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:
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
A Lion, With the Head of a Goat and a Tail Ending with a Snake's Head. OH MY!
PostedNovember 13, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromJust checked into a Haunted Hotel, but now the signs say Chimera. What the heck is going on here????
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
CHIMERAS: THE SIGNS OF PROPHECY
This review is based on two one-hour trials. I played on a Mac Book Pro utilizing operating system 10.9.5.
Signs of Prophecy is exactly what many gamers will love: fast-paced action; a lot of inventory items, several of which are + objects requiring other items or more actions to complete them; several collectible items; morphing items; and, very approachable mini-games and HOS.
The hour-long trial was fun. At other times in my playing history, I’d likely have given this game 4, or even, 5 stars. Today I look for story-driven games I can sink my teeth into and this is not an example of one.
FUN FACTOR: Who doesn’t like successfully completing a bunch of mini-games and breezing through several HOS, every once in a while? Not every game has to be ponderous and this one is not. On several levels it’s just good, unadulterated fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see:
This game lacks the clear and precise drawings of some of today's standout games and series. In some games I actually have to think for a moment whether or not I'm looking at a real person or a drawn and animated character. The thought didn’t cross my mind as I played this. The characters are not at all realistic and you’ll never wonder if they’re human or drawings.
What you see:
This game lacks the clear and precise drawings of some of today's standout games and series. In some games I actually have to think for a moment whether or not I'm looking at a real person or a drawn and animated character. The thought didn’t cross my mind as I played this. The characters are not at all realistic and you’ll never wonder if they’re human or drawings.
There is a dark ambience to the game…because the early scenes are all at dusk/night time. That doesn’t make this game eerie. It is not remotely eerie.
What you hear:
I have gotten a lot of “flack” for this opinion when shared with my review of the CE:
The game is set in Munich, Germany yet except for a fortune-teller near the beginning of the game, every voice actor speaks idiomatic English with no trace of a foreign accent. I’ve yet to hear a European tourist, facile with English, say “ain’t.” In this game, presumed citizens of Munich say the word “ain’t.” To me this is sloppy direction or development or something….Whatever or whoever is responsible, it’s not good.
I have gotten a lot of “flack” for this opinion when shared with my review of the CE:
The game is set in Munich, Germany yet except for a fortune-teller near the beginning of the game, every voice actor speaks idiomatic English with no trace of a foreign accent. I’ve yet to hear a European tourist, facile with English, say “ain’t.” In this game, presumed citizens of Munich say the word “ain’t.” To me this is sloppy direction or development or something….Whatever or whoever is responsible, it’s not good.
Some say that this is a game and it’s make believe, so it shouldn’t matter. Well, that’s one opinion that’s very valid. My opinion, however, is this is a game and it's make believe, so accents do matter and a game supposedly played out in Germany should have actors ACTING with German accents. I was criticized by a German player who said she’d never heard a German police officer speak English. I suspect, given her German-ness, that he spoke German to her. All I know is that I’ve had to defend my right to prefer accents. If you don’t, then by all means do not let it bother you!!! For me, however, it is a directorial or editing error.
What else you hear:
The sound track music is forgettable. I recall at one point it is very compelling, urgent and scary. When the action warrants it, this is the point that a soundtrack becomes an important part of the game. Sadly, this game is never “chilling.” There are no “goosies” as J-Lo puts it. Consequently, that urgent, scary soundtrack moment is lost in a forgettable script.
The sound track music is forgettable. I recall at one point it is very compelling, urgent and scary. When the action warrants it, this is the point that a soundtrack becomes an important part of the game. Sadly, this game is never “chilling.” There are no “goosies” as J-Lo puts it. Consequently, that urgent, scary soundtrack moment is lost in a forgettable script.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOS: All very straightforward. You will not struggle to find the items. There are “interactive” hidden objects but these, too, present no challenge. You will not struggle.
HOS: All very straightforward. You will not struggle to find the items. There are “interactive” hidden objects but these, too, present no challenge. You will not struggle.
Mini-Games: Very, very easy. THEY WERE FUN…and sometimes it’s great to get through a game without a hiccough…just power through, completing task after task, game after game. You can do that here.
Morphing Items/Chimeras: This is the most important, very positive, feature, in my opinion. YAY!! The cursor does not change to a hand while hovering over morphing items or “chimeras.” In Chimeras Elephant Games bucks the trend of giving away a feature we pay a lot of money for when buying a CE rather than an SE. So, a big shout out for “keeping it real.” (If only they’d done that with the accents)
STORYLINE:
As I wrote earlier, this is a game that you can power through. That means moving quickly from task to task rather than contemplating what’s happening and seeing how this HOS or that mini-game really fills in the storyline and at the same time pushes it forward.
As I wrote earlier, this is a game that you can power through. That means moving quickly from task to task rather than contemplating what’s happening and seeing how this HOS or that mini-game really fills in the storyline and at the same time pushes it forward.
Yes, there’s a clearly stated “story.” At no point, though, is the story compelling for me. In fact, I would say that the story serves as way to present what would otherwise be unrelated HOS and mini-games.
AS A COLLECTOR’S EDITION:
*There are collectibles and morphing items.
*There are the typical “who cares?” non-“bling” items which are part and parcel of every CE.
*There is a strategy guide that I did not consult. I’m sure it’s more than adequate.
*There are achievements.
*There is a bonus chapter. Of course, I didn’t get far enough to play it. Since, in my opinion, the story isn’t the central purpose of this game, I can’t imagine that either an alternative ending or a prequel chapter will be anything more than another vehicle for presenting HOS and mini-games.
*There are collectibles and morphing items.
*There are the typical “who cares?” non-“bling” items which are part and parcel of every CE.
*There is a strategy guide that I did not consult. I’m sure it’s more than adequate.
*There are achievements.
*There is a bonus chapter. Of course, I didn’t get far enough to play it. Since, in my opinion, the story isn’t the central purpose of this game, I can’t imagine that either an alternative ending or a prequel chapter will be anything more than another vehicle for presenting HOS and mini-games.
CONCLUSION:
TO SE or CE
As I wrote at the beginning, I think this is an OK game and if you’re looking for fast action with straightforward HOS and mini-games, this is PERFECT. If you like morphing items and collectibles, achievements and a strategy guide, then this is PERFECT FOR YOU…and you get bonus game play with the additional chapter. So, go for it! Because of the value of the morphing items and the infrequent real challenge they present in these games, I suggest getting the CE if you’re up for something that will take a little extra work!
TO SE or CE
As I wrote at the beginning, I think this is an OK game and if you’re looking for fast action with straightforward HOS and mini-games, this is PERFECT. If you like morphing items and collectibles, achievements and a strategy guide, then this is PERFECT FOR YOU…and you get bonus game play with the additional chapter. So, go for it! Because of the value of the morphing items and the infrequent real challenge they present in these games, I suggest getting the CE if you’re up for something that will take a little extra work!
Also as I wrote at the beginning, if you’re looking for something to really sink your teeth into (and a game that’s really driven by the storyline), then this is probably not for you. It’s not for me, but that doesn’t make it bad.
If this game seems the least bit intriguing to you, DEFNITELY play the trial hour. You will see what this game is and you’ll know what it isn’t before the trial clock reaches 0:00.
I recommend this game!
Grim Tales: Threads of Destiny
Can you free Jackie's parents from their deadly fates?
