Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

95 of 102 found this review helpful

Grandpa would roll in his grave...

PostedJuly 13, 2013

pennmom36

fromGlowing, just a little bit!

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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.
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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

House of 1000 Doors: Serpent Flame Collector's Edition

(128)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Grandpa was financially well off so he built his own garden of Eden for all the world to enjoy called Aurora Peak. Now that he has passed away, his grandson and granddaughter are restoring the resort. The game starts out with the grandson crashing the helicopter into a magical mystical mutated forest and a person in a hazmat suit has taken him! You play the role of the sister who is a geologist ...Show more

Grandpa was financially well off so he built his own garden of Eden for all the world to enjoy called Aurora Peak. Now that he has passed away, his grandson and granddaughter are restoring the resort. The game starts out with the grandson crashing the helicopter into a magical mystical mutated forest and a person in a hazmat suit has taken him! You play the role of the sister who is a geologist now searching for her brother but getting very distracted by the beautiful glowing flowers and mutated wildlife. The graphics are beautiful and crisp and the production is professional with good voiceovers. There is so much color and detail in every plant and animal! This is more of an adventure because the HOS are few and far between but they are interactive and a mixture of list, progressive find and silhouette. what it lacks in hidden objects it makes up for in the puzzle department, there are a ton of puzzles some complicated but most are simple and fun such as moving puzzle tiles to form 2 separate pictures on the left and right columns storing some of the pieces in an empty slot while you fill the bottom and top of the pillars before filling the middle pieces. You will have a map and an objective icon and can earn achievements. But my favorite part is the morphing objects which are very well done and not so easy to find with all the glowing crystals and colorful plants! Trust me, you can skip the demo and go straight to the purchase with this one, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+88points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

115 of 128 found this review helpful

Must Buy For Me

PostedJuly 13, 2013

Susie2625

fromTulsa, OK

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I have only played the demo but this is a buy for me. A good story line with good graphics. You are trying to rescue your brother at your grandfather's mountain resort. Someone is using crystals to change the plants and animals so you also need to help with that.

- Puzzles are challenging but not impossible.
- Achievements to be had and morphing objects to be found.
- Encountered three types of ...Show more

I have only played the demo but this is a buy for me. A good story line with good graphics. You are trying to rescue your brother at your grandfather's mountain resort. Someone is using crystals to change the plants and animals so you also need to help with that.

- Puzzles are challenging but not impossible.
- Achievements to be had and morphing objects to be found.
- Encountered three types of HOS: standard HOS, IHOS where you place the object where it belongs, and IHOS where you find the outlined object to find the next needed object. Not too many HOS, just the right amount in the demo. Show less

I recommend this game!

+102points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

37 of 41 found this review helpful

A Visual Feast and Excellent Game!

PostedJuly 13, 2013

biscuitsmama

fromSacramento, 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, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

As the game opens we see a drab woodpecker mutate into a beautiful strange species after drinking from a water dispenser that contains an odd pink crystal. So the first thing that got my attention with Aurora Peak is the spectacular use of color. Wow, from the opening cut scene to game’s title page we get a glimpse of how beautiful the environments in this game will be. At the request of your ...Show more

As the game opens we see a drab woodpecker mutate into a beautiful strange species after drinking from a water dispenser that contains an odd pink crystal. So the first thing that got my attention with Aurora Peak is the spectacular use of color. Wow, from the opening cut scene to game’s title page we get a glimpse of how beautiful the environments in this game will be. At the request of your brother Alan who is checking out the renovation of your grandfather’s resort – Aurora Peak, you are on your way to join him to investigate some of the odd mutated plants and animals that he has noticed. As a geologist, you are the expert in the family but your helicopter crashes upon arrival to the area and that is where our journey into this strange and beautiful area begins. Will you be able to save your brother and get to the bottom of what is really happening at Aurora Peak?

Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those except to note that the graphics, voiceovers, and sound are all excellent.

There are various types of HOS including the progressive silhouette type where you locate an object and then use it to find another. The puzzles are fairly standard but have their own unique twist. None of them seem too difficult but nevertheless are fun.

