Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

47 of 51 found this review helpful

Secret society scenario, but who is on which side?

PostedMay 9, 2013

MaggieMaze

fromToronto, Canada

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):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death Collector's Edition

(98)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Reminds me of a recently popular movie and book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I found the ultra violet light that was used to reveal a secret message on a piece of art, I was hooked. The demo went by quickly and the game is on my purchase list.

The graphics, sound, animation, cutscenes and music are all excellent and, while the storyline is familiar, it is immersive and intriguing.

With the ...Show more

Reminds me of a recently popular movie and book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I found the ultra violet light that was used to reveal a secret message on a piece of art, I was hooked. The demo went by quickly and the game is on my purchase list.

The graphics, sound, animation, cutscenes and music are all excellent and, while the storyline is familiar, it is immersive and intriguing.

With the standard features of a HOPA, the gameplay need not be described again, except to mention a new function of the "hint" system. In any location, clicking hint will either point you to an adjacent location or take you directly to the map, circle the location you need to visit, and then transport you there. A small change, but one that makes an already useful transporter map even more effective. I liked that.

If you are in the mood to delve into the mysteries and machinations of a secret society to save the world from unspeakable evil, don't miss this one.

As for me, I have to find out if the kindly old Archbishop innocently needs our heroine's help or is a actually part of a nefarious plot! Show less

I recommend this game!

+43points

47of 51voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes47No4

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

32 of 34 found this review helpful

Vanessa saves the day!

PostedMay 9, 2013

MSBAM100

fromTampa, 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:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Enigma Agency: The Case of Shadows Collector's Edition

(73)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This story is intriguing and grabs your interest. It is similar to Sacre Terra - Kiss of Death, in that it is a battle between good and evil, and portals hold the seals that puts evil away. The graphics are excellent, particularly the scenes of Italy and the cut scenes throughout.

You are Vanessa, summoned by Father Benedict to find the stolen seals using 15 messages left by your grandfather, who ...Show more

This story is intriguing and grabs your interest. It is similar to Sacre Terra - Kiss of Death, in that it is a battle between good and evil, and portals hold the seals that puts evil away. The graphics are excellent, particularly the scenes of Italy and the cut scenes throughout.

You are Vanessa, summoned by Father Benedict to find the stolen seals using 15 messages left by your grandfather, who was the seals guardian and is also missing. What I like best is, although it is a "dark" story, the scenes are full of light that I don't have to stand up to search a HOS on my large monitor -- the top of the screen is as bright as the rest. The mini-puzzles are not necessarily unique, but the art is. The HOS are in list form or in "place the object in the scene" form. You can actually read the journal and see what you need to see. The map is interactive, the hint button refills immediately and the story is good. A definite buy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+30points

32of 34voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes32No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 27 found this review helpful

Awesome game!!

PostedMay 14, 2013

SnowFlake999

fromSan Francisco

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, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

One of the best games I’ve recently played
Graphics are remarkable, really good cut-scenes and excellent animation, good voice overs
Music is well chosen, suits perfectly
Storyline is little bit of everything: ancient battle between good and evil, artifacts, mystery in one word- good adventure
2 modes of game: casual and expert
Strategy guide is available
Also there are extras- bonus chapter, mini ...Show more

One of the best games I’ve recently played
Graphics are remarkable, really good cut-scenes and excellent animation, good voice overs
Music is well chosen, suits perfectly
Storyline is little bit of everything: ancient battle between good and evil, artifacts, mystery in one word- good adventure
2 modes of game: casual and expert
Strategy guide is available
Also there are extras- bonus chapter, mini games
You have a map that allows travel and a journal
Hidden object scenes are quite fun, not too many of them. There are two types of HOS, with listed objects and those where you must place given objects in their right place
Puzzles are absolutely perfect, satisfying level of challenge, there are some new ones, and of course if you get stuck you can always skip them
All in all I had fantastic time, and I definitely recommend this game!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+25points

26of 27voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes26No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 21 found this review helpful

WOW

PostedNovember 23, 2013

sfr8rfan

fromWalnut Creek, CA

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

Current Favorite:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

(95)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I just reviewed a game which I said is the best I'd ever played. This has supplanted that. Playing this game is like reading a novel by Dan Brown.

Here's what you need to know to decide if you'll like the game or not:
1. Did you read and enjoy The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is something like 30:18 ...Show more

I just reviewed a game which I said is the best I'd ever played. This has supplanted that. Playing this game is like reading a novel by Dan Brown.

