Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

78 of 86 found this review helpful

Atmosphere Review

PostedSeptember 14, 2013

0Jade

fromUSA

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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, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I figure everyone else was going to give you the mechanics of the game, I'd give you the "feel".

The story throws you into a mystery revolving a red ruby, and you get thrown back a month in time to prevent the death of your father. I liked the storyline very much. The voiceovers were well done, there were lots and lots of puzzles, which I prefer, and when you did come across a HOG, it was ...Show more

I figure everyone else was going to give you the mechanics of the game, I'd give you the "feel".

The story throws you into a mystery revolving a red ruby, and you get thrown back a month in time to prevent the death of your father. I liked the storyline very much. The voiceovers were well done, there were lots and lots of puzzles, which I prefer, and when you did come across a HOG, it was occasionally and the drawings were so well done it didn't aggravate me at all. I found myself actually trying to find the objects rather than trying to get the HOG over with - adventure gamers will understand. No, nothing was hard, I never had need of the hints or strategy guide so hardcore gamers may take issue with that. The music was delightful, atmospheric, and actually relaxing. The map was interactive so you always knew when an area was needing attention or totally complete. For those who have large screens, I had no issues with it filling the screen completely and maybe one or two items total were in a darkened area. When my hour was up, I felt relaxed and longing for just a few more minutes to finish the puzzle I was on. I do believe I will take advantage of the sale today and get this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+70points

78of 86voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

57 of 63 found this review helpful

Kept me fascinated the whole time!

PostedSeptember 15, 2013

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.
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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Riddles of Fate: Wild Hunt Collector's Edition

(83)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I've just finished playing this game, including the bonus chapter. Took me about 5 hours, but I'm a slow player. I did it in one sitting though, could not get away from it, had to know what was going to happen next!
The game is creepy, but not scary or dark. The music really adds to the atmosphere.

The storyline is really great, the dev's obviouslyt thought long and hard about this one. Not a ...Show more

I've just finished playing this game, including the bonus chapter. Took me about 5 hours, but I'm a slow player. I did it in one sitting though, could not get away from it, had to know what was going to happen next!
The game is creepy, but not scary or dark. The music really adds to the atmosphere.

The storyline is really great, the dev's obviouslyt thought long and hard about this one. Not a second I got bored or wanted the game to be over. The graphics are very beautiful, handdrawn. Sometimes I even stopped playing just to gaze at the fantastic scenes and get the 'feel' of the landscape. Cutscenes are sometimes spectacular with great VO's and sound-effects.

The maingame has a very good ending and wraps things up perfectly. The BC is a prequel and not necessary for the story, although it's been done really well and actually is scarier then the maingame, and has some fantastic effects in it!

There is a very good interactive jump-map, and once you get out of the mansion, you really need it, or otherwise you will be wearing out a lot of shoeleather!
Hint is fantastic too, really helps out when you get stuck.
Puzzles are really fun, some very new ones, and range from easy to fairly difficult;
HOS are easy and clear, and interactive in a very fun way.

There are no special extra's, no achievements, no collectables, no morphing objects, just the "normal" CE-extra''s. You can replay the puzzles and HOS afterwards.

Not really worth the CE-price, but with the sale today at 8.99 it was a great deal!!

I really had a fantastic time in a beautiful, but slighly grim world and hope you will enjoy it too. Have fun! Show less

I recommend this game!

+51points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

55 of 65 found this review helpful

Awesome!!!

PostedSeptember 14, 2013

micheleappleyard

fromMerritt Islandt, FL

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I rarely am able to click excellent on all accounts, What can I say this is a GREAT game!
The story line is unique, the puzzles are actually challenging, and you actually have to think about where to go and what to do next.
I am definitely going to get the CE because I feel the bonus game will be worth it and that the story is no where near done with just this game. I look forward to sequels of ...Show more

I rarely am able to click excellent on all accounts, What can I say this is a GREAT game!
The story line is unique, the puzzles are actually challenging, and you actually have to think about where to go and what to do next.
I am definitely going to get the CE because I feel the bonus game will be worth it and that the story is no where near done with just this game. I look forward to sequels of this one. Show less

I recommend this game!

+45points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 28 found this review helpful

One Very Great Game!!!

