Left in the Dark: No One on Board > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

50 of 55 found this review helpful

Wowsers! This is a very good game!

PostedAugust 28, 2013

phatkhat

fromAsh Flat, AR

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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):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Nearwood Collector's Edition

(117)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I would give this really 4.5 stars, because it isn't the best game Artifex has done, but it's a darn sight better than most of the games we've been getting! And I'm rating it against other SEs, not against CEs or their subsequent SE versions.

I'm really a fan of story-driven games, and this one delivers big time! Yes, we've seen ghost ships before, but this one grabbed me from the opening ...Show more

I would give this really 4.5 stars, because it isn't the best game Artifex has done, but it's a darn sight better than most of the games we've been getting! And I'm rating it against other SEs, not against CEs or their subsequent SE versions.

I'm really a fan of story-driven games, and this one delivers big time! Yes, we've seen ghost ships before, but this one grabbed me from the opening cutscene, and hasn't let go yet! It is truly creepy, and has "gotcha" moments galore.

The graphics are a bit dated, but this does take place in the 19th century. They were clear and sharp, and well drawn. The HOS are not overly junkpiley, and are not overly difficult. Not a lot of anachronisms - I only noticed one, and it wasn't disturbing, really. Somewhat interactive.

The music is very well suited, and adds to the atmosphere. The ambient sounds are also well done, and not overdone. I liked the V/Os, too. The old men of the sea/harbor sounded the parts.

Sometimes it is easy to tell where a game is going, but I didn't find this one to be at all obvious. The mystery will unravel in due course.

Three difficulty levels, I played the hardest, and there is not much handholding. The cursor will turn to a magnifier when you mouse over a HOS, fortunately. Didn't find all the map pieces yet, but I rarely use a map, anyhow. Haven't used the hints yet, so not sure how useful they are. There is a click penalty in the expert mode, but only in HOS.

The puzzles and adventuring are pretty logical and not taxing, though there is some to and fro. It isn't entirely linear, either, which is kind of nice.

The game filled my widescreen without issue. No bugs or problems with either the DL or play.

I will offer a snake warning! There is one scene in the beginning that will scare the bejeebers out of you if you are as snake phobic as I am! Fortunately, the snake is pretty easy to get rid of, once your heartrate is back to normal, LOL. There are also a few obligatory spiders, but they are not threatening.

This is definitely on my Monday buy list - if I can wait that long... Show less

I recommend this game!

+45points

50of 55voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

25 of 28 found this review helpful

Maritime mystery, dark atmoshpere - I like it!

PostedAugust 29, 2013

ClockworkMan

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Its an old fashioned hopa game which is not bad, especially that game is well done.

Story:
I personally love the maritime or seaside stories, so the game meet my taste perfectly. The storyline is clear and straightforward. It could be a bit more deep and developed but it is no problem as the story is well told. Basically there is a ship with missing crew and we (as a Madam Detective) have to ...Show more

Its an old fashioned hopa game which is not bad, especially that game is well done.

Story:
I personally love the maritime or seaside stories, so the game meet my taste perfectly. The storyline is clear and straightforward. It could be a bit more deep and developed but it is no problem as the story is well told. Basically there is a ship with missing crew and we (as a Madam Detective) have to solve the mystery.

Audio and Video:
The graphic is very good. Hand painted locations creates really dark and mysterious atmoshpere. In some places you can almost smell the sea ;)
Some painted objects are a little blurry and locations little foggy but I think it fit well with the overall mood of the story. I would say that some parts are even too colorful.

Music is more ambient than a catchy movie score. It could be a bit more memorable. But after all it does its job and complements the visual art.

Voices of the characters are well acted (love the accent of the ferryman ;) ).

Gameplay:
As I wrote on the beginning its an old fashioned and solid piece of hopa game. So there are hidden object scenes, variety of riddles and puzzles. Most of them are well designed and intuitive. The biggest problem is that the riddles/puzzles are sometimes bit too easy. That doesn`t mean they are no fun, quite the opposite. The gameplay has a "fun factor" without doubt.

Final words:
I like this game, especially the setting and mood. There are a few minor cons but they are really doesnt matter.
If you sink deep into the maritime atmosphere the main problem appear - game is a little too short. Its only my personal opinion but - I want it more :) Show less

I recommend this game!

+22points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

22 of 24 found this review helpful

Love the art, story and gameplay

PostedNovember 24, 2013

Snowview

fromWhite City, Oregon

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

Current Favorite:

Tulula: Legend of a Volcano

(20)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on completed game.
I'm a sucker for maritime tales and am often disappointed but not by this one. I absolutely loved the rougher hand-drawn art. Very in keeping with the theme and not over-pretty. I got involved in the story right away and it was truly spooky. I never got lost--the scenes were different from one another and you played between a limited number of them at a time. The hint ...Show more

Based on completed game.
I'm a sucker for maritime tales and am often disappointed but not by this one. I absolutely loved the rougher hand-drawn art. Very in keeping with the theme and not over-pretty. I got involved in the story right away and it was truly spooky. I never got lost--the scenes were different from one another and you played between a limited number of them at a time. The hint button and all mechanics worked perfectly. I even enjoyed the shorter length as it made a nice tight package and wrapped up the story well rather than drawing things out finding more and more tools just to add to the length. I found the voices pleasant. The fact that I could return to a HOS and found the items I had found before were gone was wonderful. All in all an exceptionally fun game experience. Show less

I recommend this game!

