This review is based upon completed play of the game.
For me, the highlight is the storyline, and I am not that much of a Sci-Fi fan unless it's done well, and this one is done very well. Of course, we have good vs evil but we also have a uncle and his nephew as the main players. The uncle turns out to be quite handy, and I enjoyed completing his tasks.
True, the mini games are easy but I did not find the hidden object scenes overtly obvious but I am a player with only intermediate skills. Both mini games and hidden object scenes are germane to the storyline so there is a real flow to the game.
As other reviewers have said, Mad Head Games always delivers a game that is a bit different than the usual fare, especially the story line. And I think that goes for the hidden object scenes and mini games as well. Whether you find those easy or hard, they are different. It is such a pleasure to play a Mad Head Game.
This review is based upon completed play of the game.
As one reviewer noted, none of us rate a game the same way, although we rate the same factors. With any story we read or listen to, we bring our individual experience. It's why this same story line is never the same, for each storyteller is different.
The actual story has been told (quite well) in another review, and for me, it was the back and forth between the present and 1899 that added a layer of complexity to the tale. It's done very well as a story, meaning it does not strain between the past and the present. All of the tasks, hidden object scenes, and the mini- puzzles relate to the scenes. I don't think the camera as gadget is over used but in general, I don't care for gadgets.
I don't purchase any game without playing the demo. I've learned my lesson, even with developers and series that are favorites. As always, enjoy the play.
This review is based upon completed play of the game.
As my username indicates, I really do like a good story, and this is a good one. To me, its ending is not completely obvious; clearly, there is more story to come. I like its twist and turns. Plus, the hidden object scenes and mini games are timely and appropriate to the story. Neither is difficult but for me that is a plus. When I want a difficult mini games/hidden object I go to Eipix, if that is helpful.
I happen to enjoy alchemy so I am not bothered by having to blend ingredients or the match three-games that come with each successful potion. I prefer potions to the gadgets such as special cameras or even the cute little helpers. Again, in this game, the potions complement the fantasy.
Because I like a good story line, I pay attention to the conversation in the game amongst its characters, and this game actually features a bit of a story arc with character development. And the ending is not what you might expect. Granted, these games do not offer complex stories but this particular developer, Artifex Mundi (my favorite so you know my bias), creates story better than most.
More than one review addressed the sarcasm or sarcastic remarks when the player attempts a wrong move, and I admit I was also put off by those until I assigned the statements to the character that we play. These are statements I could see her saying to herself. It took me a while, almost all the game, to understand that but when I did, I rather enjoyed them.
To me, it is the back-and-forth between the characters, and their conversation, that keeps this game from being just another fantasy. It is not your usual magic outcome. Well done, Artifex Mundi.
This review is based upon completed play of the game.
Mad Head Games is a favorite developer, and usually, I find their story lines quite interesting. I admire what the developer was trying to do here as in "Rite of Passage meets Haunted Hotel" (from another review), which I think is a perfect description. Yet for me the game felt dull, quite predictable. I appreciate a bit of wit in the conversation lines but it is not necessary for a good game, and this game is solid in all aspects.
Graphics are well done, and I enjoyed the music, a bit creepy but fun at the same time. As others have mentioned, the mini games are very straightforward and quite easy but still enjoyable and mostly connected to the story line. There are numerous Hidden Object Scenes, mostly for the traditionalist, and I admit to a growing preference for adventure over HOS.
I'm glad I bought the game. I always play SE versions because I do not care for collectibles or for the chapter that follows.
A mysterious plague casts a dark shadow on the people of Persia. The young apothecary Tara must discover the cause of the illness before it's too late!
This review is based upon completed play of the game.
By far, one of the best games I have ever played and is now my current favorite. Not surprising because the developer, Artifex Mundi, always offers games that are different, be it graphics, storyline, or series. This developer takes the ordinary, and at times, makes it extraordinary. And this game is in a class all its own.
As others have already discussed, there is some magic and fantasy but at the same time logic as the player is inserted into the story. There is good conversation and backstory is delivered as part of the action rather than a break between scenes. We are in the story, and we never want to leave.
I happen to like the more innovative hidden object scenes rather than the traditional searching, and the mini games were a part of the story rather than just a scene because it's time to play mini game. Most of all, I enjoyed the fact that I did not have to have a huge inventory at any time and as another reviewer said, it is possible to carry a knife through more than one scene.
Within minutes of playing this game, I purchased it as have others. It's just that exciting and different, and you want to know what's going to happen next. I just could not recommend this game more.
