I have played and enjoyed all the Garden Inc. games, but this one was by far the best yet. Why? Because I was actually able to finish it! This was the first in the series that allows you to play without a timer. I was never able to beat the clock well enough to finish the relatives house or business or wedding venue in the other games, but I was able to complete the room (I don't want to spoil what KIND of room) in this one long before I completed my jobs! It's great for people like me that enjoy the "management" aspect more than the "time" aspect of Time Management games.
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this game (mainly because I hate rats), but the hauntingly beautiful music, lovely graphics and interesting story line pulled me in. I also liked that it was a bit of a challenge to find what I needed to progress in the story. Definitely worth playing!
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Strategy, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Family
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I thought this game was very original and a lot of fun. It gets a bad rap because people find it difficult, but it's not that bad. In the beginning you get lots of hints and are always able to skip puzzles. Toward the end when hints become scarce, there are video walk-throughs on youtube that will help you out. This game was the closest I've EVER seen a game come to feeling like you're in a haunted house. There are many things that will randomly jump out and scare you, so be prepared! My family thought it was hilarious that I would randomly scream out while playing this game.
One more note: I saw someone in the forum complaining that this game mocks people with mental illnesses, but I respectfully disagree. This was simply a fun, jump out and say boo, haunted house kind of a game. It indicated nothing about mental illness, except when it mentioned depression in the beginning.
I couldn't give this game 5 stars for a few reasons...the constant background chatter between Vida and the ferret become annoying (you can mute them, thankfully), the hidden object scenes weren't so clear and the hint system was a little iffy. Otherwise, I found it challenging enough to see it through to the end. Cool story line, too, with a surprise ending.
I was really surprised by this game. I knew it was a spin-off of the Dark Parables line, but I wasn't expecting it to be even better! The hauntingly beautiful music and graphics, the tragic story line and the cute little pop-up map all combined to make this an EXCELLENT game!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Family
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Although loosely based upon the exploits of Elizabeth Bathory (she was a serial killer, not a vampire...obviously), I enjoyed stepping back through the pages of history (the names of her husband and servant were correct) to play this game. I also very much enjoyed all the potion making. My young daughter was excited that her name, Sofia, was listed under items of wisdom (Sofia means "wisdom"). You'll enjoy this one!
Although I enjoyed this game, I don't feel it was as exciting or as scary as the first one. Given the number of stellar reviews it received, I was expecting better. It's definitely worth playing, but don't expect it to match the thrills that the first one brought.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
We were excited about buying this after enjoying the excellent Nutcracker game in this line, and it certainly didn't disappoint...heart-warming story line, beautiful Christmas graphics and several hours of game play definitely make this game a must-have!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
My daughter has wanted this game for some time, because she loves the "Bloody Mary" story line, and this game certainly did not disappoint! Creepy characters, excellent graphics, a cool haunted school...this game has it all!