skullfun's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:11,503
- Reviews Submitted:649
- First Review:February 24, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
No one ever said being a Fairy Godmother would be easy...
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A KID'S THEMED GAME MADE FOR ADULTS...I'M CONFUSED!
PostedOctober 11, 2020
skullfun
fromFans of Domini Games know Developers have talents, but the fate of THIS SERIES hangs in the balance!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Fairy Godmother is back for her third adventure in Fairy Godmother Stories: Little Red Riding Hood. Domini Games need a reality check with regard to this edition. Why make a children's game ( that's too difficult for them to play) created for Adults (that will interrupt this as too juvenile to even WANT to play it) I just don't understand their reason for doing this???
Furthermore this game suffers from lack of innovation with regard to its gameplay. The adventure portion of the game is incredibly straightforward, doesn't remotely incorporate "Out of the box thinking" and leaves the player wondering "What demographic are they making this for"? . Also, even though this game has a massive volume of tasks to be completed, they are all cookie-cutter tasks that recycle a lot of the same-old HOPA tropes. Most tasks make logical sense given the context of the game, but there is also a handful of silly, out-of-place ones, including the totally unnecessary Magic Wand gadget. Domini Games exercise more creative control with the hidden object scenes and the puzzles and introduce a slew of neat ideas, but not nearly enough to save the game from being just another indistinguishable entry in the Domini crank them out as fast as you can make them machine.
Whether it be Labyrinths of the World or Dark Romance, Domini Games’ signature colorful visuals are always present. Fairy Godmother Stories: Little Red riding Hood fits right into the studio’s neon-colored portfolio. As a fantasy-themed game, Domini Games CAN DEFINITELY AFFORD to experiment more with its visuals and graphic, which it does so occasionally (yes occasionally). The audio components are this games saving grace in bringing the game to life, from soundtracking the game’s magical landscapes to inserting personality into the characters. As for the voice over and text reading, I wish they wouldn't require us to hit "continue". Just let the character say what they need to say and give us the option to skip if we're "over it".
Accept my apologize if my review reads more like a rant...but I just don't understand? And for the record, I'm a big fan of Domini Games too!
This edition has a standard length of just under four hours, plus an extra hour from the bonus chapter *which does offer answer to questions missing from the main game. The Collector’s Edition is filled to the brim with extra items; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects that can be purchased. Cheers!
Can you and your friend escape death's clutches in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 22 found this review helpful
HALLOWEEN STORIES 4: THE REAPER WANTS MY SOUL? WELL, YOU'LL HAVE TO TAKE IT FROM ME! LOL
PostedOctober 10, 2020
skullfun
fromHalloween just wouldn't be the same without Elephant Games Halloween Stories to kick off a haunted holiday full of Treats and some "Tricks" too. LOL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Happy Halloween! Time to celebrate with Elephant Games annual spook-tacular HOPA that destined to become a fan favorite....
You play the role of Dylan in this episode and the Grim Reaper is ready to to offer him a deal but first he must save three of his close friends; Roy, Grace and Ted. Each of them trapped in their own Death Defying Dilemma which the Grim Reaper has orchestrated. Can you save your friends and yourself before the Reaper claims your soul? Find out how to alter fate in this frightfully fun Halloween Story, Defying Death....
After the year-to-year success of the Halloween Stories series, Elephant Games has created another excellent edition to their holiday-themed series. The storyline is thoroughly entertaining and the unexpected twists distinguishes it from all the other Halloween theme games out there. I also love the classic jump-scares and spooky-looking decorations that appear throughout the game.
Halloween Stories: Invitation (the first game in the series) is my personal favorite but I enjoyed this game equally as much as the first installment so I highly recommend you play both. If you are new to the series then play all them. You can binge play each of them and indulge yourself which will really put you in the mood for celebrating Halloween since it's only 3 weeks from today.....Cheers!
Series in Order:
Halloween Stories: Invitation
Halloween Stories: Black Book
Halloween Stories: Horror Movie
Halloween Stories: Defying Death
Halloween Stories: Invitation
Halloween Stories: Black Book
Halloween Stories: Horror Movie
Halloween Stories: Defying Death
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover and stop a dangerous menace terrorizing new cadets?
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 41 found this review helpful
MYSTERY TRACKERS #18 GAVE ME A LESSON...DEMO PRIOR TO PURCHASE!
