Spirits of Mystery: Family Lies Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

116 of 130 found this review helpful

AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO THE SERIES AND ONE WITH A SURPRISING SECRET

PostedMarch 24, 2016

biscuitsmama

fromI love being a princess even if it is only for a few hours!

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I was so happy today to see another Spirits of Mystery game, and this time the storyline is quite interesting. Our beloved Nanny is back and I can't imagine a Spirits of Mystery game without her and her guidance. Nanny who I swear must be older than dirt has been around to raise princesses forever. This latest Spirits of Mystery – Family Ties begins with the birth of a princess (yes that’s you). ...Show more

I was so happy today to see another Spirits of Mystery game, and this time the storyline is quite interesting. Our beloved Nanny is back and I can't imagine a Spirits of Mystery game without her and her guidance. Nanny who I swear must be older than dirt has been around to raise princesses forever. This latest Spirits of Mystery – Family Ties begins with the birth of a princess (yes that’s you). Fast forward twenty-five years and your castle is under attack when your father asks you to lock yourself into your room for protection. Well we know that won’t happen because as snoopy as we are we will find a way to leave the room and start our quest to save the family. The question is – who is your family? When Nanny tells you that you must find out the truth about your family for yourself, you might just open a bigger puzzle than you intended. As you move forward in the game you find out things about your parents that you never knew. Now your mother is to be burned for treason at midnight and dear old dad turns out to be not so nice. Will you be able to find out what terrible secret your mother has been hiding so that you can rescue her, Nanny and yourself from the hands of the executioner?

The game does offer a custom setting and I am quite happy with that option. It should come as no surprise that the graphics are excellent and the scenes are packed with the gorgeous hand drawn artwork that I love. IMHO, no dev is better at creating such realistic characters or animals in their games. The characters are drawn to perfection and their expressions are so animated that they seem to come to life in the game. Unfortunately the voiceovers are another story with the voice for dear old dad being laughable. The others are excellent so I guess I should give dad a break because he was stressed out with trying to save the castle and his family.

The game tools include an interactive map as well as a special amulet that is used to deal with some nasty, evil thorns. I don't mind that the amulet is considered by some to be a game gimmick because I like the way it is used in the game.

There are various types of interactive HOPs and in the demo there was a list type, one where you find items according to the story, and also one where we find matching pairs. Some of the mini-games are easy but this game dev often creates ones that can be difficult. IMHO, the mini-games cover the spectrum and should keep most of us happy as we solve them.

The CE version of the game does not contain a lot of extras but there are collectibles to be found. Throughout the game you will collect gems that can be used to purchase various items for your personal enhancement. The gems are everywhere and before long you will have a treasure trove so you can go on a shopping spree any time you feel the need to open the chest. Of course the game has achievements but I never seem to understand what purpose they really serve as most of them are earned simply by playing the game. I happen to love CEs because I always want the in-game strategy guide so most of the other extras really don’t matter. If you are into wallpapers and screensavers, the artwork is gorgeous and worth saving and you might enjoy that extra perk in the CE version of the game.

Even though the game starts off slowly and I wasn’t sure I liked it, it is not long before my interest ramped up and I was sucked into the story. Yes I know that Asa, Isa or whoever he is, is always stirring up trouble but it is worth playing Family Ties to see if he is truly the bad guy or maybe this time he just might be your hero. I couldn’t resist and decided that I had to have this latest Spirits of Mystery game simply because my library wouldn’t be complete without it. Not only that, I am a sucker for fairy tale games and love being a princess even if it is only in a game. Of course it should not be surprising that I believe this is truly a quality, 5-star game, and even though it does lack some of the bells and whistles in the CE version, the artwork is stunning and I think the gameplay is excellent. Yes, I had to jump in and get the game, but please try the demo to see if you will enjoy Family Ties. Show less

I recommend this game!

+102points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

51 of 59 found this review helpful

Evil ISA returns in Spirits of Mystery 6!!!