During the game you get to find morphing objects and earn achievements, all of which add to the enjoyment of the game. As far as the extras go we have the usual collection of wallpapers and artwork that will be nice to have since this is such a visually gorgeous game. We get to replay the HOS and puzzles which is something I like to do. I buy CEs mostly because I like having an integrated strategy guide and so all the other little things that are thrown in are icing on the cake for me.

The game seems to be more of an adventure rather than a hidden object game, which is fine with me since I enjoy roaming around in a game and discovering what needs to be done (especially when the environments are so beautiful), and I don’t mind that there are not too many HOS that I need to complete in order to move forward with the story. I love puzzles and am quite happy that I encounter them more frequently than I do the HOS. For me this game is a winner. As always, I suggest that you try the demo first to see if it is a game you like. Show less

I recommend this game!

+33points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 20 found this review helpful

Five stars? Five wows! Beautiful, fun, enjoyable game.

PostedJuly 14, 2013

LunaNik

fromThe Island of Myst

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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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak Collector's Edition

(52)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

TITLE
Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak
Collector's Edition
full game

DEVELOPER
Vast Studios
produced by Big Fish Games

GENRE
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
strange science

STORY
Your grandfather developed a gorgeous resort at Aurora Peak which your brother Alan is now running. But strange changes are happening to the flora and fauna, and Alan has found some eldritch crystals he ...Show more

TITLE
Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak
Collector's Edition
full game

DEVELOPER
Vast Studios
produced by Big Fish Games

GENRE
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
strange science

STORY
Your grandfather developed a gorgeous resort at Aurora Peak which your brother Alan is now running. But strange changes are happening to the flora and fauna, and Alan has found some eldritch crystals he thinks are responsible. Since you're a geologist, he calls on you for help.

Upon your arrival, you see Aurora Peak undergoing mysterious changes. A bizarre energy field causes your helicopter to crash, a figure in a hazmat suit kidnaps Alan, the veterinarian's wife has gone missing, the resort manager is behaving oddly, and the plants and animals have undergone unnatural changes.

Bonus Adventure: Deactivate the crystals and make Aurora Peak safe for good.

GAMEPLAY
Beautifully-rendered HO scenes include interactive list, sequential silhouette, and put the items back where they belong. Puzzles are largely unique, require thought and planning, and are pure eye candy. Mini-games include mixing solutions and building needed items. There's quite a lot to do in this game, with something for everyone.

INTERFACE
✔ Map - shows major objectives and transports
✔ Journal - gathers clues and tracks storyline
✔ Hint - identifies object in iHOs (didn't use in adventure mode)
✔ Lockable Inventory
✔ Black Bar Tips - gives clues even in medium difficulty

EXTRAS
✔ Collectibles
✔ Achievements
✔ Morphing Objects
✔ Bonus Adventure
✔ Replay Puzzles
✔ Replay Hidden Object Scenes
✔ Strategy Guide
✔ Wallpapers
✘ Screen Savers
✔ Concept Art
✔ Music

SETTINGS
✔ Sound Effects Volume
✔ Music Volume
✔ Voiceover Volume
✔ Fullscreen
✔ Widescreen
✘ Aspect Ratio
✔ Custom Cursor
✔ Toggle Active Area Sparkles
✔ Toggle Navigation Sparkles
3 Difficulty Modes

GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
Wow. Amazing use of color and texture, light and shadow to create a realistic mountain landscape with those elements of the surreal the story requires. It was a pleasure to search each scene for needed items and morphing objects. Animation was smooth and, I'm glad to say, they didn't bother with lip-synching at all. I'd rather have no lip-synching than bad lip-synching!

MUSIC & SOUND & VOICEOVERS
Beautiful music…unobtrusive and in the background for the most part, but rising to a crescendo to match turning points in the story. Very well done. Ambient and game sounds were thoughtfully done as well, and voiceovers were professional.

ANALYSIS
This is close to perfect for me. Some might complain about the length, but I'd rather have quality than quantity. And this was quality in every area. Fun Factor was superb. Level of Challenge was perfect. Storyline was unique and engaging rather than another rehash. And the production value was high. As a bonus, there was a very subtle hint toward a sequel. I definitely recommend this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+14points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

41 of 57 found this review helpful

Those are some fast mutant termites!!

PostedJuly 13, 2013

Ethereal924

fromorganizing my teddy bear collection

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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, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Chimeras: Tune of Revenge Collector's Edition

(127)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Beautiful Setting!

