Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

135 of 182 found this review helpful

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HEART IN THIS AWESOME NEW DARK TALES

PostedNovember 14, 2015

biscuitsmama

fromSpending the day with my favorite detective

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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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The latest in the EAP Dark Tales series is finally here but be aware that there is a warning at the beginning of the game contains violence and disturbing scenes. I am wondering if the clamoring for what some call “gritty” games has finally reached the ears of the BFG game developers. The main game has only four chapters BUT, in games from this team they are generally very long.

The Tell-Tale ...Show more

The latest in the EAP Dark Tales series is finally here but be aware that there is a warning at the beginning of the game contains violence and disturbing scenes. I am wondering if the clamoring for what some call “gritty” games has finally reached the ears of the BFG game developers. The main game has only four chapters BUT, in games from this team they are generally very long.

The Tell-Tale Heart begins with a gruesome scene as a young woman is murdered and strung up to a nearby tree. The renowned Detective Dupin has been called to the town of Gurtos to investigate the murder and has asked you to accompany him as he works to solve the case.

The game offer four modes of gameplay: Casual, Hard, Advanced, and Custom. If you select the Custom mode both the hint and puzzle skip times can be set in a range of 5 – 200 seconds. You can also uncheck various other settings to customize the gameplay. I love the graphics created by Bunny Team, and I doubt anyone else creates such realistic hand-drawn characters. Of course Detective Dupin is just as gorgeous as ever and he is the great eye-candy in the game. Along with the incredible graphics we have lip-synced voiceovers that are equally as excellent, all of which are accompanied by special effects that truly set the stage for this terrific new game.

There is an interactive map that is present at the beginning of the game and we do have a valise that we pack with some tools that are used early in the game. During the game’s demo I didn’t find any tools that are really considered gimmicks.

Since this is a HOPA game we do have HOPS and the first one is a matching story type where we must find pairs of the highlighted words in the story. The HOPS are subtly woven into the story and appear sometimes as mini scenes. The puzzles do not seem overly difficult although they are tricky and one gate puzzle takes a bit of time to fiddle with in order to successfully complete it.

The CE version of the game includes 32 collectible cards that depict items or characters from previous Dark Tales games. The other extras include Movies, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Replay of Mini-Games and HOPS, Music, the Strategy Guide, and the Bonus Game.

In spite of some rather bloody scenes in the game, I am thrilled with the Tell-Tale Heart. IMHO, the Bunny Team has heard what gamers have asked for and recently created some exciting games. For me The Tell-Tale Heart was an instant buy based on what I saw in the demo. I WANT to play this game. The game is an excellent retelling of a classic EAP story and well worth the wait. Based on what I saw in the demo. I WANT to play this game. The game is an excellent rendering of the classic EAP tale and well worth the wait. Congrats to the Bunny Team on a job well done. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy. Show less

I recommend this game!

+88points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

20 of 22 found this review helpful

Dark tales keep ypur heart safe

PostedNovember 17, 2015

heartblob

fromsouth australia

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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:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Brilliant game, so much to think of , the game sets up a definite scary time, so keep your eyes and ears open, don't go out on YOUR own, watch your back with this game .

Graphics excellent music in keeping with the story line , a bit gruesome in parts but that is what the game is all about well done another dark tales success,

I recommend this game!

+18points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

19 of 22 found this review helpful

Love all of the Dark Tales Edgar Allen Poe games.

PostedNovember 16, 2015

onefeather

fromArkansas

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I just love all of the Dark Takes Edgar Allen Poe games.
The graphics and the color and they pay so much attention to detail and if you really take the time to look at the scenes they are very well done. I buy all the Edgar Allen Poe games. and I think the collector editions are worth it.

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 13 found this review helpful

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe, the tell tale heart.

PostedNovember 17, 2015

lostsheep1024

fromSpringville, NY

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

The first in a long while that I really enjoyed. Can't wait to play the others in the series.

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

3 of 3 found this review helpful

Not For The Faint of Heart--No Pun Intended

PostedAugust 6, 2016

Tomsde

fromNewark, Delaware

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Grim Facade: Monster in Disguise Collector's Edition

(40)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

The artwork and story for this game were very good, it's not for the squeamish however as it has more graphic violence and gore than other games in the series. The animations and voice overs were excellent. Some people have complained that the game is too short, but I did not find that to be the case with the bonus chapter--which was very detailed and harder than the main game. This game has two ...Show more

The artwork and story for this game were very good, it's not for the squeamish however as it has more graphic violence and gore than other games in the series. The animations and voice overs were excellent. Some people have complained that the game is too short, but I did not find that to be the case with the bonus chapter--which was very detailed and harder than the main game. This game has two possible endings, I wonder what would have happened if I'd chosen the other solution instead--but since the bonus chapter is a prequel whatever you choose you know will result in the same grim circumstances of the main title.

I like this series, but there seems to be a trend to more gore and graphic violence; it won't stop me from buying them but I think the developers should consider a little less blood in future releases. Show less

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 38 found this review helpful

Good Game.