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
You're Destined to Be Pleased With This Game!!
PostedNovember 6, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromBack home after a few days in the Asylum
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
4
/
5
GRIM TALES-THREADS OF DESTINY SE
This game is great and I had a lot of fun playing it. I was unsure about buying after playing the free hour-long trial, but I did and I’m glad I did. I completed the entire Collector’s Edition, including Main Story, Bonus Chapter and an additional feature included in the CE “Extras” section. I played this game on a Mac Book Pro with Operating System 10.9.5. As usual, I played at a very slow place and probably took 8 hours to complete. I think this experience will help me suggest to you whether or not the extra money need be spent on the CE.
FUN FACTOR
I played Threads of Destiny in five sessions over three days and was always looking forward to getting back to it. If I weren’t having fun I’d not have subjected myself to such torture. Not only that, with only Key to Ravenhearst in between, I've returned to another Grim Tales game in this series. This alone would be a testament to just how good this game is.
I played Threads of Destiny in five sessions over three days and was always looking forward to getting back to it. If I weren’t having fun I’d not have subjected myself to such torture. Not only that, with only Key to Ravenhearst in between, I've returned to another Grim Tales game in this series. This alone would be a testament to just how good this game is.
The cornerstone of this game and others in the series is one character’s ability to time travel and change the course of history. While it’s impossible, it’s still a good story to tell and it is told well. Both the "book" and the actors who deliver it are great. Once you’ve accepted the premise that time travel is possible, logic is applied thereafter, in spite of the fantastic nature of the story. This game is completely entertaining.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
The artwork is very good and realistic. The "set design" is exceptional. The locus of the penultimate scene is an airport. It looks like and feels like an airport to me…a small commuter airport. The same is true of the campground scene and the police station…all of the scenes...they feel realistic. From eggs to fruit the game is great.
The artwork is very good and realistic. The "set design" is exceptional. The locus of the penultimate scene is an airport. It looks like and feels like an airport to me…a small commuter airport. The same is true of the campground scene and the police station…all of the scenes...they feel realistic. From eggs to fruit the game is great.
As I mentioned before, the actors are quite good. The lip-synching is not as good, but still better than most. The sound track is very good as well. The ambient music for HOS and extra features is new-age”ish.” The soundtrack also connotes urgency, fear, etc. It does its job well.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOS:
There are a number of different HOS styles but silhouette seems the most frequent. I worked hard to solve them because they are reasonably difficult for me. They are not a jumbled mess, but items are still well hidden and chameleon-like in their ability to “blend in” with their environment.
HOS:
There are a number of different HOS styles but silhouette seems the most frequent. I worked hard to solve them because they are reasonably difficult for me. They are not a jumbled mess, but items are still well hidden and chameleon-like in their ability to “blend in” with their environment.
MINI GAMES:
The mini-games range from easy to difficult with most being easily managed. Still, I think the games are creative. The most difficult to me is a calculator grid, a variety of numbers, a goal of getting the sums to equal the same amount horizontally, vertically and diagonally: no way. My mind just doesn’t work like that. You may find this one simple.
The mini-games range from easy to difficult with most being easily managed. Still, I think the games are creative. The most difficult to me is a calculator grid, a variety of numbers, a goal of getting the sums to equal the same amount horizontally, vertically and diagonally: no way. My mind just doesn’t work like that. You may find this one simple.
WHAT'S IN THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION
CE MORPHS AND COLLECTIBLES:
Morphing Items:
There are several morphing items, independent of HOS, but available in every location. They are tough. As sometimes happens, playing a game with no hints or sparkles, I didn’t catch on immediately that there were morphs. I missed the first one and I couldn’t get back. Once I realized they were there (because I saw the item morphing) I actively sought them out. The morphs are a good feature and their value helps justify the extra money spent on a CE. They do not interrupt game play and are well integrated into the whole story. As a particular challenge, the cursor doesn’t change to a hand when hovering over the morph item. THANK YOU. So many games employ this give-away method. It robs one of the great “gets” of a Collector’s Edition. It renders a very expensive CE feature nothing more than a no-value key click…BUT NOT in this game it doesn’t!!!
CE MORPHS AND COLLECTIBLES:
Morphing Items:
There are several morphing items, independent of HOS, but available in every location. They are tough. As sometimes happens, playing a game with no hints or sparkles, I didn’t catch on immediately that there were morphs. I missed the first one and I couldn’t get back. Once I realized they were there (because I saw the item morphing) I actively sought them out. The morphs are a good feature and their value helps justify the extra money spent on a CE. They do not interrupt game play and are well integrated into the whole story. As a particular challenge, the cursor doesn’t change to a hand when hovering over the morph item. THANK YOU. So many games employ this give-away method. It robs one of the great “gets” of a Collector’s Edition. It renders a very expensive CE feature nothing more than a no-value key click…BUT NOT in this game it doesn’t!!!
Collectibles:
The collectibles are discs/cameos of members of the extended Gray family. They are more amusing than serious, not hard to find and not integral to the game.
The collectibles are discs/cameos of members of the extended Gray family. They are more amusing than serious, not hard to find and not integral to the game.
CE FINAL CHALLENGE:
The final challenge in the Bonus Chapter is incomprehensible to me. I don’t know if it is challenging or not because I don’t understand the directions and how to reach the desired result. Ultimately, I “passed” but I have no idea how. It is a card game with instructions and expected results written on each card. Playing a card gains or loses lives based on the information on the card itself and on the relationship to other cards already played (I think). I don’t know how I lucked into completing it.
The final challenge in the Bonus Chapter is incomprehensible to me. I don’t know if it is challenging or not because I don’t understand the directions and how to reach the desired result. Ultimately, I “passed” but I have no idea how. It is a card game with instructions and expected results written on each card. Playing a card gains or loses lives based on the information on the card itself and on the relationship to other cards already played (I think). I don’t know how I lucked into completing it.
CE EXTRAS
“SECRET ROOM” CHALLENGE:
The “Secret Room” is part of the CE package of extras. This one is an uninteresting HOS composed of all morphing objects, several of a kind, in specific multiples, each in a location within the airport, the scene of the final chapter of the main game. It is predictable and, consequently, of zero value. Even a die-hard fan of HOG will find this a bore in my opinion.
“SECRET ROOM” CHALLENGE:
The “Secret Room” is part of the CE package of extras. This one is an uninteresting HOS composed of all morphing objects, several of a kind, in specific multiples, each in a location within the airport, the scene of the final chapter of the main game. It is predictable and, consequently, of zero value. Even a die-hard fan of HOG will find this a bore in my opinion.
STORYLINE
The storyline is great. Storylines consisting of an element of time travel are not off-putting to me. They aren’t real, but so what. I think they present a unique opportunity and challenge to make the whole story logical while still being a product completely of the imagination. In a sense, time travel games have to preserve internal logic while still being, in reality, illogical. The good ones, and Threads of Destiny is a good one, allow us to suspend logic and disbelief, in service of the game…and they do this in a way that we don’t know it’s happening…we don’t know we’re doing it, OR if we do know, it doesn’t matter! This is excellence.
