Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

298 of 373 found this review helpful

Snap Out Of It Man, You're Dead!

PostedJuly 9, 2015

pennmom36

fromNo wonder these people are missing, nobody wants to find people who have solid black soulless eyes!

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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):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Aunt Mae warned the entire town of the coming apocalypse but nobody believed the rantings of a feeble old lady. You were running late for a book signing when you find yourself trapped in the tiny town of Oakville. This town is as creepy as it gets, and missing person fliers are everywhere, but you don't seem to have a problem finding these people, man they're everywhere! Something's just not right ...Show more

Aunt Mae warned the entire town of the coming apocalypse but nobody believed the rantings of a feeble old lady. You were running late for a book signing when you find yourself trapped in the tiny town of Oakville. This town is as creepy as it gets, and missing person fliers are everywhere, but you don't seem to have a problem finding these people, man they're everywhere! Something's just not right with these people, they don't seem to know people are searching for them, and what's wrong with their eyes, they're pitch black! Are all these people dead? Am I dead?

It's no secret that the original Phantasmat is my all time favorite game, and this game is teetering for that pole position, because it's simply phenomenal! The creep factor is certainly there, the storyline is intriguing enough to keep you glued to your computer chair, and the entertainment factor is off the charts. There are 43 Hidden Morphing Signs, Plus Sign Inventory items with puzzles, and plenty of Achievements to earn. There aren't any cuddly puppies, fire breathing dragons or curious kittens in this game folks, so turn off the lights and get your game on! (With Mr. Nightingale's permission, of course)

The Hidden Object Scenes are all over the board, and there are several smaller HOP's within zoomed in locations. Some require multiples of items found to unlock a tool which in turn unlocks listed items, there are sketches of items to find, and even multiple morphing item finds. You can even opt for a Match 3 game in place of the HOP. My only complaint is that the graphics are rather poor in the HOP's, which I just can't seem to understand from such a great series.

I hope you like Mini Games because there are a ton of 'em, ranging from simple puzzles where you turn rings or swap tokens to complete an image or more elaborate puzzles such as placing several round puzzle pieces with arm extensions of various degrees until all arms connect to the round tokens properly.

This Collector's Edition has replayable Match 3 games, HOP's and Mini Games, the Making Of, Achievements, 43 Morphing Objects, Music, Videos, Pictures, Collectibles, a Souvenir Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+223points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

22 of 25 found this review helpful

Great Attention To Detail - Super Fun - Well Designed

PostedJuly 15, 2015

MsPamGrier

fromCity of Lost Angels

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, Sacred Grove

(61)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I play a lot of hidden object / adventure games - Mystery Case Files being my favorite series in this genre, but I have to say this EIpix game is right up there with MCF.
The game looks great and there's lots of interesting, fun puzzles ... some with a bit of a "twist" on the puzzles you're used to if you play a lot of these games.
I also *really* appreciate the Eipix feature where you can turn ...Show more

I play a lot of hidden object / adventure games - Mystery Case Files being my favorite series in this genre, but I have to say this EIpix game is right up there with MCF.
The game looks great and there's lots of interesting, fun puzzles ... some with a bit of a "twist" on the puzzles you're used to if you play a lot of these games.
I also *really* appreciate the Eipix feature where you can turn off "helpful messages" ... I find that those messages (standard in a game like this) make the game far too easy and not as much fun.
So overall I really enjoyed this game and look forward to more from Eipix. Show less

I recommend this game!

+19points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

39 of 49 found this review helpful

Phantasmat Scores Again!

PostedJuly 9, 2015

gndsimons

fromTucson, AZ

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I beta-tested The Dread of Oakville, and this review is based on that limited (but awe-inspiring) experience. The Phantasmat series by Eipix is one of the classic series that continues to impress. I will not be going into detail about the story (see "sunnyglow", "pennmom36", et al, for that), but will offer info about what I liked below.

Modes: Easy, Medium, Hard & Custom. The first 3 options ...Show more

I beta-tested The Dread of Oakville, and this review is based on that limited (but awe-inspiring) experience. The Phantasmat series by Eipix is one of the classic series that continues to impress. I will not be going into detail about the story (see "sunnyglow", "pennmom36", et al, for that), but will offer info about what I liked below.

