Shadow Shelter > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

100 of 107 found this review helpful

Well Done!

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

sgtsedlak

fromFort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is admittedly a very basic, no-frills game: one level of play, no extras, heavy on the HOS. But, it's a also a solid, intuitive game with no hand-holding, straight-forward progression without a lot of back and forth, and everything works(!), which is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to SE games. Yes, you actually have to look with the eyes of someone trying to make their way through a ...Show more

This is admittedly a very basic, no-frills game: one level of play, no extras, heavy on the HOS. But, it's a also a solid, intuitive game with no hand-holding, straight-forward progression without a lot of back and forth, and everything works(!), which is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to SE games. Yes, you actually have to look with the eyes of someone trying to make their way through a haunted mansion, click a few non-sparkling items that just seem out of place to find pieces you need, but the game gives you just enough information that you can locate everything you need to progress.
There is a journal and a map with objectives and travel option, HOS are list and picture, with an occasional interactive item to be assembled. Scenes have some side arrows that you need to look for and items to be used that aren't indicated by an active cursor, but again, it takes but a moment of logical consideration to figure out.
The scenes are rich and detailed, the music appropriate and they've thrown some fun stuff in, too. (I love Hand! ^_^)
Very much worth your time to try this one out! Show less

I recommend this game!

+93points

100of 107voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

192 of 216 found this review helpful

What's So Bad About This Game?

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

pennmom36

fromWish me luck, going under the knife tomorrow!

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:

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

(390)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Okay, I agree this is a low budget no frills game with dark graphics, BUT, there are so many hidden object scenes of all different kinds that I loved it! Every scene has a HOS, some were interactive, some just list finds. Some were "find 12" of the same kind of item such as 12 feathers. There were some that you had to find the item with only a black and white sketch to go by. There were mini games ...Show more

Okay, I agree this is a low budget no frills game with dark graphics, BUT, there are so many hidden object scenes of all different kinds that I loved it! Every scene has a HOS, some were interactive, some just list finds. Some were "find 12" of the same kind of item such as 12 feathers. There were some that you had to find the item with only a black and white sketch to go by. There were mini games as well, putting different shaped wine bottles in the correct slot or using the correct weapons to stop the angry, wild and very angry animals, bears, swordfish, moose, and boar. The story is about a haunted house, the house chooses who lives or dies, but there isn't a real plot, just hints here and there. I have to review this game for what it is not what it isn't, it is a fun hidden object game not an adventure game with hidden objects, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+168points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

106 of 116 found this review helpful

“Out There” HOG Not For The Faint-Hearted!

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

JustTheFacts

fromRural Western Australia

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

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

BASED ON DEMO

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Did you watch the video? Brilliant! And a good indicator of the game, which is perhaps the best standalone I have seen in months of pretty good standalone SEs. But there’s nothing ‘nice’ about it. This is full-on creepy horror, done in a very different style to any of the other games that claim to be dark and eerie.

One thing you need to know up front is that it ...Show more

BASED ON DEMO

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Did you watch the video? Brilliant! And a good indicator of the game, which is perhaps the best standalone I have seen in months of pretty good standalone SEs. But there’s nothing ‘nice’ about it. This is full-on creepy horror, done in a very different style to any of the other games that claim to be dark and eerie.

One thing you need to know up front is that it is pure HOG, and very easy, but there are custom settings available. There are also things that may disturb some people. Including really scary mounted hunters’ trophies that you must ‘rekill’. And a disembodied hand. And a boy who looks normal but is creepier still.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Although dark, there is nothing difficult about seeing this game. The graphics are as crisp and clean as the best of them. There is darkness around the edges of the HOPs, but not where you are looking for items, which maintains the atmosphere while not interfering with the game. Items are realistically depicted, and appear to be relevant to the era and story. Everything is very dingy. Unusually, the inventory panel is on the top.

There are some very well done cut scenes, as well as some sepia film drawings on the history. These are recorded in your notebook, along with tasks, and notes that include recipes, formulae and codes.

When it comes to music, this game gets 10/10 for originality and atmosphere. Some of the music is straight out of a “rave”, hard-hitting, loud and claustrophobic. Most is much quieter, but it nevertheless very original in style and maintains the ominous mood. The voiceovers, although only used for narration, are excellent and very professional. Being indoors, there’s little in the way of ambient sound, but the hollow ringing of footsteps in an empty building.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
A haunted house story par excellence. You are invited to find the owner of an abandoned mansion in Scotland. So you tour the rooms of a truly devastated house, where everything is old and rotten and laden with cobwebs. But clearly there are other ‘living’ beings in the house, including a perfectly normal-looking boy who just happens to be able to disappear, and set things on fire, by his wishing it. The exploration of the house, far more than any attempt at finding an heir, seems to be your major preoccupation. You are very much alone and silent, there are none of those black bar comments made by our “inner voices”.

GAMEPLAY
As a HOG, this game has very little adventure play. Although you can wander around all over the mansion, most of the items and info you need to progress are found through completing HOPs. These come in several types. There are word lists, item sketches and multiples. There is also an informal kind of HOP where you will find a bunch of one item in a location, like feathers, and will need to collect them, although you are not given any instruction to do so. They’ll just be lying around in suspiciously large numbers. Further into the game, I noticed some of the HOPs included interaction, which you have to work out yourself. Each HOP is visited once only.

There are mini-games, not really puzzles. These include things like using a distillery to obtain an item, or putting together a machine. These tasks are usually helped by a pic of the item/s needed to proceed. Nothing like the sort of thing you need a skip button for, and there isn’t one. Hint, too, only tells you “nothing to do here”. There is an interactive jump map, but I found it mostly unnecessary. There is also a ‘map’ that shows up as the filler when the game is loading (which happens too often), and is not meant to show where you are moving from/to.

