I almost didn't play it because of the negative critic it got, but I'm glad I preferred to find out for myself! Although a bit mellow the story itself -but what did you expect, it's Romeo and Juliet after all-, this game is actually a pretty good one. And as the game progresses, so does the gamer experience and design. The artwork may not be anything special in terms of graphics, but there is much detailing and the bonus feature is that you get to play 2 characters; that of Juliet and of course that of Romeo. So, not a boring moment in this one. The round buttons above your inventory bar indicate if a scroll, coin, or mask is on scene to be discovered. On the negative side, although a mere HOG game, it's a bit "heavy" for my computer... Everything feels a bit 2 dimensional. On the bright side, it's nice that you can choose whether you want to play a puzzle in hard or easy mode and the game consists of some pretty clever and enjoyable puzzles. Oh, and did I mention as it progresses, the game becomes more refined and grows a good tempo, which is always welcomed. So, overall, a big Yes!
I recommend this game!
+11points
14of17voted this as helpful.
Dark Parables: Requiem for the Forgotten Shadow Collector's Edition
A dark illness has befallen the townspeople of Anaben!
So, first of all let me say that I hold the "Dark Parables" title in high esteem and I regard it to be, maybe the most beautifully crafted HOG. Having that said, the previous episode was, to me, a total failure. Boring and dis-oriented. But this one, got it all back on the right track and very easily so. Can a shadow turn one's life upside down? Even more so, when it is your own shadow! So what if in the totality of 10 chapters you get some major pauses, like intermissions, in the form of black screen? Dark Parables series has its own magnificent aesthetics, which no other game in this genre has been able to bit or even copy... So, yeah, maybe it doesn't deserve 6 stars -if that was possible- but a 5-star rating is for sure fair, to my opinion. Let us not forget, that the whole concept with the artifacts' pieces scattered around in the mini HOGs is just marvelous and of unique thinking. Its a signature puzzle for "Dark Parables", if you will. Plus, for me, playing "Dark Parables" means extra concentration and -something I rarely do- read the dialogues and messages, which always help you move forward. Every single scene is like a Renaissance painting and this title is undoubtedly maybe the most artwork-y and beautiful game of the bunch. Yeap, you understood correctly: this episode got me all excited and fired up. It was really an enjoyable -and then some- some hours of game-play. So, to get to the game: The "signs" you can collect, are single unlit candles and parabel (slightly morphing) pieces. Quick remark: I would be nice, when choosing to show only the extra features of the walkthrough, to also indicate these features... I collected 9 of those parabels (where are they hidden?) and 30 out of 39 for the candles... In total you have 10 chapters: 8 in main game, plus 2 in bonus round. Another quick remark: Up until now, the map on the menu bar indicated where the points of interest are, without actually having to open it. In this episode, you could only see your moves while happening and no indication of the "active location" etc. Also, I didn't quite get the repetitive puzzle with the tokens. Otherwise, the game consists of some pretty clever and fun puzzles, like the numbered tiles for the pathway,
So, let's start with all the beautiful factors this game consists of and, trust me, they're a lot. Throughout the game, you get to collect both paper dolls and morphing items, plus on the left of your screen, you also get an indication whether you found all those available items. Now, as for the actual game content. for up to some degree, there's relaxing lyrical music, a strong artwork, a good story concept, and a smooth game play that does reward you. The game really has a beginning, middle, and end, and you get to play it all with the main as well as bonus game. I really-really enjoyed the whole "remove the tiles" mini game, every time you encounter the enchanted creatures. Clever! Now for the part that really annoyed me: Since the story itself is based on music (i.e. a specific melody that can dissolve fog and rescue the characters), one would expect the music in the game to be superb, for the whole duration of the game, and not just for the first "part". Instead, every enchanted creature (animal) you bring back to normality, plays a so boring "tune" -be it drums or cello-, that after while it gets to your nerves. So, ignoring that fact, this game is really-really fan to engage with.
Well, I know it's supposed to be a Cemetery, but couldn't it be more... I don't know cared for? As a game. It's a bit... all over the place. A bit grim, with music that's becoming tiresome after the first minutes... Please, rethink this, for your next episode, team...
With a pretty unique concept, you'll get to -well- instill logic back to the statues and after that -in the bonus game- be a heroin and fix your rocky material. Throughout the game, you get to collect 12 talismans and 28 morphing items. On the downside, the game could use some touch-ups on its artwork, plus It consists of some pretty absurd puzzles. But most of the puzzles are just ok. The pretty unique feature of this game, is that it actually holds very few HOG scenes... And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but a unique, for sure.
With a, more than good, satisfactory gaming duration, this HOG title is both atmospheric and full of surprises. You get to collect magic spell, as well as put them in good use. Plus, you get to change between "worlds" and scenery. So a laboratory can have both a normal "mode" and also a devious one, in which you can find extra stuff and influence the other world's reality. Cohesive, with a strong ambient music. it has a beautiful main game and a bonus chapter, too. I've experienced some minor technical issues, like with the items bar, which -when hovered above an item- didn't at first show the description of that particular item. But overall, a solid, worth-playing game!
Beautiful game, as always, with lots and lots to do in every single scene, with cinematic effects and appropriate music. You always get the feeling in the series, that everything is much bigger than you, which is strange but also very realistic! And after the bonus game, you get to pick from the 20 (!) wallpapers, for which I, personally, am always grateful.
Impeccable, enjoyable, fulfilling... That's what a great HOG game should be like. You get to travel between 3 stages: The main game, a very-very short extra story and a long bonus game, which doesn't actually end the game! I particularly like the almost "silver", mettalic, magical sounds you hear on every action or success. You'll get to collect crowns and frames of all the story's protagonists, plus you get to play with your special mirror to collect "moon flowers"! And of course, moon signs in every mini-HOG. Flawless and perfect in every aspect, now that I've finish it, I want more! Just wow... And just like that, this becomes my new favorite game! Yesss
So, upfront and to get over with it, the story/scenario doesn't much appeal to me and in that sense, the narration and/or dialogues are kinda boring to follow. Plus, the characters are far more talkative than in any other recent game I've played. I mean... wow, so demanding all the time. But, on the bright side, this game has its own aesthetics and dynamic and is fun to interact with. Also -and this is an important factor and a huge bonus-, its puzzles, in their majority, are really well thought and have a unique twist. I also enjoyed the ambient music much, which -for some reason- travels me to the TV show "The Humans"!
Well, I wasn't excited with the first episode, and I'm surely not with this one. Feels kinda sloppy, the aesthetics of the artwork reminded me of some 90s moderate adventures and the walk through of most puzzles is inadequate, at best. If the team keeps just multiplying the same old tactics, I don't see this game being pleasurable any time soon. So, I'm not recommending this one.