Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

274 of 329 found this review helpful

THIS GAME HAS SO MANY PUZZLES! THE HOP'S HAVE PUZZLES, THE ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE PUZZLES, EVEN THE PUZZLES HAVE PUZZLES!

PostedFebruary 15, 2018

pennmom36

fromDon't all wild raccoons rub their bellies and point to their mouths to explain that they are hungry? Probably only when asked to go fetch fuses because he's so eager to help you

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Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The enemy has breached the castle gates, as they stand at the threshold, they make their demands. "You can't hide in the castle forever, your armies are defeated, and your black magic is useless, we've won, surrender!" The King had no intention of surrendering, and his black magic is anything but useless, in fact, what he does next, may very well, punish the townspeople for generations to ...Show more

The enemy has breached the castle gates, as they stand at the threshold, they make their demands. "You can't hide in the castle forever, your armies are defeated, and your black magic is useless, we've won, surrender!" The King had no intention of surrendering, and his black magic is anything but useless, in fact, what he does next, may very well, punish the townspeople for generations to come!

Sure, this story has been done before, but I gotta give Mariaglorum credit for putting a fresh perspective aspect to an age old storyline. The graphics for the most part are fantastic, but at times, seem cartoonish within zoom zones or Hidden Object Scenes. But the one thing that stands out in this game, are the abundance of Mini Game Puzzles, not just small easy puzzles, but multi-layered puzzles, puzzles that are creative and FUN! I also fell in love with the fact that this game starts out in Medieval Times, but fast forwards into modern times.

In this Collector's Edition version, there are 23 Hidden Crowns to search for, and 8 Character Figurines to Collect. One feature I've always liked, that's offered by this dev, is that you can refer to the Collections Icon, and see exactly where you missed finding a collectible, because the missing collectible spot glows and tells you which scene the missing collectible is located in. I also like the unique Achievement they always offer, of answering simple questions about the game, to see if you're paying attention to details.

The Hidden Object Scenes themselves aren't that special, but they are highly interactive. What does make them special, is the fact that they have included Mini Games, the keyword here being Game(s) Which I will list in the next paragraph. As I said earlier, I felt like the graphics could have been less cartoonish within the HOP's and Zoom Zones.

The Mini Games, well, quite frankly, I had a blast, this game is a Puzzle Geeks dream come true! There are so many puzzles in this game, so if you're not into a game heavy on the puzzle side, you may want to sit this game out. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:

1) Click on tumbler wheels to match symbols shown on the clue, that automatically posts above the lock. (I do miss the good ole days of having to remember clues or refer to your journal!)

2) Sift through several keys to find the key that matches the image on the clue.

3) A three part super puzzle #1: Move the wires by adjusting various sliders so that none of the wires intersect.

4) #2:Select and drag two colored switches to the tiles of partial symbols so that the two images combined, match the colored symbol shown.

5) #3: Reassemble the image by swapping square puzzle tiles.

6) HOP puzzle: Align the radio waves, by adjusting a slider bar and two different adjustment knobs.

7) Assemble torn picture fragments to complete the image.

8) Use directional arrows on the GPS map to locate the correct destination.

9) Guide the raccoon through the dimly lit maze, to find two fuzes.

10) Create paths between matching colored locks by drawing a line between each lock without crossing paths.

This Collector's Edition version has 18 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 6 Movie Videos, 7 Achievements to earn in 3 different categories, (including an achievement for answering simple game questions) Jigsaw Puzzle to assemble, 23 Hidden Crowns, 8 Collectible Character figurines, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!

MYSTERY OF THE ANCIENTS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Lockwood Manor (September 22-2011) 4.2
2-Curse of the Black Water (November 1-2012) 4.5
3-Three Guardians (January 30-2014) 4.5
4-Deadly Cold (February 5-2015) 4.1
5-Mud Water Creek (April 14-2016) 4.2
6-The Sealed And Forgotten (March 2-2017) 4.0
7-Black Dagger (February 15-2018) n/a

by: Mariaglorum Company

Mariaglorum Games Available

Mystery of the Ancients/League of Light/Kate Arrow/Bonfire Stories Show less

I recommend this game!

+219points

274of 329voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

43 of 49 found this review helpful

Refreshingly excellent!

PostedFebruary 17, 2018

Kantata

fromToronto, ON

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector's Edition

(38)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Hidden object adventures can get a little ho-hum sometimes. They also tend toward storylines or premises that feel a bit... goofy. But Black Dagger surprised me all the way through from start to finish.

This was a very high quality game in terms of story, characters, voice acting, animation and artwork. Mariaglorum has put together something where all of the parts work, and work well. For a ...Show more

Hidden object adventures can get a little ho-hum sometimes. They also tend toward storylines or premises that feel a bit... goofy. But Black Dagger surprised me all the way through from start to finish.

