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 are the key to solving a chilling supernatural mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Here's a Key Piece of Advice: Buy this Game. It's For Sale.
PostedOctober 6, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromWaiting for autographs from the developers and from those incredible voice actors!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is based on playing the full game on a Macbook Pro Operating system 10.9.5.
First off,this IS a GREAT game.
I've been complaining a lot lately in my reviews about developers' lack of attention to detail. That is absolutely NOT the case with this game. Good scenes are made great just with little (but important) tweaks to the environment/scene. 13 Keys is so well done it I’m sorry to give it only 4 stars. In fact, it’s a 4.5 game and would be 5 if it were more challenging. Despite the low degree of difficutly this is a very well designed game that chills the air while playing it.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
To me, not just excellent, but EXCEPTIONAL.
To me, not just excellent, but EXCEPTIONAL.
Visually, this game is stunning. The details that weren't missed include great artwork. Characters and objects are so well drawn that at times you'll think they aren't drawings at all, but pictures.
Aurally, I'm over-the-top excited about the voice acting. To a person it was great. These are actors who have read the entire "book" before delivering their lines. I'm not sure if the protagonist, investigative reporter Emma Roberts, has been played by the same person in previous iterations of Fear For Sale (the name of the magazine for which she works) but the actor really inhabits the character nicely.
The music is a perfect accompaniment to the game and story, always ringing true to the mood of the moment and deepening it. The sound effects are just as stunning as every other artistic aspect of this game.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Before I go more deeply into the games and HOS I want to make a point about one feature that's really impressive: You know how in some games an HOS or a mini-puzzle just pops up out of nowhere? Not in 13 Keys. The HOS and mini-puzzles are so well integrated into the game that, rather than an interruption, they are a punctuation mark, and, in every case it's an exclamation point!
Before I go more deeply into the games and HOS I want to make a point about one feature that's really impressive: You know how in some games an HOS or a mini-puzzle just pops up out of nowhere? Not in 13 Keys. The HOS and mini-puzzles are so well integrated into the game that, rather than an interruption, they are a punctuation mark, and, in every case it's an exclamation point!
Now comes the single weakness of the game: The HOS are creative without a doubt. Difficult they are not. They are really simple list finds that add a couple of interactive objects but the difficulty factor is about 3 of 10.
The same is true of the mini-games. Although there are some interesting twists in the games, those alone don't make them challenging. I don't think the games need to be different. They just need to be a lot tougher.
While this is the only weakness of the game, it is glaring. I played the game on the most difficult level and that didn't make up for the deficient difficulty level.
STORYLINE
Just as all the elements of the game play are well and logically integrated, so is the story itself logical. The storyline motors the game: A hotel is plagued by a ghost and an investigative reporter, an expert in the phenomena, is there to find out who's ghost it is and why the it is scaring away hotel guests.
Just as all the elements of the game play are well and logically integrated, so is the story itself logical. The storyline motors the game: A hotel is plagued by a ghost and an investigative reporter, an expert in the phenomena, is there to find out who's ghost it is and why the it is scaring away hotel guests.
OVERALL
I think this has the makings of one of the best games I've ever played, but the lack of challenge undermines its greatness.
I think this has the makings of one of the best games I've ever played, but the lack of challenge undermines its greatness.
TO CE OR SE
I purchased the game in its Collector’s Edition format. I do not recommend you follow my lead. Although I haven't played the bonus chapter yet, I think I can make a strong case against the CE. Yes, it’s possible the Bonus Chapter is so good (it appears to be “lengthy-ish”)that that alone is reason enough to buy the CE. For right now I'm going to say that the SE is sufficient.
I purchased the game in its Collector’s Edition format. I do not recommend you follow my lead. Although I haven't played the bonus chapter yet, I think I can make a strong case against the CE. Yes, it’s possible the Bonus Chapter is so good (it appears to be “lengthy-ish”)that that alone is reason enough to buy the CE. For right now I'm going to say that the SE is sufficient.
As part of the CE package, there are morphing items and collectibles. Your cursor changes to a hand when hovering over a morphing item. Clearly, there is no challenge in this. As for the collectibles: either your cursor changes to a hand OR you absolutely can't miss the collectible item because you acquire it in the normal course of the game (at times collectibles are on top of or right behind other objects you’re collecting to progress in the game). These realities rob the game of challenge, and, in a CE, these are why you pay extra.
Since the morphing items and collectibles don't present a challenge, they are also not worth paying for. If you can get this game on coupon or one of the many great deep discounts offered by BFG, then go for it...you'll get the bonus chapter.
Here's another bit of info which might move you off the idea of the CE altogether: I played the hour long trial of the SE (and you should too) and I found it to be a much more smoothly flowing game. Despite the great integration and logical progression of the game, the truth is the morphs and collectibles are interruptions rather than challenges.
If you were to buy the CE, you'd also get the typical “who cares?” assortment that comes with them all. Additionally, there is a Strategy Guide. While it is definitely worth paying for, it's not worth more than double the cost of an SE. Also, I don't think you'll find yourself needing the SG much.
