Cadenza: The Eternal Dance by LynxMinx
When I saw that a Mad Head game was released, and in a series I generally enjoy, I was excited to play. Unfortunately this game has extremely underwhelmed me. The graphics lacked visual acuity, the storyline was unoriginal and there was a total lack of innovative features from this developer who usually gives us interesting and quirky gameplay, the ability to examine objects from multiple perspectives, and unusual HO scenes. There were also touch screen sensitivity issues, making me second guess my usage of inventory. Several times I was applying the correct inventory tool, and the screen said to try something else, or some such comment. Of course after trying 3 or 4 times I was able to do it.
We were offered the usual perks from Mad Head: customizable settings, a marked teleport map, complex items and collectibles (this time they were dancing couple symbols). Morphing objects were confined to the HO scenes, which were dull and mainly comprised of word lists or silhouettes, nothing being overly creative or innovative. The puzzles/games were either very simplistic, of the boring rotational genre, or required dexterity, which was difficult with touch screen sensitivity issues at play, no pun intended. There were a couple of puzzles which involved having to work out the solution using your brain versus trial and error, and those I did enjoy.The basic gameplay was somewhat entertaining but there was nothing that I felt “wowed” me. There was a gimmick in the form of a cryptex but I won’t go into detail lest I spoil it for other gamers. This game was extremely brief inclusive of the bonus adventure. I bought the game because I was bored and BigFish is only releasing one game in this genre per week.
My rating will remain at 3 stars, which is representative of a very average game.
Seriously, when are things going to improve? When will BigFish start releasing 2 games per week again? When will we get another game distributed by Artifex Mundi or developed by Five BN Uk? If anyone has any answers I am all ears!
Happy gaming to all!
UPDATE: Artifex Mundi is due to release a new game on October 18th, and it is a paranormal adventure. It should be a somewhat decent length at 1.6 gigs, but sometimes I find that actual gameplay seems much shorter, so that can be misleading. Anyway, the game is called Dreamwalker and it is available for pre-order. The only advantage that gives you is a slightly better price. Also if you forget that the game has been released, it will automatically download to your device. Now if we could get something new from Five BN, that would be terrific!
We were offered the usual perks from Mad Head: customizable settings, a marked teleport map, complex items and collectibles (this time they were dancing couple symbols). Morphing objects were confined to the HO scenes, which were dull and mainly comprised of word lists or silhouettes, nothing being overly creative or innovative. The puzzles/games were either very simplistic, of the boring rotational genre, or required dexterity, which was difficult with touch screen sensitivity issues at play, no pun intended. There were a couple of puzzles which involved having to work out the solution using your brain versus trial and error, and those I did enjoy.The basic gameplay was somewhat entertaining but there was nothing that I felt “wowed” me. There was a gimmick in the form of a cryptex but I won’t go into detail lest I spoil it for other gamers. This game was extremely brief inclusive of the bonus adventure. I bought the game because I was bored and BigFish is only releasing one game in this genre per week.
My rating will remain at 3 stars, which is representative of a very average game.
Seriously, when are things going to improve? When will BigFish start releasing 2 games per week again? When will we get another game distributed by Artifex Mundi or developed by Five BN Uk? If anyone has any answers I am all ears!
Happy gaming to all!
UPDATE: Artifex Mundi is due to release a new game on October 18th, and it is a paranormal adventure. It should be a somewhat decent length at 1.6 gigs, but sometimes I find that actual gameplay seems much shorter, so that can be misleading. Anyway, the game is called Dreamwalker and it is available for pre-order. The only advantage that gives you is a slightly better price. Also if you forget that the game has been released, it will automatically download to your device. Now if we could get something new from Five BN, that would be terrific!
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Too short
Only 4 chapters in this game, Plus a bonus game but the majority of these games on here lately have been five and six chapters long it doesn’t seem like they’ve done anything to update these cadenza games they seem like they’re all the same.
😡😡😡
The writing/captions are so small and flashes on the the screen so fast it cannot be read, or comprehended! Sorry I won’t be purchasing this game at all if I don’t even know what’s going on! Sad too I’m sure it’s a great game? PLEASE MAKE THE PRINT SO IT CAN BE READ!!!
Dance
Buy👍. A lot of time and talent went into producing this game. Lots of new puzzles that are a challenge. I’m enjoying and hope you do too. Key West Jessa
More Like "'Dance' Macabre"!
I feel as though there has been a downward spiral in innovational exploration, as developers seem to be running out of novel ideas to inject within their storylines as well as pioneering twists on gameplay within their HOSs and puzzles. Unfortunately, Madhead has caught the bug. The plot succumbs to the worn-out trope of rescuing your damsel in distress from an evil masked man; and, surprise, surprise, you have to rescue her. The characters do little to add substance to the storyline; they are nondescript and forgettable, and I'm having a hard time connecting to them.