COMBINED IMPACT
For some time I’ve pondered why no developer had made a quality game with a decent story and high end production values that was pure HOG. It seemed that only HOPA players could look forward to the best art and imagination. Well, a well-packaged HOG with genuine quality and a specific appeal. Show less

I recommend this game!

+96points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

52 of 53 found this review helpful

Dark, Gloomy, Unique, Compelling--Wrap Your Mind Around Different

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

pcpat923

fromJERSEY GIRL

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):Large File

Current Favorite:

Mysterium™: Lake Bliss Collector's Edition

(44)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Shadow Shelter is a dark and foreboding game that is unique from the many cookie cutter games we BFG members are mercilessly bombarded.

Weary of reading rave reviews on games that are nothing more than interactive cartoons with flashing colored lights. Hate one of these stupid cookie cutter games once in awhile and you'll have my attention. We BFG gamers get very few true Adventure Games--with no ...Show more

Shadow Shelter is a dark and foreboding game that is unique from the many cookie cutter games we BFG members are mercilessly bombarded.

Weary of reading rave reviews on games that are nothing more than interactive cartoons with flashing colored lights. Hate one of these stupid cookie cutter games once in awhile and you'll have my attention. We BFG gamers get very few true Adventure Games--with no Hidden Objects-- to select from in a year due to numerous bad reviews from gamers who only play Hidden Object games--so don't review them.
I am sure there are many of us gamers who are hanging in here at BFG--just barely.

Shadow Shelter will probably get it's unfair share of low marks because it's DIFFERENT, however, it does have a smack down good story, the journal and inventory bar are at the top of your screen--as well as you can customize your playing options.

Dark and gloomy, intriguing and foreboding. Are you part of the Order of the Thistle? Only these can battle the darkness which was defeated long ago and that a few have managed to survive while living among humans!
Choose your side, Gamer and I will meet you on the battlefield.
An immediate buy for Mama Mia! Enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+51points

52of 53voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

46 of 49 found this review helpful

very different

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

gernespieler

fromHamburg

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, Match 3, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

wow, what a difference to all the games I played before ! Of course this is not like Amaranthine or Awakening etc., but this makes the big challenge. It really took me some time to find out how to play this game, but then it was so interesting I could not stop. There is a lot of thinking involved and one needs more time than with other games.

Congratulations devs ! With some minor improvements ...Show more

wow, what a difference to all the games I played before ! Of course this is not like Amaranthine or Awakening etc., but this makes the big challenge. It really took me some time to find out how to play this game, but then it was so interesting I could not stop. There is a lot of thinking involved and one needs more time than with other games.

Congratulations devs ! With some minor improvements like faster travelling, hint filling and maybe room naming the game would be a 10 star for me ;-). Show less

I recommend this game!

+43points

46of 49voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

37 of 39 found this review helpful

What an Excellent Game

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

themouse020

fromCape May County, NJ, USA

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is different than the run-of-the-mill HOG. It has a dark storyline (fans of Supernatural will love it). The art was dark and brooding, and the ambient music suited. Exploring the old house a bit at a time, with bits of the story doled out as you went was fun. I did have a bit of trouble at the start, since the hint system is not specific, but the in-game map points to exactly where you need ...Show more

This is different than the run-of-the-mill HOG. It has a dark storyline (fans of Supernatural will love it). The art was dark and brooding, and the ambient music suited. Exploring the old house a bit at a time, with bits of the story doled out as you went was fun. I did have a bit of trouble at the start, since the hint system is not specific, but the in-game map points to exactly where you need to go and a bit of attention to detail gets you "in the swing" of the game. The animations were very well done, made me jump a couple of times. Recommended for nighttime play in a darkened room. Thanks BFG, for giving fans of spooky just what they asked for.... Show less

I recommend this game!

+35points

37of 39voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

42 of 48 found this review helpful

Unusual HO & puzzle game

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

KristeeKritter56

fromLakeland, FL

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Amaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain Collector's Edition

(62)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

It grabbed me only after 10 minutes of play on the demo. Inventory storage is different, explicit map, kind of like H. Potter's shadow map & rather innovative game play that I have not seen quite like before, refreshing, in short speak. I have been with Gamefish since 2007. So I have played many, many games since then. Such a good sale today & a bonus punch, too! Thanks, Gamefish!

I recommend this game!

+36points

42of 48voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 34 found this review helpful

What a challenge

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

lkraus

fromLexington Park, md

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Finally a game you have to figure out yourself. I enjoyed this game. I am glad that it did not allow the hint button to answer certain areas, you need to figure some things out for yourself and I am glad I did. Wish it was a collectors edition - but was longer than I expected - in a good way...

I recommend this game!

+28points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 34 found this review helpful

Return of the Spooky Game

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

karen102960

fromHermantown, MN

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game is just excellent. This review after playing the first hour I fully intend to buy. I am so tired of the fairly tale games. The graphics are to die for and the storyline great. I am a big Midnight Mysteries and Mystery Case Files fan so this does it for me. I highly recommend this game.

I recommend this game!

+28points

31of 34voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

28 of 33 found this review helpful

IN AWE OF SHADOW SHELTER !!!!!

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

1955raven

fromPelzer SC

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, Match 3, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

CREEPY GOOD GAME , VERY ENTERTAINING , DONT MISS THIS ONE!!!

I recommend this game!

+23points

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