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're the sole survivor of a shipwreck, but you can't leave the island until the captain's cursed ring is destroyed.
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 71 found this review helpful
Much More Blessing than Curse
PostedJanuary 29, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromTry this Ring on for Size.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've been playing this game for more than 2.5 hours. I was confident enough, after the one hour trial period, to money up (or in this case, coupon up). It was good enough to deserve a full dose of play.
What you've read about the story will suffice for story line. Nearly three hours into the I don't think the story line drives the game. It provides a loose weave connecting the HOG and mini-games and offers a context for the ambience of the game: nautical with a deserted Island and a pirate or three.
The game is very basic. It's not visually-flashy nor aurally-flashy. What was it then? Why get it? Because it's just flat out fun.
Level of Challenge:
I don't know what the final number of mini-games and HOGs will be but I think it will be a generous amount. Both seem to be of pretty high quality as well.
I don't know what the final number of mini-games and HOGs will be but I think it will be a generous amount. Both seem to be of pretty high quality as well.
Mini games: I haven't experienced anything brand new, but there are some interesting takes on Maze games, synchronized eradication games (getting different items to activate/eradicate by clicking on it, but clicking on one item will affect the behavior of another or several others). Some of the games are very complex...at least to me: items placed along a quasar need to be put in a particular order but, again, moving one affects positioning of others.
HOGS: Along with the regular HOG find-em list, there is also what I can best refer to as a mini-HOG. It's not based on a list, but just a gathering of several items which require you to use inventory objects to bring together. There's also a build-it HOG where you need to find a few items which,when combined, make yet another item. It might have been a little more challenging if I had to create the item but the game does it for you automatically.
The HOG items are well-drawn and well-placed. They aren't crowded but they are disguised nicely and take more than a little effort to find. As an alternative, you can play Mah Jongh.
Added attraction: Although this is an SE, there are features which, to my mind, make this an SE PLUS. It's not quite a CE: no integrated Strategy Guide, No "who cares" assortment of Wall papers, Art, re-playable music, etc. BUT there are extras:
a. A version of a collectible: Money, Doubloons, which are banked for you when you find them. You spend them on fixing your ship.
b. A side-kick (like the elves, dogs and clowns in other games) Mr. Gibbons, a colorful bird who can retrieve items in high places...and maybe more...
c. An exceptionally good map which indicates where to go and where you have things to accomplish. While not a strategy guide, it, along with a slowish, recharging hint button, together perform basically the same function.
b. A side-kick (like the elves, dogs and clowns in other games) Mr. Gibbons, a colorful bird who can retrieve items in high places...and maybe more...
c. An exceptionally good map which indicates where to go and where you have things to accomplish. While not a strategy guide, it, along with a slowish, recharging hint button, together perform basically the same function.
There are some funny anachronisms. Early on in the game (not like I'm that far along anyway) a "pirate" uses a pair of binoculars that look to have been purchased at a 21st century sporting goods store. Later on, there's an actual elevator...a little Gilligan's Island flavor to it...but I didn't think there was electricity yet to power this dumbwaiter.
Finally, I had one omen that could not be ignored. As I'm playing with my headphones on for sound, and in the middle of a mini-game with a surgical-dental theme, my iTunes kicks in and starts playing the theme from ER over the regular sound of the game. I don't know how it happened but it was meant to be and any doubts I had about getting the game disappeared along with Jolly Roger's Gold Tooth.
I don't think you'll be unhappy with this game. Chase me down if you are. Play the free trial. I did and I was convinced.
I recommend this game!
Time is running out for a worried bride! Locate her groom in a town plagued by mysterious drownings.
Overall rating
1
/
5
49 of 62 found this review helpful
Do NOT Swim in this Lake!
PostedJanuary 29, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromI wouldn't recommend swimming in these waters.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
“The world is just full of mysteries waiting to be solved.” Those are the final voiced words of Mysterium: Lake Bliss. With a view to this game, truer words were never spoken.
My “judgment” of this game has shifted many times in the last few days. The final judgment must take into account the very fact that it took me several days to finish it. Oh, there was plenty of time to get the job done but I couldn’t make myself play. As I neared the end it struck me that the developers were in a quandary themselves. I have the impression that, like me, they wanted to end the game. Like me, they couldn’t figure out how to. This is not a good recipe for…
…FUN FACTOR
When I wrote my earlier review for the CE I had finished playing just over an hour. I hadn’t followed my own rules: play the one-hour trial period that’s FREE and then make a decision. Oh well. Now, a Special Edition is produced and I have another opportunity to review the game. I wanted to get this right, so I played the whole game, start to finish before giving you a review. Regrettably, the game became progressively less fun. In my first review I wrote that there’s “nothing wrong with (the game.) It just presents absolutely zero challenge and, consequently, zero fun.” I went on to say the game is not littered with a lot of silly errors. Well, completing the game has allowed me to correct that position. The game is littered with a lot of errors. After a while, these errors were no longer amusing little glitches. They were fatal.
When I wrote my earlier review for the CE I had finished playing just over an hour. I hadn’t followed my own rules: play the one-hour trial period that’s FREE and then make a decision. Oh well. Now, a Special Edition is produced and I have another opportunity to review the game. I wanted to get this right, so I played the whole game, start to finish before giving you a review. Regrettably, the game became progressively less fun. In my first review I wrote that there’s “nothing wrong with (the game.) It just presents absolutely zero challenge and, consequently, zero fun.” I went on to say the game is not littered with a lot of silly errors. Well, completing the game has allowed me to correct that position. The game is littered with a lot of errors. After a while, these errors were no longer amusing little glitches. They were fatal.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
Herein lies a prime example of the declining quality of the game.
Herein lies a prime example of the declining quality of the game.
Visuals: At the beginning, the game is actually stunningly beautiful and the artistic renderings make you feel as though you are in a resort town. I loved the ambience. As the game went on, more and more of it was played in a cave, either the deep cave or the upper cave or the cave cave cave and the resort town feeling was lost. The quality of the graphics was poor.
Sound Quality: This is the high point of the experience. The music was great. Even when the visuals no longer contributed to the “feel” of the game, the music did. I’m not sure the music was always appropriate for the era or for where I can gather the events were taking place. Nonetheless, the music was great.
In addition, the voice-overs are also great. In my first review I wrote that there were very few voice-overs and not a lot of interaction with characters. I was wrong.
I’m disappointed that there isn’t lip-synching. Because it’s rarely perfect anyway, some other reviewers whom I respect a lot prefer that lip synching be avoided altogether as it just distracts. I prefer to have it and I prefer for it to be well done.
