This is my first review in over a year, hopefully it will be helpful. I found this game's mechanics very frustrating, you have to be exact in order to use tools (screwdriver tip perfectly on the tiny screw, etc); the gameplay was stilted, not smooth like most games now, and the next steps you were to take were not logical. The mini-games did not all have clues in order to help you figure out what patterns you were supposed to create, so I was forced to skip a couple because there was no way I would be able to guess without having seen a clue somewhere else in the game. I lost track of what the storyline was as I became too frustrated trying to complete simple tasks or figure out what I was supposed to be doing next. The HO scenes were dark and some objects so tiny that even when I used the Hint, I still had no idea what I was looking at, just clicked on the glowing area to find the object. The good news is that the map is a jump-map and the hint recharges very quickly, so I did put those two positive factors into use. All in all, not for me. I play for enjoyment, not aggravation. Play for yourselves, however, you may have an entirely different outlook.
I have the first Mirror Mysteries and I liked it when it came out. That was a long time ago. These developers have not expanded on their ideas, therefore this game feels out-dated. There are a lot of find-the-pieces games out there that are done much better. I didn't hate it by any means, and will probably use a coupon for it, but it should have been updated to keep up with the competition.
Your friend, Mary, disappears and it's up to you to save her. Uncover an exotic land with unearthly secrets as you find and help your friend leave the flying island.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
I bought and played the entire game and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not a huge fan of the comic-type cartoon drawings, but it didn't detract too much from the artwork for me. The mini-games were interesting - some usual, some different. The hint system recharges fairly quickly and tells you exactly what to do/where to do it. You have a journal but no map, which doesn't really matter because there isn't a lot of back-and-forth, everything you need to do is pretty much in one place. The only downside is that it's very short. If it were longer, I would easily have given it 5 stars! I
I know that some gamers are tired of the spooky, haunted, witchy or ghost-ridden games, but that seems to be the favored genre of hidden-object/adventure. I, for one, am still enjoying them and do expect quality. When I get quality, I'll buy the game. I like this game for the storyline, the graphics, the challenge is not too hard but interesting. I play for fun, not to be frustrated. I will buy the CE in this case because sometimes the bonus game ties a story together, as well as extending playing time. Definitely (as always) try before you buy, but if you're not expecting to enjoy it, you probably won't.
I don't usually write bad reviews, but this game is a definite "no" for me for a few reasons: - spelling mistake after spelling mistake - seems to be a hesitation when clicking on items - can't skip the dialogue - pace is very slow and a bit annoying
The artwork is fine, but everything just seems a bit choppy. Try the demo before you decide, I knew pretty quickly that it wasn't for me.
I played most of the demo and decided to buy it. It really does make you think, there are far more actions to perform than there are HO scenes. There are a lot of interactive dioramas, which I like - as in perform one action to get to the next and so on. I own several games by this developer and have yet to be disappointed. For those of you who enjoy this kind of challenge, it's worth a try. The hints do just say things like "you need to do/use something here", but if you really can't figure it out, try what you have in inventory or use the blog walkthrough. All in all, worth it for the money, I don't think it's a short game.
I just finished the demo and the only thing I didn't really like (or understand the reasoning behind) was the switching from live actors to drawings of the actors. The way the mouths worked was a bit off-putting. Other than that: great fun, beautiful artwork, challenging mini-games, interesting story and since I am a movie buff - lots of cool stuff to look at. The HO scenes were well-drawn but not so simply done as to make it too easy. This is a definite buy for me!
First of all, I'm excited to see more non-CE great games! That said: the artwork is reminiscent of Rockwell paintings which means gorgeous and lifelike, a pleasure to look at. The tasks are definitely not the easiest, the cat-finding is a bit annoying. The hints charge fairly quickly and as there is no guide, you may need them to at least guide you in the right direction. The storyline was also good, making this an all-around good deal. I don't know how long/short this game is, but I'm about to find out.
Welcome to Top Secret Finders. Your first mission is to save a small town, uncover the truth about a government conspiracy and stop the villain in his tracks!
It really doesn't seem to happen often that a standard game comes out with good graphics and gameplay. I'm happy to say that this is one of those times. It's not a hard game so far (after the demo), but it does keep you interested and the mini-games are not the usual fare; you won't be bored.
I recommend this game!
-1point
2of5voted this as helpful.
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart Collector's Edition
Dive into an epic journey as a museum owner in pursuit of an undead pirate who has kidnapped your daughter in Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart!
Overall rating
5/ 5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Fantastic!
PostedMay 18, 2012
Mopox
fromAlberta, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Ahoy, mateys! This is an utterly great game! The graphics are amazing - clear and crisp; the sound effects and voice-overs are well done and neither of the latter are annoying in the least. I like that there is an option of hidden object or mahjongg for a change-up depending on what you feel like doing. There are a lot of tasks and so far (based on demo) not a lot of back and forth for one tool. I really like the undead pirates - well, I really like it all. There's only 7 chapters plus 2 in the bonus, but I think it's well worth the buy - I finished the demo in 45 min so unsure how long it will be, but I bought it and am sure I'll enjoy my ride with the undead!