The SE is a much bigger and better bang for your buck.
The SE is a much bigger and better bang for your buck.
So, after all this, you may ask if I'm not giving this game too much praise and too many stars. Good questions. I do not give 5 stars lightly and I am not giving them at all here. With the complaints that I've registered about degree of difficulty and lack of challenge, you might think I'd do better awarding 3+ stars. The reason I am giving 4 stars is because the sum of this game, in spite of the challenge issue, is much much greater than its parts. I'm aware that lately I've not played particularly great games. That may propel the stars...but I have taken great care not to over estimate this game's value. In every other area it is as good as a game can be.
I give three BIG cheers to the developer, Elefun. My challenge to them is to challenge me. Make the game (or at least your next game) harder.
I recommend this game!
Step into the shoes of investigator Frances Keegan and track down a tax evader suspected of murder.
Overall rating
1
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
This Game Needs To Be Investigated
PostedOctober 5, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromLooking for the brainiac who came up with this!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game is unbelievably poor. If it were from 2009 maybe it would be acceptable, marginally. In a way it's similar to those game that are pure HOG and you need to find items within a certain amount of time or you have to start over again. There's a Bonnie and Clyde game that I recall plus several others. Those game present a realistic challenge but are very one-dimensional.
This game hardly presents a challenge. It's just foolish. The first order of business is to DRESS a female detective. Do you know what a "fougart" is? (My computer auto-corrected to "fought." It doesn't know what a fought is either.
Do not waste your money on this loser of a game. More importantly don't waste your time. As you can see, it deserves only passing mention in a review.
You've been warned.
ENJOY!
ENJOY!
You are the key to solving a chilling supernatural mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
This is REALLY a Three and a Half!!
PostedOctober 4, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromOver the Top (In a good way). Still, I'm looking for the SE version and you should too!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on playing the main game but not yet the Bonus Chapter on a Macbook Pro Operating system 10.9.5.
First off, I think this is a GREAT game. The reason it receives 3.5 stars is because I think the Collector's Edition is unnecessary. The SE will get 4.5 stars.
I've been complaining a lot lately in my reviews about developers' lack of attention to detail. Absolutely NOT the case with this game. I don't think a single opportunity to make a good scene great just with little (but important) tweaks to the environment/scene. This is so well done it pains me to give this game less than 4 stars no matter what edition I'm reviewing. Alas, I must be fair in my evaluation and honest for you who'll read it.
Fun Factor: 4 stars easily. It would be five if it were a bit more challenging. Nonetheless, this is a very well designed game that puts a chill in the air while playing.
Visual/Sound Quality
To me, not just excellent but EXCEPTIONAL.
Visually, this game is stunning. The details that weren't missed also include great art work. Characters and objects were so well drawn at times you'll think they aren't drawings but pictures.
To me, not just excellent but EXCEPTIONAL.
Visually, this game is stunning. The details that weren't missed also include great art work. Characters and objects were so well drawn at times you'll think they aren't drawings but pictures.
Aurally I'm over-the-top excited about the voice acting. To a person it was great. These are actors who read the entire "book" before delivering their lines. I'm not sure if the protagonist, the investigative reporter Emma Roberts, has been played by the same person in previous iterations of Fear For Sale (the name of the magazine for which she works) but the actor really inhabits the character nicely.
The music is a perfect accompaniment to the game and story, always ringing true to the mood of the moment. The sound effects are just as stunning as every other artistic aspect of this game.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
Before I go more deeply into the games and HOS I want to make a point about one feature that's really impressive. You know how in some games an HOS or a mini-puzzle just pops up out of nowhere? Not in 13 Keys. The HOS and mini-puzzles are so well integrated into the game that rather than an interruption they are a punctuation mark...in every case an exclamation point!
Before I go more deeply into the games and HOS I want to make a point about one feature that's really impressive. You know how in some games an HOS or a mini-puzzle just pops up out of nowhere? Not in 13 Keys. The HOS and mini-puzzles are so well integrated into the game that rather than an interruption they are a punctuation mark...in every case an exclamation point!
Now comes the weakness of the game: The HOS are creative without a doubt. Difficult they are not. They are really simple list finds that add a couple of interactive objects but the difficulty factor is about 3 of 10.
The same is true of the mini-games. Although there are some interesting twists in the games, that alone doesn't make them challenging. I don't think the games need to be different. They just need to be a lot tougher.
Finally, in terms of challenge: there are morphing items and collectibles. Your cursor will change to a hand when hovering over a morphing item so, clearly, there is no challenge there. As for the collectibles: either your cursor changes to hand OR you absolutely can't miss the collectible item because you acquire it just in the normal course of the game.
I played the game on the most difficult level and still had these little "helper" features that rob the game of the head-scratching challenge I wish it were. If that cursor change were able to be avoided in the hardest level I'd have easily given the game a higher rating.
Storyline: Just as all the elements of the game play are well and logically integrated, so is the story logical. All the games and HOS support the main theme of the story, that a Hotel is plagued by a ghost and the reporter, an expert in the phenomena is there to find out who and why the ghost is scaring away hotel guests.
