Grim Facade: The Black Cube Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

80 of 98 found this review helpful

its getting grimmer !!!!

PostedOctober 6, 2018

heartblob

fromsouth australia

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

excellent game, graphics are excellent , music is lovely , so much to do , look for morphing roses, and more, hos are very good and interactive , a very enjoyable game as with all the Grim Façade.... look out for the baddies, they are ruthless .

I recommend this game!

+62points

80of 98voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes80No18

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

61 of 78 found this review helpful

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE BLACK CUBE AND WHY DOES IT CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE?

PostedOctober 6, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromI am very busy trying to restore the Black Cube and save us all

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Grim Façade is another of those series that seems to never end and honestly, I was quite prepared to not even play the demo of the game let alone purchase it. However in another surprise for me, AMAX has created a Grim Façade that I actually like and have enjoyed playing. Perhaps it is because some recent games from developers have made it difficult to find one or more hidden items before we can ...Show more

Grim Façade is another of those series that seems to never end and honestly, I was quite prepared to not even play the demo of the game let alone purchase it. However in another surprise for me, AMAX has created a Grim Façade that I actually like and have enjoyed playing. Perhaps it is because some recent games from developers have made it difficult to find one or more hidden items before we can make initial progress in a game. I really like the fact that in the Black Cube I didn’t need to scratch my head to figure out where to begin and since it was evident that we needed to figure it out quickly; I found it easy to at least begin the game.

I’ve stopped writing reviews where I will give away the storyline and itemize every little detail as I believe that gamers are very smart and truly want to figure it out for themselves. After all, IMHO, discovery is half the fun of playing a game. If you want more information before you try the game there are a few reviewers here who write very comprehensive detailed reviews to provide that information for you.

Although the storyline might seem confusing, I found it to be interesting and it kept me playing the game. I loved the graphics because AMAX creates such realistic characters in its games.

I enjoyed the HOPS that I found to be well designed even though some items might have been difficult to find. The puzzles were terrific and although they were not difficult they were entertaining and fit well with the gameplay. I often become weary of a game when there are far too many puzzles that make it seem like we are never moving forward. Not so with the Black Cube, because I enjoyed the puzzles that included some I haven’t seen in a while and others that are my favorite types in a game.

The CE content is what we generally expect to find but I appreciate being able to replay the HOPS and Puzzles. I wish all developers would provide that option since if I happen to skip one while playing, I have the option to replay it in the extras.

All in all, Grim Façade the Black Cube is a good game and one that I found entertaining. Not everyone will agree but at least for me it is one of the better games I have played this year. Although this game is one that I love I always recommend that you try the demo to see if it is one you will enjoy also. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+44points

61of 78voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes61No17

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

83 of 126 found this review helpful

BEWARE A “PLAGUE” OF BEHIND-THE-SCENES ANIMAL SERENADES

PostedOctober 6, 2018

sunnyglow

fromHopefully, in the future, AMAX will take those howling and screeching behind-the-scene animal actors and put them out to pasture.

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

REVIEW BASED ON THE ENTIRE GAME:
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter - Strategy Guide: 44 Pages

OVERVIEW: Detective! You are off to a small village during the Carnival of the Black Cube. The Black Cube seemingly protects the village from an ancient evil. You have been contacted by David Campari, a collector of amulets and artifacts. Now that he has purchased the Black Cube, he feels he and his ...Show more

REVIEW BASED ON THE ENTIRE GAME:
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter - Strategy Guide: 44 Pages

OVERVIEW: Detective! You are off to a small village during the Carnival of the Black Cube. The Black Cube seemingly protects the village from an ancient evil. You have been contacted by David Campari, a collector of amulets and artifacts. Now that he has purchased the Black Cube, he feels he and his wife, Allegra, are in danger. His greatest fear is realized when masked thieves attempt to steal it but are thwarted. Unfortunately, during the skirmish, the seal is broken on the cube and an evil entity, the Chosen One, escapes possessing the body of Allegra. Now a group of villagers, the Children of the Dawn want to burn her in a sacrificial offering and place her ashes within this cube to placate Plague, a destructive monster who brings sickness in his wake. A deal has been made; this evil entity wants her soul before dawn! Can you save Allegra and stop the sacrifice?

OPINION: This is a decent, but not outstanding game. It should appeal to those who like this series. I have mixed feelings about this game. I found the storyline confusing and the story seems to change throughout the game. For me, it was difficult assessing who all the evildoers are in this game. I am still trying to ascertain who the “Master” is. To me, it is a mismatched hodgepodge of ever-changing storylines stitched together with a host of evildoers. Nevertheless, the graphics are beautiful as usual. I do like the activities within this game. There are some creatively designed HOP scenes and puzzles. I do wish, however, that AMAX would get rid of the howling wolves, barking dogs, and screeching cats. I found the animal sounds distracting and annoying. The background noises spoiled the game for me.

