# Dark Romance: Heart of the Beast HD - A Hidden Object Adventure (Full) — user reviews > 35 indexed App Store user reviews of Dark Romance by Big Fish Games, Inc, rated 3.60/5 from 43 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-romance-heart-of-the-beast-hd-a-hidden-object-adventure-full/id1020442694/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-romance-heart-of-the-beast-hd-a-hidden-object-adventure-full/id1020442694.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 14 · 4★ 14 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 6 · 1★ 6 ## Newest reviews (13 of 35) ### 4/5 — Enjoyable game *2015-11-22, version 1.0.2* I did not experience the glitches mentioned. I thought the story was good, the graphics beautiful and the game enjoyable overall. ### 4/5 — Bucking the trend...I actually enjoyed this game *2015-11-22, version 1.0.0* Maybe it's me being a bit of a contrarian, but unlike most of the reviewers, I am enjoying this game. It is not typical at all, there are a lot of new or new-to-me features that make some of the HOPs and minigames fun...and while the tap-tap-tapping and load time are worth a full point deduction, the rest of the game is delightful. Update: I'm deducting another half star as the game does have it's glitchy moments, so we're rounding up to 3.5 stars. I noted another reviewer mentioned that there was an update to the game, so possibly I'm reviewing the 'new and improved' game and hadn't been frustrated by the first one. I should also say that I don't play a game all the way through in one sitting, it takes quite a few days, so perhaps it is just different likes and styles. The good: real fun games, different and unique HOPs, a great map that lets you know if you've missed an extra (collectible), a mostly-logical storyline, good graphics and cut scenes, and you get to play both beauty and beast. Lots of interaction with characters. Working to free the humans under their animal spell is fun, too. The bad: load time between scenes and finicky tapping are the big issues here. And while there are a lot of new things, it is the tried-and-true good vs. evil, fairy tale/witch-in-castle setting...again. But I really am enjoying this game, and while the fat lady hasn't sung yet, and if things go 🍐shaped from here, I will edit my review-- so I felt I needed to give another, more positive opinion. Recommendation: I think this one is about personal preferences...but I was happy to buy it, and I'm enjoying it much more than some of the other recent BF offerings. Be well, reviewers...thanks as always for your honest opinions! 🍪🍪💖💖🍭🍭🌼🌼 ### 3/5 — Fun but short *2015-11-19, version 1.0.0* Interesting mini games and HOS, but the game is far too short. ### 2/5 — Short and bonus glitchy *2015-11-18, version 1.0.0* The concept of the game was cool switching between characters but game was really short, not very many different scenes. also when I finished game and started the bonus, the main object to use a crystal that sees dark magic disappears after you use it first time and then you can no longer proceed. Not worth all the uninstall re-install BS. ### 3/5 — Pretty Bad *2015-11-18, version 1.0.0* This game was pretty bad, I thought maybe it was written for a five year old. Also, you would use items from your inventory that made no absolute sense. The only thing it had going for it was the graphics, they were nice and crisp. Come on BF, how about a decent game for your next one. ### 2/5 — Over and over *2015-11-18, version 1.0.0* Like ALLY555 said, u took away our option of try before buy. Even on kindle u can get a sample of any book before u buy it...Even worse, I saw a new game by big fish being released which said specifically try it free but u have for sale only. That, to me is deceptive advertising ... I bought this game to comment but seeing that game. Can't remember name but if u go to App Store, enter search for adventure games and select release date, about 5 or so lines down there it is its caLled Revived Legends Titans revenge.... Why offer a trial but then want $4.99 not even the 3.99 u guys are not concerned with customers much any more ### 4/5 — Split personality *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* Interesting premise, having two characters. Alternative match 3 to HOS is helpful. Scenes are intricately detailed. Map to navigate between scenes speeds play. ### 2/5 — Way too short *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* I usually don't write a review unless the game is extremely good, but in this case I must say I had to save fellow gamers a few bucks, this is the first time I have felt cheated buying a game, the game has glitches that I have never seen before on any of the games I usually buy on big fish and I was amazed at how incredibly short this game is, when I first saw the game on sale I was like wohooo great! But now I understand, if you are looking for a long entertaining game this is not it. ### 2/5 — Free trial🤔 *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* Big fish,where are your free trials? I liked it where you