Modes: Easy, Medium, Hard & Custom. The first 3 options offer different levels for Hints, HOPs, Glints/Sparkles, Map features, and Messages. When offered these 4 choices I go right to Custom to tailor my game play experience. One can choose no Tutorial, Full Tutorial, or a tutorial only for uncommon features. There are Y/N boxes to choose map objectives, areas of interest on the map, "plus item" indicators, contextual pointers, helpful messages, and sparkles on HOP's. There are adjustable sliders (w/OFF) that address: HOP error penalties, how often active areas "glitter", and Hint and Skip recharge times.

HO scenes: Many variations on them. In one you will try to find 5 related objects (twice), like tools and chains, that lead into a new HO scene where the final reward object is eventually obtained. There are FROG parts to assemble a hidden object (like a seahorse). Collect morphing objects to unlock a list of HO objects. There are what I would call mini-HO scenes where one tries to find a set of 5 objects that are replaced by 5 new objects before finishing the scene. One item, present here, that I haven't seen much of in HO or mini-scenes are arrows that allow one to pan up or down, left or right, like one sees in some of the major scenes.

Puzzles: The puzzles offer a wide range of ability levels, but I didn't find any that were too difficult. Personally, I don't mind whether they are too hard or too easy, but ARE THEY FUN? I buy these games for the enjoyment, not necessarily the challenge - and the developers are trying to please all age and ability levels.

An enjoyable game and one that will be a "buy" for me in the standard version when it comes out (I don't purchase many CE's). Show less

I recommend this game!

+29points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 24 found this review helpful

Too good to quit and go to sleep.

PostedJuly 13, 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:

Witches' Legacy: The Dark Throne Collector's Edition

(45)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Well, I’m not ready to stop playing but the demo ran out.

I never lose track of time during these demos, but I did this time. I was right in the middle of putting together this really cool plus item, which required the solving of puzzles, (how cool!!) and not only did I run out of demo, but it seems to be 1:18 in the morning! So this will be real quick.

The graphics are good, if a bit dark, but ...Show more

Well, I’m not ready to stop playing but the demo ran out.

I never lose track of time during these demos, but I did this time. I was right in the middle of putting together this really cool plus item, which required the solving of puzzles, (how cool!!) and not only did I run out of demo, but it seems to be 1:18 in the morning! So this will be real quick.

The graphics are good, if a bit dark, but that is just the ambience. I like that the developers made things blue-green instead of gray. I get depressed looking a gray games. So you get the ambience without the grayness. I also love the lack of things on the screen, like inventory and all the menu buttons and stuff. Much more of it disappears when you move your cursor away than in most games. I love this because one of my favorite things is walking around and looking at the pretty pictures.

The music is not so much music as mood-sounds, and very appropriate. I often turn music off, but not this time. The “music" was an integral part of the experience. Great job.

I am not really sure what’s going on with the story, it is some sort of a creepy "what’s going on, where/who are these people” type of thing . . . but it doesn’t matter that I don’t know, I’m fascinated by the world.

The mini games are fine but pretty simple. The hidden object games are great though, a strange thing for me to say because I like mini games better usually. It’s because they are so progressive and unique they are almost more like mini games. And for those HO purists, there are word-only hidden object scenes that pop up in small boxes occasionally. Also very different. Plus, all of the things that you have to do to progress through the world are fun to figure out, too.

Now WHY did they have the game put the “Tom” poster together automatically? That was a waste because they could have given us a nice jigsaw-like puzzle instead of just having it assemble itself when you click on it. But hey, that is the ONLY thing that was wrong during the time I played.

Also, go read Sunnyglow’s review. She’s played more than I have, has all the details, and says it only gets better after the demo.

Now the problem is, I want to keep playing but I need sleep. Good night. Show less

I recommend this game!

+18points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

222 of 318 found this review helpful

"CAN YOU DIG IT?" (A TREE THAT IS) - A "FAR OUT" 1970'S "APOCALYPSE NOW" "GARDEN PARTY" WITH AUNTIE MAUDE AND HER "GHOULS"

PostedJuly 9, 2015

sunnyglow

from"Digging up" my "missing" invitation to Aunt Mae's "garden party." Hope to disco the night away with my "ghouls" wearing my high-heeled sneakers!!

