Spirits of Mystery: Chains of Promise > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

81 of 102 found this review helpful

Break These Chains!

PostedSeptember 11, 2015

pennmom36

fromJust how many things does Princess Adele carry with her? Here's a key here's a symbol and oh yeah, take my old photo album I've been lugging around...

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Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

When Princess Adele became deathly ill, her father pleaded with Isa to do whatever it takes to make her well. The evil sorcerer agreed to heal the Princess if the King would give his daughter's hand in marriage and his blessings to Isa. Left with no choice, His Majesty gives Isa a "King's Promise" little does the King know, that Isa has big plans for the Kingdom of the Black Unicorn, evil plans! ...Show more

When Princess Adele became deathly ill, her father pleaded with Isa to do whatever it takes to make her well. The evil sorcerer agreed to heal the Princess if the King would give his daughter's hand in marriage and his blessings to Isa. Left with no choice, His Majesty gives Isa a "King's Promise" little does the King know, that Isa has big plans for the Kingdom of the Black Unicorn, evil plans! Princess Adele has sent for her best friend (a.k.a. Princess You) hoping that you can save her from her evil suitor, and save the Kingdom of the Black Unicorn, before it's too late!

Your dear sweet Nanny's mother was from The Black Unicorn Kingdom, where gargoyles hide and protect the Kingdom's best kept secrets. Before you leave on your journey, Nanny gives you her mother's special mirror which will expose the secrets hidden behind the gargoyle symbols throughout the kingdom. To charge this magical mirror you must find all 6 hidden gargoyle symbols floating in the air, and then use the mirror on the gargoyle symbol to reveal secret codes and hidden compartments. There are complex inventory items that require further interaction before using some of the items, such as combining that item with another inventory item, or repairing the item so it can be used. The Collector's Edition offers Achievements to earn and 24 hidden collectible Stamps or wax seals, that will unlock the Bonus Chapter once they have all been found.

The Hidden Object Scenes are Interactive list finds, as well as finding items in pairs. The only complain I have is that the scenes are repeated which I think is very boring. Because the graphics are hand drawn, the Hidden Object Puzzles are very cartoonish looking and some of the items aren't very realistic (but it is a fantasy themed game after all) The Mini Games are decent, but nothing really new such as moving gems into 4 different slots by selecting each gem's directional arrows and using other gems as bumpers. There are a lot of smaller puzzles requiring you to select buttons and symbols to push in a specific order, and even a Crossbow and Arrow interactive game where you line up the crosshairs on the flying gargoyle to hit him 3 times. One of my favorite games was jumping Unicorns over each other on several different shelves until only one remains, and, you can jump up a shelf, down a shelf, to the right or left and even diagonally.

The Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art pictures, 4 Screensavers, 24 Collectible Stamps, Music, 14 Achievements, replayable Hidden Object Puzzles and Mini Games, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+60points

81of 102voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

34 of 45 found this review helpful

CAN YOU FIND OUT WHO IS PULLING ISA'S CHAINS

PostedSeptember 11, 2015

biscuitsmama

fromTrying to find my chain cutters

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:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

In Chains of Promise the latest game in the Spirits of Mystery series we encounter some familiar faces among them the ever present nanny and the evil wizard Isa. As our tale begins Isa is back to his conniving ways as promises a grieving king that he will save the king’s dying daughter if the king will grant him any wish. Fast forward many years and the now grown daughter, Princess Adele, is ...Show more

In Chains of Promise the latest game in the Spirits of Mystery series we encounter some familiar faces among them the ever present nanny and the evil wizard Isa. As our tale begins Isa is back to his conniving ways as promises a grieving king that he will save the king’s dying daughter if the king will grant him any wish. Fast forward many years and the now grown daughter, Princess Adele, is betrothed to marry none other than the court advisor Isa. You have received an invitation to Adele’s wedding and must now journey to the Black Unicorn kingdom to attend but while traveling you read a note from Adele begging you to prevent the marriage. And thus our tale of intrigue begins.

This game comes to us from one of my favorite development teams that always include awesome and beautiful hand drawn artwork in its games. The thing I have noticed about this game and with others in the series is that many of the characters are recycled from previous games but if you haven’t played the other games in the series then you won’t notice the familiarity. In Chains of Promise the developer offers us four modes of gameplay: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. If you select the custom mode you can set your hints to recharge virtually as quickly as you like with a range from 5 to 200 seconds and the same range applies to skipping puzzles. The sound track if very good and I happen to love the signature theme music from the Bunny Team that is present in all of their games. As always the voice-overs are excellent and we once again have lip-synced characters.

Unfortunately the tools include what is becoming another of this team’s signature pieces, a mirror that when filled with power is used to reveal that which is hidden. I don’t know when the message will get through that many of us dislike these types of items or gimmicks included in our games. The other useful tool is our transporter type integrated map that is found at the beginning of the game.

