9: The Dark Side
4.5
5
84
84
WOW!!!!!!!
I bought the CE on this game and it was well worth it, so the SE should be the same.
This game is one great play. The storyline is interesting. The graphics are gorgeous. The voice-over is great with an intermittent chilling laugh which actually made me laugh. The HOs are above average. The puzzles for the most part are doable. I found 2 that were a big challenge and time consuming, but you do have a skip button. You receive achievements which I think are a fun bonus.
The game is fairly lengthy. Took me about 5 hours. And this is definitely a game I will play again and again. I love a game that really makes me think and work to complete and this one did that. Can't wait for the next one. This is one great game.
I highly recommend this game.
January 5, 2012
A great blend of HO, Adventure and Puzzles
I have been hooked up by this game, immediately upon completion of the trial version, purchased the CE on BFG's Special Offer and I am now in the process of playing it.
The voice-over is quite good though sounding a bit weird at times, giving the impression the text is being read too cautiously, hence a lack of natural flow, and the repetitive music becomes rapidly tedious.
But these are mere trivia largely made up for by everything else in the game: well worded script, good sound effects, well crafted graphics, detailed, vividly colored and very artistic, not that many locales but all of them splendidly rendered, neat HO Scenes with objects not too difffcult to find, a generous hint system, objectives clearly stated, a decent storyline reminiscent of Templar, a mildly eerie atmosphere and, of course, the traditional useful-object-hunting.
Tasks are interesting and putting the useful items to use always responds to logic. No special difficulty here, but enough to make you think.
With five chapters, three game modes, lots of awards to win, and a good level of challenge, gameplay is fairly long provided one doesn't sneak peek into the SG or the walkthrough too often.
But that's not all ! What about the puzzles/minigames then ? Well, there is a multitude of them, of all kinds, classics or innovations [some are unique], random or logical, easy or...not so easy. The less seasoned players among us will be happy to find that all the puzzles in this game can be reset [a plus] and are skippable, although they can all be solved with a bit of patience and ingenuity. Instructions for the puzzles are clear. Another plus
In this case I have chosen the CE because a] I think the game is worth it, b] the bonus chapter offers a better conclusion although the ending of the core game is very satisfactory, and c] I have a weakness..... I love parking lot type slider puzzles (available only in the bonus chapter). Besides, BFG's Special Deal was so good it would have been a shame to miss it.
The developing company did very well indeed for a first-timer, putting in a great deal of effort, work and talent to offer us one of the best games presently available. I gladly give this game a 4.6 star rating [rounded up to 5] and I am definitely looking forward to playing more games by this company.
January 4, 2012
Not your average IHOG
This game is not likely to enthrall the players who want a lot of stuff just handed to them. 9 requires thought and the ability and/or the sticktoitiveness to stay patient while tackling some tough puzzles. The Hidden areas for the most part are straightforward with maybe 1 or 2 items that are well concealed. For those of us who relish the adventure portion ( traveling to and fro and lots of backtracking ) 9 will fit the bill admirably. Beginner HOGgers should avoid this game until such time as they have refined their skills within the genre. Those who enjoy a real challenge will find 9 to be a superlative entry into the IHOG/Adventure category. While this game is not in my top 10 alltime, I did enjoy it immensely.
January 6, 2012
DIFFERENT
I just played the free hour and liked the game. It is not confusing, has good clues and the graphics are really good. They are clear and very colorful.
The game is not your usual tired mystery murders and mayhem, which frankly I am tired of.
I bought the game and recommend it.
January 4, 2012
BRAVO! A GREAT GAME!
With so many games to select from BFG, this is a great game with an assortment of puzzles, etc. Has "all the right stuff" including great graphics and an interesting story line! Played the demo and knew within minutes that I would purchase! Actually, I purchased the Collector's Edition!
Very pleased with 9:The Dark Side. Bravo!
January 5, 2012
Great game, lots of Puzzles!
I have only played the demo on casual mode, and did not finish the demo in the hour trial. That tells me that this game will probably be worth the credit for the SE. I had very few issues with this game. The only thing that sort of bothered me was that it would freeze for a few seconds here and there transitioning between scenes. A couple of the puzzles are impossible for me, as rotating puzzles are not my strong suit, but they are all skippable, and have very clear instructions.
The graphics and scenes are beautifully drawn, crisp, clear, and well done. The music reminds me of Enya...calming chants and the like, but not intrusive. The ambiance sounds are alright, sinister laughter here and there, dripping water, etc. The voice overs are done well, enough to be believable for the most part. The notebook records all info you find throughout the game, and you will need to refer to it for some of the puzzles.
There are more puzzles than HOS. The puzzles are a good mix of different types. Some are easy classics with a twist that is relevant to the game, some are unique and more challenging. All are logical, designed to make you think, and can be a challenge, but not to the point of frustration. The hint is helpful, should you get stuck, but tells you in words what to do next in casual mode. Game play is mostly smooth, and linear, but there is a lot of toing and froing. Lots to do and explore. The HOS are interactive...also clear, crisp, and the majority of the HO are not too tiny, nor too blended in to the scene, but the scenes can be a bit dark.
The storyline is intriguing, mixing dark mythical history, dragons, ghosts, and magic...ala Lord of the Rings. There are 3 modes of play, which will suit all skill levels of players. You really do have to explore the different scenes, or you will end up missing something...So players with attention to detail will enjoy this! I recommend this game!
January 5, 2012
Lots of fun
This game took some time, a nice change for most of the games that are put out. Some hogs and loads of puzzles. Could skip the puzzles if you want to. Good story line and great voice makeovers. I highly recommend!
January 5, 2012
9: The Dark Side
Excellent game, would recommend it to any one, had fun playing it also. If you can do the Collector Edition for the walkthrough.
January 4, 2012
great...but
this was a good but really challenging game, now i love a really good challenge and hate using walkthroughs, but i have to say i used it a few times to get through some of the mini games which were very difficult, i think it would have been better if there was a hint to get you started on the puzzle. The game was also a good length, so if you like a challenge, try this one.
January 10, 2012
My new favourite
This game has everything and a little more. It is the first game in a long time I didn't want to end and will keep in on my PC for a while so I can play it again. The Puzzles are great and challenging and the strategy component is interesting and addictive.
There isn't really much more to say though I did finish it in 3 sittings so could be a little longer, though I didn't go for the collectors edition.
January 9, 2012