Death and Betrayal in Romania: A Dana Knightstone Novel > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

115 of 136 found this review helpful

AVALANCHE!

PostedSeptember 28, 2014

pennmom36

fromWhy did I set the time at 8:55 when the example was 5 minutes till 8?

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Dana Knightstone is traveling to a book signing (which just happens to be Death at Cape Porto) when her car is nearly swept over the cliff by an avalanche! Luckily the caretaker of a nearby castle rushes in and saves Dana just in time and brings her back to the castle to thaw out and recover. Naturally this castle is haunted as most are, and the ghost of this castle believes Dana is his runaway bride returning to his side after all these years. Dana soon discovers that Lucian was left standing at the altar, but he wouldn't live long enough to discover the truth....she had been murdered! Now Dana must reunite these two ghostly lovers so they may live happily ever after. (in this case way after)

Dana has always had the ability to communicate with the dearly departed, and even her dearly departed dog Bandit has found his way back to her. In my opinion Bandit looks a bit freakish, however that dog can jump pretty high to retrieve items thrown up in a tree so for now he can stay. (besides, how bad can it be if a ghost dog isn't housebroken?)

The Hidden Object Scenes are a mixture of finding items that match silhouetted shapes as well as pictured items, and smaller versions where you find multiples of a single item or fragments to complete an object. I must say that I enjoyed the mini games such as removing gems in groups of at least two, but as you remove gems the top gems fall down so you need to use strategy to plan for this action. I also liked the puzzle where you swap stained glass pieces to create complete portraits of 4 different characters. It seems that each new edition to the Dana Knightstone series keeps getting better, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+94points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

28 of 36 found this review helpful

Wonderful Game

PostedSeptember 29, 2014

Zeto

fromPennsylvania

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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.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

If you like a good story with a plot that twists and turns, then you will love this game. Explore..explore..explore...there are so many rooms to investigate and explore.You are thrown into an old castle that is haunted and are visited by a somewhat handsome ghost that has you confused with this lost love who you find out was murdered the night before their wedding. He is inconsolable but things ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+20points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 8 found this review helpful

dana knightstone novels are always great games

PostedFebruary 8, 2016

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

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Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

there is no custom level, but 3 other levels to play. an interactive map and the hint system employs teleportation. didn't listen to music so i don't know about that. you are playing as journalist dana knighstone that is on her way to a book signing and gets stranded near an old, haunted castle. you are asked by the ghost to help him settle and get his love back to him and you both find out things that surprise him. he thinks at the beginning that you are his love and continues in that vein for most of the game. i got a little confused with the different characters but that is a me thing and not the fault of the game. it is a decent length. i finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes. i used the hints a lot and skips a lot so it would be longer if you didn't do that. there seems to be more dana knightstone games as you go along. i liked this one and they are pretty nice to play Show less

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 8 found this review helpful

VERY GOOD (based upon completed game)

PostedSeptember 14, 2017

alphafem

fromWest Coast, USA

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Brink of Consciousness: Dorian Gray Syndrome

(214)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I've read the reviews. That's what prompted me to write one of my own.

This game does not hold your hand, and walk you through every single action or task. You are expected to have a certain amount of logic and common sense. ie: if something falls off the wall, and the frame and pieces are laying there..yes, you are expected to put the pieces back in the frame w/o being told. If you open a crate full of mugs and plates, and there is a silhouette to the right..yes, you are expected to find the pieces inside the crate to fill the silhouette w/o being told. Multiple times through out the game, you will be expected to "put your thinking cap on", and figure things out for yourself. You can do it!

The Exhibit Map given by the caretaker/curator is excellent. It is the standard jump type, with areas of interest indicated. It has multiple layers, and occasionally you will need to refer back.

The HOP's were all well done with new twists thrown in from time to time. The mini-games were in a range from easy to very challenging. (I had to skip the sewing of the wedding dress, and the final Match 3 type puzzle). Because of these two puzzles, I would actually rate the Challenge Level 4.5

The graphics were good, the music was pleasant, the art work was detailed and the locations were interesting. The story line was great.

I really enjoyed this game. I'm glad I bought it. Will I play it again? Most definitely. I hope you'll enjoy it too! Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 42 found this review helpful

The Very Best

PostedSeptember 28, 2014

magic009

fromVincent,Alabama

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Cannot say enough about this one. In fact, I always play but never review so this is a first! When I first started just knew this one was going to be good. It had a different vibe and the snow was an extra bonus. I didn't have to use the guide but glad I purchased the CE for the extra game. In fact, I hated when it ended so have played it with my grandson teaching him about hidden object games. 5 ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

Totally Enjoyed It!

