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:
A couple's fixer-upper is haunted by a fierce creature.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
~~~THE BEST HORROR SERIES EIPIX HAS DELIVERED THUS FAR!~~
PostedFebruary 2, 2019
skullfun
fromThis is one horror / psychological thriller hybrid game you don't want to miss!!!
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
Dreadful Tales: The Space Between is an example of what Eipix is capable of when they really put their minds to it. This is a thoughtfully-constructed horror adventure that will surely go down as one of the year's best.
Mark and Martha Spencer just bought themselves a new country mansion for an oddly cheap price, hoping to flip it for profits in the near future. Odd thing about it was that the property was priced low for a reason, and a sinister one at that. Help the Spencer's survive throughout the night until dawn as they discover the dark history of their new (haunted) house!
What a fantastic way to begin the new year! Dreadful Tales: The Space Between is an extremely promising start to Eipix’s new series, it effectively and seamlessly combines the horror genre with the psychological thriller genre. While the outline execution of the storyline is not the most original concept, the delivery is incredibly engaging. The slow-paced storyline is also offset by the suspenseful and creepy atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish!!! The horror elements in Dreadful Tales: The Space Between are as successful as they are thanks to the game’s production team (they did an excellent job). The chilling environment is also perfectly presented through the game’s bleak visuals and haunting music. Although the visuals can be seen as a little rough at times, I think they might be intentionally done in that fashion in order to evoke the horror feel. Lately, Eipix’s games are often uninspired and predictable especially when it concerns their gameplay and honestly, I am not a huge fan of their games. To my delight, Dreadful Tales: The Space Between’s gameplay is pretty complex and creative. The adventure part is non-linear and involves a surprising amount of unconventional problem-solving. I also thought that the hidden object scenes and the puzzles were well-crafted, considerably challenging, and cleverly tied into the storyline.
In my opinion this is Eipix 's best work so far and fans of this genre will most definitely appreciate how intricate and engaging this HOPA plays out. Dreadful Tales: The Space Between took me five and a half hours to complete and the prequel bonus chapter took me an additional hour or so – and I am definitely hungry for more!!!!! The Collector’s Edition contains all the standard bonus bling; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, repayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles and a souvenir room. Kudo's to Eipix on their latest release and raising the bar to deliver an innovative new series that it destined to be an incredible series if the developers continue on this path. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous stalker’s sinister plan in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
~~~MEMOIRS OF MURDER SERIES HAS POTENTIAL!~~~
PostedJanuary 30, 2019
skullfun
fromMemoirs of Murder: Resorting to Revenge is an intriguing who-dun-it though it wasn't as good as the first game.
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
Memoirs of Murder: Resorting to Revenge is the second installment in Eipix Entertainment‘s old-school detective series; the first game was Memoirs of Murder: Welcome to Hidden Pines CE. I was hyped to see another addition of this series because I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, which earned an overall 4 star rating from reviewers. The downside is that "Memoirs of Murder" CE earned an overall 3 star rating from reviewers, which I think is accurate. I chose the 4 star rating because I think this edition is equally as good as the original. Like other game members, I was hoping that this sequel would be even better but after playing the entire game I concluded that this game did not supersede my expectation of its predecessor.
Once again you'll be playing dual roles both as Mary Fletcher and Aaron Fletcher in an all-inclusive vacation to Pinecone Hill which is short-lived when you spot a mysterious man on the train right before a horrifying murder occurs! Can you solve the mystery and put and end to this sinister scenario before things get even more out of hand?
Resorting to Revenge follows the traditional who-dun-it mystery theme of the first game. In fact, the first chapter of the game reminds me of Agatha Christie’s classic Murder On the Orient Express. It is indeed a refreshing change to play a HOPA that features a realistic and old-school theme instead of an elaborate fantasy theme filled with demons, spells, and fairies. It is also a plus that the storyline in Resorting to Revenge is satisfyingly suspenseful and complex, even though there are several moments that drag a little. It's worth noting that the scenes in this game are brilliantly drawn and realistically brought to life by pleasant colors and subtle special effects. The voice-overs are appropriate and the music effectively raises the sense of urgency of the game. The music isn't repetitive either (no one likes to play HOPA's with mundane repetitive background music).
