PC Games > Hidden Object Adventure Games > Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait Collector's Edition
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait Collector's Edition
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Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait Collector's Edition

Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3.1 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 39 reviews
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
11
1 Star
4
Fun Factor 
OK
3.2 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
3.9 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
2.8 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3.1 / 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.

Amax Interactive is proud to bring you another installment in the beloved Dark Tales series!

Dupin is back and better than ever! Your next case with the dashing detective is set in motion after a series of strange disappearances. Each of the victims had recently posed for a famous painter, and each woman received a threatening note afterward. Surely, the painter is to blame… or is he? Nothing is as it seems in this chilling tale of death, obsession, and the supernatural based on a short story by the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. Follow the clues to find the answers in this exciting Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!

See what our Beta testers had to say:

“Great visual and sound! As always, with this series, great story line. Plenty of action and surprises at every turn. Loved it!”  - Karen, Beta Tester

“I love the Edgar Allen Poe series! I don't know how you keep coming up with new ideas and themes. This is one of the best! The HOPs were interesting, the mini games were clever and unique. Love this series!”  - Claudia, Beta Tester


  • Help the people of Gray Valley in the exciting bonus chapter!
  • Never get lost with the strategy guide!
  • Lots of collectibles and morphing objects to find!
  • Enjoy exclusive videos, concept art, and more!
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: 627 MB

Big Fish Games App System Requirements

Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later

Reviews

Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait Collector's Edition

Average Rating:
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3.1 / 5
3.1 out of 5 ( 39 Reviews Review )
43%(16 out of 37) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Average Rating Breakdown
Fun Factor 
OK
3.2 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
3.9 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
2.8 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3.1 / 5
43%(16 out of 37) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Customer Reviews
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Ratings summary
Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3.1 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 39 reviews
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
11
1 Star
4
Fun Factor 
OK
3.2 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
3.9 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
2.8 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3.1 / 5
43%(16 out of 37) of players recommend this game
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Product ReviewsSubmit Your Review
1-10 of 39 Reviews prev 1 2 3 4 next>>
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
79 of 96 found this review helpful
Interesting Gameplay Inspite of the Story
PostedAugust 30, 2018
Customer avatar
gamesrgreatfun
 
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fromIndiana
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3 / 5
I am not a fan of these types of stories but I do love to play games that are interesting and keep moving. This one does that. I loved the graphics and the music was appropriate.
The first 5 or 10 minutes did not pull me into the game (the cutscenes with the main storyline) but I kept playing for a few minutes more and was soon so busy going from one mini-game to the next that the trial period ...Show more
I am not a fan of these types of stories but I do love to play games that are interesting and keep moving. This one does that. I loved the graphics and the music was appropriate.
The first 5 or 10 minutes did not pull me into the game (the cutscenes with the main storyline) but I kept playing for a few minutes more and was soon so busy going from one mini-game to the next that the trial period was over before I knew it! I do remember a couple of HOs in there also. If the whole game is like this, I would be happy with my purchase.
My collection of objects to use were logical and not too far away from the place that needed to use them.
My review is for the demo only (which I finished). It is based on this game only, not comparing it to the 1,000s of games out there in this genre, or even the previous games in this series. A game should stand or fall on it's own merit. This one stands.
Bottom line that determines if I buy a game or not is if it was fun to play. I had fun. Try the game for yourself and see if you have fun too. Show less
I recommend this game!
+62points
79of 96voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes79No17
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
46 of 65 found this review helpful
I like this series
PostedAugust 30, 2018
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pvsquare
 
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fromHuntington, WV
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
I have never been disappointed with Dark Tales. The story line is very intriguing. The sound is quite good. I am glad Dupin is back. The Edgar Allen Poe story is very spooky.
I recommend this game!
+27points
46of 65voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes46No19
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
28 of 38 found this review helpful
Great graphics.
PostedAugust 30, 2018
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witchonthehill
 
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fromUSA Ar.
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
I love and buy all the Dark Tales of Edgar Allen Poe's games.
The graphics are great and the colors.
I recommend this game!
+18points
28of 38voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes28No10
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
Edger Allen Poe game
PostedSeptember 8, 2018
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vickitoria128
 
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fromGolden, Co
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
I love the story and hidden games through out.
I recommend this game!
+10points
13of 16voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes13No3
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
11 of 15 found this review helpful
ARE YOU SURE THAT TUSSOLE SHOULD PAINT YOUR PORTRAIT
PostedSeptember 28, 2018
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biscuitsmama
 
