sfr8rfan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:5,257
- Reviews Submitted:171
- First Review:July 20, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 58 found this review helpful
The Roman Colosseum, Pont du Gard, Stonehenge. Reflections of Life, Dark Architect Belongs in This Group of Architectural Wonders
PostedJanuary 15, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromPulling myself up from the floor. I am bowled over by the quality of this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Typically, I have a visceral reaction to games which portray fantasy Queens in their introductory blurb. In the opening credits "GrandMA Studios" is represented by a kitten and a ball of pink yarn: another visceral reaction.
This was my lucky day. I pressed the PLAY NOW button on the screen after linking to Tomorrow's Game Today.
While this game will not change my general response to Fairy Princesses and Charming Princes, the reality is, this game is iconoclastic. It is certainly not what I expected and it has broken the mold...or, better, created a new mold.
WHAT A GAME
I've played the one hour trial. After that, I immediately purchased the game without any more hesitation. I had to have it.
I'm playing on a Mac Book Pro using Operating System 10.9.5. I'm playing the game in the "Hardcore Mode."
FUN FACTOR
I bought immediately. I must be having a great time.
I bought immediately. I must be having a great time.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see: A cavalcade of color. Bright reds and oranges, blues and greens. Nothing particularly soft or pastel-like in this game. The colors reach out and grab. They don't just invite. They pull you in.
What you see: A cavalcade of color. Bright reds and oranges, blues and greens. Nothing particularly soft or pastel-like in this game. The colors reach out and grab. They don't just invite. They pull you in.
Objects are clearly drawn. Characters are particularly well-drawn: often times feelings such as fear and trepidation, anxiety and relief are poorly portrayed in the games we play...because they're difficult emotions to capture. This game does so better than I've ever seen. Usually game artists resort to comic strip-like simplicity because of the challenge of accurately portraying such foundational emotions. GrandMA's designers did not take the easy way out. Visually, this is a real treat.
The "movie" at the beginning of the game depicts a geologic explosion of massive proportions. This cataclysm gives the design artists an opportunity to flex their creative muscle: we view the destruction of a very Roman-like urbanity in ancient times. We see a city exploding, viewing it from above, from below, from the side. Each perspective bringing the devastation front and center. There is some very serious artistic rendering...nearly worth the price of admission just to see this "live" art on the screen.
A balcony and its balustrade crumble as in an earthquake and "the Queen" free-falls backwards. Her face is a catalog of emotions. At that moment I sensed the beginnings of something great.
What you hear: Great background music that speeds up and slows down, grows louder or softer, appropriately, based on the urgency of the moment. It has the sound of excellence and I feel like the developers paid particular attention to the details of voices and sound effects, and most definitely the score which frames and supports the game.
Lip synching combines what is seen and heard and at this point it's the only negative I have to say about Dark Architect. It's very poorly done. BUT, in the context of the rest of the features of the game...who cares. It's a very minor annoyance, and still far better than not even taking a stab at lip-synching. It's surprising, to me, though, in a game which displays technical superiority in every other aspect. I hope GrandMA will work on this in the future.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Absolutely excellent, based on the level of difficulty chosen for gameplay.
Absolutely excellent, based on the level of difficulty chosen for gameplay.
Difficulty Modes: As I mentioned, I chose HARDCORE. This level features an unchanging cursor (called an "icon" in the menu). There is no indication of the work to be done anywhere. If you don't click, you might as well turn off your computer. I don't recommend hardcore mode for Carpal Tunnel sufferers. There are 2 other set modes plus a custom mode.
If you are up for a serious challenge and are willing to spend hours (OF KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF FUN) to play this game, I heartily recommend jumping in with a blindfold and handcuffs. Eschew the extra help and experience the thrill of discovery.
Collectibles: Called Observers, these are well-hidden. The only relief is a notification if you've found all the available "observers" in a scene.
I briefly switched to casual mode to see if the cursor changes when hovering over collectible items. IT DOESN'T!!!! Three cheers for not robbing gamers of a very expensive challenge (considering the cost of Collector's Edition). Conversely, this remarkable restraint alone, given the trends in gaming today, justifies the purchase of a CE, in my opinion. I believe there are 65 collectibles throughout the game.
Hidden Object Scenes: There are various types, and this game refers to them as Hidden Object Puzzles. You can read all about them in the reviews of others who may have already completed the game. (Personally, I prefer to skip "previews of next week's show" and enjoy the mystery of what's to come.) In any even, suffice it to say that there is a serious degree of creativity shown in the few HOG I have encountered thus far. There isn't one plain "list find" among the very few I played. In one, there is a list. I had to find the items...but then there were accompanying challenges. The challenges are really the "mini-puzzles." I HOPE the creativity doesn't wain as I progress. There is no indication that it will.
Mini-Puzzles: Are referred to as Full Screen Puzzles to distinguish them from the mini-puzzles which accompany HOS. There seem to be far more mini-puzzles than HOG.
While I have yet to encounter something completely new, I think each puzzle I've played has had a very distinct twist which adds challenge. Some have referred to them as mainly easy, but I think there's a very satisfying level of challenge.
While I have yet to encounter something completely new, I think each puzzle I've played has had a very distinct twist which adds challenge. Some have referred to them as mainly easy, but I think there's a very satisfying level of challenge.
Skip/Hint: Oddly, there isn't the ability to completely disable skipping and hinting buttons, but in hardcore mode the skip refreshment time is 8 minutes. Yes. 480 seconds. The hint refreshment time is 2 minutes. In custom mode both can be set at 500 seconds maximum. This is pretty close to not having skip or hint available.
STORYLINE
A universe constructed of many worlds is under attack by an evil monster (the source of which I have not yet discovered). Its initial personification reminds me of a cross between a White Walker (of Game of Thrones fame) and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
A universe constructed of many worlds is under attack by an evil monster (the source of which I have not yet discovered). Its initial personification reminds me of a cross between a White Walker (of Game of Thrones fame) and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Speaking of White Walkers, the devastation that is caused by the Evil One (for lack of a defining name) comes in the form of "ice as destruction." Earthquakes are another destructive force oft-referenced in Dark Architect. Both cases symbolize the inverse of architecture.