Another positive aspect of the game is that the hidden object scenes and the puzzles are quite creative and extremely entertaining, even if they are not the most stimulating examples from Eipix’s extensive portfolio. I chose the CE version and I completed the main game in just under four hours and the bonus chapter in 55 minutes. The Collector’s Edition also includes the usual bling: a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, videos, soundtracks, repayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, mahjong, a souvenir room, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects. The SE version might be something to consider because I didn't think the extras offered in the CE version were worth the money. I do look forward to another chapter of this murder mystery series...and I hope developers raise the bar too. Cheers!
* See current favorite if your looking for a decent Murder Mystery that is unique and engaging IMHO.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your brother and the worlds in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
~~LABYRITNTHS OF THE WORLD EDITION 9 EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!~~
PostedJanuary 25, 2019
skullfun
fromI hope we see more games like this from the fantastic development team at Domino games in 2019!!!
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
Domino Games have created a stellar addition to their popular series Labyrinths of the World. It doesn't surprise me that this release would receive the Editor's game choice too.
The Earth’s crust has developed a crack, which leads to a series of disastrous cataclysmic events all around the world. This also coincides with the strange disappearance of your brother, a member of the Seekers! With stakes rising and time running out, you are sent on the Seekers mission of a lifetime in Labyrinths of the World 9: Lost Island!
Dietrich, the villain in the story has orchestrated a plan to travel throughout the universe reeking devastation along the way with intentions of annihilating Earth and it's up to you Margaret to stop him!
Dietrich, the villain in the story has orchestrated a plan to travel throughout the universe reeking devastation along the way with intentions of annihilating Earth and it's up to you Margaret to stop him!
Based on the synopsis, Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island might sound just another typical “save the world” fantasy-themed game but this isn't the scenario for this game. Domini Games’ science fiction and fantasy hybrid spin on this seemingly-cliché storyline is actually incredibly effective and engaging. The unfolding of the storyline in Lost Island is unpredictable and the excellent and consistent pacing of the game helps captivate player's of every level from beginning to end.
A strong storyline alone would not have sufficed if the gameplay was lackluster. Fortunately, Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island’s gameplay is equally solid. The creativity showcased in the gameplay is undeniable. Yes, there is still an abundance of weirdly-shaped locks, magical potions and whatnot, but there is plenty of less conventional tasks to complete as well. The hidden object scenes and the puzzles are fun and imaginative, which is what I have come to expect from this unique series.
I am definitely a fan of Domini Games and to my surprise, the developer has really raised the bar with Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island. The visual quality is simply breathtaking and the bright fluorescent colors play as a strength for the game rather than a distraction – the Labyrinths of the World franchise has never looked more stunning IMHO. Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island is a relatively long game too. The main game took me five and a half hours to complete and the bonus chapter added another hour (more gameplay time for your money)!!! The Collector’s Edition is packed with extras as usual; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, videos, repayable hidden object scenes, re-playable puzzles, achievements, collectibles, morphing objects, and zoo creatures to purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of gameplay in the latest edition to the series. I hope fans of this series feel the same way as I do and I highly recommend this one. Cheers!
In this wonderful series:
•Labyrinths of the World: Shattered Soul
•Labyrinths of the World: Forbidden Muse
•Labyrinths of the World: Changing the Past
•Labyrinths of the World: Stonehenge Legend
•Labyrinths of the World: Secrets of Easter Island
•Labyrinths of the World: The Devil's Tower
•Labyrinths of the World: A Dangerous Game
•Labyrinths of the World: When Worlds Collide
•Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island
•Labyrinths of the World: Shattered Soul
•Labyrinths of the World: Forbidden Muse
•Labyrinths of the World: Changing the Past
•Labyrinths of the World: Stonehenge Legend
•Labyrinths of the World: Secrets of Easter Island
•Labyrinths of the World: The Devil's Tower
•Labyrinths of the World: A Dangerous Game
•Labyrinths of the World: When Worlds Collide
•Labyrinths of the World: Lost Island
I recommend this game!