The gameplay in this sequel is mediocre by Madhead's standards. The adventure portion of gameplay is static and slow to evolve, unlike the dynamic and highly engaging activity presented by its predecessors. Although the HOSs are interactive and multi-layered, they comprise many word lists, lacking diversity and pioneering elements. The puzzles, although creatively rendered, are offensively easy in that their solutions are attained in a few steps. The only noticeable and refreshing change is that you discover dance-themed collectibles throughout the scenes in place of the usual hallmarked symbol.
I came across a few programming quirks. Firstly, I loathe having to individually drag over items in a set; this method is unnecessary and time-consuming. Secondly, I've noticed a reoccurring glitch in the audio dialogue within the last few games of this developer. At the end of each spoken sentence, I hear the first syllable of the first word of the next sentence. It creates confusion as to whether or not intended dialogue is erroneously cut out. Thirdly, the usual touch sensitivities burdened my progression, as it was sometimes cumbersome to collect or place items.
The free trial is short and abrupt, but with the dearth of games being released, I purchased the game. I really think this series took a wrong turn considering what this sequel had to offer. The bland storyline is tarnished by the supernatural dark side, whereas the first few games in this series were more realistically portrayed, taking place in musical clubs—which made them stand out. Furthermore, I miss the catchy musical soundtracks that made this series so distinct and special; the music in this sequel is unremarkable. This game reminded me of the "Danse Macabre" series, not "Cadenza." Finally, the game, including the bonus chapter, is shockingly short, obviously attributable towards the simplicity of the gameplay, coupled with a shortage of tasks to effect within each scene. I am unimpressed with this latest release; and, unfortunately, I have to wait another week for a new game. Disappointingly, I rate this game three (3) stars.
Note to Catalina: I did not have trouble downloading this game. Did you try deleting and reinstalling? I'm sorry you experienced technical difficulties and hope the problem gets sorted out.
The gameplay in this sequel is mediocre by Madhead's standards. The adventure portion of gameplay is static and slow to evolve, unlike the dynamic and highly engaging activity presented by its predecessors. Although the HOSs are interactive and multi-layered, they comprise many word lists, lacking diversity and pioneering elements. The puzzles, although creatively rendered, are offensively easy in that their solutions are attained in a few steps. The only noticeable and refreshing change is that you discover dance-themed collectibles throughout the scenes in place of the usual hallmarked symbol.
I came across a few programming quirks. Firstly, I loathe having to individually drag over items in a set; this method is unnecessary and time-consuming. Secondly, I've noticed a reoccurring glitch in the audio dialogue within the last few games of this developer. At the end of each spoken sentence, I hear the first syllable of the first word of the next sentence. It creates confusion as to whether or not intended dialogue is erroneously cut out. Thirdly, the usual touch sensitivities burdened my progression, as it was sometimes cumbersome to collect or place items.
The free trial is short and abrupt, but with the dearth of games being released, I purchased the game. I really think this series took a wrong turn considering what this sequel had to offer. The bland storyline is tarnished by the supernatural dark side, whereas the first few games in this series were more realistically portrayed, taking place in musical clubs—which made them stand out. Furthermore, I miss the catchy musical soundtracks that made this series so distinct and special; the music in this sequel is unremarkable. This game reminded me of the "Danse Macabre" series, not "Cadenza." Finally, the game, including the bonus chapter, is shockingly short, obviously attributable towards the simplicity of the gameplay, coupled with a shortage of tasks to effect within each scene. I am unimpressed with this latest release; and, unfortunately, I have to wait another week for a new game. Disappointingly, I rate this game three (3) stars.
Note to Catalina: I did not have trouble downloading this game. Did you try deleting and reinstalling? I'm sorry you experienced technical difficulties and hope the problem gets sorted out.
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Ok
I generally like this series, and I am enjoying this one. a few annoying things - there is no navigation on the screen - you need to use the back button. Takes two clicks to get to a new scene, and the overall game reacts a bit slow. Also - the text on the top is TINY! I do appreciate the extra collectibles - and that they are clearly noted as found or not.
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Writing is too small
Looks like a fun game but I could not read any of the writing. I play on my games on my phone and usually don’t have any problem, but in this game the writing was so small I simply couldn’t read it. Had to delete, too bad
Eternal dance
Not my cup of tea I’m afraid
At last a decent game
It’s been too long since a game from Mad games. You can’t beat them for storyline and art and perfection.
Can’t read a single caption, or description.
The type in every banner or dialogue box or label is so incredibly small I can’t read it on my phone! I always enjoy Cadenza games, but I won’t be buying this one. I hope they can do something about this issue, I suppose I’ll wait for it to go on sale at a later date.