Off the Record: Linden Shades > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

45 of 46 found this review helpful

A Game That Exceeds All Expectations

PostedJuly 10, 2013

mycatluna

fromWaukesha, WI

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game comes from game developer Eipix and I am incredibly impressed with their games; most recently, this wonderful HOPA that I can foresee being a contender for one of the best HOPA games of 2013.

Compared against the same old and tired cookie-cutter games that the casual gaming market seems to be flooded with as of late; this game from Eipix stands apart from the rest. I won't go into much ...Show more

This game comes from game developer Eipix and I am incredibly impressed with their games; most recently, this wonderful HOPA that I can foresee being a contender for one of the best HOPA games of 2013.

Compared against the same old and tired cookie-cutter games that the casual gaming market seems to be flooded with as of late; this game from Eipix stands apart from the rest. I won't go into much detail about the game mechanics as others have already covered that area thoroughly. What I will say is that everything from the opening cut-scene to the final credits (which are hilarious by the way and I recommend reading through them) were done exceptionally well. 5 stars all across the board as far as the game mechanics, voice-overs, storyline, atmosphere and ambiance. The game is bright and colorful while still maintaining a chilling experience and can be enjoyed by a variety of players as it does not delve into the occult; it is a mystery to solve and is extremely well-polished. It is obvious from the start that the developers put a lot of hard work into this game, which, as a player, I really appreciate.

There is a perfect balance of adventure, HOS, mini-games and mystery to keep the player entertained and invested. The puzzles were just difficult enough to provide a challenge but not so difficult that players will get frustrated and hit the 'skip' button. All skill levels will most likely find the mini-games and puzzles both fun and solvable.

CE versus SE:
The CE does include 3 different types of collectibles that are very well hidden. I liked the extra challenge of trying to locate all of the collectibles due to the difficulty level of trying to locate some of them. The fact that their locations were not blatantly obvious really increased the fun factor. There are also achievements, an enjoyable bonus game, the usual wallpaper and concept art, a rather enjoyable 'making-of' video and a few other extras that aren't often seen packaged with CE's.

Even without the bonus chapter or all of the extras, this game would still be well worth the CE price tag if you are able to afford it. Otherwise, the SE will be just as enjoyable as the game wraps everything up nicely at the end so all players, regardless of game version purchased, can enjoy it which I find admirable on the part of the developers.The length of the game is just right. It's not a short game by any means, nor is it too long to the point where a player may begin to get bored. You will get your money's worth of playing time with this one. I spent at least a solid 6-7 hours on this (roughly 5 hours on just the main game) and consider myself an expert player. I did read the journal, watch all cut-scenes, find all the collectibles, attempted to earn as many achievements as possible, did not skip any dialog, puzzles or HOS, or use the hints or the map. The interactive map that let's you jump from location to location is nice to have, but not really necessary as there is not a lot of backtracking in this game, which means less filler and fluff and more actual game-play, which is also appreciated.

I look forward to more games by this developer as they have definitely set the bar high in the HOPA genre. Very well done game. Bravo to those that worked very hard on this enjoyable game; your efforts paid off.

I highly recommend this game to players of all skill levels. Show less

I recommend this game!

+44points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 11 found this review helpful

Story-driven gem

PostedDecember 12, 2013

Snowview

fromWhite City, Oregon

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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, Hidden Object, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Tulula: Legend of a Volcano

(20)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on the completed game, this goes on my short list of all-time favorites. Thank you developers for making such a fun and different game. Beautiful, pastoral setting, suspenseful plot that never sours. A Mystery to solve rather than occult gobbledygook. Quality is maintained throughout. I also appreciate that gameplay took place among a few scenes at t time so no long treks to find stuff. An ...Show more

Based on the completed game, this goes on my short list of all-time favorites. Thank you developers for making such a fun and different game. Beautiful, pastoral setting, suspenseful plot that never sours. A Mystery to solve rather than occult gobbledygook. Quality is maintained throughout. I also appreciate that gameplay took place among a few scenes at t time so no long treks to find stuff. An antidote to the tiresome clones out there. Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 7 found this review helpful

Mind Relaxer

PostedAugust 22, 2013

1LOISLANE

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This was a refreshing game to play after playing so many horror themed games. It has it share of HOS which were very easy and interactive. There are couple of HOS that are repeats. The objects that are collect are used in game play. There is some adventure that is typical with any HO game. There are three game play options.
The puzzles were not very challenging but did cause to you to think. This ...Show more

This was a refreshing game to play after playing so many horror themed games. It has it share of HOS which were very easy and interactive. There are couple of HOS that are repeats. The objects that are collect are used in game play. There is some adventure that is typical with any HO game. There are three game play options.
The puzzles were not very challenging but did cause to you to think. This is the first game that was not stressful.
The story line could have been better but it will keep you guessing. If you are into crime dramas you will figure it out but I warn you it has it share of suspense. I recommend this game for those who want to play Show less

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 19 found this review helpful

Demo Only

PostedJuly 7, 2013

jmcbeauty

fromRiverside, CA

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Played demos (SE & CE) and actually finished the demo for SE.

