Wanderlust: What Lies Beneath > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

50 of 58 found this review helpful

MAD HEAD SETS THE BAR HIGHER WITH AN EXCELLENT SCI-FI GAME

PostedMarch 30, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromThe Sci-fi adventure theme along with wonderful puzzles and HOPS make this one of the best games this year.

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Wanderlust What Lies Beneath is what I hope is only the beginning game in a new Sci-Fi series. You play the game as Professor Cassie Sylva currently working at a dig in Egypt when you receive a phone call from the mysterious Mr. Gate – one that might possibly change your life. Undiscovered pyramids don’t simply rise out of the earth do they? According to Mr. Gate, this is exactly what has happened ...Show more

Wanderlust What Lies Beneath is what I hope is only the beginning game in a new Sci-Fi series. You play the game as Professor Cassie Sylva currently working at a dig in Egypt when you receive a phone call from the mysterious Mr. Gate – one that might possibly change your life. Undiscovered pyramids don’t simply rise out of the earth do they? According to Mr. Gate, this is exactly what has happened in the Columbian jungle, and for you this is a mystery worth investigating. Of course, another team led by your sister Elsa is already on its way to the site so speed is of the essence. You soon find yourself on a plane to Columbia and a possible confrontation with Elsa. Find out more about sibling rivalry and the rift between Cassie and Elsa as you play this exciting new game from the genius development team at Mad Head.

There is not a lot to say about the graphics but I will mention that they are crisp and color intense. After an earlier game this week that had very sub-par graphics it is terrific to find a game where I don’t need to strain my eyes to play a HOP. If I have any complaint at all it is with the game’s Custom Mode. I think that when the developers offer a Custom Mode they should allow the gamer to set their own Hint and Skip recharge times. A custom mode implies that the gamer can choose their preferred settings rather than have a time limit that is set by the designer. The game tools include an interactive map and a field kit that has a hatchet, brush, and a translation guide.

I love everything about this game from the HOPS to the Puzzles. The HOPS are nothing new but they so very well-designed and varied in style. There is a Map/Maze HOP early in the game that is a combo HOP and Puzzle that I love. Even though there are a lot of puzzles they are not always difficult and they fit into the storyline. I’m not sure that I have ever played a HOPA game with as many puzzles as there are in What Lies Beneath but suffice it to say that it is a puzzle lover’s delight. Some of the puzzles are very easy but most of them have a moderate level of challenge.

The CE version of the game includes finding the typical Mad Head logo that is hidden in each scene. There are Morphing Objects to be found in the HOP scenes and 20 Achievements that can be earned as you play the game. Other extras include the standard Wallpapers, Concept Art, Soundtrack, Bonus Game, and Strategy Guide. Other extras include a Character Gallery, an Ultimate Puzzle, and the option to Replay 18 HOPS. Sadly there is no Replay of the Puzzles unless they are somehow incorporated into the Ultimate Puzzle that can be opened after completing the Bonus Game.

Wanderlust is one of the most terrific games I have played in a very long time and I hope that What Lies Beneath is only the first game in the series. I love Sci-fi and we get so very few games based on that theme so Wanderlust is exactly what I’ve been waiting to play. The storyline is excellent as we learn the back story of the family tragedy that separates the two siblings and the circumstance that will ultimately bring them together. Even though Wanderlust is a perfect game for me, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy. Happy Gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+42points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 17 found this review helpful

Fun Hidden Object Adventure Game

PostedMarch 31, 2018

DeadRiver

fromOrange County, California

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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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on the Demo.
Right from the very beginning, this game has beautiful visuals, the characters and locations are beautifully drawn. The graphics are so well done it is amazing. The soundtrack is excellent. The music and special effect sounds are great. The voices are easy to understand and appropriate for each character, from the fearless heroine to the whining sister.
The puzzles and mini ...Show more

