, in one case it advised the hints on the side be used as a guide, but even with the solution in front of me, I could see no connection to the puzzle.
All round, a painful experience
I don't recommend this game.
Your favorite professor summons you to the island of Castle Rock. He wants you to find the philosopher’s stone and save the world!
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 27 found this review helpful
Not For My Money
PostedMarch 30, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON SE GAME COMPLETED WITH SG
COMPARED TO CE
COMPARED TO CE
I am not particularly impressed with this game, certainly not enough to pay extra for the benefit of further play. I was quite happy to be done with it by the end.
The best part of it was a dramatic and vivid opening cut scene. After that it languished.
It was visually unattractive, grainy and dull, and although the enigmatic talking blackbird was very well done, I was never comfortable with the environment.
The story too was nothing new, but that wouldn’t have mattered if the gameplay had been there. Nothing was ever obvious and hint outside HOS was directional and sometimes confusing.
There were a few minor mistakes in the game as well, which only irritated me more . But one was a slip leading to a major spoiler if the player was switched on. Certainly made me suddenly realise what was really going on way too early.
The strategy guide REALLY irritated me when twice it gave difficult puzzles no more than a black bar instruction like: “Turn the circles to the correct position.” Ah, yeah, knew that, but how exactly, when they seem to have a mind of their own?
There were things done right. The parchment scrolls with fate’s predictions of them were cool. Some of the puzzles were clever. There were a series of deciphering puzzles that looked interesting but which were indecipherable due to those earlier mentioned lack of proper instructions.
I am unhappy I bought the SE version of this game, let alone forking out for a CE, which has only wallpapers and further torturous game play to offer.
I don't recommend this game.
Your favorite professor summons you to the island of Castle Rock. He wants you to find the philosopher's stone and save the world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 32 found this review helpful
I’m Just Not Sure
PostedMarch 29, 2013
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
3
/
5
GAME COMPLETED A COUPLE OF TIMES
Somewhat disappointed in this game, it was not at all as interesting as it originally seemed. It didn’t follow through on a dramatic and vivid opening with same calibre game play. Visually, it was unattractive, grainy and dull, although the enigmatic talking blackbird was very well done, I thought.
The story was nothing new – save significant other, in this case favourite prof, and in the process save the inhabitants of an afflicted island to lift the curse put on it by an evil mage. It’s an ever popular story, and I’m happy to play any of its variants. But this one didn’t seem to flow. There was rarely any clear way forward, so finding the next task became tiresome.
One thing I did like was the way the predictions of the future were presented in parchment scrolls showing sketches of it. But they only gave a very broad strokes.
Another good thing were some of the puzzles. Very absorbing and clever. Take the time to work out the clock one, for example, very satisfying to see the results of your efforts.
One final potential point in favour of this game for others (alas not for me) who are interested in encoding and deciphering puzzles. There were several of these, and no amount of effort made it possible for me to understand how they aligned the cipher rings or how the alleged clues helped. *Sigh* Have fun those of you who can.
With all these pluses and minuses it’s hard to decide whether to recommend it or not. This really is a try before you buy game, but ultimately...
I don't recommend this game.
A simple murder investigation in Spain becomes a puzzling whodunit filled with intrigue.
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 83 found this review helpful
Beautifully Done - As Always
PostedMarch 29, 2013
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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON FULL HOUR TRIAL ONLY
A typical ERS/Grim Facade game, this one is all they always are (which is a good thing, for the most part):
Gorgeous, washed out art, crisp and clean, imaginative. Fun junkpiles for HOS, silhouette and lists. We still get to collect those gorgeous fans that I love so much, and coins for the latest suspiciously similar shopkeeper.
Music is good, better than usual, because there is a noticeable spanish flavour to it. VOs still include that female actor whose melodramatic voice and delivery I have never been able to tolerate. Unfortunately.
Puzzles are about my level of competence which means, I probably won't miss the SG on this one.
But things have changed since the last Grim Facade. Somehow we have acquired psychic visions. Which changes everything. How will they affect our investigations? Will bring us closer to killer and therefore more at risk?
And we have also got ourselves a cute assistant (well, yeah, okay, the furry critter is cute too). So it appears things are looking up for 'detective'.
I can say nothing for the story so far. It's standard fare, and it is too early to know just where our investigations will take us. But I'm anxious to find out!
I recommend this game!