I thoroughly enjoyed the SE and did not miss the achievements and collectibles. The game was crisp, clear and colorful. The games were not difficult and the hos had a twist, at least each hos had one item that needed to be filled or put together. I also enjoyed the safe mini game (reminded me of other puzzles games that I enjoy). The ...Show more

Played demos (SE & CE) and actually finished the demo for SE.

I thoroughly enjoyed the SE and did not miss the achievements and collectibles. The game was crisp, clear and colorful. The games were not difficult and the hos had a twist, at least each hos had one item that needed to be filled or put together. I also enjoyed the safe mini game (reminded me of other puzzles games that I enjoy). The recordings helped move the story along and whetted my interest to continue on to find out what was happening. There was not a lot of running around, most items were used within a short distance of where they were found.

The story of an older journalist giving you a cold story that had been niggling at him because he never had the chance to find out what happened. As you enter the now abandoned orphanage, you meet the neighbor, talk with him after which you begin your journalist journey. It's up to you to find out what happened.

It was an extremely enjoyable hour spent on a quiet Sunday morning and I defintely recommend this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 8 found this review helpful

What a game

PostedSeptember 12, 2013

nae31950

fromChicago il

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

My experience with this game, was just AWESOME... The visual affects, the storyline, and the entire game, was a JOY to play.. Not too often do, I leave a review, BUT THIS GAME WAS SO WORTHY, that I had to give credit, to this game...Try it... You will like it..

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 4 found this review helpful

i enjoyed playing this game!!!!!

PostedAugust 26, 2013

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

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):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

played casual. low sound. hint/skip charge fairly fast. there is a diary and a map that is interactive. the hints also tell you where to go next. the graphics are really great!!!!!!!! not hard to see at all.
you are a journalist that has been sent out to findout why an orphange has been abandoned and to solve the mystery behind the "ghost" in the red robe that has scared the children so ...Show more

played casual. low sound. hint/skip charge fairly fast. there is a diary and a map that is interactive. the hints also tell you where to go next. the graphics are really great!!!!!!!! not hard to see at all.
you are a journalist that has been sent out to findout why an orphange has been abandoned and to solve the mystery behind the "ghost" in the red robe that has scared the children so much.
sequel.......possible. Show less

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

Beware The Red Figure!

PostedApril 21, 2019

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

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

In this game your boss sends you after a cold case that involves a red figure scaring orphans away from their home, which ultimately had to be shut down.

This game stood out to me because it was the first I had ever seen where they superimposed real people into the cut scenes. It was nice and lengthy and the hidden object scenes were fairly simple. This game came out in 2013, but you still had ...Show more

In this game your boss sends you after a cold case that involves a red figure scaring orphans away from their home, which ultimately had to be shut down.

This game stood out to me because it was the first I had ever seen where they superimposed real people into the cut scenes. It was nice and lengthy and the hidden object scenes were fairly simple. This game came out in 2013, but you still had customized settings and a teleporting map at your disposal. My only complaint is that sometimes the skip button wouldn't work for me and I had to consult a walk-through. Show less

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

1 of 2 found this review helpful

eipix games linden shades

PostedFebruary 20, 2015

JAYE8

fromsouthern CA

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game was like all the Eipix games: great!
BUT, no walk through on bonus and getting stuck on a puzzle with numbers is a waste of time....
Regardless...I loved it!

I recommend this game!

0points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 9 found this review helpful

love this creative team!

PostedJuly 7, 2013

elenasstar

fromColumbus, OH

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters Collector's Edition

(261)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is the same team that did 'Final Curtain'. I think they're Russian which is cool because this game translates very well. The creators play actual characters in the game. I like their graphic alot. It's not the most challenging game...but it's lots of fun!

I recommend this game!

-1point

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Overall rating

4 / 5

80 of 88 found this review helpful

A really good game that is worth playing

PostedJuly 7, 2013

neilskinut

fromBridge city tx

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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Great game with lots going on.
The graphics are great. Good music and voice over.
Pretty good storyline that keeps you interested in wanting to keep playing.
The HOS are good and some are interactive. Pretty straight forward and easy.
The puzzles are also good. Some easy some needs some thought. Most are easy.
There are lots of achievements and things to find in the CE and not in this one.
The ...Show more

Great game with lots going on.
The graphics are great. Good music and voice over.
Pretty good storyline that keeps you interested in wanting to keep playing.
The HOS are good and some are interactive. Pretty straight forward and easy.
The puzzles are also good. Some easy some needs some thought. Most are easy.
There are lots of achievements and things to find in the CE and not in this one.
The hint button works good and not too slow to recharge.
Just a fun game, you will love it.
Which one do you get the CE or SE? This one is good but easy. Both have great graphics and music. Both have voice over. I got the CE. Show less

I recommend this game!

+72points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Off the Record: Linden Shades A mysterious figure in red! 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.