Artifex Mundi may be my all time favorite developer and of late, they are introducing us to other developers, in this case, Sunward Games. We are the more fortunate for it. They do an excellent job with this story, dropping in some great plot twists so there is solid game play and sensible tasks.
The music complements the storyline, and I really enjoyed listening to it. I found the graphics better than average and not distracting. For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed the hidden object scenes, looking for objects and interacting. They were integral to the game, just like the minigames.
I am not big on collectibles (and there are no morphs to find); in this game, collectibles were quite obvious so little challenge. The game does seem to offer an interesting set of achievements.
My review is based upon completed play of the main game. I have to yet to play the Bonus Chapter but am looking forward to it. It is a prequel.
I enjoyed the storyline in this game, although this is not a favorite series of mine. That's just a matter of personal preference and not a reflection on the series as a whole.
The plot has some really great twists, AFTER the demo, as at least one reviewer has noted. In fact, the game is slow to start but once it is revealed that this is not the usual story, the pace picks up.That said, I sometimes had trouble with the logic of the story. Hidden object scenes are easy and the puzzles mostly enjoyable.
For me, this is a 3.5 game but certainly not a 3. If you enjoy the series, I think you will find this one of its best.
This is not Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels (in storyline) but it maybe in theme, human nature being what it is. Just a thought. The game ends without wrapping up all the details and in fact, introduces other elements. Somewhat, the Bonus Chapter explains further but again, there is a possibility of more to come, all of which I found intriguing and fun. Well done, 4 Friends!
Any storyline that works this well integrates the hidden object scenes and puzzles into its plot twists so the player feels completely immersed in the game. And the graphics are extraordinary and complete the fantasy.
My review is based upon completed play of the game and Bonus Chapter. I play in casual or relaxed mode, as I am in no hurry, preferring to listen to the music and admire the graphics. For me this was not a short game. The Bonus Chapter is a bit short and heavy on hidden object scenes but it also introduces another plot twist so I enjoyed it overall.
This is such a great game, so unlike most of the HOPA games, but that's typical of Mad Head. Other reviewers have done an excellent job of providing storyline, minigame, and hidden object scene details.
I enjoyed the humor in this game, including Collins (and his own inventory bar), as well as his antics. His predictability is part of his charm. As for his own inventory It was fresh and new, as are many of the details in this game.
Like others, I appreciate having the tool box throughout the game (as well as a pliers) so there is little repetition of collecting tools. None of the tasks interrupt the pace of the game; the ending is a bit open-ended as well.
My review is based upon completed play of the main game (but not the bonus chapter). I am casual player (relaxed pace), mainly focused on storyline and this is one of the best; the characters are so integral to the story, again typical of Mad Head games.
No one game is for everyone but for everyone there is a game. Enjoy!
Once again Artifex Mundi (Cordelia Games) offers a fine storyline with solid twists and strong game play. Bravo, Artifex Mundi! For me, they are among the best at integrating HOPs with story so there is a real balance.
This review is based upon completed play of the game (without the bonus chapter). As always, try the demo, as the diversity of reviews suggests. There is no one game for everyone but for everyone there is a game. Enjoy!
Refreshing is how I describe this game, in all areas--storyline, hidden objects, and minigames--masterful execution of each, with superb graphics and sound. Even when there are the tried and true (hidden object scenes mostly), they have a new look to them. It's a brilliant game.
Because of the great reviews, I bought the CE, deciding not to wait for the SE. It was worth the purchase. Because of the incredible storyline of the main game, I wanted to play the bonus chapter, which is rare for me. I have never been so invested in a storyline. This is one of the best games I've ever played, and in many ways, it's in a league of its own, especially the storyline.
Always, I play a game casually, focused primarily on story and how the hidden objects and puzzles are used to build it. I don't know that I'm an expert but after playing hundreds of games, probably somewhere above intermediate. My reviews are based upon completed play of the game.
Artifex Mundi is a favorite of mine; their games I play over and over. House of Fables is the production team here but published under Artifex Mundi. So, the game was an automatic buy for me and didn't disappoint.
The storyline weaves in and out of dreams with fantastic voice overs. It's not predictable nor are the tasks but sometimes they stretch the imagination. However, I enjoyed that, once I let myself relax with the game and let it lead me.
This is not a cookie-cutter game in any aspect--hidden objects, minigames, or adventure. There are only so many storylines (in all of literature) but in a game, it is what a developer does with it that intrigues me. As I say, Artifex Mundi never disappoints.
My review is based upon completed play of the game. Overall, I prefer SE to CEs.
I am not a fan of the horror or psychological thriller genre but this game is so masterfully executed, I will play it many times and more than likely, learn something new each time. Hidden objects, puzzles, and adventure (storyline) were rarely what I expected, which was such a delight, not a word usually associated with horror. Eipix has really outdone itself. Bravo!!!
Other reviewers offer excellent specifics on the HOPS and overall execution of the story, especially skullfun. I have nothing to add but praise. My review is based upon completed play of the game.
I went with two stars on this review because I seem to have lost the thread of the story just before the lighthouse chapter and never found it again. Could be me but tasks did not make sense (a gear was called a button and there are other examples) and I felt as if the developer hurried up and finished the game without much thought. Really disappointing. Up to that point, the story was predictable as were the HOPs.
In her review, Pennmom does a fine job of providing game specifics, and I agree with her assessment of the game, overall. My review is based upon completed play of the game.
This a quest game, good vs evil, but it's not overstated, and I think that's what makes it such a good game. For one thing, the pace of the game is excellent. At times, the inventory fills up but not repetitively or unnecessarily. As you need objects/tools, you find them. Well done, Grandma Games!
For me, there was just the right mix of puzzles and hidden object games integrated into the storyline. That's the main factor I look for in a game. Biscuitsmama does a fine job with the details and specifics of the game so no need for me to repeat.
My review is based upon completed play of the game.