The voice acting, even without lip-synching, is great. One character, in particular is flawless: she plays a secretary with kind of a New York accent and plenty of New York attitude. And, in the background, really jazzy/dinner club music! This was very entertaining. It has nothing to do with Italy, but I was hungry for something to love and this provided it.
Part of the uneven nature of the game and the story line rests with the voice-overs I like so much, though. In the game’s introduction, there’s a reference to an “Italian honeymoon” which seemed too expensive for a guy down on his luck. This is very odd. The setting is definitely not in the USA, but Italy? The accents were mainly British, either English or Irish. Oddly, there was a southern accent (US) thrown in and a NY accent and kind of a general Midwestern one as well. I don’t’ know what the purpose was. It just seemed strange to me. The characters with the accents weren’t minor and it seems unlikely that Americans would inhabit this Italian lakeside village as proprietors or residents. I don’t remember a lot of American shop owners at Lake Como!!!!
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOGs: There are 25 total HOGs, ranging from WAY too easy to unbelievably poor. The very poor ones were generally outlines of items or silhouettes that you had to find in context. These were, to me, very difficult to find and not because they were well-hidden but because they were not clearly drawn. This was a major downer.
HOGs: There are 25 total HOGs, ranging from WAY too easy to unbelievably poor. The very poor ones were generally outlines of items or silhouettes that you had to find in context. These were, to me, very difficult to find and not because they were well-hidden but because they were not clearly drawn. This was a major downer.
PUZZLEs: Again, these are way too easy and present no challenge. There's nothing new about the puzzles and they are extremely simple. One example is a puzzle early on in the game, in which you need to set springs to open a suitcase. A three-year old might find this interesting because it requires no skill, only repeated trial and error until you get it right. For an adult, it might be around this time that you decide to give up on the game because you want to play something which tests more that your patience. (That’s what happened to me. The game wasn’t offensive. It just wasn’t substantial). In some cases, little games masquerade as puzzles but the solution is in your journal. One example of this: you finish one puzzle and earn a series of “lucky numbers” for your efforts. A short time later, after all the puzzle “set up” is in place (skip button, “?” button to explain how to solve the puzzle, etc.), you’re told to apply the numbers that you found in the earlier puzzle, which just happen to be conveniently located in your journal. This can’t possibly count as a puzzle. So I won’t. There are 20 puzzles then, but nearly half of them happen in the first two chapters of the of the 7 chapter game. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s mini-game after mini-game. It’s not.
STORYLINE:
Even after playing the whole game, it's a little confusing to me, honestly. Because of the poor HOGs and Puzzles and general lack of challenge in the game I guess the storyline isn't that important. Anyway, you're marrying a guy who's having some career issues. While surprised that your wedding is taking place in this ritzy location, you'll certainly learn to like it. Upon your arrival, after being summoned to the town, you learn your groom-to-be is missing. There are some strange goings-on in the lakeside town and it's not clear why he's gone but at issue is a strange "spectral" material (some pink stuff that, when you encounter it, you collect). If you opt to play the game you’ll get more information to confuse you as you play…or should I say, until you stop playing.
Even after playing the whole game, it's a little confusing to me, honestly. Because of the poor HOGs and Puzzles and general lack of challenge in the game I guess the storyline isn't that important. Anyway, you're marrying a guy who's having some career issues. While surprised that your wedding is taking place in this ritzy location, you'll certainly learn to like it. Upon your arrival, after being summoned to the town, you learn your groom-to-be is missing. There are some strange goings-on in the lakeside town and it's not clear why he's gone but at issue is a strange "spectral" material (some pink stuff that, when you encounter it, you collect). If you opt to play the game you’ll get more information to confuse you as you play…or should I say, until you stop playing.
About those “silly errors:” On a couple of occasions a pop up monologue said “nothing I’ll need for my investigation (here).” Surprise! While hovering over the area with my mouse, a newly corked bottle of ink ended up in my inventory. And later, same situation ("nothing needed here," the pop up said, a chisel and a magnet made their way into my inventory as well.
There’s more: while hovering over one item, a pop up appears: “There’s a hole in each side. Maybe something small fits in them,” it says. This has nothing to do with the item I’m looking at. After trying for however long, I moved to another item. The some pop up appears again. This time it’s appropriate. This is a programming error.
There are several other examples of errors. And not the least of them is that this looks like no Italian city I’ve ever been in.
In case you really want to buy this game, you have to decide if you want the CE or SE. Here’s what the CE provides:
a. The normal assortment of wallpaper, screen savers, music and cut scenes.
b. A Bonus Chapter (I’ll admit it, I couldn’t not play for one more second).
c. Achievements (nothing special).
d. A collectible (nothing particularly appealing: the silhouette of what looks to be a dragonfly, is spread around in a variety of places and it’s your job to collect a;; 54 of them.
e. A Strategy Guide
a. The normal assortment of wallpaper, screen savers, music and cut scenes.
b. A Bonus Chapter (I’ll admit it, I couldn’t not play for one more second).
c. Achievements (nothing special).
d. A collectible (nothing particularly appealing: the silhouette of what looks to be a dragonfly, is spread around in a variety of places and it’s your job to collect a;; 54 of them.
e. A Strategy Guide
I know I’ve gone on way too long with this. Perhaps I need therapy. No way should the game matter so much. I guess I feel like I short-changed those who read my earlier review when I said there was nothing offensive about the game. There is. You have to pay for it. “The world is just full of mysteries waiting to be solved.
I don't recommend this game.
Free Emmett from an evil spell and save the townspeople from murderous demons.
Overall rating
3
/
5
44 of 61 found this review helpful
All Hope is Not Lost
PostedJanuary 25, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromi HOPE there is an SE soon.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm taking a chance here: I like this game. I don't think it's great, I think it's OK. So I've given it three stars. I won't be the first review seen, but this is not a five-star game. Period. It's three, maybe four at most. That isn't bad.
I've played only the free hourlong trial, as I assume most have done at this point...and as I always suggest that you do. Your take on the game may be very different than mine. But if you opt not, you've got one man's opinion....
This is a first person game, from a male perspective which is unusual and welcome.
Fun Factor: It's middle of the road. After playing superior games like Stray Souls, Nevertales, Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes, etc., it's clear this game doesn't belong in the same category. Three stars is what it is, not five.
Visual/Sound Quality: The sights and sounds are good. I think the "set design" is adequate. Items are well drawn. Background music is also good, albeit a bit repetitive.
The Voice actors are good. While the location of the game is not finally indicated beyond being in the mountains somewhere, it must be in England for British accents abound.
