This game was phenomenal!!! Phantasmat is written the way hidden object games SHOULD be written. Best features: It allows for 3 levels of play - beginner, challenge, expert. It actually gives you effective play hints if you get lost. It allows you to play hidden object games in two formats - as the usual hidden object or as 'match 3'. Very creepy too if you don't like bugs. (I don't like bugs) and a really good mystery thriller that keeps you wondering right to the end - very exciting. The only thing that kinda bothered me was, if you skipped a puzzle, you never got how that puzzle is solved. The phone booth in the city is the one that stands out. But I've only played this game once, so I could have missed something. Overall, though, this is most definitely worth the money!!!! I cannot imagine what the Collector's Edition might hold!
I purchased this game as well as the next two in the story. It's a good game, relaxing, easy-to-see object hunts, but it has it's faults. First, this game froze on me twice while playing. I had to shut down the game and go back in. I did not lose my place in the story, but it was annoying to suddenly have it lock up. This problem was corrected in the next consecutive games, so you can continue the story without interruption. I purchased all three during one of Felix's specials, so I feel I got what I paid for.
I was extremely disappointed in the Collector's Version of this game, The original game was great and I played it a few times before the desire for the extended version became irresistible. The extended version started out promising then just fizzled. You get the bad guy, but it's quick and really easy. When you pay double for a collector's version, you expect double the play time - at least I do - or the solving of mysteries. In this, the main mystery is simply dropped. The makers seemed more interested in the "bonus" which is music, graphic art and wallpapers. If you're 12, maybe this appeals but that's not why I play games as an adult. Stick to the original version. It's still a good game. And cheaper
I do enjoy a challenge, but I don't like to be frustrated. I completed the first Ravenhearst with no problems and enjoyed it enough to get the second game. This one, though, does not allow you to SKIP all puzzles, just certain ones - and provides no hints when you get stuck! There is no blog. You are stuck buying the strategy guide which costs as much as the game. I was very disappointed - I'm at a level that I can't get past!! It loses points in Fun Factor for being so annoying.