Dark Parables: Return of the Salt Princess Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

199 of 236 found this review helpful

Welcome back old friend

PostedMarch 15, 2018

janechurch

fromOADBY, UK

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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, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

How wonderful to play a memorable Dark Parables. As all the old fans know, the last few games have been less than enjoyable and were very unlike the original games.
This game ticks all the boxes - loads of FROGS and yes, other frogs appear too.
The familiar sounds and colours bring it all back and the characters are true to form. The storyline is pure fairytale.
It took 90 minutes to get to ...Show more

How wonderful to play a memorable Dark Parables. As all the old fans know, the last few games have been less than enjoyable and were very unlike the original games.
This game ticks all the boxes - loads of FROGS and yes, other frogs appear too.
The familiar sounds and colours bring it all back and the characters are true to form. The storyline is pure fairytale.
It took 90 minutes to get to Chapter 2 so then I had to buy it. Riveting.
Thank you for listening to diehard fans by producing an excellent Dark Parables. Show less

I recommend this game!

+162points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

71 of 86 found this review helpful

Wonderful ... *IF WHAT YOU WANT IS BLUE TEA!* Bravo! Encore!

PostedMarch 18, 2018

kandinsky

fromNew York. Hudson Valley.

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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, Match 3, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters

(132)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This is an absolutely wonderful game if you are one of those for whom the magnificent, sort of roccoco art style, scenes of the old Blue Tea games, before a period of captivity (as it were) to another developer, is something you have sighed and longed for and which no other HOPA casual game could provide. You know if you are or, if you are new to the games and try this game you will soon find ...Show more

This is an absolutely wonderful game if you are one of those for whom the magnificent, sort of roccoco art style, scenes of the old Blue Tea games, before a period of captivity (as it were) to another developer, is something you have sighed and longed for and which no other HOPA casual game could provide. You know if you are or, if you are new to the games and try this game you will soon find out.
Is it as beautiful and rich in elaboration and in the sense of wonder as the first seven of the Blue Tea games? Does the developer of the time of captivity ,who in this one acts as producer ,still have a baleful influence on the game in some way or ways? Is it important to us that the trick aspect of the morphing objects, that their transformations begin only when triggered by the players action *after* passing on to a later setting? Is the story-line somehow corrupted by the influence of other games being made today ? These are questions lovers of Blue Tea could discuss( "blue tea" is an expression perhaps from the games home in Hong Kong for the rare in exquisite) .
My answers would be that I don't know care much about the morphing trick, I dont know how much the producer influenced the development of the game... as to the game's story? Personally I liked some of the other stories a little better BUT think of this as a sort of operetta where after the curtain all of the characters appear as alive and well and all full of radiance and light whatever role they played and who could withhold applause and a cries of BRAVO! BRAVA! and yes ENCORE! Show less

I recommend this game!

+56points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

90 of 114 found this review helpful

Welcome back Blue Tea, I've missed you!

PostedMarch 15, 2018

twinsoniclab

fromSouthern Oregon

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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, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Absolutely wonderful!

Stunning graphics, without too much glitz and glimmer (some of the previous Dark Parables were so gilded you could barely make out what was what!).The Blue Tea ones have always been my favorites, The Exiled Prince being one of the first game of this genre I ever played.

I love the cartoon-ish characters. I may adjust to these new helper women, but wouldn't mind ...Show more

Absolutely wonderful!

Stunning graphics, without too much glitz and glimmer (some of the previous Dark Parables were so gilded you could barely make out what was what!).The Blue Tea ones have always been my favorites, The Exiled Prince being one of the first game of this genre I ever played.

I love the cartoon-ish characters. I may adjust to these new helper women, but wouldn't mind running into the Red Riding Hood Sisters in another game!

A fairy tale story, a bit of a twist on the usual. I didn't play enough of the game to see if it's based on the Slovak fable, The Salt Prince, or not.

Lovely FROGs, again without the sparkling distraction some of the last ones featured. Also, truly fragment objects, not just big identifiable chunks. Not too many, and fewer puzzles, but I didn't mind! There was still a lot going on, a lot to do and pay attention to. I'll tell you, when the scream occurred I jumped! And rushed from scene to scene trying to find out what happened, as was obviously the developers' plan!

Cursed objects were hard to find! So are the parable pieces. Nice! At first, when I read there were no custom settings, I wasn't going to bother trying. I hate sparkles, but want to have a hint if need be. But, the goal is to get a "no hint" achievement, right? So, need a hint, look at the Strategy Guide! It's no biggie not to have a hint or skip. Even in the SE you can check the walk-through. We wanted Blue Tea back and now we complain about something else? Complain about everything and anything and eventually we'll all get what we deserve... nothing!