Level of Challenge: The HOG's I've played are of average difficulty. Items are not junk piles but they don't have signs "I'm an ACORN" either. I thought the HOGs provided sufficient challenge.
As an alternative to the HOG you can play another game: a puzzle. Here's a surprise. It's an actual jigsaw puzzle. I've never seen that before and I got very interested in it and played through one instead of the HOG. It was fun.
The Games are familiar, fun and in some cases a little more challenging than others of the same type. The challenge comes from the intricacy of the details in the puzzles. The directions are clear and can be revisited.
Storyline:
You've received a letter from your Brother in-law asking you to visit the town of Reagan where your sister lived and died. Anxious to find out why and how, you visit your Brother in law (who addresses you as "Dear Friend" in his letter. This just reminds me of a recent game, Silver Arrow? where the developers managed to work my name into the script...even though I was Princess Mark).
You've received a letter from your Brother in-law asking you to visit the town of Reagan where your sister lived and died. Anxious to find out why and how, you visit your Brother in law (who addresses you as "Dear Friend" in his letter. This just reminds me of a recent game, Silver Arrow? where the developers managed to work my name into the script...even though I was Princess Mark).
Something is going on in this town and the easy answer that Emmett, your brother in law, is to blame for the strange happenings and several deaths is just a little too easy. So you go to investigate.
This is a Collector's Edition and so there is (as my friend Just the Facts refers to it) CE Bling, as follows:
A. A Bonus Chapter
B. The Who Cares Assortment of Wall Papers, Concept Art, and Music
C. Re-playable HOGs and puzzles.
D. Three Collectibles: Mythic Creature Statues which you bring to life (transform) with Crystals; And, lastly, coins which you use to upgrade the scenery.
E. 18 unremarkable achievements.
F. A Map telling you where you are, where you can go and what you need to do when you get there.
A. A Bonus Chapter
B. The Who Cares Assortment of Wall Papers, Concept Art, and Music
C. Re-playable HOGs and puzzles.
D. Three Collectibles: Mythic Creature Statues which you bring to life (transform) with Crystals; And, lastly, coins which you use to upgrade the scenery.
E. 18 unremarkable achievements.
F. A Map telling you where you are, where you can go and what you need to do when you get there.
I don't think the CE "stuff" is worth the extra cost, so my recommendation is wait for the SE which will be much more reasonably priced. I'm going to press yes for recommend, but it's an asterisked yes because I think you should wait for the better value, the SE.
I recommend this game!
Stop the bitter Spirit of Cold from killing your ancestors!
Overall rating
2
/
5
55 of 67 found this review helpful
Bitter. Indeed, Bitter.
PostedJanuary 24, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromUhm, no.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Games are either driven by the story line that includes HOGs and Mini-games or they are powered by the HOGs and Mini-games which are held loosely together by the story line. On occasion the genius games offer both. Bitterly, this game offers none of the above.
The storyline is a mess, frankly.
It begins with your ancestor Koturi telling you that you must go back in time to save your (other?) ancestors and "make things right" or else you will never be born. But wait. You are born...you're here. You're the star of the story.
It begins with your ancestor Koturi telling you that you must go back in time to save your (other?) ancestors and "make things right" or else you will never be born. But wait. You are born...you're here. You're the star of the story.
There are many cutscenes. A mother and her daughter star in one. They have a fight. It reminded me of Joan Crawford and Christina in Mommy Dearest. Little girl has messed with mommy's things, denies it and is charged with being a LIAR by mommy. At another point in time I'm sure I caught overtones of The Wizard of Oz.
You meet the awful Spirit of Cold, Wenonah. She stands in the way of you making things right and saving your ancestors...and, apparently, saving yourself. One little side note: Koturi pronounces Wenonah's name with a German-sounding W...as in Venonah. Wenonah herself pronounces it with a standard W sound.
FUN FACTOR: It's definitely not Christmas Eve.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY:
Visual: Spectacular graphics. Like I've rarely seen before. I felt like I was in the middle of Christmas at Joan's house. Brightly lit. Beautiful.
Visual: Spectacular graphics. Like I've rarely seen before. I felt like I was in the middle of Christmas at Joan's house. Brightly lit. Beautiful.
Sound: Background music is great. Voice acting Not so great. It's never right on. Koturi, for instance seems bored. Wenonah is very over-dramatic. Other cut-scene characters are just characterizations.
Visual and Sound come together in lip synching, or, wait, no they don't because they are not synched. That's more than a little irritating. Hasn't that puzzle been solved by now?
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE:
HOGs: If they prove too tough for you you can move on to Match 3 play instead. They will not prove too tough for you. They are pedestrian, in fact, and provide no challenge.
HOGs: If they prove too tough for you you can move on to Match 3 play instead. They will not prove too tough for you. They are pedestrian, in fact, and provide no challenge.
Mini-Games: I played nothing new, and didn't notice any new twist. I didn't find them particularly challenging.
This is the first review where I've been at a total loss to describe what's gone on. As I said at the top, this is just a mess. I think the only reason this game has a Christmas theme is so that it could be originally released as a Collector's Edition at Christmas time. The release of the Special Edition now makes ZERO sense.
So IF you have to decide which to get, either the SE or the CE, here's what you get with the CE:
1. Bonus Play
2. The "Who cares assortment" of Wall Papers, Concept Art, Screen Savers, Movies and Music.
3. Replayable Mini-games (18) and HOGs (11).
4. Collectibles (snowflakes, which have some barter value, as you can buy things with them).
5. Achievements (the standard who cares assortment).
6. Strategy Guide.
1. Bonus Play
2. The "Who cares assortment" of Wall Papers, Concept Art, Screen Savers, Movies and Music.
3. Replayable Mini-games (18) and HOGs (11).
4. Collectibles (snowflakes, which have some barter value, as you can buy things with them).
5. Achievements (the standard who cares assortment).
6. Strategy Guide.
The extra CE items don't matter. You shouldn't buy the CE. You shouldn't buy the SE. You should rent Mommy Dearest, or The Wizard of Oz, or It's A Wonderful Life. Don't buy this game.
I'm really sorry I can't be more positive about it. I'm positive about one thing: I'm positive you should skip it.
I don't recommend this game.
The wolf spirit still haunts… will you heed its call?
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 74 found this review helpful
Must be a Wolf. It ain't no Dog!
