Christmas Stories: Enchanted Express Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

44 of 45 found this review helpful

I Didn't Expect This!

PostedDecember 20, 2020

caseyduhamel

fromSouth Dakota

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management

Current Favorite:

True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition

(322)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Wow! OK, when I first sat down to play this I was taken a bit aback by the very busy scenes. I mean BUSY. I thought that was going to be inhibitive as when a scene looks like a junkpile HOP (this is true of Timmy's room). But, how wrong I was. The attention to detail is phenomenal. There is none of the dreaded purple anywhere! The colors are not over-saturated- in fact the graphics resemble ...Show more

Wow! OK, when I first sat down to play this I was taken a bit aback by the very busy scenes. I mean BUSY. I thought that was going to be inhibitive as when a scene looks like a junkpile HOP (this is true of Timmy's room). But, how wrong I was. The attention to detail is phenomenal. There is none of the dreaded purple anywhere! The colors are not over-saturated- in fact the graphics resemble hand-drawn scenes- excellent!
And speaking of attention to detail: your two little animal helpers (a mouse and a squirrel) are undeniably adorable! They just don't sit there atop of the menu designation, these little guys are busy! The mouse will wipe his nose on his sleeve or eat some cheese, the squirrel will rub his eyes and clean his face or look at you through a magnifying glass. And I am not kidding when I say they are adorable, very well executed! The VOs are excellent and spot on. The Train's Storyteller has a Scottish accent that reminds me of Midlothian in Scotland where I have visited many times. And you might think this is a child's game as it is kinda cutesy but most of the puzzles take some time and thought- you've seen a few before but many were very new to me. The HOPs- some are are of the junk pile genre but not frustrating and had some new twists. The musical score is not classic Christmas but definitely Christmas sounding and very cheerful. The storyline has been done a few times before, but was refreshing in its delivery and kept the game moving along and was very interesting. I was very pleasantly surprised- a wonderful game with lots of collectibles, fantastic graphics, great story, and just the thing for the Covid Blues. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+43points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

145 of 189 found this review helpful

A NEW CHRISTMAS CLASSIC FOR ME TO LOVE

PostedDecember 5, 2019

biscuitsmama

fromChristmas games certainly make me happier than those dark games we've recently seen

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I so enjoy the fact that the games coming out this month will be happier and brighter all to set the stage for a magical time of year. For years now I have looked forward to the Christmas Stories release from one of my favorite game developers because the games are so excellent. They are all based on one tale or another and the first one that began it all in ...Show more

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I so enjoy the fact that the games coming out this month will be happier and brighter all to set the stage for a magical time of year. For years now I have looked forward to the Christmas Stories release from one of my favorite game developers because the games are so excellent. They are all based on one tale or another and the first one that began it all in 2012 also began a Christmas tradition for me.

This latest annual release Enchanted Express is another magical game that features the beloved characters Hansel and Gretel. As Hansel and Gretel are on their way home, Hansel is enticed onto a train by a storyteller. In order to ride the train Hansel must atone for any wrongdoing he may have caused throughout the year. Of course, Gretel isn’t invited on board so she jumps on the train as it is leaving the station and now, she must not only save Hansel but herself as well.

After so many recent dark and dreary games, Enchanted Express is the game I’ve been waiting for. I love everything about Christmas, so the bright colors and the Christmas music sent me to my happy place as I played this wonderful game. The gameplay is nothing new as we must find this or that or do this or that in order to move forward to the next scene. I don’t let that put me off as that is the basic premise of all HOPA games. I enjoyed all the HOS and even the puzzles that I thought were excellent. Most of the puzzles, although familiar, were brightened up with a Christmas theme. Some of my favorite puzzles were included in the mix so that kept me very happy.

Christmas Stories Enchanted Express is the perfect game to kick off the holiday season and it is one that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Even though the game is perfect for me, please try the demo to see if it is one you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+101points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

41 of 49 found this review helpful

Another GREAT addition to this series

PostedDecember 6, 2019

Penguin29

fromMA.

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I own all the Christmas Stories games. I have recently played them all again in anticipation of the new release this year. The wait is over.... this game is just as good as all the others. A must have. Happy Holidays!

I recommend this game!