Based on the Demo.
Right from the very beginning, this game has beautiful visuals, the characters and locations are beautifully drawn. The graphics are so well done it is amazing. The soundtrack is excellent. The music and special effect sounds are great. The voices are easy to understand and appropriate for each character, from the fearless heroine to the whining sister.
The puzzles and mini games are interesting and fun, except for a few I had to skip because they were so time consuming and in my opinion, very complicated. The instructions for the puzzle games were easy to understand and very clear as to what the objective was.
The hidden object scenes were fun, fun, fun. I enjoyed each one.
This is an amazing, adventurous game with plenty of hidden object scenes and mini-puzzles. The story line is interesting with the Demo ending in a real cliffhanger.
It was an immediate buy for me. Show less

+11points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 11 found this review helpful

GREAT ADVENTURE

PostedApril 15, 2018

deddu

fromCalifornia USA

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

Current Favorite:

Haunted Hotel: Lost Dreams

(16)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

If you like a lot of mini-puzzles this game is for you. They are varied and I thought fairly easy to understand. As an archaeologist you have a tool kit with a hatchet, brush and book to decipher the symbols that appear quite often. There are hidden objects to find, but the main emphasis is on the story and the puzzles.

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

3 of 4 found this review helpful

Wanderlust

PostedApril 7, 2018

bcorsica

fromCharleston, SC

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Current Favorite:

Lost Lands: Ice Spell

(21)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Good game, started pretty good til towards the end where we got showered with puzzles games and all, mostly, with these symbols... drove me crazy, too many of them and all alike and I ended skipping mostly of them cause I was fed up with it. As much as I like to be challenged, was not really a challenge to find 2 identical symbols. more actions and less of them would have been better. But a good ...Show more

Good game, started pretty good til towards the end where we got showered with puzzles games and all, mostly, with these symbols... drove me crazy, too many of them and all alike and I ended skipping mostly of them cause I was fed up with it. As much as I like to be challenged, was not really a challenge to find 2 identical symbols. more actions and less of them would have been better. But a good game over all. Show less

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 6 found this review helpful

So Much Fun

PostedMay 1, 2018

ladynextdoor123

fromSydney NSW

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I loved this game. The puzzles were challenging but not crazy difficult, the story line was great and the music and visuals were perfect. I couldn't stop playing and didn't want it to end.

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

35 of 40 found this review helpful

HELD MY INTEREST ALL THE WAY TO THE END

PostedApril 1, 2018

pennmom36

fromWell at least I know why the pyramids were built!

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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

Current Favorite:

Moonsouls: Echoes of the Past Collector's Edition

(44)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Mad Head Games seems to be the only developer spitting out new series games with fresh ideas lately. None of the other devs have offered anything new for quite some time, they just keep adding cookie cutter versions to the end of a long-running series, while Mad Head delivers entirely new introductory series games. Wanderlust, Adam Wolfe, Dawn of Hope, Donna Brave, Fright Chasers, and most ...Show more

Mad Head Games seems to be the only developer spitting out new series games with fresh ideas lately. None of the other devs have offered anything new for quite some time, they just keep adding cookie cutter versions to the end of a long-running series, while Mad Head delivers entirely new introductory series games. Wanderlust, Adam Wolfe, Dawn of Hope, Donna Brave, Fright Chasers, and most recently, Moonsouls! Some work, some don't, but you gotta give 'em credit for being one of the few devs who even tries!

I wasn't expecting to enjoy Wanderlust as much as I did, but it's a solid game throughout, without a lot of ups and downs after the demo like a lot of games nowadays have. I loved the way they wrapped up the storyline towards the end, and that I wasn't left with more questions than answers. There are 4 Chapters + a Bonus Chapter which is a continuation of the storyline, but I can't really indulge further, without spoiling the main game plot. If you like alien themed games, Mayan themed or games related to the Amazon, you'll love this game because it has it all! Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:

In 1935 a strange pyramid erupted from the earth's surface in Cairo Egypt, the very next day it vanished as quickly as it arrived. This incident was nearly forgotten until 1943 when yet another mysterious pyramid tore through the hadalpelagic zone of the Atlantic Ocean and disappeared without a trace. Two days ago, another massive pyramid made a grand entrance in the Amazons! Is someone, or something trying to make contact? Only one thing's for certain, the Archaeological Race is on, pitting two competitive sisters against one another, each one eager to find the answers to this ancient alien mystery, before the other!