The HOPS are vintage and do require some interaction. At least during the demo I didn’t find any of the progressive type where we must find one thing and then use it to find another and so on. Those happen to be my least favorite so I am quite happy with what I have encountered thus far in the game. I will say that most of the puzzles were easy but one of them seemed a bit trickier than usual and perhaps it was only because I was rushing a bit and didn’t want to think about the puzzle too long. In my experience the puzzles that the Bunny Team includes in its games become progressively more difficult as we move further along so I know that there will be some challenge ahead.

As is the case with many other BFG members, I have been playing HOPA games for years and I first acquired this love of the genre and cut my teeth on games from the Bunny Team. I have found most of their games to be very enjoyable and wrapped in a package that presents everything I look for in a game. I have to admit that as seasoned as I am in finding my way around in HOPA games, Chains of Promise was a bit of a challenge because it was not always apparent what I needed to do next to move forward. For many the game will be considered very easy but I happen to love the level of challenge that is just right for the way I like to play. I play HOPA games to relax and unwind so I don’t enjoy playing a game that I might find frustrating. Chains of Promise is just right for me and given the package of beautiful graphics, relaxing music, fun gameplay, great storyline, and wonderful puzzles and HOPs, it is everything I want in a game. Who knows, maybe this time we will finally get rid of Isa – lol. Although the game was an instant buy for me, as always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy. Show less

I recommend this game!

+23points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 17 found this review helpful

Another Amazing Edition to this Fantastic Series!!!

PostedSeptember 11, 2015

skullfun

fromTennessee

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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):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure

Current Favorite:

Beyond: Light Advent Collector's Edition

(158)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This was an insta-buy for me. Your objective is to defeat sorcerer Isa and the evil force standing behind him in Spirits of Mystery 5: Chains of Promise CE or SE Edition. Isa decided to take power over the kingdom of the Black Unicorn by marrying its princess Adele and killing her father afterwards. Firstly he put a curse on her and when her father asks someone for help the curse is removed in ...Show more

This was an insta-buy for me. Your objective is to defeat sorcerer Isa and the evil force standing behind him in Spirits of Mystery 5: Chains of Promise CE or SE Edition. Isa decided to take power over the kingdom of the Black Unicorn by marrying its princess Adele and killing her father afterwards. Firstly he put a curse on her and when her father asks someone for help the curse is removed in exchange of a promise to arrange their marriage. And now, when the marriage is tomorrow, he’s preparing something devious to kill the king right after it! Adele is your BEST FRIEND so you have no choice but to face Isa and his dark master! This installment is an awesome adventure. I thought the graphics, puzzles, hos, and voice overs were spot on! Incredible game play for anyone and everyone! I loved it! Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

6 of 6 found this review helpful

really enjoyed this game.

PostedOctober 1, 2015

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

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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):Hidden Object, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

there is a custom level and an intearctive map. great hint system. varied HO scenes. you are called to attend the wedding of a fellow princess. she had been promised to isla for his healing her when she was young. the king, her father, is adamant that she marry because he gave his word to isla when he cured her. her father doesn't believe her that he intends to kill him once they are married. he ...Show more

there is a custom level and an intearctive map. great hint system. varied HO scenes. you are called to attend the wedding of a fellow princess. she had been promised to isla for his healing her when she was young. the king, her father, is adamant that she marry because he gave his word to isla when he cured her. her father doesn't believe her that he intends to kill him once they are married. he just wants the kingdom. he will do anything to get it. you have to help your friend out of this mess. sequel...i feel sure. Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

24 of 27 found this review helpful

Much nicer as an SE....

PostedSeptember 11, 2015

dancemom1

fromYakima, WA

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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):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Hello friends! An update to my original CE review...see shortened version below. I always replay a CE that I'm not sure about in the SE version, as I frequently find the SE much better than the CE. This is the case with this game. I had too many glitches in the CE, but none of them showed up today. Yes, I tried the CE again and still had the same choppy movements and lag time. The SE does not have ...Show more

Hello friends! An update to my original CE review...see shortened version below. I always replay a CE that I'm not sure about in the SE version, as I frequently find the SE much better than the CE. This is the case with this game. I had too many glitches in the CE, but none of them showed up today. Yes, I tried the CE again and still had the same choppy movements and lag time. The SE does not have this problem. I did not feel this one was CE worthy, due to the lack of more much needed collectibles. I do like this game as an SE and I did add it to my collection.

"The graphics and animation in this game is very well done, with bright true colors. Game play was pretty good, after one freeze and a reboot. The one problem I seem to continue seeing these days, is the long lag time between scenes in the latest games. The game does not flow well if you have to sit and wait for it to decide to open the next area to continue playing...very frustrating. Music was not bad, but annoying after a while. Voice overs are well done and are age and character appropriate, with some emotion included. Sound FX are very nice.

HOPs are nothing new, with silhouettes and interactive lists. They were clean and clear and items are not hard to find. Puzzles were very simple, no challenge and no brain power used to complete them. I did not run across a transport feature in this game, so I had to do a lot of back-tracking. Yes, you have a jump map, but it seemed very messy and cluttered to me. I really had to look for the available area. Hint system is helpful, but again, quite slow in activating.