MECHANICS: There are the usual four (4) levels of play including a customized version. Collect twelve (12) amulets. You will be given history concerning these amulets within the “room” in which they are kept. Collect coins to purchase items used in the game. There are eighteen (18) morphing objects (roses) to collect. You can replay thirteen (13) puzzles and sixteen (16) HOP scenes. There are eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video cutscenes.

BONUS CHAPTER: It is s sequel. A peddler from the main game has contacted you. He sold amulets promising riches and success to those who purchased them. However, shortly after possessing them, those who purchased them became wooden statues. David Campari designed them; however, the power source for the amulets is for you to discover. It is a long chapter, well-worth the extra money for the collector’s edition. There are eleven (11) puzzles and seven (7) HOP scenes. There are no collectibles within this chapter.

HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes within the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes within the bonus chapter in which the player searches for a small number of items. There are the usual lists of items, silhouette items, and storybook scenes with items to be found listed in highlighted letters. There is a replacement scene in which the player must place items in the proper location. There is also a “find the differences” scene in the bonus chapter. There are a few multiple-step ones in which the scenes change from one form of HOP genre to another.

FAVORITE HOP SCENE: There is one HOP scene which I found very creative. It is a scene with a large rock with symbols upon it. You must remove the symbols with a pickaxe. You are given symbols at the bottom of the screen and must choose the two symbols on this rock, which, when combined, produce the given symbol.

PUZZLES: There are thirty-three (33) puzzles within this game. The puzzles are excellent! For me, this was the best part of the game. There is a wide variety of puzzles which vary in difficulty as well. There are three puzzles in which you can choose between playing them in a “casual” or “hard” mode.

SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:

A. Sequence puzzle. On a skull with letters written upon the top of it, light up only the letters than spell “PAIN.” Lighting up one letter lights up others as well.
B. Alignment puzzle. On a rock with an image etched into it, move and rotate four projections (shadows) so that the projections match up with the image on the rock. Use arrows to rotate the projections as well as sliders to move them. There are also “plus” and “minus” buttons to increase and decrease their size.
C. Map/Sequence puzzle. Plot a path to move your horse through town to an excavation site by placing six (6) markers in proper sequence. Then, press Start. If chosen in the proper sequence, the horse will arrive at the designated location. Do not land on obstacles or you start over.
D. Assembly puzzle. Slide four cutters on a lathe to cut six (6) boards as per given instructions.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a bridge! Now take those boards and place them into proper position so they interlink to create a bridge.
F. BONUS CHAPTER: Switch puzzle. Switch halves of a series of lock tumblers so they mesh together. Press on “check” to see if they align correctly.
G. BONUS CHAPTER: Assembly puzzle. Rotate sections of a path in a grid to create a path for a key to move from the top to a keyhole at the bottom. Show less

I recommend this game!

+40points

83of 126voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes83No43

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

Not bad at all

PostedSeptember 8, 2019

shelterhill

fromThe Netherlands

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

I never got around to play this one merely because of the bad reviews but it is not such a bad game.
Okay, not spectacular but a really great way to get through a rainy afternoon.
The bonus chapter was even better than the main game, which doesn't happen often.
Some of the minigames were refreshing and new, not many HOS but the ones that were there were really nice.
I enjoyed playing this ...Show more

I never got around to play this one merely because of the bad reviews but it is not such a bad game.
Okay, not spectacular but a really great way to get through a rainy afternoon.
The bonus chapter was even better than the main game, which doesn't happen often.
Some of the minigames were refreshing and new, not many HOS but the ones that were there were really nice.
I enjoyed playing this one! Show less

I recommend this game!

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes0No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

89 of 110 found this review helpful

YOU SHOULD'VE LISTENED TO YOUR WIFE BECAUSE #1 SHE'S ALWAYS RIGHT, #2 IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE RIGHT, REFER BACK TO #1

PostedOctober 6, 2018

pennmom36

fromAn 1800 year old protective ring was recently found in Croatia, used to ward off The Evil Eye, a look of envy or hate that causes bad luck or even death. The Evil-Eye superstition dates back to 3000BC to the ancient Sumerians!