PostedOctober 9, 2020
skullfun
fromElephant Games are still fun, but I would like to see them increase their production budget so we get to play quality games like the ones in previous Mystery Trackers!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Your years of experience and stunning achievements have granted you a position at the Mystery Trackers’ training camp! Now it is time to share your knowledge with aspiring agents and help them succeed in the dangerous world. However, things start off on the wrong note when a monstrous creature kidnaps one of the students, a similar event that also happened during your training camp days 15 years ago...as a seasoned Mystery Tracker Agent will you be able to rescue this student from the villainess creature???
I must admit that Elephant Games is incredibly good at coming up with exciting new ideas for this long running series. Just as the Mystery Trackers series has started to lose its footing a little bit, Fatal Lesson swoops in with an intriguing new premise. Yes, the idea of teaching young agents at the Mystery Trackers training camp sounds super fun, and that helps frame the storyline in an interesting lens(IMHO).
However, when it comes to the actual execution of this new idea, Mystery Trackers: Fatal Lesson is more of the same. The storyline quickly evolves from a nostalgia-tinged, training-camp-inspired adventure into merely just another campfire story. I found the gameplay was plagued with cookie-cutter tasks and derivative puzzles. While the hidden object scenes do vary in formats and styles, they are mostly simplistic and easy though enjoyable.
Elephant Games is usually capable of delivering breathtaking visuals. Although the visuals in Mystery Trackers: Fatal Lesson are still really great, they pale in comparison to the studio’s past works. Here's why: the graphics are sharp and detailed, yet the scene designs lack creativity, the character animations are awkward, and the cutscenes simply look unfinished. Again, this is not to say that the game looks bad in any way, but this is a big regress from the earlier Mystery Trackers games. I can't help but wonderful if this is because of Elephant games cutting their budget on new releases?
This installment will appeal to all player levels (even Advanced Players) and Mystery Trackers: Fatal Lesson might have lots to do, but all are very straightforward and do not venture outside-of-the-box. So, developer's need to bear this in mind for the next release.
Should you chose CE or SE? ( I chose CE but should have gone with SE).
I completed the main game in around three hours and the bonus chapter (which was somewhat boring) in 40 minutes. As for the Collector’s Edition, it contains all the basic bling – a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, a jigsaw puzzle, soundtracks, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, replayable hidden objects scenes, and replayable puzzles. I think gamers should demo this one before purchasing. Cheers!
Additional Games in Series:
Mystery Trackers: The Void
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff
Mystery Trackers: Black Isle
Mystery Trackers: The Four Aces
Mystery Trackers: Silent Hollow
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff's Phantoms
Mystery Trackers: Blackrow's Secret
Mystery Trackers: Nightsville Horror
Mystery Trackers: Winterpoint Tragedy
Mystery Trackers: Paxton Creek Avenger
Mystery Trackers: Train to Hellswich
Mystery Trackers: Queen of Hearts
Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield
Mystery Trackers: Mist Over Blackhill
Mystery Trackers: Darkwater Bay
Mystery Trackers: The Fall of Iron Rock
Mystery Trackers: The Secret of Watch Hill
Mystery Trackers: Fatal Lesson
Mystery Trackers: The Void
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff
Mystery Trackers: Black Isle
Mystery Trackers: The Four Aces
Mystery Trackers: Silent Hollow
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff's Phantoms
Mystery Trackers: Blackrow's Secret
Mystery Trackers: Nightsville Horror
Mystery Trackers: Winterpoint Tragedy
Mystery Trackers: Paxton Creek Avenger
Mystery Trackers: Train to Hellswich
Mystery Trackers: Queen of Hearts
Mystery Trackers: Memories of Shadowfield
Mystery Trackers: Mist Over Blackhill
Mystery Trackers: Darkwater Bay
Mystery Trackers: The Fall of Iron Rock
Mystery Trackers: The Secret of Watch Hill
Mystery Trackers: Fatal Lesson
I recommend this game!
A serial killer has resurfaced, and he’s calling you out!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
FATAL EVIDENCE 3: ART OF MURDER IS A GOOD EDITION TO THIS SERIES
PostedOctober 4, 2020
skullfun
fromDomini Games seems to be the only developer releasing games worth purchasing these days....
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After successfully solving two cases, you look forward to a period of downtime. That is until two special agents show up on your doorsteps informing you about an art-obsessed serial murderer called “The Master.” What’s more? This madman demands that you are put on the case, otherwise he shall continue his killing streak! Can you put this case to rest in Fatal Evidence: Art of Murder???
