# Shadowplay: Whispers of Past — user reviews > 34 indexed App Store user reviews of Shadowplay by Big Fish Premium, LLC, rated 4.50/5 from 650 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowplay-whispers-of-past/id1306039416/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowplay-whispers-of-past/id1306039416.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 442 · 4★ 130 · 3★ 45 · 2★ 18 · 1★ 15 ## What do users think of Shadowplay? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 👍 Engaging storyline with creative narrative presentation - 🎨 Beautiful graphics and visually appealing environments - 🧩 Varied and imaginative puzzle designs - 🗺️ Helpful teleport map for quick navigation - ⚙️ Smooth gameplay with good quality assurance - 🎮 Complex item assembly and customizable settings - 🔊 Quality character voice overs - 📦 Bonus chapter with substantial content **Cons** - 📱 Text too small for seniors on small screens - 🎯 Difficult object selection and placement mechanics - 📖 Excessive unskippable dialogue - 🔄 Repetitive hidden object scenes and mini-games - 😴 Boring or mediocre storyline - ⏱️ Short game length - 🎨 Graphics could be crisper and sharper - 🌫️ Lag time between scenes - 🛑 No skip option for mini-games - 📚 Missing in-game guide access for older purchases **Commonly reported bugs** - Hint button points to unreachable areas - Items not available despite walkthrough indication - Strawberry difficult to select in machine mini-game - Back button covers strawberry object - Item usage failures (ice pick on gryphon) - Strange clicking noise during object pickup - Game becomes unplayable after purchase - Glitchy object interaction mechanics - Maze selection issues **Most requested features** - Skip button for dialogue and unskippable sequences - Skip option for difficult mini-games - Larger text size option for accessibility - Restore in-game guide access for all purchases - Improved graphics quality and crispness - More innovative and fresh gameplay mechanics - Reduce lag time between scenes - Alternative game modes to standard hidden object scenes ## Newest reviews (14 of 34) ### 3/5 — Not for seniors on small screens like an iPhone. *2025-03-28, version 1.0.0* This game is not well suited for seniors playing on an iPhone. Print is too small for old eyes. I had to leave this game unfinished because of a hidden objects mini game requiring the dragging of outlined figures over their matching figures. My hands were just not steady enough. I struggled with this for over an hour before giving up. There was no way provided to skip the game. It's a shame. So, if you are a senior, playing on a smart phone, I do not recommend this game. If you are young, with good eyesight and steady hands, go for it. ### 3/5 — Add skip *2020-03-22, version 1.0.0* Toooo much dialogue that cant be skipped ### 4/5 — Good game but a couple of things need fixing *2019-06-07, version 1.0.0* In the machine, the strawberry is hard to select as the back button covers almost all of it. Also in the maze. ### 3/5 — What happened to MadHead?? *2019-01-21, version 1.0.0* Boring storyline, with no cohesiveness. Graphics are substandard, game is short. Nothing innovative. Puzzles are easy to mid-easy. Only gave 3 stars because no glitches. ### 4/5 — よかったです！ *2018-05-22, version 1.0.0* グラフィックも綺麗だし、そこそこストーリーもあって楽しめました。次作も期待しています。 ### 3/5 — 🙁 *2018-04-10, version 1.0.0* Was quite disappointed with this this one not nearly as scary as the others. Found the whole artifact planet theme boring. ### 2/5 — Rubbish game *2018-03-24, version 1.0.0* Why is it that with some games the developers fail in their coding. By this I mean trying to use items to fulfil another part of the game. I tried ten times to get the ice pick to remove the gryphon, and that was just one item that failed miserably. Bad enough paying £3.99 but at the full price then don’t bother. Seems nowadays a case of sell rather than sort out dreadful glitches or should one say coding. ### 4/5 — Shadowplay: Whispers of the Past by LynxMinx *2018-03-20, version 1.0.0* No more extension cord! New tablet, and this was the first game I played on it. Boy, Mad Head, putting an in-game teleport map will amp up your reviews. I loved this game. The storyline was easy to follow, albeit a bit banal, but at this stage in this genre, we can expect that to occur. The graphics could have been sharpened up a bit, but overall they were decent and did not all look identical in every location. This was an archaeological horror adventure, one of my favorite type of games. You could customize settings, there was the teleport map to transport you instantly between locations, and there were complex items to assemble. At each location you must collect some archaic symbol. There were a plethora of tasks to accomplish at each location, and you experienced different perspectives and zoom zones from this creative developer. You’re given a device to dispel the evil shadows and it had its own mini-game associated with it. The HO scenes had a decent variety, and some were unusual. Morphing objects were confined to those scenes. There were many puzzles/games to experience. Some were a tad simplistic and others required more thought, but there were codes to crack, games of dexterity, and