I'm not sure where the story is headed but I know that it is framed by the Platonic concepts of Good and Evil. The story is interesting. Yes, it's fantasy, of course. Do yourself a favor and suspend your disbelief. You'll enjoy using the various fantastic tools you discover in your effort to overcome Evil and ensure that the Good prevails..
As a consequence of the beauty of the game's sights and sounds, the challenges of the game's HOS and Puzzles, and a fascinating and ever-developing story line, I think this game has a chance to be my all-time favorite. Clearly, it's my favorite of the "fantasy" genre already.
I strongly recommend this game. For those of you who, like myself, find "fantasy" themes less than attractive, generally, do not be deterred. The theme has not only not been a distraction, it is part of what makes this game so attractive.
I recommend this game!
Someone's out for revenge, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
Overall rating
4
/
5
47 of 54 found this review helpful
Gem Fury. Fury? No. You'll Be Very Happy With This Game!!
PostedJanuary 10, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromThe Diamond Deck, appreciating this Gem of a Game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I didn't know what to expect, in terms of quality, with the Collector’s Edition of “Spirit of Revenge: Gem Fury.” I have two other games in the series but I haven't reviewed either of them and I don't remember them (time to replay, methinks). I am more than a little impressed with Gem Fury!
I completed the main portion and the bonus chapter of the Collector's Edition on a Mac Book Pro with Operating System 10.9.5.
Gem Fury is a story-driven game with exceptional puzzles. It is exactly the type of game that I prefer.
FUN FACTOR
Once again, the ultimate test is whether or not I keep coming back to play with alacrity or with a big "ho hum." I couldn't wait to get back to this. Consequently, Fun Factor rates very high.
Once again, the ultimate test is whether or not I keep coming back to play with alacrity or with a big "ho hum." I couldn't wait to get back to this. Consequently, Fun Factor rates very high.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What You See: if there's a feature of the game that could be improved it is the visuals. They aren't bad but they lack the crystal clarity that we see in other great games. (Of course, in the Ravenhearst series, the murky, ethereal, hazy "feel" of the design is a major part of the attraction..so...). Still, the "items" are well drawn and the scenery is colorful. There's one scene in particular, a carnival locale, that's bright and perfectly rendered.
Perhaps you have noticed that items are not always drawn with dimensional integrity (a button that's drawn to be the same size as a watch, for instance) in Hidden Object Scenes. This is not the case with Spirit of Revenge: Gem Fury, and I think it's to be appreciated.
What You Hear: there are several voice actors who play the roles of boys and girls. They do quite credible jobs. The couple of adult characters leave a bit to be desired, though. The adult narrator is excellent...a perfect voice for telling a story.
More importantly, to me, than the actors is the soundtrack/score. It is perfect. It sets a tone of urgency and impending discovery. There isn't active “terror” in this game and the music isn't "scary." So, in addition to well-chosen music, the producers have exhibited artistic restraint.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Hidden Object Scenes are well drawn. They are not junk piles. They provide a bit of a challenge, but nothing exceptional. There are several formats.
Mini-Puzzles are the GEMS of Gem Fury! There are many games and some of them are absolutely NEW to me. They aren't just new twists on familiar games, but brand new. This is exciting to discover during the course of play and I'm not going to give anything away…experience it for yourself. Suffice it to say, you will enjoy this. To me, this is worth the price of admission alone. There is even a Rube Goldberg super-puzzle in this game!
The Collector’s Edition includes Morphing Objects and each scene has one. The designers did not give in to the challenge-robbing cursor-as-hand-while-hovering-over-the-beyond-object trend that is the norm lately. Though only a little difficult to find, at least the morphing objects are not the total bust that so many games de-feature.
Collectible Items are also featured in the Collector’s Edition. They are personal mementoes of the young children who are the "co-objects" of our attention in the game. These are found in the normal course of play. Finding them is not a challenge at all.
STORYLINE
As with many of these games, you must suspend your disbelief. That’s often the fun of of these games. If you can do this, you'll enjoy Gem Fury's storyline. It's coherent and logical (after admitting that it's totally impossible....): In the PAST, a teacher has been accused of misdeeds. She's disappeared and a number of children with her. In the Present. more children are disappearing. There's a connection! Gem Fury is about finding the connection.
As with many of these games, you must suspend your disbelief. That’s often the fun of of these games. If you can do this, you'll enjoy Gem Fury's storyline. It's coherent and logical (after admitting that it's totally impossible....): In the PAST, a teacher has been accused of misdeeds. She's disappeared and a number of children with her. In the Present. more children are disappearing. There's a connection! Gem Fury is about finding the connection.
This is an excellent game and I recommend it highly.
CE or SE?
As I wrote earlier, the morphing objects in the CE are not central to the story, and, the collectibles, while directly related, are not challenging. Consequently, neither really counts as a bonus. The strategy guide is helpful (if you allow yourself to use it). There is the regular assortment of "who cares?" extras. Finally, there is a bonus chapter and it is much less satisfying than the main game.
VERDICT: Get the SE. It contains all the important, can't-miss parts of this very well-designed game...and at a very approachable price or free, if you have a coupon.
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 56 found this review helpful
Labyrinth: You Can Check Out But You Can Never Leave
PostedJanuary 9, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromHotel California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Yesterday I wrote about Hidden Expedition: Fountain of Youth, heaping high praise on it.
My, how quickly things can change in a day!
Labyrinths of the World: Changing the Past is a hot mess. Like Hidden Expedition: Fountain of Youth, there is much to do while "Changing the Past." The similarity ends there.
If you get a kick out of left-clicking on your mouse, you'll love this game. And your "hit rate" will be high: I realized early on that everywhere and every time I clicked i either collected a figurine or a puzzle piece or I found inventory objects or ignited several fires which came blazing out of roofs. Just click and something happens.