The Fatal Evidence series has only come to its third installment, but so far it has been very consistent in delivering thrilling cases that are engaging and fresh. Once again, the storyline in Fatal Evidence: Art of Murder is intriguing from beginning to end thanks to its heart-pounding pace and memorable characters. While the game contains no detective gadgets and gizmos, its sophisticated storytelling does an effective job of immersing the player in the investigative journey and making them feel invested in the storyline which makes this such a good game.
In terms of its theme, Fatal Evidence: Art of Murder is obviously much more grounded in reality than Domini Games’ other HOPA series such as Labyrinths of the World or Dark Romance. However, given its rather extravagant visuals and a purple-dominant color palette, the game feels more detached from today’s world than it probably could’ve been. That being said, the visual and the audio are excellent in their own rights and make the duration of the game even more worthwhile. Despite its high stakes and intense storyline, Fatal Evidence: Art of Murder plays it quite safe with its gameplay. The adventure portion of the game involves plenty of recycled tasks, the puzzles are not very unique, and the hidden object scenes are easy to complete yet still fun, despite their variety.
Should you chose the CE or SE? (I chose CE).
The Collector’s Edition comes with all the essentials; a one-hour bonus chapter, a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, cutscenes, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable mini-games, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, and a customizable office.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your daughter save your loved one's life in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 18 found this review helpful
~~GRIM TALES # 17 FANS SEEM TO BE "ON THE FENCE" WITH THIS ONE~~
PostedSeptember 30, 2020
skullfun
fromElephant Games did a really great job with this series but like with all great series, their comes a time when they should end!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the Seventeenth Edition of the once-popular game series Grim Tales. While I enjoyed Heritage, I really think it's time to retire this series. The first edition was launched in 2011 and Elephant Developers have been producing installments for this series for nine (9) years....that's impressive. Also, what better way to go out on a bang than with an "Editor's Choice Award"?
Grim Tales: Heritage seemed like a prequel rather than a sequel (the fact that Richard was missing from this one is proof) and how much further can Anna go back in time even though her time traveling gift is paramount to all the stories in the series?
There's really nothing more Elephant Games can do with this series to retain their fan base....or can they? We'll just have to wait and see. So, I'm giving this edition a four star rating and an over-all four star rating for the entire series. Cheers!
Grim Tales in order of release:
Grim Tales: The Bride
Grim Tales: The Legacy
Grim Tales: The Wishes
Grim Tales: The Stone Queen
Grim Tales: Bloody Mary
Grim Tales: The Vengeance
Grim Tales: Color of Fright
Grim Tales: The Final Suspect
Grim Tales: Threads of Destiny
Grim Tales: The Heir
Grim Tales: Crimson Hollow
Grim Tales: Graywitch
Grim Tales: The White Lady
Grim Tales: The Time Traveler
Grim Tales: The Hunger
Grim Tales: Guest From The Future
Grim Tales: Heritage
Grim Tales: The Bride
Grim Tales: The Legacy
Grim Tales: The Wishes
Grim Tales: The Stone Queen
Grim Tales: Bloody Mary
Grim Tales: The Vengeance
Grim Tales: Color of Fright
Grim Tales: The Final Suspect
Grim Tales: Threads of Destiny
Grim Tales: The Heir
Grim Tales: Crimson Hollow
Grim Tales: Graywitch
Grim Tales: The White Lady
Grim Tales: The Time Traveler
Grim Tales: The Hunger
Grim Tales: Guest From The Future
Grim Tales: Heritage
I don't recommend this game.
Can your love survive the vampire’s curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 45 found this review helpful
DARK ROMANCE #13 VAMPIRE ORIGINS RELEASED JUST BEFORE BEFORE HALLOWEEN !!!
PostedSeptember 25, 2020
skullfun
fromI enjoyed this edition because it reminded me of Dark Romance Vampire in Love...the VERY FIRST DARK ROMANCE GAME!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Transylvania awaits you in this latest edition to the Dark Romance game series! Join Gabriel Dracula and his fiancé in the Carpathian Mountains as Gabriel’s vampire bloodline slowly unravels. Stop the evil vampire Tamash from unleashing his power over Gabriel and turn the handsome young man into a corrupted vampire...are prepared for the task in this semi spooky adventure?
This marks the second time that the Dark Romance series has dabbled in the territory of vampires, the first time being the series’ very first game – "Vampire in Love". Now with years of HOPA experience under their belt, Domini Games is able to deliver the vampire romance fantasy through a more engaging plot and better-paced storytelling. Although no elements in the storyline are entirely unique, the charming characters are definitely still worth rooting for.
