LOOK HERE For HOAG and Adventure Game Developers
12/28/18 ADVENTURE GAMING COMPENDIUM, PART I: Gamers may want to try the following game developers & publishers in light of Big Fish selling out for casino money.😣
Artifex Mundi: started with Big Fish and now publishes its own HOAGs as well as HOAGs from game developers Brave Giant, Cordelia, House of Fables, Moonlight Interactive, Sunward Games, One More Level, So Digital, Two Desperadoes, and World-Loom Games.
G5 Entertainment: similar to Big Fish. Publishes HOAGs from Artifex Mundi, Fenimen and Shaman Games, among others.
Haiku Games: excellent free point and click adventure games, which include tons of minigames but not necessarily hidden object puzzles.
Rumpus Animation: they publish the Bertram Fiddle series, which is very witty. Discover and use items as part of gameplay.
Five-BN UK: terrific series such as Darkness and Flame, Lost Lands, The Legacy and my favorite, New York Mysteries.
Absolutist: publishes its own HOAGs as well as HOAGs and adventure games from AZ-Art Studios, Lazy Turtle and Shaman Games, among others. I recommend the amusing Witch’s Pranks: Frog’s Fortune, although it is a little short.
Pendulo Studios: known for the Journey Down, Runaway, Hollywood Monster and Yesterday adventure game series. Not aware of any HOAGs. Beware that one of the Runaway Games has a game-ending glitch (everyone comments on it so you will know before you purchase).
Alawar: like Artifex Mundi, Alawar started with Big Fish then branched out on its own. Publishes its own HOAGs as well as adventure games from Tiki’s Lab and Wellore. I recommend the Dark Angels, House of 1000 Doors, Lake House, Paranormal Pursuit, Stray Souls and Weird Park HOAG series (note that Big Fish has some bf not all of the related games).
Animation Arts Creative GmbH: develops the Lost Horizon and Secret Files adventure game series.
Application Systems Heidelberg Software: developed the lengthy adventure game Nelly Cootalot and The Fowl Fleet.
Microids: develops and publishes HOAGs and adventure games, including the Syberia adventure game series, Red Johnson’s Chronicles adventure game series (may not be publicly available any longer), and one of my favorite, Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders. (This isn’t a HOAG, it’s the quintessential detective game.) Microids also publishes HOAGs and adventure games for Anuman Interactive and Pendulo Studios, among others.
If you love quirky hidden gems, try the Tova point and click series as well as “Freda and the sequel,” all developed by Biscuit Placebo and published by Jens Staaf; and Kelvin and the Infamous Machine, written and published by Blyts.
Artifex Mundi: started with Big Fish and now publishes its own HOAGs as well as HOAGs from game developers Brave Giant, Cordelia, House of Fables, Moonlight Interactive, Sunward Games, One More Level, So Digital, Two Desperadoes, and World-Loom Games.
G5 Entertainment: similar to Big Fish. Publishes HOAGs from Artifex Mundi, Fenimen and Shaman Games, among others.
Haiku Games: excellent free point and click adventure games, which include tons of minigames but not necessarily hidden object puzzles.
Rumpus Animation: they publish the Bertram Fiddle series, which is very witty. Discover and use items as part of gameplay.
Five-BN UK: terrific series such as Darkness and Flame, Lost Lands, The Legacy and my favorite, New York Mysteries.
Absolutist: publishes its own HOAGs as well as HOAGs and adventure games from AZ-Art Studios, Lazy Turtle and Shaman Games, among others. I recommend the amusing Witch’s Pranks: Frog’s Fortune, although it is a little short.
Pendulo Studios: known for the Journey Down, Runaway, Hollywood Monster and Yesterday adventure game series. Not aware of any HOAGs. Beware that one of the Runaway Games has a game-ending glitch (everyone comments on it so you will know before you purchase).
Alawar: like Artifex Mundi, Alawar started with Big Fish then branched out on its own. Publishes its own HOAGs as well as adventure games from Tiki’s Lab and Wellore. I recommend the Dark Angels, House of 1000 Doors, Lake House, Paranormal Pursuit, Stray Souls and Weird Park HOAG series (note that Big Fish has some bf not all of the related games).
Animation Arts Creative GmbH: develops the Lost Horizon and Secret Files adventure game series.