Top Reviewer
This "Top Reviewer" is one of our most frequent game reviewers. We think you'll trust what they have to say and find their reviews helpful and informative.
Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Return to Mysterious Island 2: Mina's Fate

(22)

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

David and Zyrtec (or is it Allegra?) Campari are collectors of Protective Amulets and Artifacts. David was elated to finally add The Black Cube to his museum's collection, but his interpretation of the Cube's powers was vastly different than that of Allegra's. Blinded by a burning desire to possess the elusive Black Cube, David chose to believe that the Cube was nothing more than a benevolent ...Show more

David and Zyrtec (or is it Allegra?) Campari are collectors of Protective Amulets and Artifacts. David was elated to finally add The Black Cube to his museum's collection, but his interpretation of the Cube's powers was vastly different than that of Allegra's. Blinded by a burning desire to possess the elusive Black Cube, David chose to believe that the Cube was nothing more than a benevolent amulet. The Campari's are now in grave danger from those sworn to protect the Cube, and even graver danger from the Cube itself...should've listened to Clariton, turns out she was right! Can the good Detective save Flonase from the evil within the Cube, or will evil prevail?

The good news is that there aren't any Gadget's or Helpers and the hand-drawn graphics are nicely done (although I prefer CG) The bad news is that there are a ton of Symbols and symbol related puzzles, Cloaked secret society members with Masks, Black mists, Evil Spirits, Characters that look the same as every other Amax character, basically a plot that offers nothing new (and a confusing one at that, tell me again who the bad guys are?) and most of all that same ominous sound of a single dog howling in the dark of night, hmf :(

The Hidden Object Scenes are decent but the objects tend to be a bit on the small side which is the only reason they are remotely challenging. One HO scene requires finding items that match circular swatches and I found that some of the colors were nowhere close to the samples being shown, and I have an amazing graphics card! I did enjoy a Matching Protective Charms Pair scene, as you selected a Charm that matched the Silhouetted Shape you could read a short description of the charm's "powers" There are also several Interactive List finds available throughout the game, but no alternative puzzle offered.

I actually enjoyed some of the puzzles and Mini-Games and I will admit that Amax does a nice job of offering a variety of puzzles and a nice ratio of puzzles to hidden object scenes. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo which I believe sets the stage so to speak of what can be expected:

1-Swap fan sections to complete the image.
2-Select all matching symbols on the cube to remove them.
-Hard Mode: select spaces to reveal hidden symbols.
3-Follow the vines and select the end of each one being held.
4-Remove all symbols by tracing lines without crossing twice.
5-Use directional arrows to place tokens based on the clue.
6-Swap identical shaped puzzle pieces to restore the image.
7-Avoid obstacles by choosing numbered directional signs to move the horse.
8-Turn over 2 cards that match each card shown.
9-Select the cloud with the evil spirit after the shuffle x3.
10-Select Symbols in the order shown on the clue.
11-Repeat the sequence of statue heads that light up.
12-Find matching pairs or roses when they opened.
13-Swap tokens to their correct spots based on adjacent images.

This Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 18 replayable Movie Cutscenes, 12 Achievements to earn, 16 re-playable Mini-Games, 13 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Collectible Protective Amulets (with descriptions & origins) 18 Morphing Roses, 4 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter (sequel) and a built-in Strategy Guide.

GRIM FACADE SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Mystery of Venice (June 23-2011) 4.2
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-2012) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-2013) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-2014) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-2014) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-2015) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-2016) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-2016) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-2017) 3.2
10-The Message (December 28-2017) 3.4
11-Broken Sacrament (April 12-2018) 3.8
12-The Black Cube (October 6-2018) n/a

by: Amax Interactive Show less

+68points

89of 110voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes89No21

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

35 of 46 found this review helpful

Great graphics but too many cut scenes

PostedOctober 6, 2018

Lime_Cordial

fromCanada

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

This will appeal to gamers who love cut scenes. I was bothered by the constant long dialogue and cut scenes so not for me. Great graphics though and voices.

I don't recommend this game.

+24points

35of 46voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes35No11

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

10 of 13 found this review helpful

SHORT AND FORGETTABLE

PostedOctober 13, 2018

cathybobcat

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

The best part of this is the graphics which are always atmospheric and inviting in this series. That is as far as it goes and not a game I will want to play again. It was also too short and repeated scenes too frequently.

I have all of these, some CE and others SE, and think this one is the most lacking of all. The story was confusing, particularly the end. Huh???

You can replay 16 HOS and ...Show more

The best part of this is the graphics which are always atmospheric and inviting in this series. That is as far as it goes and not a game I will want to play again. It was also too short and repeated scenes too frequently.

I have all of these, some CE and others SE, and think this one is the most lacking of all. The story was confusing, particularly the end. Huh???

You can replay 16 HOS and 13 Puzzles. There are many more puzzles in this than that, so you get to replay what they give you. As usual there are always more puzzles than HOS which I would like it to be the other way around.....wishful thinking.