PostedSeptember 14, 2013

taragirl28

fromSeverna park, MD

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I bought this the day it came onto Bigfish, and it just happened to be a sale day for collectors editions! Which I took total advantage of, and grabbed this one up! I have to admit, the game did not look too appealing from the screen shots. But to my great surprise...It was awesome. The graphics were wonderful, as was the storyline. The HOS were few and far between, which I love! And their is a ...Show more

I bought this the day it came onto Bigfish, and it just happened to be a sale day for collectors editions! Which I took total advantage of, and grabbed this one up! I have to admit, the game did not look too appealing from the screen shots. But to my great surprise...It was awesome. The graphics were wonderful, as was the storyline. The HOS were few and far between, which I love! And their is a map, that allows you to travel and shows available actions. The puzzles are fun, and creative, and as the length goes it wasn't disappointing, especially with the bonus chapter! Love this game, and hope more publishers take a cue from this one. Great graphics, storyline, and less HOS that are interactive, ad a lock for inventory, is what we look for!!!!! It isn't too much to ask, is it? Apparently not! Get this game! Happy gaming gamers!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+24points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

20 of 21 found this review helpful

Excellent Game

PostedSeptember 16, 2013

calvinandmurphy

fromEast Kilbride Scotland

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition

(54)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is the best game I have played in a long while. Normaly I just play them and then move on to the next one but with this game I just had to put in a review. Everything about it is top quality . It's the first game I have played all the way thourgh without any breaks. Only thing is now I am finished I want to just start all over again.. Well done Big Fish.

I recommend this game!

+19points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 18 found this review helpful

A very immersive, interesting, good-looking game and a dark case, indeed!

PostedSeptember 23, 2013

Polisuco

fromOporto, Portugal

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition

(54)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

"Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby" was an amazing, very atmospheric and very entertaining game to play.
Not only is it one of the most beautiful games I've ever played, but it has a great cast of gripping characters and it possesses a very somber storyline.

The story is all centered in the small town of Easthaven and in the famous "Blood Ruby", possessed by the woman who founded the town. By being ...Show more

"Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby" was an amazing, very atmospheric and very entertaining game to play.
Not only is it one of the most beautiful games I've ever played, but it has a great cast of gripping characters and it possesses a very somber storyline.

The story is all centered in the small town of Easthaven and in the famous "Blood Ruby", possessed by the woman who founded the town. By being given a second chance of saving your father's life, you find yourself involved in a web of deception that leads you to the background of the town itself and, of course, of the murderous ruby.

One thing that disappointed me in the game was that there are no other types of hidden objects scenes besides the ever-present "shopping list". Almost every game nowadays brings lot of different types to these scenes (one of my favorites being the ones where you put objects in the scenes), and, so, I was really let down with this.

The main game is really long and it will always keep you on your toes, dying to find out what happens next. However, the bonus chapter, although really interesting, is very short, and besides that you are left with the usual extra content: mini-games, wallpapers, music and so on. Besides the gripping bonus chapter (being in the skin of Diana at the moment she finds the ruby and entering the Temple of Blood, while trying to resist its power was just amazing), and the beautiful concept art that you can save! (no kidding, it's the best concept art I ever laid my eyes on), there's nothing more when it comes to the Collector's Edition.
So, I recommend that you play the Standard Edition first, and, if you find yourself loving this game like I did, then maybe go for the CE.

I loved being after one suspect at first and then going for another and so on. I actually felt in the skin of a detective, but also never forgetting why I came to Easthaven in the first place: to save the main protagonist's father.
The storyline and the artwork all helped to make a really immersing and atmospheric game (I just loved the '20's setting), as well as the voice overs, who were believable and nice to listen to. The music was another wonderful thing. It wasn't annoying whatsoever and was really calm and beautiful. One track was even reminiscent of the '20's feel, really!

Nothing but an amazingly produced and created game here. I loved this game.
I really hope my review will help you in deciding whether to buy or try this game or not! Some people may find it a bit slow and too calm, but I just loved this. If I ever want to watch a movie (nothing but pandemonium), I turn the TV on!
A casual game is to make you think and to make you engrossed in its story and setting, all the while relaxing you, too. "Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby", has all that to offer you! Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

18 of 20 found this review helpful

Excellent in every way! Based on Full Game

PostedSeptember 18, 2013

swissuz

fromNear the Alamo!

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition

(54)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I will remember Boolat Games after this one. I am not familiar with this developer and hope they can keep up this level of interest and gameplay.

Most everyone has summed up the plot.....so I'll skip to more of the fun. This was not gory or violent or dark in the sense that some games are so demonic and sickening with rotting corpses and bones and evil everywhere.

THIS was a THRILLER! YAY! Just ...Show more

I will remember Boolat Games after this one. I am not familiar with this developer and hope they can keep up this level of interest and gameplay.