PostedJanuary 23, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromExceptionally Designed game that is as challenging as any I've ever played!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
An old friend has called you to help him sort out strange happenings last night at the North American Heritage site. As you travel there an amulet that has been in your family for generations begins to glow...just as strange symbols appeared at the Heritage Center and began glowing as well. You use your expertise in symbology to solve the mysterious events of the distant past that revolve around love and betrayal...and the epic myth of the wolf
FUN FACTOR:
Dan Brown and the Da Vinci Code meet Native American Mythology. This game is stunningly beautiful to the senses and will thrill you as you play. That Amulet that's been in your family proves to be an invaluable tool...And you'll find out how if you decide to play. No mystery here for me. Yes, this is a worthwhile game.
Dan Brown and the Da Vinci Code meet Native American Mythology. This game is stunningly beautiful to the senses and will thrill you as you play. That Amulet that's been in your family proves to be an invaluable tool...And you'll find out how if you decide to play. No mystery here for me. Yes, this is a worthwhile game.
I thought the FUN FACTOR was off the charts because:
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY:
Visuals: Grand Canyon at night is a "cavalcade of color" with rich hues. The developers created something very special and the painters knew what they were doing.
Visuals: Grand Canyon at night is a "cavalcade of color" with rich hues. The developers created something very special and the painters knew what they were doing.
Sounds: From the first second of the Eipix (the developers) intro music you're immersed in sound. Both background and special effects are very well executed.
Level of Challenge:
HOGs: There around 25 HOGs. There are two types: regular HOGs and Mini-HOGs. The first is the usual "pick em" list. The second is silhouette matching (and no more than six items. Both formats are difficult. The most difficult I've encountered in game playing. The scenes are richly packed with items. It is NOT a junk pile. Items are very clear and distinct but they blend with the background so perfectly they are very difficult to see.
HOGs: There around 25 HOGs. There are two types: regular HOGs and Mini-HOGs. The first is the usual "pick em" list. The second is silhouette matching (and no more than six items. Both formats are difficult. The most difficult I've encountered in game playing. The scenes are richly packed with items. It is NOT a junk pile. Items are very clear and distinct but they blend with the background so perfectly they are very difficult to see.
Mini-Games: YES. Some brand new games for you to enjoy. There are approximately 20 mini-games and some of them you've never seen before. They range in difficulty from "do it with your eyes closed" to "I think I need the Strategy Guide." But, don't give in. You'll solve the puzzles. Look out for the one with the beads later in the game. The directions aren't perfect, but the gaming and fun is.
Storyline: See above. This game is another great combination of HOG/GAMES/STORYLINE. If I tell you more than I did above I'll be taking away some of your fun. The storyline drives the game and it's very engaging.
As a CE there are plenty of extras:
1. Achievements (including one that's good: finishing HOG without and over-clicking penalty). Now that's an achievement!
2. Re-playable AND BONUS HOGs.
3. Concept art, re-playable music, movies.
4. The Making of the game video.
5. Jump-to Map which indicates where you are, where you can go and reminds you of the task at hand.
6. A Bonus Chapter thats all about the amulet. The bonus chapter has around 10 HOGs and 3-4 mini games and is about 20% of the length of the basic game.
7. Integrated Strategy Guide (that includes a game play clock!!).
1. Achievements (including one that's good: finishing HOG without and over-clicking penalty). Now that's an achievement!
2. Re-playable AND BONUS HOGs.
3. Concept art, re-playable music, movies.
4. The Making of the game video.
5. Jump-to Map which indicates where you are, where you can go and reminds you of the task at hand.
6. A Bonus Chapter thats all about the amulet. The bonus chapter has around 10 HOGs and 3-4 mini games and is about 20% of the length of the basic game.
7. Integrated Strategy Guide (that includes a game play clock!!).
I don't think there's a SE yet. I wouldn't wait for it. As always, I suggest taking advantage of the free hour of game play. While I very much enjoy the total immersive environment of this game, you may not. I just finished Stray Souls: The Dollhouse Story. Honestly, that game is much more along the lines of what I enjoy. It's dark and very scary. This is not. The quality is objectively very high for this game but it might not be frightening enough for you.
I recommend this game!
Search for clues, solve puzzles, and unlock new areas as you visit spooky locations, master mini-games and locate Hidden Objects!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
CLASSIC
PostedJanuary 20, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromWhy did I buy this a couple years ago and only play it for the first time yesterday? WHY? I'm waiting doll.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is based on a complete game + the extras of the Collector's Edition. I played it for about 10 hours. I am NOT a fast player. It seemed to me to be of average length. I played it on a Mac platform and experienced no glitches.
This is the type of game that defies reviews. How do you review a game released in the Fall of 2011 in the Winter of 2014? You do it VERY CAREFULLY.
I hadn't begun playing HOGs when this game was released. I hadn't heard of HOGs when this game was released. I bought it a couple years ago but didn’t play it UNTIL yesterday when I saw the release of Stray Souls: Stolen Memories. I wanted to get a feel for the developer before spending the money on a CE...and what better way than to play a game I already own. Well, in advance I'll say this: if Stolen Memories is anything like Dollhouse Story, it's an instant CLASSIC. I’ll also say this: I regret waiting to play Dollhouse Story. I can only wonder how many times I’d have re-played it by now if I played it when I first bought it.
Fun Factor: Are you kidding me? YES.
Visual/Sound Quality: Abso-*****-star-Lutely YES.
Visuals: Instantly I felt scared. I felt like I was someplace I didn't belong and I was not safe. This is the power of visuals. One character, a clown, was drawn with such feeling and emotion that it evoked FEAR and discomfort in me. This clown exhibited evil and treachery perfectly. The expressions on the clown's face were priceless. And incomparable. The treachery that I just wrote means that the clown pulled off pleading and "trust me" just as well as evil. The rest of the story made me feel like I was in the middle of a horror flick. This is what I call "set design." It is unmatched in brilliance, IMO and that it's a few years old only underscores the level of quality of this game. It has withstood the test of time.
Visuals: Instantly I felt scared. I felt like I was someplace I didn't belong and I was not safe. This is the power of visuals. One character, a clown, was drawn with such feeling and emotion that it evoked FEAR and discomfort in me. This clown exhibited evil and treachery perfectly. The expressions on the clown's face were priceless. And incomparable. The treachery that I just wrote means that the clown pulled off pleading and "trust me" just as well as evil. The rest of the story made me feel like I was in the middle of a horror flick. This is what I call "set design." It is unmatched in brilliance, IMO and that it's a few years old only underscores the level of quality of this game. It has withstood the test of time.