PostedNovember 14, 2015

Marja67

fromSpokane, WA

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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):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I love the English towns games. I own all these anyway.
Good graphics and story line. Research deaths. Collect cards.
They've upgraded Dupin nicely.

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

174 of 210 found this review helpful

Warning: This Game Contains Violence And Some Disturbing Scenes? I Don't Think So!

PostedNovember 14, 2015

pennmom36

fromNo wonder there's been a murder, the police station wasn't open yet!

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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.
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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I'm a little disappointed in this game for a few of reasons, #1-the game is way too short, even the demo is short, I was able to complete the demo within 45 minutes. #2-I beta tested this game last month and stated that the screen didn't automatically adjust to my screen resolution and had to play the game in windowed mode, that problem was not solved and I still had to play the game in windowed ...Show more

I'm a little disappointed in this game for a few of reasons, #1-the game is way too short, even the demo is short, I was able to complete the demo within 45 minutes. #2-I beta tested this game last month and stated that the screen didn't automatically adjust to my screen resolution and had to play the game in windowed mode, that problem was not solved and I still had to play the game in windowed mode. #3- this game doesn't show much graphic violence, so there's no need to try to hype it up to get people to buy the game. The good news is that the graphics have improved since the last Dark Tales, but perhaps it's because I played the game with a tighter resolution.

If you are a fan of Dark Tales games which are based from the Edgar Allan Poe classics, good news, there are several Collectible Cards throughout the game. There are 6 cards for each game, Premature Burial, Gold Bug, The Black Cat, The Mystery of Marie Roget, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Mask of the Red Death, finding all cards in all the groups will unlock bonus Mini Games, when you unlock the crystal skulls. The Tell Tale Heart converts this story into a game, where you are the assistant to the ever so famous Detective Auguste Dupin. On September 5, 1851, a woman was brutally murdered and ritualistically hung on a tree for all to see. There's just one witness to the crime, Katrina, who was working that evening "due to her current financial situation" if you catch my drift. She remembers only one thing about the murderer...His Blood red eyes!

You have packed your bags wisely, and throughout the game you will need to produce and use the items it contains, a good transport map (all the good detectives have one) your ID, a purse with money (how 'bout that, I don't have to look around for abandoned coins) and Examination Goggles with special lenses (of which the blue lens breaks but I'm fortunate to find a replacement of the exact color I need all wrapped up in a nice wooden box, what luck!)

The Hidden Object Scenes are scarce, only 10 in the entire game. The first one involves interacting with things in the scene to find all the necessary items to pack your detective's bag. Most of the HOP's involve this same type of scene interactions, as you are tasked with finding clues to open items, and moving objects around so that you can piece together fragments to complete an item.

There are more Mini Games than HOP's but in my opinion some Mini Games could qualify for an HOP. Below are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games you'll encounter, all of which are pretty easy to solve:

1) Find and select pairs of crime scene photos that correspond to the story being told.

2) Complete the image by selecting keys to rotate disks.

3) Select the correct lenses to examine a body to coincide with the notes shown.

4) Drag Mask halves to their matching half.

5) Assemble the picture using buttons to rotate groups of images.

This Collector's Edition has 12 Movie Videos, 7 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 4 Music Soundtracks, 36 Collectible Edgar Allan Poe game cards, 13 replayable Mini Games, 10 replayable Hidden Object Puzzles, 12 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+138points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

130 of 179 found this review helpful

SLASHER SLAYS “SALLY” BY THE SEASHORE

PostedNovember 14, 2015

sunnyglow

fromA tongue twister - Sally sells seashells by the seashore. Slasher slays Sally by the seashore.

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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

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

BASED ON THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS OF 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - ADULT CONTENT

As an assistant to the “bel homme” Dupin, you will be engaging in a “mind twister,” in search of a psychotic killer with “twisted mind.” The story is superb and the graphics are dark and ominous splashed with crimson red from the blood of the victim. Upon finding a girl hanging from a tree with her throat slit ...Show more

BASED ON THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS OF 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - ADULT CONTENT

As an assistant to the “bel homme” Dupin, you will be engaging in a “mind twister,” in search of a psychotic killer with “twisted mind.” The story is superb and the graphics are dark and ominous splashed with crimson red from the blood of the victim. Upon finding a girl hanging from a tree with her throat slit ear-to-ear, you realize you are dealing with a deranged killer in this psychological thriller. As you walk the eerily quiet dark streets looking for a killer lurking in the shadows, you might want to recite the attached tongue twister to keep your fear at bay. Enjoy engaging in twisted mind games with a demented slasher.

There are more puzzles than HOP scenes. There is no optional game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. The HOP scenes are varied and puzzle-like with the inclusion of some mini-HOP scenes. They include silhouette scenes, lists of items to locate, sentences with items in BOLD letter to further the story.

The mini-games are easy with the exception of two which I found moderately difficult. None are mind boggling. They include variations of moving tiles puzzles, maze puzzles, matching puzzles, moving tiles puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles and Simon Says puzzles. I wish ERS would return to providing the Casual and Hard option for their mini-games. To me, most of the puzzles are a tad too easy in this game.