It's one of those rare games where I find myself wanting to play a little more, a little more, curious to find out what happens. I get that feeling in my stomach somehow! Maybe it's just knowing that Blue Tea is back!

Oh... I loved the message when I clicked on "hint" but didn't have one, "That's a convenience I thought I wouldn't need." Show less

I recommend this game!

+66points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

32 of 39 found this review helpful

Dark parables: Return of Blue Tea Games

PostedMarch 19, 2018

AbdallahAli

fromEgypt

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: Return of the Salt Princess Collector's Edition

(118)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

A blast of a 5-star game that marks a blasting return of a one-kind developer !

The graphics of this games and colors are aspects that I've never seen or witnessed it from another developer, ever. They're sharp, colorful, and in high quality at best. Up to the quality of blue tea games, I sit and kept glaring at it for a while, a true artist work was thrown in the graphics that make the game a ...Show more

A blast of a 5-star game that marks a blasting return of a one-kind developer !

The graphics of this games and colors are aspects that I've never seen or witnessed it from another developer, ever. They're sharp, colorful, and in high quality at best. Up to the quality of blue tea games, I sit and kept glaring at it for a while, a true artist work was thrown in the graphics that make the game a "must have" and an experience I don't want anybody to miss.

The story of this game is one of the best in the series, it's fast-paced, involves all the characters, and doesn't get too complicated to deliver an amazing, balanced story in the end.

The FROG scene here in the game are in its golden age, this game has such a smooth and sharp scenes to be played, I enjoyed every scene of them, with every scene worth to sit and glare at it.

Puzzles are fewer in this game, but every one is developed solidly, they are unique and enjoyable at best and worth solving them all without skipping.

The cutscenes in this game are good, but I feel they could've been executed better. The soundtrack are truly a pleasure to listen to, they are charming and mysterious at best.

The parables are easier to spot, unlike the few past installment where you would get out of the mood of the game to spot them because they're almost impossible to spot and you fear to lose them forever, thankfully, this is not the case here. The morphing object were a great addition to the game, although it would be more challenging and more unique if they could be triggered by an exact event in the game.

The map can't be used to fast travel and the game has no custom mode difficulty, I can understand if people turned away of the game because of this but the game is balanced not to need the map to fast travel so often, still, it would be better if these features were included in the game. But believe me, the beauty of this game truly covered these flaws, don't let these minor things prevent you from this game, it's amazing.

This game misses the old charming ambiences effect used in the old installments of blue tea games, I hope they could be brought back in future installment, thanks to them, every scene in the old installment feels shrouded in mystery and make the player feels a mystery vibe in every scene because everything feels calm.

Overall, Dark parables: return of the salt princess is a super comeback from blue tea games, from its storyline to the graphics of every aspect of it. All of these combined makes this game a great, unforgettable experience I don't want anybody to miss. Show less

I recommend this game!

+25points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

59 of 77 found this review helpful

Beautiful Beyond Belief

PostedMarch 16, 2018

tege1

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I’m trying to describe the beauty of the game. Proportions, vanishing point, plausibility and logic of actions are very important to me. So far everything has been done to perfection. Colors are vibrant, proportions are well done, gameplay is logic.
I don’t mind protagonists standing around, a marginal point in my opinion.

I don’t necessarily need a map to transport me. Most of the time I know ...Show more

I’m trying to describe the beauty of the game. Proportions, vanishing point, plausibility and logic of actions are very important to me. So far everything has been done to perfection. Colors are vibrant, proportions are well done, gameplay is logic.
I don’t mind protagonists standing around, a marginal point in my opinion.

I don’t necessarily need a map to transport me. Most of the time I know what I have to do, if not, there is a hint button.

I love having to complete many actions in one scene. I prefer having five scenes with ten actions over fifty scenes with one interaction each. For me this contributes towards much more intense gameplay. This concept asks for well conceived sequences by the developers. Done here and to my benefit. And hopefully for other players as well.

The story is very important to me. Again, full score for Blue Tea!

Those who miss the transporter map and custom mode and yet another operation to save the world might get bored.

The interpretation of this parable is outstanding! Back to the Salt Princess now. Show less

I recommend this game!

