Dark Parables: Portrait of the Stained Princess > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

82 of 99 found this review helpful

PORTRAIT OF THE STAINED PRINCESS IS A TRIBUTE TO THOSE EARLIER DARK PARABLES GAMES

PostedOctober 18, 2019

biscuitsmama

fromOne of the best DP games in several years!

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Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Dark Parables Portrait of the Stained Princess is one of the best DP games to come along in several years. It takes me back to a time when the original developer of the series created some masterpiece games. At one time I waited for each new Dark Parables to be released as they were brilliant games but that all changed when the series was “farmed” out to a new developer. Gone were the gorgeous FROGS that sparkled with a luminescence that at times kept me enthralled as I played each scene. Now, with the Portrait of the Stained Princess the new developer has almost hit the mark with a game that is very reminiscent of those original Dark Parables.

After playing the beta release for the Stained Princess I have been waiting to purchase the full game and I did as soon as it was released for sale. No second thoughts here as the game is wonderful and has captured everything I loved about those earlier games. My only TINY complaint is that some of the FROGS seemed a bit muddy and lacked the sparkle of those original scenes. It is minor because overall this game shows attention to detail and is a tribute to what made the Dark Parables games excellent.

At this point, I’ve not yet completed the game but what I have played has kept me interested and wanting more. As with those earlier games, I imagine that this one will take several days to complete. I don’t want to skip any of the puzzles as I find them very good and not quite as easy as some might find them. Although I do enjoy puzzles, I am not fond of the brain-drain types and the ones in Portrait of the Stained Princess are perfect for me.

The items in the FROGS are at times difficult to find and I have used the hint button once or twice. At times the items to find are large but for the most part they are well concealed within the cluttered scenes. Although some of the luster is missing the FROGS are still beautiful and enjoyable to play.

Thank you to BFG and the developer for creating a Dark Parables game that is everything I hoped it would be. As always, please try the demo to see if Portrait of the Stained Princess is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+65points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 18 found this review helpful

one of the best dark parable games

PostedNovember 6, 2019

afarrell

fromNSW Australia

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

In my opinion Dark Parable game series are the best hidden object games around.
Its not the colorful drawn graphics, or a good story line
Its not even the great puzzles that I have to skip through as I don't have to much patience!
It is the whole package that gives you good value for money, Hours of entertainment and lots of fun.
Try any of the Dark Parable games you wont be disappointed

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

70 of 85 found this review helpful

THE BIG "E" HAS WORKED HARD TO MAKE THE LAST TWO GAMES SEEM MORE BLUE TEA-ISH ~ w/o the non-linear morphs of course :( ~

PostedOctober 18, 2019

pennmom36

fromI look for features and storylines that are different nowadays and The Stained Princess has both!..B⍥⍥

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Completed Game approximately 6 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)

Benno and Siegfried, two art apprentices stood in disbelief as the Princess stepped out of her portrait and exchanged places with Siegfried. Everyone has heard the story of the Stained Princess of Cisneros, a Princess cursed 300 years ago over a Forgotten Promise, a curse that won't be lifted until ...Show more

Completed Game approximately 6 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)

I've always loved the Dark Parables series, especially the original Blue Tea versions prior to this dev purchasing the franchise, because of 2 original Key Features, the FROG type of Hidden Object Scenes, and the Parables you collect (within the CE versions) to read 5 different Parables that elaborate more on key features of the story (The Ugly Duckling, The Water of Life, The Ugly Princess, White Swan, Black Swan, The Clan With No Hearts and in the CE Bonus Chapter, The Swan Knight and the Realm of Darkness)

Clearly, Eipix has worked hard on the last 2 games in this failing series to bring back the Blue Tea nostalgia and let go of the Eipix-touch that just didn't fly with true Dark Parables fans, My biggest disappointment that disappeared along with BT was the incredible Non-linear Cursed Objects that didn't morph the first time you visited a location, it required a triggered action in another scene, but you never knew what or where! There are still Cursed Objects (21 in the CE version) but they aren't the clever non-linear Cured Objects beautifully created by the Master of Morphs, (Zhao)

There are 16 FROGS (Fragmented Object Games) +3 within the CE Bonus Chapter. FROGS require you to search for several fragments that are shown in 3 separate groups. Once you find all the fragments in a section those fragments join together and the completed fragment sections will join to create a useful inventory item.

There are only 16 Mini-Games spread over the 10 Main Chapters and another 4 within the CE Bonus Chapter. It seemed to me that they didn't bother being creative with the puzzles and focused all their energy on the FROGS. Below are brief descriptions of some of my personal favorites:

1-Rotate 3 plates with partial images to match the design shown when stacked.
2-Diorama puzzles that require interacting with several key features related to the story's paragraph.
3-Connect Tokens by the number of spaces next to them.
4-Rotate and connect identical colored pipes.