Somebody's been listening! After a brief slump, Mad Head Games has clawed its way back to the top of the HOPA pile, with a brand new "ancient alien" themed sci-fi series. Because we are now a seasoned Archaeologist, we are equipped with gadgets, tools of the trade of course. I did find this feature a bit humorous because when I first opened my archaeologist toolkit, out rolled a couple of brushes, a hatchet, a trowel, and of course a Glyph Book for deciphering codes. First off, what does an archaeologist do with a hatchet, aren't they supposed to be extremely careful so as not to damage the precious findings? So then I pick up the tools that I rolled onto the ground, but not all of them, just 1 brush and the hatchet, as well as the Glyph Book, so now my kit consists of 1 book, 1 hatchet, and 1 brush, as well as a picture of dear father. and not one of my rival sister who is also an archaeologist like their father. The good news is that the hatchet doesn't need sharpening by a whetstone OR oiled to remove the rust, it doesn't even need a new handle!

They're back! No, not the aliens, the famous Mad Head Games Collector's Edition version hidden Spirals, 30 of them to be specific! I will say though, they seem to be a tad bit more hidden than usual, but perhaps it's because the scenery graphics are similar. Other than Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, that's about all the bling you're going to get with the CE version. (the spirals continue into the BC)

The Hidden Object Scenes are varied, but kind of scarce with only 2 offered within the demo, but there are a total of 18, so there's plenty offered in the full version. The first demo HOP is an Interactive List find, the second one was very impressive, requiring you to find sections within the landscape of places to avoid on the map. The symbols are reference marks, and I found it to be very entertaining, and HOPe to see more of this unique twist. After the demo, just about every style is offered, Silhouetted Shapes, Multiples, Matching Pairs, and several Symbol finds as well.

The Mini Games are in abundance, some of which are new, I didn't have to skip any of them, which is a good indicator that they are all doable and not frustrating. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:

1) Rotate 4 corner Mazes so the ball travels the entire board.
2) Stop the target when it's inside the circle. repeat x2
3) Combine partial symbols in the correct slots.
4) Rotate the lever to corresponding symbols in correct order.
5) Select to stop the boot as it overlaps the beam.
6) Rotate the knob to match symbols in the center.
7) Lower all the flaps marked with an X, 1 may affect others.
8) Match symbols so they activate the circles at the top.
9) Direct the beam of light from the bottom left to the top right.
10) Stop the red arrow when it's in the zone of 2 angles.
11) Release the ball at the correct time to bypass boobytraps.

The Collector's Edition has 10 Achievements, 30 Collectible Spirals, 18 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 18 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, an Ultimate Puzzle, 7 Character Pictures, 4 Wallpapers, Concept Art pictures that unlock once you visit the scene, 10 Music Soundtracks, 4 Main Chapters + Bonus Chapter and a built in Strategy Guide enjoy!

MAD HEAD GAMES AVAILABLE
Wanderlust, Moonsouls, Adam Wolfe, Rite of Passage, Nevertales, Dawn of Hope, Cadenza, Shadowplay, Donna Brave, Fright Chasers, Beyond, Maze, Dark Realm Show less

I recommend this game!

+30points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

14 of 16 found this review helpful

DEFEAT N'EKTAH

PostedMarch 31, 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:

Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector's Edition

(38)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

This is a good adventure game with plenty to do. You play an archeologist, Professor Cassie Sylva who has to defeat N'ektah. There is:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Eureka, Dusted, Excavated, Unearthed and Discovery modes;
* Interactive map;
* Journal;
* Gear bag.

The graphics are superb and every scene is clear to see. Colours are muted and well defined. ...Show more

REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

This is a good adventure game with plenty to do. You play an archeologist, Professor Cassie Sylva who has to defeat N'ektah. There is:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Eureka, Dusted, Excavated, Unearthed and Discovery modes;
* Interactive map;
* Journal;
* Gear bag.

The graphics are superb and every scene is clear to see. Colours are muted and well defined. Sound is good and the music is orchestral and chanting.