could play at least 30 min and then make your decision to buy or not. Now you have to buy the game before you know if it's good or bad😡 I already bought at least 3 games and deleted them because they are not as good. Please make your old System back in,first try then buy 😠 ### 3/5 — Get to the Heart of Things! *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* This little game by Domini Games could have been better! Dark Romance:Heart of the Beast is a replay of Beauty and the Beast, except that the witch curses all the people to become animals for the circus. You play as Beatrice, who is sent to free the Beast by breaking a giant purple Obelisk in the center of the circus tent. Just as you are about to smash it with a giant hammer - you are thrown in the dungeon. Luckily, you have a Magic Picture Frame,which allows the animals to communicate with you and show their human forms. In each scene, you find a Hidden Butterfly and a Portrait for your gallery. Puzzles are easy, and Hint, Skip, Map, and all work well. My complaints are in small glitches. In some scenes, the items to find are too close to other commands. This means you will be thrown out of the close-up each time you try to Tap something. The animation of the characters is somewhat primitive and clunky, and not up to the current standards for game software animation. However, I still liked the game at the sale price, and awarded it Three Stars. If it had no glitches, I would rate it higher. One bonus is that it does not seem too scary for squeamish players, which is great. Not a bad diversion for a rainy night! ### 4/5 — Good game... But *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* I was playing near the end of the game as Johnathan and when I tried to pick up the shovel in a HOS scene I was thrown out of the HOS and did not get the shovel so could not finish. The game is a bit touchy at times and when you back out of a scene it takes you to the wrong place. You get more accurate navigation using the hint button then you do using the map or the arrows. I really enjoyed the concept of the game and will start over to see if I can complete it. Have completed the game after second try. Still very touchy. ### 3/5 — Pretty Lame *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* I'm glad I got this game on sale. It's pretty short and pretty lame. I'm not all that good using my imagination to solve the puzzles and situations, but these either were stupidly simple or there seemed to be no connection to what was going on. It definitely is not nearly as clever as some of the HOG I've played. I was disappointed. ### 4/5 — Great game overall *2015-11-16, version 1.0.0* Good HOP's with an alternative. Graphics clear and fun. Some unique mini games. Navigation was a bit stiff at times - hard to move around. The map was great - like that it showed scenes where the butterfly was still to be found. Liked the hidden portraits. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Horrible, don’t waste your money even if price drops down😡 *2019-02-09, version 1.0.2* You’d think the makers would have fixed the numerous glitches by now, but no they didn’t bother to. I ran into all listed in the negative feedback ..it’s all about the money greed. I ALWAYS read the reviews this game got a lot of negative feedback I should have listened to them, shame on me..Never again will I ignore the reviews, these people played the game they know, take their reviews seriously theses games ain’t cheap spend your money on games with positive feedback..I had to shut out of this game five times as it kept freezing up on me. Extremely irritating. If WE the players allow these game makers-Big Fish, etc who are obviously ignoring the feedback -what is wrong with the game n what needs to be fixed ignoring our voices they will continue to make games with numerous glitches freezes up etc..which has been going on for forever n they continue to do it design games with numerous glitches n don’t bother to fix it..as long as they making our money they don’t care..Greed makes you deaf, dumb and blind. DON’T IGNORE THE FEEDBACK!! ### 1/5 — Disappointing *2015-11-24, version 1.0.2* I buy almost every BF game that comes out and enjoy most of them, even with their recent change in business model. However this one was embarrassing at best for BF. Glitchy even after the update. I think some how the touch sensitivity was not created properly because there were mini games that you almost couldn't play due to not being able to grab items, going backwards to previous locations was almost impossible in a surprising number of scenes. I was sad to see that BF changed their business model recently so that you can no longer try out new games before you buy them but I thought perhaps they transitioned because they felt they were offering a better and more robust product. As an avid BF game player I can say with confidence that this is not the case. I feel a bit taken advantage of after playing this game because had I been given the opportunity to try it out first, I would not have made the purchase. I am