Medium Detective: Fright from the Past > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

61 of 67 found this review helpful

Lots of realistic details included! Gorgeous looking HOPS...& puzzles, puzzles & puzzles!

PostedFebruary 4, 2018

SparkleGlow100

fromFavorites: Beyond the Invisible-Darkness Came, Medium Detective- Fright from the Past, Empress of the Deep- 1,2 & 3, Legacy-Mercy of the Gallows, Untold History-Descendant of the Sun, Dominic Crane 1 & 2.

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

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

Current Favorite:

Beyond the Invisible: Darkness Came

(27)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Review based on completed game. Everything is artsy and every scene has had thought put into it. I like the way the scene flickers when the medium is having an insight into what happened. Dark and eerie, haunting and relaxing... but lots of color too! Light highlights and dark shadows are used to maximum effect. Couple that with the echoing background sounds and you get a game that works. The ...Show more

Review based on completed game. Everything is artsy and every scene has had thought put into it. I like the way the scene flickers when the medium is having an insight into what happened. Dark and eerie, haunting and relaxing... but lots of color too! Light highlights and dark shadows are used to maximum effect. Couple that with the echoing background sounds and you get a game that works. The characters are actually very good- I liked hearing the characters talk in this game! You can see that they used live people at one point to get the main image.

You'll roam around a European, hilly, coastal town, with winding and climbing alleys, and centuries old buildings all crammed in together. The cobbles, the kitchen tiles, the stonework on the tavern side, the mottled glass in the door frame, the velvet upholstery on the sofa...all realistic/real details...I love that! Details are not just on static scenes, but in the clouds, the leaves...the tarpaulin moving in the breeze – especially in the first half.

Lots of interesting puzzles and the HOPS are lovely to play because they're really nice to look at. The sound effects and music only add more and are spot on. The sound is mellow (and not an annoying thin sound.)

I wondered if the game would change intensity and quality once I'd got past the demo...and...no it didn't! This is my favorite game from this developer so far! I hope there are more like this on the way! Try it for yourself. Show less

I recommend this game!

+55points

61of 67voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes61No6

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

29 of 31 found this review helpful

Interesting and intriguing game

PostedFebruary 5, 2018

cyndrap

fromFlorida

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

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I liked the game. Played the whole 90 SE demo then went out and bought the game. It is intriguing and the characters are not the usual run of the mill cookie cutter looking types. Each character is a little quirky and different. Liked this difference and found it refreshing.
The game play is smooth, liked the various mini games.
Overall I have positive things to say.

I recommend this game!

+27points

29of 31voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes29No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

13 of 14 found this review helpful

Great game.

PostedMarch 3, 2018

worlockslady1

fromGouverneur, NY

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game is in my top 10 percent. I loved it and will play it again in a few months. The only hiccup to it was the puzzles were a touch easy at times. But I still love it.

I recommend this game!

+12points

13of 14voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes13No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

Actually quite enjoyed it!

PostedMay 12, 2019

MissM6

fromToronto, ON

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Whereas it is definitely not the most unique or challenging game, I genuinely enjoyed it. Graphics are lovely, sounds is good and the storyline was pretty good - I found it rather interesting.

It is not overly complex in any way, but it's just perfect for a cozy, enjoyable afternoon, especially thanks to visuals.

I recommend this game!

+9points

9of 9voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes9No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

33 of 38 found this review helpful

~~DEEP SHADOW'S NEW SERIES NEEDS A LITTLE FINE TUNING.~~

PostedFebruary 4, 2018

skullfun

fromDeep Shadows developers showcase a host of "mystery games" but will fans enjoy this game compared to their other releases?

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

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Deep Shadow games new series "Medium Detective: Fright from the past" shows potential, but fans of this developer may be left with more questions than answers after completing the investigation.

You play Claire Arlington, a novice detective who has been summoned to investigate a series of murders that occur once in a decade. While Detective Pike supervise's your deductions you soon realize that ...Show more

Deep Shadow games new series "Medium Detective: Fright from the past" shows potential, but fans of this developer may be left with more questions than answers after completing the investigation.

