Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

214 of 236 found this review helpful

Can You Escape The Curse At Fate's Carnival?

PostedDecember 20, 2013

pennmom36

fromIsis reflection got stuck in the mirror!

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Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Christmas Stories: A Christmas Carol Collector's Edition

(124)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Mystery Case Files knows how to do creepy right, and this is a perfect example of a game that can draw you in until you feel alone, as if you are actually investigating this abandoned carnival of years gone by. Madame Fate has made her curse your own and you must figure out who the sinister and twisted being is that is trying to kill all of the carneys. Your journey will take you on wild goose ...Show more

Mystery Case Files knows how to do creepy right, and this is a perfect example of a game that can draw you in until you feel alone, as if you are actually investigating this abandoned carnival of years gone by. Madame Fate has made her curse your own and you must figure out who the sinister and twisted being is that is trying to kill all of the carneys. Your journey will take you on wild goose chases and fixing almost every piece of machinery in the Carnival. The HOS are interactive list finds full of clowns, top hats wands and magic. The mini games can be a bit frustrating, but they are really cool. It's kind of hard to describe but you will come across several boxes that you need to interact with in the correct order. You may need to flip a switch to expose a feather then you need to release valves to make air blow the feather towards a giant nose until the nose sneezes etc. they are really time consuming but you become so engrossed in the puzzle that you don't notice. The game itself is fantastic, I love the creepy dark vibe of the game. It is a super long game even without the bonus, so it's well worth the money because this is a game you will want to own. I personally love the CE which has a secret room and morphing cards, collectible money to buy luxury items for your helper Isis, Madame Fates cat. I am actually hooked on the solitaire game available in the CE, I love the theme of the cards. There are several modes of difficulty, Easy Kinievel, Swallow Hard, Difficult Detective, Monstrously Tough, and Allister's Watch which has time limits and isn't unlocked until after completing the main game. Surely this is enough to convince you so enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+192points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

114 of 134 found this review helpful

Most Arduous Game Yet!

PostedDecember 20, 2013

JustTheFacts

fromRural Western Australia

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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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Hope Diamond Collector's Edition

(146)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

BASED ON DEMO

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This is the 10th game of the Mystery Case Files (MCF) series, perhaps the most beloved, and definitely the most controversial of all series released on Big Fish. It is nothing less than overpowering, astonishing, awesome, unbelievable – pick your hyperbole. It is also the most difficult and complex HOPA game I’ve ever played. And the longest by far! I can’t say ...Show more

BASED ON DEMO

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This is the 10th game of the Mystery Case Files (MCF) series, perhaps the most beloved, and definitely the most controversial of all series released on Big Fish. It is nothing less than overpowering, astonishing, awesome, unbelievable – pick your hyperbole. It is also the most difficult and complex HOPA game I’ve ever played. And the longest by far! I can’t say how long, but it took me several sittings over a few days to complete it, as opposed to my usual game-in-one-sitting.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Marvellous. Gaudy carnival atmosphere some of the time, gross and scary at others. The graphics are as good as any out there, and there are delightful cameo appearances of other MCF characters and items to look out for. The music is very reminiscent of earlier games, including the actual MCF theme. Background sound is wonderful – very creepy carnival.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The carnival is cursed. Madame Fate is in trouble again, and who’s that? Is that Dalimar?! You have 15 doomed carnies to save and another complicated ominous and supernatural mystery to solve. If you’ve not played Madame Fate or the other MCF games, there is much in the form of casual allusions that you’ll not notice, but the story itself stands alone.

GAMEPLAY HIGHLIGHTS

Over and above the usual kinds of HOPs and puzzles, this game has the SUPERPUZZLES. These are puzzle boards, seen before in this series, but unbelievably colourful inventive involving - and impossible. I ended up skipping at least part of most of them, despite the innovation of a in-puzzle hint which guides you step by step, if necessary. They are a series of interconnected mini-puzzles that completed in the right order solve the major one and reward you with an item. Even in the easy mode, the skip is twice as long as it is for all other puzzles.

Another unique feature is the BLACK DIARY. As well as providing key information, it is sometimes necessary to solve puzzles within its pages in order to find that information. There is also ISIS the cat. She is beautiful, but way too haughty to be called cute.

Other assistance is provided by a very well done interactive jump map, and a teleporting hint system. Both definitely needed, as there is a lot of toing and froing, and as I mentioned, a heck of a lot to do!

The regular puzzles and HOPs are clever, and very much into the atmosphere of not just any carnival, but as awesomely creepy one. They are also a fair bit more difficult than usual. The HOPs are interactive lists for the most part, with some twists.

FINAL COMMENTS

This is an overwhelming game, and when it comes to delivering those, nobody does it better than Elephant. I am always a little miffed when a game site’s own productions get the awards, but in this case, if they win Game of the Year, and I think it might, it will be well deserved.

Even if I’m still lost. *forlorn stare* Show less

I recommend this game!

+94points

114of 134voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

27 of 29 found this review helpful

Wow….just, Wow.

PostedJanuary 8, 2014

dragoncat453

fromNYC

Skill Level:Intermediate

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Hard to imagine that it's been years since the last Mystery Case Files/Madame Fate. I remember playing that one over and over trying to find those pesky hidden objects. This one is soooo much better and I'm still playing the bonus items.

The story is a continuation of the former carnival theme and we meet characters we've known from the previous game--all in peril from the master Villain. What's ...Show more

Hard to imagine that it's been years since the last Mystery Case Files/Madame Fate. I remember playing that one over and over trying to find those pesky hidden objects. This one is soooo much better and I'm still playing the bonus items.