OVERALL I think this has the makings of one of the best games I've ever played but the lack of challenge undermines its greatness.
As for purchasing this as a Collector's Edition? I recommend against it. I haven't played the bonus chapter yet. It might be so good (it appears to be lengthy-ish) it's a reason to buy the CE. For right now I'm going to say that the SE is sufficient. Since the morphing items and collectibles present zero challenge they are also not worth paying for. If you can get this game on coupon or one of the many great deep discounts offered by BFG, then go for it...you'll get the bonus chapter.
Here's another bit of info which might move you off the idea of the CE altogether: I played the hourlong trial of the SE (and you should too) and I found it to be a much more smoothly flowing game. Despite the great integration and logical progression of the game, the reality is that the morphs and collectible are interruptions rather than challenges.
I'm going to recommend this game, but with a big asterisk. As great as I think it is, I think the SE is better for the reasons I just stated.
Still, three cheers to Elefun. This is one great game. My challenge to them is to challenge me. Make the game harder.
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
39 of 82 found this review helpful
The Shadows Have Fallen Long and Lasting
PostedOctober 3, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromThemyscira
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I think my tolerance for fantasy games is at a very low point right now so reviewing them may not be a good idea. Nonetheless, I did play the one hour trial period of this game.
Games are either driven by a story line and, hopefully, are occupied with fine HOS and mini-games; or they are 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. That part I like. What I'm referring to when I say my tolerance level for "fantasy" is at a low point is this: The story is about a town overrun by shadows...shadows which seem to possess a personality and have a will. I'm just at a point where stories of such a preposterous nature are not enjoyable. That doesn't mean you won't enjoy it.
Fun Factor: This is not an unpleasant game at all. My disaffection for this genre of story, though, makes it not a lot of fun for me. I think one who enjoys this like of fantasy would like the game.
Visual/Sound Quality: There appears to be a hierarchy of developers at this point. Some put out games where the animation and artwork is so lifelike I have to think for a bit about whether this game employs real actors or is just supremely well-drawn. It never crossed my mind that these were possibly live actors.
That said, regular objects also had a cartoonish look to them. The colors were bright and vibrant but when I say cartoonish I mean they are particularly simply drawn...lacking the patina of real life.
As for the sound: while the accompanying music is entertaining, I don't think it has much to do with the story. The few characters we meet are scared of what's taking place in their city. The music doesn't communicate this fear.
A particularly positive note: I think the lip-synching is very well done.
Level of Challenge:
HOS: There is a very strong effort to make the HOS challenging as objects interact with each other. I'm not sure that the interactions are necessarily logical but at least an effort it made.
HOS: There is a very strong effort to make the HOS challenging as objects interact with each other. I'm not sure that the interactions are necessarily logical but at least an effort it made.
GAMES
I remember playing two games particularly:
One game is moving 5 stars connect by "virtual lines" into the right anchor position so the lines do not cross. There's no doubt I am a spatially challenged person. Still this game took me a very long, inordinately long time for me to complete. Honestly, I think I could do a better job of reading the instructions. The game appears simple but isn't. Though it's not as hard as I made it, it still presents a challenge.
I remember playing two games particularly:
One game is moving 5 stars connect by "virtual lines" into the right anchor position so the lines do not cross. There's no doubt I am a spatially challenged person. Still this game took me a very long, inordinately long time for me to complete. Honestly, I think I could do a better job of reading the instructions. The game appears simple but isn't. Though it's not as hard as I made it, it still presents a challenge.
The sec on game is brand new to me and challenging. Consequently, I think it is a lot of fun. The object is to finish square filled with marbles. the middle section is mobile but locked within strict parameters which cannot be crossed. To complete the figure I first had to seek out sections close to the perimeter to connect to the center piece. After this, as the middle part of the figure has grown in size, the reach is farther and I could then connect the center-piece to items farther away from the perimeter which I could not cross. This is a fun game, and really shows effort by the developer to come up with something NEW.
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 and challenging.
I recommend this game!
A visitor arrives through Prof. Bennett's portal, seeking help.
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 42 found this review helpful
I Feel Like a One-Armed Wonder Woman
PostedOctober 2, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromThemyscira
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
2
/
5
This review is based on completing the generous hour long trial given by BFG on a MacBook Pro using Operating System 10.9.5.
"Balance leads to prosperity at the cost of freedom." This is the opening line of the game, spoken by an unseen narrator.
I don't understand it. It's incomprehensible to me. It is not the thing in this game that's incomprehensible.
I don't understand it. It's incomprehensible to me. It is not the thing in this game that's incomprehensible.
As soon as I saw a gauntlet I knew there was trouble to be had.
Issue #1
Lip-Synching: First of all, the lip synching is poorly done.
But beyond that annoying little fact is the inconsistency of applying lip-synching. The first two scenes are lip-synched. The third scene is not. The fourth scene returns to lip synching. This confusing "feature" happens repeatedly, and without reason. Why is that?
