Maestro: Dark Talent Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

97 of 121 found this review helpful

Beautiful and well done

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

shihtzumum

fromThe Great State of Texas

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Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Maestro: Dark Talent Collector's Edition

(61)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I only give 5 Stars very rarely, but this new Maestro deserves one, at least for the Demo. Beautiful graphics and sound and story is great. I've found a series often loses it's appeal, but this one is even better than the prior Maestro games. There was so much to do and every task is different, even the HOs are a great variety. I do have 1 negative to report; on the interactive map, it says there ...Show more

I only give 5 Stars very rarely, but this new Maestro deserves one, at least for the Demo. Beautiful graphics and sound and story is great. I've found a series often loses it's appeal, but this one is even better than the prior Maestro games. There was so much to do and every task is different, even the HOs are a great variety. I do have 1 negative to report; on the interactive map, it says there is a ! indicating areas needing attention, but I never saw a ! indicated at anytime during the demo. I can't wait to get this and continue the adventure. Show less

I recommend this game!

+73points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

83 of 108 found this review helpful

Save Kate and the town from Diva and Master!

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

MSBAM100

fromTampa, FL

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Labyrinths of the World: Shattered Soul Collector's Edition

(58)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

There is so much to like about the fourth in the Maestro series. You arrive in town to meet your friend Kate for a night at the opera, only to have Kate captured several times by the Master's dark minions! You meet a "Knowing One" who gives you a medallion to help stop the Diva from stealing her listener's life energies with her singing. Unfortunately, you spend a lot of time rescuing the Knowing ...Show more

There is so much to like about the fourth in the Maestro series. You arrive in town to meet your friend Kate for a night at the opera, only to have Kate captured several times by the Master's dark minions! You meet a "Knowing One" who gives you a medallion to help stop the Diva from stealing her listener's life energies with her singing. Unfortunately, you spend a lot of time rescuing the Knowing One from the minions' tricks! And recharging the medallion.

From the opening scene when skulls pop out of roses, the graphics and animation are quite good. Lots of black smoke here! Unfortunately, the lips don't move on the voice-overs, which didn't used to annoy me, but now it does for some reason. Also, Instead of the normal haunting music of the Maestro series, we have an operatic diva singing. Not necessarily something you want to listen to throughout the entire game!

But it is a very good game, with achievements to earn, and collection items - cloaked in black smoke - to find. The HOPs are quite varied. You can find 12 chain links, place items in a scene until the diva appears and turns everyone to ashes, or work through an interactive list. The mini-puzzles are fairly easy, and you have a helpful ferret that appears occasionally to help you out with an item as long as you feed him or give him a toy to play with. Or, you can play an alternate matching pairs game instead.

You have a teleporting map to help you, but the activities are only marked when you roll over a spot on the map. Would much rather see at a glance where to go next, if I need to.

Regardless, this is a fun game in a great series, so give it a try! Show less

I recommend this game!

+58points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

20 of 23 found this review helpful

HANDS DOWN THE BEST MAESTRO GAME IN THE SERIES!!!

PostedSeptember 13, 2014

Penhip

fromBrooklyn, NY

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure

Current Favorite:

Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death Collector's Edition

(237)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

CONGRATULATIONS ERS!!! You have completely outdone yourselves with this one. I really enjoyed this game. Who am I kidding... I LOVED IT!!

This game has it all. With the signature graphics that typify ERS games (think the Poe series), Dark Talent is a feast for adventure game fans. There are games everywhere! And one is more enjoyable than the other. There is a match 3 game in the bonus chapter ...Show more

CONGRATULATIONS ERS!!! You have completely outdone yourselves with this one. I really enjoyed this game. Who am I kidding... I LOVED IT!!

This game has it all. With the signature graphics that typify ERS games (think the Poe series), Dark Talent is a feast for adventure game fans. There are games everywhere! And one is more enjoyable than the other. There is a match 3 game in the bonus chapter that I absolutely adored and would play regularly if available (hint!).

I just couldn't stop playing this game... it was THAT GOOD!!. I played the CE straight through which is a big indicator of how much I loved it because I typically fluctuate between different adventure games to keep it interesting. The pacing of this game was fantastic and the fun factor is off the charts.

If you are a fan of the Maestro series this will be a special treat, and if you are an adventure game fan this one is not to be missed. ENJOY!! Show less

I recommend this game!

+17points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 15 found this review helpful

ERS cranks out another masterpiece!!!

