Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

217 of 247 found this review helpful

I HAVEN'T PLAYED A GAME WITH THIS GOOD OF A STORY SINCE JANUARY 2011!

PostedApril 18, 2020

pennmom36

fromIn 1926 Hugo Gemsback founded the 1st sci-fi magazine Amazing Stories, he tried to trademark the term sci-fi Wernher Von Braun, a German physicist and rocket engineer wrote space fiction and was an adviser to sci-fi movies such as Conquest of Space

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Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Completed Game approximately 5.5 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
28 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert

I know I have complained a lot lately about games with the same old unimaginative cliche tasks, boring plots, Hidden Object Scenes without the "hidden object" aspect, repetitive mini-games and above all, ridiculous storylines told so many times in so many ways that you know what's going to happen when it will happen, and why. You know who the bad guy will be, where the HOS locations will be the second you enter a new location, and you know what inventory item you're going to need for every problem that arises. Thank you, Brave Giant, you made me think, you made me solve problems, you kept me guessing, you surprised me with the plot several times with "I didn't see that one coming" you entertained me with creative hidden object scenes, you confused me as to what I was supposed to do (that's a good thing, folks!) but mostly, you kept me engaged from beginning to end...you went back to the drawing board and created a masterpiece!

This game won't be everybody's cup of coffee, first of all, you'll have to be a sci-fi fan, or perhaps a computer geek to appreciate it. Yes, the story is similar to a popular Arnold movie series...but it's a great plot and to the best of my knowledge, it's a plot that hasn't been turned into a HOPA before. I haven't played a game with such an interesting plot since my Phavorite original Phantasmat! With the exception of a few logic fails (hey, that's just HOPA world) the story is credible. I loved that most of the tasks weren't obvious, that solutions had to be thought about versus clicking here, clicking there, always on auto-pilot because you've done it a thousand times. I will admit that it started out a little slow, but once the plot unfolded, they had me hook line and sinker. IF you are looking for a game with a great storyline and very creative Hidden Object Scenes, I think you will love this game. As I said, it starts out a little slow, so stick with it, the real fun begins at chapter two :)

웃G.A.D.G.E.T웃
I gotta tell ya, I was completely annoyed by a Watch Gadget that appeared in the first scene. This watch allows you remote access to A.R.N.O.L.D. but every time this feature becomes available it's I.C.O.N would start making the most incredibly annoying N.O.I.S.E. until you clicked on it to pick it up and clicked a second time on the screen to use his services. Within the first 3-4 scenes, it was used 7 times and I was ready to turn the sound completely off by this point, thankfully, the watch went M.I.A shortly after. There wasn't any game or HOP attached to its use so hang in there, it's only used 7 times and only in the beginning of the first chapter.

☽☾Morphing Objects/Collectibles: (CE version only)☼
There is a Digital Article in each scene, some of which are very nicely hidden. There are only 14 Morphing Photo Fragments that morph at a great pace. I loved the collectibles but I HATE the fact that they don't allow you to return to the scenes to pick up any missed collectibles! I missed both collectibles in one scene when I exited out of the game for a bit, and when I returned, I simply forgot that I hadn't looked for the morph. So now I have no idea what the outcome of these two features are unless I replay the entire game again all because I missed a single digital article and a single morphing photo fragment :(

◔Hidden Object Scenes◕
There are 18 Hidden Object Scenes +3 in the CE Bonus Chapter. If you have read my reviews in the past, you'll know that HOP's don't ever challenge me. I can usually click on all the objects without looking at the list because they stick out like a sore thumb. Brave Giant just ruined my track record with some of the most creative, and challenging HO scenes I've ever seen! There are a few somewhat average scenes, but Boris put on his thinking cap for these HO scenes folks, every one of them is incredibly interactive, and/or Progressive, and include at least one object that morphs and can only be clicked on when it is in the correct object form. There are Interactive List Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, or Spot The Difference Finds. There were two in particular that I went bonkers over. The first type I fell in love with, was a bunch of symbols and icons located on a Honeycomb Grid, some icons morphed, some were cleverly blended between cell outlines, others required rotating 3 cells to recreate a particular symbol (another variation required swapping a single cell or group of cells for the same scenario) My absolute favorite (in HOPA history) were 2 different HOP's, both were located on a computer screen and required several not-so-obvious progressive interactions. They were very similar to a Rube Goldberg type of puzzle where you have to fiddle with several aspects and use discoveries to unlock the next interactions. Simply genius, Boris! I may be the only one who appreciates the thought process but you really thought outside the box with these! If you don't appreciate the huge entertainment factor of some of these HOP's, there is an alternate Associated Pair game available where you flip two tiles at a time and match objects that are similar such as a Horse & Car.

