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Dark Romance: The Monster Within Collector's Edition
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Dark Romance: The Monster Within Collector's Edition

Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.9 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 22 reviews
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Star
2
Fun Factor 
Good
3.9 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.1 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.6 / 5
PC
English
Big Fish Editor's Choice! This title was selected for its exceptional quality and overwhelmingly positive reviews from our Game Club beta testers.

Domini Games, creators of the Enchanted Kingdom series, present another romantic tale in their classic Dark Romance series!

Your beloved Sybil receives a stunning painted portrait of herself, but something is wrong. The painting is slowly transforming into a monster, and Sybil is changing with it! Someone is out for revenge against you and your closest friends. You and Sybil must work together to uncover the culprit and find a cure, before she becomes a monster permanently! Solve puzzles and uncover clues that will reveal the villain behind this scheme in this charming hidden-object puzzle adventure game!

See what our Beta testers had to say:

“Loved this game. Interesting story line...great ambience...super graphics...This game totally drew me into the storyline and it is fun to play as 2 characters.I also loved the HO scences...and the fact that I didnt have to look for a screwdriver when I had a perfectly good knife to use.”  - Jamie, Beta Tester

“A truly amazing experience! Lots of great puzzles and some new, exciting ones to explore, too. I highly recommend this game.”  - Quin, Beta Tester


  • Catch the villain and save your sister in the bonus chapter!
  • Find hidden magical brushes and morphing objects.
  • Replay hidden-object puzzles and mini-games.
  • Collect cursed paintings to unlock the entire collection.
  • Enjoy exclusive wallpapers, art, and music!
Game System Requirements

OS: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10

CPU: 1.6 GHz

RAM: 1024 MB

DirectX: 9

Hard Drive: 1448 MB

Big Fish Games App System Requirements

Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later

Reviews

Dark Romance: The Monster Within Collector's Edition

Average Rating:
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.9 / 5
3.9 out of 5 ( 22 Reviews Review )
82%(18 out of 22) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Average Rating Breakdown
Fun Factor 
Good
3.9 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.1 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.6 / 5
82%(18 out of 22) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Customer Reviews
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Ratings summary
Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.9 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 22 reviews
5 Stars
10
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Star
2
Fun Factor 
Good
3.9 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.1 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.6 / 5
82%(18 out of 22) of players recommend this game
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Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
80 of 100 found this review helpful
DO NOT TOUCH THAT PORTRAIT AND IF YOU DO, DON’T LOOK IN A MIRROR
PostedSeptember 7, 2017
Customer avatar
biscuitsmama
 
