Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and The Dire Tree Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

390 of 424 found this review helpful

Remember When Dark Parables Was An Epic Series?

PostedJuly 7, 2016

pennmom36

fromI've been without internet for days, I'm a little shaky but otherwise okay lol!

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Once Upon A Time......when I first discovered my love for HOPA's, I discovered an epic series. This series was called, Dark Parables, and I became hooked, purchasing one DP after another. The stories were creative, taking well know fairytales and twisting the plot ever so gently to draw you in hook, line, and sinker. But my favorite feature was the Morphing Objects which to be honest with you I ...Show more

Once Upon A Time......when I first discovered my love for HOPA's, I discovered an epic series. This series was called, Dark Parables, and I became hooked, purchasing one DP after another. The stories were creative, taking well know fairytales and twisting the plot ever so gently to draw you in hook, line, and sinker. But my favorite feature was the Morphing Objects which to be honest with you I didn't know they even existed until I was a couple of chapters in on Curse of Briar Rose, the first DP game I played.You know why? Because the developers were geniuses! Dark Parables were non-linear games, Morphing Objects didn't Morph until they were eventually triggered by by an action you did in an entirely different scene. These Morphs were challenging to say the least and often times you had to travel to a scene several times, and then had to be patient to spot the Morphs because they morphed slowly. Dark Parables were also masters at blending fragments within their Hidden Object Scenes (FROGS) as well, which is a feature that didn't suit everyone's taste, but nevertheless, that's what made this series adored by many. I also loved the familiar sounds and music that was in all DP games until recently. Have the new producers scraped all the features because they don't want to become stereotypical, or is it just too much work when the easier route can skim by on the shirttail of it's predecessors? I'm certainly not bashing the devs, to the contrary, Swan Princess is a really good game, I just think the devs don't think we little guys will notice or care what's missing. Do me a favor, however, and give Curse Briar Rose, the Exiled Prince or even The Rise of The Snow Queen a try and you'll see what I mean, those were the good ole days.

I know after reading all that, that it sounds like I think this is a horrible game. I don't think that at all, I enjoyed playing this game, I just don't think it holds a candle to the original Dark Parable games. If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It! I'm going to pretend it's just a fairytale and that maybe, just maybe, Epix will consider bringing back the non-linear Morphing Objects, I can live with the rest. The graphics are beautiful as usual, it even seems to be less glittery that the last couple of DP games, which is good thing. There are 39 Hidden Acorn Signs and they are blended into the scenery very nicely, even better, the cursor doesn't change to a hand to alert you by simply scanning over the scene. At least they haven't taken away the Dark Parable Collections, and those fragments are well hidden too. Once you have collected all Parable fragments you get to read about short tales such as Up rise of the Swan, Forbidden Idol, The First Tree, A Dark Dream, and the Jewel of Repose.

This twisted tale is about the magical kingdom of Dire Island where the Magic Seed that allows the goddess Flora to regenerate the Dire tree of life, has been stolen. The Swan guards are sworn to protect the goddess at all cost, and some of the guards have the ability to transform into beautiful swans. The Black Swan was a high ranking guard who is responsible for the theft, even though her intentions may have been for all the right reasons, she might not have known that the Kingdom would begin to crumble.

The Hidden Object Scenes are all the same, but that's a good thing! These are actually FROGS, where you search the scene for several fragments that are cleverly hidden among other objects. There are three different groups of fragments that will join together to make a single inventory item such as an elaborate key or emblem that will help you progress in the game. There are also a few Zoom Zone FROG's as well with just a handful of fragments to locate.

The Mini Games are also clever, below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo, (more to come on the SE once I finish the game):

1) Use the looking glass to find the path to the Dire Tree by selecting landmarks along the way as shown on the outside of the stone.

2) Find and place items within a play that are out of place as a story unfolds.

3) Swap pie shaped puzzle pieces to create an image.

4) Connect all the squares with the number of connections indicated by dots without intersecting connections and in the same direction.

5) Match symbols by searching for partially hidden symbols with shown.

6) Set up the boards so that every ball will fall to the correct place on the bottom that matches its color and shape and then test your configuration.