There's a VERY complex...and incomprehensible story line to Labyrinths of the Past. In the hour I played I...
a. Encountered a gossipy maid, Mrs. Watson?, who dislikes...
b. ...her employer's very chipper, yet wheelchair-confined, fiancé who is allegedly FAKING A FATAL ILLNESS (and I thought that only happened on Law and Order SVU)...
c. ...causing my friend, Peter, the master of the Mansion, to search the world over for a cure for Debby's Downer of a Disease, even though he has suddenly, and inexplicably, become evil...a result of donning a mask according to the protagonist (gamer) which also causes fire to come out of Peter's fingertips at will...after which I...
d. ...pulled a thorn out of a dog's paw, for which the pooch rewarded me with a batard of freshly baked bread (an incredible achievement, really...I can't cook a thing when I have a thorn in my foot)...
e. ...which was very useful as I then transported back in time from present day USA to the ancient Roman Empire (in the time of Magnus Crassus (The Great Fat One) WITH THE BREAD that...
f. ...I gave to an old, hungry, invalid who lives on the street...who...
g. ...was promptly arrested by the Roman guards when they realized the bread was HOT (I'm telling you, that dog really appreciated me removing the thorn from his paw) and deduced that it had to be stolen because he doesn't have a kitchen...but he does have balls...
h. ..,because, in reality, though he is not a baker, he is an accomplished juggler, who offered to distract the Roman guards, thereby facilitating my escape, once I supplied him with one blue ball and one yellow ball.
a. Encountered a gossipy maid, Mrs. Watson?, who dislikes...
b. ...her employer's very chipper, yet wheelchair-confined, fiancé who is allegedly FAKING A FATAL ILLNESS (and I thought that only happened on Law and Order SVU)...
c. ...causing my friend, Peter, the master of the Mansion, to search the world over for a cure for Debby's Downer of a Disease, even though he has suddenly, and inexplicably, become evil...a result of donning a mask according to the protagonist (gamer) which also causes fire to come out of Peter's fingertips at will...after which I...
d. ...pulled a thorn out of a dog's paw, for which the pooch rewarded me with a batard of freshly baked bread (an incredible achievement, really...I can't cook a thing when I have a thorn in my foot)...
e. ...which was very useful as I then transported back in time from present day USA to the ancient Roman Empire (in the time of Magnus Crassus (The Great Fat One) WITH THE BREAD that...
f. ...I gave to an old, hungry, invalid who lives on the street...who...
g. ...was promptly arrested by the Roman guards when they realized the bread was HOT (I'm telling you, that dog really appreciated me removing the thorn from his paw) and deduced that it had to be stolen because he doesn't have a kitchen...but he does have balls...
h. ..,because, in reality, though he is not a baker, he is an accomplished juggler, who offered to distract the Roman guards, thereby facilitating my escape, once I supplied him with one blue ball and one yellow ball.
Busy, hunh? And, not just collecting things, but doing things...at home and abroad, today and 2000 years ago. If you like to collect lots of THINGS and like to expand your inventory,, you're going to love this game... I do not.
I don't recommend this game.
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
4
/
5
63 of 95 found this review helpful
Fountain of Youth is a Fountain of Fun
PostedJanuary 7, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromAt the checkout counter Expediting the purchase of my very own Fountain of Youth.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Like it's more recent iterations, this Hidden Expedition, The Fountain of Youth is very promising. I've completed the hour-long free trial on a MacBook Pro using OS 10.9.5.
After a couple of initial entries in the genre in 2011 and 2012, this series took a serious turn for the better. Not only is Hidden Expedition a winning series, but Eipix regularly introduces multiple games each year since 2012.
I feel like the winner in the production schedule: In my review of Smithsonian Hope Diamond I referred to the game as "exceptional" and I suggested that "dawn is rarely so prosperous" in my review of Dawn of Prosperity. The quality of Fountain of Youth is very similar to these other editions.
FUN FACTOR
Although my strong preference is for games weighted toward mini-puzzles rather than HOS, I find Fountain is a crazy fun game with LOTS to do. There are many items to collect, each helping to move the game forward. The items come quickly and they aren't contrived (any more than any HOG is contrived just because it is what it is...). I think it's the rapidity of items that makes this so exciting.
Although my strong preference is for games weighted toward mini-puzzles rather than HOS, I find Fountain is a crazy fun game with LOTS to do. There are many items to collect, each helping to move the game forward. The items come quickly and they aren't contrived (any more than any HOG is contrived just because it is what it is...). I think it's the rapidity of items that makes this so exciting.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see: The visuals are fantastic. Colors are vibrant. Unlike Ravenhearst, this game isn't under a dark and cloudy sky, but in the bright light of day (at least at the beginning). Items are very well drawn...so well drawn that at times they look more like photos than computer generated drawings.
Hidden object scenes, there are 17 of them, are not junk piles. Items are well-named.
What you see: The visuals are fantastic. Colors are vibrant. Unlike Ravenhearst, this game isn't under a dark and cloudy sky, but in the bright light of day (at least at the beginning). Items are very well drawn...so well drawn that at times they look more like photos than computer generated drawings.
Hidden object scenes, there are 17 of them, are not junk piles. Items are well-named.
What you hear: I was immediately impressed by the audio portion of the game. The soundtrack is excellent. The game is not dreary and neither is the music. It's lively and it communicates the excitement and urgency I felt playing the game.
The voice actors are also quite good. The characters are not just reading words but putting real feeling into them without being over-dramatic. Bad guys sound like bad guys and the good guys sound like they're defending all that's right with the world.
Finally, the sound effects are the best I've ever heard. I could actually hear a fire crackling...and it isn't over done. A yipping monkey (if that's what monkeys do) sounds real. Flowing water sounds like flowing water. While I realize that the art and science of sound effects has progressed dramatically, I haven't heard many examples of this progress in hidden object/puzzle/adventure games. Sound effects are much better than good in Fountain of Youth.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
It's here where I find that a higher degree of difficulty would have yielded a Five Star rating.