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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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

REVIEW BASED ON THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS OF THE ACTUAL GAME OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS GAME

What has that eccentric tree hugger Aunt Mae "dug up" now? - Why are people disappearing - or are they? The end is near! The "ghouls" are asking you to "BOO"-GIE ON DOWN to a 1970's Apocalypse Now Garden Party! The story is dark but not terribly scary. The graphics are dark and ominous.

HOP SCENES: Multi-step ...Show more

REVIEW BASED ON THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS OF THE ACTUAL GAME OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS GAME

What has that eccentric tree hugger Aunt Mae "dug up" now? - Why are people disappearing - or are they? The end is near! The "ghouls" are asking you to "BOO"-GIE ON DOWN to a 1970's Apocalypse Now Garden Party! The story is dark but not terribly scary. The graphics are dark and ominous.

HOP SCENES: Multi-step and puzzle-like with a new variation - using morphing objects to unlock a list of silhouette items. There are also lists, silhouettes, FROGS, story sequence, and mini-HOP scenes. You have the option to play a Match 3 game instead. (II loved the creepy dolls in the Match 3 game).

PUZZLES: The stand alone puzzles ARE FEW IN THE DEMO BUT THERE ARE MORE AND BETTER ONES IN THE ACTUAL GAME! They include Simon Says, jigsaw puzzles, sliding puzzles, assembly puzzles, moving tiles puzzles, moving target puzzle, assembly - create a key puzzle. My favorite was following a schematic and creating a cog for a machine.

LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Optional penalties for random clicking and for sparkles on active areas

INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like with sliding tile puzzles

GRAPHICS : Dark and spooky with an element of creepiness

EXTRAS:

Map - Map is given to you at the start of the game
12 Achievements
Souvenir Room
43 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide
Usual Wallpaper, Music, Artwork, and Puzzles

HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES:

HOP SCENES: They are well-done, creative and puzzle like. You can play a Match 3 game instead
A. Locate a number of a specific item opening up a list of items to locate ending with the silhouette of an inventory item
B. Variation of a silhouette using the contents of a purse
C. Mini HOP scenes with list of items
D. YES VIRGINIA - A FROG SCENE for those who love fragmented items
E. Collect morphing objects to uncover a list of silhouette items to locate NEW AND SO COOL DEVS THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
F. Story sequence which is a combo of a puzzle and HOP scene combined. Sentences contains items to be located in bold letters EXCELLENT HOP SCENE DEVS! SUPERB!

AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Mini HOP scenes with lists of items to locate
H. List of items to locate on a wall in a cave with mini HOP scenes searching for one particular item - watches - quartz crystals VERY COOL
I. Collect morphing objects to uncover a list of items to locate. Rather cool. Must move items in mini scenes to locate the items

PUZZLES: Not enough of them and the ones in the game are BEYOND EASY!
A. Variation of 2 different types of switch puzzles to open a gate Moderate difficulty
B. Variation of Simon Says - Press branches in a certain sequence to disclose inventory items
C. Variation of an assembly puzzle - placing items from smallest to largest around a circle Very easy
D Variation of Simon Says puzzle - pushing buttons in correct order to open a brief case Very easy
E. Sliding puzzle - match up designs to open a box Very easy
F. Variation of a jig saw puzzle - place pieces back into a mosaic Moderate difficulty

AFTER THE DEMO: SO MUCH BETTER AFTER THE DEMO
G. Climb up a wall by centering a ball to climb up 3X
H. Using a schematic - fashion a cog for a machine. VERY AWESOME DEVS
I . Fashion a key to open a door VERY AWESOME DEVS
J. Assembly puzzle. Arrange pictures to create a scene
K. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Move lions to the center by moving them in a circular motion
L. Creation an herbicide

PEACE OUT - KEEP ON "TRUCKIN" EIPIX.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL-CRAFTED GAME - AND YOU CORRECTLY USED ELECTRICAL TAPE INSTEAD OF DUCT TAPE FOR WIRING! LOL Show less

I recommend this game!

+126points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

28 of 37 found this review helpful

A Phantastic Game!

