Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

67 of 73 found this review helpful

Walk Through This Portal to Steal Some Fun Times for Yourself

PostedFebruary 5, 2014

sfr8rfan

fromWill you be happy with this SE or should you get the CE. Find out inside this review!!

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

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

Current Favorite:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

(95)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is an exceptional game. Answer a few questions and we’ll see if you’re going to share my opinion.

1. Did you read and enjoy The Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is about 2:1 with 30 Mini-games and 18 HOGs.
3. While the puzzles and HOS are plentiful, do you enjoy games that are heavy on “telling the story?"

If ...Show more

This is an exceptional game. Answer a few questions and we’ll see if you’re going to share my opinion.

1. Did you read and enjoy The Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is about 2:1 with 30 Mini-games and 18 HOGs.
3. While the puzzles and HOS are plentiful, do you enjoy games that are heavy on “telling the story?"

If you answered yes to those questions, you will LOVE Portal of Evil.

I have never played a game with such an engrossing story line and such unbelievable attention to detail. By now you've read reviews that have told you the story so I won't belabor it. But I will talk about what I think sets this game apart from EVERY OTHER GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED:

1. Visual/Sound quality:
a. When I first started the game I said to myself "this is seriously HD." It is. I also said to myself that the items were a little difficult to see because they are small. This is true, but not long into the game I got used to the size. It turns out that this visibility problem had more to do with background lighting in the first couple of scenes than anything else. It worked itself out quickly.

b. The game is brilliantly designed. Visually, it's like watching a movie. One example of detail (it may seem insignificant, but it's indicative of the whole game): you're riding in an elevator. You can see a grate at the top of the elevator and as you're riding up and down you see the background behind the grating pass by as if you're in a real elevator shaft. It's completely REAL. Another example: there is a scene with live suits of armor. The suits of armor cast shadows that are absolutely correct in terms of visual perspective. Oh yeah, another example: The drawn people look LIFELIKE.

c. I always say that background music is important because it drives the game and sets the tone. That has never been truer than with this game. At certain points the music sounds like monks chanting...totally appropriate for the storyline of this game. At other points, the music is orchestral and creates an environment of "spookiness" and urgency that I've never heard in a game before.

d. The sound effects are incomparable: listen to the water in a fountain early on and you'd swear you were in Italy at one of the many flowing fountains.

Level of Challenge

a. The HOGs are the best I've ever played. They are hard. There are regular "seek and find" items from a list. There is the more interesting "Place items in their context” format. Brilliantly executed.

b. Some of the puzzles are retreads and some are brand new. Old or new, they are great. In this case there is one extra challenge: read the mini-game directions EXACTLY and interpret them literally. Here’s what I mean: In one mini-game I was told to use every "item" in the game. I took this to mean use every item once…only. That’s not what it said. Luckily, I discovered my error. I could use an item more than once, but I had to use every item at least once. Down to the directions, every detail is though of and dealt with brilliantly.

One last time: I've never played a game like this before. I am so appreciative of the amazing dedication and attention to detail that these developers invested in this game. I’m not a fast player and this is one of the games that makes me appreciate being a slow-poke. I enjoyed every little detail of this game.

Do yourself a favor: If you answered yes to the questions at the beginning of this review, buy the game. I PROMISE: YOU will love it. Do yourself another favor: if your foot is heavy on the gas pedal, lay off a little bit and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Portals of Evil.

I think the only remaining question is whether this SE will suffice or if the CE is a better call.

The CE includes the basic “who cares” assortment of wallpapers, concept art and music (in the case of the music in this game, I actually do care, but only in context).
There are also re-playable cut scenes and mini-games.
Finally, there is a bonus chapter that is about 1/3 the length of the main game.

The main game and the bonus game have a similar 2:1 ratio of Mini-games to HOGs. There are 10 of the former and 5 of the latter in the CE.

In the main game there is a “collectible” but it’s not an “object” like you’re used to collecting. Instead, you collect “messages.”

