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Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger
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Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger

Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.8 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 18 reviews
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
2
1 Star
1
Fun Factor 
Good
4.1 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3.5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.9 / 5
PC
English
Mariaglorum Company brings you a chilling new case in Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger!

When a police station is attacked, you're called in to help investigate. Things take an unexpected turn when the clues point to an ancient dagger and the spectre that wields it! With such a dangerous foe, and countless families in danger, can you uncover the fiend’s origins and save the day? Find out in this spine-tingling hidden-object puzzle adventure game!

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: 552 MB

Big Fish Games App System Requirements

Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later

Reviews

Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger

Average Rating:
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.8 / 5
3.8 out of 5 ( 18 Reviews Review )
75%(12 out of 16) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Average Rating Breakdown
Fun Factor 
Good
4.1 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3.5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.9 / 5
75%(12 out of 16) of players recommend this game
Authentic Reviews Authentic Reviews
Customer Reviews
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Ratings summary
Average Rating Breakdown
Overall rating 
Liked it!
3.8 / 5
See average rating breakdown
Average Rating breakdown 18 reviews
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
2
1 Star
1
Fun Factor 
Good
4.1 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4.3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3.5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
3.9 / 5
75%(12 out of 16) of players recommend this game
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Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
59 of 65 found this review helpful
Finally
PostedMarch 17, 2018
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CiCiRR
 
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fromOntario, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
 
Current Favorite:
 
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I quit my membership with Big Fish because many of the games were becoming too "Harry Potter" like. Magic symbols, gizmos and runes that have no bearing in the real world, or honestly make no sense to real people. My mind is just not that dark and mysterious. But this game, this game finally makes sense. A saw that actually cuts wood instead of a shark with jagged teeth. Mini-games logical to ...Show more
I quit my membership with Big Fish because many of the games were becoming too "Harry Potter" like. Magic symbols, gizmos and runes that have no bearing in the real world, or honestly make no sense to real people. My mind is just not that dark and mysterious. But this game, this game finally makes sense. A saw that actually cuts wood instead of a shark with jagged teeth. Mini-games logical to solve, but not too logical to make them easy. The whole game, so far experienced in the trial, just makes sense. The storyline is not outrageous. Meaning it's believable. Not too many games released recently provide the common-sense approach that makes this game such a joy to play. Congrats to the developers for bringing a bit of the real world into an otherwise cosmic genre so alien to most normal folks. Maybe that crap manifests itself later in the game, but so far in the trial, I applaud EVERYTHING. Show less
I recommend this game!
+53points
59of 65voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes59No6
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
38 of 44 found this review helpful
DEFEAT THE DARK KING
PostedMarch 16, 2018
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charlene_lane
 
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fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
 
Current Favorite:
 
 
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
What a terrific game and I really enjoyed it. There are:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map.
The graphics are great - colours are bright but not garish and everywhere is clear to see - no gloomy scenes. The music is orchestral and nice to listen to.
The hidden object games are highly interactive ...Show more
REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
What a terrific game and I really enjoyed it. There are:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map.
The graphics are great - colours are bright but not garish and everywhere is clear to see - no gloomy scenes. The music is orchestral and nice to listen to.
The hidden object games are highly interactive straightforward, silhouette, finding similar pairs and finding one item to use to find another, etc. Items are clear to see and each HOP takes around 3-5 minutes to do.
There are a huge variety of different mini-games to play. These are all very easy to do. I've seen them all before but I always enjoy doing them again. Even if you don't like mini-games much, these are all very accomplishable to do in a short amount of time.
I found I didn't need to use the interactive map at all because you only travelling within a few scenes at a time before you move on.
So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE, the bonus game carries on from the main game. There are also 23 crowns to find, some of which are very well hidden. This is the first game in ages that I really had to look hard to find them. There are 8 collections (characters) to find, which are very easy. My personal preference here would be the CE.
All up the game and bonus took me about 6 hours or so, playing during the week. I thought it was quite a long game, probably because there is so much to do in each scene.
Overall, a decent adventure game with a sense of urgency that will keep you busy.
Happy playing fishies. Show less
I recommend this game!
+32points
38of 44voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes38No6
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
22 of 28 found this review helpful
~~ANOTHER MYSTICAL ADDITON TO THIS CONTINUING SERIES!~~
PostedMarch 16, 2018
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skullfun
 