Lip-Synching: First of all, the lip synching is poorly done.
But beyond that annoying little fact is the inconsistency of applying lip-synching. The first two scenes are lip-synched. The third scene is not. The fourth scene returns to lip synching. This confusing "feature" happens repeatedly, and without reason. Why is that?
I'm not trying to pick nits. I just can't attribute this to anything other than poor editing and proofing. Does ANYONE look at the final product before it's released? This is NOT a technical problem. It's not a problem with my computer or the programming of the game. It's a problem with the quality of the game and that's what these reviews are about.
Issue #2: I consider the soundtrack to be an essential part of a game and I have commented on this very topic often. This game was a cacophonous mix of background music and special effects. For a game which instructs it's best to play with sound, you'd think sound would be treated as a priority.
Issue #3: I like the concept of interactive silhouette HOS...the ones where you find one object, depicted in the silhouette, and then use it on some item in the scene in order to find a second object. This requires a degree of logical progression...a degree NOT found in Orb. I've heard of "Fragmented Hidden Object Games" or "FROGS." I'd characterize these as Fractured Hidden Object Games.
Issue #4: Not every mini-game in a HOG/Puzzle/Adventure game needs to be 10-attempt stumper, but some should be. (I may be exposing my own limits here...for some of you perhaps it's a 5-attempt stumper, but a genius I am not.)
These are some of the games I played:
These are some of the games I played:
a. A 3-part puzzle, or three consecutive puzzles (i believe they are supposed to be in ascending order of difficulty) where you use shapes similar to those in tetris and place them in an outline. In other games, this can be very complicated: a variety of geometric shapes having to fit perfectly in a space which could contain almost any of them. In this game they were dead give-aways. So, of course, once again I called my trusty sidekick, Stanley, to do the puzzle for me.
b. Next is a game which required putting alien blood molecules in spaces which perfectly match the models of their chemical structure. We've all played variants of this game which offer a real challenge...games where we have to purposely UNDO a section of a puzzle we worked so hard to finish because, oops,that one section has an item that belongs in the other section. Stanley needed a couple minutes to complete this one but it was simple.
c. There's a Runes game, of course...what would a game be these days without one: Here we are challenged to match pairs of slowly moving symbols until they all disappear. I had to do this for Stanley because his paws kept touching a couple symbols at one time. Note: there were about 7 pair. Really? This isn't a beginner puzzle. It's a remedial puzzle.
d. Another game required swapping two buildings at a time until 5 buildings were in the same order as on the map you're using as a guide. Stanley was napping by this time.
f. Stanley missed the 3-part serial puzzle that was an effort to be like the great one's we see in MT or MCF. They usually provide a great challenge because of their complexity. The idea of "serial" puzzles which are not finished until each of three or four difficult rounds are complete is the zenith of puzzling to me. The three rounds in Orb were silly easy.
Issue #5: The actors who portray the sometimes lip-synching, sometimes not, characters portray zero appropriate emotions. Apparently, life on our planet as we know it hangs in the "balance" of a subatomic Harmonium Complex Deus ex Machina or something or other....You'd never know it by listening to the bored actors reading their lines with all the urgency of molasses in January.
This game fails on so many levels!! I don't recommend it for anyone. I'm now looking at the stars I awarded and realize I've been way too generous.
Don't make the same mistake I did: of course, get the one-hour trial. Don't feel like you have to use it all. That sense you're getting at about the 15 minute mark...trust it. This is that bad.
Try to ENJOY!
I don't recommend this game.
A mysterious Owl Man is terrorizing citizens!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
This Horror is a Delight. By Day or Night, it's Right!
PostedSeptember 27, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromWhere we are judged by the content of our character, not the color of our skin.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Big Fish Games and Elephant Games are to be praised highly for this exceptional game.
I'll get the negative out of the way first:
A. 3 star for Visual/Sound Quality: This is a hidden object game so retrieving objects should not be hard. For some reason it is with this game. Items, whether in an HOS or just regular game play, seem to have a very limited "sweet spot." I KNEW the item I was hovering over was the item I needed but I had to click multiple times to find the spot which would put the item in my inventory.
I want to give it 4 stars but this problem is so persistent that I can't. It started from the very beginning and continued through the end of the game.
B. Level of Challenge: 4 stars. The HOS and mini-games were great but there were no real stumpers, nothing inducing head scratching or a retreat to the Strategy Guide (not that I would have given in!). The final game, which, as per usual, delivers the coup de grace to the ultimate culprit, was far too easy. No different than most other games, certainly. Still, I'd have wished this were far more of a test.
OK. The good stuff.
I'm fighting back the urge to use too many words. Fewer words will communicate what this is about:
This game deals with acceptance and prejudice, and it deals specifically with racial differences.
I'm fighting back the urge to use too many words. Fewer words will communicate what this is about:
This game deals with acceptance and prejudice, and it deals specifically with racial differences.