PostedSeptember 12, 2014

skullfun

fromTennessee

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Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

After ERS Game Studios' hidden-object adventure series Maestro: Music from the Void and Maestro: you'd think your taste for musical prodigies might have soured a bit, what with all the unspeakable evil and demonic pacts they seem to attract and leave you to clean up. In Maestro: Dark Talent, a performance by "Diva", a singer who literally came out of nowhere, turns freaky when your friend, Kate, ...Show more

After ERS Game Studios' hidden-object adventure series Maestro: Music from the Void and Maestro: you'd think your taste for musical prodigies might have soured a bit, what with all the unspeakable evil and demonic pacts they seem to attract and leave you to clean up. In Maestro: Dark Talent, a performance by "Diva", a singer who literally came out of nowhere, turns freaky when your friend, Kate, and the rest of the theater patrons are sucked inside by the dark forces du jour, where they'll have their life force drained unless you can stop them. At least, according to some dandy in an alleyway who calls himself a "Knowing One", which sounds smug and insufferable until you realize there's a good reason he's not called the "Actually Effective One", and soon it's up to you to stop Diva and the dark forces and wannabe Dementors behind her.

Maestro: Dark TalentERS titles always have high production values, and Dark Talent is no exception with its gorgeous illustrations, though several of the voice actors give performances that imply they're bored out of their skulls. There's actually an interesting story at works here, with an antagonist that actually feels sympathetic, but the staggering amounts of backtracking and busywork and precocious ferrets means the tale unfolds at a snail's pace. Fans will love the variety, however #even if the game doesn't actually know what a bridle is#, as the piles of puzzle types and hidden-object scenes keep each area feeling fresh and different, not to mention vaporizing evil spirits with your MacGuffin feels appropriately epic. It's almost enough to make up for the fact that the game essentially forces you to be a glorified Care Bear to defeat Diva. Almost.

The game picks up after you're finally allowed out of the opera house, and exploring the streets is a lot more interesting... and insane, as your character's reaction to finding a small chariot blocking their way is to immediately decide they need dynamite. I mean... that's always my solution to minor obstacles, but the courts told me that was "wreckless, irresponsible, and borderline sociopathic". Regardless of difficulty settings, most players will probably speed through the game in around three hours or so, which is sort of surprising given how large the map is and how many puzzles and items there are on every square inch of it. As you'd expect from an ERS Game Studios title, Maestro: Dark Talent is both beautiful and polished from every angle, with the perfect balance of puzzles and hidden-object scenes to satisfy fans of both. I'm still a little skeptical about the ingredients you'll need to acquire to banish Diva later in the game, mainly because I can think of things that would generate a lot more positive energy... but I guess asking a pseudo-Victorian game to include a Farscape DVD, pineapple pizza, and novelty Spider-Man yoga pants is a little unreasonable. Show less

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

110 of 158 found this review helpful

A New Maesto That is Delightfully Creepy and Ghoulish

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

biscuitsmama

fromCalifornia, USA

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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 the beginning cut scene we see the delightfully creepy and ghoulish resurrection of Diva, the greatest opera singer in all of Europe. The story develops as you, detective, are invited by a dear friend to attend the opening of Diva’s concerts in her city. She is delighted to see you but it isn’t too long before catastrophe strikes and your friend is “taken”. Play this latest offering in the ...Show more

In the beginning cut scene we see the delightfully creepy and ghoulish resurrection of Diva, the greatest opera singer in all of Europe. The story develops as you, detective, are invited by a dear friend to attend the opening of Diva’s concerts in her city. She is delighted to see you but it isn’t too long before catastrophe strikes and your friend is “taken”. Play this latest offering in the Maestro series and stop Diva from singing her deadly siren’s song. Will you be able to save the day and solve the mystery of Diva’s deadly talent?

Of course with this being an ERS game the graphics are excellent and what I consider top-notch. Even though the voice (presumably) of “Diva” on the game’s home screen is rather annoying, the rest of the voiceovers are extremely good. Even with the game having voiceovers that are terrific, once again we have no lip-syncing. I guess that ERS lost their lip-sync specialist to another developer. The remainder of the sound package has the ERS branding and follows the theme of the other Maestro games.

Although we have a very nice interactive, transporter-type map, I did not find a journal or diary. Early in the game we will acquire a special medallion that will help us dispel evil forces when needed. After use we do have to refurbish or recharge the medallion before its next use. There is a feisty little ferret that shows up periodically and I hesitate to use the phrase “animal helper” because I don’t want to infer that we have a pet in the game, one that needs dressing up or a pet house to be furnished, as that is not the case. I happen to think the ferret is the same as any other tool, one that will be found and used occasionally as needed. The ferret is quite entertaining and each time I encounter him I wonder just what type of mischief he will be into next.