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fromMariaGlorum really know how to create an action packed series that fans continue to love!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
 
Current Favorite:
Mystery of the Ancients: Lockwood Manor Collector's Edition
4.2 out of 5(44)
 
 
 
 
 
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
Kudos to Mariaglorum for their 7th edition to the Mystery of the Ancients Series! In this latest medieval mystery a man with supernatural strength and speed is out and about murdering folks in the city. You and Detective Duncan must use your expertise to solve these thrilling crimes in Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector’s Edition. The story tells of a King who was driven to insanity ...Show more
Kudos to Mariaglorum for their 7th edition to the Mystery of the Ancients Series! In this latest medieval mystery a man with supernatural strength and speed is out and about murdering folks in the city. You and Detective Duncan must use your expertise to solve these thrilling crimes in Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger Collector’s Edition. The story tells of a King who was driven to insanity by dark forces he delved into. The King kills himself with a "black dagger' when the ancient families of the time period discover the King has been participating in these dark forces and decide to take actions against him. Before the King dies from the piercing black dagger he vows out loud to be resurrected which is heard by one of his loyal subjects. Who is this loyal subject and culprit? It seems to be a relative. A relative who is eager to do the King's bidding too in an attempt to resurrect him. There are 3 ancient families who posses ancient artifacts (a ring, bracelet, and a ruby eye) which you and Detective Duncan must locate and use to stop the resurrection of the King. You must also save the 3 descendants of the ancient families who posses these ancient artifacts for the mysterious man with supernatural powers plans on murdering each descendant for their artifact which makes him even more powerful. The task isn't easy but the action packed adventure aspect to this edition engages you to solve this enigma from start to finish. I love this series and this is definitely a 5 star game. Fans of the series are in for a face paced medieval mystery that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this one for casual adventure lovers and sleuths of every level of play. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did and I hope to play many more of these games in the on-going saga....Cheers!
In this series:
• Mystery of the Ancients: Lockwood Manor
• Mystery of the Ancients: Curse of the Black Water
• Mystery of the Ancients: Three Guardians
• Mystery of the Ancients: Deadly Cold
• Mystery of the Ancients: Mud Water Creek
• Mystery of the Ancients: The Sealed and Forgotten
• Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger
Show less
I recommend this game!
+16points
22of 28voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes22No6
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Nice Mix of Play and Story
PostedMarch 18, 2018
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LikeAGoodStory
 
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Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
Story is important to me, and I liked this mixture of detective and a bit of magic. Frankly, I favor whodunit and detective stories with little gore and few dark, bone-strewn scenes, and I was not disappointed. This is my first Mystery of the Ancients, and I intend to try another. For me, this was just the right mixture of story, strategy, mini games, and HOPs (these were particularly good). Well ...Show more
Story is important to me, and I liked this mixture of detective and a bit of magic. Frankly, I favor whodunit and detective stories with little gore and few dark, bone-strewn scenes, and I was not disappointed. This is my first Mystery of the Ancients, and I intend to try another. For me, this was just the right mixture of story, strategy, mini games, and HOPs (these were particularly good). Well done, developers. Show less
+9points
10of 11voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes10No1
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Brilliant game
PostedApril 13, 2020
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istara
 
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fromSydney, Australia
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 greatly enjoyed this game, what I particularly liked was the interesting variety of hidden object puzzles and the fact that items didn't immediately disappear if they are needed more than once. (I hate games where you have to find eight different "knives" - why not just keep the first one?)
Some really imaginative puzzles, and nothing that felt "junk pile".
I was only able to play the ...Show more
I greatly enjoyed this game, what I particularly liked was the interesting variety of hidden object puzzles and the fact that items didn't immediately disappear if they are needed more than once. (I hate games where you have to find eight different "knives" - why not just keep the first one?)
Some really imaginative puzzles, and nothing that felt "junk pile".
I was only able to play the first hour of the game (there was an activation issue which Big Fish has refunded me for) however if the rest of the game is even half as good as the demo, it's worth playing. Show less
I recommend this game!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes3No0
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
Save the Town From the Past
PostedMarch 25, 2018
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deddu
 