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fromI know that love will conquer hate and Nigel and Sybil will live happily ever after
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
Marriage is off to a wild start for newlyweds Sybil and Nigel. The old adage of “beware of strangers bearing gifts” should apply when Sybil receives a gift from a stranger telling her it is a gift is from one of Nigel’s friends. Inside the package is a portrait of Sybil that is indeed “special” but certainly not in a good way. As Sybil takes the portrait in her hands she is overcome and quickly ...Show more
Marriage is off to a wild start for newlyweds Sybil and Nigel. The old adage of “beware of strangers bearing gifts” should apply when Sybil receives a gift from a stranger telling her it is a gift is from one of Nigel’s friends. Inside the package is a portrait of Sybil that is indeed “special” but certainly not in a good way. As Sybil takes the portrait in her hands she is overcome and quickly begins a transformation that is sure to unleash the beast within. Who would do such a thing to a kind and lovely young bride? As you play this new game in the Dark Romance series, the Monster Within, you will discover the answer to that question and even more as you find out who is behind this betrayal of friendship.
If you are like me and happen to love the Dark Romance series I think that you will find the Monster Within to be a game that you too will enjoy. Yes, for some, the storyline might seem nonsensical but I love the way the developer uses both characters to tell the story using a back and forth interaction between the lovers. Again there are many who love to analyze a game but I am such a game addict that for me unless a game is horribly dark, I play simply for the joy of playing each game that comes my way.
The graphics are beautiful and excellent as is expected from this developer. There is a custom mode available and the interactive map. There is an option on the map that you can click that will then show when a scene has collectibles not yet found. You also will find your father’s amulet that will grant you a useful power. Again, I don’t like to give away all of the details of a game because discovery is the most fun. A unique feature from this developer is the inclusion of little circles on the inventory bar that will be open or closed to show when there are collectibles or morphing objects to find in a scene.
The Monster Within has an equal distribution of 19 HOPS and 19 Mini-games. IMHO, the HOPS are very creative and interactive but if you would rather not hunt for objects, there is a Match-3 game. Some of the HOPS do have mini-games included and the one in the first scene is fun. There is good variety in the style of HOPS included in the game with silhouette, list, and storybook types to keep you entertained. The mini-games or puzzles are a lot of fun and many are included in the HOPS as well. The mini-games are familiar but that is not a big deal to me. This developer offers a choice between Easy and Hard when you play a mini-game, with Hard being the default. If you get stuck you can always reset the mini-game by selecting Easy.
If you prefer the CE version of a game this one includes 6 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter and a 50-Page Strategy Guide. There are Morphing Objects, Collectible Brushes, and Paintings to find. Of course we have Achievements to earn, all with creative names. Other extras include Wallpapers, Concept Art, Music, Movies, and a Menagerie. IMHO, this developer always adds a lot of extra content making the CE version a great value.
Since I am a huge fan of fairy tales (I kept several of my favorite collections from childhood) and I love the Dark Romance series. I am a romantic at heart so I really want to bring Nigel and Sybil the happy ending they need to live happily ever after. Even though the game was an instant buy for me, I recommend that you try the demo to see if Dark Romance the Monster Within is a game you will enjoy. Other games in the series include Vampire in Love, Heart of the Beast, the Swan Sonata, Kingdom of Death, Curse of Bluebeard, Romeo and Juliet. Happy Gaming! Show less
I recommend this game!
+60points
80of 100voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes80No20
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
Vey beautiful game
PostedSeptember 12, 2017
Customer avatar
domicol
 
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fromFrance
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
And very innovative and insteresting also . Big helps for everyone , it indicate you when there is extra things to find like morpheal object , you can choose between to level of difficultie in minigame . The scenery also is wonderful .
Very good game !!
I recommend this game!
+14points
14of 14voted this as helpful.
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Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
18 of 20 found this review helpful
Paint Me Blue
PostedSeptember 9, 2017
Customer avatar
MsReddFox
 
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fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I have all of the Dark Romance games and this one will join them. Others have told about the bells and whistles, so just let me say that I really enjoy this game. I like the HO's which are varied, and I always like collecting things; especially since this one shows you if there's any to be found, and some are in the HO scenes. There are morphings to be found and it also shows you if one is in a ...Show more
I have all of the Dark Romance games and this one will join them. Others have told about the bells and whistles, so just let me say that I really enjoy this game. I like the HO's which are varied, and I always like collecting things; especially since this one shows you if there's any to be found, and some are in the HO scenes. There are morphings to be found and it also shows you if one is in a scene. The only thing that could be better about this game is the rendering of the people. They are stiff looking and when they turn into the 'monsters' they don't look very believable. There are no natural looking movements. They look fine until they move and talk. Having said that, I still enjoyed the game and it's a buyer for me. Show less
I recommend this game!
+16points
18of 20voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes18No2
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
41 of 65 found this review helpful
The brush of a painter can be a dangerous weapon
PostedSeptember 7, 2017
Customer avatar
rainworm
 
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fromFrankfurt, Germany
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
We see an artist, making the last strides to a portrait, deforming the woman’s face to a grimace. ‘It worked!’ he exclaims. .
Newlywed Sibyl and Nigel Vane are at home unpacking presents, one of them, a portrait of Sibyl. When she takes it up, the picture starts glowing, a greenish light envelopes her and her face deforms partly, looks like a wolf. Shocked, she faints. Nigel seems speechless but
...Show more
We see an artist, making the last strides to a portrait, deforming the woman’s face to a grimace. ‘It worked!’ he exclaims. .
Newlywed Sibyl and Nigel Vane are at home unpacking presents, one of them, a portrait of Sibyl. When she takes it up, the picture starts glowing, a greenish light envelopes her and her face deforms partly, looks like a wolf. Shocked, she faints. Nigel seems speechless but at that moment Dr. Benjamin arrives. He is a belated guest to their wedding and he can help Sibyl regain consciousness.. He knows of a similar case. Another woman suffered a similar attack, she now lives apart from public in a cabin in the woods. They agree on bringing Sibyl to her, till they find a cure for that monstrous illness. It seems, cause of the transforming effect would be Basil, one of Nigel’s two best friends from earlier years, who seeks revenge. His father lost his fortune and he blames the fathers of Nigel and Henry for his personal tragedy.
You play two roles in this game, as usual for the series. The story is a bit weird, a painter, being able to transform humans into animals, though it has its fascination. We have interesting puzzles with the well-known easy/hard option, more HO scenes, varied in type with the option to play Match-3. Artwork is great, but the game is more slow in pace and we have much dialogue.
Show less
I recommend this game!
+17points
41of 65voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes41No24
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
25 of 40 found this review helpful
I WONT BE SITTING FOR A PORTRAIT........
PostedSeptember 7, 2017
Customer avatar
1955raven
 
