Love Alchemy: A Heart In Winter > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

100 of 117 found this review helpful

Loved It At First Sight!

PostedDecember 31, 2013

JustTheFacts

fromRural Western 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:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

BASED ON DEMO

It’s a rare treat to get the chance to rave about a standalone standard edition game, but this one is wonderful! It looks good, sounds good, and has a pleasant easy flow of gameplay.

Yes, in widescreen, the images are stretched (I prefer the black bars myself). Yes, there are plenty of HOPs, and the puzzles must have been very easy, because I can’t remember a single one! Yes, there ...Show more

BASED ON DEMO

It’s a rare treat to get the chance to rave about a standalone standard edition game, but this one is wonderful! It looks good, sounds good, and has a pleasant easy flow of gameplay.

Yes, in widescreen, the images are stretched (I prefer the black bars myself). Yes, there are plenty of HOPs, and the puzzles must have been very easy, because I can’t remember a single one! Yes, there is plenty of handholding (at least in the easiest of 2 game modes). And finally, yes, the story is simplistic. But it is all done so wonderfully well despite a tight budget, and it is just plain delightful relaxing fun.

Now, for me, one of the all-time best HOPA game ideas is the “world in the painting”, which I guess gives this game a big head start with me. And the story, original only in the sense that it adds a different quirk to a familiar theme, is the “Bluebeard” story. "Don’t go wandering the castle while I’m gone, dear, or you might find the tormented souls for my previous 7 wives!" But it is such fun when combined with the “1000 door” concept of many worlds within the castle.

And all that beautiful colour! The graphics are good quality and beautifully drawn, and show beautiful locations and characters. The cut scenes are wonderful! They put ‘creepy’ into a game that might otherwise have been too pretty to chill the bones.

There are no voiceovers, and to begin with, there is too much info given too quickly to catch it all, but that settles down after the intro. The music is varied and relaxing for the most part, and there are lovely vignette sounds in each world.

The gameplay is simple. You wander the empty castle finding strange locks and hidden doors, and stumble into HOPs where you can usually find what you need. There is a fair amount of travelling before you start to find the items needed to open all the rooms you uncover, so it is good that your map is a jump map.

It doesn’t, however, tell you anything else other than your place within the castle. If you are in one of the other worlds, you will need to choose the portrait that takes you there. Hint is directional but limited. It takes a while to recharge.

The HOPs are a standard non-interactive word list. Not at all difficult, the items are clearly shown, the graphics are bright and sharp, and it is not overly junked. You visit some of them twice, but with very long gaps between. There are some mistakes in translation, but not enough to cause a lot of frustration.

There don’t seem to be many puzzles, but now I think about it I can remember one. An easy "follow the music" type. The notebook is helpful for interpreting the purely drawn instructions you sometimes get.

I love this game. BECAUSE it is easy – on the brain and on the eye. I am having a hard time restraining myself to wait till next year to buy it. *grin* Happy New Year Fishies!

AFTERTHOUGHT: No cute pets. And this game, too, is set around Xmas. Show less

I recommend this game!

+83points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 12 found this review helpful

Unexpected Top Quality! Creative Story!

PostedJanuary 15, 2014

pcpat923

fromJERSEY GIRL

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This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat

(155)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Now, this is a good game with a good story line and the music is exceptionally entertaining. When a gamer starts to play, as I did, expecting the same old same old and finds a game with a creative twist, now that is something to grade accordingly--FIVE STARS!

What the game may lack in morphing objects or achievements, it, by far, makes up with quality story telling and visits to unexpected ...Show more

Now, this is a good game with a good story line and the music is exceptionally entertaining. When a gamer starts to play, as I did, expecting the same old same old and finds a game with a creative twist, now that is something to grade accordingly--FIVE STARS!

What the game may lack in morphing objects or achievements, it, by far, makes up with quality story telling and visits to unexpected far-away and exotic lands.