The storyline is great. Storylines consisting of an element of time travel are not off-putting to me. They aren’t real, but so what. I think they present a unique opportunity and challenge to make the whole story logical while still being a product completely of the imagination. In a sense, time travel games have to preserve internal logic while still being, in reality, illogical. The good ones, and Threads of Destiny is a good one, allow us to suspend logic and disbelief, in service of the game…and they do this in a way that we don’t know it’s happening…we don’t know we’re doing it, OR if we do know, it doesn’t matter! This is excellence.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION
*The CE Package offers all the basic “who cares?” collection of items such as re-playable music and scenes.
*In addition there are the already-mentioned morphing objects and collectibles.
*Strategy Guide
*There are about 15 achievements.
*Finally, there is the bonus chapter itself. Though not particularly long, it is fun and it extends the length of the game.
*The CE Package offers all the basic “who cares?” collection of items such as re-playable music and scenes.
*In addition there are the already-mentioned morphing objects and collectibles.
*Strategy Guide
*There are about 15 achievements.
*Finally, there is the bonus chapter itself. Though not particularly long, it is fun and it extends the length of the game.
TO CE OR SE
I think the bonus chapter gives a real conclusion to the story. However, the main story stands quite nicely on its own without the extra playtime. The morphing objects are very well done and if you want an additional challenge then this, along with the strategy guide are the only “must” reasons to buy the CE.
I think the bonus chapter gives a real conclusion to the story. However, the main story stands quite nicely on its own without the extra playtime. The morphing objects are very well done and if you want an additional challenge then this, along with the strategy guide are the only “must” reasons to buy the CE.
As I’ve already written, the collectibles are not essential. The achievements are certainly not essential: you know what you’ve done and not done and unless you announce your accomplishment, no one else will know.
There’s a big difference in cost (potentially using a coupon to get this game for free) versus spending up to $13.99 or even $19.99 if you’re not a club member. There’s a great value in the SE at a discounted price (or free). There's also a value in the CE. I think it's well worth the money.
In the end, make your decision based on how much money you want to spend. If you're waiting for the right game with a good bonus chapter and you like morphs and will use the strategy guide, by all means get the CE. If these are not features you seek, definitely get the SE.
YOU WILL BE VERY HAPPY WITH THE DECISION YOU MAKE. JUST MAKE SURE YOU GET THIS GAME.
I recommend this game!
The arts-loving town of Everton has been overrun by sentient shadows. Race to escape before you're trapped in the darkness forever!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 21 found this review helpful
Come Out of the Shadows and Into the Light!!
PostedNovember 1, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromThe State of Dis-equalibrium. (From all the turns.:) )
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This review is based on two, free trial hours, one for the CE and one for this SE. I played on a MacBook Pro with operating system 10.9.5.
Confession: if I were a fan of “fantasy-“ games more I’d like this Shadow Pirouette a lot more. "Wait. What? You say you're not a fan of fantasy games but you love Key to Ravenhearst?" Yes, but that’s not fantasy in the same way…I think you know what I mean. Ravenhearst isn't about real people, but it’s about people. Shadow Pirouette is about, well, shadows that come to life. Different.
Games are driven either by a story line filled in and elaborated upon with great HOS and puzzles, or, they’re driven by the HOS and mini-games and have only a weak story line as an excuse to present a series of games and HOS.
Dark Dimensions, Shadow Pirouette is definitely a game fueled by the story line. It’s my strong preference. The story is about a town overrun by shadows...shadows that seem to possess personalities with each having a will or a “mind of its own.” Unfortunately, this is not a story line I enjoy. You, however, may well. I can't penalize a game just because I don't like the subject matter. That's my issue, not the game's.
FUN FACTOR
This is a fun game. PERIOD. If I liked fantasy games, this one would be a blast….So, if you like fantasy games, consider this a recommendation! See the "Challenge" sections below. They explain why the game is fun.
This is a fun game. PERIOD. If I liked fantasy games, this one would be a blast….So, if you like fantasy games, consider this a recommendation! See the "Challenge" sections below. They explain why the game is fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see: There is a hierarchy of developers. Some put out games where the animation and artwork is so lifelike I have to think for a bit about whether a game is employing real actors or is just supremely well-drawn. It never crossed my mind that these are possibly live actors.
What you see: There is a hierarchy of developers. Some put out games where the animation and artwork is so lifelike I have to think for a bit about whether a game is employing real actors or is just supremely well-drawn. It never crossed my mind that these are possibly live actors.
In addition, non-human objects have a cartoonish look to them. The colors are vibrant but when I say the figures are cartoonish I mean they are very simply drawn...lacking any of the patina of real life.
What you hear: the soundtrack is entertaining but it doesn’t have much to do with the story. The few characters we meet are scared of what's taking place in their city. There is no sense of “scary” or “frightened” in the music.
ONE VERY FAVORABLE NOTE: The lip-synching is very well done.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOS: There is a very strong effort to make the HOS challenging. Objects interact with each other…not always logically, but they are a bit complex at least.
HOS: There is a very strong effort to make the HOS challenging. Objects interact with each other…not always logically, but they are a bit complex at least.
GAMES
I remember playing two games particularly one is a difficult example of a familiar game. The other is new…at least to me.
I remember playing two games particularly one is a difficult example of a familiar game. The other is new…at least to me.
The first requires moving 5 stars connected by "virtual lines" into the right anchor position so the lines do not cross. I am a spatially “challenged” person. Bearing this in mind, this game still took an inordinately long time to complete. The game appears simple but isn't. It may not be as hard as I made it, but it still presents a challenge.
The second game is brand new to me and quite challenging. AND, it’s a lot of fun. The object is to complete a square within a square, composed of marbles. You begin with a middle section that can move within strict limits that can’t be crossed. As the game progresses the player grows the smaller center section by attaching to additional sections as it moves around within the larger square. Believe me, this game is a lot more fun to play than to explain!! I think even more important than the game itself is the fact that Dark Magic Productions has actually come up with something new. We often see a new spin on an old game...here is a NEW GAME.
Storyline: See above.
Overall I think this game is perfect for a person who enjoys the fantastical storyline. While some of the design elements leave room for improvement the game overall is enjoyable, challenging and contains some new material. That’s worth a rating point all on its own!!
I recommend this game!
You’re called in to photograph a wedding, but what you really expose is murder.
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 24 found this review helpful
Less is Less
PostedOctober 27, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromI gotta stop using windows as doors!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Well, not much has changed. My view of this game is much the same after a second trial hour as it was after the first when I played the CE. This is one of the WORST games I've played in the past couple of years.
In this episode of From Worse To Worst, I (you will) play the role of a wedding photographer.
OVERALL RATING:
I've matured. In fact, there are parts of this game that are worthy. Unfortunately, it's not in the storyline.
FUN FACTOR:
This is perverse, I know, but I have to admit I enjoy going from scene to scene exploring what mistakes the developers have made. I’m sorry, but it’s fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
I've matured. In fact, there are parts of this game that are worthy. Unfortunately, it's not in the storyline.
FUN FACTOR:
This is perverse, I know, but I have to admit I enjoy going from scene to scene exploring what mistakes the developers have made. I’m sorry, but it’s fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
I. WHAT YOU HEAR (is absolutely the best feature of the game)
a. My hopes were high as I started this game: A great title AND the soundtrack is great. It begins with a couple of Jazzy musical numbers, not unlike the great music from the Cadenza series. In fact, the soundtrack, music and side effects continue to be great throughout.
Once the intro is over the real soundtrack begins in earnest. In my review of the CE I was too negative about the soundtrack. It’s actually really more than good throughout. The material it’s backing up is terrible but this game sounds exceptional.