PostedJuly 7, 2015

SouthernGal820

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):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Word, Card & Board

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I really liked this game. It is rare that I am interested in the storyline but this one was really good. A lot of gameplay, the graphics were nice, the mini games fun, HOS interactive, music the same but not bad. The very last mini game was really great, took me a few minutes to even figure out what I was supposed to be doing but when I did it was a lot of fun. All in all this was a really good ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 8 found this review helpful

GREAT GAME!!!!

PostedApril 17, 2015

rpggramma

fromMidwest, USA

Key Contributor
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Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Very good and enjoyable game. Dana always has an interesting storyline. Excellent 'who done it'!! Lots to do and see. Keeps you involved solving and fixing problems.
Not many of the usual HOs, but plenty of good thought provoking puzzles!!( I love!)
Keeps you interested and busy!
Bonus is short and sweet!

I recommend this game!

+4points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 5 found this review helpful

i am a hopeless romantic so i loved the storytline..

PostedApril 23, 2016

cobainsgurl

frommt. olive illinois

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Match 3, Strategy, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

i loved playing this game, it was fun and it took me on a ride from my very boring life. i really enjoyed all the twist and turns thanks for the interesting love story sad that they had to die to find true love but hey life isnt perfect, great graphics. really enjoyed it.

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

A Fun story

PostedJune 3, 2018

roselleleroux

fromScotland

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I enjoy a good story a lot more than great graphics, sound, gameplay

I feel that some of the more modern games lack the story element in favor of all the bells and whistles

I strongly recommend

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

16 of 16 found this review helpful

Dear Boomzap, More Like This, Please!

PostedDecember 27, 2014

catbag8717

fromTasmania, 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):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Ominous Objects: Family Portrait

(30)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

BASED ON COMPLETED STANDARD EDITION GAME

I've never really enjoyed Boomzap games before- in fact, they're my least favourite developer- so I wasn't expecting much of this one. Imagine my surprise when I started playing! This turned out to be a great game and I am so glad I spent my money on it.

I really, really enjoyed the story! It seems, because pretty much all of their stories are fantasy, I ...Show more

BASED ON COMPLETED STANDARD EDITION GAME

I really, really enjoyed the story! It seems, because pretty much all of their stories are fantasy, I have underestimated their ability to create fantastic stories. This is exactly what I got here. Although the opening scene was not the most exciting in the world, and the story got off to a slow start, I was sucked in during the demo by a great twist, one that was quite unexpected. From there, the story continued on and never lost momentum. The demo ended spectacularly and this, combined with the great gameplay, was enough to make me continue.
Most stories drop off for a bit in the middle portion of the game, and while that did happen with this one, it was only for a short while. I was beginning to tire a bit when I was sucked back in by some fantastic twists. This was when everything in the story was beginning to unravel and everything was starting to make sense. It got to the point where the story was so interesting I couldn't stop playing and had to see this through to the end. Every single bit of information uncovered was fascinating and I really wasn't expecting it. The developers have done a brilliant job in the planning of their story. If this was made in to a novel, I would be re-reading it over and over again.
With the entire story being so great, I was expecting a conclusive ending. While the ending was conclusive, it was far from what I was expecting, and just showed off the creative side even more. Instead of heaps of dialogue, the developers split the ending up in to a HOS & a puzzle, which was a brilliant idea executed perfectly.
Overall, a fantastic story with loads of fantastic twists and a terrific ending.

What I loved most about this game- and what made me purchase it- was the brilliant, creative gameplay. For starters, I absolutely loved the HOS. Although they were quite easy, they were incredibly fun and creative and I looked forward to each one. They came in a good variety- junkpile, silhouette, progressive silhouette, etc.- but my favourite was definitely the memory scenes. This really showed off the developer's creativity while adding to the story at the same time. They were also quite interactive, with many zoom in scenes and things to be clicked on. Some included puzzles, which was quite nice. As I said, I absolutely loved all HOS, and quantity wasn't a problem either. In the game, there were a grand total of 19 HOS, which is a fantastic number.