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fromCalifornia USA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I totally agree with all the other comments on this game -- it is fun from beginning to end. I would add that I really liked the variety of mini-games (some very familiar but enjoyable) and the hidden objects where you find an item use it to find another one, etc.
I recommend this game!
+3points
5of 7voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes5No2
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
35 of 39 found this review helpful
IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER
PostedMarch 18, 2018
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pennmom36
 
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fromApparently his black magic isn't useless!
  • Top Reviewer
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I'll be honest, I was unable to finish playing this game because I kept having compatibility issues, and I'm going to have to make a few adjustments and make sure everything's up to date. I was however, able to progress far enough past the demo section, to confirm, at least in my mind, that this game is absolutely worth the effort, and worthy of my purchase dollars. There are 6 Main Chapters (+ ...Show more
I'll be honest, I was unable to finish playing this game because I kept having compatibility issues, and I'm going to have to make a few adjustments and make sure everything's up to date. I was however, able to progress far enough past the demo section, to confirm, at least in my mind, that this game is absolutely worth the effort, and worthy of my purchase dollars. There are 6 Main Chapters (+ bonus chapter in the CE) and the storyline is very interesting, without all the highs and lows that you sometimes encounter after some game demos. I purchased this game in the Collector's Edition version, which is my personal preference because I love the extra challenge of finding collectibles. It is only because of this preference that I knocked this Standard Edition version down by one star, versus the five star's I gave the Collector's Edition version. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
The enemy has breached the castle gates, as they stand at the threshold, they make their demands. "You can't hide in the castle forever, your armies are defeated, and your black magic is useless, we've won, surrender!" The King had no intention of surrendering, and his black magic is anything but useless, in fact, what he does next, may very well, punish the townspeople for generations to come!
Sure, this story has been done before, but I gotta give Mariaglorum credit for putting a fresh perspective aspect to an age old storyline. The graphics for the most part are fantastic, but at times, seem cartoonish within zoom zones or Hidden Object Scenes. But the one thing that stands out in this game, are the abundance of Mini Game Puzzles, not just small easy puzzles, but multi-layered puzzles, puzzles that are creative and FUN! I also fell in love with the fact that this game starts out in Medieval Times, but fast forwards into modern times.
In the Collector's Edition version, there are 23 Hidden Crowns to search for, and 8 Character Figurines to Collect. One feature I've always liked, that's offered by this dev, is that you can refer to the Collections Icon, and see exactly where you missed finding a collectible, because the missing collectible spot glows and tells you which scene the missing collectible is located in. I also like the unique Achievement they always offer, of answering simple questions about the game, to see if you're paying attention to details.
The Hidden Object Scenes themselves aren't that special, but they are highly interactive. What does make them special, is the fact that they have included Mini Games, the keyword here being Game(s) Which I will list in the next paragraph. As I said earlier, I felt like the graphics could have been less cartoonish within the HOP's and Zoom Zones.
The Mini Games, well, quite frankly, I had a blast, this game is a Puzzle Geeks dream come true! There are so many puzzles in this game, so if you're not into a game heavy on the puzzle side, you may want to sit this game out. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Click on tumbler wheels to match symbols shown on the clue, that automatically posts above the lock. (I do miss the good ole days of having to remember clues or refer to your journal!)
2) Sift through several keys to find the key that matches the image on the clue.
3) A three part super puzzle #1: Move the wires by adjusting various sliders so that none of the wires intersect.
4) #2:Select and drag two colored switches to the tiles of partial symbols so that the two images combined, match the colored symbol shown.
5) #3: Reassemble the image by swapping square puzzle tiles.
6) HOP puzzle: Align the radio waves, by adjusting a slider bar and two different adjustment knobs.
7) Assemble torn picture fragments to complete the image.
8) Use directional arrows on the GPS map to locate the correct destination.
9) Guide the raccoon through the dimly lit maze, to find two fuzes.
10) Create paths between matching colored locks by drawing a line between each lock without crossing paths.
The Collector's Edition version has 18 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 6 Movie Videos, 10 Achievements to earn in 3 different categories, (including an achievement for answering simple game questions) a Jigsaw Puzzle to assemble, 23 Hidden Crowns, 8 Collectible Character figurines, 6 Main Chapters, a Bonus Chapter and a built in Strategy Guide, enjoy!