+33points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

25 of 29 found this review helpful

All Aboard to Fix Christimases Past

PostedDecember 5, 2019

MysteryAngel145

fromIn a land and time far, far away

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Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on the demo: I look forward to the Christmas Stories games every year, own all of them, and this one doesn't disappoint! The villain isn't your average scary run-of-the-mill monster/creature/warlock - or a witch, like the one in the original Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. No, it's a smooth-talking Scotsman storyteller, with a voice like melted butter (and that I could listen to all day), who ...Show more

Based on the demo: I look forward to the Christmas Stories games every year, own all of them, and this one doesn't disappoint! The villain isn't your average scary run-of-the-mill monster/creature/warlock - or a witch, like the one in the original Hansel and Gretel fairy tale. No, it's a smooth-talking Scotsman storyteller, with a voice like melted butter (and that I could listen to all day), who traps children who have done wrong under an enchantment. He tells Gretel (you) that you must right your brother's wrong by doing 3 good deeds before midnight of Christmas (through 3 stories he tells from a book on the Enchanted Express). But he has an agenda - making it difficult, even dangerous for Gretel to free her brother from being a mouse (who becomes your helper). It's not made obvious what Hansel has done to deserve this fate (perhaps disobeying his parents and running away from home as it seems to imply in the intro, with Gretel at the train depot telling Hansel they must go back now?) - or maybe his bad deed is never shown, But Hansel has done something wrong, and Gretel must save him. I love that the villain isn't blatantly evil/scary, but SEEMS to be a nice guy at the beginning when he invites Hansel aboard his Enchanted Express to get warm and have delicious treats (reminded me a bit of the Candyman from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, though that dude was scarier looking lol) - it presents a good moral for children to be wary of any stranger, even the ones not apparently evil in word or appearance ...

Now, on to the specifics -

Pleased to see that since the beta there have been improvements made, especially in the graphics, which brought the game from good to wonderful, IMO. :)

The colors are more brilliant, crisp, royal and festive - just what you would want in a Christmas game. I'm not sure about the music, if it's Christmas or not (recently realized there are old songs I'd never heard that are Christmas songs and didn't know that when playing other games) but whatever the case, the music is pleasant to play to. Whenever I don't like music in a game, I mute it, keep voices/sound effects, and put on a continuous trek of other music that fits game in the bg, either in another window or on my stereo. :) With this one, I don't feel the need to do that.

A jump map shows collectibles. There are general collectibles to gather, as well as puzzle pieces in the popups, and morphing stockings in each of the main scenes, not always easy to spot right away, with how Christmasy the scenes are and often packed with delights -but not difficult.... there are cute critters you'll run across, even the persnickety ones, and a lot of Christmas charm. The type of game that warms the heart and makes you feel good as you play...

I found the mini games a bit of a challenge - not too easy, not too difficult, some famiiar, and some took a bit of thinking. With 3 of them, I started but had to skip to be able to finish the demo, though will play through when I buy the game and have more time to work with them. The Rube Goldberg type puzzle was on the easy side but made me smile...the HOS scenes vary in type and were colorful and cute.

So, if you like Christmas tales with good morals, a lot of festivity & fun, some giggles & smiles, along with a few, heartwarming "awww" moments - hop aboard, and at least try the demo! A true sweet treat for the entire family, adults (those kids at heart), and children alike -

Merry Christmas! :) And have a bright and wonderful New Year! Show less

+21points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 18 found this review helpful

Another X-mas with BF

PostedDecember 8, 2019

Amijane

fromSweden

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

These games have become my Christmas tradition. Even though lately I have had little time for games I go back every Christmas to play the new story. This year's story is one of the better I think and as usual I get the bonus game....a cat game! My gift for myself and my 3 cats every year now. Oh and there were precious little HOS so the story just went on fine (if you skip all the minigames, which ...Show more

These games have become my Christmas tradition. Even though lately I have had little time for games I go back every Christmas to play the new story. This year's story is one of the better I think and as usual I get the bonus game....a cat game! My gift for myself and my 3 cats every year now. Oh and there were precious little HOS so the story just went on fine (if you skip all the minigames, which I am ashamed to say I do), and just was a real sweet thing for Christmas! Show less

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 25 found this review helpful

Charming, Well Made and Enchanting for All Ages

PostedDecember 5, 2019

LosAngeHell

fromLos Angeles, CA

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Charming, well made and enchanting for all ages. I am thoroughly enjoying this game and recommend it for anyone who wants to play a fun, entertaining and enjoyable, sweet game. Fun for the whole family.

I recommend this game!

+17points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

81 of 114 found this review helpful

love it

PostedDecember 5, 2019

nunudog

fromuk

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I wait all year for these games, and this one does not disappoint

I recommend this game!