The subject of controversy, a kidnaped boy, is mixed race. We know his mom is white and we can deduce that his dad, out of the picture, is black. It's never mentioned, but it's obvious by looking at the boy. If there were ever any doubt, it's erased in the bonus chapter where we see a house lined by two tattered, confederate flags. That the flags are threadbare drives home the point that race-based prejudice is stale and well past its prime. We must move on.
The story's setting is classic: two cities separated by a gate, physically, but by so much more in reality. It's like the "other side of the tracks" except here it's the other side of the gate/fence. The occupants of each distrust the occupants of the other. It's evident in everything they say and in the quest to find the kidnaped boy.
What's so amazing about this story to me is that I was able to see and understand why the distrust and dismissiveness, even hatred, is there...But it's never convincing or final. I always felt the differences could and should be overcome.
This game is a story of hope. I've never seen a game purposely deal with such socially pertinent and, at the same time, divisive issues, in such an honest and open way. The developers skirt the issue, they brought it to the forefront. Quite clearly, they wanted to deal with it. They wanted to make a point.
I would be remiss not to mention the soundtrack of this game. I have often referred to the importance of the soundtrack as it sets a tone for a game. It makes scary moments scarier and udrgent moments more important. This soundtrack accomplishes this. Not only does it fuel the feeling, it's also great music. I would gladly listen to this soundtrack without the game...the quality is that high.
This is a Collector's Edition. Is it worth the extra price to play? What do you get for almost double the price?
a. The whole "who cares suite?" of screen savers, etc.
b. A great strategy guide
c. Collectible "creatures"
d. Morphing Items
e. A bonus chapter
a. The whole "who cares suite?" of screen savers, etc.
b. A great strategy guide
c. Collectible "creatures"
d. Morphing Items
e. A bonus chapter
The bonus chapter is of considerable length. It is not essential. It redirects the thrust of the story. While there is a very clear element of "mystery" in the main game, the Bonus Chapter turns it into something explicitly "supernatural." I didn't like this new direction. Despite this, morphing items, which I don't usually give much value to, really great in this game. They, along with the Strategy Guide, make the CE worthwhile to me.
Whichever you choose, I suggest this game as historically significant. I can't think of another game which deals with such important subject matter as this.
"Why can't we all just get along?" is a serious question. What unites us is far greater than what divides us. This game tells us what I hope we already know: prejudice has no place in our lives.
I'll end by saying one more time: This game is so important and so worthy of praise, attention needs to be paid when playing it..we can learn from it. I thank the developers, Elephant and Big Fish for this watershed moment in gaming which elevates this from mere playtime to lifetime.
For those who think I'm turning a game into a social statement: play the game. It is undeniable.
I recommend this game!
You’re called in to photograph a wedding, but what you really expose is murder.
Overall rating
1
/
5
123 of 163 found this review helpful
Murder Me. Please.
PostedSeptember 26, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromEnjoy your vacation. Take lots of pictures.
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
Without question, the WORST game I've played in over a year. Perhaps in the two years since I purchased the last Dark Canvas game. Two years to get it right. Epic Fail.
In this episode of the The Bad, The Bad and The Ugly, the role the gamer takes on, the protagonist of this game/story, is as a photographer at a wedding. In the early stages after the photographer's (my) arrival, I'm being toured around the house by the sister of the Bride-to-be.
OVERALL RATING:
One star is too generous by one star. Unfortunately zero stars is not an option. Negative stars even less so. But it deserves a negative rating. It has set Hidden Object/Puzzle/Adventure games back a decade (before the first one was published. Indeed, before the first HOG/Puzzle/Adventure game was even conceived).
One star is too generous by one star. Unfortunately zero stars is not an option. Negative stars even less so. But it deserves a negative rating. It has set Hidden Object/Puzzle/Adventure games back a decade (before the first one was published. Indeed, before the first HOG/Puzzle/Adventure game was even conceived).
FUN FACTOR:
The most fun I had was finding the review of the previous game from Dark Canvas and confirming that my sense of what's good and what's not hasn't changed...and that I'm not nuts for thinking this game is terrible.
The most fun I had was finding the review of the previous game from Dark Canvas and confirming that my sense of what's good and what's not hasn't changed...and that I'm not nuts for thinking this game is terrible.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
I. WHAT YOU HEAR
a. When I started the game I had the highest of hopes: the soundtrack was great. It began with a couple of Jazzy musical numbers, not unlike the great music from the Cadenza series. It was straight downhill after this.
I. WHAT YOU HEAR
a. When I started the game I had the highest of hopes: the soundtrack was great. It began with a couple of Jazzy musical numbers, not unlike the great music from the Cadenza series. It was straight downhill after this.
Once the intro was over the real soundtrack began in earnest. Stark piano playing a single, high-pitched note, repeating quickly and additional music from a stringed instrument meant to sound scary. After listening to it for 58 minutes it was really just way too much.
b. The single good thing to report about this game is the voice acting: they absolutely had great acting talent. These people sounded like professional voice actors. Sadly, there wasn't even an effort at lip-synching. Games these days are incredible with abundant features. There is no excuse for there not to be lip-synching and for it to be done well. Perhaps knowing their own limitations they opted not even to take a stab at it.