Application Systems Heidelberg Software: developed the lengthy adventure game Nelly Cootalot and The Fowl Fleet.
Microids: develops and publishes HOAGs and adventure games, including the Syberia adventure game series, Red Johnson’s Chronicles adventure game series (may not be publicly available any longer), and one of my favorite, Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders. (This isn’t a HOAG, it’s the quintessential detective game.) Microids also publishes HOAGs and adventure games for Anuman Interactive and Pendulo Studios, among others.
If you love quirky hidden gems, try the Tova point and click series as well as “Freda and the sequel,” all developed by Biscuit Placebo and published by Jens Staaf; and Kelvin and the Infamous Machine, written and published by Blyts.
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Delightful!
I got this game (and MANY others) during the New Years sale. Most of them were old and only barely interesting. This one was a wonderful exception. The storyline was logical and engaging. The puzzles were varied in type and difficulty with many new twists on traditional formats. The bonus chapter wrapped up the story instead of presenting a lame prequel or unrelated use of beta version scenes and puzzles. Well done! I hope the next one is as good!
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$
Well worth the $2.99.
Eh...
I think if you were just starting on the BF HOS games it would be a good introductory game. Nothing was wrong with it as far as the game play and story. I thought it was very short and for me, the puzzles were beginner level. The great HOS games are much harder puzzles and more complicated graphics and storyline.
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It's ok
Nice long gameplay, ok story, but some mini games were more tedious than fun. Also so much back and forth to get one object to fix another object, etc.
Okay Game
It has a lot of scenes, I'll give it that. Now that the bug with horn has been fixed, it was pretty enjoyable to play. I almost gave it 3 stars, but I think 4 because the game and bonus game were long and there was a good selection of puzzles. There were little pink owls in every scene to collect and I always liked to look for them. The graphics were fairly good but close ups for what you're working on were too few.
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The Obb of Purity
I am very disappointed in this game. Not able to finish because can't place the horn. I hope you do an update to correct this problem.
amaranthine voyage: the orb of purity
I have deleted this game twice AND AM STILL STUCK ON PLACING THE HORN...WHAT THE ?!?!?!?!?
Horn glitch just kills my review
I've run into the same "horn" issue as many on the forum. If I could give negative stars, I would.
Orb of Purity
This is an eight star game, most excellent in all aspects. This is the type of quality I'm looking for in a game.
There is no satanic junk, gore or ugliness about it.
I really like the fact there is well written ending as well.
Please create many more of these games, I'll be looking for them.
There is no satanic junk, gore or ugliness about it.
I really like the fact there is well written ending as well.
Please create many more of these games, I'll be looking for them.
Same
Just like others I can't place the horn. Storyline is confusing, although I realize that's not why I bought the game. I'm wish for a game like this, with a variety of puzzles, but no story.
Good Game
I enjoyed this game. Did not experience any glitches. Disturbs me so many folks were unable to complete the game due to glitches. I am usually the one this happens to. BF there has got to be a better way to test games before release. Very unfair to your customers. Weeks will go by before I am willing to try your games after getting burned.
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Amaranthine Voyage: Orb of Purity by LynxMinx
Everybody just calm down. You can play and complete this game if you just follow Dracyy's advice, and the next gamer to say anything negative about my fabulous review team will be cut to shreds by my talons! Dracyy deserves your thanks and mine as well, and is so very appreciated! Still and all EIPIX dropped the ball and I sent a very nasty email to BigFish about the quality assurance as of late!
On to the game. Although I am sick of Harmonium it was a decent game. The graphics were beautiful for the most part. They could have been a bit more vibrant and exciting. There were many locations to unlock and at each you collect an owl. Loading was almost instantaneous between locations. There were 3 levels of difficulty. There was a marked, dependent on level chosen, teleport map to transport you. At least it was an in-game map. Once again EIPIX has ignored our pleas for a journal so the storyline was a bit convoluted. However they did regularly update objectives and there was a task button. Inventory was labeled and there were complex items to assemble. The HO scenes had variation and you had the alternative bubble shoot game, which I don't like at all. I prefer mahjong or match-3. The gimmick in this game is a magical gauntlet which absorbs and disperses both light and dark harmonium, but to use it you have mini-games associated with the gauntlet, which I was bored by after a bit. The puzzles were ok, and as usual there was a bunch of tedious rotational puzzles. I really wish there had been more logic and code-type puzzles. They did have a couple of new ones in there that were fun. This game did keep my interest though and when I successfully placed the horn I breathed a sigh of relief! The game was a decent length but the bonus adventure could have been longer.