PostedJuly 12, 2015

Mrs_Kim

fromSouth Korea

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:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Phantasmat is a great series and by Eipix making it more phenomenal. Phantasmat always guarantee a good creepy game and this one is no exception.

From the past games, I think this one is the scariest. Lots of sudden creepy moments you just won't expect, not too many and overbearing.

Mini games and puzzles are moderate, the game offers more to storyline than just solving puzzles, making this game ...Show more

Phantasmat is a great series and by Eipix making it more phenomenal. Phantasmat always guarantee a good creepy game and this one is no exception.

From the past games, I think this one is the scariest. Lots of sudden creepy moments you just won't expect, not too many and overbearing.

Mini games and puzzles are moderate, the game offers more to storyline than just solving puzzles, making this game super entertaining.

Will definitely get this one :D Show less

I recommend this game!

+19points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

22 of 28 found this review helpful

Eipix delivers another sinister edition to the Phantasmat brand!!!

PostedJuly 10, 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:

Phantasmat: The Endless Night Collector's Edition

(79)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

As the storm rages on through the gloomy night, a wayward traveler gets lost in the forest wilderness of the American northeast and stumbles upon a seemingly deserted town of Oakville.A home of the three industrious American families, the small area appears to be the momentary safe haven for the reasons which could hardly be described as natural – the rampant storm is the weakest within the town ...Show more

As the storm rages on through the gloomy night, a wayward traveler gets lost in the forest wilderness of the American northeast and stumbles upon a seemingly deserted town of Oakville.A home of the three industrious American families, the small area appears to be the momentary safe haven for the reasons which could hardly be described as natural – the rampant storm is the weakest within the town limits.Tucked away in the small valley and concealed from sight behind the faint mists of the placid mountain lake, the panorama of the prosperous community serves as a façade for a terrifying secret that involves all the residents but can be traced back to one mysterious figure – Mr. Nightingale. The shadows are closing in. Solve the secret and leave the town before the time runs out and shed light on the sinister origins of Mr. Nightingale, the eponymous dread of Oakville!!! This series continues with the 4th installment in the franchise and I loved it... Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

83 of 126 found this review helpful

Instantly downloaded without having to play the demo!

PostedJuly 9, 2015

afrodity

fromNew Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

You read my title correctly! I Beta-tested this game after watching the Beta-test demo on Youtube. This game has everything lite-horror game lovers adore. I am a seasoned gamer that usually plays horror games on consoles, and found that this game is absolutely awesome. It has the right amount of scares and keeps your interest.

This is the game that has brought me back to the series. ...Show more

You read my title correctly! I Beta-tested this game after watching the Beta-test demo on Youtube. This game has everything lite-horror game lovers adore. I am a seasoned gamer that usually plays horror games on consoles, and found that this game is absolutely awesome. It has the right amount of scares and keeps your interest.

This is the game that has brought me back to the series. Unfortunately, I have felt that after the first game, the series lacked a true sense of dread and unease needed for a game of this caliber. Well, I can shut my mouth because the creepy-factor, fun, and jump scares are back--all of these help to define what the series was in the beginning.

I'm not giving away any spoilers here! Just believe it is worth you time and money. Play the demo. I guarantee you will be purchasing this game as soon as it is over!

I've got to go--I'm losing out on precious game-playing time here! Show less

I recommend this game!

+40points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 10 found this review helpful

Great Entertainment

PostedJuly 18, 2015

ridinghood12

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game was refreshing and fun to play. Loved the interactive ending and the twist. Bravo. Yay. I liked everything about this game and really enjoyed it very much. Storyline with video clips throughout the game was nice touch kept me very interested to the very end.

I recommend this game!

+8points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

12 of 18 found this review helpful

Another Great Game In This Series ....

PostedJuly 11, 2015

OzGuy

fromAustralia

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, Adventure, Large File

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Great Graphics, Sound, Animations, Effects, Voice & Video Bits ...

A Nice Flowing Game That Makes For A Very Enjoyable Bit Of Entertainment ... And Another Great Games In This Series ...

The Bonus Chapter Was A Nice Flow On From The Main Game ....

More Adventure With Some Nice Finishing Touches That Make This One Of The Better Game Releases This Year...

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville Collector's Edition

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Phantasmat: The Dread of Oakville Collector's Edition It's the end of the world... 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.