Sounds: Again *****. Wicked music throughout. This is not a bright and cheery story. Even as it's ending you feel as though you've MAYBE just escaped in the nick of time. If you feel relief you still don't feel safe, even as you speed away. If you saw the movie Cloverfield, you'll know exactly the emotion I'm referring to. That's what the music does. I think music can drive a good game as much as anything else.
Now, combine the visuals with the music and you've increased the fear factor logarithmically. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you to The Dollhouse Story?
One note of import: Owing to its age, this game does not have Voice-overs (let alone lip-synching). You'll see a character and read his lines. This didn't bother me at all. NOT. ONE. BIT.
Level of Challenge: I gave this 5 stars but it is asterisked. My chief complaint about an otherwise great game is usually that there are too many HOGs and not enough mini-games. That would be my complaint here if the quality of the HOG weren't as high as it is. There are 20 HOGs and maybe 5 simple mini-games. The HOGs were brilliantly executed. The mini-games...well, frankly, I'm only remembering one right now. The mini-games did not move me. Doesn't matter. The overall game is that good.
Storyline: As a child your husband was lost/kidnaped and his good and bad natures were divided into two separate people. Your sister-in-law has been brainwashed but still finds the inner strength to get information to you that helps you on your path to find your husband. Evil clown tricks you. You roam the halls of orphanage. It's all creepy. It’s an intricate story line. I'm sure even these few details I have are not spot on...but it's enough, I hope, to communicate just a little of what's going on. You need to play the game to figure out the rest. You will be happy you discovered this game by playing it, not by reading about it.
So, then, how can this review be helpful to you? I'm going to share just a few observations:
1. This is an ADVENTURE much more than an HOG and certainly much much more than a PUZZLE GAME. If you go into the experience with this knowledge you will not feel mislead. It is not about the games. It's about the story and the ambience which completely envelopes you.
2. Here’s what you get with the SE (because it’s an older game) that by today’s standards you might expect to be in the CE but not the SE:
a. “Beyond” Objects: 36 morphing items that are not related to the story but enhance game play.
b. Map, including sites visited and the locations of HOGs.
c. OK, this is a stretch, but: an un-integrated strategy guide. That means, go to the BFG site, click on game walkthroughs and seek out Stray Souls: Dollhouse. There’s your strategy guide.
3. When I first started buying games I always chose the CE version if it were available. I do not auto-default to that anymore. I try to make an informed decision. That said, here’s what you get with the CE:
a. A more (not completely) integrated strategy guide.
b. A VERY SUBSTANTIAL Bonus Chapter which is a prequel scene including 10 HOGs.
c. Who cares: Wallpapers, Concept Art
d. Deleted Scenes (admittedly nice feature I’ve not encountered before.)
2. Here’s what you get with the SE (because it’s an older game) that by today’s standards you might expect to be in the CE but not the SE:
a. “Beyond” Objects: 36 morphing items that are not related to the story but enhance game play.
b. Map, including sites visited and the locations of HOGs.
c. OK, this is a stretch, but: an un-integrated strategy guide. That means, go to the BFG site, click on game walkthroughs and seek out Stray Souls: Dollhouse. There’s your strategy guide.
3. When I first started buying games I always chose the CE version if it were available. I do not auto-default to that anymore. I try to make an informed decision. That said, here’s what you get with the CE:
a. A more (not completely) integrated strategy guide.
b. A VERY SUBSTANTIAL Bonus Chapter which is a prequel scene including 10 HOGs.
c. Who cares: Wallpapers, Concept Art
d. Deleted Scenes (admittedly nice feature I’ve not encountered before.)
What all this means is: YOU CAN’T LOSE. If you have the money or the game credits, get the CE. If you don’t have the money or the game credits, get the SE and you’ll be completely and utterly satisfied. Just get something.
I recommend this game!
An invitation from your long lost mother leads you to a mysterious facility deep below the Atlantic Ocean.
Overall rating
2
/
5
106 of 128 found this review helpful
Symphony or Cacophony? SE or CE? Either? NEITHER.
PostedJanuary 19, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromMan Overboard. Me.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
When I first bought this game as a Collector’s Edition I was motivated by its status of Tomorrow's Game Today. There was also a great sale going on. Coincidentally, there’s a special deal going on now wherein you can buy CEs for $7.99 and SEs for $3.99. A great deal has a way of making even the ordinary seem special. Not so on the Titanic. Er, I mean, the Emerald Maiden.
In this adventure you're the protagonist. 25 years ago your mother abandoned you at an orphanage. Without explanation, you've been invited to meet your biological mother at an event aboard a luxury ocean liner. This thing is CRAZY with a capital C-R-A-Z-Y.
It's one cut scene after another. I’ve played this game through to the end along with the bonus chapter that comes with the CE. So as not to ruin this for you, all you need to know by way of story line is that aboard this boat (The Love Boat) you can, theoretically, choose from a variety of vacations/dreams (Total Recall) without actually going anywhere (Fantasy Island) and only very wealthy people can afford it (Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous). In fact, your junkets are chosen for you (of course, it’s a game and possibilities can’t be endless, right?). The game does deserve some props for artful design. One venue in particular bears a striking resemblance to the real-life location. Along the way, you encounter cracking aquariums, strangers on elevators giving you strange looks; a robot; a mechanical octopus...and, oh, so much more. In all fairness, I don't think the story line (that has the feel of those tv shows/movies I referred to) is that far off from being good. Execution is lacking, however.
There are approximately 30 HOGs and 20 rather creative mini-games. While not new, the mini-games absolutely add some interesting twists. The HOGs are another issue altogether:
a. Regular HOGs: if you have any trouble at all figuring out where to locate the next item on the find-it list, hold on for a couple seconds and the item will be highlighted by a flashing star/symbol.
b. Silhouette HOG: The silhouettes are so dark as to be indiscernible. But fear not, a description of the item is given and if it's even partially hidden, the flashing star/symbol from the regular style HOG will reappear to help you out.
a. Regular HOGs: if you have any trouble at all figuring out where to locate the next item on the find-it list, hold on for a couple seconds and the item will be highlighted by a flashing star/symbol.
b. Silhouette HOG: The silhouettes are so dark as to be indiscernible. But fear not, a description of the item is given and if it's even partially hidden, the flashing star/symbol from the regular style HOG will reappear to help you out.