Can you disrupt a dangerous plot against the crown?
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
~~A GREAT SEQUEL TO THE FIRST SECRETS OF GREAT QUEENS!~~
PostedJanuary 10, 2019
skullfun
fromSecrets of Great Queens: Regicide was a great alternative to recent releases on Big Fish...BRAVO!!!
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
In the first edition of Secrets of Great Queens: Old Tower, we were introduced to this new HOPA series from Vendel Games. Regicide tells a similar tale, but sets in a different part of Europe. This time the King of France has been assassinated and Queen Marie d’ Medici has been accused of witchcraft and the murder of her husband! As a member of the Royal Secret Service, you need to track down the real killer and prove the Queen’s innocence. Are you ready for the next assignment?
I have to give Vendel games 5 stars for the engaging storytelling style which successfully maintains the momentum of the game from start to finish, making it a really enjoyable experience for casual gamers of every level.
On the visual side, Secrets of Great Queens: Regicide may look a bit out-dated. I think it was intentional though so the developers could set the tone for 17th century Europe by incorporating washed-out colors and old-school artwork, but that's what makes this second installment so unique. Secrets of Great Queens: Regicide is pleasant to look at, because of this use of old-school artwork. The locations are wonderfully designed and the ominous undertone that stays prevalent throughout the game is incredibly effective. The game could have been crafted to be more difficult to play, but sometimes you just want an adventure that is relaxing and intriguing...it all depends on what mood your in. If your looking for a real mind-boggling game, this isn't the one.
Gameplay wise, Secrets of Great Queens: Regicide in my opinion is unexpectedly creative. The main adventure portion plays it pretty safe, but the hidden objects and the puzzles make up for that. The hidden object scenes are plenty and addicting to say the least. Vendel Games went outside their comfort zone and added various creative twists to these scenes; they are not just some random junk-piles, but actually fit right into the story. As for the puzzles, there is a nice mix of easy and semi-difficult ones. The more challenging ones are usually just variations of the classic formats, but cleverly done in a way that adds a layer of complexity. The main game took me a little over three hours to complete and the bonus chapter’s runtime was about an hour. The Collector’s Edition comes with all the usual; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, achievements, collectibles, and morphing objects. I chose to play the CE version for all the extras and the bonus chapter but if that doesn't appeal to you then go with this SE version. I really think this game deserves a better rating than 3 stars and I look forward to the next edition of Secrets of Great Queens too. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Can you save the city from an otherworldly predator?
Overall rating
3
/
5
35 of 43 found this review helpful
~~THE UNSEEN FEARS 3 RECIEVES MIXED REVIEWS FROM FANS~~
PostedDecember 28, 2018
skullfun
fromThe Unseen Fears: Last Dance could have been more innovative in its approach, but that does not mean that it is'nt an engaging game.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In this third The Unseen Fears games, GrandMA Studios tells an intriguing storyline that might seem quite basic on the surface, but actually packs a decent backstory (which may be the games only redeeming feature). The game also benefits from an great pacing and richly-developed characters. The sinister object in this sequel is the haunted mirror, which also serves as a fascinating character in and of itself.
The game centers around Nathaniel, a paranormal detective who receives a distress call from Brigette pleading for help. After arriving in Lyon, France, he discovers that this is more than just a standalone case, as a number of people in Lyon are also haunted by their past mistakes, just like Brigette. Can you help Nathaniel figure out the root of this plague or will you become the next victim yourself?