The puzzles were quite good too. However, they were nothing unique and- similar to the HOS- were extremely easy. I actually solved some of them in a couple of clicks. That being said, I still loved attempting them and, overall, quite enjoyed myself. I also liked that the developer has included puzzle hints in this game. It is something I have been calling for for a very long time and it added to the fun, so I could have help to solve a puzzle instead of skipping it when things got too hard. In addition, my pet peeve made an appearance in this game. For those who don't know, that is having one puzzle straight after another. This happened a total of four times in the game, and was quite annoying.
For me personally, the quantity was a bit of a problem. There were a mind-numbing 40- yes, FORTY- puzzles in this game! That, for me, is way too much. I think the developers should have had less puzzles and a bit more of the adventure component, which was lacking considerably. Developers, too many of something really kills the game. Luckily for me, I liked the rest of the game so much that this wasn't really an issue, but I suggest it is fixed in time for your next game.

My biggest problem with this game is the adventure component, or lack thereof. The game is completely dominated with HOS & Puzzles, so the adventure component is almost nonexistent. This is evidenced by the fact I went from HOS to puzzle (puzzle straight after completion of HOS) four times. This is an indicator that there should have been a lot more adventure in this game, and I hope the developers fix that too. The plus side to minimal adventure component is that there is not much backtracking. Backtracking is a real killer in games, especially those adventure-prominent ones, so it was nice to see a lack of that here. What there was of the adventure component was fairly basic, and quite easy, so the challenge factor suffered as a result. This game was quite easy, and will probably be a frustration for the experts. I have noticed as of late that the more fun games- for me, at least- are the easier ones. I hope this trend does not continue! I would have liked to see a lot more adventure and challenge in this game. Developers, please take note.

One thing the developer does quite well on is extra features. There are two here: + objects and the animal helper. The + objects were done quite well; some involved just zooming in on a sheet of paper to read, while others required additional objects. I enjoyed them because there weren't too many. They made a good addition to the game.
The other feature was the animal helper, which I absolutely LOVED! Our helper is Bandit, a ghostly dog who is with us from the beginning of the game. He is used realistically and very frequently, which is great. I like how he also had a role to play in the story! That doesn't happen very often, but it is so nice when it does. I think the animal helper was a great part of the game and made it so much more fun. Kudos to the developers.

The basic features have been done well; there are 3 modes of difficulty, but I did wish there was a custom. I played on Advanced and was pleased to find no sparkles anywhere. The map was still quite helpful on advanced, with the objectives still showing. This was not ideal for me, as I would have rathered it off, but it still served its purpose, which was great. Unfortunately for me, there was no diary, which made it hard for me to remember some of the details of the story without referring to my notes. I would have much rathered the diary be there; I have no idea why developers don't like it anymore.
Overall, though, fantastic and fun, albeit easy, gameplay.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the graphics, in all honesty. The scenes were done with some nice detail but looked cheap and cartoony in some areas, particularly the cutscenes. I could immediately tell they were cartoon drawn and they were not designed very well. I was quite disappointed, especially when comparing to other developers.
The voice-overs are standard, although I did get sick of Lucian saying “Alexandra” over and over. But that's just my taste.

FEATURES
3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. Differences are standard. I wish there had been a custom difficulty though. I played Advamced.
Hint/Skip- both recharged at a decent speed for advanced mode and the hint was extremely helpful; it functioned everywhere (even in puzzles) and sometimes acted as a teleporter.
Map- The map was interactive. Even on advanced, it let me know where I had tasks to perform. I would have liked to be able to turn this off, but that's just my preferences. It still provided a great help.
+ Objects- Some involved reading notes while others were the standard use. These were a great feature.
Helper- Our helper is Bandit, a ghost dog. He was used frequently and realistically and I enjoyed every time I got to use him. He added to the fun factor significantly.

WHAT DO I MISS OUT ON IF I BUY THE SE?
Bonus Chapter- not needed; game is 100% conclusive.
Built-in Strategy Guide- does not show HOS solutions. Not needed due to game's simplicity.
Achievements
Wallpapers
Screensavers
Music
Concept Art
Replay cutscenes

WHICH IS THE BETTER BUY?
I bought the SE and advise you to do the same. I was extremely happy with this purchase. The CE does not offer many extras- even missing out collectibles, which are a CE necessity- and, in fact, was one of the most light CE's I've seen in recent times. So yes, the SE is the way to go.

ON THE GAME LENGTH
I finished this one in 3 hours on Advanced mode. This was a perfect length for me. I actually prefer shorter games as I tend to get bored of them if they go on for too long. I will be playing this one over again for sure.

This is Boomzap's best game to date. The 3 hours I spent on this game were some of the most fun-filled ones I've experienced. I'm giving this a well-deserved four stars, with the only things holding back from a 5 being the cheap graphics and lack of adventure component. This one is definitely a keeper. Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Death and Betrayal in Romania: A Dana Knightstone Novel

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