II. WHAT YOU SEE
I didn't see a lot because I didn't make much progress in the game. What I saw wasn't bad. It was dark, certainly. Perhaps that's why it's called Dark Canvas.
I didn't see a lot because I didn't make much progress in the game. What I saw wasn't bad. It was dark, certainly. Perhaps that's why it's called Dark Canvas.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
a. The first game required moving discs, without obstacles, from their incorrect placement to the correct place. The discs had a symbol on them and I had to match up the symbol on the disc with the symbol next to the space it should occupy. There were five total discs, if memory serves. They spotted two of the five. And just in case I wouldn't know if I had matched the symbol on the disc to the symbol next to the target location, the disc lit up when placed. My two-year old could have done this....My two-year old dog, Stanley.
a. The first game required moving discs, without obstacles, from their incorrect placement to the correct place. The discs had a symbol on them and I had to match up the symbol on the disc with the symbol next to the space it should occupy. There were five total discs, if memory serves. They spotted two of the five. And just in case I wouldn't know if I had matched the symbol on the disc to the symbol next to the target location, the disc lit up when placed. My two-year old could have done this....My two-year old dog, Stanley.
b. The second game required arranging 4 large 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 all the action was taking place.
WHAT I LIKED:
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
I took notes as I went along. I had to. I couldn't believe the game was as bad as I was experiencing...surely I was wrong.
No. I was not.
I took notes as I went along. I had to. I couldn't believe the game was as bad as I was experiencing...surely I was wrong.
No. I was not.
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 which follow are "objects of the preposition." "Of Carol and ME" is the proper grammar.
b. Later (evidently I developed the pic I took...even though I haven't changed the expired red light in the developing room) because 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.
d. I spot an open door and say: "God. Did whoever was out there get in?"
e. 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 the murder hasn't happened yet).
f. 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 giving 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 HAVE THE SAME FATHER. EVEN IF HE HATES YOU, YOU'RE NOT GETTING ANOTHER ONE. THE ONE YOU HAVE IS THE ONE YOU KEEP.
My point here is that there's so much bad about this game, if there were anything good it's obscured by the total lack of attention to detail in every other aspect.
I'm sitting here on a Friday night (Saturday morning) upset that I've wasted an hour on this...and then felt I had to write a review warning others not to buy this.
One of the "features" of the game is a little camera that the gamer take photos with...photos of clues which will help solve the mystery of who murders whom. It's beyond me why this feature would make the game interesting to a photographer. That's an insult to photography. And an insult to game-players and game developers anywhere. Everywhere.
Finally, correct me if I'm wrong, but, doesn't dark "canvas" refer to a painting? A painting and a photograph are two completely different things. From the very beginning this game has mixed metaphors.
You should not buy this game. In no circumstance would I suggest you buy this. These reviews are to be instructive. If I did recommend this game, you would rightfully ignore any other review I ever write.
Do not buy this. There is no deal good enough to justify it. Free is too much money to spend on this...BECAUSE. YOUR. TIME. IS. VALUABLE.
I'm sorry this game deserves such a negative review, but it does. I've looked at the "Tips for writing a helpful review." I'm not reporting technical issues. I'm clearly focused on the game and the game play. I'm being specific about what I liked (almost nothing) and didn't like (nearly everything). I have not revealed any details that will spoil the story. The game spoils itself.
I have definitely shared my real opinion.
RUN.
I don't recommend this game.
A mountain observatory is hiding a big secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 68 found this review helpful
Morning Has Broken...
PostedSeptember 25, 2015
sfr8rfan
from"What a heck is going on here Seymour?" or "How to Avoid bursting into a rousing chorus of 'When the Red Red Robin Goes Bob Bob Bobbin' Along.'"
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I gave Dawn of Prosperity CE 4 stars(4.75 if partial stars were available). I’m awarding 5 for the SE. There is one simple reason: I don’t think the extras of the CE, most importantly the bonus chapter, are worth the extra money. Consequently, the SE, especially at a discounted price, or for the use of a coupon and, therefore, free…is a KILLER DEAL.
How fun is this game? If there were more Fun Factor stars available, Dawn would be even more highly rated. I'd give it 20 out of 20. If you’ve read my reviews, you know that I am not one to give out 5 stars easily but Dawn of Prosperity SE deserves every star it gets.
Others have already told you what to expect around every corner. What I'm telling you is that this game is fun. Typically, I will test a game using the free hour and then, in a day or three, make a purchase if the hour went well. I didn't want to wait this time. I COULDN'T wait.
A the saying goes, I may not be able to define "fun," but I know it when I'm having it. I had tons of fun playing this game. I'm a slow-poke of a player. This is a game where that's a value. I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want to finish it quickly.
The protagonist is a female detective from some agency of "the Law" in Montana. This isn't a murder mystery. There is a mysterious rise in seismic activity. The idea is that something sinister is the cause. Our purpose: find it. I will make my one and only plea for a corrective to this and most other game: give the game-player a choice of male of female for voice. A story can be written ambiguously thus allowing for either and this story would be well-served to employ that technique.