The Unseen Fears: Last Dance is a standard hidden object adventure in the sense that it does not venture much outside the box which is why I gave this edition a 3 star rating. The adventure part of the game is relatively easy and the puzzles are usually kept fairly safe. The hidden object scenes explore more creative options and usually pay off, as they are all extremely enjoyable. As with the previous two games, you also possess the ability to see the supernatural elements...(in this edition it happens to be Nathaniel's tattoo which allows him to see the unseen) – a feature that is not necessarily well-executed here and feels unneeded IMHO.
I don't want to seem overly critical of this edition, because I love the series...I just didn't think this installment had outstanding production values like the last two games. Developers did create very detailed artwork using a stunning variety of colors and there was never a dull scene in The Unseen Fears: Last Dance. The soundtracks also excels in terms of building up suspense and exploding into epic proportions during dramatic moments, but these two elements alone doesn't make it an incredibly produced edition to the series. In addition, one minor flaw would have to be the voice-overs, which can sound a little forced and out-of-place.
I chose to purchase the CE version but I should have waited for the CE version and used a free game coupon. This edition has a standard length of roughly four hours, plus a one-hour CE bonus chapter. The Collectors Edition has the usual bling; a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept, videos, soundtracks, re-payable hidden object scenes, re-playable puzzles, achievements, and collectibles. I hope developers read the "mixed reviews" from their fans and in turn, produce a fourth game that will really impress us. Cheers!
Unseen Fears Series:
•The Unseen Fears: Body Thief
•The Unseen Fears: Outlive
•The Unseen Fears: Last Dance
•The Unseen Fears: Body Thief
•The Unseen Fears: Outlive
•The Unseen Fears: Last Dance
I recommend this game!
Can you disrupt a dangerous plot against the crown?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 18 found this review helpful
~~THIS SEQUEL WAS WORTH PLAYING AS MUCH AS THE FIRST ONE.~~
PostedNovember 14, 2018
skullfun
fromDid you know that Queen Marie De Medici was Queen of France as the second wife of King Henry IV
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
When Vendel Games came out with the first episode this series, Secrets of Great Queens: Old Tower Collector’s Edition in 2017 I thought they did a great job creating an innovative detective adventure. You play the role of Jane Bennette; personal investigator to Queen Elizabeth whose mission is to provide discrediting proof against allegations that Queen Elizabeth is a witch, since her mother who proceeded her) was tried for being a witch and a group of Witch hunters have given her three days to give up her throne. Witch hunter’s want Elizabeth off the throne to full-fill their insidious agenda, and they’re willing to kill her to accomplish this by burning her at the stake. Jane isn’t alone though, she is aided in her quest by her assistant Captain Louis whom the Queen has also enlisted to help Jane. Together Jane and Captain Louis ultimately secure Queen Elizabeth’s with their skilled efforts.
In this follow up sequel the gender roles are reversed. You play detective Alfonso Campanella, head of the Royal Secret Service with your assistant Adrianna. You are tasked once again with the burden of proving Queen Marie De Medici ’s innocence whose been accused of murdering King Henry the 4th. Allegedly Francois Ravaillac murdered King Henry but there is evidence that “a Secret Order” hired Ravaillac and another anonymous co-conspirator to commit this dastardly deed. Can you discover the real truth behind the assassination of King Henry?
It’s an engaging detective adventure with enough twists and surprises for enthusiasts of this kind of game that players of every level can easily enjoy. Perhaps a little too easy for Advanced player’s but occasionally even seasoned players desire a game that doesn’t rack your brain with incredibly difficult puzzles and convoluted story themes. This sequel may not appeal to everyone and some may like the first game more so than this one, but for me I really enjoyed the casual gaming aspects of this game. The storyline was also successfully executed and held my interests until the games surprising conclusion.