+20points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

18 of 19 found this review helpful

LOVED IT

PostedJuly 8, 2016

charlene_lane

fromWellington, New Zealand

Key Contributor
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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Fairly Twisted Tales: The Price Of A Rose

(136)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This game is awesome. There is:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map; and
* Notebook

Now, I know that the graphics are not that great. However, its easy to see everywhere and items you need are clear to find. Its just that everywhere is kind of grainy and a bit dark. But don't let that put you off because its such a great ...Show more

This game is awesome. There is:

* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map; and
* Notebook

Now, I know that the graphics are not that great. However, its easy to see everywhere and items you need are clear to find. Its just that everywhere is kind of grainy and a bit dark. But don't let that put you off because its such a great game.

Sound is good and the music is orchestral and piano. There is a lot of screeching and animal sounds throughout the game which made it eerie and kind of spooky. This fitted well with the game.

The hidden object games are straightforward and are quite cluttered and some items are hard to find. Some I just breezed through and others I spent ages on. You will do each of the HOPs twice.

I loved the mini-games. Yes, we've seen them all before but it was fun doing them again. None of them are hard to do and you can get back on to the game again fairly quickly.

All up the game took me about 4 hours, not skipping or hinting anything.

Overall, this really is a fun game to play. There is a sense of urgency to help Isabella and to find out who the murderer is. There is plenty to do and you will never get bored. Well done to the developers. Definitely comes recommended. Happy playing fishies. Show less

I recommend this game!

+17points

18of 19voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 24 found this review helpful

So worth a free game!!!!

PostedSeptember 3, 2013

rugspot

fromTN.

Key Contributor
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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Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I played the free trial. At that time not sure. Took a chance anyway. So glad I did lots, of HO's I love that. I am very hard, on game reviews. I wait for games, beyond 5 stars. Please Big Fish don't waste our time on, stupid games. For our membership they should be amazing.

I recommend this game!

+10points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

11 of 15 found this review helpful

Loved No One on Board....didn't get bored!

PostedSeptember 29, 2013

skullfun

fromTennessee

Key Contributor
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, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Current Favorite:

Nearwood

(96)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Very spooky adventure with several surprises. The graphics, the big cursor, and stories makes me love Artifex. Kudos to developers. Solve murder with plenty of HOS/ Puzzles and V/O's are great. The murderer also looks like the killer in I Know what you did last summer (horror flick).
The ending was shocking. I had no problem complying with the murder's wishes.....PUSH!

I recommend this game!

+7points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

3 of 3 found this review helpful

I have been waiting for a long time for a great game like this!

PostedJuly 18, 2017

bjdjtjbjd

fromGood Ole' 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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Based on the completed game.

I love when they stick to the story and NOT run off to do needless find and seek then get back to the story now and then.

This game is like watching a movie and your in it from beginning to end. I wish more devs would take a lesson on the gameplay of this game!

I like to play games to relax and to enjoy my time with them, NOT pull my hair out of my head trying ...Show more

Based on the completed game.

I love when they stick to the story and NOT run off to do needless find and seek then get back to the story now and then.

This game is like watching a movie and your in it from beginning to end. I wish more devs would take a lesson on the gameplay of this game!

I like to play games to relax and to enjoy my time with them, NOT pull my hair out of my head trying to see or understand
what the dev thought up with.

To me, life is hard enough without adding more tension in it.
I know there are people that want, real hard hair pulling puzzles to tease and work their brains: All I can say is, different strokes for different folks...

I'm so happy that is was for $2.99 today or I may have missed out on this, gem of a game.!!!

Everything was great about this game.

Visuals were bright and crisp.

Sound was excellent.

In casual, hint recharged fast.

Storyline was excellent.

Lots of puzzles for those that like them.

Lots and lots of HOG"s for those that love them.

Fantastic game for all levels of gamers! It's just a great game,
that keeps you interested in it from beginning to end.

Try the demo and see if this game is your cup of tea... Show less

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

5 of 7 found this review helpful

a very good game

PostedSeptember 15, 2013

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

you're "madame detective " and have been sent to an island where people disappeared and the ships are found abandoned and captains and crews are nowhere to be found. a little girl's spirit comes to you and helps you some throughout the game. you find the ID of the detective that was sent before and was never heard from again. played casual, no sound. hint/skip charge in about 30-45 seconds. didn't ...Show more

you're "madame detective " and have been sent to an island where people disappeared and the ships are found abandoned and captains and crews are nowhere to be found. a little girl's spirit comes to you and helps you some throughout the game. you find the ID of the detective that was sent before and was never heard from again. played casual, no sound. hint/skip charge in about 30-45 seconds. didn't time it. the mini games could be hard if you are like me. i had to skip quite a few. the graphics are good but some scenes take a little time to find the objects because of the number in the scene (crowded) but sometimes they are well hidden and blend in. diary and interactive map. sequel...i think so. Show less

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

4 of 7 found this review helpful

Great Little Game!

PostedAugust 29, 2013

JaNor

fromOceano, CA

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Now I know this isn't a CE game. But this game was great for what is was, pretty simple, good story, good voiceovers,a chance for a sequel, just what I like. I loved it. Give it a chance, it is worth at least a free coupon.

I recommend this game!

+1point

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Overall rating

5 / 5

2 of 4 found this review helpful

What a great game

PostedAugust 18, 2014

Meanlean

fromZerline, Spring Tx

Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Current Favorite:

Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst ™

(217)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

this game held my attention from beginning to the end Ho was great not too hard, I would like to play seminal game thumbs up great game get this game wish it was in collector game soon.

I recommend this game!

0points

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	, share your thoughts about this game! Left in the Dark: No One on Board Beware the secrets hidden on the abandoned ship! 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.