The CE doesn’t include achievements or morphing items or “object collectibles.” It does have a comprehensive Strategy Guide.

Honestly, I don’t see the purpose in spending all the extra money for a CE that doesn’t possess much of what we’ve come to expect in a CE. Yes, there’s a significant amount of bonus game play…but it’s not really a bonus if you have to pay more than twice the amount of the standard game to get it.

Now that the urgency of getting this great game NOW has passed and you have an option to exercise between the SE and CE, I think the value proposition falls heavily on the side of the SE. You can't make a bad decision as long as it's to get some version of this game, but the smart money is on the SE. Show less

I recommend this game!

+61points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 17 found this review helpful

Not what I expected.....Even Better!!!!

PostedJune 15, 2013

taragirl28

fromSeverna park, MD

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

House of 1000 Doors: Serpent Flame Collector's Edition

(128)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game was so much more than I thought it would be, and I have to say I was pretty entertained for a good 4 hours. There is a map, and it not only shows areas of interests, but teleports as well. There are interactive HOG, and HOS where you place the objects in the scene too, ( which I love) The graphics were wonderful, and the cut scenes were fantastic with great dialogue. I honestly had a ...Show more

This game was so much more than I thought it would be, and I have to say I was pretty entertained for a good 4 hours. There is a map, and it not only shows areas of interests, but teleports as well. There are interactive HOG, and HOS where you place the objects in the scene too, ( which I love) The graphics were wonderful, and the cut scenes were fantastic with great dialogue. I honestly had a tough time finding anything to say that I didn't like. The HOS were spaced out enough to be enjoyable, and not too many which can be ANNOYING! Its a fun game that all level of gamers will love! Happy gaming gamers! Show less

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 12 found this review helpful

Dark and Eerie Hidden Object Adventure Game

PostedFebruary 1, 2014

BlackWaterRules

fromNew Orleans, USA

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, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on the Demo

The soundtrack for this game is great, with eerie,haunting music. The voiceovers are very well done.

The graphics and visuals are very sophisticated, each scene creepier and eerier than the next. The avatars are realistic and well done.

The storyline, even though it has been done before, is interesting and intriguing, and very well done. The heroine receives a letter to travel ...Show more

Based on the Demo

The soundtrack for this game is great, with eerie,haunting music. The voiceovers are very well done.

The graphics and visuals are very sophisticated, each scene creepier and eerier than the next. The avatars are realistic and well done.

The storyline, even though it has been done before, is interesting and intriguing, and very well done. The heroine receives a letter to travel to Italy immediately. She enounters a beast as soon as she gets through the gate to the cathedral and it is all high drama after that.

The hidden object games are fun, clear, crisp, a little challenging. The mini puzzles throughout the game are entertaining, ranging from easy to moderately hard, all thought provoking and fun.

There are 15 messages to find throughout the game.
There is a very useful map, and a journal.

It is not a very fast paced game but the eerie music and spooky graphics make it very engaging just the same and keep the player involved and entertained.

The ghosts, beasts, creepy characters, scary sculptures and statues, hideous paintings, and eerie music added to all the bells and whistles that make this a great dark and eerie hidden object adventure game.

I couldn't buy it fast enough. Show less

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 12 found this review helpful

Wonderful Addition to Stories of the Van Helsing Family!

PostedOctober 25, 2013

Elizabeth1975

fromMy Lil' Corner of the Institution :)

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Haunted Past: Realm of Ghosts

(58)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Any fan of adventures that include members from the Van Helsing family should really enjoy this game! You begin the game as the granddaughter of Abraham Van Helsing, who has suddenly disappeared! Following notes and clues from him, you must solve many puzzles in order to discover who has betrayed the Order of Light and is attempting to construct an Army of Vampires, Werewolves and other such ...Show more

Any fan of adventures that include members from the Van Helsing family should really enjoy this game! You begin the game as the granddaughter of Abraham Van Helsing, who has suddenly disappeared! Following notes and clues from him, you must solve many puzzles in order to discover who has betrayed the Order of Light and is attempting to construct an Army of Vampires, Werewolves and other such creatures.