♙Mini-Games♙
There are 32 Mini-Games +11 in the CE Bonus Chapter, most of which are mechanical, digital, or computer-related, and some of the most creative, and entertaining games I've played in a long time. That seems like a ton of games, but don't freak out if you aren't a mini-game fan, because a lot of the mini-games are 3-part puzzles that have a few different variations, they aren't brain-burners, but do require a bit of thought. The only ones I wasn't a fan of are the ones where clicking on one affects others because to me, they are annoying and frustrating (I want to solve a puzzle using logic not trying to guess the correct combination of moves a developer decided upon!) My only complaint with the mini-games is that out of 43 mini-games, only 8 can be replayed in the extras menu??!!?? Here's a list of a few of my personal favorites:

1-Several variations of connecting color-coded wires. (including connecting the left to the right via path connectors) ♡♡♡
2-Select directional arrows to move 3 nodes to their slots, using obstacles as bumpers. ♡♡
3-Assemble items in the correct sequence by solving various math equations (loved the clever use of equations, but up the ante next time with some real brain-burner math problems to solve!) ♡♡♡
4-Move to every spot along tracks without backtracking. ♡♡
5-Shoot several Drones moving at various speeds when the target is located within the "zone" and briefly turns green---harder and more fun than you'd expect! ♡♡♡
6-Select points on columns & rows according to clues in the descriptions. ♡
7-Move characters by selecting a chosen path at the correct time to avoid capture (3 different variations, one of which has drones that move 2 spaces each time you move 1 space) ♡♡♡
8-Untangle wires (a somewhat challenging version for once!) ♡♡
9-Rotate the central hub and select outer fragments to lock onto the central hub when they align. (I would love to have 2-3 outer layers to make this more challenging!!) ♡♡♡

✯Bonus Chapter (Collector's Edition version only)✯
I'm not going to say much about the storyline folks, to say anything would give away the awesome plot of the main game. The only thing I'll say is that the show continues and it's a good one at that. There are 8 Scene Locations in this decent-length bonus chapter with an additional 11 Mini-Games and 3 Hidden Object Scenes, however, there are no Collectibles or Morphing Objects.

♕Collector's Edition Extra's♕
16 Wallpapers (none of which have characters on them, whoo-hooo! 5 Music Soundtracks, 8 Cutscene Videos, 24 Achievements, 8 Replayable Mini-Games, 8 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Morphing Photo Fragments, 28 Digital Articles, 4 Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-in Strategy Guide.

FAMILY MYSTERIES SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Poisonous Promises (October 26-2019) 3.7
2-Echoes of Tomorrow (April 8-2020) n/a

by: Brave Giant Studio Show less

I recommend this game!

+187points

217of 247voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

46 of 52 found this review helpful

Another GREAT Family Mysteries Game

PostedApril 18, 2020

Penguin29

fromMA.

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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

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Loved the first "Family Mysteries". This one is just as good. I'm not much of a technology nut, but I still really enjoyed this game. Many new features (especially in the hidden object scenes) that I have never encountered before. Brave Giant is one of my favorite devs.
A must try

I recommend this game!

+40points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

70 of 83 found this review helpful

AT LAST, A TRUE SCI-FI GAME. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SEVERAL YEARS TO PLAY A GAME LIKE THIS ONE!

PostedApril 18, 2020

biscuitsmama

fromI am doing my happy dance right now. What a wonderful surprise!

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Family Mysteries Echoes of Tomorrow is without a doubt the game that I have asked for over the past several years. Finally, a developer listened and stepped up to the plate and created true sci-fi game that is absolutely wonderful.