While it might not be as creatively executed as in the series’ previous games, the two-perspectives of gameplay still remains interesting. This type of gameplay allows the player to gain insights into each protagonist’s mind and adds even more context to the storyline. It is a shame that the gameplay of Dark Romance: Vampire Origins cannot elevate this further, as it includes an overwhelming amount of recycled tasks and mundane puzzles (IMHO). The hidden object scenes are sufficiently creatively, nothing groundbreaking but enjoyable.
If you are a fan of Domini Games’ visual style, then you are in for a real treat. Dark Romance: Vampire Origins is a total stunner! With detailed artwork, amazing animations, and deep colors – the game perfectly captures its dark fantasy theme through visuals that are both alluring and imaginative. The background music also does an effective job soundtracking the game and sets a mysterious mood without being REPETITIVE.
Which to choose CE or SE ??? (I chose Collector's Edition).
Dark Romance: Vampire Origins has a satisfying length of roughly four hours of gameplay, plus an hour-long bonus chapter. "The Collector’s Edition" contains all the extras you would want; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, videos, soundtracks, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, and a salon to decorate. I'm glad I purchased this one to add to my collection, perhaps you will be too. Cheers!
Also in this series:
Dark Romance: Vampire in Love
Dark Romance: Heart of the Beast
Dark Romance: The Swan Sonata
Dark Romance: Kingdom of Death
Dark Romance: Curse of Bluebeard
Dark Romance: Romeo and Juliet
Dark Romance: The Monster Within
Dark Romance: Winter Lily
Dark Romance: A Performance To Die For
Dark Romance: Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Dark Romance: The Ethereal Gardens
Dark Romance: Ashville
Dark Romance: Vampire Origins
Dark Romance: Heart of the Beast
Dark Romance: The Swan Sonata
Dark Romance: Kingdom of Death
Dark Romance: Curse of Bluebeard
Dark Romance: Romeo and Juliet
Dark Romance: The Monster Within
Dark Romance: Winter Lily
Dark Romance: A Performance To Die For
Dark Romance: Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Dark Romance: The Ethereal Gardens
Dark Romance: Ashville
Dark Romance: Vampire Origins
I recommend this game!
Enter an enchanting world of legends, mystery and magic, where your destiny was written in blood and the soft murmurs of true love...
Overall rating
5
/
5
~~~ARTIFEX MUNDI IS A FANTASTIC GAME EVEN IN 2020~~~
PostedSeptember 23, 2020
skullfun
fromGrim Legends: The Forsaken Bride is amazing in every way possible; it is a total eye-candy and an awesome story-teller, not to mention that the Collector's Edition is very tightly packed!
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
Artifex Mundi is one of the most talented groups of casual games developers, and with their release Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride, they continue to impress me. Grim Legends blasts off with a pretty epic and stunning cutscene, flawless animations, top-notch sound effects and most definitely, wonderful graphics! The artwork in Grim Legends is totally wonderful, the vivid colors contrast with the ominous mood of the game. The soundtracks are phenomenal, kind of spooky; as for he voice overs, they are beyond the standard, very emotional indeed.
There is nothing ground-breaking in the gameplay of Grim Legends though, still, the game does every right and that is what matters the most. The pace of the game is fast, the story develops quickly and the excitement keeps building to an epic payoff. Advanced players will have no problem playing through this game, it is not very challenging but some tasks in the game are actually quite interesting. The Hidden Object scenes come in varied styles and they can be switched to a cool Domino mode. The puzzles require more brainwork, not all of them are innovative but a good number of them are; we love that a few puzzles actually add some values to the story and help drive the incredible story forward.
As with all the qualified Collector’s Editions, there are Achievements, Collectibles which come in two types; one which tells some more background story, a Strategy Guide, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Soundtracks, Movies and replayable Hidden Objects. Purchasing the Collector’s Edition is worthy of every penny as there are TWO Bonus Chapters which came to a total length of one and a half hour, added to the already satisfying long 4 and a half hour of the main game. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 40 found this review helpful
~~MCF EDITION #21 GETS A FRESH APPROACH WITH GRANDMA STUDIOS~~
PostedSeptember 19, 2020
skullfun
fromGrandMA Studios' magical touch helps solidify Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger as another strong addition to the iconic franchise, despite the fact that it is "simpler" than most.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After Eipix was acquired by Playrix, the mother of hidden object games, the Mystery Case Files series has finally landed in GrandMA Studios’ palms. In Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger, Master Detective was called to Darkmoor to investigate the death of a young man. Interview witnesses, explore the crime scene, and discover what lurks behind the shadows of Darkmoor in this twenty-first Mystery Case Files adventure!