I truly enjoyed the fact that this game took ordinary mini-games and added a twist to them! You certainly have to use your mind in figuring out many of the mini-games. The graphics, sound effects and over all storyline are great! The only thing I was disappointed about, was that there are currently no other games under this series! :( I feel that this line could certainly support many adventures under this title!

I happily give two thumbs-up for this game and recommend it to any one who enjoys a nice adventure!

Good luck to you all!

~Elizabeth
aka Elizabeth1975 Show less

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

12 of 15 found this review helpful

incredible good game, one of the best ever!

PostedJanuary 19, 2014

Plientje

fromLeuven, Belgium

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, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

(95)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Fantastic game! Stunning graphics, great story that keeps you glued to your chair. I played for about 6 hours without the bonus.

In my opinion it's better to get the CE, as the ending is much more satisfying. And since the quality and attention to detail in this game is so enormously good I didn't mind paying the premium. KUDOS to the dev's and thanks to BF for bringing us this game!

I do hope ...Show more

Fantastic game! Stunning graphics, great story that keeps you glued to your chair. I played for about 6 hours without the bonus.

In my opinion it's better to get the CE, as the ending is much more satisfying. And since the quality and attention to detail in this game is so enormously good I didn't mind paying the premium. KUDOS to the dev's and thanks to BF for bringing us this game!

I do hope you'll have as much fun as I had, I think this game is an experience you cannot miss! Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 12 found this review helpful

Super game!

PostedJune 13, 2013

kim211

fromAntwerp, Belgium

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I absolutely love this game. The dialogue's aren't too long, the story line is very intriguing (in my opinion) and you also have a map which let's you know where you still have work to do + it allows you to travel quickly between different parts of the game without going back and forth like a headless chicken. You can also choose to use a custom cursor or not which for me is also a great bonus. ...Show more

I absolutely love this game. The dialogue's aren't too long, the story line is very intriguing (in my opinion) and you also have a map which let's you know where you still have work to do + it allows you to travel quickly between different parts of the game without going back and forth like a headless chicken. You can also choose to use a custom cursor or not which for me is also a great bonus. Overall I really recommend this game Show less

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

5 of 5 found this review helpful

a long game that is worth the money

PostedFebruary 22, 2015

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

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):Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

you have been asked to go to your uncle's and fix what he couldn't. some of the seals that seal the portal to the evil world has been stolen and he needs you to find them for him. he leaves you clues to help you. he has told you that you can't trust anyone. the person that stole them was one of the order to protect the seals. it really is a long game. you do have an interactive map. a journal that ...Show more

you have been asked to go to your uncle's and fix what he couldn't. some of the seals that seal the portal to the evil world has been stolen and he needs you to find them for him. he leaves you clues to help you. he has told you that you can't trust anyone. the person that stole them was one of the order to protect the seals. it really is a long game. you do have an interactive map. a journal that i didn't use too much. the map really helps. it shows where you are and where there are things to be done. sequel....i can see it. Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 5 found this review helpful

Excellent HO/Puzzle Game

PostedAugust 4, 2013

htothek

fromUK

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

One of the best games I have played. Excellent game play and story line. Graphics excellent.

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 9 found this review helpful

Good Hidden Object Adventure!

PostedJune 28, 2013

pamsy10

fromDallas

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

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I really liked this game. The story was good. The graphics were good. Not too many HOS, in fact it was the right amount for me. The puzzles were fun and not ridiculously hard. I can't of one negative. I enjoyed this game very much.

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

Portal of Evil - Stolen Runes

PostedNovember 1, 2016

braillecode4

fromBeaumont, CA

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Best game I've played in a long time. Some puzzles were fairly easy and some not so easy. Teleport and all the other things you look for. The only thing I did not like was the bouncing inventory, not lock. Otherwise, this is a good buy. If it had the CE I wish I had bought it instead. I had to still use the HINT button but you experts may find this challenging.

I recommend this game!

+2points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes The gates to another world will open soon! 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.