Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

169 of 189 found this review helpful

Did I play the same game??

PostedNovember 21, 2012

OZLelila

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Wow, I am SO surprised by the negative reviews on this one, because I'm here to tell you...it is AWESOME! I have not finished the game yet, so there is a possibility it turns horrible past where I am, but I kinda doubt that.

What is most impressive about this game is the organic feel it has. By that, I mean it feels like you are actually trying to solve this mystery. It does make sense that you ...Show more

Wow, I am SO surprised by the negative reviews on this one, because I'm here to tell you...it is AWESOME! I have not finished the game yet, so there is a possibility it turns horrible past where I am, but I kinda doubt that.

What is most impressive about this game is the organic feel it has. By that, I mean it feels like you are actually trying to solve this mystery. It does make sense that you would have to look through several rooms to find a list of objects or that you would have to move stuff around to get things to look like they did. (I've played other HOG/Adventure games where you go to a place from history...and IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME AS IT WAS 100 YEARS AGO! Huh??) If you have to open a door, it makes sense that you would have to fix the lock, as opposed to doing some random puzzle. Or rewiring a fuse box by actually rewiring it, instead of playing some wire-based pipe puzzle. No, these aren't the hardest puzzles I've encountered in these games (EFR had one I didn't even know WHAT to do, much less how to do it), but they make sense in the story that's being told. And yes, the harder ones do have instructions, they just don't automatically pop up. You have to click the question mark.

I found the hint system very helpful actually in that that's exactly what it was; a HINT. A push in the right direction. Its recharge time (on Casual anyway) was quite fast; there's nothing I hate more than being stuck and having to twiddle my thumbs waiting for the hint to recharge. And while there are some sparkles on Casual, they didn't scream at you like they do in some games. I've not had to use the Strategy Guide, but I did take a look at it, and I can see why some people wouldn't like it as it's not a straight-up walk-through. Like the hint system, it tells you enough so you can move on. I know this was an issue in EFR; but, like I suspect will be true in this case, I found it to be enough for my needs. I needed a STRATEGY to get out of the spot I was in, and it gave me that. In some ways, I like it a lot better than a straight-up walk-through; I just finished the CE of "Redemption Cemetery: Grave Testimony" and it has a walk-through as its strategy guide. When I did use it, it was really kind of frustrating and confusing to try and figure out where I was and what I was missing, especially since the walk-through didn't always go in the exact same order I did. Flipping right to a picture of what I'm looking at and giving me a hint? Honestly, that's all I'm looking for.

The art style is different than the previous MCF games; instead of Victorian postcards we have a very photo-realistic environment. Again, that makes sense in this being an organic-feeling game. It works well, and I like it.

I like the journal this time around. It flips right to where you need to be and actually records stuff you need to remember (as opposed to EFR; the journal was the biggest fail in that game).

The music and the sound effects are very good at setting the mood; it's been a long time since a game has creeped me out this much.

The live-action actors are well integrated into the game; again, it feels like you're there, as opposed to being pulled out of the action in a cut scene. My only real complaint about this game (I'm sorry to say): Lea Thompson. While she is better than your average no-name video game actor, her performance is still rather stiff and stilted. Maybe she gets better later in the game, but so far, I'm not impressed.

If you're expecting another "Return to Ravenherst" (and I love that game too!), you're probably going to be disappointed. What we have here is a true adventure game with some HOG and puzzle elements; if you go into it expecting that, I think you'll really like it.

Overall, I would say Big Fish and MCF have done it again: they've pushed the Point-and-Click Adventure/HOG/Puzzle genre to the bleeding edge of concept and technology and showed us a good time while they were doing it. I can't wait to get back to playing it! Show less

I recommend this game!

+149points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

64 of 68 found this review helpful

My Two Cents Worth!