MYSTERY OF THE ANCIENTS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Lockwood Manor (September 22-2011) 4.2
2-Curse of the Black Water (November 1-2012) 4.5
3-Three Guardians (January 30-2014) 4.5
4-Deadly Cold (February 5-2015) 4.1
5-Mud Water Creek (April 14-2016) 4.2
6-The Sealed And Forgotten (March 2-2017) 4.0
7-Black Dagger (February 15-2018) 4.3
by: Mariaglorum Company
Mariaglorum Games Available
Mystery of the Ancients/League of Light/Kate Arrow/Bonfire Stories
Show less
I recommend this game!
+31points
35of 39voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes35No4
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THE BLACK DAGGER AND WHY IT IS SO POWERFUL
PostedMarch 16, 2018
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biscuitsmama
 
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fromAnother evil entity but at least the game has a great mystery storyline
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
There has been an attack at the local police station and Detective Duncan has called on you for assistance because of your renown in solving supernatural crimes. When you arrive at the scene everything is in shambles and several officers reported that the attacker had superhuman strength and speed, so Duncan thinks that you might be the right person to solve this case.
I enjoy the graphics ...Show more
There has been an attack at the local police station and Detective Duncan has called on you for assistance because of your renown in solving supernatural crimes. When you arrive at the scene everything is in shambles and several officers reported that the attacker had superhuman strength and speed, so Duncan thinks that you might be the right person to solve this case.
I enjoy the graphics from Mariaglorum, and many of my favorite games come from their development team. In the Black Dagger the graphics are realistic and colorful so I am happy. The voiceovers and sound package in general are excellent as well and suit the game perfectly. Another think I enjoy in this game is the true custom setting where I can make my hint and skip times as low or as high as I want. I happen to be a bit impatient so being able to set a very low time suits me perfectly.
There are some absolutely terrific HOPS early in the game at least and I think my favorite is one that has several mini puzzles included. The HOPS are very creative and it looks like all of them are interactive including the list style. The regular Puzzles are excellent, although some might think they are easy. Even though the puzzles might seem easy there were some that I found challenging. I do enjoy puzzles but sometimes I don’t particularly care for the motion type where we must trace lines with our mouse or toggle this n’ that to open something or another. This game doesn’t seem to have too many of that type of puzzle – thankfully, at least in the game’s demo.
The CE version of the game includes 8 Character Statuettes and 23 Crowns to find. There are also the ever present achievements to earn. The other extras are 18 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art, Music, 8 Videos, a Bonus Chapter and a 40-page Strategy Guide. The downfall in the CE is that it doesn’t look like there are morphing objects nor can we replay the HOPS or Puzzles.
Although the game has an evil entity I love the modern day mystery concept so it isn’t quite as bad. I have said before that I definitely would like to get away from the evil being theme that seems to permeate the game world but I wonder if that will ever happen. Lately we have had a few games that are strictly crime solving games and I have found them quite refreshing. Why can’t we have great mysteries like the old Agatha Christy games instead of some dark entity seeking to wreak havoc on some unsuspecting souls? That being said I love this game in spite of the ancient evil character mostly because of the gameplay and the interesting storyline. Having very creative HOPS and then Puzzles increase my enjoyment as I follow the mystery behind the Black Dagger. Mariaglorum creates some awesome games such as the League of Light series and Bonfire Stories that I highly recommend. After playing the beta for the game some months ago I have been eagerly awaiting the full release of the CE. Even though I purchased the game as soon as it was released, I always recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming! Show less
I recommend this game!
+22points
24of 26voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes24No2
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
The Valor of Their Ancestors is Killing the Descendants
PostedMarch 17, 2018
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Granny_Gruff
 