Once the intro is over the real soundtrack begins in earnest. In my review of the CE I was too negative about the soundtrack. It’s actually really more than good throughout. The material it’s backing up is terrible but this game sounds exceptional.
b. Part of the sound is the voice acting, and it is excellent. The actors are professionals to be sure. Unfortunately, there isn’t even an effort at lip-synching. Games these days are abundantly featured. There is no excuse for there to be no effort put into lip-synching.
II. WHAT YOU SEE
Having travelled down this path before, I've made a bit more progress. The artwork and animation is quite good throughout.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: Not much.
Mini Games
a. The first game requires moving discs, without obstacles, from their incorrect placement to the correct place. The discs have a symbol on them and the purpose is to match up the symbol on the disc with the symbol next to the space it properly occupies. There are six total discs, if memory serves. Two of the six are correctly placed from the beginning of the game. Just in case you're not sure if you're correct in your placement, the disc lights up when in the right position. My one-year old could have done this... one-year old dog, Stanley. (I mistakenly added a year to his age in the first Dark Canvas review and he roundly rebuked me.)
Having travelled down this path before, I've made a bit more progress. The artwork and animation is quite good throughout.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: Not much.
Mini Games
a. The first game requires moving discs, without obstacles, from their incorrect placement to the correct place. The discs have a symbol on them and the purpose is to match up the symbol on the disc with the symbol next to the space it properly occupies. There are six total discs, if memory serves. Two of the six are correctly placed from the beginning of the game. Just in case you're not sure if you're correct in your placement, the disc lights up when in the right position. My one-year old could have done this... one-year old dog, Stanley. (I mistakenly added a year to his age in the first Dark Canvas review and he roundly rebuked me.)
b. The second game requires arranging 4 large letter Ws (located on the cover of a roll top desk) into the same position as 4 large Ws located in the front yard of the house where our story begins.
c. A third game requires following directions in order to develop a picture. Easy Peasy.
d. A fourth requires matching related items (a bunny and an easter egg, for instance). The extra difficulty, by rule of the game, is that items must not be even partially covered by other items. In fact, this makes getting it right easier.
HOS
Again, not much challenge at all but at least there's a bit of variety: a couple of the HOS require finding a representation of a single word of text taken from a story read to the player. As the story is read, one word is highlighted. The job is to find the highlighted object.
Again, not much challenge at all but at least there's a bit of variety: a couple of the HOS require finding a representation of a single word of text taken from a story read to the player. As the story is read, one word is highlighted. The job is to find the highlighted object.
WHAT I LIKED: As I mentioned, the soundtrack and acting is great. The animation is good. The colors are also very realistic.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: I've taken notes as I play. I'm in disbelief that the game is as bad as it is:
Overall what bothers me is a lack of logic and consistency. The errors are ones that an editor or proofreader catch easily. The developer MUST have an employee who performs this task so I can only conclude that they just don't care. That is not acceptable.We have to pay for this game. It needs to be cleaned up. Unfortunately, this isn't one of those bug fixes that a new download performs. BUT IT IS SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BETWEEN THE RELEASE OF THE CE AND THE RELEASE OF THE SE! (So, all the good things I've discovered about this game matter even less now, because the inefficient directing, editing and proofreading were completely ignored by the developers after they surely found out what problems exist).
Overall what bothers me is a lack of logic and consistency. The errors are ones that an editor or proofreader catch easily. The developer MUST have an employee who performs this task so I can only conclude that they just don't care. That is not acceptable.We have to pay for this game. It needs to be cleaned up. Unfortunately, this isn't one of those bug fixes that a new download performs. BUT IT IS SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BETWEEN THE RELEASE OF THE CE AND THE RELEASE OF THE SE! (So, all the good things I've discovered about this game matter even less now, because the inefficient directing, editing and proofreading were completely ignored by the developers after they surely found out what problems exist).
The first and over-arching problem in this game: I’m the wedding photographer but I’ve shown up after the wedding is over. (The bride’s sister informs the new groom that his beloved is getting out of her uncomfortable wedding dress).
Other issues:
Other issues:
a. "I'd love for you to take a picture of Carol and I." If English grammar means anything to you, then "...of Carol and I" is like fingernails on a blackboard. "Of" is a preposition. The noun and pronoun that follow are "objects of the preposition." "Of Carol and ME" is the proper grammar.
b. Later the sister of the bride says to the shutterbug: "I'd love to see the picture of Carol and I. Go check it out." OK. Once again there's the preposition-object of the preposition problem, but more than that: "I" would like to see it. "YOU" go check it out. WHAT???? Maybe "I would love to see it, let's check it out." Maybe. "I would love to see it. Show it to me." Probably. "I would love to see it. Check it out." No. Not ever.
c. As I (the photographer) continue the tour of the house, I make a stop in the kitchen. I see a pot of soup and what looks to be an empty recipe holder and say "I can cook something up myself once I have a recipe." Wait. I thought I was the photographer, not the caterer. And, uhm, how long am I staying?
d. I spot an open door and say: "God. Did whoever was out there get in?" What? That’s what doors are for…especially in the pouring rain (there is a deluge post-wedding).
e. The bride verbally assaults me, demanding to know what I’m doing (I’m standing by the drawing room door at the time). She smiles as she says this! Her words and her affect don’t agree.
f. I spot an open window and say "Why is the window open? Did someone leave? Or come in?" Of course. I usually make my entrances and exits through windows. Doesn't everyone?. (I know it's a murder mystery, but at this point in the proceedings no murder is evident so I'm not looking for surreptitious comings and goings).
g. As I snoop around the house I see a note left by the Carol's sister. It's her crib sheet for the speech/toast she's given at the wedding reception: "I strive for a life as good as my little sister Carol's. She has a charming husband and a father who loves her. I hope to have these myself one day." WAIT. YOU'RE CAROL'S SISTER. YOU ALREADY HAVE A FATHER.
The bad of this game obscures and overwhelms the good. There’s a complete lack of attention to storyline detail and logic throughout. Although there IS some good, the bad wins...in a landslide.
There’s even illogic to be found in the title: “dark canvas" refers to a painting, yet this game's protagonist is a photographer and photographical elements are a significant part of the game. From beginning to end this game is filled with errors of logic and mixed metaphors.
You should not buy this game. Even if you’re not over-the-top about the logic/grammar issues like me, the lack of challenge is perhaps even more important.
I don't recommend this game.
The eyes are watching... and they're everywhere.
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 17 found this review helpful
Like Déjà vu All Over Again!
PostedOctober 27, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromI'm on my way to Blackpool!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Three weeks ago I played Fear For Sale: 13 Keys. It was released a year ago to the week but sat in my inventory unplayed. It turns out to be not such a great thing...I fear.
Fear For Sale: City of the Past and Fear For Sale: 13 Keys are like books from a prolific murder mystery author who changes names, dates, cities and even crimes but basically writes the same book over and over again. Out of habit I might say it's "more of the same." In reality, it's less of the same. What was fresh and exciting the first time around is less so this time.
Worse than this, the excusable flaws from a few weeks ago are repeated rather than corrected and therefore are all the more damning and not at all excusable.