WHAT YOU’LL SEE AND HEAR:
The game looks good (and bright). Colors, summer colors, are bursting on your monitor and it's a joy to behold. The animation is good. The characters are well drawn. There is an effort at lip-synching. While not the best (on its own merits) it's far better than what we usually see, always causing me to wince. I can't tell you right now which game is better with lip synching. The lips start moving at the same time the voice actors start talking. They don’t stop moving until the actors stop talking. Most importantly, they also don't stop a second or two after the actors have stopped. In other words, the lip synching is...synchronized!
The game looks good (and bright). Colors, summer colors, are bursting on your monitor and it's a joy to behold. The animation is good. The characters are well drawn. There is an effort at lip-synching. While not the best (on its own merits) it's far better than what we usually see, always causing me to wince. I can't tell you right now which game is better with lip synching. The lips start moving at the same time the voice actors start talking. They don’t stop moving until the actors stop talking. Most importantly, they also don't stop a second or two after the actors have stopped. In other words, the lip synching is...synchronized!
HOW YOU’LL BE CHALLENGED:
While the puzzles are plentiful, they are not difficult. There’s nothing "new" but there are some FUN twists given to familiar games. Aside from the "official" mini-games there are other "mini" mini-games as dawn is prospering all around us. Although they are easy, the mini-games add some challenge to the game. And they are all FUN. Identifying my favorite doesn't matter. You'll have your own. Anyway, this review is for your benefit, not to compete for Top Reviewer status.
While the puzzles are plentiful, they are not difficult. There’s nothing "new" but there are some FUN twists given to familiar games. Aside from the "official" mini-games there are other "mini" mini-games as dawn is prospering all around us. Although they are easy, the mini-games add some challenge to the game. And they are all FUN. Identifying my favorite doesn't matter. You'll have your own. Anyway, this review is for your benefit, not to compete for Top Reviewer status.
There are fewer HOGs than mini-games. I think the HO scenes are very well done. They are Part puzzle/part HOG. One object is used to advance and uncover other hidden objects. This multilayered HOG format is far more interesting than a simple list find. Another HOG format in Dawn is finding multiples of an object or similar objects. No matter the format, the HOGs are all FUN.
WHAT’S THE GAME ABOUT?:
The story line is straightforward, though improbable. The first cause...a lot of substantial earthquakes in Montana...is not outside the realm of possibility and so this game is closer to "real life" than SO MANY games in the recent past. It is a welcome change. All of the elements of the game, the HOGs and mini-puzzles, are clearly supporting the story line. This is not a Hidden Object scene or a puzzle in search of a story.
The story line is straightforward, though improbable. The first cause...a lot of substantial earthquakes in Montana...is not outside the realm of possibility and so this game is closer to "real life" than SO MANY games in the recent past. It is a welcome change. All of the elements of the game, the HOGs and mini-puzzles, are clearly supporting the story line. This is not a Hidden Object scene or a puzzle in search of a story.
WHAT YOU’LL MISS IF YOU DON’T GET THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION:
A. All the typical CE Bling (i.e., the "who cares?" stuff).
B. Collectibles in each scene.
C. “Fact cards" which will explain a number of scientific theories and seismic insights.
D. Morphing items.
E. Achievements.
F. A strategy guide.
G. A bonus chapter.
A. All the typical CE Bling (i.e., the "who cares?" stuff).
B. Collectibles in each scene.
C. “Fact cards" which will explain a number of scientific theories and seismic insights.
D. Morphing items.
E. Achievements.
F. A strategy guide.
G. A bonus chapter.
CE OR SE?:
I've played the bonus chapter. My suggestion is that the SE is a greater value for the price and that's why it earns 5 out of 5 stars, versus the CE is which is not as great a value. Don't misunderstand me, please: The CE is exceptional. When it was all that was available, I recommended buying it. Now you have a choice. In fact, if collectibles, achievements and morphing items are why you get CEs, you should buy the CE.
I've played the bonus chapter. My suggestion is that the SE is a greater value for the price and that's why it earns 5 out of 5 stars, versus the CE is which is not as great a value. Don't misunderstand me, please: The CE is exceptional. When it was all that was available, I recommended buying it. Now you have a choice. In fact, if collectibles, achievements and morphing items are why you get CEs, you should buy the CE.
Make your choice for CE or SE based on those extras, not on the additional chapter. The bonus chapter heads off in a different direction that doesn’t flow from the main story and is not worth the extra money or the use of two game credits in my opinion.
No matter what you decide to purchase, I'll be surprised if you're not quite fond of your choice. I got the CE and don't regret it for a moment. As always, I suggest taking advantage of the free time given by BFG. First use the free hour from the CE, then shift to the SE. You'll be able to move quickly through the SE demo because you've already played most of it in the CE. You'll then see what you're missing and that will make your decision for you.
In the midst of a deluge of princess-themed, fantasy-driven games, (of which, frankly, I'm very tired) Dawn of Prosperity is a very welcome change. You will truly enjoy this.
