Surface: The Soaring City Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

218 of 234 found this review helpful

Been waiting for this one...

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

majageorg

fromBlack Forest - Germany

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

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

… and downloaded it without playing the demo first. I guess I’m half through now and still totally enthusiastic! Astonishing locations, real actors, welldone gameplay: found items are used topical. 3 modes to choose from. 8 chapters plus bonus-chapter. Very helpful hintsystem: telling you what to do next. We have an interactive map together with a tasklist. Lots of iHOS of that kind, that you have ...Show more

… and downloaded it without playing the demo first. I guess I’m half through now and still totally enthusiastic! Astonishing locations, real actors, welldone gameplay: found items are used topical. 3 modes to choose from. 8 chapters plus bonus-chapter. Very helpful hintsystem: telling you what to do next. We have an interactive map together with a tasklist. Lots of iHOS of that kind, that you have to combine some of your items out of your inventory with items in the HOS. Many minigames, some new, unfortunately not very challenging ;) And what I appreciate in a CE: We earn achievements and collect (the typical surface) flowers. With these flowers we are able to restore different areas in our philanthropy. All in all - although this game is not very challenging - you have a lot to do and find out and that’s just great fun!! Again: Elephant Games did a good job! Show less

I recommend this game!

+202points

218of 234voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes218No16

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

156 of 169 found this review helpful

Wonderful Game

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

cherleadford

fromTX

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):Family, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I finished all the demo and I am getting ready to buy the game. I have become selective about what CE games I buy. This game is well worth the price, The story line is great as well as the graphics. The voice overs are very pleasing. The puzzles are not real challenging but very pleasant and does not distract from the story line nor the entertainment of the game. I love the interaction of the HOS ...Show more

I finished all the demo and I am getting ready to buy the game. I have become selective about what CE games I buy. This game is well worth the price, The story line is great as well as the graphics. The voice overs are very pleasing. The puzzles are not real challenging but very pleasant and does not distract from the story line nor the entertainment of the game. I love the interaction of the HOS and map. It is not the same run of the mill dark sinister same old story line game. Thanks Show less

I recommend this game!

+143points

156of 169voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes156No13

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

127 of 137 found this review helpful

WOW!!!

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

ThelmaBG

fromLondon

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love Collector's Edition

(101)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

This is only based on an hour's play, however, I felt compelled to write a short review as this game has completely taken my breath away! I absolutely love Elephant Games, and they never fail to deliver...however, this time around they've completely outdone themselves! The story is absolutely fascinating and a completely new concept, the graphics are (as always) stunning, the music and sound ...Show more

This is only based on an hour's play, however, I felt compelled to write a short review as this game has completely taken my breath away! I absolutely love Elephant Games, and they never fail to deliver...however, this time around they've completely outdone themselves! The story is absolutely fascinating and a completely new concept, the graphics are (as always) stunning, the music and sound effects are brilliant, there is plenty to do in each new scene, it's very challenging without being frustrating, there are achievements as well as collectables...simply put, they know what works (for example, Surface: The Noise she Didn't Make, Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love) and have stuck to the blueprint. Thus, if you love other Elephant games, you'll be blown away by this one :) Show less

I recommend this game!

+117points

127of 137voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes127No10

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

81 of 89 found this review helpful

Surface is back and this is what a CE should look like - bonus review is at bottom

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

gingergal

fromoutside Seattle, WA

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, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Review as usual of finished game - CE extras and bonus at bottom

Elephant is back at the flagship of the series – surface. I say that over MT as they always seem to have put more effort into surface – never repeating old areas, new transporter maps as well as achievements, collectables etc. See below all the extras they have.

I did love this game, surface has a different feel than their other ...Show more

Review as usual of finished game - CE extras and bonus at bottom

Elephant is back at the flagship of the series – surface. I say that over MT as they always seem to have put more effort into surface – never repeating old areas, new transporter maps as well as achievements, collectables etc. See below all the extras they have.

I did love this game, surface has a different feel than their other games and even from each other. Although the first one IMO is the best and the second one was close - this for me didn’t beat them.

After having so many fairy tales recently it’s good to see them back at this type of game, even though I enjoyed some of them and it was different this is my favourite type of game from them and I am glad they haven’t forgotten their old customers.

After the fairy tales this may seem more male driven with elements of steam punk but it’s very clever as there is a more feminine thread of a storyline throughout so again it appeals to both sexes. I’m not at all mechanical and I don’t think there is much of that at all in it as I don’t like that and I as a woman loved it. This is not for men only!! Although I'm sure after all the fairy tales they must be relieved with this game!

