Resubmitted due to updated app:
I did not play the first game in this series because the free trial was overflowing with HOS, which were solely structured as mundane word lists. I'm glad that I am spoiled by this delightful and whimsical fantasy, which is chock-full of variety, royalty, magic, potion-making, dragons, and riddles. Heck, you even get to fly as a bird--high above in the skies! You will meet wonderful classical characters from our childhood era, such as Robin Hood, as you strive to save the kingdom and uncover the mystery of who the criminals really are. The graphics are beautifully hand-drawn, and this technique creates a realistic portrayal of your surroundings; I could actually gaze at the illustrations in awe for prolonged moments. Depending on the environment, the coloration can exude an overcast and shadowy mood; or it can reflect brighter tones to portray a more zestful and lively ambiance. Some of the creatures or the "talking" contraptions/objects that you meet throughout your adventure are eccentric in appearance, and they are ingeniously brought to life to interact as a human would; namely, the animated toys and the snail king. The inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. You can customize your settings. The teleport map gives smooth transport to labeled locations; and in custom mode, it indicates available actions. Manual transition between scenes is fluid; no glitches. There are a plethora of HOS(s) and puzzles to entertain and amuse you. The HOS(s) have been updated to include current-trending formats. Each individual scene is diversified in presentation, and items used suit the charming themes of the storyline. You can play a mini-game in lieu of the HOS, if desired. The puzzles are clever and will make you smile or laugh at times; I love the one where you concoct a potion while the critter-like cauldron cracks witty repartee. The collectibles compromise two types, and you have an indicator positioned above the inventory bar to alert you that you can collect or have collected an item. In conclusion, this game will keep you very busy as you are consistently mobilizing from one action to another; there are plenty of tasks to effectuate within each location. The ample integration of diversity and creativity further enhances my imagination and satisfaction. In accordance with the aforementioned thoughts, coupled with an enticing storyline, I think that this little gem is worth a rare rating of 5 stars, especially at a discounted price of $2.99.
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