I strongly recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
A criminal organization searching for an ancient treasure shot your partner!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 15 found this review helpful
Is This a Blue Movie?
PostedSeptember 19, 2015
sfr8rfan
fromAren't veils usually in front rather than behind? I think a veil covers.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The game is virtually unplayable. And it's hard to look at unless you like viewing everything through a blue prism.
While this game shows promise, there's no excuse for some of the issues it presents.
While this game shows promise, there's no excuse for some of the issues it presents.
Visual/Sound Quality
It's not high visual quality when everything has a blue tint to it. At the same time, it's a "look" that the developer is trying to achieve. I'm just not sure what it is or its purpose. Blue people look strange to me.
It's not high visual quality when everything has a blue tint to it. At the same time, it's a "look" that the developer is trying to achieve. I'm just not sure what it is or its purpose. Blue people look strange to me.
As far as sound goes, the most important issue is that the dialog soundtrack lags far behind the written text. This causes a problem...out of the box...trying to move quickly through the hourlong free period.
Level of Challenge:
HOS: As reported, it all seems to be listed items. They present no extraordinary challenge. Items are clearly identifiable (though, once again, everything seems a bit blue).
HOS: As reported, it all seems to be listed items. They present no extraordinary challenge. Items are clearly identifiable (though, once again, everything seems a bit blue).
Mini-Games: Nothing new. Everything Blue.
Level of Challenge: Again, nothing new. Consequently, nothing particularly challenging.
Storyline: A lost partner-detective. Could be good if well-developed.
Overall, it's hard to move away from the problem of everything looking blue and the sound always lagging behind the dialog.
Sorry. Cannot recommend. While the developers may show promise in an effort to come up with something new, it's lost in a blue maelstrom.
I don't recommend this game.
Return to your hometown to save your father and uncover Midnight Castle’s secrets!
Overall rating
2
/
5
51 of 79 found this review helpful
It's Midnight Calling. DO NOT ANSWER THAT PHONE
PostedSeptember 17, 2015
sfr8rfan
from"The Story of the Unanswered Telephone," or, "Why I'm Glad My Reviews Can't Be Reviewed."
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
Wow factor: 0 Oh My factor: 10+
I'll say this: the hour went by very quickly. Of course, one of the very first games was indecipherable and it took me 20 minutes to figure out that I couldn't figure it out. My Bad.
Overall: I disliked it. This is not just a function of having played some great games recently. This one failed all on its own.
Fun Factor: I disliked it. Feel free to infer from that that it was not fun to play.
I'm whittling down to just a couple, the reasons not to like the game:
VISUAL QUALITY:
The game I referred to earlier: 12 or 16 items were displayed among 5 rings. At the center of four of the rings was either a dragon, unicorn, centaur or mermaid. The challenge was to move the items displayed on the edges of the 5 rings to the destination ring which matched up thematically. As I said, I employed the SG to solve it.
The game I referred to earlier: 12 or 16 items were displayed among 5 rings. At the center of four of the rings was either a dragon, unicorn, centaur or mermaid. The challenge was to move the items displayed on the edges of the 5 rings to the destination ring which matched up thematically. As I said, I employed the SG to solve it.
SOUND QUALITY:
The voice actors were poor. The background music was poor.
The voice actors were poor. The background music was poor.
As a side note, the lip synching, which involves both visual and sound quality, was poor as well. It would have been better left untried. It failed miserably.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
My fault that I spent so much time on the first part of the first game that I didn't get very far along in the story...far enough to know I will not buy it and I will not spend a coupon on it.
My fault that I spent so much time on the first part of the first game that I didn't get very far along in the story...far enough to know I will not buy it and I will not spend a coupon on it.
The bad game had a second part. Equally unidentifiable, the required task was so easy, identification was unnecessary.
I apologize for this review. Believe me: I know I'm not describing this well. I just can't find the words to express something incomprehensible.
STORYLINE
A young lady has been in a boarding school for the 10 years her father has been missing. She escapes the school to return to her home town and find her father. He's not there. The storyline could have been compelling if not for...
A young lady has been in a boarding school for the 10 years her father has been missing. She escapes the school to return to her home town and find her father. He's not there. The storyline could have been compelling if not for...
...In my last review I bemoaned games where real challenge was removed because a cursor changed into a hand when hovering over a target item, whether it be a morphing item or a collectible. Guess what. Yup. Cursor changes to a hand. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO CALL THIS A CHALLENGE????
...In a previous review I also took issue with games that did not progress logically. Despite the fact that her father had been missing and not heard from, a friend of the missing man's daughter told her that her dad wanted everyone to know what had happened to him. WAIT: if he was missing for 10 years and no one had heard from him or seen him, how did this kid know that he wanted everyone to be aware of what happened to him?
The answer to that question and so many more are probably available if you play the game for awhile.
I will sit this one out. Someone will give a detailed description.
What I suggest is this: Download the game and take advantage of the free hour. You won't play it for an hour, but you have an hour at your disposal. Disposal...Garbage Disposal...
You will not enjoy.
I don't recommend this game.