Even better, this is a standard game that can be purchased immediately without waiting until the Collectors'' Edition sells first. Put your memory cap on because you will have to remember where you were and then have to return, however, an interactive Map will help gamers on their way.

Just a lot of fun, fun, fun figuring out what is going to happen to our gal in the story as her eyes slowly open to the truth about her new-found, handsome beau.
Enjoy! -Mama Mia- Show less

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 4 found this review helpful

Girls Got To Stick Together!

PostedNovember 14, 2021

JulzCat

fromCharlotte, NC

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

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

You visit the castle of your new boyfriend only to find he has other plans for you!

This game was set during Christmas, but don't expect a Christmas game. You'll get a couple of wreaths and mistletoe, but that's about it. That being said, I really loved this game and I don't think it deserves the poor reviews, especially the comments about it being too short. You have 7 portraits and countless ...Show more

You visit the castle of your new boyfriend only to find he has other plans for you!

This game was set during Christmas, but don't expect a Christmas game. You'll get a couple of wreaths and mistletoe, but that's about it. That being said, I really loved this game and I don't think it deserves the poor reviews, especially the comments about it being too short. You have 7 portraits and countless doors to unlock and it took me a good while to get through it. My only criticism would be that there were no skips on the puzzles, but I was still able to get through them all.

As for the alternate ending...it's really not a good idea to take a drink from a guy that's holding 8 women captive...just saying. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

35 of 60 found this review helpful

Based on demo

PostedDecember 31, 2013

j62janet

fromFalmouth Cornwall UK

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

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

Current Favorite:

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Hope Diamond Collector's Edition

(146)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

My rule usually is, if there's no walkthrough, no game, however I've taken a chance with this game, and so far, I'm pleased, it's about a women who is involved with a man called Charles, and when she reaches this house, she starts to find, women who have fallen in love with this man, and he's painted them, and trapped them, and the women who is finding these women, is being painted herself, so far ...Show more

My rule usually is, if there's no walkthrough, no game, however I've taken a chance with this game, and so far, I'm pleased, it's about a women who is involved with a man called Charles, and when she reaches this house, she starts to find, women who have fallen in love with this man, and he's painted them, and trapped them, and the women who is finding these women, is being painted herself, so far I love it! Show less

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 17 found this review helpful

SHOKING ALTERNATIVE ENDING!!!

PostedJanuary 5, 2014

Hopaman

fromNY

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Love Alchemy: A Heart In Winter

(49)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This is my first HO game, that has an alternative ending! It's AWESOME!!!

I recommend this game!

+1point

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 15 found this review helpful

Really fun to play

PostedJanuary 3, 2014

sdemers

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I took a chance on this game & glad I did not a lot of star's is what I go by but I liked the magical screen shot's I'm glad I got it I couldn't stop playing. It is one I will go back & play agian

I recommend this game!

-1point

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Overall rating

5 / 5

Great, original game

PostedJune 19, 2022

AdrianaIP

fromState College, PA

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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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Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

My criterion about adventure games is: how good is the story? How original?

This game is tops. the story is good and keeps up the suspense. You like the main character and you want to see how it ends.

The gameplay is not too easy and not too frustrating. Some of the HOS are a bit murky (some of the objects have bizarre names), but there are not that many and not too intrusive.

Loved every ...Show more

My criterion about adventure games is: how good is the story? How original?

This game is tops. the story is good and keeps up the suspense. You like the main character and you want to see how it ends.

The gameplay is not too easy and not too frustrating. Some of the HOS are a bit murky (some of the objects have bizarre names), but there are not that many and not too intrusive.

Loved every minute of it Show less

I recommend this game!

0points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

104 of 119 found this review helpful

I Feel So Confused!?

PostedDecember 31, 2013

pennmom36

fromThat's a really big spider!