others of logic; in short there was a puzzle for every gamer. The game ran very smoothly and the quality assurance was excellent. This game was lengthy including the bonus adventure. My true rating is 4.5 stars, and I am only deducting half a star for the trite storyline and the quality of the graphics. This game flowed well and was extremely enjoyable! Happy gaming everyone! Next up is ERS, so it’s doubtful that I will even bother with it unless the reviews are terrific, and if KimTwilight doesn’t like it, neither will I. I am tired of wasting money on awful glitchy games, and if we don’t want those, we shouldn’t buy them. We need to send a message to BigFish that we won’t tolerate games with poor quality assurance. ### 2/5 — Not the best Big Fish Game *2018-03-20, version 1.0.0* The green goblins or whatever they were made this game so bad. ### 3/5 — Ok nothing special *2018-03-19, version 1.0.0* Not the most engaging story line, quite short too. I found some the object placement temperamental, trying to pick up objects or place objects could be annoying. Not worth the £3.99 I paid, played much better games for the same price or less, certainly not worth the full price of £6.99 ### 4/5 — S - Murmures Du Passé *2018-03-18, version 1.0.0* Bonne jouabilité. Histoire sympa. ### 3/5 — Average *2018-03-18, version 1.0.0* Ok, but a bit short. Not a very engaging story for me. Some good puzzles, though. ### 2/5 — Too repetitive *2018-03-17, version 1.0.0* Just too many bog standard HOPs and the same circles to defeat the energy ball games for this to hold interest. No alternative game to the hops and a lot of little movie scenes which just disrupts a game already on the frustrating side due to lack of variety in the challenges ### 4/5 — Guess What Fans? It's A MadHead Game! *2018-03-17, version 1.0.0* And, it's a good one! Shadowplay is back with a riveting sequel that combines stellar artwork, a creatively revealed storyline, and spectacular gameplay, within a first-rate production that demonstrates how these developers are in a class of their own. The storytelling, although the theme is rehashed, is presented in true Madhead fashion — a fast-paced, action-packed adventure full of heart-pounding twists and turns. Right from the get go, you have to break out of a museum, fend off a monstrous skeletal dinosaur, and escape from ravaging fires engulfing a theater. This developer always creates compelling characters whose personalities seem natural but unrefined; for example, the hippie with disheveled long hair, painting on the bench next to the theater, talking as if his mind is still tripping from the 1960's "free love" movement. The dialogue is sometimes conveyed within split panels, a hallmark of this developer. The quality of the graphics is average; the details could be sharpened up a bit. You can customize your settings. The inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. In custom mode, the teleport map — thankfully located on the main screen — facilitates brisk travel to labeled locations and indicates available actions. Transition between scenes is smooth and quick. Just as I've been wondering if developers have met a brick wall in concocting fresh ideas for the gameplay, this developer steps up to the plate and exceeds my expectations by showcasing highly imaginative and revolutionary concepts that take my breath away. In my opinion, the HOSs are concrete examples of their visionary insight; the clever interactions arouse my curiosity as to what surprises I might discover next. I like the one in the museum in which you move the interactive display from side to side while finding silhouette shapes on the walls. The puzzles are well executed, and they intelligently suit the objectives in progress. Several are somewhat challenging, as I needed to work them out. I do not like the gimmicky puzzle that repeats, but I don't want to go into detail. The collectibles are well hidden within the environment. Now, I move to the other end of the spectrum — the not-so-good: When picking up objects sometimes, a strange clicking noise resonates, indicating a technical programming glitch. As usual, some of the key components are accessible from under the Menu — such as the Objectives — and this might be a distraction for some of you. The adventure portion of gameplay is not difficult. The trial's playtime is short, and the amount of tasks to perform in some scenes is minimal. For these reasons, I've deducted a full star. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives, and hence the 4-star rating. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — No more in game guide *2024-09-23, version 1.0.0* I’ve noticed for some time now that games from a few years ago no longer have access to the in game guide. The guide is supposed to be a part of the game purchase. Sometimes I can find a walkthrough from Big Fish or another site, but they don’t include the locations of collectibles or cheats for the bonus chapter. Shame on you Big Fish. Buy it once and play forever should include the in game guide. The button is still there. Take if off if you’re not gonna honor a purchase going forward. ### 1/5 — Not worth the money. *2019-04-15, version 1.0.0* Worst game I have ever played. Too bad I can’t get a refund. ### 1/5 — Glitchy *2018-05-08, version 1.0.0* Can only get so far before ‘hint’ button indicates towards an area that isn't reachable. Checked out a walkthrough & items, supposed to be available, aren’t. Very frustrating. Not worth the money paid. Sort it out pls ### 1/5 — This is no good *2018-04-21, version 1.0.0* Worst game I’ve ever tried to play. I regretted paying for it almost as soon as I did. Makes no sense most of the time. Worst $6.99 I have ever paid for a Big Fish game. ### 1/5 — Should have trusted my instincts *2018-03-18, version 1.0.0* I wasn’t impressed with the free trial but against my better judgement I purchased the game anyway hoping it would get better. The storyline is boring. Couldn’t care less about any of the characters, gameplay is clunky at best, HO’s are annoying, glitches are everywhere, no map, I deleted almost immediately after purchase. What a total waste of time and money. Very disappointed. ### 1/5 — Annoying *2018-03-17, version 1.0.0* Stop interrupting game play to beg for reviews! ### 1/5 — Bin enttäuscht *2018-03-16, version 1.0.0* Schade, nach dem Kauf! Funktioniert das Spiel nicht mehr, kann keine Aktionen mehr durchführen, hoffe das es schnell behoben wird. Hätte auch gerne eine Rückmeldung. ### 1/5 — It’s a Mad HeadHead game fans! *2018-03-16, version 1.0.0* All MH fans should be peeing in their pants, after all it’s a MadHead Game. Difficulty....chase light beams then make decision to buy. ### 1/5 — Murmure *2018-03-15, version 1.0.0* Pas terrible les jeux big Fish en ce moment. ### 2/5 — KEEPITDARK *2018-04-10, version 1.0.0* SHADOWPLAY: Remain in the Shadows. While I love and appreciate crisp, brilliant realistic graphics, some are truly beautiful and stunning, and the mystery storyline based in a museum.....it's not enough to cover up the mediocrity underneath: •BBB: BEYOND BASIC BORING. Overly Simplistic HO/Puzzles/Mini-Games. I can't help but compare it to a previous EIPIX Game: Hidden Expedition Smithsonian Game, that rocked a game mixing Natural History and Mystery....resulting in a fabulous game that was exciting and educational. Where in this game there's several blatant disconnects. 🤔 You have to hunt for any real creativity in terms of "game play" and there's zero evidence of any of the real work you'd expect from EIPIX. •While I love all things Paranormal, The use of that lame handheld object to dispel evil blobs is boring and distracting. It's worn, dated and BORING! How about something....ANYTHING new and exciting? 👥There's SO much in that field thats new-can be implemented-as it's always in flux and can be consistently updated! •The lag time in between the "scenes" is redundant and frustrating. •There's nothing new, interesting or gives the impression of excitement to look forward to. 🙈The DRAWER OF ARTIFACTS MINI GAME: Also boring, way too simple and then time consuming- without any challenge, complexity or fun. FAUX CHESS BOARD GAME: Pass. PLEASE step it up EIPIX! Miss LC in S.F. 🙋🏼🌉 ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Big fish *2021-02-11, version 1.0.0* I love it ### 5/5 — Excellent *2020-07-28, version 1.0.0* Excellent ### 5/5 — 大好き *2019-08-12, version 1.0.0* MadHeadさんのげーむは操作性が良く、全てが凝っていて楽しめます。おまけのゲームもじっくり楽しめて価値があります。 ### 5/5 — Classic *2018-03-25, version 1.0.0* One of the best Big Fish games out there. ### 5/5 — Whispers one of the best *2018-03-23, version 1.0.0* I plat these games constantly when I want to be distracted; take a break from my busy life. Many are a bit too complicated (counter intuitive puzzles, etc) but this one has a linear thread through the story that I like. Good fun. Great puzzles. ### 5/5 — Love It *2018-03-18, version 1.0.0* Right entertaining. ### 5/5 — Whispers *2018-03-17, version 1.0.0* Was enjoying this, bought it and on an ho game, impossible to pick up strawberry, disappointed, sorted the strawberry, went on to play the game and loved it. Just started the bonus game, hoping it's just as good and it was ### 5/5 — Suspenseful & Great *2018-03-15, version 1.0.0* Love ❤️ this developer and their creativity. Storyline is suspenseful, tasks are thought provoking, hidden object scenes with unique puzzles. Yes, there is a collectible to find in the scenes. Have not run into morphing objects. Character voice overs, along with the graphics are outstanding. Crisp & Clear and no lag time between scenes. Thoroughly enjoying this installment! Highly recommend buying this game. Hard to put down ( in fact coffee keeps getting cold). Play the trial and I hope everyone is as intrigued and engrossed as I am. Happy 😊 Gaming Everyone!!! Thank You Big Fish & a Thumbs Up to the developers. KdBoots🤠😋 ### 4/5 — Solid game with interesting scenes to investigate. *2019-09-13, version 1.0.0* Love Eipix games but wish the graphics were crisper. Love the graphics in general tho. ### 4/5 — Mir hat‘s gefallen *2019-06-11, version 1.0.0* Gutes, spannendes Spiel, das man flott durchspielen konnte. Gute Grafik und Aktionen. Sehr abwechslungsreiche Minigames und WBS. Sammelobjekte vorhanden. Einzig genervt hat, dass man ständig i-welche Sachen wegklicken musste, um an den gewünschten Gegenstand zu kommen. Dafür den Stern Abzug. --- *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 2026-06-11.*