There are no witches, demon possession or anything like that in this game.

I was a bit disappointed as they did go back to a short bit of an old area, although some added things were in it. The transporter map is a bit different as it’s not entirely new ones, but more a scrolling one with old areas locked and then hidden. So you need to look for all your collectables as you go as you can’t go back.

The live actors which I love they still need to work on the lip synch. If the game is going out in English can’t the lip synch be in English? The voiceover is in English.

25 PUZZLES (all the ones that had a skip button on them)

I nearly despaired at the puzzles in the demo as they were so easy and so mundane and also at the small screen most of the puzzles seem to be in. I like full screen puzzles. As the extras says all puzzles unlocked and there are only 15 there, I think if they put a skip button on the interactions as some people might get stuck and they aren’t really puzzles.

It wasn’t till a fair bit through it, I found a couple of fun not that hard puzzles. I loved the hamster one. Most of them though were just OK only a few I thought was really fun. I do wish most of them were either a bit harder as the first surface had more puzzles that were about a medium in them or more that were different. At least there were a few that were different later.

Challenging game seems to be dying out as more devs are catering for a wider range of people. So those of us who like that have now nowhere to go to although later on the gameplay did get more challenging as it went on but that was more memory but the puzzles mostly weren't (a couple were.)

12 HOS

As usual, no repeats, no random click penalty, no sparkles on HOS on advanced and here it’s all lists and you need inventory items on them. If you are a stuck at one come back later when you have more inventory items. I’d say all of them were junk pile but at least colourful. Most were well defined but I have noticed of late that some items don’t have as sharp edges to them which is a shame.

GRAPHICS

Cutscenes were mostly very pixalated, I don’t know if that is because they are trying to get the game into the smallest download but I do wish they would then offer two different games – one uncompressed for us who have unlimited broadband. They haven’t had that in previous MT or surface games so don’t know why that is. Also some outdoor scenes aren’t their usual sharpness and plain WOW that I remember, but some were. I love the colourful, very sharp graphics than the fuzzy kind – and some of the scenes outside stone buildings were a bit like that.

I don’t give 5 stars out to CEs even if I love them if they don’t have all the bells and whistles as what do I do then when a CE comes along like this and does?

CE extras

Achievements
Collectables
“Philanthropy”
Screensavers
Wallpaper
Concept art
15 unlockable all mini-games
4 music
4 bonus video (don’t miss that)
Bonus chapter
SG

The philanthropy area was very clever, each area you had been to which was run down you restore. It’s a place where you can spend all your collectables. I love collectables as games are getting less challenging so it’s an added layer to my gameplay to make it more interesting, the same with achievements if they are good. I love it when elephant not only gives us collectables but places we can spend them on. Saying that I didn’t get them all, so it’s a great way to play again and try and get them. It’s not “x” amount of collectables you have to get which is good.

BONUS

You still collect your ‘collectables’ throughout the bonus which I love. It was all new area, which makes a HUGE difference for me. The plot was completely different with a slight twist in the end. The main bonus plot wasn’t about fighting bad guys anymore and to do with restoration, I don't want to say more as it would be a spoiler.

I actually thought most of the graphics in the bonus was better than the main game – most were lovely and sharp. The 6 puzzles were good (loved a couple) and the 3 HOS were the same kind as the main game. I loved the bonus and it was about 1hr 20 mins (hardcore).

main game was over 5 hrs. I did think the others were a bit longer.

I loved it all - really recommend the CE. Show less

I recommend this game!

+73points

81of 89voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes81No8

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

124 of 141 found this review helpful

Men With Wings!! Love the concept!!!

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

Newmenor

fromFrance

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

Current Favorite:

Death Pages: Ghost Library Collector's Edition

(85)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Great adventure game - played the previous 'Surface' games and loved them, this is going to be another hit!! HO's clear and not a jumble, mini-games, up to now, fairly easy, a lot of talking but not a problem to me. Real people/achievements/collectables/good graphics/music blends. Great storyline, about men with wings....what's not to like????? More of these type of games please!! Highly ...Show more

Great adventure game - played the previous 'Surface' games and loved them, this is going to be another hit!! HO's clear and not a jumble, mini-games, up to now, fairly easy, a lot of talking but not a problem to me. Real people/achievements/collectables/good graphics/music blends. Great storyline, about men with wings....what's not to like????? More of these type of games please!! Highly recommended. Show less

I recommend this game!