As I alluded at the beginning of this review, there are two questions: Do you want to buy the game at all, and, if yes, do you want the Collector’s Edition or the Special Edition. If you opt for the CE, here’s what you get (and, conversely, what you miss out on if you opt for the SE):
a. A bonus chapter that explains more about the Dream Corporation, your plight...And leaves you with a very distinct impression that a sequel is not far behind).
b. Profiles of the Characters who populate the game.
c. The "who cares" collection of Concept art, Wall paper, Sketches and Movies. (The re-playable movie idea is odd because the whole game seems to be one little movie after another).
d. A very bare bones map.
e. A strategy guide.
f. Collectibles (first, roses that are found along the way. They are not particularly well hidden, and bear no significance to the game, IMO.)
g. 4 Modes of play, including a custom mode.
a. A bonus chapter that explains more about the Dream Corporation, your plight...And leaves you with a very distinct impression that a sequel is not far behind).
b. Profiles of the Characters who populate the game.
c. The "who cares" collection of Concept art, Wall paper, Sketches and Movies. (The re-playable movie idea is odd because the whole game seems to be one little movie after another).
d. A very bare bones map.
e. A strategy guide.
f. Collectibles (first, roses that are found along the way. They are not particularly well hidden, and bear no significance to the game, IMO.)
g. 4 Modes of play, including a custom mode.
First off, I wouldn’t buy this game if I were you. Not as a CE, not as an SE. I might consider using a coupon for a free game but nothing beyond that.
PLEASE take advantage of the free trial and play for one hour. I'm thinking that by the hour’s end you'll have decided this game is not for you. (OR YOU'LL THINK I'M NUTS AND BUY THE GAME ASAP!) Yes, the game does make a little more sense the deeper into it you get. Yes, you have plenty of time to think about that as you go back and forth and back and forth and back and forth and…are you tired of me saying “back and forth?” Wait until you actually go back and forth a few times. Then you’ll know what tired is. Wait…you can rest up while watching another one of the movies.
I may be going overboard with my complaining about the game, but I really wanted to go overboard during the game.
I don't recommend this game.
Charon's train has left the station, and you’ll never believe who’s on board!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
I THINK MY TRAIN RAN OUT OF GAS
PostedJanuary 18, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromThis review is based on completion of the Main section. I couldn't access the f
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I won't go on at length about this game. I don't think it's high quality in terms of play so it would lend it far more import to give a typical review, I think.
There were some positives:
a. It was a winner artistically. Throughout the game you progress through a variety of cities beginning in Western Europe and ending in Eastern Europe. Each one of the locales had a particular European feel to it. So, props to the environment, or "set design."
a. It was a winner artistically. Throughout the game you progress through a variety of cities beginning in Western Europe and ending in Eastern Europe. Each one of the locales had a particular European feel to it. So, props to the environment, or "set design."
b. It was... Wait. I'm sorry. That's all I can say about the game that was positive.
Two schools of thoughtf now:
1. If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.
2. If you can't say anything nice come sit by me.
1. If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.
2. If you can't say anything nice come sit by me.
Maybe I'll try to take a middle position.
a. The animation was very poor. I'll give a couple examples to illustrate:
1. In one scene a lemon was being squeezed into a cocktail shaker. The lemon hovered over the shaker, there was no "liquid" going from the lemon to the shaker. After a moment the lemon was gone. Big deal? Maybe not. But we have certainly seen games where you'd know that liquid was being poured into a container from another source.
1. In one scene a lemon was being squeezed into a cocktail shaker. The lemon hovered over the shaker, there was no "liquid" going from the lemon to the shaker. After a moment the lemon was gone. Big deal? Maybe not. But we have certainly seen games where you'd know that liquid was being poured into a container from another source.
2. An item, fallen between the cracks of a grate on the ground need to be extricated. Through normal play, a hook was in my inventory. As the hook neared the grate, but before it reached the location, the grate mysteriously rose. Well, maybe the grate was haunted.
I know these don't seem like great examples, but they are typical of the play throughout the game. There was NO attention to detail.
b. The story line that carried us throughout Europe was, to my mind, incomprehensible. A woman was taken hostage by an evil count on her wedding day. We board a train searching for a number of other people (souls) who have been taken hostage as well. The deal is this: you (the player, in the first person game is a man, the fiancee/newly wedded husband, of the kidnaped victim) have made a deal with somebody who wants revenge of the kidnaper. If you help him and subdue the evil Count Orlock who is the culprit, the guy you made a deal with will release the should of your new wife. So, if this person has the power to release your wife's soul? to you, why doesn't he do it? He seems just as evil as the original kidnaper!!!
c. When I completed the regular portion of the game and...for who knows what reason...I tried to play the bonus section I couldn't retrieve an inventory section nor could I access the monocle (a tool you get...not sure how...that allows you to "see" para-normal things the ordinary eye cannot grasp. Without inventory or monocle it's really "game over." In the end, I'm not complaining.
So, game over.
One last little note: This was a Collector's Edition. I have absolutely NO idea why. There's wallpaper, concept art and music that's re-playable. There are no morphing objects, collectibles...I used to think gamers made too big of a deal about these things. This game made me realize if I'm going to pay for a CE, the game better have some CE features.
I wouldn't recommend this game as a CE for sure and if you're even contemplating buying it as an SE make well sure you use a coupon or it's on serious sale. Do NOT pay full price for this game.
Sorry Ladies and Gentlemen. IMHO this game does not deserve a positive recommendation.
I don't recommend this game.
You're on a train in the middle of nowhere, and a band of dangerous thieves demand you tell them where to find the Hope Diamond's shards. As the newest Hidden Expedition recruit, you've got to find the shards before they do...X
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 139 found this review helpful
Exceptional game. The only question: Is the Special Edition enough or should you get the CE? Maybe I can help you decide.
PostedJanuary 17, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromThis review is based on completion of the Main game twice, the Bonus Chapter and the Extra features.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
No matter which you opt for, you can rest assured you’re getting a very high quality game. It’s appropriate that this is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and BFG. Each is at the top of their respective arenas and this game is right there with them.
Here's the story: You've been recruited by the Hidden Exhibition crew to find shards of the Hope Diamond before a family of crooks beats you to the punch. Everything else you need to know about the story you’ll find out as you play. It’s an entertaining game, and remains faithful to the storyline as you proceed. I didn’t detect any incongruities. As the game begins you are held hostage on a train. You jump out the window and back in time a few weeks, arriving at the Smithsonian whence you were summoned.
This game is the complete package, driven both by the storyline and the mini-games and HOGs. It is truly an adventure.
FUN FACTOR
I didn’t want to stop playing, and continued pressing on through the wee hours. I played in 3 sessions over three days. I am NOT a fast player and this game makes me appreciate being a slow poke. I didn’t want it to end. There's much to do and you're ceaselessly moving from one activity to the next, punctuated by HOGs and puzzles. (Note, you’re moving from activity to activity, it’s not just annoying backtracking.)