There is no need for me to go into the storyline because I don’t want to give anything away, but right from the beginning of the game you soon realize that Echoes ...Show more

There is no need for me to go into the storyline because I don’t want to give anything away, but right from the beginning of the game you soon realize that Echoes of Tomorrow is different and not the usual cookie-cutter HOPA that we so often see.

The HOS are detailed, creative, and different. If you want easy HOS then you might be disappointed as the ones you will find in Echoes of Tomorrow are complex and take some time to complete. To be honest I felt that a couple of the scenes were difficult, and I had to use the hint button quite a few times to make it through the scene. Those difficult ones were at times frustrating and I simply wanted them to end. Fortunately, not all of the HOS were that difficult. I loved the developer’s creativity that presented some HOS that were more complex than the norm. Overall, the HOS are exactly what many HOPA lovers have been asking to find in games. Kudos to Brave Giant for stepping outside the box!

Wow, not only are the HOS different than the norm, so are the mini-games or puzzles. If you have read my previous reviews, you probably know by now that I enjoy the HOS far more than I do the puzzles. The puzzles in Echoes of Tomorrow are excellent and very well placed within the game. I did not feel overwhelmed by having to constantly play a puzzle or two in each scene. To be honest, I ended up skipping many of the puzzles because I didn’t understand the instructions, which I feel is one of the shortcomings in the game. There are some types of puzzles that I normally skip because they are ones that I don’t like such as navigating and avoiding obstacles, fighting opponents, or flipping switches. Even after skipping many of the puzzles, there were many left that I enjoyed solving. It was great to find a game where not all of the puzzles were basic and easy to solve.

Overall, I believe the game is excellent and can be enjoyed by all players but that being said, I think the game might be a bit complex for those just beginning to play HOPA games. Although the gameplay is fairly linear, at times it was tricky to find out what your first step might be within a scene. Sometimes the objects that were needed were easily spotted but that was not always the case and I found myself using the hint button far more than I have in years.

In the end, I am so happy to have a terrific sci-fi game that I know I will play again. My next time through the game I will try to find all of the elusive collectibles that I missed and to try to solve all those puzzles that I skipped earlier since not all of them can be replayed in the bonus content.

If you love sci-fi and want a true sci-fi game, I highly recommend Family Mysteries Echoes of Tomorrow. As always, please try the demo because you might enjoy this game as much as I did. Happy gaming! Show less

I recommend this game!

+57points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

21 of 22 found this review helpful

brilliant and different

PostedApril 20, 2020

crusades

fromfrance

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Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Yes it is slow, but such fun and the storyline is so different and a welcome change from evil ancient beings etc.. which I am SO tired of seeing,
The HOPS and puzzles are fantastic and also so different. The graphics are crisps and not bright purple or green which you see so often nowadaysl
These devs have done an excellent job in trying to change the game.

I recommend this game!

+20points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

15 of 15 found this review helpful

OUTSTANDING SERIES

PostedJuly 4, 2021

caseyduhamel

fromSD, Good Ol' U.S. of A.

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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):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Deja Vu

(39)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This series never disappoints! Excellent artwork and palette, great dialogue, terrific storylines, challenging puzzles and fantastic twists on the same ol' HOPs. I never thought I'd ever say this, but the HOPs in this game were very challenging and I enjoyed everyone of them! And I am not a HOPs person. Definitely some added humor in the dialogue. The VOs were very well done by the voice actors ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+15points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 18 found this review helpful

Not a Sci-Fi fan but wow, great game!!