I am deducting a star for the huge horn glitch, no cohesive journal and lack of originality both in the storyline and the puzzles, but it was still a game worth playing! Lynxie sends 💋❤️😘 to the amazing DTE, especially to the brilliant Dracyy for saving the day!
On to the game. Although I am sick of Harmonium it was a decent game. The graphics were beautiful for the most part. They could have been a bit more vibrant and exciting. There were many locations to unlock and at each you collect an owl. Loading was almost instantaneous between locations. There were 3 levels of difficulty. There was a marked, dependent on level chosen, teleport map to transport you. At least it was an in-game map. Once again EIPIX has ignored our pleas for a journal so the storyline was a bit convoluted. However they did regularly update objectives and there was a task button. Inventory was labeled and there were complex items to assemble. The HO scenes had variation and you had the alternative bubble shoot game, which I don't like at all. I prefer mahjong or match-3. The gimmick in this game is a magical gauntlet which absorbs and disperses both light and dark harmonium, but to use it you have mini-games associated with the gauntlet, which I was bored by after a bit. The puzzles were ok, and as usual there was a bunch of tedious rotational puzzles. I really wish there had been more logic and code-type puzzles. They did have a couple of new ones in there that were fun. This game did keep my interest though and when I successfully placed the horn I breathed a sigh of relief! The game was a decent length but the bonus adventure could have been longer.
I am deducting a star for the huge horn glitch, no cohesive journal and lack of originality both in the storyline and the puzzles, but it was still a game worth playing! Lynxie sends 💋❤️😘 to the amazing DTE, especially to the brilliant Dracyy for saving the day!
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FIX THE DAMNED GLITCH❗️
So tired of BF releasing games with fatal flaws. Horn issue..same as everyone else. Seems they'd rather churn them out for the fast money rather than put out a quality product anymore. Btw..this is my second attempt to rate this game..I understand language filters but for the word damned? It was the nicest of what I wanted to write..lol..we'll see if it gets pulled again..
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I'm "Orb"iting Around In "Harmony"
UPDATE: Fortunately, I completed the game and was not hindered by any of the mentioned flaws. I do not remember if the "horn" issue was in the main game or the bonus; I was away for a few days so I had a lengthy break, and I finished the bonus upon my return. Since I did not detect any issues during playtime, I would not be able to determine the cause and resolution. I hope you all are able to sort it out or request a refund.
This genre is fundamentally a scientific-oriented fantasy, in which an intruder comes through a portal from his imperiled world; scientific essences and technology, such as using high-tech equipment to analyze blood samples in a lab and observing/manipulating strange contraptions/devices, strengthen the plot as you race against adversity to save two worlds from a malignant force. The graphics are faded and visually unappealing; they are void of the aestheticism and sophistication of first-class skills. On the contrary, what the graphics lack in quality, the colors make up for in presentation; they reflect subtle, airy, and ethereal tinctures to induce a more pacifying climate. You cannot customize your settings; I believe that this developer is the sole remaining one who steadfastly excludes this important element. Inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. The teleport map, in second mode, does not indicate available actions; depending on your patience, you may feel compelled to vacillate between modes in order to find an active task. This developer specializes in high-caliber, leading-edge HOS, which set them apart from their peers; they are visionary and suitable to the story in presentation and ideas. The puzzles are innovative and scientific in nature; for example, you will rotate molecules to match their corresponding outlines. Another is the more simplified version of the infamous puzzle board; it is comprised of a network of individual mini-games, which are meshed together where one solution advances another. Transition is smooth and brisk; no glitches or lapses. The collectibles are highly noticeable; their bright, pink color diminishes any challenge of discovery. Unfortunately, this developer has not heeded our calls for inclusion of the all-encompassing features that we desire. I feel like I am being pulled, as a puppet, back and forth between satisfaction and yearning; this game implements a high level of creativity, but the developers need to enhance their components in order to compete with their peers. Overall, this is still a better week for BF.