PostedMarch 24, 2016

skullfun

fromTennessee

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Spirits of Mystery: Chains of Promise Collector's Edition

(41)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 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 6. I'm so glad this series is still trending! It's 25 years later and your Nanny says to you Oh Princess, I thought we could keep this from Isa but our secret has put you in danger! That's the same magic I saw him use all those years ago...There's only one way to stop ...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 6. I'm so glad this series is still trending! It's 25 years later and your Nanny says to you Oh Princess, I thought we could keep this from Isa but our secret has put you in danger! That's the same magic I saw him use all those years ago...There's only one way to stop him, OPEN THE BOX. It contains a magical magnifying mirror that destroys evil. To charge this magical mirror you must find all 6 hidden symbols floating in the air, and then use the mirror. You then make your way to your mother the Queen Theresa who's about to be executed. She gives you an amulet she's been saving for you that will protect you, but says " I hope you never have to use it ". My parents gave me this medallion many years ago. I keep their portraits here. Your father the King warns you that there’s an intruder in the kingdom! Take this key and lock yourself in from the inside. I’ll take care of our unwanted visitor. I’ll protect your mother. Please, be careful. Don’t trust anyone! Your parents tried to keep Isa away from you but now he’s got you and puts you in his dark dungeon! ERS latest follow up to Spirits of Mystery 5: Chains of Promise is a fantastic continuation of the franchise. I love the unique graphic style used in ERS games and the voice overs are flawless. There is a lot to accomplish in this adventure and every moment of gameplay is engaging, fast paced, and so detailed that you don't even want a break from the game. This edition is just as awesome as " Chains of Promise ". Now it's up to you to save Queen Theresa and stop Isa and anyone else involved. Players from beginner to expert will enjoy the story and unique gameplay in this popular series! Includes the usual CE bling and an extra bonus chapter. Enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+43points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

19 of 24 found this review helpful

Spirit of Mystery and Family lies ?

PostedMarch 25, 2016

skborneman

fromChicago, IL USA

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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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Loved this game !! I really enjoyed this game and all the lies ? Princess sure has a life style or does she ? This series has been one of my favorites and this one will not disappoint for sure, the story line kept me interested and Yes it is some story line, loved the HO"S and Puzzles were fairly easy even for me. I hope this is not the end of this series. Although this is not the game for all, it ...Show more

Loved this game !! I really enjoyed this game and all the lies ? Princess sure has a life style or does she ? This series has been one of my favorites and this one will not disappoint for sure, the story line kept me interested and Yes it is some story line, loved the HO"S and Puzzles were fairly easy even for me. I hope this is not the end of this series. Although this is not the game for all, it is however a beautiful game and if you love this series you will for sure want to try it out. Show less

I recommend this game!

+14points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

23 of 31 found this review helpful

Nanny knows best

PostedMarch 24, 2016

bishky

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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):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is the continuation of the series story line. These games are just fun to play. It is light and well drawn and really not too hard to follow. I enjoy the games and figuring out what is next. I did not give it a five star on sound quality as it gets tiresome after awhile. The only games I play are Hidden Object and I have hundreds of them and play them over and over. This will be one of those ...Show more

This is the continuation of the series story line. These games are just fun to play. It is light and well drawn and really not too hard to follow. I enjoy the games and figuring out what is next. I did not give it a five star on sound quality as it gets tiresome after awhile. The only games I play are Hidden Object and I have hundreds of them and play them over and over. This will be one of those that I play over. I hope you will do the try me and see for yourself. I won't bore you going over the game bit by bit as it has been done in other reviews very well. Please enjoy. Show less

I recommend this game!

+15points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 8 found this review helpful

Great characters

PostedApril 8, 2016

bunnydog

fromCalgary, Canada

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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, Marble Popper, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Loved this game...would have liked to have been able to complete in one setting, but my dogs demanded attention. For me the best thing was that the characters were developed in such a way that I felt they were real (well, as real as imaginary people can be!). Loved the artwork, music and storyline. The only thing I didn't like was having to use the amulet to click on the blossoms so you could ...Show more

Loved this game...would have liked to have been able to complete in one setting, but my dogs demanded attention. For me the best thing was that the characters were developed in such a way that I felt they were real (well, as real as imaginary people can be!). Loved the artwork, music and storyline. The only thing I didn't like was having to use the amulet to click on the blossoms so you could enter a different room... thankfully it didn't take long. Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

13 of 21 found this review helpful

purely a great game.