It's here where I find that a higher degree of difficulty would have yielded a Five Star rating.
HOG: As I wrote earlier, the scenes are well-drawn and not junk piles. The items are difficult to find as result of good blending not because they're unidentifiable.
Mini-Puzzles: There are a variety but they aren't particularly puzzling. I haven't yet played a game that's a new idea. All are recycled versions of well-familiar games. Not only are they retreads, but, so far, they aren't as difficult as some of their predecessors. I'm hoping that the farther I get in this game I'll encounter a few games that are new and tough.
Collectibles: There are 41 collectibles, one in each scene. They are exceptionally well-placed. In fact, I think they're the best "hidden" collectibles I've encountered. They aren't hidden in stupid places...they're in clear view...and obvious..ONCE YOU FIND THEM.
There are also "fact cards" which teach fun facts about the voyages of Ferdinand Magellan. Do you remember your grade school and high school history/geography? Magellan was the first to circumnavigate the earth. There's a lot of rich material in these fact cards. Difficult to find, however, they are not.
Storyline: This game is an excellent example of what can happen when a good story meets up with good gaming. As with their the earlier Eipix Expedition games, Fountain of Youth is based, at least nominally, on historical events. I think this typically a good starting point for a great game.
The game's fiction is a group of "bad guys" who are disrupting the restoration of artifacts at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is an ancient city/palace in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Three "good guys" from H.E.L.P. (Hidden Expedition League of Preservation) have been taken captive by the "bad guys" (ok, two bad guys and one bad "gal") and my job (your job) as the protagonist, is to find the captive colleagues, avoid the criminals and find out exactly why they're disrupting the whole project.
This Collector's Edition has all the the things you'd expect to find: the "who cares?" assortment of screen savers, re-playable music, etc.; a bonus chapter in which the protagonist is a member of Magellan's crew; an ordinary and unexciting list of achievements; the two sets of collectibles; an integrated strategy guide; and, a transporting map.
Do you need to buy the Collector's Edition? Is it worth it? Should you wait for the SE? Well, here's my calculation:
a. There have been a couple of Ravenhearst series games (both exceptional, in my opinion) recently. Both are very dark. The Dalimars are evil doers with warped minds. Expedition has bad guys, but they aren't psychopaths (they're just sociopaths). Verdict: Expedition is just the right change of pace now and a great way to start the new gaming year.
b. As mentioned earlier, while the mini-puzzles could have used an infusion of difficulty, the HOGs and collectibles are very fine and quite challenging. Also, my experience is that the bonus chapters in Expedition games are excellent. Verdict: The extras in Fountain justify a purchase NOW.
c. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and even though we've had a protracted drought, the rain has been falling steadily for a week. (I hope there's an "El Nino" based game!). It's been a pleasure to see the bright blue skies of Fountain of Youth. Verdict: Fountain is just the cure for Rainy Days and Mondays.
BUY IT NOW!
I recommend this game!
Someone's out for revenge, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
This is a Gem of a Game
PostedDecember 18, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromIn Nickfield, past and present!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't know why I'm surprised, but I am...and very pleasantly so! I have two other games in the Spirit of Revenge series but I have not reviewed them and I don't remember them (time to replay, methinks).
I've completed the main portion of the game on a Mac Book Pro with Operating System 10.9.5.
Gem Fury is a story-driven game with exceptional puzzles that move the game and the story, forward. This is exactly the type of game that I like.
FUN FACTOR
Once again, the ultimate test is whether or not I keep coming back to play with alacrity or with a big "ho hum." I couldn't wait to get back to this. Consequently, Fun Factor rates very high.
Once again, the ultimate test is whether or not I keep coming back to play with alacrity or with a big "ho hum." I couldn't wait to get back to this. Consequently, Fun Factor rates very high.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see: if there's a feature of the game which can stand improvement, it's the visuals. Though not bad, they lack the crystal clarity that we've seen in other great games. Still, the "items" are well drawn and the scenery is colorful. There's one in particular, a carnival scene, that's bright and perfectly rendered.
What you see: if there's a feature of the game which can stand improvement, it's the visuals. Though not bad, they lack the crystal clarity that we've seen in other great games. Still, the "items" are well drawn and the scenery is colorful. There's one in particular, a carnival scene, that's bright and perfectly rendered.
In HOS you may have noticed that items are not always drawn with dimensional integrity (a button that's the same size as a watch, for instance). This is not the case with Gem and that's to be appreciated.
What you hear: There are a number of voice actors who play the roles of boys and girls and they do credible jobs. The couple of adult characters leave a bit to be desired. The adult narrator is great...the perfect voice for telling a story.
More importantly, the soundtrack is very good. It helps set a tone of urgency or impending discovery. There isn't active terror and the music isn't "scary." So, in addition to well chosen music, the producers have exhibited restraint as well.
Toward the end of the game, the last 20% of the main game, Gem began getting glitchy. The soundtrack went silent, both voices and music. This is a disappointment to be sure. There is readable text but voice acting is more satisfying. Another glitch is a frozen cursor which requires restarting my computer. This may be a computer issue, not a game glitch. I'm not pointing fingers. It's disconcerting, whatever the cause.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Hidden Object Scenes: are well drawn. They are not junk piles. They provide a bit of a challenge but nothing exceptional. There are a variety of formats.
Hidden Object Scenes: are well drawn. They are not junk piles. They provide a bit of a challenge but nothing exceptional. There are a variety of formats.
Mini-Puzzles: This is the STAR of the Gem Fury! There are many games, some of which are NEW to me. They aren't just new twists on familiar games, but completely new. This is exciting to discover during the course of play and I'm not going to give anything away. Suffice it to say, you will enjoy this. To me, this is worth the price of admission alone.
There is even a super-puzzle in this game!