Vendel Games did a decent job and won me over with this next chapter and I wish them continued success with future releases of their series Secrets of Great Queens. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a crazed kidnapper in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
~~A MEDIOCRE EDITION TO THIS ON GOING SERIES.~~
PostedNovember 3, 2018
skullfun
fromDeath in Hardcover is a psychologically thrilling adventure, even though it leaves room for improvement from the development team at Eipix.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
While Marcia Clay, the acclaimed writer of several horror novels, is off on her book tour, her daughter Joan is out with her friends enjoying their road trip. Things take a dark turn when Marcia receives an anonymous call that her daughter has been kidnapped by a deranged enthusiast of her work and she needs to go to the abandoned town of Rose Bay immediately! What would you do if a horrifying story that you wrote actually played out in real life? Can you help Marcia connect the dots and save her daughter? Gamers who are sensitive to this kind of story theme are warned during the intro and with due cause!
The main concept in Death in Hardcover is definitely intriguing, and the rich backstory adds some depth to the storyline. Unfortunately, the execution does not hit all the right notes. A few moments are completely illogical and the half-baked horror atmosphere does not do anything to make this installment an improvement from the last addition of this otherwise great series. It seems to me that as the series progresses, Phantasmat games distance themselves further and further away from the creepy and atmospheric original game. Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover does resume some of the psychological thriller aspects established by some of the recent Phantasmats (with some assistance from old-school horror elements) but it's not enough to make this game CE worthy.
I think Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover would certainly benefit from a more atmospheric approach to the graphics and special effects. This does not mean that the game is not visually-captivating as it is, but an increase in the creepy factor would be appreciated. As for the soundtracks and the voice-acting, they are perfectly orchestrated as usual. The dramatic and suspenseful background music drives the sense of urgency in the game, and the voice-overs really succeed in delivering engaging dialogues IMHO. The hidden object scenes are smartly-layered but a bit mundane, with clichés and tasks that we have solved a thousand times before. The adventure part of the mystery is plagued with puzzles which were quite difficult for me and less than enjoyable to play. That's one factor as to why I gave this edition only 3 stars. The other being that this edition wasn't worth the CE price, the bonus game and the bling weren't all that. You'll enjoy the SE without the extras and may wish to use a free coupon as well.
I completed Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover CE in four and a half hours, bonus chapter included, because even though the game was not perfect, I was captivated by the storyline. After twelve (12) installments of this series I am still a fan of Phantasmat, I just think Eipix needs to explore more unusually creepy story concepts for their next installment. Cheers!
In this series so far:
• Phantasmat
• Phantasmat: Crucible Peak
• Phantasmat: The Endless Night
• Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville
• Phantasmat: Behind the Mask
• Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope
• Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows
• Phantasmat: Mournful Loch
• Phantasmat: Insidious Dreams
• Phantasmat: Curse of the Mist
• Phantasmat: Déjà Vu
• Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover
• Phantasmat
• Phantasmat: Crucible Peak
• Phantasmat: The Endless Night
• Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville
• Phantasmat: Behind the Mask
• Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope
• Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows
• Phantasmat: Mournful Loch
• Phantasmat: Insidious Dreams
• Phantasmat: Curse of the Mist
• Phantasmat: Déjà Vu
• Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the secrets behind the Giants' attacks in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
~~FEE FI FOUR FRIENDS THIS ADVENTURE SURELY WINS.~~
PostedOctober 30, 2018
skullfun
from4 Friends creates another engaging fantasy edition with their unique adaptation of this classic fairy tale!!!
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 is one fairy tale adaptation that the brilliant team at 4 Friends created for everyone who loved 'Jack and the Beanstalk' during their childhood. Reviewers have touched upon basically the entire course of events during demo-play. It will be an interesting turn of events when you find your brother Edward who's been imprisoned by the GREEDY Mayor of Etherfall. It seems he's been hoarding the golden treasures for himself while using some of it to bring economic prosperity back to Etherfall. Now you must free Edward and the Mayor's daughter Candy in an effort to help Edward plant the magic beans he needs to climb the beanstalk, reach the Cloud Kingdom and return the stolen treasures to the enraged Giants that Basil the Cat holds in his treasure chest.