The hidden object games are mainly highly interactive straightforward and silhouette. Items are very clear to see and each one only takes a couple of minutes. Keep an eye out for that ever elusive morphing object.

The mini-games are all very easy to do, however I enjoyed them. The instructions are clear and I'm sure you will find your favourite ones in there.

You will have with you at all times a gear bag with an axe, glyph book, duster, shaman's crystal and a photo of your Dad. You will be using your gear bag a lot, especially to decipher symbols. This game has a phenominal amount of symbols, so I hope you like them.

So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE, the bonus is about helping a strage orb thing to go back into space, there are 30 swirls to find in the game and bonus and an ultimate puzzle and ultimate HOP (my favourite) which are always a great way to finish off the game.

All up the game and bonus took me about 6 hours, so good value for money.

Overall, I like the game and enjoyed playing Professor Sylva. Its definitely worth having a look at and putting into your collection.

Happy playing fishies. Show less

I recommend this game!

+12points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

12 of 16 found this review helpful

Madhead Needs to Promote This Group of Developers!

PostedMarch 31, 2018

Granny_Gruff

fromNo bee smoker, we avoided the crash, and I haven't seen a zipper or paper clip yet!

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

In 1962, in the Amazon, a pyramid appears. Did it rise from the jungle floor? Mysterious Mr. Gate hires Archeology Professor Sylva to investigate. She will be in a race against time against a competing group of investigators lead by her sister, Elsa.
The two sisters have been antagonists since their father fell while at a dig with Sylva. Elsa cannot forgive her sister.
All too quickly the ...Show more

In 1962, in the Amazon, a pyramid appears. Did it rise from the jungle floor? Mysterious Mr. Gate hires Archeology Professor Sylva to investigate. She will be in a race against time against a competing group of investigators lead by her sister, Elsa.
The two sisters have been antagonists since their father fell while at a dig with Sylva. Elsa cannot forgive her sister.
All too quickly the sisters find themselves in an unknown land, forced to help each other if they ever want to return home.
Good stuff: Along with good artwork and VO's there will be the usual assortment of HOPs and mini-games/puzzles. There are five levels of game play. Number five was reasonably customizable. The Sci-fi story was of the save-my-family-member type but the interesting background and locales made it seem fresher. Plot twists helped keep the drama alive. You will acquire a tool kit that will stay with you and prove very useful.
Bad stuff: Not all the puzzles worked as someone expected them to, and there were more than a few times when you had to click on a target - not a fan favorite. The story advanced very slowly as each animation sequence halted movement till it was over. The toolkit all but grabs your throat to get your attention each time there is something you can do with one of the three tools in it. The game is very puzzle heavy, something to be aware of if you prefer HOPs.
Bottom line: This is a nice little game for the SE price. It helped that I came to it fresh - I missed the CE coming out and so this is first time I saw this one. I could view it with clearer eyes.
Try the Demo and see what you think. And have a good Spring Break. Show less

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

Adventure in the jungle

PostedApril 1, 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.
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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This is really a nice game . I'm not quite through , but so far I enjoyed playing it. Art work, voice overs are well done and puzzles are really good . Everyone can set there level of challenge and this makes it a game for beginners and more experienced players. However, If you are not familiar with this type of games , you might consider going for the Collectors Edition. Try it , it is an ...Show more

This is really a nice game . I'm not quite through , but so far I enjoyed playing it. Art work, voice overs are well done and puzzles are really good . Everyone can set there level of challenge and this makes it a game for beginners and more experienced players. However, If you are not familiar with this type of games , you might consider going for the Collectors Edition. Try it , it is an enjoyable time killer. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

4 of 5 found this review helpful

Not Quite 5 Stars For Me

PostedMay 8, 2018

Yanie1020

fromIowa, USA

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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, Large File, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Strategy

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Good game. Just not great. Lots of puzzles, which I really like, but they were all too easy. Never skipped and never really had to use my brain on them. But I do thank the developers for including a ton of them. I think you'll like this one.

I recommend this game!

+3points

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