Morphing Objects: Each scene has a morph. Kudos to the producers for not giving in to the challenge-robbing, "cursor as hand" while hovering over the beyond object. Though only a little difficult to find, at least they are not the total bust that so many games de-feature these days.
Collectibles: The collectibles are personal mementoes of the young children who are the "co-objects" of our attention in the game. These are found in the normal course of play. Searching for them will yield nothing. This is not a challenge at all.
STORYLINE
As with many, if not most of these games, if you can suspend your disbelief in paranormal visages, you'll enjoy Gem Fury. The storyline is coherent and logical (after admitting that it's totally impossible....) In the Past: A teacher has been accused of misdeeds. She's disappeared and a number of children with her. In the Present: more children are disappearing. There's a connection! And Gem Fury is about finding the connection.
As with many, if not most of these games, if you can suspend your disbelief in paranormal visages, you'll enjoy Gem Fury. The storyline is coherent and logical (after admitting that it's totally impossible....) In the Past: A teacher has been accused of misdeeds. She's disappeared and a number of children with her. In the Present: more children are disappearing. There's a connection! And Gem Fury is about finding the connection.
This is an excellent game which I recommend highly. Should you buy it now or wait for the SE? Well, the morphs are not central to the game. The collectibles, while directly related, are not a challenge, so they don't really count as a bonus. The strategy guide is helpful though I consulted it rarely. There is the regular assortment of "who cares" extras. The value of the CE is to be located in the bonus chapter and Strategy guide. Otherwise, the SE will do nicely at a very approachable price when released. I did not want to wait. Try this for an hour. Depending on your queue of games, you might want to get this NOW. You will not be disappointed.
I recommend this game!
Return to Raincliff, where what you see isn’t always what you get!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Excellence in Gaming!!!
PostedNovember 30, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromEnjoying deserted, downtown Raincliff.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have purchased over 400 Hidden Object games from BFG since 2012. I know that at times I have purchased a game, started playing it, purchased another, started playing it...forgetting about the game I had already purchased and played only briefly. I'm retracing my steps and trying to take advantage of this large library of games I own. MT: Raincliff's Phantoms is my most recent stop on the "recovery tour." AM I EVER GLAD I COMPLETELY REPLAYED THIS GAME.
From start to finish MT: Raincliff's Phantoms is an excellent game. Is it the most difficult? No. Does it have all the qualities that I'd check on my "prefer to have" list? No. Is it the most entertaining? It's absolutely near the top of a short list of "elite" games. .
FUN FACTOR: As with any game I've really enjoyed, I kept coming back over and over this Thanksgiving weekend to play Raincliff's Phantoms. It is definitely fun. I do not exhibit such alacrity for just any game. This one is special.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY:
What you see: Crisply drawn set designs and well-animated characters. The game is beautiful to watch/play. It's bright when necessary and darkish when appropriate. The character's aren't hastily drawn. While I won't ever confuse them for "live" actors, they look as good or better than any "cartoon" characters I've seen. I couldn't ask for more.
What you see: Crisply drawn set designs and well-animated characters. The game is beautiful to watch/play. It's bright when necessary and darkish when appropriate. The character's aren't hastily drawn. While I won't ever confuse them for "live" actors, they look as good or better than any "cartoon" characters I've seen. I couldn't ask for more.
What you hear: The background music is never dull and it is never intrusive. It doesn't steal scenes, it enhances them.
There is a fair amount of dialogue between the few major characters and the voice acting is quite good.
The sound effects (including, or most especially, the pitter patter of your canine assistant, little Elf's feet) are perfect.
There is a fair amount of dialogue between the few major characters and the voice acting is quite good.
The sound effects (including, or most especially, the pitter patter of your canine assistant, little Elf's feet) are perfect.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE:
Hidden Object Scenes:
Not one HOS is a disappointment. The level of challenge isn't particularly high, but in each scene there are items which are VERY WELL hidden and take quite a bit of time to locate. The HOS are straightforward list finds. There is a degree of interactivity but not much. Items are well named, with none of the confusing misnomers we are familiar with in other games.
Hidden Object Scenes:
Not one HOS is a disappointment. The level of challenge isn't particularly high, but in each scene there are items which are VERY WELL hidden and take quite a bit of time to locate. The HOS are straightforward list finds. There is a degree of interactivity but not much. Items are well named, with none of the confusing misnomers we are familiar with in other games.
Mini Puzzles:
I am always attracted to puzzles more than HOS and Phantoms doesn't disappoint in either frequency or challenge. At the time of release some games may have been original. I don't recognize anything currently that is outside the norm of what we usually encounter. Most important, there isn't one "dud." Every game makes sense and is integral in moving forward with the storyline.
I am always attracted to puzzles more than HOS and Phantoms doesn't disappoint in either frequency or challenge. At the time of release some games may have been original. I don't recognize anything currently that is outside the norm of what we usually encounter. Most important, there isn't one "dud." Every game makes sense and is integral in moving forward with the storyline.
Collectibles:
There are collectible, humorous "toad" characters, like Anatoly Toadakov and Talmadge T. Toad, ESQ. These are well placed and require a little effort to find..but on the whole, these don't present much challenge for one, very large reason: when hovering over the item the game cursor changes to a hand. While the items are amusing, the hovering hand voids any challenge quotient.
There are collectible, humorous "toad" characters, like Anatoly Toadakov and Talmadge T. Toad, ESQ. These are well placed and require a little effort to find..but on the whole, these don't present much challenge for one, very large reason: when hovering over the item the game cursor changes to a hand. While the items are amusing, the hovering hand voids any challenge quotient.
Morphing Items:
Each location has a morphing item. The cursor changes to a hand when hovering, but there is a little delay at time. They are not immediately apparent when entering a new location.
Each location has a morphing item. The cursor changes to a hand when hovering, but there is a little delay at time. They are not immediately apparent when entering a new location.
Game Playing Modes:
There are two modes of play: "frost mode on" and "frost mode off." This is a stunt to add an extra level of challenge.
