Story-wise this is better than the previous games in the series. There is a cool twist on the "evil spirit" trope, and the villain of the story isn't who you'd expect from the start. I like the theme of letting go at the end.
The gameplay however is a bit limiting, because the game tends to rush you from one place to another with scripted events, which restricts exploration. I would like to explore the maps on my own instead of being constantly rushed.
I recommend this game!
+2points
4of6voted this as helpful.
The Secret Order: Ancient Times
Destroy artifacts in the past to preserve the world’s future!
Overall rating
3/ 5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Not a stand out
PostedAugust 11, 2014
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
2/ 5
I played the previous two games. Even so the premise here is very vague. Your father was in trouble, threatened by unknown forces, and nothing was explained from there. The villain made a few shadowy appearances throughout the game, but did nothing memorable. Basically, the plot had nothing to propel it along.
The game play is fairly standard. Graphic quality is okay. The biggest problem is just no interesting story.
+1point
3of5voted this as helpful.
Rite of Passage: Hide and Seek Collector's Edition
Twenty years ago, the children of Greystone were taken by a mysterious fog - only you escaped. It’s time to find out why...
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
I'm impressed
PostedJuly 11, 2014
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I've played all three Rite of Passage games so far. One thing that's consistent about the series is how much it pushes the envelope in being innovative. New depth is being added to the game mechanics with each entry.
Many of the inventory items are interactive, which I enjoy. The hidden object scenes are also beyond standard, with morphing items. Generally, items you need to find are big and easily distinguishable, so playing this game wasn't an eye strain as with some other games. Add to that a pleasant piano soundtrack, this is a game you can relax with, progress at your own pace.
I recommend this game!
0points
1of2voted this as helpful.
House of 1000 Doors: Family Secrets
Guide Kate Reed as she solves four mind-bending mysteries that take her to worlds she's never imagined!
Overall rating
4/ 5
Could be better
PostedJuly 24, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I like the nonlinear storyline. You have to solve multiple crises, as each new door presents a new challenge. However, the implementation could use some improvement. Some puzzles have incredibly small acceptance area. The couple of log puzzles (stacking logs, splitting logs) are exercise in frustration.
I don't recommend this game.
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Spirits of Mystery: The Dark Minotaur
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Lovely game
PostedJuly 16, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
I loved exploring different scenes in this game. Beautiful, intricate artwork and relaxing ambient sounds make exploration an enjoyable experience. I can take the time and appreciate all the elaborate construction. The puzzles are innovative, not the standard hidden object fare. Some are like mini storybooks.
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Spirits of Mystery: Song of the Phoenix
Reunite the Dragon and Pheonix Kingdoms to stop the evil witch!
Overall rating
5/ 5
Creative game
PostedJuly 14, 2013
terricT
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Not your typical hidden object game. There is so much creativity on display in the puzzles. All the puzzles are entertaining, and nothing seems like a chore. I would definitely buy the next game in the series.
I recommend this game!
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
The Secret Order: Masked Intent
Someone in the Order has turned traitor, murdering one of the Secret Five! Only Sarah can prevent the Order’s destruction!
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Excellent sequel
PostedJune 17, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I loved the first Secret Order game, and had high expectation for this one. It doesn't disappoint. The production values are top notch. I like the atmospheric, and yet non-intrusive music. I also like that instead of doing hidden object search, you can play a mahjong game.
I recommend this game!
0points
1of2voted this as helpful.
Spirits of Mystery: Amber Maiden
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
High entertainment value
PostedJune 7, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This game is so much fun. At first glance, the graphics look dated, and the storyline isn't groundbreaking. But there is something about this game that just hits all the right spot. It's relaxing, the puzzles are not too hard, and there are some very creative details that pop out. It's the rare game that gives you a warm, cozy feeling.
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Phenomenon: Meteorite
Discover the secrets of your family's past on a mystical island!
Overall rating
3/ 5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
A disappointment
PostedMay 27, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Storyline
2/ 5
The environment is very nice, with gorgeous scenes and sharp color scheme. The music is soothing and atmospheric, just the right music to set the mood.
However, game play is somewhat tedious. There are only so many times you can repeat "find a round object for this inset" before it becomes unimaginative. Moreover, you carry around a huge inventory, many of which seem unnecessary. For example, a shovel can only be used once. When you need it again, you have to find another one. Also, at one time you need to find four items to open a single gate.
The storyline is also kind of thin. There are background information you can read from your journal. However, the main point is to find out what happened to the character's parents. To that end, there is very little information throughout the game.
I don't recommend this game.
+14points
14of14voted this as helpful.
Fantastic Creations: House of Brass
Escape an underground vault of clockwork wonders with the help of its mysterious and eccentric inventor in Fantastic Creations: House of Brass!
Overall rating
5/ 5
Charming game
PostedMay 27, 2013
terricT
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
:The game does an excellent job with the theme of a mechanical house. The scenes have a distinctive, steampunk feel. I like that the hidden object scenes are unusual. Instead of finding a bunch of useless items, you are asked to spot objects of the same type.
The story is also interesting. You start out just exploring a mechanical house in need of repair. But then a sinister plot twist kicks in. Looking back, I can see some hints about the twist, but it is still a good surprise.