Dark Manor: A Hidden Object Mystery Review

It’s a little stingy on game time, but Dark Manor is a satisfying Free to Play Hidden Object game from Big Fish Games.

Compatibility: Universal
Released: Jun 26, 2013
Price: FREE
Size: 36.6 MB
Language: English
Seller: Big Fish Games, Inc

There’s a gradual and steady trend for Hidden Object games to embrace the Free to Play model in recent times. It makes sense, too, given that they’re the kind of game that’s most likely to be played in short yet highly focused sessions. Dark Manor is the latest in this emerging genre to try its luck, and it comes from a major name in the casual market: Big Fish Games. It’s quite fun, too, although predictably tight with the game time.

With a distinctly ghostly theme that makes perfect sense for regular Big Fish Games players, Dark Manorcombines Hidden Object searching and town building style mechanics. The player, having inherited a ghostly mansion in the 1920s, must rebuild the estate while also uncovering some sinister mysteries.

What this means is that one will be placing new buildings and objects, nearly as frequently as they will be searching out a random list of items. I didn’t find the rebuilding of the mansion overly interesting, but I did appreciate the object hunting.

Dark Manor keeps to what works for the genre with each scene offering a plentiful list of supplies that must be sought, and the threat of a fog descending briefly on those who try to “cheat” the system by tapping randomly. Fortunately, hints are pretty generous so players won’t get stuck for long. There’s no build up play, so to speak, so the item lists are long from the start. In some cluttered landscapes, it can take a little while to seek out such objects, but that’s really to the benefit of the player. Limited energy dictates how many times one can play a scene, before waiting for it to regenerate, putting a stop to any significantly long gaming sessions.

Other familiar moments such as Spot the Difference puzzles, Blitz modes in which players must find as many items as possible, as well as finding a number of similar objects, also play a role and mix things up.

Levelling up and a progression system of new chapters further enhance the experience, although don’t expect to rush through it by any means. At least, not unless spending real money is appealing.

Rarely a genre with exceptional graphics, Dark Manor offers a trump card in the form of “Hi-Depth” scenes, enabling players to see around certain parts of the scenery, adding a kind of 3D effect. It’s a nice touch and boosts the stylistic qualities of the game.

From my time enjoying Hidden Object games and, less so, town building sims, it’s clear to see that such genres are quite divisive. Dark Manor won’t convert naysayers by any means, but it will entertain the audience in which it’s intended for. I wish energy was more quickly replenished, giving players longer gaming sessions, but it’s still quite a fun game to delve into, as well as significantly cheaper than other Hidden Object titles.

App Store Description:

The bayou. The roaring 1920’s. A supernatural secret. Step into Dark Manor, where ghostly hosts will help you find your way! Beautify your manor and explore the spine-chilling hidden object scenes… if you DARE! Brought to you by Big Fish Games, the #1 publisher of Hidden Object games!

“From a wildly effective day and night mechanic, to multilayered and flexible hidden object scenes, there is very little of this game’s presentation that doesn’t downright shine.” –Gamezebo

• HIDDEN OBJECT MEETS SIMULATION!
In this one-of-a-kind Simulation/Hidden Object game, you’ll redecorate your newly inherited mansion and grounds, visit friends’ mansions, and find hidden objects in some of the most beautiful hidden object scenes ever in a Big Fish title! From the cobblestone streets of the town to the mystical illusions of a fortune teller’s tent, unveil new locations and fill up on eerie ectoplasm as fast as you can!

• NO UNLOCK REQUIRED!
Download for free, play for free! Earn Silver, Gold, and Energy to unlock new game elements while you play, or enhance your stockpiles by purchasing extra.

• NEW AND EXCLUSIVE HI-DEPTH™ SCENES!
Searching for hidden objects is more immersive than ever! Peel away at our special Hi-Depth™ scenes with an exclusive parallax scrolling mechanic for a groundbreaking level of immersion. See what supernatural secrets lurk beyond the touch screen! Interact with scenes that move from side to side, up and down, and get immersed in life-like imagery!

• SWITCH BETWEEN DAY AND NIGHT MODES INSTANTLY!
At night the spirits come out to play! Use supernatural powers and flip between light and darkness to see a whole different spirit world that lights up during the night. Collect interactive items from walking zombies, skeletons, and more! Or, stay safe in the light of the living and help your grounds grow with strolling maids and gents. The choice is yours!

• BE THE MAKER OF YOUR OWN HAUNTED MANSION!
Set up attractions, populate the grounds, and more! The more creepily creative you are the more ghostly energy you earn! Plus, get FREE additional content with future updates!

• CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK & VISIT YOUR MANSION FROM ANY iDEVICE!
Start playing on your iPad and continue on your iPhone — Facebook will save your progress so you can play wherever you’d like! Also, invite friends, visit their mansions, and share gifts!

Source: http://www.appslooking.com/apps/dark-manor-a-hidden-object-mystery-review/