With the change in the developer, it is impossible for the look and feel of this new sequel to be the same as the other Mystery Case Files games. In terms of its theme, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger most closely aligns with Fate’s Carnival – a little suspense, a little fantasy. Despite its slightly more whimsical theme, this sequel does not sacrifice its fair share of thrills and mysteries. Thanks to its interesting characters and superb storytelling, the game is engaging and absolutely intriguing from beginning to end. Long-time fans of the series can still look forward to clues and callbacks to past games along the way.
Grandma Studios‘ signature style and creativity are written all over this game. Although Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger might not be extremely complex when it comes to the gameplay, it is crafted with such precision and sophistication that are hard to deny. The hidden object scenes are layered and highly interactive, while the puzzles are entertaining and the “super puzzles” are delightful as always. In addition, the game equips you with two gadgets. Some might find them “gimmicky”, but at least they are not one of those overly-cute talking animals that are so prevalent in today’s hidden object games.
Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger’s production values are indeed impressive. All the scenes are rich in detail and lush in colors. However, when compared to Eipix’s previous works in the series or Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake that utilized real-life actors, this sequel looks a tad cartoonish. Visually, this game might fit more in GrandMA’s own paranormal murder mystery series The Unseen Fears than in the Mystery Case Files series that typically goes for more serious and dreary visuals. Regarding the audio, the music is nothing short of excellent and the sound effects really help drive the game. On the other hand, the voice-overs are more questionable. They are great when assessing each character individually, but the variety of accents and intonations is certainly a headache to keep track.
Despite some arguable production decisions, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger is able to maintain its momentum all the way through its long playtime.
With the change in the developer, it is impossible for the look and feel of this new sequel to be the same as the other Mystery Case Files games. In terms of its theme, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger most closely aligns with Fate’s Carnival – a little suspense, a little fantasy. Despite its slightly more whimsical theme, this sequel does not sacrifice its fair share of thrills and mysteries. Thanks to its interesting characters and superb storytelling, the game is engaging and absolutely intriguing from beginning to end. Long-time fans of the series can still look forward to clues and callbacks to past games along the way.
Grandma Studios‘ signature style and creativity are written all over this game. Although Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger might not be extremely complex when it comes to the gameplay, it is crafted with such precision and sophistication that are hard to deny. The hidden object scenes are layered and highly interactive, while the puzzles are entertaining and the “super puzzles” are delightful as always. In addition, the game equips you with two gadgets. Some might find them “gimmicky”, but at least they are not one of those overly-cute talking animals that are so prevalent in today’s hidden object games.
Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger’s production values are indeed impressive. All the scenes are rich in detail and lush in colors. However, when compared to Eipix’s previous works in the series or Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake that utilized real-life actors, this sequel looks a tad cartoonish. Visually, this game might fit more in GrandMA’s own paranormal murder mystery series The Unseen Fears than in the Mystery Case Files series that typically goes for more serious and dreary visuals. Regarding the audio, the music is nothing short of excellent and the sound effects really help drive the game. On the other hand, the voice-overs are more questionable. They are great when assessing each character individually, but the variety of accents and intonations is certainly a headache to keep track.
Despite some arguable production decisions, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger is able to maintain its momentum all the way through its long playtime.
Should you chose the SE or CE?
I decided to purchase the CE. The main game took me about six-hours to complete and the bonus chapter adds an additional 70 minutes. There is a lot of features included in the Collector’s Edition, but nothing that is out of the norm. This includes a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable mini-games, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, a jigsaw puzzle, and fortune predictions feature.
I highly recommend this excellent edition to add to your MCF collection!!! Cheers!
I highly recommend this excellent edition to add to your MCF collection!!! Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your world from magical beings bent on its destruction?
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 69 found this review helpful
~~EXCELLENT EDITION TO SERIES, GREAT STORY & GORGEOUS GRAPHICS!~~
PostedSeptember 18, 2020
skullfun
fromThis edition was a MUST BUY for me and I think most Fans of this series will enjoy this latest edition!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is Edition #7 of the Edge of Reality Series and the storyline is an entertaining mix of fantasy, modern-day elements and great game play. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this latest edition from start to finish and would also add that this game is equal to or better than Edge of Reality: Fatal Luck (which is my personal favorite) which was launched in 2018. Personally, as far as the Edge of Reality series goes, none of the sequels have yet to top Edge of Reality: Fatal Luck for me until this latest installment!