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fromVery busy finding a way to solve this latest case. Dupin needs my help
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
The next chapter in the Dark Tales series is here and I must admit I am a bit surprised at how much I have enjoyed the game considering how uninspired the past games in the series have been. In Dark Tales the Oval Portrait you and Dupin receive a letter from Mary who is set to pose for the celebrated artist Leonard Tussole. The problem is that Mary is frightened since other young women who have ...Show more
The next chapter in the Dark Tales series is here and I must admit I am a bit surprised at how much I have enjoyed the game considering how uninspired the past games in the series have been. In Dark Tales the Oval Portrait you and Dupin receive a letter from Mary who is set to pose for the celebrated artist Leonard Tussole. The problem is that Mary is frightened since other young women who have posed for the artist have disappeared, and after Mary received a letter telling her that the portrait will devour her soul. Even the police now suspect Tussole is behind the disappearances.
I love this developer because no one can beat the beautiful and realistic characters they create in their games. I only wish they would stop fiddling with Dupin’s appearance. I know that after thirteen games he should age a bit but he no looks rather “rough around the edges” and worn out. Perhaps that is why he stands around looking a bit lost as he directs you to do all of the work – lol. That being said, I still think that the Oval Portrait is a very good game and I’ve enjoyed playing although it did seem a bit short. Even with being a rather slow player, particularly since I have to gawk at every little detail in each scene, I still finished the game in only a few hours. I found the gameplay engaging that I was disappointed when it ended in such a short time. However, the past few Dark Tales from the AMAX team seem to be very short.
There are a lot of HOPS in the game but many of those are the mini HOPS that now seem to be springing up in all recent games. The HOPS include the usual variety of styles with silhouette, and the storybook to mention a few. Some of the scenes were creative and a lot of fun. The Puzzles seem to be the same as those we see in other games in the series but some of them were a bit more challenging.
The CE version of the game includes Collectible Statues to collect, and morphing objects to find. There are achievements to earn and the other standard extras such as Wallpapers, Concept Artwork, Screen Savers, Music, and a replay of some HOPS and Mini-games. Also included is the in-game Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.

Although the Oval Portrait seems to be much the same cookie cutter game as the last games in the series, I still found it to be a very good game and one I enjoyed playing. You can’t beat the graphics but many of the scenes seemed to be recycled from other games in the series. However, if you love the Dark Tales series I and this developer, I recommend that you try the demo to see if the Oval Portrait is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
Show less
I recommend this game!
+7points
11of 15voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes11No4
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
Fun and Addictive
PostedSeptember 13, 2018
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KyraL
 
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fromYelm. WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
Absolutely loved this game to the point of wanting to continue even when i should be sleeping!!! Follows closely to Poe's style of everything! Very entertaining and unexpected!
I recommend this game!
+3points
7of 11voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes7No4
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Entertaining for sure!
PostedJuly 27, 2019
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maxmoe
 
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fromBuffalo, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
The Edgar Allan Poe series are always so entertaining. The story lines are so mysterious. Such a joy receiving clues throughout the story, then solving the mystery at the end. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I recommend this game!
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
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Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
Good game
PostedJuly 29, 2022
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joyra
 
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fromRio de Janeiro, Brazil
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
The game is similar to others in the series and this is an advantage because they are all good. Lots of hidden object scenes, beautiful graphics, good story. I liked the game.
I recommend this game!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
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Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
37 of 47 found this review helpful
Better than the last few...
PostedAugust 30, 2018
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dancemom1
 