As a series, Fear For Sale places a lot of emphasis on story lines and their presentation by employing great writers who produce great lines for great voice actors. This is usually a winning formula for me: I like playing a game heavy on storyline and featuring well-integrated HOS and mini-games. Games with 36 HOS and 24 puzzles loosely connected by a poorly conceived storyline will seldom get a passing grade from me.
So what's wrong with Fear For Sale: City of the Past? Lack of Challenge. A couple weeks ago I was charmed by the developers' attention to detail in 13 Keys: the great storyline, the perfectly integrated background music, puzzles and HOS that sprang naturally from the story. I was very impressed with the attention to the details of the set design: hovering a cursor over a tree and left-clicking a mouse resulted in the leaves shaking. Do the same on a clock and the hands spin; do it on a dog and he barks or a cat hisses.
The phenomenon of the prolific writer? Exactly the phenomenon of the prolific game developer. The SAME THINGS HAPPEN IN City of the Past: left click your mouse and multitude of eyes blink; bats stretch their wings; and, yes, a dog barks.
In an industry where extraordinary strides are made by developers from one game to the next, if you're not moving forward, you're taking a step backward. City of the PAST.
In my last go around I excused the cursor which morphs into a hand, robbing me of the challenge of really searching for and discovering a beyond item or a collectible. No excuse this time. I PAY a lot of money for the challenge when I buy a Collector's Edition. In the last "episode" I excused games which were so easy that my trusty helper, Stanley the Labrador could have solved them. This time these challenge-deprived games are not at all excusable. They are a staggering disappointment.
In City of the Past, the HOS and puzzles don't spring naturally from the storyline so much as they interrupt the storyline. They are an annoyance rather than an adventure. They're easily solved in near record time. That is a problem. Despite my attraction to "story" and "book," if an HOS or puzzle is not a challenge, I grow tired of the game as a whole. Why? Because, after all, these are GAMES not BOOKS. A classic book needs a great storyline and timeless characters. A great game needs more: The compelling storyline must be accompanied by creative, challenging HOS and puzzles. Sadly, this is not the case with this most recent episode of Fear For Sale.
Stanley yawned. And so did I.
And that is my verdict for City of the Past. This game could not have a more apt title.
And that is my verdict for City of the Past. This game could not have a more apt title.
Can you find the key to Ravenhearst's resurrection?
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 150 found this review helpful
An Instant Classic
PostedOctober 27, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromWhy Blackpool, of course.
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
Our first inkling of Ravenhearst came in 2006 in MCF: Prime Suspects at the end. A letter saying the Queen requested our assistance on an urgent matter, later confirmed to be the Ravenhearst case via phone call in Madame Fate, is where it all began. Now we've returned to Ravenhearst for the first time since 2011 in this twelfth MCF adventure.
There have been other developers and other story lines but a couple things remain constant. First is exceptional quality. Another constant is innovation. Since the second MCF, Prime Suspects, each installment has taken a step forward in features. Sometimes the steps are dramatic leaps, as with the introduction of the multi-step, Rube Goldberg-type puzzle in Ravenhearst; the introduction of live actors in Return to Ravenhearst; full motion videos in Dire Grove; and, morphing hidden objects in Escape From Ravenhearst,
I've played only the free trial hour of Key to Ravenhearst on a MacBook Pro with operating system 10.9.5.
There should be no mystery about my intention: I will buy Key to Ravenhearst in its CE format in order to take advantage of the extra chapter, the strategy guide, the collectibles, the morphing objects and, yes, the achievements. I want to experience every available part of this game...which I've been anticipating for months now.
The anticipation has been so great, it had to an exceptional game and it is.
FUN FACTOR/VISUAL-SOUND QUALITY/LEVEL OF CHALLENGE/STORYLINE
After midnight I clicked on "Tomorrow's Game Today" and started this adventure. One more time I'm grateful that I'm such a slow player.
This game is completely immersive: it's a cavalcade of color for the eyes with beautiful drawing and painstakingly perfect animation; a symphony for the ears with a soundtrack that is, by turns, mellifluous and eerie and sound effects that are frighteningly realistic; a feast for the mind with a captivating storyline that, to my delight, is unfolding with purpose. I don't want to rush to the finish line. It's taken years to get back to Ravenhearst. I want this to last as long as possible. If you want to experience the same thing, I suggest customizing the level of play and shutting off every possible bit of help. But please don't shut off the sound. Don't miss the soundtrack. Also, in my opinion, the lip-synching is state of the art. This is a great example of how it's to be done.
There was no question at all in my mind once I began playing. This game is a keeper. My experience with MCF games thus far is that they are not overwhelmingly difficult. I wondered if that would be the case with Key to Ravenhearst. The first couple of games follow that pattern. The first jumbo/multi-level/contraption-device puzzle is a serious challenge. After that, the regular games become progressively more difficult.
The HOS are as well done as you'll find, I think. They, too, ascend in difficulty...but that's not quite the right word. Sophistication? Perhaps. The HOS are multi-leveled and interactive.
So, after all the years and all the adventures revolving around Ravenhearst, was it time to build a museum on the same site to "honor?" its checkered history? After you arrive you'll take a tour. You'll answer questions about the history of the institution. You'll wonder what exactly is REALLY going on here.
You'll find yourself wondering why every game can't be as good as Mystery Case Files.
So my free trial hour is up. What next? Of course I'm going to add this to my collection. First, though, I'm going to revisit Ravenhearst, Return to Ravenhearst and Escape From Ravenhearst. I want to review the history of the dastardly Dalimars, the sisters Somerset and the tragic Emma Ravenhearst.
This game is a sensual masterpiece: stunning to see; exciting to hear; tension so thick you can touch it; you can smell death in the air. And the whole thing is absolutely delicious.
I recommend this game!
Characters from classical literature are coming to life!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Who Was the Ghostwriter? This is NOT the Midnight Mysteries We Know and Love
PostedOctober 24, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromWondering where I am. I cannot be in the middle of Midnight Mysteries. I don't recognize this at all.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The Mystery Here is What Has Happened to This Once Exceptional Series!
I have been going through my extensive inventory of games. I developed a bad habit over a year ago: I played the trial hour and wrote a review. If I liked the trial I'd buy the game and play a bit more...until the next game I felt I needed to play and review.
As a result, games sat unfinished. Now I'm discovering a multitude of games where I have earned three or four of the several achievements; I've earned several of the collectibles; and, unfortunately, I possess little or no memory of the game. This is like finding buried treasure now. Sometimes. On some occasions the first hour of games is the best. Developers put their best foot forward in that hour because it's that experience which motivates most of us to buy...or causes us not to buy. Sometimes, however, moving beyond the first hour results in diminishing returns.
This is the case with Midnight Mysteries: Ghostwriting. Truth be told, I'd have purchased this game in any event and sight unseen, because of the exceptional games which preceded it.
At this point, I've played approximately half the main game of the CE on a MacBook Pro with Operating System 10.9.5..
A. The game is disjointed. It's not an issue of jumping from place to place...that's not so bad. It's the lack of connectivity between scenes. For someone who puts Storyline ahead of anything, as I do, this game is particularly bad. Ghostwriting doesn't progress. It moves from one scene to another with little to zero connectivity.
Is this my fault? Maybe: it could be a function of my ignorance of the literature being referenced in this game.
Still, if this is the case and my own ignorance is the culprit, not this game...NOR ANY GAME...should require an in depth knowledge from another source. The game should stand on its own. SCENES IN THE GAME SHOULD NOT.