PostedNovember 25, 2012

colleeno

fromJohannesburg, South Africa

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

It's a pity that there are so many negative reviews because I thought that the game was very well done! Beautiful graphics - probably the best I've seen from BFG on this series! Lots of 'scares'; a little humour, (LOVED that book on auto repair!) and what I thought was a perfectly adequate SG! I'm only about 60% of the way through the game, but I'm loving it! The MCF series, (from RTR onwards), ...Show more

It's a pity that there are so many negative reviews because I thought that the game was very well done! Beautiful graphics - probably the best I've seen from BFG on this series! Lots of 'scares'; a little humour, (LOVED that book on auto repair!) and what I thought was a perfectly adequate SG! I'm only about 60% of the way through the game, but I'm loving it! The MCF series, (from RTR onwards), will be amongst my most treasured gaming 'possessions' for the rest of my life I think. Each year there is something new, (and something old!), and more challenging about the games - it's as if we're all 'growing' together. Can't wait to see what comes next year! Well done Big Fish!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+60points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

49 of 54 found this review helpful

Great game!

PostedNovember 22, 2012

solsa55

fromnorthern california

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I'm surprised to read so many negative reviews of this game. I absolutely loved this one. Loved the comic performances by Lea Thompson and the reality show team. I was completely engrossed in the story. It could have been longer, but I think that's because I enjoyed the game so much I wanted it to go on longer. This is in contrast to Escape from Ravenhurst, which I finished but only because I had ...Show more

I'm surprised to read so many negative reviews of this game. I absolutely loved this one. Loved the comic performances by Lea Thompson and the reality show team. I was completely engrossed in the story. It could have been longer, but I think that's because I enjoyed the game so much I wanted it to go on longer. This is in contrast to Escape from Ravenhurst, which I finished but only because I had spent the money for it and so felt obliged. I was tired by EFR's overly serious atmosphere and the puzzles seemed tedious.

Anyway, for Shadow Lake:
I loved the variety of characters -- check out the credits, there were a lot of characters in this one.
I loved the puzzles -- having the psychic ask you to find various objects for their psychic energy helped integrate the puzzles into the story.
Graphics were beautiful.
I loved the fog and the atmosphere.
As others have said, this wasn't the most difficult game but it wasn't embarrassingly easy either.

This was right up there with Dire Grove for me, if only it had gone on for a bit longer. Show less

I recommend this game!

+44points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

54 of 62 found this review helpful

If you LOVE SUDDEN SCARES, This game is for you, I REALLY dont understand why the LOW reviews, Forget about them.

PostedNovember 22, 2012

dylansmom1979

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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Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I seriously dont understand how so many have rated this low. I bought the game anyway even with the reviews. I read some that had more positive things to say and even though the demo only had a couple spooky things, if you like SUDDEN SCARES like things jumping up at the screen and fast shadows shutting a door to a room as soon as you go into another, BUY THIS.

I LOVE games that have sudden ...Show more

I seriously dont understand how so many have rated this low. I bought the game anyway even with the reviews. I read some that had more positive things to say and even though the demo only had a couple spooky things, if you like SUDDEN SCARES like things jumping up at the screen and fast shadows shutting a door to a room as soon as you go into another, BUY THIS.

I LOVE games that have sudden scares every so often, like something jumping at the screen when you come in a room or looking in a camera or mirror or window and something jumping up or quickly appearing out of no where.

I really really am shocked by the low reviews by so many but there are alot of high reviews too. There is much more to the game than what the DEMO holds, If you like sudden scares Believe me.

I also loved the real actors and I like Leah Thompson to begin with but even if she wasnt in it the game is great in my opinion,. NOT sorry I bought it in the least.

I am midway through the game and going to bed at the moment, have to get up early, heading to my grandmothers for Thanksgiving dinner so I cant play anymore tonight.

Defiantly playing more tomorrow night when it is dark o its more creepy and will have my speakers up.

I recommend the game very much and even though I know you cant please everyone, and all no game has 100 % great reviews, but I honestly dont understand the number of 1 and 2 stars.

AGAIN, if you LOVE SUDDEN SCARES every so often, this is the game. I literally a couple of times each location jumped back and uttered certain words I will not type on this review, when stuff happened. Show less

I recommend this game!

+46points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

55 of 71 found this review helpful

Let's be fair

PostedNovember 21, 2012

GoneFishing

fromEarth, Solar System

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):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition

(854)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Truly this is a CE game but its CE aspects (extra bonus game, wallpapers, etc) aren't worth the name, BUT the game itself was released as part of a promotion giving you the chance to buy any CE at half price. Played well, this promotion can make the real price you end up paying for this game more close to an SE's.