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fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
Hello friends! If these demos get any shorter, we will only see the title. As usual, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others. However, I do sometimes comment on the story as well. The graphics are very nice and clear and I did not notice any blurring when going in and out of close up scenes, for a change. Colors are often faded, but still there, and nicely done. Game ...Show more
Hello friends! If these demos get any shorter, we will only see the title. As usual, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others. However, I do sometimes comment on the story as well. The graphics are very nice and clear and I did not notice any blurring when going in and out of close up scenes, for a change. Colors are often faded, but still there, and nicely done. Game play was very good, no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen. We seemed to have a bit more character interaction in this addition, which really makes for a much better game. Dupin definitely needs an accent, but all the voices show emotion and not just reading a script. Animation wasn't bad, but a little choppy in places. Music was okay, but the "chime" we get when finding something is quite annoying. It's the same one as in every other game in this series. Not much in the way of sound FX either, needed more background sounds.
HOGs are few and far between. They were fairly clear and uncluttered and items were not difficult to find. Mostly interactive lists, but we did have one silhouette. This is a HOG, but we had an awful lot more puzzles than HOGs. The puzzles were quite simple and took no time or thought to complete. Hint system is very helpful, but we did not have the transport feature. There is a lot of back tracking, but so far, not very long distances. There is a jump map, but very bland.
Collectibles - aren't bad. There are 13 figurines that are somewhat small and easy to overlook. We also have 26 morphing items that are a challenge to find, as some are blended quite well into the background and in dark places.
I love Poe, have read them all, I thought, and seen every Vincent Price Poe movie ever made. Either I missed one, or this isn't a Poe story. That said, none of these were really Poe stories, they just used the title and kind of sort of looked a bit like Poe. Dupin looks more like his old self, and as I said, he still doesn't have an accent...he needs one. The demo was extremely short, so it was not easy to give it a fair evaluation, but what I saw I liked. The game is not challenging, and the story is all too familiar, but it had action, interaction, emotion and fairly nice collectibles, and it was better than the last few in this series. I find that I have the need to play this one out and see what the deal is. I think most levels of players will find this one interesting in one way or another. Yes, I am going to add it to my collection.
As always, give this one a try and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews. Play on! Show less
I recommend this game!
+27points
37of 47voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes37No10
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
23 of 32 found this review helpful
Better than Expected, Better than Other Recent EAP
PostedAugust 30, 2018
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twinsoniclab
 
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fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3 / 5
Surprise, surprise! I was surprised that I enjoyed the entire demo (took 41 minutes)! I am not an entire demo person, so that tells you something right there. Oh, it's not a "great" game, and I wouldn't vote it "best" or anything, and I won't be buying the CE (the collectibles are less than thrilling), the SE will do.
First off, lovely music in the intro! I don't usually pay attention, or it's ...Show more
Surprise, surprise! I was surprised that I enjoyed the entire demo (took 41 minutes)! I am not an entire demo person, so that tells you something right there. Oh, it's not a "great" game, and I wouldn't vote it "best" or anything, and I won't be buying the CE (the collectibles are less than thrilling), the SE will do.
First off, lovely music in the intro! I don't usually pay attention, or it's noticeably off. This was nice.
TONS of HOS and PUZZLES. I counted what seemed like puzzles, but since they lacked instructions they probably were just tasks that included something puzzling, something to put together, etc. I counted 17 puzzles and 13 HOS in the demo (HOS too might not have been what are considered HOS, but were ones where you look for pieces or so many ofs).
HOS: Lots of the recent "minis," mostly find so many of this or that, or pieces of this or that. Silhouettes, lists, storybooks, put wrongly placed into place, etc. Some with lots of interaction. One was to find 16 pieces, then put together a torn note with a code, which then turns into a puzzle using that code.
PUZZLES: Heavy on the turn/switch/rotate tokens/pieces/tiles to form an image sort. Some of the turn one it turns others, like always! All of them were super easy. But, for some reason I was still interested in playing. Even the placing labels on jars, which was just to match the jars that already had labels. A minority of them offered "hard" or "casual." In one case it just meant the difference between doing all the pieces, or starting with two already done.
The problem with the puzzles (besides the ease and sameness) was the outlines. We do not need outlines for a ripped note. We do not need outlines to fit curved pieces in to a ring (they are curved, no way to place them wrong). We do not need outlines for anything really. Lose them.
COLLECTIBLES: Uninspired. Morphs (26) and figurines (13), but not both in each scene. So, you really don't know what you should be looking for. Not consistent.
Things I didn't like: Too many cut scenes of much too much peeking through. Peeking through to see imperiled maidens. Peeking through to see a struggling Dupin. Peeking through keyholes... windows... doorways... always peeking. Speaking of Dupin, he's another thing the series can lose. He's been relegated to a supporting character, a minor one giving no support. He either stands and waits (yes, I'm alluding there), gives us obvious suggestions, or weakly struggles with assailants, shoving his cane to and fro. He's no longer necessary! And, what's with changing his appearance every game?
No my favorite Dark Tales, the earliest ones have much to recommend them. But, the best in the past couple of years. As an SE I'll get it. The extras in the CE just aren't worth it for me. Oh, don't buy if you're after a Poe story game! They used to be true, but no more. Ha! "Nevermore" perhaps? Time for a new series with a different author? I'd be game for that! Show less
I recommend this game!
+14points
23of 32voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes23No9
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Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait Collector's Edition

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