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fromPelzer SC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
ANYTIME SOON ! THIS STORY OF BETRAYAL AND BLACKMAIL,IS EXCELLENT! A GREAT ADDITION TO THE DARK ROMANCE SERIES!!!
I recommend this game!
+10points
25of 40voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes25No15
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Switching characters
PostedSeptember 28, 2017
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conja
 
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fromSurrey, BC, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
This was a really great game! I love alternating between two characters. The storyline moved flawlessly with an abundance of things to do and very good graphics. Some mini-games, various H.O.'s and other things to go through.
The map works great. You must catch the person who wants to destroy you and all mankind and who wields the magical brushes changing you and Nigel to partial and full
...Show more
This was a really great game! I love alternating between two characters. The storyline moved flawlessly with an abundance of things to do and very good graphics. Some mini-games, various H.O.'s and other things to go through.
The map works great. You must catch the person who wants to destroy you and all mankind and who wields the magical brushes changing you and Nigel to partial and full animals, turning your friends into animals, creating monsters that you must go through to get to him; who imprisons your loved one giving you the job to free him. By sending each other helpful items both you and your loved one work together to find ways to, in the end, destroy the person, destroy the magical brushes and become normal again.
I tended to skip some of the mini games or I would have been there for awhile, confusing myself even more.
Now if you are a male, you may write in the perspective of Nigel and have a different point of view as to who did what!
Show less
I recommend this game!
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes4No0
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Great
PostedOctober 7, 2017
Customer avatar
marysia_krwawa
 
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fromWarsaw, Poland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
I really like this series, Dark Romance games are awesome
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes1No0
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
A Puzzle Lover's Dream Game!
PostedJanuary 9, 2018
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gamesrgreatfun
 
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fromIndiana
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
It seemed that I was playing a puzzle every 5 minutes in this game, which was great! I love the puzzles the best! Even better, there was a hard/easy choice for the puzzles which means my grandkids can play and beat most of the easy games. When I play these games with my grandkids, we take turns playing the puzzles. When it's one of their turns, I put it on easy. When it's my turn, I usually put it ...Show more
It seemed that I was playing a puzzle every 5 minutes in this game, which was great! I love the puzzles the best! Even better, there was a hard/easy choice for the puzzles which means my grandkids can play and beat most of the easy games. When I play these games with my grandkids, we take turns playing the puzzles. When it's one of their turns, I put it on easy. When it's my turn, I usually put it on hard but it depends on the kind of puzzle it is.
This game was very long. It took me several days to finish the whole thing (bonus chapter too). There were tons of puzzles in the bonus chapter also, which was quite lengthy.
I liked switching characters, it made the game more interesting and fun.
The only part of the game that I didn't love was the storyline because it was so farfetched but it wasn't as bad as some I've seen. The game wasn't filled with devils, demons, ghosts, witches, seances, etc. so that is a BIG plus!!
I enjoyed the game and will play it again someday.
Show less
I recommend this game!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes0No1
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
FUN HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
PostedFebruary 9, 2023
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ellenlam1668
 
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fromHONG KONG
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
 
Current Favorite:
The Hidden Object Show
3.5 out of 5(12)
 
 
 
 
 
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3 / 5
BOOK TRAVELERS: A Victorian Story is so funny and interest
I recommend this game!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
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Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
Great Game
PostedJune 17, 2018
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blipi69
 
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Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Marble Popper, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
I loved to Play it. Good graphics and not too easy riddles. I can recommend the game.
I recommend this game!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes0No0
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