I didn’t want to stop playing, and continued pressing on through the wee hours. I played in 3 sessions over three days. I am NOT a fast player and this game makes me appreciate being a slow poke. I didn’t want it to end. There's much to do and you're ceaselessly moving from one activity to the next, punctuated by HOGs and puzzles. (Note, you’re moving from activity to activity, it’s not just annoying backtracking.)
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
Visuals: As good as it gets. This game seems more like a movie than drawings that move. It is truly High Def. (Note: do NOT skip the opening sequence. It IS a movie explaining the “curse” of the Hope Diamond.” It is of such high quality that you absolutely know you’re in for a treat with this game. The bar is set very high from the outset.) It is very colorful, and not just the environment. Even the puzzles make extensive use of the whole palette. It's beautiful to behold.
Sounds: The background music is exactly that. It's a jaunty theme. This is NOT a scary game and the music isn't intended to scare the wits out of you. The music accompanies what’s going on in the game.
Visuals: As good as it gets. This game seems more like a movie than drawings that move. It is truly High Def. (Note: do NOT skip the opening sequence. It IS a movie explaining the “curse” of the Hope Diamond.” It is of such high quality that you absolutely know you’re in for a treat with this game. The bar is set very high from the outset.) It is very colorful, and not just the environment. Even the puzzles make extensive use of the whole palette. It's beautiful to behold.
Sounds: The background music is exactly that. It's a jaunty theme. This is NOT a scary game and the music isn't intended to scare the wits out of you. The music accompanies what’s going on in the game.
Visuals and sounds come together in lip-synching and while the synching itself is only OK, the voice-over acting is excellent.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE
HOGs: There are just under 20 HOGs of 4 different types: “Silhouette,” “Place ‘em correctly in their environment,” “collection of multiples of the same item,” and the standard “Find-‘em/List.” In the standard find-‘em list there are normal stand-alone items and items which require a little more interaction to clear. The HOGs are superior. Items are not impossible to find but are very well hidden and well described. The “multiple” item HOG was more difficult than I’ve encountered. It got much harder as I progressed.
HOGs: There are just under 20 HOGs of 4 different types: “Silhouette,” “Place ‘em correctly in their environment,” “collection of multiples of the same item,” and the standard “Find-‘em/List.” In the standard find-‘em list there are normal stand-alone items and items which require a little more interaction to clear. The HOGs are superior. Items are not impossible to find but are very well hidden and well described. The “multiple” item HOG was more difficult than I’ve encountered. It got much harder as I progressed.
Puzzles: There are 15 +/-. Most of the puzzles are not new. Many of the familiar ones add a twist or two making them that much more fun. I don’t know how you couldn’t enjoy the puzzles. As I mentioned earlier, they are also very colorful and not so bad to look at, either.
One new puzzle is really more a test of knowledge than a test of skill: you collect 4 bobble-head dolls in early game play. Later on you add them to a collection of other dolls already gathered together. You’re tasked with re-organizing the historically-significant and recognizable dolls in the location bearing their name. This is an educational element I’ve not seen before, and one veteran reviewer whose opinion I count on called this her favorite. I’m gonna take a guess that the real-world education factor is one of the reasons why. This test reminds me of actual Smithsonian exhibits.
When I’m nearing the end of a game, I often grow anxious in anticipation. I don’t want it to be that way. It could be my “fault” but I actually think it’s a function of games losing their way. Sometimes developers put too much extraneous material in the game because they’ve run out of important things to say and do but they have a need to fill space. Not so at the Smithsonian!
The remaining question for you to decide, then: CE or SE? Which will it be?
If you are ok spending the extra money, and it is a lot, do it. The Collector’s Edition is worth it and the game is better because of it. You will find real value in the assortment of CE extra features:
a. A bonus chapter.
b. Within each HOGs is one morphing item. Collecting them all is an “achievement.”
c. Additional HOG tasks AFTER completing the standard game: You can replay HOGs in an effort to gain a “gold crown.” This is also one of the “achievements.” Success is based on completion plus an added algorithm of speed and accuracy.
d. Achievements, 20 in all. One dubious achievement is taking more than 10 minutes to complete an HOG. Another is sitting through all the credits.
e. Collectibles:
1. Fact Cards: Found intermittently, these are interesting factoids about the Smithsonian Institute. There are 20 of them. Each one is bound to tell you something interesting about the Smithsonian that you didn't know before.
2. Smithsonian Emblems: along the way, in virtually every scene, you need to find one of the 49 total Smithsonian Institute Logo emblems. These are sometimes obviously located and other times more playfully placed. You need to be on the lookout for them. This is one case where a collectible is really fun and is really a challenge that adds to the quality of the game.
f. The "who cares" collection: Re-playable movies/cut scenes; re-playable HOGs (ok, this isn’t “who cares, but is actually important); Music; Pics (screen savers? wallpaper?).
g. Maps, varying in the information provided, based on the level of difficulty you choose to play. The easy level map tells you where you are, where you need to accomplish things and the objectives. The next level up tells you only where you are and what you need to do, not where to go to do it; Level 3 gives only the layout of the game/museum. Finally, there is a custom level of play and a customizable map.
h. A souvenir room: This is as close to a throw away as you can get in this game. It’s one more seek and find game, but it’s so easy, it really isn’t up to the quality of what’s come before it.
i. Finally, before you can open up extra features, like a bonus chapter, you must successfully complete another mini-game! This is ATTENTION TO DETAIL!!
b. Within each HOGs is one morphing item. Collecting them all is an “achievement.”
c. Additional HOG tasks AFTER completing the standard game: You can replay HOGs in an effort to gain a “gold crown.” This is also one of the “achievements.” Success is based on completion plus an added algorithm of speed and accuracy.
d. Achievements, 20 in all. One dubious achievement is taking more than 10 minutes to complete an HOG. Another is sitting through all the credits.
e. Collectibles:
1. Fact Cards: Found intermittently, these are interesting factoids about the Smithsonian Institute. There are 20 of them. Each one is bound to tell you something interesting about the Smithsonian that you didn't know before.