You play Claire Arlington, a novice detective who has been summoned to investigate a series of murders that occur once in a decade. While Detective Pike supervise's your deductions you soon realize that this is no ordinary investigation. Something sinister lurks in the shadows....They call him "The Man of The Shadows" and he is back after 10 years of seclusion, only to begin murdering once again! There is a lot of history to discover with this investigation. When a strange series of murders associated with an old tale starts terrorizing the locals, you must use your ability to see the past, and this will be critical in order to stop the dangerous creature from its revenge and the destruction of the city. You have everything you need to uncover the dark origin of the "Shadow Man" in time. Can you stop everything or make it your next victim? There are some interesting events along the way too, so you are rarely bored with the action or the story. I enjoyed the unique puzzles to test your wits even if the underlying mechanics are not very different from what you may be accustomed to. The graphics and sound SFX are in need of some work, but this mystery adventure is quirky and fun which can be advantageous with regard to holding your interest as you progress thru the game. Look for the writing on the wall left by the "Man of The Shadows" in the beginning of the game. It's clearly taken from the original "Nightmare on Elm Street" movie. One, Two Shadow's coming for you.....3, 4 better lock your door. 5, 6 you must run from his tricks. 7,8 try not to shake. 9, 10 HE'S BACK AGAIN!!! I enjoyed the first installment of this new series. I wonder if it will be as popular as their other series TALES OF TERROR and HAUNTED TRAIN?If you like this mystery, be sure to check out Tales of Terror: House on Haunted Hill. It's a blast to play too! Cheers! Show less

I recommend this game!

+28points

33of 38voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes33No5

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

12 of 13 found this review helpful

Good characters

PostedMay 19, 2018

Suelovesgames

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

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Mind Snares: Alice's Journey

(60)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I liked the storyline, the genre (1940's style) the graphics, the sound effects and the atmosphere. Nice cinematics too, infrequent enough not to break up the story or bore you silly, yet just enough to keep the story going at a good pace.
I wish they'd come up with some unique puzzles, not having a go at this game in particular, as a lot of these games are guilty of cliched done to death ...Show more

I liked the storyline, the genre (1940's style) the graphics, the sound effects and the atmosphere. Nice cinematics too, infrequent enough not to break up the story or bore you silly, yet just enough to keep the story going at a good pace.
I wish they'd come up with some unique puzzles, not having a go at this game in particular, as a lot of these games are guilty of cliched done to death puzzles,both in the game play and in the mini sections. It tends to be the same uniform gameplay, with the same puzzles but maybe executed slightly differently. If I never light another lantern, cut open a mattress or give another dog a bone, it'll be too soon.
The HOS are unique and fun to do. They have different types. In some you start off by finding four object shapes which then unlock four more object lists and also they have matching object HOS.
They also have a teleport system, which is handy.
The graphics are rendered beautifully, with good detail.
The last half of the game, gets really interesting and builds up in pace. What I liked most about this game is the characters, they were strong,mostly likable, quite believable and not too annoying, Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

12of 13voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes12No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

3 of 5 found this review helpful

Not too Bad.

PostedFebruary 6, 2019

Marja67

fromSpokane, WA

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

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Fair game. good graphics. good characters. Easy to go through. Worth the buy.

I recommend this game!

+1point

3of 5voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes3No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

43 of 51 found this review helpful

HELP CLAIRE PUT AN END TO THE MAN OF SHADOWS IN A NEW MYSTERY GAME

PostedFebruary 4, 2018

biscuitsmama

fromSome days are better than others when you are a “Police Special Consultant”

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

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Medium Detective comes to us from a developer that has created some very good games such as the Tales of Terror and Haunted Train series and Fright from the Past might be the first entry into a new mystery series from this developer. If you have enjoyed their other games, you will probably enjoy this new whodunit game. A word of warning to all of you game purists who look at every nut and bolt in ...Show more

Medium Detective comes to us from a developer that has created some very good games such as the Tales of Terror and Haunted Train series and Fright from the Past might be the first entry into a new mystery series from this developer. If you have enjoyed their other games, you will probably enjoy this new whodunit game. A word of warning to all of you game purists who look at every nut and bolt in a game – be prepared for a bit of time-shock as you will probably go nuts because of all the anachronisms. Some are very obvious such as Detective Pine’s flashy automobile rather than a horse-drawn carriage or Claire’s rather modern wardrobe, while others are a bit more subtle. Just remember that in BFG game land all things are possible!

In Fright from the Past you play the game as Claire Arlington a Police Special Consultant who uses her gift to see things that others don’t. Detective Pine who was the partner of your late father has called on you to help investigate what he believes is the murder of a young woman whose death was ruled as natural by the coroner. Detective Pine has reason to suspect that she and others might be the victims of an elusive and legendary criminal called the Man of Shadows. Using your special talents will you and Detective Pine be able to solve the murders and put an end to his reign of terror?

The hand-drawn artwork used to create the characters is excellent and with good voiceovers the characters seem life like. The game offers a custom setting that I appreciate because I can set my hint and skip times as low as I want. Many developers offer the custom setting but they dictate what the hint and skip time range should be without allowing the gamer to choose their own range. Yes, I am impatient and I hate waiting for the hint button to recharge when I want to move forward in the game – so thank you Deep Shadows for allowing me to set my own hint and skip times. There is the standard transporter type map included with the game but there is a tool that some might consider a gimmick but it is useful. Claire’s gift as a medium is activated by a special amulet but you won’t need to play a puzzle to use it.