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fromHiding under a pile of blankets, waiting for Spring to arrive!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
An evil king is trapped in his castle and defeat seems inevitable.
But the old reprobate has one more trick up his sleeve. He puts his soul into a dagger just as the leaders of the rebellion break through the castle gates. They have won, but only temporarily!
Many years later you are called in to help investigate an attack on a police station by Detective Duncan. He knows your reputation with
...Show more
An evil king is trapped in his castle and defeat seems inevitable.
But the old reprobate has one more trick up his sleeve. He puts his soul into a dagger just as the leaders of the rebellion break through the castle gates. They have won, but only temporarily!
Many years later you are called in to help investigate an attack on a police station by Detective Duncan. He knows your reputation with supernatural cases. An attacker with superhuman strength has ravaged the local police station and your help is needed.
Good stuff: A variety of HOPs, lots of mini-games and puzzles, great artwork, and a well written mystery story unite to form the newest entry in the Mystery of the Ancients series.
Bad stuff: I really like the story and the game play, but I had to deduct one star for bad logic, which reared it's ugly head and kept me from completely enjoying the story and game play. I won't depress us both by listing the sad details, but hopefully you can see past them.
Bottom line: I played through the CE version and enjoyed it, but ran into trouble with some of the longer puzzles when they did not work as intended.
If you did not try the Demo when the CE came out, please try it now. The bonus chapter was fine, but I would not have missed it if I'd waited for the SE. This leaves you with an open field to choose either version. Good gaming. Show less
I recommend this game!
+15points
19of 23voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes19No4
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
BASED ON THE COMPLETED GAME
PostedMarch 18, 2018
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LunaNik
 
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fromDear devs…Be more like Mariaglorum.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
OVERVIEW
• immersive storyline
• complex HO scenes
• innovative puzzles
• moderately challenging gameplay
• incredibly detailed graphics and stunning animation
• lovely ambient soundtrack
STORYLINE
An ancient king wages war with dark magic, but when trapped in his castle by the opposing force, he suicides and transfers his soul to the black dagger, to be wielded by his minion.
...Show more
OVERVIEW
• immersive storyline
• complex HO scenes
• innovative puzzles
• moderately challenging gameplay
• incredibly detailed graphics and stunning animation
• lovely ambient soundtrack
STORYLINE
An ancient king wages war with dark magic, but when trapped in his castle by the opposing force, he suicides and transfers his soul to the black dagger, to be wielded by his minion. Generations later, there's a string of unsolved murders, and Detective Duncan calls on your supernatural expertise to help.
Even though this is yet another supernatural story with artifacts, every element is explained and in context. Both story and characters have depth. There are several subplots and surprising twists, so I won't say any more.
GAMEPLAY
Exploration—Some running around, but confined to small areas. Quite a few of the tasks are predictable, repeated, and rather silly. However, the series of actions you must take is intuitive, and there's no bizarre use of inventory items. I would have liked more variety instead of repeatedly oiling rust, using acid on metal, and repairing ladders.
HO Scenes—Best I've seen in ages. Most of them were presented in an original format, multi-layered, and extremely interactive. They were not pro forma, and they took some time to complete. Many included puzzles. My favorites were a find-and-use in a close-up of hunting trophies, and a find multiples then match drawings in a library.
Puzzles—A mix of familiar and new in varying difficulty levels from fairly easy to moderately involved. My favorites were a complex piano puzzle that required deciphering markings, a multi-level puzzle involving a computer, and a maze with obstacles in a hospital. (Who doesn't get lost in a hospital? I swear, they're all designed by Escher.)
There was a refreshing lack of hand-holding, gimmicky gadgets, and animal helpers. Also, gameplay was well-integrated and contextual, not merely pasted into the plot.
GRAPHICS/ANIMATION
Incredibly realistic graphics! Fabrics have detailed textures and skin includes pores and 5 o'clock shadow. Shadows and light are perfectly done. No effort was spared to add details, including dust falling from bolts as they're unscrewed. And the animation of characters is lifelike.
MUSIC/SOUND
The music mostly remains in the background, but doesn't fade from your attention. Instead, it accents both the mood of the scene and your actions. Voiceovers are excellent, as are environmental sounds. And game sounds are not intrusive.
TECH STUFF
Scenes transition quickly, and hotspots are appropriate. Animation doesn't interfere with gameplay, and is smooth with a high frame rate. There's a refreshing lack of pop-up banners, with the exception of a small one near the inventory panel that details your current goal.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this is nearly a five-star game. Had the challenge level been increased a bit, and had there been fewer silly and repetitive tasks, it would be perfect. I highly recommend it, as well as the rest of the games in this series, except Mud Water Creek.
GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Lockwood Manor (2011)
Curse of the Black Water (2012)
Three Guardians (2014)
Deadly Cold (2015)
Mud Water Creek (2016)
The Sealed and Forgotten (2017)
Show less
I recommend this game!
+12points
14of 16voted this as helpful.
Was this review helpful?Yes14No2
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Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger

Mystery of the Ancients: Black Dagger

An ancient evil returns...

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