It will be an arduous task full of wonderful twists and surprises. So what are you waiting for? Climb the magic bean stalk and find out what challenges await you in the enchanted Cloud Kingdom...for this is where the intensity of the adventure really begins!!!
Living Legends: Fallen Sky offers an exciting new perspective on a beloved story, which quickly draws you into the storyline and keeps you engaged throughout the entire game. Gamer's of all ages and every level are sure to enjoy this latest installment. Kudos to Big Fish and 4 Friends for bringing another winning edition to this popular series. A definite purchase for me. Cheers!
Also in this series:
• Living Legends: Ice Rose
• Living Legends: Frozen Beauty
• Living Legends: Wrath of the Beast
• Living Legends: Bound by Wishes
• Living Legends: Beasts of Bremen
• Living Legends: Uninvited Guests
• Living Legends: Fallen Sky
• Living Legends: Ice Rose
• Living Legends: Frozen Beauty
• Living Legends: Wrath of the Beast
• Living Legends: Bound by Wishes
• Living Legends: Beasts of Bremen
• Living Legends: Uninvited Guests
• Living Legends: Fallen Sky
I recommend this game!
All Hallow’s Eve - a night for tricks, treats... and terror!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
~~HAUNTED MANOR 5 SURPRISINGLY EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS.~~
PostedOctober 27, 2018
skullfun
fromEipix can potentially make this series almost as popular as the first 3 games.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It has to be a challenge for Eipix developers to design new and unique storylines and engaging gameplay for this series. I remember the original Haunted Manor games. Haunted Manor "Lord of Mirrors" Haunted Manor "Queen of Death" and Haunted Manor "Painted Beauties" created by Top Evidence Studios which were all excellent. Years passed until Eipix Entertainment brought this creepy hidden object adventure series back from the dead with The Last Reunion.
I do think this edition is an improvement over Eipix's previous game Haunted Manor: The Last Reunion. I gave The Last Reunion game a two (2) star rating, but Halloween's Uninvited Guest really sparked my interest after the Demo Play ended. If the demo gives gamers the impression that this edition is just another game about a scorned wife who comes back to haunt her husband, I can assure you this is not the case. The actual story in this edition is a chilling tale of revenge perpetrated by a masked murderer dressed as a deformed scarecrow wearing a grotesque mask. He warns the character you play (Regina Stratford) that he'll come in SILENCE and won't say a word and your going to DIE SCREAMING but you won't be heard...
When Regina and Eliot Stratford decide to host a Halloween party they had no idea that Eliot's first wife Caroline would make an appearance from beyond the grave. Everyone at the party has seen her ghost...but things really take a twist when Regina's sister Marianne disappears from a locked bathroom and then Regina discovers the body of her butler, Mr. Roberts tied to the ceiling of the Pumpkin carriage which bring guests of the party to Stratford house. Here is the guest / suspect list:
• Marianne (your sister)
• Eliot (husband)
• Abigail (the housekeeper)
• Franklin (Caroline's brother)
• Joseph ( A friend who introduced you to Eliot)
• Marianne (your sister)
• Eliot (husband)
• Abigail (the housekeeper)
• Franklin (Caroline's brother)
• Joseph ( A friend who introduced you to Eliot)
With a little help from Caroline's Ghost you might just live thru the night and discover who is trying to murder you and why??? The original Haunted Manor games by Top Evidence Studios were known for their old-school feel. While this might translate into outdated for some people, these games are also incredibly atmospheric and creepy. It is unfortunate that Eipix falls short in maintaining the same signature style of the originals with this brand-new sequel and it fails to provide sufficient scare factors and focuses more on the thrills. Despite that Haunted Manor: Halloween's Uninvited Guest is an intriguing game with some fun twists and non-stop action during gameplay and the story is easy to follow and contains a surprising conclusion. Visually, Eipix tries to keep the same old-school, hazy feel of the original installments, but does not quite succeed. The location designs, the animations, as well as some visual elements are quite impressive and the voice acting is totally believable in representing the characters. Eipix played it safe by making this adventure fairly standard, with slightly more backtracking than we are used to, which for me made it more challenging than expected. The hidden object scenes are thoughtful and the puzzles are somewhat surprisingly complex and entertaining. I solved the main game in roughly 4 to 5 hours and another hour for the bonus game. That's longer game playing time than usual for Eipix and I hope they continue this trend. Demo this one while keeping in mind that the mystery really kicks in after the trial. Cheers!