In addition the game itself is a really interesting experiment towards what I could ...Show more

Truly this is a CE game but its CE aspects (extra bonus game, wallpapers, etc) aren't worth the name, BUT the game itself was released as part of a promotion giving you the chance to buy any CE at half price. Played well, this promotion can make the real price you end up paying for this game more close to an SE's.

In addition the game itself is a really interesting experiment towards what I could name Interactive TV. Really good quality spots of real actors acting, a new way of hidden objects chasing across several scenes and areas, spotting areas to match across several locations and most importantly fitting logically with what is going on with the story. The story itself ties in very well with the game. All the elements work together and provide a new level of immersion that sets new standards in the HOG genre. Because of its immersion I found that the fact that it didn't have achievements to chase was actually good.

The whole game took me more than eight hours to complete so I found its length very satisfying too.

In my opinion the game is worth the CE price despite not having the CE additions of other games and a lot of the criticism it receives is because of the attempt to fit it in what is usual for other games with which however it does not belong to the same category.

I recommend that you try it and see for yourselves. Show less

I recommend this game!

+39points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

39 of 49 found this review helpful

What is all of the complaining about? Really people !

PostedNovember 27, 2012

woodawooda

fromKennebunkport, Maine

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):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition

(854)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The last thing we need is yet another review, right. Well I could not resist. I live in Maine in a town next to Biddiford Maine. I was laughing from the start. They even used the Maine zip code series. I love that attention to detail. I suspect someone on the staff is from Maine.
That aside, I think this is a great game, funny, full of little touches that make it special. I loved the acting, the ...Show more

The last thing we need is yet another review, right. Well I could not resist. I live in Maine in a town next to Biddiford Maine. I was laughing from the start. They even used the Maine zip code series. I love that attention to detail. I suspect someone on the staff is from Maine.
That aside, I think this is a great game, funny, full of little touches that make it special. I loved the acting, the map, the story, the strategy guide. The whole thing.
I think it is a shame that so many of the reviewers chose to pick the game apart instead of relaxing and enjoying it. If this game had come from a different developer everyone would have raved about how innovative it is. But because Big fish has raised the bar so high, they have created this atmosphere of judgement around their games. Well guess what, they are one of the best developers out there and they are in the US for a change and we should all appreciate the efforts they have to go to make such great games for all of us at a bargin price.
I for one loved the game and love BFG.
Sorry negative reviewers, perhaps you want to go back to mediocre games but I do not. Show less

I recommend this game!

+29points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

16 of 19 found this review helpful

Really Enjoyed This Game!

PostedNovember 22, 2012

Creative21

fromSouthampton, New Jersey

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files®: Dire Grove™ Collector's Edition

(141)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

In spite of all the negative reviews, I enjoyed this game. I found it challenging and fun. Loved the beautiful graphics and entry effect into the different scenes. Big Fish Studios always create the best Hidden Object games.They are always a step up from everyone else. That was my experience with this game....another step up!. It is truly a Mystery Case Files game. It has a touch of a "live" ...Show more

In spite of all the negative reviews, I enjoyed this game. I found it challenging and fun. Loved the beautiful graphics and entry effect into the different scenes. Big Fish Studios always create the best Hidden Object games.They are always a step up from everyone else. That was my experience with this game....another step up!. It is truly a Mystery Case Files game. It has a touch of a "live" Madame Fate with the live actress who is the psychic that helps the "Detective" solve the mystery. I thought she was great. I did not find it disappointing at all, but fun. It was nice to have the "interactive" relationship with the character. It really made me feel like I was an actual detective, lots of things I had to figure out on my own. Loved the "How much is that Doggie in the Window song-great effect and the old VW! It was worth waiting for..Big fish knows how to incorporate new technology "creatively" in all their games and how to make them different from the rest. Looking forward to the next Mystery Case Files game..do we really have to wait a whole year for the next one? Thank you for this game and the MCF games you have yet to create! Show less

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

82 of 120 found this review helpful

Fantastic all over!