+41points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

105 of 142 found this review helpful

THE SALT PRINCESS BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES AND THE DARK PARABLES THAT I LOVE

PostedMarch 15, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromNow if I could only find that jump map I wouldn't get lost

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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

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The Dark Parables series returns with game number fourteen in the series with the first seven games developed by Blue Tea Games after which the subsequent games were all developed by Eipix. Call me old school but Return of the Salt Princess is everything that I loved about the original games that had gorgeous graphics, beautiful FROG (fragmented object game) scenes, and excellent puzzles.

You ...Show more

The Dark Parables series returns with game number fourteen in the series with the first seven games developed by Blue Tea Games after which the subsequent games were all developed by Eipix. Call me old school but Return of the Salt Princess is everything that I loved about the original games that had gorgeous graphics, beautiful FROG (fragmented object game) scenes, and excellent puzzles.

You once again take on the role of the fairy tale detective and this time you are out to find the missing princess of the Grak Kingdom. I’m not going to bother with the storyline synopsis since others do it quite well and with far more humor than I, suffice it to say that you are in for a great time as you track down the princess and find your way around the old kingdom.

I’m quite surprised by this game because it emulates the earlier games so well that I am not really sure if the game is a work shared by the two developers (Blue Tea and Eipix) or if maybe Blue Tea has taken up the reins once again. Perhaps it is all Eipix and they followed the original formula, but whatever the case may be, I love the result. The game is authentic right down to the map that no longer seems to be a jump map (at least it doesn’t work on my computer) which is the one complaint I had with the original games and now with this one. The game also reverts to the old style of offering only three modes of gameplay – Easy, Normal, and Hard with no other options such as turning off the tutorial. All minor for me since I’ve got what I like the most with the great graphics, FROGS, and puzzles.

The CE version of the game includes the following extras: 20 Cursed Objects, 20 Parable Pieces, 58 Pop-up Notes, and 24 Special Items to find as you play the game. Other extras include 26 Achievements, 12 Wallpapers, 24 Concept Artwork, 5 Music Tracks, 6 Movies, 9 Puzzles to play, Bonus Game Moonlight Romance, and the 57-page Strategy Guide.

I love this game mostly because it is so much like the original games in the series. Although I think the gorgeous artwork and the FROGS are terrific I do miss the special touches that EIPIX added with their technical expertise. I find it more difficult to navigate the game and miss having a jump map as well as the option to select a custom mode of gameplay. That being said, this game is perfect in every other way and it brings back the beauty of the Dark Parables games. I purchased the game as soon as it was available but as always, please try the demo to see if Return of the Salt Princes is a game you will enjoy. Following is a list of other games in the series. Happy Gaming!

Curse of Briar Rose Mar 2010 (Blue Tea Games)
The Exiled Prince Feb 2011
Rise of the Snow Queen Dec 2011
The Red Riding Hood Sisters Sep 2012
The Final Cinderella May 2013
Jack and the Sky Kingdom Feb 2014
Ballad of Rapunzel Jun 2014

The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide Nov 2014 (first game from EIPIX)
Queen of Sands May 2015
Goldilocks and the Fallen Star Nov 2015
The Swan Princess and The Dire Tree Jul 2016
The Thief and the Tinderbox Sep 2016
Requiem for the Forgotten Shadow Feb 2017 Show less

I recommend this game!

+68points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

27 of 33 found this review helpful

The best among the best ! Welcome back Blue Tea ♥

PostedMarch 26, 2018

Alexiell

fromMontréal, Québec (Canada)

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, Strategy, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince Collector's Edition

(74)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I remember my first Blue Tea Game : Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince. I discovered at that time a new genre and a new developers.

Quality is rare nowadays. I'm a manga/animation fan since so many years - I always recognize the Japanese influence in the beautiful design and the characters of blue tea games. They are fabulous, unique est so well drawn.

Their music are celestial and full of ...Show more

I remember my first Blue Tea Game : Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince. I discovered at that time a new genre and a new developers.

Quality is rare nowadays. I'm a manga/animation fan since so many years - I always recognize the Japanese influence in the beautiful design and the characters of blue tea games. They are fabulous, unique est so well drawn.

Their music are celestial and full of emotions. Each songs talk to the heart and are what i love the most of Blue Tea. I could listen them for hours ... The stories are always intriguing and interesting. Tragedy, legend, ancient tales - lost in the memory of time ... The gameplay is the same - simple but easy to follow. Don't care for the custom settings - a good game don't need those fancy things. Enjoy the moment is sufficient.

Play this game bring back so much souvenirs ... Thank You ! Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

76 of 113 found this review helpful

BEAUTIFUL GAME!!!