When I began playing Call of the Hills, I was somewhat confused because in the opening I saw Friendly Fox was the developer and all the previous installments were developed by 4 Friends Game developers.. That doesn't really matter because this game still has the look and gameplay elements we've all grown to love from 4 Friends development team only better! Maybe they needed a change or collaborated with Friendly Fox?
With respect to the Gameplay and Story The core Gameplay is familiar but the Story is intriguing, fresh and new.
Also there are enough interesting hidden object scenes and puzzles to hold the attention of even the most seasoned HOPA players even though the game was created for Beginner-Intermediate players . The game also features an array of non-tasks-related interactive elements in the scenes, which are really quite fun to explore. Also the glasses gadget, that allows the protagonist talk to animals (which have always been a part of the previous games) has been replace with an Irish Setter dog helper / companion. I thought that was an excellent idea and the glasses needed to be retired anyway because of over-usage. The other gadget is an Antique Amulet given to you by your Grandfather which you'll need for protection or else you'll never be able to help save your sister in the Hills of Ireland from a Sinister Villain!
The intricate and colorful artwork, along with the flawless animations were enough to immerse me in the game but it was the Story that held my interest the most....it's a terrific story which may even make some players a little emotional (it was for me anyway). The traditional musical scores are really effective in creating a very lived-in world which makes you feel like your truly in Ireland and this game has some of the most stunning and detailed location designs I have seen in quite some time, there is just so much to marvel at in each location.
So, if you like this series I highly recommend you play this one because it's better or equal to past editions and totally worth playing if your looking for a creative, casual game to play. I was able to complete the main game in a little over 5 hours and another hour for the bonus chapter. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 21 found this review helpful
~~MCF EDITION #21 GETS A FRESH APPROACH WITH GRANDMA STUDIOS~~
PostedAugust 31, 2020
skullfun
fromGrandMA Studios' magical touch helps solidify Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger as another strong addition to the iconic franchise, despite the fact that it is "simpler" than most.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After Eipix was acquired by Playrix, the mother of hidden object games, the Mystery Case Files series has finally landed in GrandMA Studios’ palms. In Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger, Master Detective was called to Darkmoor to investigate the death of a young man. Interview witnesses, explore the crime scene, and discover what lurks behind the shadows of Darkmoor in this twenty-first Mystery Case Files adventure!
With the change in the developer, it is impossible for the look and feel of this new sequel to be the same as the other Mystery Case Files games. In terms of its theme, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger most closely aligns with Fate’s Carnival – a little suspense, a little fantasy. Despite its slightly more whimsical theme, this sequel does not sacrifice its fair share of thrills and mysteries. Thanks to its interesting characters and superb storytelling, the game is engaging and absolutely intriguing from beginning to end. Long-time fans of the series can still look forward to clues and callbacks to past games along the way.
Grandma Studios‘ signature style and creativity are written all over this game. Although Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger might not be extremely complex when it comes to the gameplay, it is crafted with such precision and sophistication that are hard to deny. The hidden object scenes are layered and highly interactive, while the puzzles are entertaining and the “super puzzles” are delightful as always. In addition, the game equips you with two gadgets. Some might find them “gimmicky”, but at least they are not one of those overly-cute talking animals that are so prevalent in today’s hidden object games.
Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger’s production values are indeed impressive. All the scenes are rich in detail and lush in colors. However, when compared to Eipix’s previous works in the series or Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake that utilized real-life actors, this sequel looks a tad cartoonish. Visually, this game might fit more in GrandMA’s own paranormal murder mystery series The Unseen Fears than in the Mystery Case Files series that typically goes for more serious and dreary visuals. Regarding the audio, the music is nothing short of excellent and the sound effects really help drive the game. On the other hand, the voice-overs are more questionable. They are great when assessing each character individually, but the variety of accents and intonations is certainly a headache to keep track.
Despite some arguable production decisions, Mystery Case Files: The Harbinger is able to maintain its momentum all the way through its long playtime. The main game took me about six-hours to complete and the bonus chapter adds an additional 70 minutes. There is a lot of features included in the Collector’s Edition, but nothing that is out of the norm. This includes a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable mini-games, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, a jigsaw puzzle, and fortune predictions feature.
I highly recommend this excellent edition to add to your MCF collection!!! Cheers!
I recommend this game!