Empress of the Deep 2: Song of the Blue Whale
4.2
5
47
47
a good sequel - a different style of game
This leaves of from the first game and it's a nice logical continuous story. Even though there is a lot of the same feel of the first game, there is a lot of differences in interaction, more collecting of same items (find 10 butterflies in large area) in each door/area. There are 4 doors, each representing a different season and then large corresponding 'world' you explore.
If you liked the first game (which I strongly suggest you play first) I think you will like this one.
There are sparkles for mini games and puzzles, but not for items to find. Whereas it would be nice to have an option for advanced play to not have any sparkles. There is a fair bit of back and forth but less than some HOPAs I have played.
Overall I love the difference in story, the 'feel' of the game. Unique in a world of HOGS scary houses/towns. Nice in built hint/strategy guide (but not perfect)
The adventure and puzzle side were nice although puzzles were too easy, and to me a big bonus - non repetitive repeating of HOG scenes (i think twice was the max?) It took me about 5hrs to play - nice length (I am not a fast player). And I think it is better than the first game.
improvements for next game -
- Harder puzzles - very easy so not for those looking for a harder puzzle game
- advanced mode (maybe harder puzzles and no sparkles)
I enjoyed the difference style in this game, despite the sparkles and easier puzzles!
March 17, 2012
Beautiful & Soothing, Best Enjoyed By Kids
This game is the ultimate in zen therapy for stressed mums. Park the kids in front of it, or take a leisurely tour of the fantastical locations for yourself.
Gameplay: The quest aspect is simple and relatively easy so the focus is on the beautiful surroundings and the puzzles. The puzzles were straightforward for the most part, but I did skip a few because I ran out of patience with them.
Artwork: Despite my mediocre response to the gameplay I did love really beautiful graphics. Although I've seen better artwork in terms of clarity and technological quality, I found myself dawdling through HO scenes, taking in the sights and soaking up the atmosphere. Music and sounds contributed much to the relaxing environment.
Story: It is simple and easy to follow, less involving, however, than the graphics. It?s the closest I've seen too a truly original fairy tale, and kids would love it.
Replay: I might play it again if I need to de-stress, but this really is for a younger audience and presents little challenge.
Flaws: The map is worse than useless. So getting around sometimes frustrating.
Tip: If you enjoyed the first Empress of the Deep, this is the same story with better artwork.
This is definitely a 'try before you buy' game, as some may find it too easy and/or too unrealistic.
January 13, 2012
Beatiful Graphics!
I played this game without having played the first one. This is the most beautiful & interesting games I have ever played. The story line was great & the graphics so beautiful. It was just hard enough to be challenging but not so hard to be frustrating. I would nominated it for game of the year.
November 15, 2011
Empress of the Deep2
Love it, keeps you moving throughout the game with many different challenges, graphics are great an adverterous game thats hard to stop playing. If you like hidden games, this is one with a difference - must try! ((Rawwww))
November 13, 2011
Amazing city in the sky
I played and loved the first game, so I was excited to see there was a sequel. The graphics are an improvement, and the storytelling (my favourite part of the first game) is just as good.
I wasn't a big fan of the art style actually, but I really loved the design and architecture of the floating city. It was so creative and gorgeous with a variety of different features and buildings like soaring spires, statues and the ubiquitous balloons chained to the island to keep it aloft. The music was soothing and fit in with the look of the city, and I really loved the sound that gets played when you find objects in hidden object scenes.
The scenes didn't look as good as the location graphics although I wouldn't say they were bad. Your standard junk pile. Puzzles were pretty easy, but that's of average difficulty for the casual games genre. I disagree with the reviewers who say that makes this game more suitable for younger kids because pretty much all casual games are this easy!
What I liked most about the previous game in the series was that you had a couple of characters trying to guide you who told you to do different things and your character didn't quite know who to trust (although as a player it was obvious). That repeats in this game, except that it's not as clear who is truly trustworthy for most of the game, and the way it unfolded was really satisfying. I also loved the feeling of isolation and loneliness in both games.
April 1, 2012
Fabulous Sequel
More awesome adventures in an incredible post-apocalyptic world . . . The scenes are lovely in their rendering, as is the New Age-type music . . . The puzzles are of moderate difficulty, & though the story line might be a bit confusing at times, the game is worth the effort . . .
No timer, so plenty of time to explore this new air-borne city of the future . . . !
December 1, 2011
very disappointing
I found this game to be very boring. Yes the graphic are nice, the storyline is fair. The puzzles are too easy. The HOs are pretty good, but I thought they were grainy. You would go to an area and find one tiny thing and the area would be "cleared". This game could have offered so much more.
Definitely something younger players would enjoy.
December 17, 2011
Good but not Great
I played Empress of the Deep 1 and 2 back to back - everything in this review covers both.
1. The screen shots are beautiful. I've never seen a prettier game - particularly the underwater art, and the fall garden.
2. The "clue in" arrows/magnifying glass are way too big. When the arrow telling you where to go takes up 1/4 of the screen it makes you feel like you're playing a game for small children or 80 year old women who lost their glasses.
3. The screens are simplistic. I'm a huge fan of "area completed" notices - but these are ludicrous. Most screens have 1 think to pick up or do and then they are cleared. There's no real challenge - pick up a ball (pointed out by a HUGE hand) - oooh area completed. Screens should have more than one thing to do
The story is good and characters compelling. (but what's with these people - don't you know when you name a kid "pandora" you're gonna get a troubled kid???)
Puzzles are easy to medium, skip takes a minute - hints on HOS are generous.
It was fun, but nothing new - and nothing exceptional.
May 27, 2012
Excellent and fun!
Wonderful storyline, beautiful screens, exciting adventure, challenging yet also helpful when needed. Many places to explore and things to do. Had such a great time I had to order the first one.
February 25, 2012
Relaxing and fun game
So well designed game, excellent story that is easy to follow, magnificent graphics and artwork. Puzzles are not so challenging but entertainment is guarantied, HOS are FANTASTIC with perfect level of challenging.
My opinion is that this game could be perfect for younger players too. Anyhow I would most certainly recommend this game for all who are in the mood for one relaxing and also interesting and fun game!
May 16, 2013