I like this series, but I'm not really sure this one is CE worthy. There is no real challenge and the hesitation with every move you make is quite annoying and frustrating. This is not a bad game, they just need a little more quality assurance before they put them out for purchase. I think all levels of players would like this one, if you don't mind waiting for it to follow through with an action. I will put this one in my puddle and see if we get a fix."

As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not like this one at all. Thanks for the reviews. Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

10 of 10 found this review helpful

This SE sort of played out like a CE but better!

PostedSeptember 28, 2015

Italia47

fromUSA

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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):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Strategy, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser, Family

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

There was a long lag in between scenes and some minor quirks here n' there in the SE version I just completed. But once I persevered, the game flowed seemingly well. I agree with one of the reviewers that oftentimes I find SE's are somewhat better than CE's although the devs are catching on and I'm seeing improvements in CE versions these days. With CE's there are collectibles, morphing objects, ...Show more

There was a long lag in between scenes and some minor quirks here n' there in the SE version I just completed. But once I persevered, the game flowed seemingly well. I agree with one of the reviewers that oftentimes I find SE's are somewhat better than CE's although the devs are catching on and I'm seeing improvements in CE versions these days. With CE's there are collectibles, morphing objects, etc. but I don't need wallpaper, or to download music from their soundtrack, although I have done so if a certain piece sounded pretty good.

This game and the storyline was pretty good. I really liked the variety of HOS the devs offered; sometimes the same scenes were used for them but I liked it nonetheless. I enjoyed making the potions plus the arrows of light task, which was pretty cool. The only thing that didn't follow suit was that some tasks were out of sequence as far as places were concerned, for e.g., mind you, you're locked up in prison but the item that's needed, among others, is literally outside and I was able to retrieve the item from the outside to free myself. Go figure! However, the voiceovers were great; the music was good; the artwork was rather cartoonish but very good, and the mini-games were wonderful. I'm giving this game a 4-star and I recommend the SE version for sure. Show less

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

14 of 21 found this review helpful

CE or SE? Game is "eh" to me, but has good extras, so you decide.

PostedSeptember 11, 2015

kateblue222

fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning

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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):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word

Current Favorite:

Beyond: Light Advent Collector's Edition

(158)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I didn't remember playing this game, or buying it, or even the name of it, even though I reviewed and bought the CE less than a month ago. I played some more just now, but I still have many games I would rather play. I support my previous judgment of "eh."

Usually, in these SE reviews, I recommend whether you should get the CE or the SE, because if I am reading reviews after both are out, that's ...Show more

I didn't remember playing this game, or buying it, or even the name of it, even though I reviewed and bought the CE less than a month ago. I played some more just now, but I still have many games I would rather play. I support my previous judgment of "eh."

Usually, in these SE reviews, I recommend whether you should get the CE or the SE, because if I am reading reviews after both are out, that's what I want to know. As I said in my CE review (that I didn't remember writing!) "It's got good extra features, including replayable HOS and mini games. And the music is good. There are worse games out there."

I also said this in my CE review:

. . . the game operates well, but it is a tired story about a princess being forced to marry a mean, evil man. The one HOS I found was an interesting kind of "matching" thing, but the mini games are "eh," and the art is "eh." Some of the the people are ugly in a creepy way instead of in an interesting way, plus the close ups of animated lip synching are kinda gross. The characters don't really add to the ambiance, for me. Instead, they are just distracting. And they talk, talk, talk . . .

After getting a little bit further in the CE today, I sure am agreeing with myself. I was tempted to give the SE only three stars instead of grading it four as I did the CE. But I recommend it because, although everything is "eh," it plays well.

You should try it. If you really like it, buy the CE because the special features look to be very good. If not, just buy this, with a coupon, maybe. There are better games out there, certainly. Show less

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

5 of 6 found this review helpful

my review

PostedSeptember 14, 2015

leftylilmum

fromMilton, Ontario, Canada

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Brain Teaser

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

As with most good hidden object games they are over before you know it. I liked the story line. The graphics and audio were excellent. If I really like a game which I did for this, I go back and play it on the next level of hardness. Its amazing the difference it makes. A definite must play game!!!

I don't recommend this game.

+4points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

3 of 3 found this review helpful

Fun Game, Good Play Experience

PostedSeptember 16, 2015

Kessyra

fromCalifornia

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I like games where the solutions to puzzles make sense. It makes it easy to figure out what you need and therefore what you need to look for.
The storyline is fine - not terribly engaging but not boring either.
The graphics are good and the game runs well.
Overall a good way to stay entertained for a bit!

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

Fun game - what you'd expect from the Spirits of Mystery Series

PostedSeptember 24, 2016

Emerald75

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Drawn: Dark Flight ®

(99)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

Just finished this - enjoyed it: the HOAs were well done, the graphics are good and the music was enjoyable. I do have to say this game has the WORST voice-overs I have ever experienced in ANY game... so just don't let that bother you...

I recommend this game!

+2points

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