Twilight Phenomena: The Incredible Show Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

170 of 209 found this review helpful

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry, Step Right Up And.....Morph Into A Hideous Creature!

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

pennmom36

fromDON'T GO TO THE CIRCUS!

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Phantasmat Collector's Edition

(100)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

The Strauss Circus has been a yearly tradition for your family, but this year something has gone terribly wrong! Your sister Judith volunteered to be Strauss' assistant, but this evil magician has no intention of letting her leave the circus, ever, "you will join us whether you like it or not"! Strauss seems to be one step ahead of you as you scour this circus menagerie full of hideous creatures. You soon come to realize that this magician has been toying with nature, creating his own circus attractions. At first Strauss experimented on rescued animals that wouldn't have survived otherwise, but this obsession soon expanded to humans, even his own daughter.....and Judith is next!

The first thing you get equipped with is a camera, whenever the camera icon appears, you take a picture and the photo appears with 3-4 listed items you must find to hear a small story about Strauss, and how this experimentation came to light. You can see the pictures you have taken anytime by accessing your scrapbook. You will come across an arcade game that allows you to win different amounts of coins, you can play this game every 30 seconds by accessing the pull down tab at the top of the screen. These coins will be used later to help the injured animals you come across in Strauss' zoo. You don't have to donate to the animals, but after seeing them you probably will. There are Achievements to earn, and you will receive an achievement if you cure any zoo animals.

The Hidden Object Scenes are interactive list finds, and I really liked the fact that all HOS were circus themed, but some scenes are repeated. The Mini Games are available in Casual or Hard, and they were all entertaining. One of my favorite mini games required you to turn a carousel right or left, as you swapped the dresses on several mannequins until their dress matched their different colored hats. Another clever game was matching carnivorous plants to their matching icons, but, the plants would disappear and the pots would do a major shuffle game and you had to remember which plant you were looking for each time.

This Collectors Edition has Achievements, Music, Screensavers, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Movies, replayable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+131points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 29 found this review helpful

This is the ERS I Love!

PostedJanuary 25, 2015

catbag8717

fromTasmania, Australia

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):Hidden Object

Current Favorite:

Ominous Objects: Family Portrait

(30)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

BASED ON DEMO

2014 was a disastrous year for the once top-developer, ERS Games. They entered a rut where they simply could not produce entertaining games- in my opinion at least- so I was excited to see what 2015 would bring for the bunny. If this is just a taste of what 2015 has to offer, I can't wait for the rest of the year!

The storyline was very intriguing and had a clear and logical flow. ...Show more

BASED ON DEMO

The storyline was very intriguing and had a clear and logical flow. When I first read about the concept, I thought it would be quite silly, but boy was I proven wrong! The storyline had a very good opening and was quickly followed up on by some great twists and turns. There were a couple of sneaky ones (by “sneaky” I mean ones that aren't revealed in a dramatic cutscene) in the beginning which really got me in to the game and made me want to save the people. As well as the exciting twists, the story does extremely well on the creep factor, with some things actually scaring me (which hasn't happened in a long time), so well done to the developers. I also applaud them on their excellently done cutscenes, which were very dramatic and left me hanging on the edge of my seat. The demo ended with one of said cutscenes and was done brilliantly. It was really unexpected, quite dramatic and left me wanting more. All in all, this is probably one of my favourite stories from ERS in recent times and I can't wait to see how it ends!

The gameplay was quite good too, but I am wary, as some of my dislikes from previous ERS games have crept in to this one. The HOS were quite fun, but extremely easy, which was a big problem in the last game I played. To ERS' credit, however, they have jazzed up their HOS a bit. I liked the film-reel ones, which told part of the story. This made them interesting to play, so I partially forgot about the easiness of them all. I also noticed that one scene repeated very early on in the game, which makes me have some misgivings about buying it. Repetition was the fun-drainer in the last ERS game I have played, so I am quite worried that the same problem will arise should I choose to purchase this one. It is a shame, really, because the story is so fantastic. I don't want to miss out on a good story because of doubts, but I just can't shake the feeling the problems will occur.
Quantity isn't a problem though. There were 5 HOS in the demo and they are well spaced out.

The puzzles were quite good too. They weren't exactly unique, but certainly different from the puzzles we've been seeing from ERS lately. The puzzles were also quite challenging, which is always nice to see. While they were very fun to attempt, I could not solve a single one! Well done to the developers for putting in some effort with the puzzles. They were the most challenging part of the game for me. The quantity of puzzles is also good; there were 4 in the demo.