This Collector's Edition has 12 Achievements, 6 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, 9 Music Soundtracks, 22 replayable Mini Game puzzles, 16 replayable FROG's, 39 Hidden Acorn Signs, Hidden Parables (The Swan Princess and A Fable of Two Hearts), Souvenirs, 17 Videos, a built in Strategy Guide, NO MORPHING OBJECTS, and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+356points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

61 of 68 found this review helpful

Only You Bring Back the Magic Seed and Save the Kingdom

PostedJuly 7, 2016

themom101

fromArkansas

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The other reviews have given you much of the info about the workings and layout of the game so I won't rehash those. The Dark Parable games is one of the few series that I consider a "must have" from the moment the CE is released. It's also one of the very few series in which I will invest in the CE version, often going directly "buy" instead of playing the Demo. I own all of the previous games in ...Show more

The other reviews have given you much of the info about the workings and layout of the game so I won't rehash those. The Dark Parable games is one of the few series that I consider a "must have" from the moment the CE is released. It's also one of the very few series in which I will invest in the CE version, often going directly "buy" instead of playing the Demo. I own all of the previous games in this series and have replayed them all several times. My fingers were getting itchy in anticipation of new one being released. When I saw this one available, I jumped right in and purchased it without a second thought. In the past, I have rarely regretted that choice with one of the Dark Parable games. But, after this one, I'm going to have to rethink my strategy.

It has already been mentioned that the graphics of this one is lacking the beauty and details of the earlier ones. They're not bad, they're just not up to the standard that was set with the first one. Yes, they do cross over into "cartoonish" at times. In fact, one of the early mini-games was extremely cartoonish and disappointing.

In the earlier games, the SE versions offered the morphing beyond objects. Then as the series progressed they were available only in the CE versions. The objects didn't jump out and wave a flag at you, but they also didn't require a magnifying glass to locate. Both versions of the games included pieces of different parables to be located that added an extra element of enjoyment. In the past, the parable pieces were much like an inventory item in that they were a specific shape and object. This game somehow got off the beaten path and got lost. The collectibles are not the morphing type, they are tiny leaves and acorns that blend into the background so much that I did have to dig that magnifying glass out. In contrast to the earlier games, the parable pieces in this one are the morphing type and are just one instinctive piece of three that make up the picture.

Always loved the FROG scenes that were beautifully and artfully detailed with the sections tucked into the display neatly but identifiable. This is another area that sees a digression of the series. The sections of the item are flat, muddied pieces that lack the detailing to which we have become accustomed.

I rated this one a low 5 star in the hopes that it will prove my first impressions wrong and develop into a game worthy of the Dark Parable title. In the past, I would have said "It's a new Dark Parable, go for it, you'll love it". Instead, I recommend that you play the Demo before deciding.

Overall, I think the developer needs to go back and play the earlier installments in the series enough times to become inspired to go back to the drawing board and restore reputation of the Dark Parable series.

I'm headed back to play further into this one with fingers crossed hoping that brilliance breaks thru the clouds. Show less

I recommend this game!

+54points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

90 of 106 found this review helpful

White Swan versus Black Swan.

PostedJuly 7, 2016

Daxadillion

fromGloucestershire UK

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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Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Who will win? Well I don't know as I haven't finished the game yet but I think I know which one it will be.

I am not going to spoil it for anyone by describing the game play but I will list the Extras.

8 chapters in the main game and 2 in the bonus, so I reckon it's going to be a fairly long game.

Replay of the Puzzles and HOS, and so far the HOS have been fragmented ones.

Parables - ...Show more

Who will win? Well I don't know as I haven't finished the game yet but I think I know which one it will be.

I am not going to spoil it for anyone by describing the game play but I will list the Extras.

8 chapters in the main game and 2 in the bonus, so I reckon it's going to be a fairly long game.

Replay of the Puzzles and HOS, and so far the HOS have been fragmented ones.

Parables - There are 21 and I think I've missed a lot of them

Collectibles are 39 acorns, and for me some of them were hard to find in the darker scenes.

Souvenirs - they are as always at the end of the Bonus Chapter.

That's it as I am off to play again.

I'm happy, happy, happy today - thank you devs for the birthday present. Show less

I recommend this game!

+74points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

110 of 135 found this review helpful

CAN YOU FIND THE MAGIC SEED AND SAVE THE DIRE TREE

PostedJuly 7, 2016

biscuitsmama

fromUsing my detective skills to find the Magic Seed and revive the Goddess Flora so she can heal the Dire Kingdom

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

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

In this latest installment of the Dark Parables series you have been called in to investigate the theft of the magic seed that is the key to reviving the Goddess Flora who keeps the balance of nature. What is even worse and beyond imagination is that the suspected thief is a high-ranking member of the prestigious Swan Guard whose members are all pledged to protecting the Goddess. Travel on a ...Show more

In this latest installment of the Dark Parables series you have been called in to investigate the theft of the magic seed that is the key to reviving the Goddess Flora who keeps the balance of nature. What is even worse and beyond imagination is that the suspected thief is a high-ranking member of the prestigious Swan Guard whose members are all pledged to protecting the Goddess. Travel on a journey through this magical land to meet with the princess and help her in her quest to find the missing Magic Seed.