There are various types of interactive HOPs, with the inclusion of the standard list type, the type where we find so many of a specific item, and others are silhouette type. No matter which type, each one has a great deal of interactivity included and some even contain separate mini-puzzles, which add to my enjoyment of the scenes. One of the things I like about this developer is that the artwork is very good so I don’t have to play the guessing game about what an item might or might not be. Most items are of a good size so I am not dealing with itty-bitty, almost invisible items.

Throughout the game you will find collectibles that are designated as “enchanted objects.” Not all collectibles are apparent so I would suggest that you click on everything. This developer is not heavy on additional CE content so it really is a matter of preference if you decide to purchase the CE or wait for the SE version. I happen to like the in-game strategy guide and for that reason the CE is my best option. That and the fact that I have a hard time waiting for the SE release.

This new Maestro takes on a different storyline than the others in the series and I found it quite entertaining and , IMHO, it might be the best in the series. The game abounds with ghoulish fiends who seem to delight in causing trouble at every turn. We have a “hero” in the game who rather reminds me of an American movie star (who used to go out dancing on Saturday nights) and he is, IMHO, a quite attractive addition to the game even though he does seem a bit bumbling at times. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the beta and then the demo of Maestro Dark Talent and was sorry to see them end. As for me the game is a definite purchase but, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will like. Show less

I recommend this game!

+62points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

44 of 67 found this review helpful

Another feast of a game from ERS

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

truddi

fromUK

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Witches' Legacy: The Charleston Curse

(112)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Don't need to say much. The forth Maestro and the best so far.
The diva is back and up to her old tricks, and the story carries on which makes it a very good game
Creepy start with A1 graphics, music and lots of interactive in the mini games. Moves along at a good pace with much to take in and do. Choice of a swap if you want to skip a mini game.and a map that you can jump to the next screen. Loss ...Show more

Don't need to say much. The forth Maestro and the best so far.
The diva is back and up to her old tricks, and the story carries on which makes it a very good game
Creepy start with A1 graphics, music and lots of interactive in the mini games. Moves along at a good pace with much to take in and do. Choice of a swap if you want to skip a mini game.and a map that you can jump to the next screen. Loss yourself in the demo and enjoy.
I will be adding this to my others three in this series. Show less

I recommend this game!

+21points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

60 of 93 found this review helpful

ANOTHER TERRIFIC ERS GAMES!

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

LovetoMissLisa

fromUSA

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Ghosts of the Past: Bones of Meadows Town Collector's Edition

(51)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I am a huge fan of ERS! I think they make some of the most beautiful animated people in any game. The graphics are always stunning! I never tire of this great Series. I will always add them to my library.

With this said...I have to say...that this one is even better than some others in the Series. You know your getting the same style graphics and animations with this series...but why change a ...Show more

I am a huge fan of ERS! I think they make some of the most beautiful animated people in any game. The graphics are always stunning! I never tire of this great Series. I will always add them to my library.

With this said...I have to say...that this one is even better than some others in the Series. You know your getting the same style graphics and animations with this series...but why change a great thing. When something works...and is so beautiful...don't change it! The story line is so beautifully creepy and scary!

You get the usual extras with the CE Edition:
Yes: Widescreen/Full screen
Yes: Sound/Music/Effects
Yes: Map
Yes: Collectables/Extras/Achievements
3 - Modes of Play: Casual/Advanced/Hard

Theme: beautiful seductive creepy brilliant Mystery!
I highly Recommend this Winner! But, always try the game for yourself.

I rate this game: "FINE SWINE"

“These are my “ACRONYMS” terms for Hogs, I Hogs, frogs & Adventure games.

“DIVINE FINE SWINE”
The absolute best of the best! It has everything you want in a game and things you didn’t know you wanted in a game.
It is a rare beauty and a must have! Beyond expectations! I really love it!

“FINE SWINE”
Great game! Best graphics and storyline. All the bells and whistles! The best and greatest of games! I love it!

“PIGLET”
Good game. I like these little gems! This game is for true lovers of these types of games.

“PORK BELLY”
May be a likable game for some, but not for everyone. It’s just mediocre.

“TROTTERS”
Don't run away with this pig’s foot. LOL

“PIG DOWN”
Rolling in the mud! Don’t go near it or you'll get soiled.
‘ ‘
(o) Show less

I recommend this game!