B. A new feature added (or, really, subtraction by addition) is disco-like sparkles conflated with a sparkly "sound effect" upon locating a hidden object, a clover (retained from the previous games), and a "raven coin" with which you can purchase raven "accessories" from the Raven Room.
C. Not only are the scenes within Ghostwriting disjointed, the mini-games are also disjointed: they bear little relationship to the scenes in which they are situated.
D. While the the first puzzles were familiar games, farther into Ghostwriting, the games become "different." At first I wasn't sure if they were incredibly creative or just bizarre. I've concluded they are bizarre. I'll give two examples:
First: A scene featuring "porcelain figurines" requires proper placement of 8 more figurines of birds, a dog, a basket of tomatoes and other items into their "logical" place. Well, I'm not convinced they are all logical. Also, I don't know how this mini-game fits into the "whole game." What do porcelain figurines have to do with ANYTHING related to a mystery game? If it's a reference to one of the books, it's unknown to me.
2. Another game requires placing misplaced items from a picture into the appropriate spot on a template. Yes, the game was difficult because of the unclear drawings. More than that, it sprang out of nowhere. "Irving" (Washington Irving presumably) was about to drown in a swamp and required a rope ladder to climb out to safety. Shortly thereafter came the puzzle. (Side note: Poor grammar is never good. The written text accompanying this was : "I can become in Irving's situation if I step on the swamp without a special boots." WHAT???
Additionally, there were other issues technical issues with this game which resulted in the cessation of my play and the start of this review.
E. Finally, a few people have noted "jerky" movements and delayed movements seemingly related to the "animated cursor." This was my experience as well. It's fitting: the scenes in the game are disjointed, the games in the scenes are disjointed, simple game play is disjointed.
This game is a huge disappointment. The earlier games in this series are among my all time favorites. Ghostwriting must have been ghostwritten. It bears no resemblance to earlier iterations of Midnight Mysteries.
I cannot recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Alison Ester, insurance investigator, is responsible for leading the investigation in a dilapidated asylum with a grave and mysterious past.
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
This Isn't The Hotel California. You Can Leave.
PostedOctober 21, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromMedford Asylum needs some serious renovation. Right now it's unsafe at any Skill Level.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Because of the scary looking poster introducing the game, I downloaded it fully confident that I'd be buying it. 18 minutes later I left Medford Asylum never to return.
Others will list the HOS and games for you. I can't because it wasn't worth my time to stick around. I wanted to play a game, not read a book.
1. SOUND TRACK: Motionless characters are posted on the side of your screen as a dialogue box types out line after line of text. Not just a little text, but a LOT! Someone pulled this game out of the "way back machine." I did award two bars for Visual/Sound quality: Great background music. Unfortunately, it wasn't accompanying any action.
2. NAVIGATING: The ambience IS certainly scary-ish with dark and dank scenes befitting all sorts of mayhem. Sadly, getting from one location to another requires clicking in the center of a round disc filled with two shuffling feet. At a few points these discs will populate your screen and and you'll think you're watching the intro to Fred MacMurray and My Three Sons.
3. INVENTORY: To access your inventory, first click on the non-locking inventory "sign," That's right. Not only does your collection of inventory not lock open, it must be clicked on, not just hovered over, to open. Selecting an inventory item to use requires a continuous left click. Let go and the item returns to the inventory bar. (I'm a dope and it took several tries for me to figure this out...I kept clicking on an inventory item and it wouldn't move).
4. STORYLINE: According to the teaser, there's an unbelievable end to the story. I believe it is unbelievable. I also believe few, if any, will ever know the ending.
5. GREAT PROMISE: If this game were the inchoate beginnings of a scary tale, you'd believe it is going to be something great. Instead, however, it is presented to us "as is" in its final form, for purchase. WHAT A SHAME. This has all the makings of a 5-star game. The story boards are there. The developers need to hire actors and animators to make it come to life. Until then, this one is DOA.
DO NOT BUY THIS GAME WITHOUT FIRST USING THE TRIAL. If you like it, GREAT!! I'll be very surprised if you do. One positive: you will not spend an entire hour playing.
I realize now that I've spent more time writing this review than playing the game. Rats.
One final note: If you don't know what I'm referencing with "My Three Sons," play this game for...18 minutes...then go to You Tube and search "My Three Sons Intro." You'll get a kick out of it...so to speak.
I don't recommend this game.
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
3
/
5
32 of 42 found this review helpful
IF IT'S A CHALLENGE THAT YOU SEEK, LOOK FOR THE NEAREST EXIT SIGN
PostedOctober 16, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromI just took the off-ramp and Sign of Prophecy is in the rear view mirror.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
CHIMERAS: THE SIGNS OF PROPHECY
This review is based on the one-hour trial. I played on a Mac Book Pro utilizing operating system 10.9.5.
I'll remove any speculation now and tell you I'm going to recommend this game. If it's what you're looking for, then, of course, it's not a bad game. I gave an overall 3 out of 5 stars and that is not a bad review. According to the "star system," 3 out of 5 means "It was OK." (FYI: 4 of 5 means "I Liked it" and 5 of 5 means "I LOVED it.") Alas, I did not…But I didn't hate it either.
Signs of Prophecy is exactly what many gamers will love: fast-paced action; a lot of inventory items, several of which are + objects requiring other items or more actions to complete them; several collectible items; morphing items; and, very approachable mini-games and HOS.
The hour-long trial was fun. At other times in my playing history, I’d likely have given this game 4, or even, 5 stars. Today I look for story-driven games I can sink my teeth into and this is not an example of one.
FUN FACTOR: Who doesn’t like successfully completing a bunch of mini-games and breezing through several HOS, every once in a while? Not every game has to be ponderous and this one is not. On several levels it’s just good, unadulterated fun.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
What you see:
This game lacks the clear and precise drawings of some of today's standout games and series. In some games I actually have to think for a moment whether or not I'm looking at a real person or a drawn and animated character. The thought didn’t cross my mind as I played this. The characters are not at all realistic and you’ll never be unsure if they’re human or drawings.
What you see:
This game lacks the clear and precise drawings of some of today's standout games and series. In some games I actually have to think for a moment whether or not I'm looking at a real person or a drawn and animated character. The thought didn’t cross my mind as I played this. The characters are not at all realistic and you’ll never be unsure if they’re human or drawings.
There is a dark ambience to the game…because the early scenes are all at dusk/night time. That doesn’t make this game eerie. It is not remotely eerie.
What you hear:
The game is set in Munich, Germany yet except for a fortune-teller near the beginning of the game, every voice actor speaks idiomatic English with no trace of a foreign accent. I’ve yet to hear a European tourist, facile with English, say “ain’t.” In this game, presumed citizens of Munich say the word “ain’t.” To me this is sloppy direction or development or something….Whatever or whoever is responsible, it’s not good.
The game is set in Munich, Germany yet except for a fortune-teller near the beginning of the game, every voice actor speaks idiomatic English with no trace of a foreign accent. I’ve yet to hear a European tourist, facile with English, say “ain’t.” In this game, presumed citizens of Munich say the word “ain’t.” To me this is sloppy direction or development or something….Whatever or whoever is responsible, it’s not good.