PostedNovember 20, 2012

CasualGran

fromAmersfoort, Netherlands

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:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition

(854)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Yes! Yes! Yes! Being a huge fan of the Mystery Case Files series I've bought this 9th one unseen the moment I saw it appear as the Tomorrow's Game Today. And it surely meets my high expectations!

- Real actors doing a terrific job
- Crystal clear graphics
- A thrilling storyline
- Interesting minigames
- Excellent guidance by the Strategy Guide

5 stars out of 5

A game worth every dollarcent ...Show more

Yes! Yes! Yes! Being a huge fan of the Mystery Case Files series I've bought this 9th one unseen the moment I saw it appear as the Tomorrow's Game Today. And it surely meets my high expectations!

- Real actors doing a terrific job
- Crystal clear graphics
- A thrilling storyline
- Interesting minigames
- Excellent guidance by the Strategy Guide

5 stars out of 5

A game worth every dollarcent spend!

Happy Gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+44points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

97 of 143 found this review helpful

WOW WOW and Wow!

PostedNovember 20, 2012

Nilosh

fromIstanbul, Turkey

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, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Brink of Consciousness: The Lonely Hearts Murders Collector's Edition

(162)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I can't believe a year has gone by and finally , just in time for my birthday, the new MCF game has arrived! After playing 30 minutes of the demo, I realise that the folks at MCF have come up with new game features and really upped the ante on Visuals and Sounds; no surprise there. Live actors who really act, stunning graphics, great sound effects and voice-overs. The storyline is creepy and ...Show more

I can't believe a year has gone by and finally , just in time for my birthday, the new MCF game has arrived! After playing 30 minutes of the demo, I realise that the folks at MCF have come up with new game features and really upped the ante on Visuals and Sounds; no surprise there. Live actors who really act, stunning graphics, great sound effects and voice-overs. The storyline is creepy and enganging which I love. Detective out to investigate a cursed town and also assist Cassandra, the famous Psychic Detective. Lots of spooyeffects and startling moments. Are there somethings I would have changed? definitely! For one; what is up with that SG? It did put me off and I am not quite sure that I am liking it. The HO scenes are a bit bizarre and took a while to get use to. According to rumours, there are morphing objects but I have yet to spot one during the trial, therefore it will be a chanllenge to find them. There are puzzles and mini-games which are basic, not too hard but cleverly designed. Where are the achievment? That is a major disappointment because I love the achivements in MCF games. ALso the extras are locked which also has miffed me a bit. I can go on and on about what I liked or didin't. And I can imagine that there will be great discussions on this game in the days to come. However all I can say is; its MCF so obviously it is going to be a fantastic ride no matter what. During the demo, there are things that I loved and some game mechanics that took me time to get use to. So far from what I played, I dont think that this will be my favorite of all the MCF games, (my number one favorite is Return to Ravenhearst which in my opinion is one of the best games out there) but I am very much impressed with some of the technical features and the visuals in this game and am very anxious to see where this adventure will take me. Bravo to the MCF gang for something completely new and thank you BFG for starting our week with this surprise. Show less

I recommend this game!

+51points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

90 of 136 found this review helpful

SO TERRIFIC IT'S HARD TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE

PostedNovember 20, 2012

rosekaufmann

fromLos Angeles

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):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Surface: Mystery of Another World

(224)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Very good production values. The MCFs keep getting better and this is the best one yet. They’ve come a long way since Huntsville. You can play casual or expert modes, in high definition and with subtitles. You have separate volume controls for sound effects and the environment. Music is relaxing. You have a map and a case book which lists your tasks and your notes on the case. For once, we have ...Show more

Very good production values. The MCFs keep getting better and this is the best one yet. They’ve come a long way since Huntsville. You can play casual or expert modes, in high definition and with subtitles. You have separate volume controls for sound effects and the environment. Music is relaxing. You have a map and a case book which lists your tasks and your notes on the case. For once, we have cutscenes with good live actors who act and sound natural – it’s about time! Delve into a good well thought-out and interesting plot. Adding the ghost hunters is good -- more mystery is added as to why they took off so fast, while leaving quite a bit of their equipment behind. Very good graphics. Show less

I recommend this game!

+44points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition An evil legend haunts a forgotten town! 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.