Most everyone has summed up the plot.....so I'll skip to more of the fun. This was not gory or violent or dark in the sense that some games are so demonic and sickening with rotting corpses and bones and evil everywhere.

THIS was a THRILLER! YAY! Just what I've been waiting for. There are still several murder scenes, but they are hardly violent and even the bones are not gory. They get the point across that this Blood Ruby is a source to be reckoned with.

There are a lot of twists in the plot that leave you guessing who might be the real antagonist.

One thing that I have to mention and hope they can change, is that the screen shots with this game title above have NOTHING to do with the full version of this game. They are shots from the Bonus game that is set in an entirely different part of the world. I have no idea why they did that. It is very misleading and not in a good way..

This game really captured my interest from the very beginning. I played it on and off for over five days ....like a good book you don't want to put down.

The CE had the SG which I never used. The map is interactive and gives you several choices of places you can return for an active area. I personally loath the "collectables animals, or trophies etc" and HAPPILY this does not have any. I don't understand that attraction, but each to their own interest.

The hint button does not recharge very quickly so this is a bit more challenging to find other ways to move along. It does at least point a direction when no action is needed in the current scene.....but the map is more useful.

There are just enough HOS which have a little turn where you must find three outlined items that interact with the HO inventory. This was a little confusing, but the developer added in a two step tutorial just on the first HOS. It helped and I appreciated it, even though I did not opt for the full tutorial.

One reviewer objected to this, as they said "no tutorials means no tutorial." Which I would agree if they forced you through a full series of "help", but this was more of a starter tip on a creative NEW change in game play. Don't be put off by it. You'll understand when you see it.

The graphics are fabulous.....and the MUSIC was outstanding. This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time.....when you play a game and the music just loops throughout the game and you want to go bonkers or just mute it. This developer has been listening to customers and thought out the music to adapt to the mood of EACH setting. It was VERY helpful and entertaining to hear a soft tune in a calm setting, or hear tension in escalating violins playing an eery off beat sound that added excitement.

The Extras have a nice Bonus Game that gives you a hint to the origin of the Blood Ruby and how it got into Lady Campbell's hands. There were also repeats of some of the strategy games that were challenging. It's nice to go back and test my brain teaser skills on the ones I chose to skip.

I HIGHLY recommend this game. More please!! It has bumped up to the top as my newest favorite game! Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 10 found this review helpful

very interesting story

PostedSeptember 15, 2013

gudvin

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

very interesting story, and well done graphics

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 7 found this review helpful

Great game with a great story

PostedNovember 24, 2013

EHinSF

fromLaguna Hills

Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Dark Strokes: Sins of the Fathers

(171)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I didn't expect too much from this game but once I started playing it I got hooked. Great graphics, a good story to follow, not too many HOS to interfere with the flow of the game, over 8 hours of gameplay, an interactive map, good voiceovers, and lots of good puzzles. Really enjoyed this game and it's rare I give 5 star ratings in all four categories but this game deserves it. I played in casual ...Show more

I didn't expect too much from this game but once I started playing it I got hooked. Great graphics, a good story to follow, not too many HOS to interfere with the flow of the game, over 8 hours of gameplay, an interactive map, good voiceovers, and lots of good puzzles. Really enjoyed this game and it's rare I give 5 star ratings in all four categories but this game deserves it. I played in casual mode and didn't need the hints or strategy guide too much, but it's also challenging enough with a big play area to explore. Highly recommended! Show less

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

12 of 15 found this review helpful

dark cases The Blood Ruby

PostedSeptember 15, 2013

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:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I have only played a short part of this game, so far have found it to be very good. Graphics can be a bit grainy In places, but not distracting, the music I like, the hidden object areas are interactive, the puzzles are very good different ones here. You are transported back in time to try to save your father, he was murdered whilst investigating a crime.
The scenes in the places you visit are ...Show more

I have only played a short part of this game, so far have found it to be very good. Graphics can be a bit grainy In places, but not distracting, the music I like, the hidden object areas are interactive, the puzzles are very good different ones here. You are transported back in time to try to save your father, he was murdered whilst investigating a crime.
The scenes in the places you visit are good. Hint refills quickly, there is the skip button for some of the puzzles, but they are to me interesting puzzles and worth some time to work them out, of course if stress takes over SKIP them.
I think this game would be an interesting challenge for a beginner as well as the seasoned player's give it a go . enjoy Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition Prevent your father's murder! 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.