+48points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 11 found this review helpful

Loved all of it !!

PostedDecember 8, 2019

Valdy

fromWhere Pixies meet...

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Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I really enjoyed playing this game, especially because there are 3 stories to follow, which I much prefer to wading through one big story.

The graphics and sounds are excellent, as is the gameplay. The puzzles are easy enough for me to enjoy, and I really liked the hidden object scenes - they were well done. I also liked my little helper.

The collectables were so-so. I would have liked to ...Show more

I really enjoyed playing this game, especially because there are 3 stories to follow, which I much prefer to wading through one big story.

The graphics and sounds are excellent, as is the gameplay. The puzzles are easy enough for me to enjoy, and I really liked the hidden object scenes - they were well done. I also liked my little helper.

The collectables were so-so. I would have liked to see collectables with which I could decorate a tree or a room. Didn't we do something like this before?

The bonus chapter was really nice as well, even though we are back to cats. (Elephant Games don't seem to be able to do away with them altogether.) ;) Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

I've play the full game several times and really enjoy it

PostedFebruary 10, 2020

Arien1

fromArizona

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files®: Escape from Ravenhearst™ Collector's Edition

(896)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I have played the demos to all of the Christmas Stories games and so far this is the only one that I liked enough to buy the full game. Like many people, I was confused at the Storyteller's motivations at first. I don't see him as evil, just mischievous (in the end, he gives you an insanely easy puzzle to decide your fate with). I personally got the impression that he just enjoys challenging the ...Show more

I have played the demos to all of the Christmas Stories games and so far this is the only one that I liked enough to buy the full game. Like many people, I was confused at the Storyteller's motivations at first. I don't see him as evil, just mischievous (in the end, he gives you an insanely easy puzzle to decide your fate with). I personally got the impression that he just enjoys challenging the player character, to "spice things up" as he says at one point. I also disagree with reviewers who say he kidnaps the children. Based on what is said in-game, the train is drawn only to those who feel guilt at something they have done (whether they deserve the guilt or not) and want to correct it. Both children enter the train of their own free will and they sure didn't seem traumatized at all in the end. I wouldn't mind having an opportunity to board a train and listen to some stories to undo some things I've done in the past!

I loved the brightly colored, pretty graphics of the game. They sure put me in the Christmas spirit, even now when Christmas is over. I could see myself playing this game all year when I feel a need for something Christmas-y. I also felt the voice acting was very well done. I especially enjoyed the Storyteller's and Daphne's voices, but I really thought everyone was cast well.

Was anyone else confused by Gretel's age? Her voice sounds like someone in their teens and she repeatedly refers to Hansel as her "little brother", but when they show her image in one of the stories she looks like a very little girl, maybe even younger than Hansel. A minor detail, but I'm someone who prefers consistency and clarity in the characters. I was also expecting a tie-in to the Hansel and Gretel story given these characters' names, or even a general tie-in to fairytales, but that never happened (but maybe these stories are related to fairytales that I'm just not familiar with).

Although the music did not include specifically Christmas songs, I enjoyed the light-hearted, fun feeling of the songs they did include and they still had a Christmas-y feel for me. The puzzles were hit and miss for me. Some were ridiculously easy, but some were very tedious or more challenging than they seemed like they should be compared to the others. I played on the custom level with no tutorial, so I'm not sure what difficulty level that sets the puzzles and games at. Some seemed way too easy and made me think this game is aimed at children, but others were far too difficult for young kids. Maybe they were trying to offer a little something for everyone. I did like the mouse helper. I don't like a lot of the helpers in games like these, but the mouse was cute, well-animated and mostly quiet.

All in all, I have a lot of fun playing this game, although I can see why the storyline is a bit disturbing for some. I'm one of the lone dissenters who did not enjoy the bonus game. I don't know why, but I find it tedious and just not interesting. I've played it through a couple of times just to collect all of the morphing objects and collectibles, but now that I've done that I doubt I'll ever play the bonus game again. I'll stick with the main game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 6 found this review helpful

FUN CHRISTMAS TALES

PostedDecember 27, 2019

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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Beautiful graphics create a warm Christmas theme with a lot to do. There are three separate stories to complete before midnight or you will have to ride the train forever!
The bonus edition is cute with an oversize cat that "just wants to have friends". Very enjoyable game.

I recommend this game!

+2points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Christmas Stories: Enchanted Express Collector's Edition All aboard the Christmas Express! 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.