+27points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 14 found this review helpful

Maestro:Dark Talent Collector's Edition

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

jesterguy

fromOntario Canada

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I really enjoyed this game. There was no problem with the game mechanics. To me it has been an excellent game so far. Much better than we have seen lately. This is one game I can't wait to purchase.
There are three levels of play, about 12 collectables, a strategy guide, a bonus chapter and the usual fluff that comes with all collectables. I didn't notice any morphing items during game play but ...Show more

I really enjoyed this game. There was no problem with the game mechanics. To me it has been an excellent game so far. Much better than we have seen lately. This is one game I can't wait to purchase.
There are three levels of play, about 12 collectables, a strategy guide, a bonus chapter and the usual fluff that comes with all collectables. I didn't notice any morphing items during game play but over all I think players who have played the other Maestro games will love this one as well, I know I did. I don't know if there is enough bling to warrant the extra cost but everyone has their own idea as to what makes a game collector worthy. I hope your enjoy this one as much as I did. Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 21 found this review helpful

Best Game in the Series ..... b--u--t.....

PostedSeptember 12, 2014

mrm2006

fromBelton MO

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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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Bluebeard's Castle

(295)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Sorry, ..... wait for it - lol

This is definitely as creepy as creepy goes. Would have been a great Halloween scare.

Again, the Diva is up to her old tricks, causing people to swoon (not really) at the sound of her voice. But, wasn't she dead in the opening scene? Didn't those creepy skeleton ghosties do something to bring HER skeleton back to life (or was she just ext-r-e-m-ely skinny in that ...Show more

Sorry, ..... wait for it - lol

This is definitely as creepy as creepy goes. Would have been a great Halloween scare.

Again, the Diva is up to her old tricks, causing people to swoon (not really) at the sound of her voice. But, wasn't she dead in the opening scene? Didn't those creepy skeleton ghosties do something to bring HER skeleton back to life (or was she just ext-r-e-m-ely skinny in that casket). Now, how did THAT happen????? And, why did no one realize the "W"itch was dead? (Feel free to change letters are you choose.)

My concern, as seems to be a usual thing of late, is the length of the game. The rumor mill has it (or the watercooler or wherever you choose to spread the word, gossip, take notes, tattle on others, etc) that the game is extremely short. If this is the case, definitely not a buy for me. CE bling and a great story is wonderful and all that - but my money also considers a game's worthiness in it's lengthiness.

So, try the demo - read the reviews - check out the Forum - and make the big decision for yourself. It's what I'm goign to do before I decide which side of the fence I'm going to jump onto. WHAT are the 3 most important things to you when purchasing a CE? Hmmmmm?

Happy Gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 11 found this review helpful

Easy play with challenging puzzles 5 stars for my money

PostedSeptember 11, 2014

psylocibin

Key Contributor
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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

The flow of the game is easy. Things pretty much fit together and one knows where things go. The Hidden Obj games are wonderfully interactive and take some scrutinizing to find the pieces that bring the hands to the clock as an eg. There was a little play within the play that had us needing to find silhouettes and put them after finding them in appropriate figures and then make the whole stage ...Show more

The flow of the game is easy. Things pretty much fit together and one knows where things go. The Hidden Obj games are wonderfully interactive and take some scrutinizing to find the pieces that bring the hands to the clock as an eg. There was a little play within the play that had us needing to find silhouettes and put them after finding them in appropriate figures and then make the whole stage work...all rather fun. I did the puzzles up to the point of recognizing what I had to solve and how to solve it and then skipped to get further, so I can go back as I have over half the time to check it out. Today's special means that I need to see what I think of other Maestro games...if they are as good as this one...my pocketbook will suffer this month...I am looking forward to playing this game to the end.
I do not usually get much into the story, but this one has a Diva who sucks the life out of her audience. We have a magical amulet that we have to find gems to recharge in order to make all the negative ghosts go away in each challenge as we wend our way to defeating her. There is lots to do and plenty to figure out.
The scenes are beautiful and the bad guys are really awful but well drawn and so far not gruesome and everything is fairly well lit.
There are little animals that we have to feed or distract and they are cute. Thus far the interaction with them has been logical and obvious. As I said, this is a fairly easy game with good puzzle challenges.
Does one need the CE or should one wait for the SE? I am waiting for other reviewers to help me settle that question. I know I will buy this game in one form or the other. I do prefer the CE as long as there are some bells and whistles that are extra...Does this one have those? Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Maestro: Dark Talent Collector's Edition Diva's dark talent claims another victim! 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.