Although the original developer of the series retains the name rights, there is nothing left of them in the recent games that have transitioned to another top BFG game developer. The graphics lack the depth and beauty of the original artistic team and now have that misty washed out appearance that is typical in games from the big E team. In many ways the graphics are comical and lackluster by comparison. Unfortunately, where the difference in style is most noticeable is in the FROG scenes that now are flat and lack the gorgeous style of the originals. I hate to say it but I struggled through the first FROG scene because most of the fragments needed were so muted that they disappeared within the scene, which is where the artistic difference is most apparent. IMHO, I believe the game deserves low five-star rating even with the change in graphics style.

With the Swan Princess and the Dire Tree being a Dark Parables game most of the HOS are the FROG type with a few traditional HOPA scenes thrown in for good measure. As I commented above the FROG scenes created by the new developer are not nearly as much fun as those in the original series. I hate to say it but the word tedious is most appropriate. For the most part the mini-games seem easy but there are a few that are more challenging.

The CE version of the game includes collectibles and morphing parable pieces to find. The collectible signs are very difficult to find but the parable pieces are a bit easier to locate. The remaining extra content is fairly standard but, at least for me, it is a decent CE package that justifies the extra cost of the game.

Yes, the Swan Princess and the Dire Tree might not be as glorious as the original Dark Parables games but it still is a very good HOPA/FROG game. The storyline held my interest and, apart from the first tedious FROG, the gameplay was entertaining. I am an avid fan of the Dark Parables games and, even though the series is not quite the same, it retains enough of the original premise that it is one I will add to my collection. Even though I like this game, please try the demo to see if it is one that you will enjoy. Show less

I recommend this game!

+85points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

45 of 52 found this review helpful

Outstanding! Another winner!

PostedJuly 7, 2016

808Special_K

fromKapolei, HI

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I'll keep it short. Fantasy games aren't for everyone so I don't think stars should be denied just because a game isn't your preferred Genre. Having said that, this game is absolutely beautiful and if you are a fan of Fantasy games this one is for you! Colorfully exquisite, the HOG games are not too easy but not impossible either. The story line may not be completely new to many of us but it ...Show more

I'll keep it short. Fantasy games aren't for everyone so I don't think stars should be denied just because a game isn't your preferred Genre. Having said that, this game is absolutely beautiful and if you are a fan of Fantasy games this one is for you! Colorfully exquisite, the HOG games are not too easy but not impossible either. The story line may not be completely new to many of us but it doesn't take away from the great graphics, puzzles and HOG scenes of this game. I am a fan of Fantasy games but my 5 stars are being given for the overall quality of this adventure and the obvious hard work put into it. Bravo! Show less

I recommend this game!

+38points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 35 found this review helpful

Nice Collaboration! Welcome back, Blue Tea.

PostedJuly 8, 2016

SkyeGray

fromThree Oaks, MI

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and The Dire Tree Collector's Edition

(72)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I am so glad Blue Tea is back in the game. Their original DP games were exquisite from beginning to end. And their stories were quirky and odd. This game lacks the complete beauty of the former DP, and the odd little stories - but you can't have everything. The HOPs are beautiful, the music is pretty - and the gameplay sounds are back from the old games. We even hear Ruth's voice narrating. It ...Show more

I am so glad Blue Tea is back in the game. Their original DP games were exquisite from beginning to end. And their stories were quirky and odd. This game lacks the complete beauty of the former DP, and the odd little stories - but you can't have everything. The HOPs are beautiful, the music is pretty - and the gameplay sounds are back from the old games. We even hear Ruth's voice narrating. It feels much truer to the games I loved than the last DP game that came out. I didn't even notice that Blue Tea was back on the credits until I logged in a second time. But I did notice immediately that some of the old magic was back. Good game, thanks guys. Show less

I recommend this game!

+27points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

27 of 30 found this review helpful

Dark Parables 11 Swan Princess and the Dire Tree more like Blue Tea again!!!