+107points

124of 141voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes124No17

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

61 of 68 found this review helpful

Loved it!!

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

donadriedger

fromNova Scotia, Canada

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):Word, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

What a beautiful game!! These devs always have great graphics, but this time the HG Wells-ian aura takes it way beyond. I love the futuristc sci-fi gadgets drawn with the Victorian flair! The HO scenes are great...really not cluttered and yet so fun, needing items you are holding in the inventory. The mini games are really lovely to look at, even if they are not very difficult. You can really see ...Show more

What a beautiful game!! These devs always have great graphics, but this time the HG Wells-ian aura takes it way beyond. I love the futuristc sci-fi gadgets drawn with the Victorian flair! The HO scenes are great...really not cluttered and yet so fun, needing items you are holding in the inventory. The mini games are really lovely to look at, even if they are not very difficult. You can really see that a lot of time and effort went into the art work in every area. As with the other Surface games, you collect flowers but this time you can use them to buy items to fix up different scenes...so cute! The game has a transporting map and an interesting journal where you can review scenes plus the hint button tells you directly what you need to do next...not really much need for the SG. I absolutely love the storyline and look forward to continuing to follow it. I also enjoyed the background sounds and the music. The whole package is simply excellent...this type of game stands head and shoulders above the usual fare. Show less

I recommend this game!

+54points

61of 68voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes61No7

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

71 of 81 found this review helpful

EXCELLENT SEQUEL IN THE SURFACE SERIES

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

honeyg412

fromUSA

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, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

"Your brother is kidnapped during an air show. Search for him in a beautiful world where the sky is as wide as your imagination."
This game is a stand alone in some way's but it doesn't hurt to have played the other games. I beta'd this a while back and have been anxiously waiting for the release. I found the storyline to be engaging and when my time was up it was a Nooooo moment. The colors can ...Show more

"Your brother is kidnapped during an air show. Search for him in a beautiful world where the sky is as wide as your imagination."
This game is a stand alone in some way's but it doesn't hurt to have played the other games. I beta'd this a while back and have been anxiously waiting for the release. I found the storyline to be engaging and when my time was up it was a Nooooo moment. The colors can be grainy in areas but not enough to bother me since I would rather have a great story over graphic excellence any day! I won't go into what the game includes since others usually cover that well, but I will say this game is worthy of being a CE #imho# Happy Gaming. Show less

I recommend this game!

+61points

71of 81voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes71No10

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

30 of 31 found this review helpful

another great game

PostedFebruary 8, 2013

neilskinut

fromBridge city tx

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):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Just like the others this one is fun and not that hard to play. The graphics and voice over are good and has good music. Has a good flow and the HOS are different. The puzzles are good also. The hint button is very helpful if needed and has a map. Good game.

I recommend this game!

+29points

30of 31voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes30No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

83 of 101 found this review helpful

Almost the Perfect Game.

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

ravenlunatic

fromBritish Columbia, BC

Skill Level:Intermediate

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Such a great game! The only thing that didn't make it perfect was the fact that the hint button told you exactly what to do. I hate that! Directional hint buttons are way better and less hand holding. However, there is a jump to map that is easy to understand. Hint button fills quickly. I'm buying! You will have a great time with this one, my fellow fishies:)

I recommend this game!

+65points

83of 101voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes83No18

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

45 of 52 found this review helpful

Up Up and Away!!

PostedJanuary 24, 2013

Stsfuzzybear

fromWoburn MA

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

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

Current Favorite:

Mahjong Holidays 2006

(8)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

My first thought on this game was that it proves the theory that you shouldn't leave your genius, mad scientist brother alone.
The game itself works well, the sound is clear, the pictures sharp. Just watch clicking things close to the bottom of the screen as you will usually move yourself back instead. The strategy guide is precise and useful, the hints don't hint they tell.
People with wings is a ...Show more

My first thought on this game was that it proves the theory that you shouldn't leave your genius, mad scientist brother alone.
The game itself works well, the sound is clear, the pictures sharp. Just watch clicking things close to the bottom of the screen as you will usually move yourself back instead. The strategy guide is precise and useful, the hints don't hint they tell.
People with wings is a facinating concept, but, this is a game so there is a bad guy. And his minions. Show less

I recommend this game!

+38points

45of 52voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes45No7

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Surface: The Soaring City Collector's Edition

Reviews

Surface: The Soaring City Collector's Edition

, share your thoughts about this game!

Surface: The Soaring City 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! Surface: The Soaring City Collector's Edition Save your inventor brother! 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.