I was very pleased with the adventure component. Firstly, it is way more prominent than in previous games and shared equal status with the HOS & puzzles. There were lots of things to do and locations to explore. Secondly, the game was very fun. I loved the animal healing and camera minigames, and I especially loved the Wheel of Fate! It was probably my favourite thing about the game. It was nice to see the creativity in the adventure component, something which ERS has lacked as of late. I also liked how laid-back this game was. They didn't try to overdo it with fancy special features that no one needs; they just blended the perfect mix of adventure, HOS & puzzles with a fantastic story and I believe it is that which has attracted me to this game so much.
However, as fun and unique as this game was, the adventure component had a complete lack of challenge. It was extremely simple to figure out what to do next; so much so that I did not have to use the map ONCE. This is a big change for me, as I normally use the map quite often. As much as I enjoyed this game, I think ERS seriously needs to work on the challenge side of things.

The only additional feature in this game is the camera. I thought this was incredibly creative and executed extremely well. There are scenes you must take a photo of, followed by a minigame, which was basically just a mini-HOS. I love when developers make features of the game necessary to the story and that is what the developers have done here. Each minigame tells more of the story surrounding the villain, which just made me more eager to complete them. Spectacular job done by the developers.

The basic features have been done well, to an extent. There are 4 modes of difficulty, but the customisation is limited. For example, map indicators (the first thing I turn off if there's a custom difficulty) could not be turned off, which was disappointing for me. I also didn't like the hint recharge speed for advanced mode, so I had to use custom to set it to the casual time. Other than that, though, I had no issues with the difficulty.
As I previously mentioned, I did not use the map, so I cannot really comment on its helpfulness. Due to the fact I could not turn off map indicators, I am guessing that they appear in all difficulties. This will be quite annoying for those seeking challenge.

The graphics are quite good. I was concerned that they had been changed when I saw the menu, but my fears were put to rest when I began playing. These are the same old ERS graphics that I absolutely love. They have been drawn very well with some great detail, nice colours and extremely lifelike characters. The only downer for me is that there is no lip-synch. I am disappointed at this, because ERS used to do this all the time.
Once again I take issue with the voice-overs. For the most part they are just standard, but that voice of the creature in the trailer really annoyed me. It was quite underacted and just painful to listen to. I thought ERS could have done a much better job with it.

FEATURES
4 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. I had to switch to custom due to annoying hint times. Differences in difficulties are standard.
Hint/Skip- I took issue with the charge times for advanced so customised. The hint works well outside HOS.
Scrapbook- Kind of acts like a diary, keeping track of the stories learned in the film-reel scenes.
Map- I never used the map when I played the demo, but went back in afterwards to test it. It I interactive and helpful, but map indicators cannot be turned off, so are present in all difficulties.
Camera- This was a creative feature that I really enjoyed. It can be used at certain places and there is a minigame to play. There is an indicator of when it can be used.

CE EXCLUSIVES
Bonus Chapter
Built-in Strategy Guide- I did not need to use this once.
Achievements
Concept Art (7)
Wallpaper (3)
Screensavers
Soundtrack
Replay HOS & Puzzles
Replay cutscenes

WHICH IS THE BETTER BUY?
I'd definitely say the SE. The CE is missing collectibles, which are an absolute necessity for all CE games. The bonus content is just standard.

MY PROGRESS
There are 2 chapters in the demo, which I finished in 40 minutes, so that equates to standard game length.

This game is one of my favourites to come out in recent times, and at this point in time, is my favourite this year. This game is a perfect mix of brilliant story and fun gameplay. Even with the low challenge factor, I had an absolute ball playing this and thus, will give it a 5 star rating. Show less

I recommend this game!

+23points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 39 found this review helpful

Lion, bear, giraffe, sister, oh my!

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

MSBAM100

fromTampa, FL

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian™ Castle Collector's Edition

(80)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

So you and your sister follow a family tradition and attend the Strauss circus in 1924, except your sister volunteers for a magician's trick and disappears! Of course you want to find her, so you go backstage and out into the grounds following your sister as she is dragged around by the magician/mad scientist Strauss.

The Twilight games seem to revel in strange animal hybrid experiments. This one ...Show more

The Twilight games seem to revel in strange animal hybrid experiments. This one starts with a humanitarian premise -- saving limbs of animals that would otherwise die. But Strauss has gone a bit too far, changing his daughter into a mermaid and various other folks into hybrids as well. Part of the fun of this game is seeing and saving the melded creatures. You can save the animals by spending money you win on the Wheel of Stars. Saving the people requires a bit more -- a potion or two. But can you save your sister as well?

This game doesn't have all the bells and whistles CE bling of previous games. Doesn't seem to have any collectibles. There are 20 achievements that replace a hat by some other item. No souvenir room or "making of" or puzzle pieces to find and assemble. Just the standard CE bling.

The HOS come mainly from videos you find that tell the story of Dr. Strauss and his fall from grace. The mini-games are unique and interesting, and fit the theme of the story quite well. Ther are four modes of play, including custom. The lips do not move on the voice-overs.

This is a very good game with a good story. I just wish it had a bit more CE bling. Try it and see. Show less

I recommend this game!

+13points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 25 found this review helpful

Twilight Phenomena The Incredible FREAKSHOW!!!