PostedJuly 17, 2016

skullfun

fromTennessee

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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Grim Legends 3: The Dark City Collector's Edition

(43)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This edition of Dark Parables made me fall in love with the series all over again. Since Dark Parables is such an iconic series, I was a little worried at first that Eipix would not be able to do the game justice. Defying my concerns, this 11th Dark Parables game remained along the same line as the previous installments in terms of quality, if not, even better. You play the role of Guardian ...Show more

This edition of Dark Parables made me fall in love with the series all over again. Since Dark Parables is such an iconic series, I was a little worried at first that Eipix would not be able to do the game justice. Defying my concerns, this 11th Dark Parables game remained along the same line as the previous installments in terms of quality, if not, even better. You play the role of Guardian Fairytale Detective in a quest for Ancient Tablets located in the underground Swan archives before her Wickedness beats you to it. The Wicked Swan Princess is determined to destroy the Goddess of Floralia who reins supreme in this Enchanted land. The Swan Princess needs the power of the Dire Tree to carry out her evil plans, but you have pledged your life to the Goddess to protect her and the Dire Tree until the final hour. During your quest you receive help from Black Swan and Ross Red, essential characters to the story line plot. Black Swan even stills the seed to activate the Dire Tree which wasn't the right thing to do, but you learn her intentions were honest and she proves herself worthy to join with you to defeat the Swan Princess. With regards to graphics and style.... The graphics in The Swan Princess and The Dire Tree are no Blue Tea, but it is stunning and colorful enough for me to appreciate. I am glad that Eipix decided to remain some of the franchise's signature sound effects and music, as they always work well with the series. Despite knowing that the art team at Eipix is one of the very best in the industry, the artwork style of Blue Tea Games is EXTREMELY UNIQUE and incredibly difficult to imitate. It is clear from what we saw that Eipix put in a tremendous amount of effort in the attempt to recreate the same artwork style, in which the team did surprisingly well to some extent. This time the gameplay has significantly improved in this sequel. Games from Blue Tea were slightly predictable lately; but with Eipix, everything has been spiced up with creativity. The main gameplay is still largely based on collecting pendants, orbs and other fantasy items - still, we found the tasks to be much more interactive and innovative. The puzzles are entertaining, but not always original and a few of them are repeated 3-4 times. And finally, good news for all the fans out there, Dark Parables 11 is still filled with gorgeous Fragmented Hidden Objects Scenes. In the Collector's Edition they included a pretty heavy bonus content; something that has never been done by Blue Tea before. As for the length, the main game lasted roughly 4 hours for me - the bonus chapter is very solid, featured some breathtaking scenes, and has a 45 minute length. Long-time fans of the series might still be somewhat disappointed by the switch in developers; nonetheless, Eipix created Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and the Dire Tree with such perfection and care that it impressed me all the same. I hope this series continues to be successful, this can't be the end of an awesome HOPA Legacy!!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+24points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 14 found this review helpful

DARK PARABLES is Back!! Better then EVER!!

PostedJuly 27, 2016

kcoh61

fromMcArthur, Ohio

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Word

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: The Swan Princess and The Dire Tree Collector's Edition

(72)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Absolutely Wonderful!!..After the last few Parable games, I was really getting worried. But, alas!...I'm glad the devs read all our reviews and came back with a bigger/better Parable but with the old, beautiful scripted scenes we all love.

The graphics/quality/sound...Superb!.

Thank You Eipix and BF......(I'll try never to doubt you again:) !

This one is a desktop keeper.......

I recommend this game!

+14points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 17 found this review helpful

welcome back Blue Tea Games

PostedJuly 17, 2016

crusades

fromfrance

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

Yes, welcome back !! this game is back to the original Parable games and this is a good thing ! the last couple of outings were not nearly so interesting so well done for listening to us punters and giving us what we want.
Great FROGs which I personally like as a change from HOPs loads to do, good story, collectibles which were really quite difficult to spot, great graphics etc. My only quibble ...Show more

Yes, welcome back !! this game is back to the original Parable games and this is a good thing ! the last couple of outings were not nearly so interesting so well done for listening to us punters and giving us what we want.
Great FROGs which I personally like as a change from HOPs loads to do, good story, collectibles which were really quite difficult to spot, great graphics etc. My only quibble is with the voices - but then hardly any of the games have good voices...
So try it out and enjoy.. Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

19 of 26 found this review helpful

Venus

PostedJuly 8, 2016

Loretta1Durr

fromBowie, Maryland

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

words cannot express. Has everything that one would expect with a Dark Parable Game." MAGNIFICENT"

I recommend this game!

+12points

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