There are two modes of play: "frost mode on" and "frost mode off." This is a stunt to add an extra level of challenge.
The setting of Phantoms is the snowy, freezing cold city of Raincliff. In frost mode, the temperature gradually drops until a morphing item is identified, at which point the player is "re-warmed." If the temp goes too low, gameplay freezes. I did allow this to happen once to see what game playing ramifications ensue. Nothing, really. Inventory items are not highlightable and no activities can be completed until the morphing item is found. This is a gimmick. It doesn't get in the way of the game but it does not improve the game in any way.
STORYLINE:
The game is just as it's described in the "blurb." What is important is that, while "fantastical," the story still progresses logically/sequentially. If you accept the premise that there are
"phantoms" or "invisibles," then everything that occurs makes sense.
The game is just as it's described in the "blurb." What is important is that, while "fantastical," the story still progresses logically/sequentially. If you accept the premise that there are
"phantoms" or "invisibles," then everything that occurs makes sense.
Some games have very loose story lines, the purpose of which is to provide an excuse to present a series of HOS and Puzzles to the player. MT: Phantoms of Raincliff has a taut storyline that guides play and provides the raison d'être. The HOS and mini-puzzles are well-integrated and help push the game forward. They don't just appear out of nowhere and for no reason. This is my strong preference in a game.
This version is a Collector's Edition. It costs twice the amount of money so there needs to be a significant additional contribution in order to justify the price. In the CE, the "extras" include, the typical "who cares" collection of wallpapers, concept art and music. There is an integrated strategy guide that is more than adequate. The morphing items and collectibles are also "extra" features of the CE only. There are several achievements all having to do with either speed, completeness, or using no hints to hasten progress. Finally, there is a bonus chapter.
The morphing items (and the accompanying "frost mode") and the collectibles are not challenging, as a consequence of the hovering hand cursor. If there is no challenge, there is no benefit. If there is no benefit, there is no value. As for the achievements, we know what we accomplish and no one else will ever know. They may be gratifying to acquire but...once a game is over, have you ever watched ALL the credits just to get one more achievement?
If there is real value in the CE, it is found in the available strategy guide and the Bonus Chapter. In length, the bonus chapter is about one-third of the standard game. The storyline of the bonus chapter follows logically from the standard game. It is not an alternate ending, but, rather, a more complete ending. It's the same high quality as the rest of the game. Despite the collection of value-less extras, I recommend the CE on the basis of the bonus chapter and SG.
CONCLUSION
This game was introduced in early 2014 yet it has only a couple of the "special" features sometimes present in Mystery Trackers and Mystery Case Files games: There are no live actors; there are no "super puzzles" or "rube goldberg" puzzles; there are a number of well-crafted cut scenes driving the storyline; there is a "helper" character, Elf, an adorable little dog.
This game was introduced in early 2014 yet it has only a couple of the "special" features sometimes present in Mystery Trackers and Mystery Case Files games: There are no live actors; there are no "super puzzles" or "rube goldberg" puzzles; there are a number of well-crafted cut scenes driving the storyline; there is a "helper" character, Elf, an adorable little dog.
Some players love live actors and others hate them. Some gamers live for the super-puzzles while they are confounding to others. Elf is an annoyance to some players but a lovable little poocher to me...
What makes this game special is the overall accomplishment of its design. It is an exceptionally crafted game. There are games with many more bells and whistles but still fall flat as a whole. This game, on the other hand, is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
I strongly recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Experience an authentic Slavic legend! Save the creatures from destruction!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 54 found this review helpful
If I Could Talk to the Animals, Just Imagine it Chattin' with a Chimpanzee
PostedNovember 26, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromI was at the Bailiff's Office near Alister's house, but suddenly I lost my sense of direction.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a delightful little tale, with some tails!
Eventide: Slavic Fables Collector's Edition is the story of a young, successful botanist and her missing grandmother who is the docent of a charming little park. Heritage Park is occupied by adorable little animals who resemble humans when dusted with a special potion, the ingredients of which are known only by Granny.
The sylvan setting is disrupted when Granny becomes a kidnap victim of the evil Boruta who harbors an, as yet, unknown vendetta against her.
OVERALL RATING:
My heart wants to award more than 3 stars. My mind says no. This is a fun little game that's full of imagination but devoid of any challenge.
My heart wants to award more than 3 stars. My mind says no. This is a fun little game that's full of imagination but devoid of any challenge.
FUN FACTOR:
Slavic Fable stands in such contradistinction from the darkness and evil, the insanity and isolation of Blackpool and its underwater city that this fanciful little tale may do very well living on the sunny side of the street. It is an uncomplicated and very hopeful HOG.
Slavic Fable stands in such contradistinction from the darkness and evil, the insanity and isolation of Blackpool and its underwater city that this fanciful little tale may do very well living on the sunny side of the street. It is an uncomplicated and very hopeful HOG.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY:
What we see: a vividly colored game without a lot of precise resolution. The visuals aren't a strong point, even though the coloration is appealing.
What we see: a vividly colored game without a lot of precise resolution. The visuals aren't a strong point, even though the coloration is appealing.
What we hear: This is a strength in two ways: first, the voice acting is excellent. There are several characters with speaking parts: the botanist/protagonist; the grandmother and the evil trickster who loathes and kidnaps her; and the animals. (Who doesn't love a talking animal???) The ability of the voice talent to make this story come to life is uncommonly good.
Second, there is the background music. It is exceptional. I've always placed great value on the score of a game. To me it sets a tone and can make or break a game teetering on the edge of, either, greatness on the one hand or the trash bin on the other. It's definitely not frenetic, but instead, very calming and rhythmic. It's not overbearing at all. I think it's a fine accompaniment to the game. Still...the challenge, or lack thereof mitigates the value of the music.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Mini-puzzles:
Here is the one very substantial shortcoming of the game that I've referred a couples times already. No matter how much I like the direction in which this game is headed, the complete lack of challenge cannot be ignored.