genuinely disappointed with BF and this game. That being said I'll certainly hold out hope that BF will turn things around, I think they have the ability to offer a great product. ### 1/5 — Don't bother *2015-11-21, version 1.0.0* This is a silly story. The transitions are slow. Lots of the hot spots delay in response time. Movement through the game is awkward and problematic. Not worth your time at any price. ### 1/5 — Dark Romance: Heart of the Beast by LynxMinx *2015-11-21, version 1.0.2* Before I review this disaster, I want to say a happy hello to Lil' Jo! The Dream Team has missed you, especially me! I really hope you are in good health and doing well! Also, I agree with you about this game! Thanx for the heads up; without Snooper and Nambr, I feel lost! Dracyy hasn't been staying on RAT PATROL and gives every single game 5 stars, and we need objectivity here! We did get some newbies on the team who are fabulous: Opinion, Kim Twilight, and Sunshine Susie! On to this game. I hated it! It was a nightmare! It was pure torture! Even after the update, which apparently didn't work! Domini dropped the ball. There were fabulous graphics, amazing cut-scenes, a good storyline, and you play as two different characters. Inventory was labeled and there were plus items. The game was decently lengthy and had a bonus adventure. You get to use a magical picture frame and a magical crystal. There was a labeled teleport map. HO scenes were varied and the puzzles/mini-games were of different degrees of difficulty and assorted types as well! Sounds great! Where's the problem? How about the horrific tap sensitivity issues, making it miserable to play? If not for match-3, I could not have completed some of the HO scenes due to inability to pick up objects! Also the crashing, although you could go back in where you left off. A journal would have been nice! There was problematic play in many of the mini-games; they were quite unresponsive and hard to manipulate. Also there was no instantaneous transition between locations! Also back-tapping was an issue. You might hit the hint button but it would back-tap to a prior location instead! The teleport map stopped responding as well in the bonus adventure. I could not wait to be finished with this game as it was so problematic, even AFTER the update! Don't even bother with this game; it was a total waste of time and money, and the sad thing was that it could have been a 5 star game. BigFish, stop allowing the developers to bring improperly tested games to market before they are thoroughly debugged and ready to play flawlessly! ### 1/5 — Ummm, no. *2015-11-19, version 1.0.0* This was just a miss all around (for me at least). The idea of having the two main characters each share part of the story while the other waits somewhere was clever but the story was just not crafted well, the games were incredibly boring and I played through to make sure I wasn't just being jumping to conclusions. Alas, no. I am sure I am story hell right now but it was just bad (nice idea but so lacking in craft). It reminds me of a group project from a middle school group (where they are still learning the art of story telling). ### 1/5 — Glitches Galore! *2015-11-17, version 1.0.0* Nothing but problems with this game. Unresponsive to taps in picking up objects, problems with puzzles - not responding to taps as well. Then to top it off - Crashes and then takes you back to a previous screen. Very poorly tested and have not been able to play it. Will be requesting refund! Map is even not right. KdBoots ### 2/5 — Beautiful but touch needs recalibration *2015-11-29, version 1.0.2* Graphics are beautiful, story a bit 'tired' but annoyance factor ran very high as the touch sensitivity is almost non existent in a high percentage of mini games. Had to skip far too many because the touch was non responsive. Ugh ### 2/5 — Stake in the heart: Not the best! *2015-11-20, version 1.0.2* I updated this review since I see that the game itself was updated due to many complaints of technical issues. To be fair, I took out all references to glitches and resubmitted my review since it had disappeared. The story is that you are Beatrice, and your father is sick and needs the Rose of Life to cure him. You need to find it in a Kingdom where an evil witch is guarding it to keep her young and healthy. Because Prince Jonathan refused to cut a deal with her, she turned him, as well as other people, into animals. Along your journey, you interact with and help animals using an enchanted mirror to view these animals in their true human form. The only refreshing, unique aspect was that you play two characters from their respective personas; and you switch between them using their own portraits. The graphics were colorful but also less crisp and somewhat cartoonish. The voiceovers were decent. There are several modes of difficulty, including an option to customize your settings. The inventory is labeled and can require assembly. The map is a transportable one, but I don't know if prior glitches were fixed. In custom settings, I was able to view