Dark Parables: Queen of Sands - A Mystery Hidden Object Game (Full‪)‬ 9+

If you like shimmering, glossy ornaments, perfume bottles, and folk tales, with some extremely creative mini game and HOS activity, then this game's for you. Okay, I've decided that generally speaking, a game like this is what it is. I didn't play it for the story line. But I enjoyed it immensely for the gorgeous design and graphics, and couldn't wait for each new mini game surprise. I've never encountered such fun mini games. I had to play them over twice more at the end. Bonus content is good. Morphing objects and collector items, fun. I'm not familiar with the prior series stories as I'm relatively new to Big Fish offerings, but as I said, if the story doesn't grab you, play it for the rich surprises within. And for any who don't like creepy storylines, this held creepiness to a mild level, ramping it up only a little at the end. Not bad. Hey, everyone has a creep level they will or won't cross. I respect that. 4 1/2 stars. (I save 5 stars for a great story line plus everything mentioned above. A greedy old man who risked his soul to get rich with his perfume recipe and ruined his son's life? Sorry, but I have to snicker. Made for beautiful swirling graphics, tho.)

. . . Which carries a lot of credit with me. Just the opening screen with the Red Riding Hood sister is incredibly beautiful. HOGS were fine with me. Unlike some other reviewers I don't mind looking for jewelry pieces, although some variety in the HO games would have added another star. Still, super eye candy, love that.

Oh, Dark Parables. How could you be beautiful and have all the fundamentals right in this game...and still only net 3.5 stars? Here's how.

The good: while not as detailed as Blue Tea used to do, this series is still simply gorgeous. Rich colors, detailed scenes, etc. Fun minigames, HOPs that create things, and long play time. Sound overs and cut scenes all great. No glitches and quick loading time. Good to see some of the old DP characters, too.

The bad: crummy storyline, too much back and forth, and just a general sense that everything has been done before...many many times before. It just didn't hold my interest, so I guess the upside of that is that it is really really a long game! 😄 The HOPs get a little old, and I never truly felt engaged in it. Obvious plot but you still have to follow it.

Not worth purchase price unless you can just enjoy the scenes and take your time.

Hope all are well. Thank you again reviewers for all the great reviews. xoxo