PostedMarch 15, 2018

1955raven

fromPelzer SC

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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, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

THIS PARABLES HAS GIVEN BACK PARABLES OF OLD THAT I LOVED, WITH JUST A TOUCH OF GREAT PUZZLES ETC!

I recommend this game!

+39points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

30 of 44 found this review helpful

Anime is a Japanese term for Animation, this has that Look

PostedMarch 17, 2018

Majestyx12

fromColoma, Michigan

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: Return of the Salt Princess Collector's Edition

(118)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I heard people try to describe the cartoon look and it looks like a genre my 20 something son is into, called Anime. I love the look and the lip movement is spot on.

This review is for the completed game with bonus and bonus content.

I Loved this game. Finally a Hops game with more hops. I counted 22 in the main game and 7 in the bonus, making 29 hops. The Hops are lovely and the fragmented ...Show more

I heard people try to describe the cartoon look and it looks like a genre my 20 something son is into, called Anime. I love the look and the lip movement is spot on.

This review is for the completed game with bonus and bonus content.

I Loved this game. Finally a Hops game with more hops. I counted 22 in the main game and 7 in the bonus, making 29 hops. The Hops are lovely and the fragmented hops seem easier in this game to me. It was delightful. I counted 13 puzzles in the main game and 3 in the bonus. You can only replay 9 select puzzles.

Playing a fairytale detective in Krakow, Poland in the Grak Kingdom with Dragonflies. I loved several fountains and waters. Especially the Frog fountain. I found my way around without trouble. I knew what to do most of the time. Sometimes I had to use hint for placement of some items. With 6 long chapters and bonus game Moonlight Romance which is a prequel. I think I had 10 plus hours into this game. Maybe I glazed too long.

I enjoyed collecting the 20 morphing cursed objects. I also collect 5 parables in the main game and 2 more parables in the bonus. You have 4 items for each parable to find, so 28 items. They are hidden all though the game.

I own all the Dark Parables in CE with my favorite being the Rise of the Snow Queen. The other games I own from the maker Blue Tea are HodgePodge Hollow, Macabre Mysteries: Curse of the Nightingale and Cursery: The Crooked Man and the Crooked Cat.

Achievements, 6 movie gallery, 5 music, 12 wallpapers, 24 concept art and 9 puzzles. 7 Parables. Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

65 of 106 found this review helpful

Let yourself be charmed

PostedMarch 15, 2018

rainworm

fromOnce in a while a fairy tale may save the day - wonderful return of a great narrator

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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 Dark Parables are a quite magical series, in which mostly fairy tales are told in a beautifully style with hidden objects to find in a special way, the FROGs and fairly good, often innovative puzzles. The first one, Briar Rose, took me in at once. Many followed and in between another developer left his ‘handwriting’ . Although the contents remained the same, certain patterns were kept, on the ...Show more

The Dark Parables are a quite magical series, in which mostly fairy tales are told in a beautifully style with hidden objects to find in a special way, the FROGs and fairly good, often innovative puzzles. The first one, Briar Rose, took me in at once. Many followed and in between another developer left his ‘handwriting’ . Although the contents remained the same, certain patterns were kept, on the whole there was a different impression. With the Return of the Salt Princess, the series is back at its origins. Unfortunately the mechanics are back to these roots as well: no customizing of the game, miss click penalty, only easy, normal or hard mode to choose.
Artwork is simply stunning, all hand drawn with love to detail. Though FROGs are not for everyone, as the objects are not easy to find, here everything is pin sharply drawn and more a feast to look for your items. But the visuals and a very suiting music are only one part of the good impression. Plot unfolds quite fast: you are in the place, where action has to be taken.
The story takes place in the old Grak Kingdom. It lies in ruins, which have started to turn into salt lately. Salt used to be the kingdom’s trade, but its ruin as well? A long time ago the princess of the kingdom disappeared, now events, as the growing salt crust on the ruins, suggest, she may have reappeard. It is our task, as fairy tale detective, to track her down. And we ‘stumble’ pretty quickly over one of her guards, a girl, half buried below rubble. She and her sister are helpful and soon we catch sight of the princess herself. But she has a problem: Her unique ability to control the white dragonflies, who are able to turn everything they touch into salt, is vanishing. Not the only obstacle, as there is the giant man. A fire-breathing dragon stands by his side as he captures the princess.
To me a magical adventure into a fantastic world… Show less

I recommend this game!

+24points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Dark Parables: Return of the Salt Princess Collector's Edition Save the World from Salt-Transmutation. 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.