In this series:
• Haunted Manor: Queen of Death
• Haunted Manor: Lord of Mirrors
• Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties
• Haunted Manor: The Last Reunion
• Haunted Manor: Halloween's Uninvited Guest
• Haunted Manor: Queen of Death
• Haunted Manor: Lord of Mirrors
• Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties
• Haunted Manor: The Last Reunion
• Haunted Manor: Halloween's Uninvited Guest
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a crazed kidnapper in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
~~A MEDIOCRE EDITION TO THIS ON GOING SERIES.~~
PostedOctober 25, 2018
skullfun
fromDeath in Hardcover is a psychologically thrilling adventure, even though it leaves room for improvement from the development team at Eipix.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
While Marcia Clay, the acclaimed writer of several horror novels, is off on her book tour, her daughter Joan is out with her friends enjoying their road trip. Things take a dark turn when Marcia receives an anonymous call that her daughter has been kidnapped by a deranged enthusiast of her work and she needs to go to the abandoned town of Rose Bay immediately! What would you do if a horrifying story that you wrote actually played out in real life? Can you help Marcia connect the dots and save her daughter? Gamers who are sensitive to this kind of story theme are warned during the intro and with due cause!
The main concept in Death in Hardcover is definitely intriguing, and the rich backstory adds some depth to the storyline. Unfortunately, the execution does not hit all the right notes. A few moments are completely illogical and the half-baked horror atmosphere does not do anything to make this installment an improvement from the last addition of this otherwise great series. It seems to me that as the series progresses, Phantasmat games distance themselves further and further away from the creepy and atmospheric original game. Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover does resume some of the psychological thriller aspects established by some of the recent Phantasmats (with some assistance from old-school horror elements) but it's not enough to make this game CE worthy.
I think Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover would certainly benefit from a more atmospheric approach to the graphics and special effects. This does not mean that the game is not visually-captivating as it is, but an increase in the creepy factor would be appreciated. As for the soundtracks and the voice-acting, they are perfectly orchestrated as usual. The dramatic and suspenseful background music drives the sense of urgency in the game, and the voice-overs really succeed in delivering engaging dialogues IMHO. The hidden object scenes are smartly-layered but a bit mundane, with clichés and tasks that we have solved a thousand times before. The adventure part of the mystery is plagued with puzzles which were quite difficult for me and less than enjoyable to play. That's one factor as to why I gave this edition only 2 stars.
I completed Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover in four and a half hours, bonus chapter included, because even though the game was not perfect, I was captivated by the storyline. After twelve (12) installments of this series I am still a fan of Phantasmat, I just think Eipix needs to explore more unusually creepy story concepts for their next installment. Cheers!
In this series so far:
• Phantasmat
• Phantasmat: Crucible Peak
• Phantasmat: The Endless Night
• Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville
• Phantasmat: Behind the Mask
• Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope
• Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows
• Phantasmat: Mournful Loch
• Phantasmat: Insidious Dreams
• Phantasmat: Curse of the Mist
• Phantasmat: Déjà Vu
• Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover
• Phantasmat
• Phantasmat: Crucible Peak
• Phantasmat: The Endless Night
• Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville
• Phantasmat: Behind the Mask
• Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope
• Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows
• Phantasmat: Mournful Loch
• Phantasmat: Insidious Dreams
• Phantasmat: Curse of the Mist
• Phantasmat: Déjà Vu
• Phantasmat: Death in Hardcover
I recommend this game!