PostedMarch 24, 2016

m48a2c

fromlexington ky

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

its been awhile since I played a game where I didn't want to stop playing. there needs to be more games like this one. if you like surprises and fun get this game. I am rather pickey when I choose a game to play. I wish there were more games like this one.

+5points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

200 of 219 found this review helpful

Secrets Never Remain Secret

PostedMarch 24, 2016

pennmom36

fromAnybody seen my Red Panda?

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Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Queen Theresa has been keeping a secret for 25 years, which just so happens to be when you were born. Nanny is somehow privy to this family secret, and now that the evil magician Isa has returned to seek revenge, she urges you to search for the truth to this mysterious dark family secret. The lies you've been told all these years could very well break this royal family apart. Is there any hope or ...Show more

Queen Theresa has been keeping a secret for 25 years, which just so happens to be when you were born. Nanny is somehow privy to this family secret, and now that the evil magician Isa has returned to seek revenge, she urges you to search for the truth to this mysterious dark family secret. The lies you've been told all these years could very well break this royal family apart. Is there any hope or chance for redemption, will you be able to save your mother from certain death?

The first thing I noticed with this newest edition of Spirits of Mystery, was how much the graphics have improved, they really are quite impressive. The only props you have for this adventure is a family heirloom, an Amulet that will allow you to remove the thorny branches that Isa has used to keep you from leaving. Each time you use the Amulet, you will have to search the scene to find all of the thorny flowers with the amulets lens. There are the usual Achievements to earn as well as Collectible Pearls which are used to purchase royal items.

The Hidden Object Scenes are just okay in my book. There are Interactive List finds that leave behind symbol fragments that will be used for clues, and HOP's that require you to find two key items within a story, one of which requires an interaction.

The Mini Games range from super simple to frustrating, some of them have two different modes of difficulty available, Casual and Hard. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you"ll encounter during the demo:

1) Open the lock by selecting the correct number by multiplying two numbers.

2) Memorize the picture positions on two rows of cards and then match the cards dealt with the cards on the board once they have been flipped over, repeat two more times.

3) Remove thorny branches and complete three different puzzles, selecting sections on two castles that match the symbol shown when combined, click on same jewelry worn on two figures, and place picture fragments correctly.

4) Follow the directions on a recipe step by step.

This Collector's Edition has 10 Movies, 12 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 15 removable items using Collect Pearls, 5 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 14 replayable Mini Games, 20 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+181points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

27 of 29 found this review helpful

Perfectly Acceptable HOA

PostedMarch 24, 2016

graceland9

fromNew Jersey

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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, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Family Lies was fine in the demo, except I wasn't enthralled enough to finish it. I got bored after the third "Got to get out of the castle, now I have to get out of the prison, now I need to climb back INTO the castle..."

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here are what I did and didn't like:

Liked - The storyline. The idea that mom (spoiler alert) had a fling with the villain years before ...Show more

Family Lies was fine in the demo, except I wasn't enthralled enough to finish it. I got bored after the third "Got to get out of the castle, now I have to get out of the prison, now I need to climb back INTO the castle..."

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here are what I did and didn't like:

Liked - The storyline. The idea that mom (spoiler alert) had a fling with the villain years before was interesting. I'm a sucker for a good villain myself.

Liked - the special 'amulet' view when you wave a crystal around to find hidden objects, except the designers only used it for a mean plant called Blossom as far as I could see.

Liked - the graphics - gorgeous.

Liked - the interactive HOS.

Liked - custom set-up. I'm always all about the custom thingie.

Didn't like - The level of ongoing adventure clues and puzzles, since they were way too easy.

Didn't like - all the cut scenes. I spotted at least three that could have been 'cut.' (See what I did there?)

Didn't like - No map, or did I miss something?

Other reviewers suggested this would be a good fit for kids, and I could see it as long as they're okay with dungeon violence (and the suggestion of torture) skeletons, and the thought that once upon a time (spoiler alert again ) Mom had a fling.

So, this was a bit off the mark for me, but if you like dark fantasy and don't insist on really challenging gameplay, this might float your boat. Show less

I recommend this game!