PostedJanuary 18, 2015

skullfun

fromTennessee

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Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Reveries: Soul Collector Collector's Edition

(42)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Save your sister from the circus’ slavery in Twilight Phenomena: The Incredible Show CE! You and your sister Judith Armstrong were on usual annual visit in the Strauss Circus from Rome, which always coming to your town at Thanksgiving. But suddenly Strauss himself asked Judith to assist him during next performance! He put Judith in the box, make her to disappear and then – to reappear. Everything seemed good… but Judith never returned to you, neither during the show nor after it. And trying to find her you uncovered horrible truth about Strauss! He’s holding his actors as a slaves and Judith may become next! ERS has created another thriller for the Weird at heart. I loved everything about the adventure; Judith could easily have been Jessica Lange. Horror fans of this series are going to really enjoy this one! xoxo's Show less

I recommend this game!

+9points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

39 of 66 found this review helpful

Not bad

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

tholmes2

fromCanada BC

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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):Family, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Mahjong

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

This was not a bad game, the interactive help is not that great at all, the game starts off with you having to figure out what to do before you are given any help, and then the help is rather sparce. Not a problem really, but if some one was brand new at these types of games they might find it hard to figure out what to do.
The map is interactive, you click and can go right to the area instead of having to walk back and forth.
I did find the map and Hint were a little too close, easy to accidently hit Hint when you meant map.
The music is not bad, I didn't really find it annoying, just typical music..
The hidden objects scene is good, nice and clear, not too jumbled, yet not too easy to do.
The graphics are really quite good. Nice and clear, and crisp.
The voices are easy to hear and understand, I will be buying this game. Show less

I recommend this game!

+12points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 29 found this review helpful

Very fun

PostedJanuary 18, 2015

mcf_fan13

fromPhoenix, AZ

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Skill Level:Expert

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

What constitutes the perfect combination in a game for each individual, with varied like and dislikes? For me, this game was a very nice surprise. Fun and a little dark storyline, nice graphics, locations, plenty of fun and unique enough mini-games and HOs. Not to much going back and forth; fairly quick use of inventory, loved the creative use of animals and creatures (Island of Dr. Moreau?). ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+5points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

31 of 56 found this review helpful

Ok Now that was Awesome!

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

micheleappleyard

fromMerritt Islandt, FL

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):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Oh yeah, my kind of game. All new story line. I love the new puzzles and Hos all of it.

I can't wait to see more of this type of game in the future.

You even get to help and heal animals and read about them.

This is even better than the last one!

A DEFINITE BUY!

I recommend this game!

+6points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

12 of 21 found this review helpful

Phenomenal

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

dhoneykids3

fromEugene, OR

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, Large File, Match 3

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I think this game is a lot of fun, you first hear the story about how you and your sister went to the circus every year when they were children, after growing up the sister is coming for a visit and they are going to the circus for old times sake, however after she disappears after volunteering for a magic act you must find her. The setting is more like a carnival than a circus, the music is a combo of mystery and adventure, pretty good. Colors are nice, good graphics and storyline. You get to choose from 3 levels and you can customize game play. You can choose how long it takes for hints and skip puzzle to charge.There are achievements to obtain, no morphing objects. Mini games are different than the usual, fun, not too tough. H.O. scenes are not hard, but interactive, you are also given a camera to take pictures and after you take the picture there are 3 objects to find in the picture. Jump map and journal are helpful. Voice overs are not that good, but not so bad it makes you hate hearing them, they mostly sound like someone just reading lines, pretty flat. You also spin a wheel of fortune to win money which you will need to heal animals in the park, winnings range from 1 to 5 coins. I really like this game and will enjoy replaying it. Have fun! Show less

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

16 of 29 found this review helpful

this is the game of the year!

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

RedPoppies

fromHavelock North, New Zealand

Skill Level:Expert

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

Current Favorite:

Twilight Phenomena: The Incredible Show Collector's Edition

(46)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

AMAZING!! I've just finished playing the demo - the full CE is loading as I write this! I'm a big fan of this collection of games - and ERS is my go-to developer. Brilliant graphics and sound, the storyline is creepy enough to remind my I don't like the circus -and for a good reason so it would seem!! Fairly standard HOS - but the alternative game is a nice change. Puzzles easy/hard as you want. What's not to like? I won't give the storyline away - you have to find out for yourself! Trust me - you won't be disappointed. If you haven't played any of the Twilight Phenomena games before - go and find them - they are just a good as this one. Show less

I recommend this game!

+3points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

14 of 26 found this review helpful

Fun and relaxing

PostedJanuary 17, 2015

Jacqueline55

fromBonney Lake Wa.

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

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

As all my reviews, there will be nothing technical about it. I liked this game. It was fun, colorful with good sounds. the HOS were easy and so were the games. A lot of people will say that it is just to easy, but not all of us want to overlode our brains , we just want to waste a cold rainy Saturday having fun in front of our computers. Drinking coffee and just relaxing.This game fits the bill. I ...Show more

I recommend this game!

+2points

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