The collectibles are not outstanding....only 12 amulets and 18 morphs, which there are indicators for. Although the Extras section is attractive, there is nothing of interest that I found. There are 12 Achievements which is a very pretty wreath....18 movie scenes....8 wallpapers...12 concept art...4 music tracks....and a not so attractive room where your collectible amulets go that contain info...and where David looks like he is hung over.

The Bonus Chapter is what did me in with repeated scenes from the main game...only one or two new ones. It is utterly loaded with puzzles, and only a few hos which only one was done well to me. If you chore through these annoying puzzles it only makes the game seem longer than it actually is, which I think is the reason for incorporating them into a game. I do not care to be spending time with them. It is not balanced or enjoyable. The main game is sufficient without this garbage or an empty story, so the SE would be quite sufficient.

P.S. I really miss Felix. It isn't the same without him. Bring him back. Show less

+7points

10of 13voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes10No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

17 of 28 found this review helpful

Amulet Or Curse?

PostedOctober 7, 2018

Granny_Gruff

fromThere are no bees, animal helpers, or vehicle crashes in this demo -Yay.

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

David Campari collects protective amulets for his small museum. His wife, oddly named Allegra after a popular medication, is a historian who helps him in his work. At this time David has called for your help as he has finally gotten possession of the Black Cube. He fears they are in danger. Before you can hear the story from the couple, they are pulled inside the museum with the Black Cube and you ...Show more

David Campari collects protective amulets for his small museum. His wife, oddly named Allegra after a popular medication, is a historian who helps him in his work. At this time David has called for your help as he has finally gotten possession of the Black Cube. He fears they are in danger. Before you can hear the story from the couple, they are pulled inside the museum with the Black Cube and you are left locked outside.
You are in for a wild ride, detective.
Good stuff: Lots of the usual game elements and CE bling fill out a muddled story. The artwork is well done, but the VOs are uneven - some on point and well-done, others bland and spoken in a monotone.
Bad stuff: If the story was clearer it would help the game along. Perhaps the Dev obsessed with his seasonal allergy medication should have been clearer in his story presentation.
Bottom line: Play the demo. See if you like the game elements enough to see past the problems. I wasn't impressed with the level of average. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+6points

17of 28voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No11

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

32 of 41 found this review helpful

Another game that refuses to let you think for yourself!

PostedOctober 6, 2018

ZekesPeach

fromMidcoast Maine

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

First of all, my hand got tired in the first 30 minutes of playing the demo due to all the times I had to hit skip. If it wasn't a drawn out conversation, it was a cut scene...it took what felt like hours just to advance to another part of the same scene. And all the extra blabbing and chores made me zone out of the storyline within minutes...I truly didn't care about what was afflicting the main ...Show more

First of all, my hand got tired in the first 30 minutes of playing the demo due to all the times I had to hit skip. If it wasn't a drawn out conversation, it was a cut scene...it took what felt like hours just to advance to another part of the same scene. And all the extra blabbing and chores made me zone out of the storyline within minutes...I truly didn't care about what was afflicting the main characters or if the evil ones took everything over.

The next issue is that you are shown blue outlines for anywhere that needs pieces put in it, or knocked out of it, or sewn shut, etc. Hey, devs, why not just program the game to automatically do those things since you've already led the player to the spot to see the outlines?

The HOPs and games I encountered were extremely easy (and some had the dreaded blue outlines in them to boot)...and there were spells to be performed, evil to be dealt with before you can do anything else in a scene...

Overall, this is just a super easy and drawn-out game. I could see beginners enjoying it, but I prefer less gabbing and handholding, and more challenge. But, try it for yourself before buying. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+23points

32of 41voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes32No9

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

35 of 48 found this review helpful

Hmm.....Not sure about this one

PostedOctober 6, 2018

lillyrush

fromNorth Wales, UK

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Haunted Manor: The Last Reunion Collector's Edition

(38)

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

I played this for 15 minutes. I didn't enjoy this one. I think the Grim Facade games before this are much better.The graphics are lovely - that's usually a selling point for me and the storylines but I won't be buying this one. I didn't get the storyline at all.

I don't recommend this game.

+22points

35of 48voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes35No13

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Grim Facade: The Black Cube Collector's Edition

Reviews

Grim Facade: The Black Cube Collector's Edition

, share your thoughts about this game!

Grim Facade: The Black Cube Collector's Edition

Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted.

Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game!

You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game.

Thanks for submitting the review below.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Grim Facade: The Black Cube Collector's Edition A sacrifice must be made. Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.