The demo of this game will not go far in pulling people in to buy. It is short, sample only not 60 min trial and because it is short it does not give enough indication of what an amazing game it is. Also - no collectibles, achievements, wide screen or map. The aspect ratio in the options has no effect. I really did not think this very smart of Ornean. It will limit their sales. They should know by now what CE lovers demand for twice the price of a SE. I myself am not one of those. For me it is graphics, story, navigation, fun, entertainment and surprising and interesting features and last but not least, length. The three main draws of this game are the graphics, which are outstanding, the perfect navigation and that nifty little feature of changing the lighting in the rooms to completely transform the decors to those of the distant past. I have only ever seen this in one other game. It is very well done and really cool. They even included the Trojan Horse. Collectibles and achievements I can do without, but the lack of any kind of map dismayed me. I need not have worried. The game is compact in that there are no gratuitous locations. All are connected with tasks, puzzles and iHOS and because the hint button brings up a picture of the room or location you need to go to, all that is required is just to familiarize oneself with where each is located. Then it's a snap. Because of the perfect navigation you are there in a jiffy. The game is not linear either. It took me a while to warm to the game but once I got really into it I became totally absorbed. The puzzles are medium to hard and beautifully done, although I did have a cursor that went into float mode in a few. Cannot explain that but in the Tech Thread no-one else has mentioned that so maybe just my computer. I had to skip those or they would have taken me hours. Like ERS, Ornean know just how many iHOS are not enough and too many, so I was not bombarded with them at every turn. There are 3 varieties - list, replace, and what I can only des

Played 34 minutes of the demo and had to have this game. It offers three options of play level - I am playing in hardcore. In the same fashion as previous games you have the ability to change a scene this time from light to dark via a fireplace, each scene having mysteries of its own and different pieces that will help you in other scenes. The graphics are good, the music adventure appropriate. So far I've played a couple of HOS - both find the object and place the object and a couple of mini games which I enjoyed because they were a little different than the norm. For me this is a keeper!

Your evil, inventor grandfather has left you his estate when his ghost escapes from the crypt in the basement and will permanently return when the upcoming eclipse occurs. You have to fix an energy gathering lamp to capture him and save the world! -3 Modes (I played the demo in advanced...2nd of 3 modes) -No map (not needed...at least, not yet) -Diary with pictures and you can zoom in to read letters & other things you may find. -Strategy guide was helpful when I got stuck on a chess game -Hints are helpful, even outside HO scenes (it will show you a "vision" of where you need to go with area highlighted) -No click penalty in HO scenes. -Lots of puzzles and they are nice, challenging variations. Not the typical, but not too frustrating either....very enjoyable. -I am NOT a big HO scene fan but I found myself looking forward to them (there were 3 in the demo). .... ---1st was a scene where you needed to replace items into the scene (rather than find them) ---2nd was a scene were you needed to replace a few items and then a list would come up to find other items and when scene was complete, a little "scene" played out to give you the item you needed (very original!). ---3rd was a straight, list HO scene, but not cluttered nor tiny items to find. Even though it's the typical, evil ghost...save the world kind of game, there is alot of originality and I am certain to buy this game!!

It isn't often that I rate a game as highly as this one. The scenes are sharp and clear, and the music is unobtrusive. What really makes this game stand out for me are the varied hidden object scenes. I'm not too far into the game, only 30 minutes, but one particular HOS assured me that this is a great buy. Bravo developers, for a truly interesting and innovative game!

Played 40 minutes, regular - 3 modes, regular, advanced, hardcore - Integrated SG which only shows one chapter in the sample - Voice overs - Note book - No map - H0, 2 sorts, you put items back or play regular H0 - Very good mini games, quite inventive for some, not over difficult - Hint very useful outside H0 - Gorgeous graphics You arrive to investigate in a house where it seems evil tries to reign. As in all Secrets of the Dark, by clicking on a certain place, you move from past to present. Very interesting story, beautiful game, this is an instant buy for me (crush) , thanks devs....

This game is fun from the get go. You start out by releasing an evil spirit and off you go into a storyline that takes place in the present time and you go into the past (depending of what is needed at the time by pressing certain items) and to all different types of places. The mini-games are a lot of fun and very different from the usual. You not only put things back where they belong, you solve a mini-puzzle inside the mini-puzzle. The standard hidden object games are not too hard but will takes some work. It is well drawn and sound is good (I played with it off.) I don't think I will buy the CE but will certainly purchase the SE version of this game. The hint button is very helpful. I found this game to be different from the norm and loads of fun. I look forward to when it comes out in SE. Enjoy!

Absolutely great game, I loved playing different types of HOS The good: Story is very good, if you have played other games form the series Secrets of the dark you?ll now that it?s always about destroying evil and the dark Graphics are awesome, beautiful cutscenes, clear images Music is also quite nice Hint is recharging quickly and it?s usable during the gameplay not only in HOS Strategy guide HOS are fantastic, two types of them, classic with listed objects and those with misplaced objects ( my favorite) Puzzles are challenging, for some you have to think a little bit, pure entertainment The bad: No map

BASED ON COMPLETED GAME IN ADVANCED (2nd of 3 modes), No sparkles, Some black bar hints. This is a great game that maintains quality and fun factor throughout. The graphics and artwork are stunningly beautiful and unique. Nothing is run of the mill. The HOS design is far above what other games offer. The same care has been taken with the mini-games. They are fresh, original, and well executed. Bonus play is not long but it does include new HOS and mini-games not found in main game. My only criticism is that a jump map would have saved a lot of back and forth. GAME CONSTRUCT -------------------------- STORYLINE: With Greece as the backdrop we save the world and a kidnapped friend from escaped evil. Bonus chapter fits in seamlessly by freeing the lost souls. TOOLS: Journal? Yes, reference only. Allows replay of cut scenes. Map? Oddly No. The result was a lot of traipsing back and forth. It's a good thing the scenery was beautiful. Plucky side-kick to help and crack-wise? No. Fine by me! :) BELLS & WHISTLES: No collectibles, no morphing objects, and no achievements. This fun factor and craftsmanship easily allows this games to stand on its own without these extras. I do love that all games can be replayed after game completion. There are some whimsical touches to be found by clicking in the right places..... GRAPHICS & ARTWORK: Nothing is gloomy, dreary, or retreaded from other games. The graphics are some of the best I've seen-crisp, detailed, nothing dark or fuzzy. There is a lot of variety in scenes from the bottom of the Ocean to a lab via tram, on to a mountain top via a Pegasus. The characters, creatures, and mechanical gizmos are well done keeping game play fresh, interesting, and fun. HOS: Two types - find by list or replace objects in a scene - both very fun with unusual objects. Normally I endure HOS to get to the mini-games, but every one of these HOS were so beautiful and unique that it was a blast to figure them out. MINI-GAMES: These

Ok, that's it ! I've played half of the demo, and I am buying this game. I'm just taking enough time to send in a review to let you know that this game is a real winner. The only slightly irritating thing is the background music -- even though it is completely appropriate to the theme of the game. I personally do not enjoy it droning on. Mix it up a bit for added ambiance. Puzzles are just challenging enough to keep your interest. There are also some interesting differences from the same old formula. Enough said. Check out the other reviews for more details. I gotta get playing.

Inovative was a description from another reviewer. It was on target because this game has come up with a blend of puzzles and changing areas, magic and even a mix of hidden object scenes! There is a choice of three modes of play This is a buy for me today!