I enjoyed the creative HOPS in Medium Detective where there are different styles used and all of them are well-designed. If you have played other games from this developer then you might be familiar with the inclusion of at least one morphing object in most scenes. The puzzles are easy, at least early in the game, which is terrific for those of you who are not fans of all the puzzles or mini-games now popping up in HOPA games. My BIG complaint is that there are no instructions for the puzzles although some don’t need them and are easy to figure out. However, I think there are some puzzles that should have instructions and the lack of them is why I will not rate the game higher.

The CE version of the game includes Morphing Objects and Collectible Signs or Symbols to find, along with Achievements to earn. The remainder of the CE package includes the standard fare such as Wallpapers, Concept Art, Music, Videos, a Bonus Game and the Strategy Guide. The CE is very light on extras so this would be a good game to purchase as a SE or by using one of your PCCs.

If you read my reviews you know by now that I dislike games based on the theme of evil, smoky, demonic type entities. HOWEVER, since I do like games from this developer and the Man of Shadows is only bent on revenge and not seeking to take over souls or world dominion, it doesn’t bother me quite as much and I will probably buy the game. In spite of some of its shortcomings Fright from the Past is a good police mystery game and is worth playing and it is one that I recommend. Even though I think that Medium Detective Fright from the Past is a good game, please try the demo to see if it is right for you. Happy gaming! Show less

+35points

43of 51voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes43No8

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

17 of 19 found this review helpful

It's Medium Alright

PostedFebruary 6, 2018

PATinPNS

fromPensacola, FL

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

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

This is posted after playing the entire game.

I have to say, I do not understand the high ratings for this game. It's a three in my book and I think that's being benevolent. I hope this is just a nervous first edition of a new series and if it continues it will become better... much better. The only way to go is up. I normally enjoy this developer's games, but this one left me lacking on so ...Show more

This is posted after playing the entire game.

I have to say, I do not understand the high ratings for this game. It's a three in my book and I think that's being benevolent. I hope this is just a nervous first edition of a new series and if it continues it will become better... much better. The only way to go is up. I normally enjoy this developer's games, but this one left me lacking on so many levels.

The sound was okay. Voice overs were well done and the graphics were acceptable. Effects were good and the music wasn't bad and kept in the background. Colors were dark which one would expect with this genre of game.

I gave the level of challenge a medium grade, because the mini games seemed to be about the same with a little variation. I got tickled in one scene. I did a hidden object where I had to find pairs of things. Then almost immediately I was back at the same window I had just left and had to have a badge to open what I had just closed to do another hidden object game. Hidden objects ranged from lists to silhouettes, my least favorite of all, and there were a lot of them. The hidden objects were well done so no complaints on those. Back to the mini games. I trust that one day there will be instructions one can understand. That was a big problem for me. I did the majority of the ones I could understand and had the patience to do. So far as as helpers, all you have is the map. It does show where there are things to do and of course transports. The biggest helper was the custom setting. I had the hint and skip set to the fastest possible and I'm so glad I did. I spent more time setting the options, including the custom setting than I have ever done in a game. Don't know what my problem was, but I just couldn't get things to do like I wanted. I will make a suggestion to you. Use the tutorial. I did the "unique to this game" and that was a mistake. There are things that happen, like the amulet I didn't understand for a while.

I had the story figured out before the end of the demo. Not the most gripping story I've seen. There is a lot of repeat dialog for some reason which shocked me to be quite honest. About every time the inspector was going to speak I could almost guess what he was going to say.

Give the demo a try and see if maybe you will like this better than I. With any luck they will learn from this experience and all that follow will live up to their potential. It's not a horrible game, but it doesn't warrant much more than a 3 in my book. Show less

I recommend this game!

+15points

17of 19voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

27 of 35 found this review helpful

I DON'T THINK THIS GAME IS HORRIBLE, IT'S JUST NOT GREAT

PostedFebruary 11, 2018

pennmom36

from"All your descendants will suffer" why? They didn't do anything!

Top Reviewer
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.
Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I actually believe that this game has potential as a new series. It's not a fantastic game, it's just an okay game, but I think Deep Shadows can take some constructive criticism, and mold this game into a fantastic detective series.

This is one of those games that was stretched with unnecessary filler tasks to make it appear to be a longer game, it has 5 Chapters and a Bonus Chapter. I found ...Show more

I actually believe that this game has potential as a new series. It's not a fantastic game, it's just an okay game, but I think Deep Shadows can take some constructive criticism, and mold this game into a fantastic detective series.