There is only one collectible in the game - a series of thirty-six cards (six cards with facts from each of six Poe tales), which unlock a skull.

I purchased this game and then regretted it. After the demo it became very boring. This game is not nearly as good as the previous offerings in this series. The game is also very short. I was able to complete one-half of Chapter 4 in about two hours. However, to be honest, I had played the beta for this game, so this might account for the short period of time in which I was able to complete this amount of the game. There are very few HOP scenes and the puzzles are extremely easy. I also became tired of examining bodies with the goggles using various lenses.

LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints 5 to 200 seconds Skips 5 to 200 seconds

EXTRAS:

Map - Map is provided at the beginning of the game
12 Achievements
Collect 36 cards about stories from Poe to access a crystal skull (6 each of “The Black Cat,” “Premature Burial,” “The Gold Bug,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Mask of the Red Death,” and “Mystery of Marie Roget”
Travel Kit: Throughout the game you will use items in your travel kit to investigate the murders.
Strategy guide – 45 Pages
Usual wallpaper, movies, art, screensaver, music, replay of HOP and mini-games

HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES

HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette. Locate items to pack into a travel case
B. Sentence. locate matching items listed in BOLD letters on pictures which tell a story of the events of the case
C. Mini-Hop scene. Locate items listed in BOLD on a map for a maze
D. Multi-step HOP scenes. Silhouette. Locate items to dress a woman for an important “date.” Various scenes are used for clothing, jewelry (interactive) LOL
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Sentence. locate matching items listed in BOLD letters on pictures which tell a story of the events of the case
F. AND G. List of items to locate. USED TWICE.

PUZZLES:
A. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move keys to create pictures on a lock EASY
B. Using some goggles, investigate a corpse for a series of injuries to the body using yellow, blue, green lenses which identify different wounds and hematomas and measure them as well. EASY
C. Variation of a counting puzzle. Count out money to pay a boy for a letter EASY
D. Use a code to go through a maze. EASY
E. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Variation of a matching game. Match up halves of masks to open a door. (2) Mini-HOP scene – locate items to place into slots on the front of cabinet EASY
F. Variation of a moving tiles game. Create a picture by rotating 3 moving images on a gate. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Variation of Simon Says puzzle. Rap on a door in a specified sequence
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Move keys into the center of ring. EASY
I. Using some goggles, investigate another corpse for a series of injuries to the body using yellow, blue, green lenses which identify different wounds and hematomas and measure them as well. An orange lens is added. EASY
J. Investigate evidence by moving tweezers and moving lenses to create a sharp image of the evidence. EASY
K. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move marbles into place by color. Time consuming but EASY
L. Sequencing puzzle. Move levers in proper sequence to open a drawer. EASY
M. Variation of a matching puzzle. Click on symbols on a wall according to a diagram. EASY
N. Variation of a rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to create a picture. EASY
O. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles so that top and bottom images of zodiac symbols match. MODERATELY DIFFICULT. Show less

I recommend this game!

+81points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

15 of 17 found this review helpful

SCARY TALE

PostedNovember 16, 2015

arnold1049

fromApache Junction, AZ

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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I played the demo with a custom difficulty setting. This game has all the extras you would expect from a CE game; a map, built-in strategy guide, etc. Cards are the collectibles that, once all have been found, open up a crystal skull game of some kind. Achievements seem reasonable and attainable; during the demo, I managed to complete 3 of them.

There are warnings at the very beginning about ...Show more

I played the demo with a custom difficulty setting. This game has all the extras you would expect from a CE game; a map, built-in strategy guide, etc. Cards are the collectibles that, once all have been found, open up a crystal skull game of some kind. Achievements seem reasonable and attainable; during the demo, I managed to complete 3 of them.

There are warnings at the very beginning about violence and bloody scenes that are definitely warranted. Edgar Allan Poe's books are dark and violent and the game's atmosphere and graphics do an excellent job of projecting this into the game.

Game play was varied with lots of different things to do and no real pattern developed, holding my interest easily. I did not run into a classic junk pile HOS during the demo. There were lots of times where I needed to search for an object, but these searches were not relegated to a specific format or type.

All the object searches and mini puzzles blended seamlessly into the game play. Mini puzzles were played to accomplish something in the game, like opening a gate or a safe, so there was not the feeling of "exiting" the game to play a puzzle.

The game gave me the feeling of always being on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next thing to happen. It is an excellent addition to the Edgar Allan Poe series and a definite "buy" for me. Show less

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

12 of 13 found this review helpful

Finished in no time

PostedNovember 19, 2015

samariana

fromThe Netherlands

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This game is good, beautiful grafics and fun to play. But.... it's finished in no time.
I've noticed that the most games are very short nowadays, just like this one. I remember the time that I was playing a whole day, or more. Too bad, the playtime shorter and prices higher than it used to be.
My recommendation is yes, but the price is too high for the time you actually play it.

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart Collector's Edition

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart Collector's Edition Get to the heart of a shocking 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.