Here's what you need to know to decide if you'll like the game or not:
1. Did you read and enjoy The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is something like 30:18 Puzzles/Mini-games to HOS.
3. While the puzzles and HOS are plentiful, do you enjoy games which are heavy on the "story?"
4. Are you OK playing a CE that is not about "collections" or "achievements" or "morphing objects?" (Yes, there is a bonus chapter).

If you answered yes to those questions, you will, without a doubt, LOVE Portal of Evil.

I have never seen a game with such an engrossing story line and such unbelievable attention to detail. By now you've read reviews that have told you the story line, so I won't belabor that. But I will talk about what I think sets this game apart from EVERY OTHER GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED:

1. Visual/Sound quality:
a. When I first started the game I said to myself "this is seriously HD." It is. I also said to myself that the items were a little difficult to see because they are small. This is true, but not long into the game I got used to the size and the visibility problem had more to do with background lighting in the first couple of scenes than anything else.

b. The game is brilliantly designed. Visually it's like watching a movie. One example of detail (it may seem insignificant, but it's indicative of the whole game): you're riding in an elevator. You can see a grate at the top of the elevator you're in. As you're riding up and down you see the background behind the grating as if you're watching the elevator shaft. It's completely REAL. Another example: there is a scene with live suits of armor. The suits of armor cast shadows which are completely correct in terms of visual perspective.

c. I always say that background music is important because it drives the game and sets the tone. That has never been more true than with this game. At certain points the music sounds like monks chanting...totally appropriate for the storyline of this game. At other points the music is orchestral and creates an environment of "spookiness" and urgency that I've never heard in a game before.

d. The sound effects are incomparable: listen to the water in a fountain early on and you'd swear you were in Italy at one of the many flowing fountains.

Level of Challenge
a. The HOG are the best I've ever played. They are hard. There are regular "seek and find" items from a list. There is the far more interesting "Place items where they are used" style. Brilliantly executed.

b. Some of the puzzles are regular, some are brand new. The challenge is to read the directions EXACTLY. One example: you are told that you must use every "item" in the game. At first I assumed that that meant I had to use every item and could use each item only once. WRONG. I made what I thought was a mis-click and that showed me the "error of my ways." Again, BRILLIANT.

One last time: I've never played a game like this before. I am so appreciative of the amazing dedication and attention to detail that these developers gave to this game. I'm a slow player. I'm glad. I'm enjoying every little detail of this game.

Do yourself a favor. If you answered yes to the questions at the beginning of this review, buy this game. I PROMISE YOU you will love it. Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

21of 21voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes21No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

75 of 93 found this review helpful

On my 'to buy' list

PostedMay 9, 2013

Tufty57

fromCambridgeshire UK

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death Collector's Edition

(98)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Have only played the demo but drawn into the tale and the mystery. This is SO my sort of game.

At first you think it is the same old story...letter arrives, Grandpa has disappeared but as the intro develops (including discovering your heroine's name) you are drawn in.

* 2 levels of play (casual/expert)
* pleasant music/background sounds
* 15 messages to be found
* interactive jump map which ...Show more

Have only played the demo but drawn into the tale and the mystery. This is SO my sort of game.

At first you think it is the same old story...letter arrives, Grandpa has disappeared but as the intro develops (including discovering your heroine's name) you are drawn in.

* 2 levels of play (casual/expert)
* pleasant music/background sounds
* 15 messages to be found
* interactive jump map which shows available actions (but this can be turned off for more challenge)
* Many more puzzles than HOS so far
* HOS interactive and at least 2 types (find from list with 3 levels of search and replace).

All in all, thoroughly enjoyable and can't wait to purchase full game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+57points

75of 93voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes75No18

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

39 of 47 found this review helpful

The Poor Poor Van Helsing Family

PostedMay 9, 2013

Stsfuzzybear

fromWoburn MA

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, Large File

Current Favorite:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

(95)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I almost forgot I wanted to get out of the game so I could write this. By every quality, every aspect (except one minor one) this game is EXCELLENT!! That one little thing is that when you log out of the game, your place in the SG is not saved, so remember the page number.
At this point the villain seems to be obvious. But, you never know. The cut scenes are movie quality, The HOs are clear. The ...Show more

I almost forgot I wanted to get out of the game so I could write this. By every quality, every aspect (except one minor one) this game is EXCELLENT!! That one little thing is that when you log out of the game, your place in the SG is not saved, so remember the page number.
At this point the villain seems to be obvious. But, you never know. The cut scenes are movie quality, The HOs are clear. The sound is very very good. Oh, one thing. It's raining A LOT. Hear me game builders, you don't HAVE to use rain to make a scene spooky. All it does is make it WET. ;P Show less

+31points

39of 47voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes39No8

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

54 of 68 found this review helpful

Absolutely love this game

PostedMay 9, 2013

sassylassie

fromCedar Rapids, Iowa

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):Family, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game I definitely rate a 10/10. From what I played on the beta version, I didn't want to stop. Bought this game straight away.