Captivating Storyline!

Awesome balance of puzzles, interactive HOP and potion making!

Achievements & Souvenir Collections!

Angry Mutant Animals!

I recommend this game!

+25points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

13 of 17 found this review helpful

Highlights on a surprisingly great CE!

PostedJuly 14, 2013

CasualAddict

fromOntario, Canada

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Love Chronicles: Salvation Collector's Edition

(51)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I remember when I played the survey for this game before it was released. The game lacked focus and didn't have an impactful story, though the art in the game was great. Now I see that the developers worked hard to improve the game since then because so many things have changed, and all for the better!

A lot of people have reviewed this game so far and pointed out all the collectibles, puzzles, ...Show more

I remember when I played the survey for this game before it was released. The game lacked focus and didn't have an impactful story, though the art in the game was great. Now I see that the developers worked hard to improve the game since then because so many things have changed, and all for the better!

A lot of people have reviewed this game so far and pointed out all the collectibles, puzzles, HOs, and discussed the story. So I'm just going to add a few points that haven't been mentioned so far:

- There are two major STORIES going on in the game (you are looking for your missing brother, and a man is looking for his missing wife). This sounds like something we've all seen a million times, but there are LATE GAME PLOT TWISTS that I really enjoyed! I find most of these games have more predictable story as you play them, but this one was refreshing. One twist actually made me really mad at one character for being so awful!!

- The HO scenes are VARIED throughout the game. Some will be TRADITIONAL, some will be SILHOUETTE, and some will be PLACING the object into the scene. I loved that the HO scenes had this much variety!!

- Many ORIGINAL PUZZLES that I hadn't seen before. The puzzles are mostly challenging, which I enjoyed.

- COLLECTIBLES are everywhere, and I love that the ACHIEVEMENTS are integrated with the STORY (you collect precious stones because you are a GEOLOGIST). Clever idea and made me think of all the precious stones I have in my jewelry collection! :)

- The BONUS CHAPTER is an extension of the MAIN STORY, and I love when developers do this because I am still attached to the characters. Aurora Peak would be a lovely place to visit!

These are just the highlights for me. As with all games, try it out for yourself and see if you like it, but as a player who was only 75% sold on it during the demo, I was pleasantly surprised with the entire game and happy I purchased! Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

63 of 103 found this review helpful

This one look like a real good one to me

PostedJuly 13, 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.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Now this one is a good well put together game. Looks more like an adventure game than HO game. I did not get too many HOS or puzzles but still was a good game.
The graphics are crisp and beautiful scenery. Music is nice to listen to and has voice over.
3 modes of play. Has a map and hint button works good if needed.
You get achievements and have morphine's to find. Flowers and there are lots of ...Show more

Now this one is a good well put together game. Looks more like an adventure game than HO game. I did not get too many HOS or puzzles but still was a good game.
The graphics are crisp and beautiful scenery. Music is nice to listen to and has voice over.
3 modes of play. Has a map and hint button works good if needed.
You get achievements and have morphine's to find. Flowers and there are lots of them so you have to try and find the correct ones.
Really good storyline what is reveled at the beginning of the game.
Looks like a good buy and you get 1/2 off today. Show less

I recommend this game!

+23points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak Collector's Edition..LOVED IT!!!

PostedJuly 27, 2013

LADY_BLADE

fromIRELAND

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, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS GAME..I HAVE A FEELING THERE WILL BE MORE TO THIS SERIES (fingers crossed)
THE GRAPHICS WERE BEAUTIFULLY DONE..VOICE OVERS WERE WELL DONE..OVER ALL I THINK THE DEVS OF THIS GAME DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB..I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THIS GAME!!!

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak Collector's Edition

PostedJanuary 25, 2016

andrewhow53

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Another great hidden object game to play

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 6 found this review helpful

Fun!

PostedJuly 15, 2013

Aavikko

fromHelsinki, Finland

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Liked it very much! Graphics are awesome and again my favourite kind of game; no paranormal stuff! Keep them coming.

I recommend this game!

+2points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Strange Discoveries: Aurora Peak Collector's Edition Uncover a devious plot in the peaceful resort town of Aurora Peak! 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.