This was a very high quality game in terms of story, characters, voice acting, animation and artwork. Mariaglorum has put together something where all of the parts work, and work well. For a change, I even really enjoyed the bonus chapter. Sometimes the bonus game feels obviously tacked on; this one not only made sense as a "next step" in the larger story, but it was just as well crafted as the main game. I love a good redemption story, and Black Dagger's was handled well.

My only complaint (which didn't detract TOO much from the experience) is that some of the tasks got pretty repetitive. How many times can you reasonably be expected to have to melt a bit of wax with a match? Also, I'd really love it if we could stop throwing away knives and pairs of scissors after the first use. We KNOW we're going to need them again in two minutes.

Still, based on the overall experience that stuff wasn't worth knocking off even one star.

Duncan was a great sidekick to have around. Reliable, level-headed, and didn't have that irritating tendency to run off in the middle of the action. We could use more helpful humans like him, and fewer squeaky-voiced cutesy animal helpers. Probably didn't hurt that he was super easy on the eyes. :)

Black Dagger was a great way to spend a Saturday and I'm pretty bummed that I finished it. Can't recommend it enough! Show less

I recommend this game!

+37points

43of 49voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

51 of 64 found this review helpful

Excellent Game !

PostedFebruary 16, 2018

wildlifecrusader

fromYorkeys Knob ; 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.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Played the demo and it is a must have for me. The best game I played in a long time. There are heaps of puzzles to solve, the story line is captivating and the artwork is beautifully done.
A game is not only for experienced players , beginners will love it as well . Try it , I'm buying it right now !

I recommend this game!

+38points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

117 of 158 found this review helpful

SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THE BLACK DAGGER AND WHY IT IS SO POWERFUL

PostedFebruary 14, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromAnother evil entity but at least the game has a great mystery storyline

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

There has been an attack at the local police station and Detective Duncan has called on you for assistance because of your renown in solving supernatural crimes. When you arrive at the scene everything is in shambles and several officers reported that the attacker had superhuman strength and speed, so Duncan thinks that you might be the right person to solve this case.

I enjoy the graphics ...Show more

There has been an attack at the local police station and Detective Duncan has called on you for assistance because of your renown in solving supernatural crimes. When you arrive at the scene everything is in shambles and several officers reported that the attacker had superhuman strength and speed, so Duncan thinks that you might be the right person to solve this case.

I enjoy the graphics from Mariaglorum, and many of my favorite games come from their development team. In the Black Dagger the graphics are realistic and colorful so I am happy. The voiceovers and sound package in general are excellent as well and suit the game perfectly. Another think I enjoy in this game is the true custom setting where I can make my hint and skip times as low or as high as I want. I happen to be a bit impatient so being able to set a very low time suits me perfectly.

There are some absolutely terrific HOPS early in the game at least and I think my favorite is one that has several mini puzzles included. The HOPS are very creative and it looks like all of them are interactive including the list style. The regular Puzzles are excellent, although some might think they are easy. Even though the puzzles might seem easy there were some that I found challenging. I do enjoy puzzles but sometimes I don’t particularly care for the motion type where we must trace lines with our mouse or toggle this n’ that to open something or another. This game doesn’t seem to have too many of that type of puzzle – thankfully, at least in the game’s demo.

The CE version of the game includes 8 Character Statuettes and 23 Crowns to find. There are also the ever present achievements to earn. The other extras are 18 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art, Music, 8 Videos, a Bonus Chapter and a 40-page Strategy Guide. The downfall in the CE is that it doesn’t look like there are morphing objects nor can we replay the HOPS or Puzzles.

Although the game has an evil entity I love the modern day mystery concept so it isn’t quite as bad. I have said before that I definitely would like to get away from the evil being theme that seems to permeate the game world but I wonder if that will ever happen. Lately we have had a few games that are strictly crime solving games and I have found them quite refreshing. Why can’t we have great mysteries like the old Agatha Christy games instead of some dark entity seeking to wreak havoc on some unsuspecting souls? That being said I love this game in spite of the ancient evil character mostly because of the gameplay and the interesting storyline. Having very creative HOPS and then Puzzles increase my enjoyment as I follow the mystery behind the Black Dagger. Mariaglorum creates some awesome games such as the League of Light series and Bonfire Stories that I highly recommend. After playing the beta for the game some months ago I have been eagerly awaiting the full release of the CE. Even though I purchased the game as soon as it was released, I always recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+76points

117of 158voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 16 found this review helpful

DEFEAT THE DARK KING

PostedMarch 10, 2018

charlene_lane

fromWellington, New Zealand

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, Large File, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Greed: Old Enemies Returning

(18)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

What a terrific game and I really enjoyed it. There are:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Find 23 crowns (in main game only);
* Achievements room;
* Find 8 Collections (characters).

The graphics are great - colours are bright but not garish and everywhere is clear to see - no gloomy scenes. The ...Show more

REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

What a terrific game and I really enjoyed it. There are:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Find 23 crowns (in main game only);
* Achievements room;
* Find 8 Collections (characters).