The story is a continuation of the former carnival theme and we meet characters we've known from the previous game--all in peril from the master Villain. What's amazing here is the depth and complexity of the puzzles. We have the usual hidden object games with some interactive parts, always a plus. Then there are mini plots and games to solve to save each imperiled character. What's different here are the very complex "master games"--entire interactive puzzles that really are challenging and fun. Not easy to solve without help.

There are collectibles; an interactive map; different modes of play. A great cat helper, Isis, for whom you collect money and buy toys. There are so many things going on in this game!

The extras in the Collector's Edition include a bonus chapter that is a great length and adds to the story. And there is, in addition to the usual wallpaper, concept art, etc. a "Secret Room" where you can replay all the hidden object games and the master puzzles.

Hours and hours of brain tickling fun. Really wonderful. I hope it won't be 3 years before the next one! Show less

I recommend this game!

+25points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

63 of 79 found this review helpful

GETTING BACK TO BASICS

PostedDecember 20, 2013

rosekaufmann

fromLos Angeles

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Surface: Mystery of Another World

(224)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

If you like lots of unique, interesting and fun puzzles of infinite variety and difficulty, a delightful helper, lots of animation, many types of activities, this is the game for you. Animation and graphics are beautiful as you revisit the Fate Carnival for another brilliant mystery. Rather mind-blowing in its design and complexities. First rate production values. You won't be able to wait to play ...Show more

If you like lots of unique, interesting and fun puzzles of infinite variety and difficulty, a delightful helper, lots of animation, many types of activities, this is the game for you. Animation and graphics are beautiful as you revisit the Fate Carnival for another brilliant mystery. Rather mind-blowing in its design and complexities. First rate production values. You won't be able to wait to play the entire game; it's better than the prequel. Show less

I recommend this game!

+47points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 15 found this review helpful

back to their best

PostedJune 28, 2014

squoppy

fromfrance

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

back to their best after the year befores disappointment, loved this game, was interesting, fun to solve and kept me quiet for hours , great graphics, and always help if you get stuck, can't wait for the next one to come out. well done MCF this one worked for me

I recommend this game!

+15points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

34 of 42 found this review helpful

LOVED, LOVED THIS GAME!!!

PostedDecember 22, 2013

moknows

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.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This developer has always been my favorite and I will buy any games done by them. This one is no exception. Even before I finished the demo run I knew I would buy it. The graphics are beautiful and the story line keeps you looking for more! There is a map that takes you from place to place and the hint button loads very fast. I wish we would look up games in BFG by developer. I was glad I bought ...Show more

This developer has always been my favorite and I will buy any games done by them. This one is no exception. Even before I finished the demo run I knew I would buy it. The graphics are beautiful and the story line keeps you looking for more! There is a map that takes you from place to place and the hint button loads very fast. I wish we would look up games in BFG by developer. I was glad I bought it and you will be as well. This was the best in the series so far!! Money or game credit are well spent!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+26points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

27 of 33 found this review helpful

Excellent!

PostedDecember 20, 2013

shanyem

fromGreat Barrington, MA

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This review is for the CE version - which I bought without playing the demo and was NOT disappointed. The story continues and even has familiar characters from previous games. There are collectibles and morphing objects. Obviously I'm a big fan of the series but there a few problems that I found negligible. The map showed that there was something to do at one or two places where there wasn't. ...Show more

This review is for the CE version - which I bought without playing the demo and was NOT disappointed. The story continues and even has familiar characters from previous games. There are collectibles and morphing objects. Obviously I'm a big fan of the series but there a few problems that I found negligible. The map showed that there was something to do at one or two places where there wasn't. Other than that I didn't find anything I thought was lacking. This is WELL worth the price for this version as it was also worth the CE as well! Have fun! Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 23 found this review helpful

Absolutely Stellar!

PostedDecember 21, 2013

the3rdparty

fromUSAhttp://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/20743/the-beast-of-lycan-isle/index.html#

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Now I feel 'the holiday spirit' finally - New Mystery Case Files. I always feel I am witnessing true genius and genius with a macabre sense of humor to boot. In the past I have had to use a walk thru for most MCF games and had to skip a lot - feeling dumb or that the developers are slightly mean. ;o) -- Not so with this friendlier format! I am just delighted now with the hints on the truly ...Show more

Now I feel 'the holiday spirit' finally - New Mystery Case Files. I always feel I am witnessing true genius and genius with a macabre sense of humor to boot. In the past I have had to use a walk thru for most MCF games and had to skip a lot - feeling dumb or that the developers are slightly mean. ;o) -- Not so with this friendlier format! I am just delighted now with the hints on the truly ingenius, fun puzzles and I just can't say enough about how much I am enjoying this game! Thank you MCF artists! Happy Holly Daze! xoxox Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

20 of 28 found this review helpful

Fun interactive game!

PostedDecember 20, 2013

a7752p

fromMO.

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is one of the best! Lots to do and find but not so many HOPs that you get sick of them. Love all the puzzles! Love the transporter as I hate to have to backtrack a lot and the transporter takes all the work out of it.I even found some puzzles in a puzzle and watch the guide book as it has puzzles in it as well.Great game and worth the money!

I recommend this game!

+12points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

16 of 23 found this review helpful

Excellent!!!!

PostedDecember 21, 2013

msoxtox

fromUSA

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

Great game fun to play with a perfect level of difficulty to make you think.

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival

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