PostedApril 21, 2020

krinneyd

fromNanaimo, BC, 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):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Excellent story line, one of the best in a very long, long, time. Not a new story but well put together. The puzzles and HOS's were really well thought out and just challenging enough for me, although some were really not my thing, like getting past guard mazes so I had to skip a few. I knew what I needed to do most of the game which I really like, so rarely needed the hint button - which was on a 40 second timer. I play at an intermediate level so no sparkles or glints for me. I didn't get all of the collectibles and you don't get to go back afterwards to find them so will have to play the game again - I prefer replaying than getting an easy out. Graphics were spectacular and precise. I felt that tension and suspense throughout the game, was really not sure I'd make it in time, (see what I did there) which is rare in a game. Even if you don't like Sci-fi, give the game a shot, it is one of the best in quite some time. Really worth it's full price. There's only one downfall, I REALLY, REALLY hate all of the popups!!! I'm not a challenge player so don't care whatsoever about trophy's and such. Please can you make those extremely annoying things go AWAY or at least have the option to turn off!?! They ruin the game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+16points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 10 found this review helpful

Finally a game with an actual story

PostedApril 24, 2020

crypsynight

fromWestern Australia

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game isnt your standard cookie cutter game that have been in abundance lately. It has a real story to it!.
Puzzles werent very challenging, but were different to all the same ones that keep rotating in the usual games.
It wasnt a fast game to play, but it run smoothly.
One of the best games i have played in years.
Only a few little annoyances. Firstly...they really need better voices - the main character's voice was irritating to say the least. Also, if you missed any of the collectibles you couldnt go back and get them at the end of the game.
The bonus chapter followed on from main game, but was quite short.
Definitely recommend this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

10 of 10 found this review helpful

Couldn't stop playing...

PostedApril 24, 2020

janechurch

fromWIGSTON, UK

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I don't normally submit reviews but had to put pen to paper (!!!) to shout out from the rooftops how great this game is.
Full of surprises although I had guessed the final one.
Puzzles are different and mostly very innovative. I often skip puzzles because they are just too complicated to bother, but these have just enough challenge make you to want to finish them.
As for the HOPs - yikes. Once ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

CAN YOU STOP A.R.N.O.L.D?

PostedMay 8, 2020

charlene_lane

fromWellington, New Zealand

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Beyond: Light Advent Collector's Edition

(158)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

Thank you Brave Giant - you created a masterpiece. This game is creative, visually stunning and, to top it off, challenging. There is:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* 24 Achievements;
* Find 28 digital articles and 14 morphs (main game only);
* 8 replayable mini-games and 8 replayble HOPs.

The ...Show more

REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS

Thank you Brave Giant - you created a masterpiece. This game is creative, visually stunning and, to top it off, challenging. There is:

The graphics are stunning and everywhere is crystal clear to see. You will be going to a lot of locations, so you are in for a treat.

The hidden object games are amazing. Yes, for the first time in ages we get challenging HOPs that take time to do. There are the usual interactive straightforward and silhouette (with morphs), but there are a few new ones as well that blew me away. Finally, I had to think, and for the first time in ages I didn't know what to do and had to nut it out (that's a good thing).

There are a great variety of mini-games ranging from easy to medium. All are accomplishable and I didn't skip any. The instructions are clear and I had a wonderful time doing them. I've been playing them again in the Extras.

There are 28 digital articles and 14 morphs in the main game only. Most of these are easy to spot but a few are elusive. Somehow (I must have got distracted) I missed a digital article and 1 morph from a scene, so I can't tell you about them in the Extras. Are they extra mini-games or HOPs or a puzzle? I'm not sure, so I will play the game again some time in the future and find out. Its a pity we can't find any after the game has finished (sigh!).

There are 24 achievements to get - and you will have to work hard to get them (I only got 22).

Overall, I had a fantastic time playing this game and I can't wait until the next one. For the first time in ages I had gadgets which I had no idea what to do with or how to use them. Does it fit there? Nope not even close. What about there? Yeees it does. The challenging HOPs and the creative mini-games makes this game very special.

Definitely comes recommended. I know its not to everyone's taste, but if you are a sci-fi freak like me, then you will love it.

Happy playing fishes - this is a gem. Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 8 found this review helpful

kept me hooked

PostedApril 25, 2020

greekroman

fromsouth uk

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Only leave a review when a game pulls me in, well done Brave Giant, good, innovative HOPS, some clever graphics and absorbing storyline. When you find a decent game you dont want to finish, as was the case here.

I recommend this game!

+8points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Family Mysteries: Echoes of Tomorrow Collector's Edition An inventor faces the consequences of his own invention! 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.