Mini-puzzles:
Here is the one very substantial shortcoming of the game that I've referred a couples times already. No matter how much I like the direction in which this game is headed, the complete lack of challenge cannot be ignored.
There are several little games in the early stages of Eventide. Two of them come with instructions to place discs in their appropriate positions. The first of these is simply "pick and place" and the destination cannot be more obvious. The second includes the (hardly) complicating factor of a grid with a path that must be followed.
Other "puzzles" include correctly placing figurines, placing misshapen wood planks to fill in a hole in a boat (as the poet once wrote...) You get the idea. Putting things in their place is a big feature of this hourlong trial.
Collectibles:
There are a couple sets of collectibles: flowers (which are iridescent and cannot be missed); cards/posters which are also obvious...in some cases you must click on them to reach some other essential inventory item.
There are a couple sets of collectibles: flowers (which are iridescent and cannot be missed); cards/posters which are also obvious...in some cases you must click on them to reach some other essential inventory item.
Hidden Object Scenes:
I can only remember one right now and it is not hard. It is a silhouette-style. If there is any interactivity, it isn't complicating...and, well, it isn't memorable either.
I can only remember one right now and it is not hard. It is a silhouette-style. If there is any interactivity, it isn't complicating...and, well, it isn't memorable either.
VALUE AS A COLLECTOR'S EDITION:
The typical "who cares?" assortment of CE features are included. In addition, there are the collectibles. There is a strategy guide. There are many achievements, several of which must be achieved simply as part of the progression of the game.
The typical "who cares?" assortment of CE features are included. In addition, there are the collectibles. There is a strategy guide. There are many achievements, several of which must be achieved simply as part of the progression of the game.
There is a bonus chapter.
WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO....
This just might be the feel-good story of the year...but that's about it. Because there is no challenge, the potentially engaging storyline is wasted on a veteran, adult player.
This just might be the feel-good story of the year...but that's about it. Because there is no challenge, the potentially engaging storyline is wasted on a veteran, adult player.
This is a fairy tale...and while the classic fairy tales have very dark sides to them, I'm not sure that even the evil Boruta can make this bright story terribly frightening.
I'm going to make a suggestion: I think this is a perfect game for kids. The story is inviting. The characters are engaging...especially since you "can talk with the animals."
When my son was in single-digits he often wanted to help me find items as I played HOGs. Though most of the games I like were way too dark for him, there were occasions when I would let him help out, even encourage it. If that's an option for you, exercise it...and do it with the Collector's Edition.
When my son was in single-digits he often wanted to help me find items as I played HOGs. Though most of the games I like were way too dark for him, there were occasions when I would let him help out, even encourage it. If that's an option for you, exercise it...and do it with the Collector's Edition.
There is great value in this game...for the right player. I'm not sure it's stimulating for an adult or challenging for a veteran player. For a kid, or for a beginning player learning the ropes of an HO/Puzzle/Adventure game, this is a 5.
I recommend this game!
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 168 found this review helpful
IF YOU THOUGHT THE KEY TO RAVENHEARST WAS GOOD...
PostedNovember 24, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromBack to Blackpool.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...You will think this is more than great.
What is it about the Ravenhearst franchise? It certainly evokes great excitement and anticipation. The reviews I have read about Ravenhearst fall into two categories: either they praise the splendid game or they bemoan their unmet expectations. In either case, the standard against which Ravenhearst games are judged seems higher than for other games. Perhaps it's because the series is itself considered the standard against which other games should be judged. If this is the gold standard in casual gaming, the price of gold has just risen exponentially.
For me, this is a game to be played in a quiet room, alone and in the dark. Not because it's scary and doing those things will set the proper tone. No. It should be played in a quiet room, alone and in the dark so as to block out any distraction. Give yourself over to the mystery, the magic and the majesty that is "Ravenhearst Unlocked.''
It's now 4am and I'm shutting off my computer. I don't want to but I'm so close to chucking the whole idea of getting any sleep I've got to do something that resembles self-discipline. It's very hard for me to say "no more tonight (this morning)."
Yes, it's fun. For me, it's made even more fun by opting to play in wacko-crazy difficult mode. (My only complaint about the game is that even in it's most difficult mode I can't figure out how to disable the hint button.) As a very slow player I know this game is going to take many, many hours to complete. I've been playing for four already and I've finished only one complete chapter and am at the end of the second chapter which culminates in one of the legendary super puzzles. My slow pace is not just a function of the difficulty. I'm enjoying every moment of this. I'm reading everything there is to read and studying every scene with the same care given to crafting this masterpiece.
For ease of comparison, measure this game against something you're probably already familiar with: MCF Key to Ravenhearst. I thought that game was splendid. Either I misjudged it or I have to come up with a new, even more honorific description for Ravenhearst Unlocked. This game is far superior.
The attention to detail in crafting the sights, sites and sounds of this game is unparalleled. Playing this game, I'm blown away by the beautiful artwork that is the set design. The trademark soundtrack is, as always, the perfect accompaniment for this game...which is much less about SCARY than it is about EVIL. Everything you see and everything you hear will support the primary themes of evil, insanity and isolation. (Ok, that's one more reason to play this game in a quiet, dark room all by your lonesome: because it heightens the sense of isolation.)
Unlike Key to Ravenhearst, which I initially judged to be more difficult to play/solve than, in fact, it was, Unlocked is a real challenge, and a welcome one.
Because the hour of 4am has passed...actually, exactly half past 4am now...I stopped in the middle of the first super puzzle which ends the second chapter. It's going to take me quite some time to solve it. It's that tough. I didn't experience this level of challenge in the game from a couple weeks ago. Maybe I took a dumb pill, but I don't think so. I almost think Key was a set-up...maybe causing us to lower expectations just a hair...and then just tear it up with this iteration of Mystery Case Files/Ravenhearst.