+25points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

101 of 152 found this review helpful

FAMILY SECRETS AND LIES ARE LYING IN WAIT IN A THORNY SITUATION

PostedMarch 24, 2016

sunnyglow

fromPlaying this game could find yourself "stuck" in a thorny situation

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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

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

OVERVIEW: Playing a 25-year old princess (with the help of your nanny), you are off to save your mother, all while uncovering some hidden family secrets in the process. To me, this is a decent low four-star game designed for those who love fairy tale games. I find nothing spectacular nor innovative in this game which would entice me to purchase it. It lacks elements we have no come to expect in a ...Show more

OVERVIEW: Playing a 25-year old princess (with the help of your nanny), you are off to save your mother, all while uncovering some hidden family secrets in the process. To me, this is a decent low four-star game designed for those who love fairy tale games. I find nothing spectacular nor innovative in this game which would entice me to purchase it. It lacks elements we have no come to expect in a five-star game such as morphing objects and a game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. There is only one collectible. As usual for ERS, the game is beautifully illustrated with pastel colored fairy tale scenes and attractive characters. There are more HOP scenes than puzzles. The HOP scenes are decent and vary in design. Throughout the game you play a mini-HOP scene in which you use an amulet to locate thorns which practically jump out at you. I found all the puzzles easy – boringly easy. You collect pearls which you use to purchase items as part of a collection. You also have the ability to replay the HOP scenes and puzzles.

I would recommend this game for children, as they could play this game with little or no adult assistance. Although this game will be a pass for me, you should probably play the demo yourself. The demo is very short so the game could get better after the demo. However, there is nothing to entice me to continue in the game. I found the demo tedious.

HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied but I found none which were outstanding in the demo. They include a list of items to locate plus a storybook sequence in which the items are highlighted in bold letter. They are slightly interactive. In one of the scenes, after locating an item, you receive a part of an inventory item

MINI-GAMES: In the demo the puzzles are varied. It appears that some of the puzzles allow you to choose between Casual and Difficult levels; however in the one puzzle offering this option in the demo, I found the difficult level to be easy as well. The puzzles include a moving tiles puzzle, a mathematical puzzle requiring basic math skills, a memory puzzle in which you must remember where cards are located. There is also a multiple-step puzzle involving a storybook. The multiple-step puzzle requires you to spot the difference between two items and is combined with a mini jigsaw puzzle. There is an assembly puzzle to create a potion which has a matching puzzle within it.

LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips: 5 to 200 seconds

EXTRAS:

Map is provided as you play the game
Receive an amulet from your mother to get rid of thorns
15 Achievements
Collect pearls to purchase items
Strategy guide
Replay of 14 mini-games and 20 HOP scenes
Usual movies, 12 wallpapers, 11 concept art pieces, and 5 screensavers

HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:

HOP SCENES:
A. Throughout the game you will use an amulet which will allow you to see and remove thorns.
B. List of items to locate. Locating an item exposes pieces of symbols which you must collect to receive a code.
C. Storybook. Locate items listed in BOLD letters.

PUZZLES:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide 3 flowers until they are located in the correct position on a jewelry box. Moving one flower affects the others. EASY
B. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the logic behind a number which you must set to open a lock. EASY if you possess rudimentary math skills
C. Memory card game. Observe the position of cards which are then turned over. Match them up with another card dealt to you. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY. Choose between Casual and Hard. However, the “hard” option is fairly easy as well.
D. Multi-step puzzle. Storybook sequence. From sentences in a storybook, figure out what actions to take to climb up a wall while removing thorns. (1) Find two parts of a symbol from two images (2) Spot the differences on two pictures (3) Two Mini jigsaw puzzles EASY
E. Assembly puzzle. Create a potion by following directions. Included is a matching puzzle – locating like petals on a flower 3X EASY Show less

I recommend this game!

+50points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

6 of 7 found this review helpful

Another Enjoyable Game In This Series ....

PostedMarch 26, 2016

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

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

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

A Nice Addition To This Series Of Games ... Consistent In The Look & Feel With A Nice Mix Of HOG Styles & Puzzles ...

Bonus Game Was Also A Nice To Have To Conclude This Installment ...

Worth Getting On A Special Deal ...

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Spirits of Mystery: Family Lies Collector's Edition

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