The sound track music is forgettable. I recall at one point it is very compelling, urgent and scary. When the action warrants it, this is the point that a soundtrack becomes an important part of the game. Sadly, this game is never “chilling.” There are no “goosies” as J-Lo puts it. Consequently, that urgent, scary soundtrack moment is lost in a forgettable script.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOS: All very straightforward. You will not struggle to find the items. There are “interactive” hidden objects but these, too, present no challenge. You will not struggle.
HOS: All very straightforward. You will not struggle to find the items. There are “interactive” hidden objects but these, too, present no challenge. You will not struggle.
Mini-Games: Very, very easy. THEY WERE FUN…and sometimes it’s great to get through a game without a hiccup…just power through, completing task after task, game after game. You can do that here.
Morphing Items/Chimeras: YAY!! The cursor does not change to a hand while hovering over morphing items or “chimeras.” In this game Elephant Games bucks the trend of giving away a feature we pay a lot of money for when we buy a CE rather than an SE. So, a big shout out for “keeping it real.”
STORYLINE:
As I wrote earlier, this is a game that you can power through. That means moving quickly from task to task rather than contemplating what’s happening and seeing how this HOS or that mini-game really fills in the storyline and at the same time pushes it forward.
As I wrote earlier, this is a game that you can power through. That means moving quickly from task to task rather than contemplating what’s happening and seeing how this HOS or that mini-game really fills in the storyline and at the same time pushes it forward.
Yes, there’s a clearly stated “story.” At no point, though, is the story compelling for me. In fact, I would say that the story serves as way to present what would otherwise be unrelated HOS and mini-games.
AS A COLLECTOR’S EDITION:
*There are collectibles and morphing items.
*There are collectibles and morphing items.
*There are the typical “who cares?” non-“bling” items which are part and parcel of every CE.
*There is a strategy guide that I did not consult. I’m sure it’s more than adequate.
*There are achievements. (I always complain that achievements are really nothing more than the result of regular game-play…and that we are always trying to do it perfectly and quickly. I guess at some point I should devise an achievement that I really think is worthy, since I spend so much time complaining!!!)
*There is a bonus chapter. Of course, I didn’t get far enough to play it. Since, in my opinion, the story isn’t the central purpose of this game, I can’t imagine that either an alternative ending or a prequel chapter will be anything more than another vehicle for presenting HOS and mini-games.
CONCLUSION:
As I wrote at the beginning, I think this is an OK game and if you’re looking for fast action with straightforward HOS and mini-games, this is PERFECT. If you like morphing items and collectibles, achievements and a strategy guide, then this is PERFECT FOR YOU…and you get bonus game play with the additional chapter. So, go for it!
As I wrote at the beginning, I think this is an OK game and if you’re looking for fast action with straightforward HOS and mini-games, this is PERFECT. If you like morphing items and collectibles, achievements and a strategy guide, then this is PERFECT FOR YOU…and you get bonus game play with the additional chapter. So, go for it!
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a story you can really sink your teeth into (and a game that’s really driven by the storyline), this is probably not for you.
If this game seems the least bit intriguing to you, DEFNITELY play the trial hour. You will see what this game is and you’ll know what it isn’t before the trial clock reaches 0:00.
I recommend this game!
Grim Tales: Threads of Destiny Collector's Edition
Can you free Jackie’s parents from their deadly fates?
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
Nothing Grim about this Great Game
PostedOctober 13, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromHOG Heaven...as they say.
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
4
/
5
GRIM TALES-THREADS OF DESTINY CE
This game is great and I had a lot of fun playing it. Truth be told, I was ambivalent about buying after playing the free hour-long trial, but I did and I’m glad I did. I completed the entire game, including Main Story, Bonus Chapter and an additional feature included in the CE “Extras” section. I played this game on a Mac Book Pro with Operating System 10.9.5. As usual, I played at a very slow place and probably took 8 hours to complete.
FUN FACTOR
Fun Factor speaks for itself. I bought. I played. I praise. I played it in five sessions over three days and was always looking forward to getting back to it.
Fun Factor speaks for itself. I bought. I played. I praise. I played it in five sessions over three days and was always looking forward to getting back to it.
The cornerstone of the game is one character’s ability to time travel and change the course of history. On its face, therefore, it's ludicrous. Still, it's a good story to tell and it is told well. It doesn’t buckle under the weight of the absurd proposition that a person can teleport between, not just places, but times. Both the "book" and the actors who deliver it are great. Basic logic is applied despite the fantastic nature of the story. It progresses from beginning to end with only one mistake of logic that I can detect and that one lapse is not enough to derail it. This game is completely entertaining.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
The artwork is very good and realistic. The "set design" is exceptional. The locus of the penultimate scene is an airport. It’s like being at SFO. The same is true of the campground scene and the police station…all of the scenes. From eggs to fruit it is great.
The artwork is very good and realistic. The "set design" is exceptional. The locus of the penultimate scene is an airport. It’s like being at SFO. The same is true of the campground scene and the police station…all of the scenes. From eggs to fruit it is great.
As I mentioned before, the actors are quite good. The lip-synching is not as good, but still better than most. And one thing I know for sure: it’s much better than none at all.
(I used to think that some developers shouldn't even try because their lip-synching was so poorly done. I've changed my mind. When I play games now, where characters aren't moving their lips, it just seems wrong. Ergo: Bad is better than none.)
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOS:
There are a number of different HOS styles but silhouette seems the most frequent. I worked hard to solve them because they are reasonably difficult for me. They are not a jumbled mess, but items are still well hidden and chameleon-like in their ability to “blend in” with their environment
HOS:
There are a number of different HOS styles but silhouette seems the most frequent. I worked hard to solve them because they are reasonably difficult for me. They are not a jumbled mess, but items are still well hidden and chameleon-like in their ability to “blend in” with their environment
MINI GAMES:
The mini-games range from easy to difficult with most being easily managed. Still, I think the games are creative. The most difficult: the one that always gives me headaches. A calculator grid, a variety of numbers, a goal of getting the sums to equal the same amount horizontally, vertically and diagonally: no way. I know there’s some science to this, but to me it’s all hit and miss and trial by error, after error, after error, after…you get my point.
The mini-games range from easy to difficult with most being easily managed. Still, I think the games are creative. The most difficult: the one that always gives me headaches. A calculator grid, a variety of numbers, a goal of getting the sums to equal the same amount horizontally, vertically and diagonally: no way. I know there’s some science to this, but to me it’s all hit and miss and trial by error, after error, after error, after…you get my point.
CE MORPHS AND COLLECTIBLES:
Morphing Items:
There were several morphing items, independent of HOS, but available in every location. They are tough. As sometimes happens, playing a game with no hints or sparkles, I didn’t catch on immediately that there were morphs. Once realized by luck, from then on I actively sought them. The morphs are a good feature and their value helps justify the extra money spent on a CE. They do not interrupt game play and are well integrated into the whole story. As a particular challenge, the cursor doesn’t change to a hand when hovering over the morph item. THANK YOU. So many games employ this give-away method. It steals challenges from us…challenges that we pay for when we buy Collector’s Editions. It renders a very expensive CE feature nothing more than a no-value key click…BUT NOT in this game it doesn’t!!!