This review is based upon completed play of the SE version of the game.
Mariaglorum Games hit home run with League of Light: The Game. Without a doubt, the graphics are the best I have seen this year. Sound effects, voice overs, and music are spot-on. And I love the dry wit of The Detective. One of the reviewers mentioned the short story,"The Most Dangerous Game," and I certainly see some similarity but this game is its own story, with thoughtful twists and turns.
The variety of HOPS and mini-games are superbly integrated with the story, with minimal back-and-forth, although at times I felt I was carrying quite a bit of inventory. It is the riddles that I enjoyed the most and they are sprinkled throughout the game in varying formats. They are not difficult but pull the player into the game. That's what I think any great story does. Plus there isn't any saving the world at the end of this game, which I appreciate. That is not part of its plot.
If you are looking for a really different game that integrates HOPS and mini-games with creative hidden object scenes, give this one a try. It is definitely among the games I will play again. It has nuance, and that is rare in any story.
This review is based upon completed play of the game.
I read the reviews on both the SE and CE versions of this game. It's interesting that the CE reviews are higher over all, not surprising, but interesting.
The story line is different in this game so I went with a 5 rating. It is not that good and evil is a new theme in storytelling but I liked the way it was presented here, with a bit of magic and fantasy as well as detection. I like that combination.
The graphic detail is superb as are the voice overs. Some have mentioned the blue blur as scenes change but that does not bother me nor does the ever present blue. It seems a natural setting. Of course, this is a matter of preference. I have always liked the detail that this developer, Domini Games, provides. It is distinctive.
The Hidden Object Scenes are interactive and less about hidden objects and more about relationship between objects. These are a favorite of mine over the more traditional but again, personal preference. The Mini Games are also my kind of game, with the developer offering both an easy and hard option. Some, took me a while but I enjoyed the "puzzling.
This is a long game or at least it took me a long time to play. Sometimes, the back-and-forth seemed a bit much and I lost track (having to rely on hints) but again that may just be my gameplay, as I am no expert, just one who enjoys a relaxing game. And this game fits the bill. I know I will enjoy replaying it.
As other reviewers have noted, this SE game first appeared last year. It is interactive in the HOPS as well as the story line. To me, the puzzles relate to the story. And although the story line is a familiar one, there are some twists on it, and I think the scenes involving illusions are quite well-done. But then, I am quite willing to suspend my disbelief, perhaps more than others.
Artifex Mundi games are always a bit different from other developers, even when the storylines is well known. The graphics are very well done, for the most part, although there are a few scenes that are more sketch-like but not cartoonish to me. I'm not bothered by them.
As with any game, try the demo first but if you are looking for a different take on hidden object/adventure games, I recommend Artifex Mundi's work. Enjoy!
My review is based on completed play with a nod to the existing reviews, all of which I find it helpful. Also, I look for storyline in these games and how well it grabs and keeps my interest. For the most part, this game did that, probably because it is different than most games.
I do have issues with it but not with the music, graphics, or the story, with the exception of the ending which I thought was a bit trite due to the magic aspect which is, at times, nicely intertwined within the story but at other times, like with the headmistress, silly.
It is possible to work magic into a story, and I think this developer can do it but it fell short in this game. Hence, I would like another chapter because the overall idea I like very much. The and mini games and HOPs are well integrated into the story, and I appreciate that.
I am not that skillful with mini games but I always find the mini games with this developer interesting and new, generally. Geometric shapes are not my forte but I am getting better. Others have offered specific and helpful comments regarding these games so I suggest you take a look at their reviews.
If you like noir, you should give the game a try but make sure you try the demo first.
As I say in all of my reviews, I look for a storyline that involves the player. This game does that so well. I am grateful this is a series for I've already purchased Grimoires 3. In addition,this developer, Artifex Mundi, is my favorite.
The graphics may not be as clear as some other games but the music in this game is wonderful, and I listened for the entire game. For me, that is rare. Also, I enjoy mixing different potions and learning a bit about alchemy, at least in theory. Again, this is just not your typical game but most Artifex Mundi games are not.
I think all the other reviews have covered the HOPs (well-placed and not too many) and the puzzles, somewhat easy but germane to the game. Admittedly, I am not one who wants to be caught up in the puzzles but I do enjoy them.
What I want is a strong, casual game that keeps me involved in the story and wanting to know what happens next. And this game did not disappoint. Story line is particularly strong with this developer. It is not that the storylines are new but it is the twist this developer gives them.
I am not a collectibles player so I do not play the CE editions, even in a demo. My reviews are based upon completed game play.