The graphics are great - colours are bright but not garish and everywhere is clear to see - no gloomy scenes. The music is orchestral and nice to listen to.

The hidden object games are highly interactive straightforward, silhouette, finding similar pairs and finding one item to use to find another, etc. Items are clear to see and each HOP takes around 3-5 minutes to do.

There are a huge variety of different mini-games to play. These are all very easy to do. I've seen them all before but I always enjoy doing them again. Even if you don't like mini-games much, these are all very accomplishable to do in a short amount of time.

There are 23 crowns to find throughout the main game. Some of these are very well hidden which I loved. Get them all and you get an achievement. This is the first game in ages that I really had to look hard to find them.

I found I didn't need to use the interactive map at all because you only travelling within a few scenes at a time before you move on.

This time the bonus game carries on from the main game, so if you are waiting to get the SE, I just wanted to let you know now.

All up the game and bonus took me about 6 hours or so, playing during the week. I thought it was quite a long game, probably because there is so much to do in each scene. Overall, a decent adventure with a sense of urgency that will keep you busy.

Happy playing fishies. Show less

I recommend this game!

+14points

15of 16voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 32 found this review helpful

ONE OF THE BEST................

PostedFebruary 22, 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.
Key Contributor

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

MYSTERY OF THE ANCIENTS A 5 STAR PLUS! BASED ON TOTAL GAME.

I recommend this game!

+20points

26of 32voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

22 of 27 found this review helpful

I loved it

PostedFebruary 23, 2018

greenshade

fromCincinnati, OH

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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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Been a while since I found a game as engaging as this one. While I am one who usually hates puzzles the majority of these felt me like mini games and weren't mind boggling.
The HO scenes were terrific, the story line was engaging.

(unlike some recent games from other developers that seemed tedious to play and remain unfinished)

I recommend this game!

+17points

22of 27voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 26 found this review helpful

One of the best

PostedFebruary 24, 2018

s12345678

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Unique puzzles and searches, one of the best I've ever played. I never write reviews either

I recommend this game!

+16points

21of 26voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

56 of 84 found this review helpful

A thilling tour into the dark side of the past

PostedFebruary 15, 2018

rainworm

fromFascinating: in winter, mysteries are the best to play.

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

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

In ancient days, a ruler, who came to power by black magic, escaped his dethronement and death by the hands of his revolting subjects, by suicide. He stabbed himself with a black dagger.....But did he die?
Present day, a police station. Duncan, a police detective has called us in. He is at the scene and reports, the station has been attacked by a man with supernatural strength and speed. One ...Show more

In ancient days, a ruler, who came to power by black magic, escaped his dethronement and death by the hands of his revolting subjects, by suicide. He stabbed himself with a black dagger.....But did he die?
Present day, a police station. Duncan, a police detective has called us in. He is at the scene and reports, the station has been attacked by a man with supernatural strength and speed. One officer was killed, the station is devastated. We play as investigator, specialized in cases, where the supernatural plays a role. It is important to find out, what exactly happened and who the attacker was. The station is furnished with cameras, so we are able to watch the video footage on the attack. After breaking into the station and stabbing one of the officers, the strange man is not alone, a dark shadow appears and they communicate, then vanish. The man is unknown, but Duncan recognizes the dagger. It has played a role in another crime 15 years ago and was later stolen from the evidence. This weapon was originally part of a collection of medieval artifacts. A secret surrounds this dagger, with it the life of the man who is stabbed to death seems to be sucked in. We need to know more. The collector, who originally owned the dagger, lives nearby and should know more about it. So we are off to Garold’s Mansion.
Here it becomes even clearer, behind this is a supernatural force, which tries to block us from entering the mansion. Inside a fight is going on, the mysterious villain from the station is here and feriously attacking a man. The collector? We manage to overcome the attacker but the man, John, could only utter some words before he is stabbed from behind by the resurrected assailant. The dagger again sucks in the dead man’s life force. But he gave us his diary - the magician was fought in his time and the descendants of those, who did it then, are in great danger now. ……
The Black Dagger is a fast paced thrilling game on a dark magician, who escaped death centuries ago by killing himself with the dagger. With the weapon as a means in the hands of one of his servants, he regains his life, every killed man returns his life force.
Puzzles and HOS are varied and entertaining, not too challenging but this is not a contra. The plot unfolds quickly and doesn’t let go . So an overall successful performance in the series. Show less

I recommend this game!

+28points

56of 84voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

49 of 76 found this review helpful

Amazing Game

PostedFebruary 15, 2018

Lissi22

fromMunich

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

I love the Games from this Dev. Interesting Hops and Minigames and especially: execellent Graphics. I can not stop playing. This is another amazing Mystery of the andient.

I recommend this game!

+22points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector's Edition An ancient evil returns... 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.