2. Smithsonian Emblems: along the way, in virtually every scene, you need to find one of the 49 total Smithsonian Institute Logo emblems. These are sometimes obviously located and other times more playfully placed. You need to be on the lookout for them. This is one case where a collectible is really fun and is really a challenge that adds to the quality of the game.
f. The "who cares" collection: Re-playable movies/cut scenes; re-playable HOGs (ok, this isn’t “who cares, but is actually important); Music; Pics (screen savers? wallpaper?).
g. Maps, varying in the information provided, based on the level of difficulty you choose to play. The easy level map tells you where you are, where you need to accomplish things and the objectives. The next level up tells you only where you are and what you need to do, not where to go to do it; Level 3 gives only the layout of the game/museum. Finally, there is a custom level of play and a customizable map.
h. A souvenir room: This is as close to a throw away as you can get in this game. It’s one more seek and find game, but it’s so easy, it really isn’t up to the quality of what’s come before it.
i. Finally, before you can open up extra features, like a bonus chapter, you must successfully complete another mini-game! This is ATTENTION TO DETAIL!!
Smithsonian Hope Diamond is family friendly. I consider this aspect a feature and it’s one that I like. I have now replayed it with my 12 year old (who already gets a kick out of helping out with HOGs and finding objects before me). We were at the Smithsonian this past summer and that connection alone, however tenuous, was enough to spur his interest.
Despite the emphasis I’ve placed on the educational and family aspects of this game, please don’t think it’s like going back to school or that it’s “namby-pamby.” It’s neither. It is a HOG/Puzzle Adventure game first and a very good one at that.
While my own gaming preferences generally run to the dark and scary replete with dangerous criminals and murders and the like, this game is fully satisfying to me…enough to have replayed it. It is technically and artistically superior to most games I’ve played and I look forward to more efforts like this in the future from BFG and their partners.
I recommend this game!
Play as both Ellie and Ian, two scientists stranded on Botanica. Can you save your friends and find your way home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
119 of 162 found this review helpful
You're no longer Earthbound. But, how will you travel to the beyond? Will you ride the Collector's Edition or the Special Edition?
PostedJanuary 12, 2014
sfr8rfan
fromThis review is based on playing the entire game plus the bonus section of the CE.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Whichever you choose, you’re getting a very impressive game. There’s so much that’s NEW and so much that’s new AND GOOD in Botanica: Earthbound. This game is an indication of the future of hidden object/puzzle/adventure gaming in my opinion. I’d give this 250 stars if they were available. The Fun Factor is off the charts.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY
Visual: Exceptional. The theme is nautical/island tropic/botanical (duh!). This theme is supported by the artwork and you feel like you’re in the tropics as you play. You start off at the site of a boat, feeling like a passenger, or, more to the point, like part of the crew investigating a sunken ocean liner. The HOGs, of which there are only 15, are superbly drawn. I felt like I was dealing with photos more than drawings.
Sound Quality: The voice-overs are very clear and understandable. The music is pure background. Sometimes music drives the mood. This is not the case here. The musical style is appropriate and not at all annoying.
LEVELS OF CHALLENGE
a. HOGs: I’ve never complained about too few HOGs before this game. These HOS are the BEST I have ever played, and not by a small margin. The majority of items require an extra step. Many of the items require a puzzle solved just to clear them. If you’re a puzzle lover you’ll really like this extra treat. One example is the standard puzzle/mini-game where you need to remember the progression of buttons to push or you have to start over again. This puzzle has been incorporated into the clearing of just ONE ITEM in a HOG.
Other HOGs require placing the item correctly in its environment to clear it. In another you match up a couple of items that belong together but have been separated in the scene (a pair of gloves, for instance). Only after joining them do you clear the item. My count is 15 HOGs. I wish there were twice that.
b. Mini-Puzzles/mini-games: These are superior. This game presents puzzle designs I’ve never seen and it’s so exciting to see something new and brilliantly executed. Other, more familiar puzzles have a little twist to them making them seem like new. (OK, the CE version of this game has achievements. One is a rather dubious distinction at best: spend over 100 minutes solving the puzzle. I achieved this. I spent over an hour and forty minutes solving one puzzle. I couldn’t believe it when the achievement popped up but I wasn’t about to skip. I wanted to beat the puzzle and finally I did). There are over 30 puzzles in this game so if you’re into puzzles you’ll love this game.
c. There is a third challenge: making potions from items (plants) and other natural substances you collect through game play. These are stored in your botany kit. When you’ve collected the necessary ingredients you follow the combining directions and make a potion that you use to accomplish your goal.
STORY LINE
A ship’s captain, who’s had a rocky life to begin with, accepts an invitation to go on a sailor’s dream voyage, through a portal to a place not of the earth. He gets lost and in so doing loses all he loves. His daughter (somehow…without explanation) figures out where he is and tries to find him and bring him home safe and sound. She is not alone. In this tropical setting she’s joined by another scientist who’s also lost and trying to find the portal to earth so he can return home to his daughter. There is a villainess who’s trying to keep them from getting where they want to go.
The story is pure fantasy…You kind of know that extra-terrestrial travel has that strong possibility. More than that, this game is pure fun and it really ties all the puzzles and HOGs together. To that end this is a game where the story line, puzzles and HOGs are all important. This story is NOT scary. It is, though, exhilarating and very exciting. It’s a first person game in which you play two characters. This is not a central theme of the story in my opinion.
I cannot strongly enough recommend this game.
So the Question of the day: Collector’s Edition (CE) or Special Edition (SE)?
Here’s what you get for the Collector’s Edition:
a. A bonus chapter in which you play a third person.
b. The “who cares” assortment: Re-playable cut scenes, soundtrack, concept art, wallpaper.
c. A strategy guide.
d. A collectible: one item scattered through out the scenes. It’s not central to the story and you gain nothing other than an achievement if you collect all of them. It’s not distracting. In fact, atypically, it’s a little fun, actually.
e. Achievements: normal stuff PLUS one thing I didn’t see coming and when it did it made me smile.
f. A jump-to map which shows your location, where you need to finish up a job and where you cannot yet go.
a. A bonus chapter in which you play a third person.
b. The “who cares” assortment: Re-playable cut scenes, soundtrack, concept art, wallpaper.
c. A strategy guide.
d. A collectible: one item scattered through out the scenes. It’s not central to the story and you gain nothing other than an achievement if you collect all of them. It’s not distracting. In fact, atypically, it’s a little fun, actually.
e. Achievements: normal stuff PLUS one thing I didn’t see coming and when it did it made me smile.
f. A jump-to map which shows your location, where you need to finish up a job and where you cannot yet go.
This is one of the best games I’ve ever played and I think you’ll think the same way. Choose one of the versions for sure. For me I’d choose the Collector’s Edition just because it presents more game time and that’s what I want with this. It’s not because the developers didn’t write a game that’s long enough…nothing would be long enough. As I wrote in my review of the CE: This game is like a new drug: I want MORE!!!!.
I recommend this game!