This is one of those games that was stretched with unnecessary filler tasks to make it appear to be a longer game, it has 5 Chapters and a Bonus Chapter. I found myself getting bored towards the end of each chapter, but only because of said filler tasks, that really added nothing to the story. Each chapter is basically about thwarting Malefic's evil agenda, and trying to save a different victim.

Fortunately, there isn't a lot of back and forthing, because most items are found and used within that scene, or the previous scene. I did find too many of the puzzles to be the frustrating kind, throughout the game, the kind where clicking on one, affects several others. To me, those types of puzzles don't require as much skill as they do patience, therefore, they are just frustrating, aggravating and not that fun, and a little goes a long way, but that's just my personal preference.

As I said earlier, I don't think this is a horrible game, but there's nothing special about it, which makes it average. However, I do think Deep Shadows should continue with this series, because I love a good detective game, I would especially love a detective game that takes place in modern times. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:

Burned at the stake, purified by fire (nope, its not a marshmallow) accused of atrocious, unspeakable crimes and witchcraft. Such a savage punishment, yet, before the flames engulfed his entire body, Malefic vowed to return. "You and all your descendants will suffer" That was two hundred and fifty years ago, but Detective Pike fears the "Man of Shadows" has returned to enact his revenge upon the distant relatives who so barbarically ended his life.

Detective Pike seems to be the only one who believes that Katherine Garrison-Oaks was murdered, much less at the hands of a city legend superstition. He has asked Claire Arlington to join his investigation, and help him get proof that the Man of Shadows has once again returned. Claire has a supernatural gift, one that allows her to see past events with the help of an all seeing Amulet. I know, I know, another amulet, another psychic medium that sees into the past while in a trance, been there done that, but the "Eye Amulet" isn't used that often, and there's not really any repetitive puzzle involved. The graphics are well done, and I thought the Hidden Object Scenes and Mini Games were very well constructed, although I do think they went overboard with the puzzles where, moving one affects others, which to me are frustrating. I want to see more from Deep Shadow Games, I think they're on to something here!

In the Collector's Edition version, each scene has a Hidden Symbol, and most of the Hidden Object Scenes have a Morphing Object, as indicated by a drop down icon that appears and disappears once found. The Eye Amulet is used about 3 or 4 times within the demo, but you don't have to scan the room or complete a mini game to use it, the only thing the amulet is actually used for, is to show a brief movie clip of a past event. Evidence is gathered in groups of usually 3 items, and will automatically go into the Evidence icon.

One of the Hidden Object Scenes I'm happy to report, was actually cleverly constructed. (unfortunately this game is a bit lite in the HOP department) I don't usually find HOP's all that impressive nowadays, because in most games they are just random items thrown into a pile of junk. I particularly enjoyed the HOP where you had to find listed objects in pairs, such as 2 arrows or 2 ink impressions. Another one I liked, was a simple Interactive List that opens up once you find the silhouetted shapes and placed them into the matching sections. There are a total of 20 Hidden Object Scenes total in this game.

The Mini Games are decent, but tend to lean towards the easy side of the scale.Several of the puzzles are categorized as super puzzles, which simply means puzzles that are back to back in a 3 pack. There are a total of 18 Super Puzzles available in this game. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:

1) Click on puzzle sections until the box image matches te pictured clue.

2) Move color coded tiles to their matching colored slots, by clicking tiles in that will move 1 space at a time in an indicated direction. The direction will change when the tile passes over a directional arrow, and tiles can push each other as well. (challenging and somewhat lengthy but I really liked this one)

3) Swap tiles to complete the pattern.

4) Restore the image by rotating discs, rotating one disc may affect others. (look for the pattern)

5) Move the colored chains to their matching colored cells. (medium challenge but doable and enjoyable)

6) Swap labels to match the symbols shown on the label and the bottles. (part 1/3)

7) Recreate the photo by finding matching symbols flipping 2 tiles at a time (part 2/3

8) Use directional arrows to scroll through the pictures to find a matching hair sample (part 3/3)

DEEP SHADOWS GAMES AVAILABLE
Medium Detective*Tales of Terror*Haunted Train*Family Tales*Exorcist*Whispered Stories*Sandra Fleming Chronicles

The Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 6 Music Soundtracks, 15 Achievements to earn, 10 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, 32 Hidden Symbol Signs, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy! Show less

+19points

27of 35voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes27No8

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Medium Detective: Fright from the Past

Reviews

Medium Detective: Fright from the Past

, share your thoughts about this game!

Medium Detective: Fright from the Past

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.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Medium Detective: Fright from the Past The shadow 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.