Story: Vanessa's grandfather was a member of the Secret Order who was guarding the gate but evil prevailed and stole the ruins. Vanessa's grandfather went in search of the runes, but disappeared. Vanessa being the only heiress is not only in search of the ruins, but ...Show more

This game I definitely rate a 10/10. From what I played on the beta version, I didn't want to stop. Bought this game straight away.

Story: Vanessa's grandfather was a member of the Secret Order who was guarding the gate but evil prevailed and stole the ruins. Vanessa's grandfather went in search of the runes, but disappeared. Vanessa being the only heiress is not only in search of the ruins, but also her grandfather.

Music: Absolutely wonderful. Fits the game perfectly.

Graphics: Gorgeous! I stopped playing for a bit just to look at them. Even the opening scene looks like something out of the movies.

Mini games: Not too hard or easy. Just enough challenge. Really enjoyed them.

H0G Scenes: Some are the list with extra step items, and some are where you have to put the items back into the scene.

Map: Jump map. The best kind :)

This team did an exceptional job with this game. I truly enjoyed the beta, and now look forward to the full version. Show less

I recommend this game!

+40points

54of 68voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes54No14

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 18 found this review helpful

Holy frijoles it's AWESOME!!!

PostedMay 15, 2013

virohayakawa

fromVarese, Italy

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Sacra Terra: Kiss of Death Collector's Edition

(103)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

All of this game is entirely great. The graphic will conquer you, definitely one of the best parts of this hidden object game. I loved that this game involved Italy and its culture/environment, and also had done a twist to the typical battle between good and evil.

In every game I buy, I play attention to the soundtracks, that add a plus sign on the review. Here the music is wonderful and it suits ...Show more

All of this game is entirely great. The graphic will conquer you, definitely one of the best parts of this hidden object game. I loved that this game involved Italy and its culture/environment, and also had done a twist to the typical battle between good and evil.

In every game I buy, I play attention to the soundtracks, that add a plus sign on the review. Here the music is wonderful and it suits the environment. Good job!

But I thought the story would have been more precise. The ending of the main game is short cut, and you have so many questions, resolved in part by the bonus chapter. And the relationship between the protagonist and one of the characters (I'm not saying who XD) could have been more developed.

Anyway, buy this game. It really left me speechless. In a good way. Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

17of 18voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 19 found this review helpful

IMPENDING DISASTER!

PostedMay 9, 2013

pennmom36

fromHelping out Gramps!

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

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

Current Favorite:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

(95)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is a great game with a good storyline, good graphics, with a spooky and eerie vibe, that allows for travel to otherworlds via portals. A woman has been called to St. Peters Cathedral in Italy by the pope to help find stolen seals when her grandfather goes missing. There aren't too many HOS but they are interactive and a mixture of finding the listed items and returning inventory items back ...Show more

This is a great game with a good storyline, good graphics, with a spooky and eerie vibe, that allows for travel to otherworlds via portals. A woman has been called to St. Peters Cathedral in Italy by the pope to help find stolen seals when her grandfather goes missing. There aren't too many HOS but they are interactive and a mixture of finding the listed items and returning inventory items back into their correct place in the scene. There are however a lot of mini game puzzles and some of them are frustrating such as matching diagrams in a web pattern but when you move one stone they all move so it really gets tricky. There are 2 modes of difficulty casual and advanced and the CE has wallpapers, bonus play and mini games to play. I think this is an awesome game. Enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+15points

17of 19voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

LOVED THIS GAME !!!!

PostedMay 15, 2013

maxcam

fromNew York, NY

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Bought the CE over the Mother's Day weekend at a discount but would have bought it at full price. I dragged it out for three days. My one little negative would be the bonus chapter, ended rather abruptly. Made me think there could be a continuation in the future ????

I recommend this game!

+9points

9of 9voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes9No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

Reviews

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

, share your thoughts about this game!

Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition

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! Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes Collector's Edition The gates to another world will open soon! 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.