The HOS are varied: a simple list find with some interactivity; a couple of silhouettes with even more interactivity; and, finally, one that's multi-leveled with total interactivity. The HOS have mini-puzzles lodged within the items. UNBELIEVABLY GOOD.
The mini-puzzles have ranged from very simple to difficult, with the first super puzzle being super difficult for me. And I'm loving every minute of it.
The Storyline is pure Ravenhearst. This is like watching a movie. It's immersive. Although you can play this game as a stand-alone...with no prior Ravenhearst experience, I think if you are a Ravenhearst Vet you will love this game because you'll feel like you know the despicable characters and their history and you'll feel very comfortable in the shoes of the detective whose persona you inhabit. Hmm. Not sure "comfortable" is the right word.
Unlike Key, I didn't even bother pretending I could hold off on buying the game. I bought it immediately. You should as well. This is my new favorite game and by a large margin. Unlike my post-game post-mortem of Key to Ravenhearst, I have no sense that Ravenhearst Unlocked will make me wish I'd tempered by remarks about its greatness. Unparalleled is the best description I can give and it's aptly deserved.
I recommend this game!
The people of Lightfalls are disappearing, and it’s up to you to save them!
Overall rating
2
/
5
30 of 33 found this review helpful
I Won't Be Returning To This World
PostedNovember 21, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromOn the road out of town, never to return.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I started writing a long review and at some point realized that Sunnyglow had said almost everything I was going to say. Just a minute ago I trashed my review because you don't need to read the same things twice. Her review is great and I couldn't do better. So please read hers.
I do, though, have a few additional points:
a. SPEED: Something about the game seemed slow to me. It's not the glacial pace at which the story moves to which I refer, however. It's the mechanics. Somehow, it seems there's a beat in between actions that slow down the whole game. I can't move from one thing to another as quickly as I'd like. (And, believe me, I'm no speed demon.)
b. VOICE-ACTING: The actor (the protagonist daughter) certainly didn't have gold to deliver, but it's just as well. Her delivery was nothing if not earnest. Unfortunately, it was a bit too earnest. It was over-acting. It made an unenjoyable hour even more so.
c. VISUALS: This game is not crisply drawn...to the point that it reminded me of an early, hazy, waaaaay-too-much pastel cartoon with very little detail....and then at other times there are very vibrant looking items and they seem out of place to me.
d. CHALLENGE: With one exception, these games are so simple I'd almost do something I hardly EVER do: suggest that this is a good game for a beginner. I WILL NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER. A good beginner's game must still be a good game. This is not.
Do not be tricked that the Super Puzzle will make up for the lack of challenge in the other puzzles. The Super Puzzle wasn't the one that was challenging.
e. STORYLINE: As I said, the game is dominated by it's storyline. The storyline is simply not interesting enough, not mature enough, not compelling at all. A dominating story line better be good.
I will not be purchasing this game as a CE and I doubt I won't as an SE, either. Although they had nothing to do with the story, the collectibles and morphing items aren't offensive...they just aren't something I'll miss in the SE....
BUT: I'm pretty sure that, unless one of my coupons is about to expire (the day before the date that's written on the coupon), and I'm totally out of other options, I will not be getting the SE either. It was the game itself I didn't like, so it doesn't matter how good or bad the extras are.
BUT: I'm pretty sure that, unless one of my coupons is about to expire (the day before the date that's written on the coupon), and I'm totally out of other options, I will not be getting the SE either. It was the game itself I didn't like, so it doesn't matter how good or bad the extras are.
Conclusion: This series has been a roller coaster ride. I think they should try to smooth out the highs and lows and come up with a consistently good product. Good products get the benefit of the doubt. This series does not. Consequently, it has one hour to prove itself and that didn't happen tonight.
I don't recommend this game.
A scream in the night... a brutal crime... a mysterious figure with eyes red as blood. Can you get to the heart of this shocking murder?
Overall rating
2
/
5
33 of 39 found this review helpful
Read The Short Story
PostedNovember 14, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromOn the downhill slope of this series which has clearly run its course.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Sunnyglow said she bought the game and then regretted it. I'm glad I read that review. It confirmed my impression.
This game is confusing. It's not hard, just confusing. I was making progress, but I'm not sure how. I found myself wondering what I was doing...and when I figured out what, I asked myself WHY?
As already reported, this game is short on HOS, not a problem for me, and long on un-puzzling puzzles. Folowo the direction and you'll solve the puzzles. Alternatively, skip the directions and click. Click long enough and you'll have found the object you need, you'll have solved the puzzle, you'll have gotten tired of clicking and you'll still be wondering why.
FUN FACTOR
Not knowing what I'm doing or why I'm doing it is not fun. This is not fun.
Not knowing what I'm doing or why I'm doing it is not fun. This is not fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see: The hue is dark and the ambience is damp and totally befitting a classic short story about insistent insanity and murder. Characters are well drawn.
What you see: The hue is dark and the ambience is damp and totally befitting a classic short story about insistent insanity and murder. Characters are well drawn.
What you hear: Background music is perfect for this tale. If I weren't pre-occupied with trifling little questions like, I don't know, "WHY????." I appreciated the music.
Sight and sound come together in the elusive art of lip-synching. Or the don't.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
<empty set>
<empty set>
STORYLINE
It's a classic short story. The Tell-Tale Heart is so short that a game built around requires adding a lot of meat. This game begins with a murder that has nothing to do with Poe's masterpiece, but so what? The story is point of departure for this game, so the storyline gets a passing grade for remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.
It's a classic short story. The Tell-Tale Heart is so short that a game built around requires adding a lot of meat. This game begins with a murder that has nothing to do with Poe's masterpiece, but so what? The story is point of departure for this game, so the storyline gets a passing grade for remaining faithful to the spirit of the original.
TELL OF THE TALE:
I'm glad I paid attention to Sunnyglow's review and saved some money You should do the same.
I'm glad I paid attention to Sunnyglow's review and saved some money You should do the same.
I don't recommend this game.