Morphing Items:
There were several morphing items, independent of HOS, but available in every location. They are tough. As sometimes happens, playing a game with no hints or sparkles, I didn’t catch on immediately that there were morphs. Once realized by luck, from then on I actively sought them. The morphs are a good feature and their value helps justify the extra money spent on a CE. They do not interrupt game play and are well integrated into the whole story. As a particular challenge, the cursor doesn’t change to a hand when hovering over the morph item. THANK YOU. So many games employ this give-away method. It steals challenges from us…challenges that we pay for when we buy Collector’s Editions. It renders a very expensive CE feature nothing more than a no-value key click…BUT NOT in this game it doesn’t!!!
Collectibles:
I got them all. They are simply discs/cameos of members of the extended Gray family, the stars of the story. I think the collectibles are more amusing than serious. They are not hard to find, since I did so without even seeking them. I happened upon them either with luck or with inevitability. I’m not sure you can miss them. Although the collectibles aren’t really part of solving the mysteries of the game, finding them is not a distraction from the game. The humor I found in them was the little blurb about the characters depicted on the discs. Not sure why…just thought it was funny to provide such concrete facts about fictional characters’ lives...lives which are not part of this story at all. Maybe, with a less jaded eye, they are great backdrop for a fine series of games.
I got them all. They are simply discs/cameos of members of the extended Gray family, the stars of the story. I think the collectibles are more amusing than serious. They are not hard to find, since I did so without even seeking them. I happened upon them either with luck or with inevitability. I’m not sure you can miss them. Although the collectibles aren’t really part of solving the mysteries of the game, finding them is not a distraction from the game. The humor I found in them was the little blurb about the characters depicted on the discs. Not sure why…just thought it was funny to provide such concrete facts about fictional characters’ lives...lives which are not part of this story at all. Maybe, with a less jaded eye, they are great backdrop for a fine series of games.
CE FINAL CHALLENGE:
The final challenge in the Bonus Chapter is incomprehensible to me. I don’t know if it is challenging or not because I don’t understand the directions and how to reach the desired result. Ultimately, I “passed” but I have no idea how. It is a card game with instructions and expected results written on each card. Playing a card gains or loses lives based on the information on the card itself and on the relationship to other cards already played (I think). I don’t know how I lucked into completing it.
The final challenge in the Bonus Chapter is incomprehensible to me. I don’t know if it is challenging or not because I don’t understand the directions and how to reach the desired result. Ultimately, I “passed” but I have no idea how. It is a card game with instructions and expected results written on each card. Playing a card gains or loses lives based on the information on the card itself and on the relationship to other cards already played (I think). I don’t know how I lucked into completing it.
I will say this: at first I was excited about the final game because, so often, the last “battle,” meant to be consequential, leaves me cold. Yes. While they look grander they are no more, and often less challenging than other puzzles within the body of the big game. In the end, I was disappointed because, though I “won,” it was luck of the draw, so to speak (it is a card game, after all).
CE “SECRET ROOM” CHALLENGE:
The “Secret Room” is part of the CE package of extras. This one is an uninteresting HOS composed of all morphing objects, several of a kind, in specific multiples, each in a location within the airport, the scene of the final chapter of the main game. It is predictable and, consequently, of zero value. Even a die-hard fan of HOG will find this a bore in my opinion.
The “Secret Room” is part of the CE package of extras. This one is an uninteresting HOS composed of all morphing objects, several of a kind, in specific multiples, each in a location within the airport, the scene of the final chapter of the main game. It is predictable and, consequently, of zero value. Even a die-hard fan of HOG will find this a bore in my opinion.
STORYLINE
I think the storyline is great. Storylines consisting of an element of time travel are not off-putting to me. They aren’t real, but so what. I think they present a unique opportunity and challenge to make the whole story logical while still being a product completely of the imagination. In a sense, time travel games have to preserve internal logic while still being, in reality, illogical. The good ones, and Threads of Destiny is a good one, allow us to suspend logic and disbelief, in service of the game…and they do this in a way that we don’t know it’s happening…we don’t know we’re doing it, OR if we do know, it doesn’t matter! This is excellence.
I think the storyline is great. Storylines consisting of an element of time travel are not off-putting to me. They aren’t real, but so what. I think they present a unique opportunity and challenge to make the whole story logical while still being a product completely of the imagination. In a sense, time travel games have to preserve internal logic while still being, in reality, illogical. The good ones, and Threads of Destiny is a good one, allow us to suspend logic and disbelief, in service of the game…and they do this in a way that we don’t know it’s happening…we don’t know we’re doing it, OR if we do know, it doesn’t matter! This is excellence.
This story is another chapter in a series that revolves around the Gray family. There is a set of parents, a couple kids and a clairvoyant sister/sister-in-law/aunt who can travel between times to relive and re-order incidents from the past. This story happens to be about the death of the Mother and Father/Sister and Brother In Law.
It is near the end that there is either a flaw in the logic or I missed a piece of information that would have cleared up the confusion in my mind. I’m not going to reveal it because I don’t want to give away a very specific piece of the game. Please don’t obsess about it. Suffice it to say that this one little blunder doesn’t detract from the game…and, again, I’m not sure if I’m not just missing something. See if you can figure out what it is…if it is!!!
COLLECTOR’S EDITION
*The CE Package offers all the basic “who cares?” collection of items such as re-playable music and scenes.
*The CE Package offers all the basic “who cares?” collection of items such as re-playable music and scenes.
*In addition there are the already-mentioned morphing objects and collectibles.
*There is an adequate teleporting map (which will probably be included with the SE).
*Though I try to restrict myself from using it, the included Strategy Guide is more than helpful (except with the final conflict in the bonus chapter).
*There are about 15 achievements. I usually discount these as “who cares?” I always try to play a game as quickly (I’m VERY SLOW) and accurately as possible. There’s always a little internal competition to finish an HOS as quickly, yet as accurately, as possible. I don’t need an achievement to tell me I’ve done it once. I want and try to do it all the time. There’s no HOG Hall of Fame where our achievements are listed and I certainly don’t need “Finished 75% of all HOG without a clicking error” on my tombstone. So, the achievements provide no real value to me.
*Finally, there is the bonus chapter itself. Though not particularly long, it is fun and it extends the length of the game.
TO CE OR SE
I think we can guess that the SE will not have not have morphing items or collectibles. It will not have a Strategy Guide, a bonus chapter or a secret room. It will not have the “who cares?” set of screen savers, re-playable music, desktop art, etc.
I think we can guess that the SE will not have not have morphing items or collectibles. It will not have a Strategy Guide, a bonus chapter or a secret room. It will not have the “who cares?” set of screen savers, re-playable music, desktop art, etc.
I think the bonus chapter gives a real conclusion to the story. Because of this (and because it’s fun to play) and because of the morphing items and strategy guide, I recommend the CE over the surely, soon-to-come SE.
Congratulations to Elephant Games’ Threads of Destiny. The quality should not come as a surprise: they also produce or have produced all or parts of the Mystery Trackers, Mystery Case, Haunted Hotel and Surface One series. Excellence is what we expect from them. Grim Tales doesn’t offer some of the glitz of Mystery Trackers or the grit of Mystery Case Files, but it’s a VERY solid game.
One last word (I promise): Despite buying all of the games in this series, I didn’t pay full attention to any of them until this one. This resulted with my discovery of a great game. I’m now going to revisit the earlier games of the series. I know in some cases I didn’t finish games and in others I just didn't pay attention. My plan to recover and replay should be an indication to you of just how good I think this game is. I hope I find the rest are as good as this.
100% Recommend
I recommend this game!