Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 11 found this review helpful

Worth buying

PostedApril 17, 2021

Staril

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

After weeks of disappointing games, this one was a treat. It has been a good series so far and this latest example is a decent addition. Some new ideas in HOPs and some puzzles that I didn't recognise. I didn't actually play much in the way of puzzles as the game did allow a zero wait in custom mode ... excellent :)
The music was rather better than recent ones, not so dreary and the graphics were ...Show more

After weeks of disappointing games, this one was a treat. It has been a good series so far and this latest example is a decent addition. Some new ideas in HOPs and some puzzles that I didn't recognise. I didn't actually play much in the way of puzzles as the game did allow a zero wait in custom mode ... excellent :)
The music was rather better than recent ones, not so dreary and the graphics were bright enough to be seen ... but not really that bright. Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

11of 11voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes11No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

148 of 223 found this review helpful

ALL FIRED UP FOR A NEW ADVENTURE IN A NEW SECRET CITY

PostedApril 15, 2021

sunnyglow

fromErgill, the fire drake, is so adorable. He really sets my heart on fire. However, can someone please tell me - What is the difference between a dragon and a fire drake?

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages

STORY: Detective! Bid farewell to London and journey to the Secret City of Brussels. Fires are breaking out all over the city and the Fire Lakrians believe it may be the work of a fire drake, Ergill. Flammel, a Fire Lakrian, demands the fire drake be returned to keep the city safe. However, could there ...Show more

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages

STORY: Detective! Bid farewell to London and journey to the Secret City of Brussels. Fires are breaking out all over the city and the Fire Lakrians believe it may be the work of a fire drake, Ergill. Flammel, a Fire Lakrian, demands the fire drake be returned to keep the city safe. However, could there be other hidden motives involved? As you trek around this new hidden city, you will discover hidden tensions and animosity seething beneath the surface.

OPINION: Domini is my favorite developer, and this game is another fantastic example of their gaming craftsmanship. I was glad to see a new location and some new creatures within the new location. We finally meet some Merfolk, which I do not remember seeing in previous games. There are three collectibles: figurines, morphing props, and tokens which are exchanged to provide items to fill up a circus wagon. I love the indicator bar which lights up when a collectible is available within a scene. Again, as in previous games, the level of difficulty for the puzzles can be set to create an easy play or a more challenging one. The game is aflame in the fiery brilliance of bright colors along with Domini’s signature colors of plum purple and neon green. I found the pace excellent with many activities to keep a played actively engaged.

MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 figurines and 15 morphing props.
• Collect 70 tokens to exchange for items to deck out a circus wagon.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 Mini-games.

BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Ramona, a Yotan from the main game. After the harrowing incidents from that game, Ergill, the fire drake, is now residing with you. He still needs training to keep his fire breathing in check. However, when a member of the Secret City Ministry, Solas, takes him into custody, you are off to save him. Your final test to become initiated as a Shaman rests in saving Ergill. I found this a nice addition to the game with a story which provides closure from the main game. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games.

HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They are creatively designed and there are a variety of different types of scenes. There are the usual standard lists of items and silhouette; however, there are matching scenes, a cryptic clues scene, a spot-the-differences scene, and a scene in which items are removed based on a display of a small segment from them. One of my favorites is a silhouette scene in which sliders are used to match up the silhouette with the item to remove it.

X DOES NOT MARK THE SPOT! I have only one complaint about this game. Why on earth did Domini add BIG “X”s which pop up when mistakes are made in locating the hidden objects? If you make a mistake, a big “X” appears to indicate you ARE WRONG! And not only are you WRONG, you will be punished by listening to an annoying, ear cringing sound which accompanies the “X” as well. Please, Domini, to keep the sanity of your players, get rid of this feature. It is annoying!

MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the puzzles can be played in either a “hard” or “easy” version. This allows for an easy play or a more challenging play for those who want a little more difficulty in playing the puzzles. The difficulty for the mini-games can be set in the menu; however, the difficulty can also be changed while playing the puzzles.

SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)

A. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Place fuses into position to that the sum of each pair equals the number written on a plate beneath them. The easy version has only 5 numbers; the hard version has 6.
B. E/H. Map puzzle. Fly a griffin through the sky avoiding obstacles in your path. You get 3 lives to lose in the easy version and only 1 in the hard version.
C. Lock puzzle. Enter a number code according to fingerprints on a safe.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Plot a route to Antwerp for a motorcycle by pressing directional arrows in sequence. There are some arrows which have question marks, requiring to the player to choose the direction. The easy version has only 2 directions to ascertain; the hard version has 5.
E. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move 4 pieces of a picture along tracks to create the complete picture. The pieces will move and rotate as they move along the tracks to the center of the grid.
F. E/H. Logic puzzle. Remove runes on a grid by using patterns with blue squares on them to remove them. Plot a course so none remain. The easy version has only two pattern pieces to use – the hard version has 3 which are more complex.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Transfer liquid between test tubes so each test tube has only one color of liquid. The hard version has more tests tubes to fill.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch sun and moon tokens so that the suns are on the top and the moons are on the bottom.
I. E/H. Alignment puzzle. Place colored beads into position by sliding them up and down until each bead is next to its given color featured at the side of the grid. The harder version has more beads to position.
J. E/H. Connection puzzle. Switch statues so that all connect with orbs between their hands. The easy version has 8 statues; the hard version has 12. Show less

I recommend this game!

+73points

148of 223voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes148No75

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 8 found this review helpful

Want to see more Merfolks

PostedApril 18, 2021

MajesticSunset

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:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Rite of Passage: Embrace of Ember Lake Collector's Edition

(33)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I enjoyed this game in Brussels, Belgium this time. So happy to play a new HOPA game. Fire Drakes are Dragons. I did have some questions-Why does a Yotun believe the fire drake belongs in the forest? and Do fire Lakrians live in the forest?

I liked the start of the game in the circus. I liked most mini-games and hops but I could do without the sharp sound with the X if you don't hit the right ...Show more

I enjoyed this game in Brussels, Belgium this time. So happy to play a new HOPA game. Fire Drakes are Dragons. I did have some questions-Why does a Yotun believe the fire drake belongs in the forest? and Do fire Lakrians live in the forest?

I liked the start of the game in the circus. I liked most mini-games and hops but I could do without the sharp sound with the X if you don't hit the right object. I noticed that the players arm was a male in a scene.

The circus wagon that you buy things for with the coins you collect had some errors. The price you are given when you scroll over isn't mostly the really sale price. For example the wardrobe scrolls 5 coins but it's really 7, fitness ball 7 really 2, the tapestry 2 coins and really 6 and so on. The wig actually disappeared after purchase.

Replay 25 videos, 18 hops, 19 mini-games and 5 music. It has 15 wallpapers, 15 concept art, achievements, 4 chapters + bonus, 15 morphing props, 15 dragon statues and 70 coins to buy things for your circus wagon.

The wallpaper has some scenes but the best scenes are in the concept arts. From the concept arts I had the unpolished circus for my wallpaper and will try several others but wish they were polished up. I like the Domini dog balloon. Show less

I recommend this game!

+8points

8of 8voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes8No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

1 of 1 found this review helpful

Fun for me

PostedJanuary 3, 2022

Talarin

fromAtlanta, GA

Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I've just discovered the Secret City games, and I've been binge playing them since I broke my arm in mid-December. (Poor me. I can't do chores, so I'm having to fill my time with video games.) I read so many negative reviews here about this game that I didn't buy it until there were no others to buy. I wasn't expecting much, but it was actually a pretty good game.

Admittedly, some of the puzzle ...Show more

I've just discovered the Secret City games, and I've been binge playing them since I broke my arm in mid-December. (Poor me. I can't do chores, so I'm having to fill my time with video games.) I read so many negative reviews here about this game that I didn't buy it until there were no others to buy. I wasn't expecting much, but it was actually a pretty good game.

