Every now and then, a game comes around that knocks me off my feet and makes me say, "Wow!" This game should win a golden trophy for its solid delivery, an increasingly infrequent feat within the sometimes redundant hidden-object genre. It delivers an interesting — although still thematically cliched — storyline, challenging and innovative gameplay, and breathtaking visuals, thus rendering it a successful all-around production. The settings are magically portrayed, as demonstrated by the utopian, panoramic landscapes.
The diverse personalities and whimsical appearances of the characters add substance to the fantastical storyline. I am impressed by the eccentric, long-haired King of Equilibrium, who is decked out in a neon-bright, long-flowing robe, and otherworldly face-paint, bearing an uncanny resemblance to King Thranduil of the Woodland Realm in Tolkien's "The Hobbit." Gotta love that "man-bun"!
The coloration exudes a radiant display of scintillating hues, and I often find myself halting progression to stare at the majestic scenes, just as I would stare at a museum's work of art.
The artistic designs of the HOSs are as mesmerizing as the gameplay itself. I am thoroughly entertained by the incorporated elements of cleverness and playfulness. The puzzles are equally impressive and creative, with varying levels of difficulty to appease most players' preferences. I appreciate the opportunity to enable the mini-games on a harder setting. Be on the lookout for collectible shards hidden within each scene; you are guided by a side pull-out tab to keep status. The shards are well camouflaged into the background.
Each scene is jam-packed with multiple tasks to effectuate, so players should be consistently kept on their toes. This sequel implements layers of highly interactive gameplay. There's also a Hidden Chapter to play upon completion of the Bonus Chapter, lengthening overall playtime.
I have two trivial gripes: One uncharacteristic hindrance is that the inventory items become and remain unlabeled after acquiring them, which is an unpleasant surprise; therefore, pay attention to and note their labeled names at the point of obtaining them. Furthermore, overall transition is a bit slow, although not buggy, but the other mechanics are glitch free.
This game is like a wonderful birthday present — from the box, to the wrapping paper, to the pretty bow on top. It is, in my opinion, one of the better games of the year, at least in a long time. I strongly suggest giving the free trial a spin. My true rating is 4.5 stars, detracting a half star for the unlabeled inventory; however, I bumped my rating up to a well-deserved five (5) stars.
It has been a while since Big Fish gave us a new adventure game of this caliber. Grandma Studios has two game series: Reflections of Light and Whispered Secrets. Reflections of Light is far superior. Check out Tree of Dreams if you haven't played it yet.
Anyway, the only aspect of this game I didn't like were the muddy pastel graphics, which made it seem outdated. The game is otherwise very much up to date, with a teleporting map, configurable difficulty, and robust hint system. You have an owl companion who plays a very active role. Each scene is highly interactive, with many Easter eggs to discover. The only collectible is mirror shards, and the game tracks for you how many are left in each stage. Hidden object puzzles are novel and varied, as are the mini games.
Several hours of gameplay, including a bonus AND hidden chapter. Buy on sale while you can!
What's the deal? Another fantasy, dragons, wizards, magic potions, puzzle!
When, Big Fish, are you going to give us some REAL adventure, crime, historical, etc games? Please, anything but these sappy fantasy games that are GARBAGE for those of us that eagerly look forward to challenge and excitement in our games!
Another game I refuse to buy, so I will have to re-play some of the past, GOOD games!
I thought the free trial was too short to get a feel for the game. It seemed very odd and a bit slow
Grandma brings us this offering and while it has some good aspects there are a couple of things that I’m begging they leave out of the next game. Please for the love of gaming drop the darn “move the ring around the scene and find the runes”. Do you have any idea how tedious that is on an iPad? And those transparent glass shards you have to find in every scene. Ok so you guys gave us a sidebar telling how many are left to find. Doesn’t help my crossed eyes. But if you don’t mind headaches and smudged screens give it a try - particularly since it’s the only offering this week
KimTwilight69
jennifer626
vmprwmn
Missemericanpie
Dracyy