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Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival Collector's Edition

(390)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I hope you are a speed reader, you're going to have to be to read the introduction of this game at lightning speed! There are no voiceovers, no collectibles, no frills, but oddly enough this game is entertaining. The confusion comes into play first of all because I was only vaguely aware of the plot (one of my superpowers are not speed reading) and I fell for the ole...internet love connection, ...Show more

I hope you are a speed reader, you're going to have to be to read the introduction of this game at lightning speed! There are no voiceovers, no collectibles, no frills, but oddly enough this game is entertaining. The confusion comes into play first of all because I was only vaguely aware of the plot (one of my superpowers are not speed reading) and I fell for the ole...internet love connection, yes of course I'll come to your castle and promise not to be nosy schemes. Then I'm on my own in the castle of love and the next thing I know I'm snooping every corner of the castle, opening safes and finding hidden dungeons, and tip toeing past the giant black widow spider. Then I find paintings of different women around the world that my dear Charles, allegedly imprisoned after breaking their hearts, and I travel through these paintings to help these damsels in distress. The HOS are list finds but they did a nice job with them and the mini games tend to be on the easy side, but some were creative and new. One puzzle required you to turn all the discs red only in the diamond shaped center by clicking different directional arrows. It's really not a bad game, try it. Show less

I recommend this game!

+89points

104of 119voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

38 of 49 found this review helpful

Nice SE! Travel through portraits to save trapped souls.

PostedDecember 31, 2013

43Colorado

fromRocky Mountains

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, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Hope Diamond Collector's Edition

(146)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Based on demo.

Your beloved Charles leaves you alone in his castle while he is away on a mysterious errand. As you explore the castle you find locked portraits of women that are actually portals to other worlds. Has your beloved trapped these women through false love? Or is he blameless?

This is an SE game, so no bells and whistles. There is a journal and interactive map to help. No wide screen ...Show more

Based on demo.

Your beloved Charles leaves you alone in his castle while he is away on a mysterious errand. As you explore the castle you find locked portraits of women that are actually portals to other worlds. Has your beloved trapped these women through false love? Or is he blameless?

This is an SE game, so no bells and whistles. There is a journal and interactive map to help. No wide screen or VOs. However, the cut scenes are quite good and so is the music. The graphics are good and the different worlds are well imagined. HOSs are standard type and puzzles are of medium difficulty.

This is an enjoyable, easy to play game that is fine for all ages. I think it is easily as good as some recent games that are masquerading as CEs, but really aren't. Recommended! Show less

I recommend this game!

+27points

38of 49voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

29 of 37 found this review helpful

Good eyesight required!

PostedDecember 31, 2013

Granny_Gruff

fromLouisville, KY

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, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Hope Diamond Collector's Edition

(146)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

The story here is more intriguing than you would get from the intro. You are invited to the overseas castle of an artist you met online. You find yourself alone when he leaves on business and you go exploring. And soon you find yourself opening hidden safes, exploring secret passages and dungeons, and rescuing enchanted maidens left entrapped by, most possibly, your beloved.
There are two ...Show more

The story here is more intriguing than you would get from the intro. You are invited to the overseas castle of an artist you met online. You find yourself alone when he leaves on business and you go exploring. And soon you find yourself opening hidden safes, exploring secret passages and dungeons, and rescuing enchanted maidens left entrapped by, most possibly, your beloved.
There are two difficulty levels, not overly annoying music, basic HOS, a variety of mini-games, good artwork, and an interactive map that lets you travel around more quickly. The hint is sometimes helpful outside of the HOS, but not always. You'll do a lot of reading in the intro and of notes you find.
There is a lot of potential here. The story is interesting and there is not an excessive amount of hand holding. BUT the HOS items and even the list of items to search for are VERY tiny. I have a huge oversized monitor and the printed items list had letters an eighth of an inch high on that. I am sure this is not a game I'd even try on my laptop.
But for a story with potential and a new and beautiful castle to explore, I'll invest in a good magnifying glass! Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Love Alchemy: A Heart In Winter Explore the allure of love! 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.