Admittedly, some of the puzzle instructions were a little murky, but I managed to figure all of them out. The whole point of playing these games, to me, is the puzzles. And I enjoyed the puzzles. The storyline was good, and it totally made sense if you actually read what's being said. (I play with the sound off, because I'm a rebel like that.) Show less

I recommend this game!

+1point

1of 1voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes1No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

5 of 20 found this review helpful

Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition

PostedApril 17, 2021

andrewhow190

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I enjoy playing games through this developer and it makes a change to play a large game from them

I recommend this game!

-10points

5of 20voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes5No15

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

a pretty good HO

PostedNovember 11, 2022

denniann2

fromharrisonburg, virginia

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:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

i played on the custom level and the game has a good hint system. you are looking thru ancient ruins for a fiery dragon to get it back to it's owner.

I recommend this game!

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes0No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

9 of 11 found this review helpful

Nice to find a new game!

PostedApril 15, 2021

smee1956

fromBedworth

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Has all the stuff I like, things to collect such as tokens, notes, props, figurines, Play Match 3, interactive map.
Can't comment on sound quality, I never play with sound, others will set out the plot for you.
Once I've finished the demo I'll buy it, the games aren't that challenging once you apply a little thought but keep this ageing granny on her toes, lol.

I recommend this game!

+7points

9of 11voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes9No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

3 of 3 found this review helpful

Good luck getting out of the cell on the island!!

PostedApril 19, 2021

gulec

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Love the game, but can not finish because even after using sleeping gas on guard- I can not leave the cell!

+3points

3of 3voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes3No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

31 of 37 found this review helpful

My Detective Work Ended Abruptly!

PostedApril 15, 2021

HeavenBound7729

fromOcala, Florida

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

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Hint and charge times can be set to zero seconds in Custom Mode. I switched from the huge custom cursor to my own smaller one which moved more smoothly. The Domini logo as a balloon at the ticket booth was a cute touch. My inventory filled up with useful items. There is a nice task journal and the always welcomed indicator bar for the collectibles. The graphics were very sharp and colorful with ...Show more

Hint and charge times can be set to zero seconds in Custom Mode. I switched from the huge custom cursor to my own smaller one which moved more smoothly. The Domini logo as a balloon at the ticket booth was a cute touch. My inventory filled up with useful items. There is a nice task journal and the always welcomed indicator bar for the collectibles. The graphics were very sharp and colorful with not so much purple and green this time. Another dragon-themed story with the usual chaos, but it sparked my interest because it involves a Secret City.

There is an alternative Match 3 game with the HO scenes. The objects were large, some interactive items. Challenge was average. But why the big red X to indicate an incorrect click?? It is so totally unnecessary!! Not a bright idea and, IMO, it needs to go away. We know when we make a boo-boo without this annoying feature.

Everything was running smoothly, then much to my amazement, the demo ended before I was able to finish the first HO scene outside the circus. What the heck??!! So, in less than 30 minutes the game is over. I uninstalled and went in again with a new profile, only to have it happen again. Now my mind is made up to not purchase Sacred Fire. If short demos are something new with Domini, they just lost a loyal customer. Purchasing any game that cannot be trialed is just too risky, IMO, regardless of one's good reputation.

Needless to say, I am very disappointed that I can't submit a proper review of this new Domini release. My 3 star rating, however, seems fair since I did enjoy the short amount of time I was able to play. Show less

I recommend this game!

+25points

31of 37voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes31No6

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

3 / 5

34 of 52 found this review helpful

Just Ok.

PostedApril 15, 2021

dmfortsmith

fromWalnut Ridge, AR

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Only played the demo, but was just not having any fun. Didn't enjoy the constant notes popping up. Wasn't exciting.

I don't recommend this game.

+16points

34of 52voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes34No18

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition

Reviews

Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition

, share your thoughts about this game!

Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition

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.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Secret City: Sacred Fire Collector's Edition Brussels is Burning! 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.