This genre is fundamentally a scientific-oriented fantasy, in which an intruder comes through a portal from his imperiled world; scientific essences and technology, such as using high-tech equipment to analyze blood samples in a lab and observing/manipulating strange contraptions/devices, strengthen the plot as you race against adversity to save two worlds from a malignant force. The graphics are faded and visually unappealing; they are void of the aestheticism and sophistication of first-class skills. On the contrary, what the graphics lack in quality, the colors make up for in presentation; they reflect subtle, airy, and ethereal tinctures to induce a more pacifying climate. You cannot customize your settings; I believe that this developer is the sole remaining one who steadfastly excludes this important element. Inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. The teleport map, in second mode, does not indicate available actions; depending on your patience, you may feel compelled to vacillate between modes in order to find an active task. This developer specializes in high-caliber, leading-edge HOS, which set them apart from their peers; they are visionary and suitable to the story in presentation and ideas. The puzzles are innovative and scientific in nature; for example, you will rotate molecules to match their corresponding outlines. Another is the more simplified version of the infamous puzzle board; it is comprised of a network of individual mini-games, which are meshed together where one solution advances another. Transition is smooth and brisk; no glitches or lapses. The collectibles are highly noticeable; their bright, pink color diminishes any challenge of discovery. Unfortunately, this developer has not heeded our calls for inclusion of the all-encompassing features that we desire. I feel like I am being pulled, as a puppet, back and forth between satisfaction and yearning; this game implements a high level of creativity, but the developers need to enhance their components in order to compete with their peers. Overall, this is still a better week for BF.
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Can't finish due to flaw
Got to chapter six and needed a hint, but hint suddenly stopped working. Had to check a walkthrough to figure out how to move forward. Walkthrough said I needed to place the horn. Nope - same as others are reporting, can't place the horn, so am stuck and cannot finish. Will be requesting a refund. Couple of points for this not being yet another gory murder/creepy storyline. But, artwork is too simplistic and cartoony, and overall feel is clunky. Don't bother with this one until the major bug is fixed, and then don't pay full price - not worth it.
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Orb of purity - horn fix
Unfortunately I also ran into that glitch. The fix: uninstall/reinstall and whatever you do DO NOT touch the horn until AFTER you have touched the area (right of the big crystal in the resonance room) where the horn goes. Only AFTER you have touched it and gotten the close up showing the missing horn THEN go get the horn and bring it back. Otherwise you can't finish the game. Lame but true.
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Orb of Purity is Pure Adventure!
This edition of Amaranthine, Orb of Purity, from Eipix is unpredictable and exciting. I am only a few minutes into the game, and already I have jumped through a portal into another world, analyzed a blood sample, and disguised myself as a Watcher guard. Very fast-moving with interesting puzzles and beautiful art work. In each scene, you are looking for a collectible owl (Freyy's Apprentice.) Good Hint button also teleports you to the desired location. Although there is no Diary, you have several easily visible clues and a Map. Not too spooky; more about intrigue and stealth. I am enjoying this one so far!
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Save your money
The graphics are poor considering the high quality of many Big Fish games. The story line is average at best, and the mini games are ridiculously easy.
Can't complete game!!
I know I'm not the only one with this issue based on the forums. I am unable to complete the game as I can not place the horn. Even though I purchased this game on sale, this is highly annoying as I am near the final chapter of the game. Even if they update with a "fix", I fear that I will have to reinstall and do the whole game over again from the beginning. I wish that developers would just spend a little more time testing instead of rushing a game out. PLEASE FIX!!!!
As for the actual game, I was enjoying myself until I couldn't go any further. It was not my favorite, but I would have given it four stars instead of three. The graphics are decent; however, I don't care for all the puzzles that involve "symbols" instead of actual objects. Just my personal preference. There are a variety of puzzles as well as hidden object scenes. Overall, would have been a decent game for the sale price.
As for the actual game, I was enjoying myself until I couldn't go any further. It was not my favorite, but I would have given it four stars instead of three. The graphics are decent; however, I don't care for all the puzzles that involve "symbols" instead of actual objects. Just my personal preference. There are a variety of puzzles as well as hidden object scenes. Overall, would have been a decent game for the sale price.
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