Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
For quality, fun and good story - nothing beats the Final Cut series. Make sure to start with the first one and work your way to this one. As the #3 entry - the storyline is NOT as strong as the others (to me #2 had the best story), but the game play, grahics and pace will keep you hooked.
Pros: Graphics beautiful, puzzles Easy to Low-Medium, HOS interactive and fun, Clues interactive. Story interesting and varied with the film projector changing the environment for each section into something exotic. Clue objects intuitive.
Cons: Not anything big. Story not as touching/involved as #2, but interesting. There was so much potential in the sets that seemed to go unchallenged. For example the lights could have done more, or the sets. Particularly in the later scenes. Overall, though - nothing really "wrong".
Fun, amazing series. Highly recommend - but start with the first once so you get the story.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
2/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
This reminds me of one of the early HOS games brought forward to include some mini puzzles and a story. It's clunky and the story doesn't make much sense.
Pros: Pretty scenes and interesting tasks - making potions, dealing with skeletons. It has the shell of a good game, but not the game play. Puzzles are medium to easy.
Cons: HOS are junk pile and dark. Very hard to see. You have to be super precise with the cursor or things won't pick up. When using an object you have to get it on the exact right spot or it won't work. The story meanders and doesn't make much sense. Ending is abrupt - and not really an ending.
A lot of people complained the game was too short. I found that a relief.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
I love the Myths of the World series, but this one, based on Native American icons was the weakest one. The story was just okay (could have been a story from any culture) and the gameplay didn't teach you anything about the culture or unique. A fun game, but not the best.
Pros: Map takes you where you need to go, generous hint button, intuitive items, puzzles easy to med (mostly easy), variety of puzzles and games.
Cons: The "spirit symbols" and "binocular"things got old after a while - particularly the "spirit symbols". Story generic and bland - you really didn't care who got who or what happened. It was more of a "go here do this" game.
BIGGEST CON: This game misses several good chances to end. At one point the character tells you "this is your last journey" (which makes you happy because you're ready to stop) then there are all these detours and stories and endings. Normally I complain games end too abruptly but this ending goes on and on and on.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
2/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
There are a lot of reviews complaining about the junkpile HOS in this game, but that was one of the best parts. The game is like a throwback to early HOS story games. Limited story, clunky voice over and junkpile after junkpile. Still, it was a little fun to play to remember back before games had graphics and stories worth their time.
Pros: Puzzles easy - med, straightforward play (go here, do this, go there, do that), attempt at a story, intuitive, nostalgic.
Cons: Many scenes are dark or hard to see through, junkpiles without much purpose, although there is a sort of story - it doesn't make a lot of sense, slow action and silly plot.
Overall, if you want a quick "remember how games used to be" - this is a fun diversion. If you are seriously trying to challenge your mind or skill - look elsewhere.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
2/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
1/ 5
Most people play match 3 to relax or challenge themselves in a good way. Almost everyone plays a game for fun. This game is neither relaxing nor fun.
Pros: If you really have great reflexes and want a game that pushes you to the limit, this is it. The story is engaging to a point and every screen is different so it's not the "same old"
Cons: Relax mode is a joke. Even untimed modes have quick sands and other things that force you to move fast. The challenge mode is even worst. When you're in the first 3rd of the game and you're replaying screens 10 times because you can't beat the clock (ON RELAX MODE) - its too much.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This is a great game for people who play Match 3 games to relax or meditate. Soothing Music and smooth play guides you game by game through this long adventure.
Pros: Beautiful graphics, predictable consistent bonus objects, easy to understand, use. Nice additions as you build along, and the game lasts for months as you try to fill all the slots.
Cons: They make you play all three types of Match. The group and slide ones are fine - but I hate connecting match games but it forced me to play a number of those before it opened up to other modes.
You're on a train in the middle of nowhere, and a band of dangerous thieves demand you tell them where to find the Hope Diamond's shards. As the newest Hidden Expedition recruit, you've got to find the shards before they do...X
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Loved all the factual data about the story of the Hope Diamond and it's "curse" along with info on the history of the museum. It's all done in fun. The game is the right length, and perfect pace for relaxing, learning and thinking.
Pros; Graphics and music are fine, V/O is good. The story is excellent and keeps you moving from one spot to the next. Puzzles are Easy (no skips needed) and add to the game play instead of stalling it. Items are intuitive and make sense for the most part.
Cons: I wish they had spent more time in the Smithsonian - hiding clues among the different musuems in DC or collections - but the movement did make the game interesting.
NOTE: A lot of games get accused of being to short, and I've played some games with so many endings and extra stuff tacked on they were unnaturally long. But this gave is the Perfect Length and moves at the Best Pace.
The mystical Silver Arrow has been stolen from you on the eve of your wedding. Without it, you can’t marry your beloved Prince Philip! Can you track down the arrow in time?
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I have enjoyed all the Spirit of Mystery games, this one included. The story had more depth than most and got into the action quickly. The end wasn't abrupt and it was a lot of fun.
Pros: Intuitive game play, varying landscapes, moving and suspenseful storyline - a little humor. Puzzles easy to medium.
Cons: Some puzzles could use better instructions.
Overall a fun and interesting game with classic imagery.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
The visual aspect with the cyclops people is very interesting and the puzzles are fun. However, the experience was really challenged by an extensive landscape with a clunky map that requires a lot of navigation.
Pros: Good story, puzzles easy to medium, beautiful visuals, intuitive action.
Cons - the map requires constant navigation, and towards the end there is a lot of back and forth requiring effort.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Jack and the Beanstalk was never one of my favorite fairy tales. But the game not only makes the story far more interesting that the fairy tale, but involves some fun game play and beautiful graphics. I love playing the Fairytale Detective.
Pros: The most fun part is the inclusion of all the previous Dark Parables (red hiding hood sisters, frog prince, etc) and the ending that reveals the next story to come. That continues in this. Graphics are good, story is fun, clues lead to intuitive conclusions. Puzzles Easy to Med.
Cons: The story is a little muddled between the king and 3 brothers. The end set of 4 games gets a bit tedious. The map shows you were to go but won't take you.