CE BONUS CHAPTER: We play as Benno in this CE Bonus Chapter titled "The Knight's Name Taboo" It's not long before the recently freed Princess finds herself in dire need of a Knight in Shining Armor. Benno and Siegfried set out on a heroes' mission to rescue the kidnapped Princess. There are 4 Mini-Games and 3 FROGS (Fragmented Object Games) and you'll pick up the last 3 Cursed Objects and 13 Parables to unlock the final 2 Parables, The Swan Knight and The Realm of Darkness.

Collector's Edition EXTRA'S: 8 Wallpapers (all with characters :( 6 Concept Art Pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 6 Movie Video Cutscebes, 12 Achievements, 19 Replayable Mini-Game Puzzles, 2o Replayable Hidden Object Scenes (which are actually FROGS) 10 Chapters +Bonus Chapter (The Knight's Name Taboo) and a Built-in Strategy Guide.

DARK PARABLES SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Curse of Briar Rose (March 27-2010) 3.9
2-The Exiled Prince (March 25-2011) 4.2
3-Rise of the Snow Queen (December 30-2011) 4.3
4-The Red Riding Hood Sisters (October 26-2012) 4.3
5-The Final Cinderella (June 21-2013) 4.4
6-Jack and the Sky Kingdom (March 7-2014) 3.7
7-Ballad of Rapunzel (July 25-2014) 3.6
8-The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide (December 12-2014) 3.5
9-Queen of Sands (June 19-2015) 3.8
10-Goldilocks and the Fallen Star (December 18-2015) 3.3
11-The Swan Princess and The ( Dire Tree (August 5-2016) 2.9
12-The Thief and the Tinderbox (October 21-2016) 3.8
13-Requiem for the Forgotten Shadow (March 29-2017) 3.3
14-Return of the Salt Princess (April 13-2018) 3.6
15-The Match Girl's Lost Paradise (November 30-2018) 3.8
16-Portrait of the Stained Princess (October 18-2019) n/a

by: Eipix Entertainment (2015-present) Show less

I recommend this game!

+55points

70of 85voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

12 of 13 found this review helpful

I Thought This Was Five-Stars...Until the END!!!!

PostedJune 2, 2020

MommaMo

fromAB, CANADA

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

That was a terrible, abrupt, and dissatisfying ending! The game was wonderful until that point - engaging storyline, good, solid puzzles, and beautiful graphics and music. Then, flying in the face of what we'd been told about Swans and hearts... well, no spoilers, but the end didn't make sense, and didn't support the promise of the beautifully detailed and sweet story. Hmmph. Still recommend it, ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+11points

12of 13voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

4 / 5

8 of 9 found this review helpful

Good game.

PostedMarch 29, 2020

rpggramma

fromMidwest, USA

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):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Strategy

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I enjoyed this game. I have not played D.P. for a long time. The HOs used to hurt my eyes and give me a terrible headache bc they were too glossy and ornate!!
I see that they have been toned down somewhat. not as bad as they were!
Everything was as I remembered, mostly enjoyable.
That LAST PUZZLE was very unfair, though!! I put a lot of time into that puzzle!! I HATE FOR A PUZZLE TO BEAT ME!! ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

3 / 5

14 of 16 found this review helpful

Good Game That Could Be Better

PostedMarch 28, 2020

terrfomp92

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I think that this game is a good installment in the Dark Parable series. However, there are some things, personally, that keep it from being a great game.

My main point is that this game is so puzzle heavy, especially with the second half of the game. I found myself playing and doing constant puzzle, after puzzle, after hidden object challenge, after another one, etc. Personally, I think the amount of puzzles in this game was borderline overkill. Towards the end, I wasn't enjoying playing it as much because there were so many. Along that same line, it felt like the amount of puzzles was busy work, time fillers. It didn't feel like these puzzles contributed to the story at all. Yes, the older games had some too, but they weren't as numerous because they focused more on plot/story.

That is something I liked about this game: the story. I feel like they could have went into the story more. There were several aspects I was like 'Who are you? Where did you come from? Why are you here? Why are you important?'. I feel like these games lacked the exposition that the previous games had to help better develop the story. Yes, there are the parables that you can collect, but I feel like some of that should have been in the main story. The story takes a back seat to puzzles.

Overall, it's a good game. If you like a lot of puzzles, than this is the game for you. If the puzzles were scaled back, or perhaps were used to give a little more exposition, I think that would have made it better. Show less

I recommend this game!

+12points

14of 16voted this as helpful.

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