any available actions and what locations I could collect a butterfly. But sometimes the map was showing that a butterfly was available, but I had already collected it. You can access your collectibles, achievements and journal through the map. The journal is not a traditional one and only shows you replay of cut-scenes and snippets of info on each character through their portraits. You flip between the film strips and ticket to move back and forth between cut-scenes and notes. The HOS are varied and interactive using word lists and progressive silhouette (find and use). One type is when you follow a lantern around the scene; and when it lights up, you feed an animal a treat; then a word list initiates. The puzzles were more like micro puzzles and were quite simple. An example was rotating disks to open a lock. Nothing innovative or challenging. You are collecting butterflies, magic objects and portraits in the locations; most are easy to spot. The extras are the usual but include something to do with butterflies and magic objects. The reasons that this game is receiving two stars is because of the following: 1. There was not a "back" button, which resulted in unwanted returns to prior locations. 2. The game needed a better journal where you can read the story as you go. 3. The game was very short, even with the bonus. 4. Make sure you collect all of the butterflies during the main game (I did not) because I did not see any in the bonus locations or any notations on the map during the bonus so I could not complete some butterfly game. I was not enthralled with this game, even with a twist of playing two characters. It was a boring twist on a kind of Beauty and the Beast story with little or no creativity. ### 2/5 — Glitchy & a heads up for Lynx Minx *2015-11-20, version 1.0.2* Still playing this game so will come back to review further later. But there are so many tapping glitches, it may take awhile to finish. Lynx Minx, so far I have run into one mouse, in a cave but it ran thru so fast that I took me several times of it flashing by for me to realize what it was. More later.... Update: I just couldn't bear to finish this game. I got extremely tired of having to tap, tap, tap and then tap some more just to finally get one item. And then there was the HOPs & mini games...BORING. My advice, don't waste your money. ~Jo 🐴 ### 2/5 — Heart of the Beast *2015-11-19, version 1.0.0* Many of the puzzles do not respond as they should. It was hard to move the weights to the scale in the Palace chapter as well as to move the mirrors on the next to last scene. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Best Game Ever *2023-05-02* This is my favorite game! I play a lot of these puzzle story games, but this is still top of the list. I’ve played it at least 5 times now. The challenges are fun and the story is entertaining. I highly recommend this game! ### 5/5 — Best Game Ever *2020-08-20, version 1.0.2* This is my favorite game! I play a lot of these puzzle story games, but this is still top of the list. The challenges are fun and the story is entertaining. I highly recommend this game! ### 5/5 — I Really Enjoyed It! 4.5⭐️ *2016-02-04, version 1.0.2* Not a lot of extras but I still enjoyed the storyline, graphics, HOS and mini-games. Once in a while had trouble picking things up but other than that no major issues. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2016-01-08, version 1.0.2* I enjoyed this game a lot. The graphics are spectacular. The game does lag going from scene to another but since it is so graphic intensive I did not mind it. This therefor in my opinion is one of the better games. I can see myself playing this game again. The mini games and find and seeks are challenging. ### 5/5 — Heart of the beast. *2015-11-16, version 1.0.0* I haven't finished it yet but enjoying the story, graphics are beautiful and all is working the way it is suppose to. BF is choosing wisely. Well done ### 5/5 — Loved it! *2015-11-16, version 1.0.0* Just a short and sweet review. This game has been a blast! Get it, you will not regret it! ### 5/5 — Heart of the Beast I ❤️ you! *2015-11-16, version 1.0.0* This took a bit of time to download but it's worth it! Your father sends you to a faraway land to get a rose to heal him. Kind of a riff off beauty and the beast, but with twists. You find all the townspeople turned into animals. You are helped by a magic picture frame that allows you to see the people as they really are and talk to them. Good marked map, interactive HO, can change difficulty during gameplay. Collect butterflies and portraits. Worth playing. ### 4/5 — Touch sensitivity *2019-11-11, version 1.0.2* There is issue with with clicking mechanisms, sometimes you get right items for the puzzle but it doesn’t confirm it. ### 4/5 — Great game, but glitchy *2016-01-20, version 1.0.0* I really enjoyed the game itself, but changing scene were really long and glitchy just about drove me nuts.. ### 4/5 — Heart of a Beast *2015-11-25, version 1.0.2* I enjoyed this game. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*