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Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn 
ExclusiveTwo weeks after the events of Nightmare Adventures: The Witch's Prison, Kiera Vale finds herself drawn back into a web of occult sciences, mysterious dark entities, and government secrets -- woven by the agency known as A.R.C.A.N.E.. Kiera is happy to receive the call, but soon after her arrival finds that things are not at all how she remembers them to be. What are these agents hiding, and why didn't they tell her the whole story? What is the true nature of the Blackwater "Witch"? Why is Dr. Thorn's young daughter locked up in a containment cell? From the top secret labs in the depths of A.R.C.A.N.E.'s headquarters to the distant spires of alien worlds, Ms. Vale will seek answers, solve cryptic puzzles, banish evil otherdimensional creatures, and perhaps even make a new friend over a game of Piggy Princess along the way, in Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn.
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Game System Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8
- CPU: 2.0 GHz
- RAM: 1024 MB
- DirectX: 9.0
- Hard Drive: 392 MB
Game Manager System Requirements:
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later
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Reviews at a Glance
Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn
0 out of 5 (0 ReviewsReview)
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Customer Reviews
Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn
77
77
FEAST OF PUZZLES, FAMINE OF HOS
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME (No difficulty modes offered beyond tutorial) No HOS, Few Glints
This sequel to "Nightmare Adventures: The Witch's Prison" is a pure Adventure, puzzle game (no HOS) that offers an eerie, sinister, and occultish motif while slipping in some truly hilarious tongue-in-cheek. Those touches alone make it a DON'T MISS!
Occult themes don't normally appeal to me, but the first gag comes early in game play, so I was hooked.
-------------as example: SPOILER ALERT----------------
Clues lead Kiera to tune her TV to an infomercial where she orders a device that arrives almost immediately from her mail slot. Complete with sleazy sales-guy pitch.
---------------END SPOILER--------------
GAME CONSTRUCT:
1) PHOTOS: Taken automatically. Used for Mini-Games.
2) STORY: This is the journal, provides back story not found elsewhere.
HINTS: Available throughout game play, including mini-games. Recharge fairly quickly.
MAP: No. Game play chapters confined to small areas.
AREA COMPLETE: No. Game structure limits access to areas with no more purpose.
COLLECTIBLES: No. But they would have added fun
Achievements: No.
LIKES:
-BLEND OF HUMOR with Serious Puzzle Solving.
----------------as example: SPOILER ALERT-----------------
At one point a much sought after CD when plugged into the computer brings up a fairy tale "game" complete with all Cliches. I guess the game does have one HOS. I am still laughing at that one.
--------------END SPOILER----------------
-NO HOS. Adventure/Puzzle Only.
-BLACK BARS not hints, but helps. -Info about what has been clicked on, not what to do or how to do it.
-PUZZLE PALOOZA! They are everywhere from easy to difficult. I don't like to skip so a couple of them took me some time to finish. I love that.
-PHOTOS, this were on screen while solving associate mini-game.
-ARTWORK & GRAPHICS. Kiera winds up in a dark, alien world -Sinister and creepy with good detail, piles o' puzzles. The portions of the game that took place in the lab were drab, but then I find abandoned, defunct labs drab.....
-VOs, dialogue, and storyline all above average and some humor here and there.
DISLIKES:
-NO FORMAL INSTRUCTIONS for mini-games. The info to figure the solution or rules was often nearby, in a photo, or riddle - all fine, but sometimes could not find any guide. A couple solved by accident while I was figuring out instructions-Unsatisfying.
-PERFORMANCE: SLOW, for me anyway. New chapter loads for some seconds.Resuming was "Reloading Textures" for a good 30+ seconds.
-RUNED & OUTNUMBERED - I know, we ask for puzzles we get them and still complain. Sorry. There were some clever and interesting puzzles with cool artwork. But the lion's share were RUNE themed or numeric codes derived or found without much fun-factor thrown into the design. -Became tedious.
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Having said all that!
This game is not for folks who want HOS (there are none) or those who don't care for occult themes. Though there are very clever moments, the overall motif is dark.
I do recommend this unique and well constructed game for the hard core puzzle/adventure hound who enjoys some humor along the way. - just don't look for those cute, clever puzzles that, while easy, bring a smile everytime
.
February 3, 2013
Rewarding for patient light adventure enthusiasts
I don't normally put much stock or appreciate reviews of demos or incomplete games, but based on the number of negative reviews and after playing this game for some time I'd like to add my review of partial game play.
Straight up, this game is not for everyone. I would put the difficulty and challenge level of this game even higher than a standard HOPA on hardcore mode. It is best suited for more experienced or adventurous gamers who have patience for slow, methodical game play with a lot of stumbling around, trial and error and then finally the thrill of the "aha!" moment when something finally clicks into place.
What I think will turn some gamers away from this game is that it lacks many of the features of the new generation of HOPA's: engaging cut scenes, stunning graphics, fun little add-ons and gimmicks and a great story line that pulls you right into the game.
Also, the puzzles in this game are often the style where the actual solution is very simple, but the real work comes in figuring out the meaning of cryptic and vague riddles, symbols and images.
It's not necessary to have previously played Witch's Prison from a story line perspective, but it will be a big help for the puzzles and style of game play. They are quite similar.
Personally, I love this game so far. Witch's Prison is one of my all-time favourites because it was so mentally rewarding, and I hope this one turns out to be like that as well.....so far it's on track.
January 27, 2013
Absolutely Loved the HUMOR!
As a die-hard adventure player, I couldn't wait to play this sequel. Thank you, thank you for all the enjoyable puzzles in this game!!
Further explanation of A.R.C.A.N.E. enterprise, along with Dr.Thorn attempting to cure his daughter made for a fulfilling sequel storyline.
I especially loved the humorous dialogue when attempting to use an object which was inappropriate such as trying to use the acid on glass. The writer of these cute and humorous quips definitely has TALENT!
The graphics were clear, and gameplay was smooth.
I cannot wait until you release another game, hopefully in the same vein as the previous games!
KUDOS an BRAVO to the developer!!
January 26, 2013
Excellent and Innovative- An absolute must buy
I literally waited a year for this game and it was worth the wait! Not only do these two stories have excellent story lines , the use of innovative hidden object type games make Ghost Ship studios games stand far above the average run of the mill HO games. This game picks up where Kiaras adventure left off with her finally hearing from ARCANE. For those of you who haven't played first game, you can play this one easily without the need to have gone through it. However you would be missing a rare treat if you dont follow the two games sequentially. I honestly cannot recommend these games enough, these along with Mystery Case Files are my favorite games of all time! If you like mystery, humor and a bit of creepiness this game is for you!!
January 26, 2013
FANTASTIC GAME!
It's been so long since there has been a truly challenging game that has great visuals too! Most of the games have been geared towards 12 year olds! I don't want the puzzles to take 10 seconds to figure out - why even play them if that's the case! If you like Adventure games with a lot of tough puzzles and not the run of the mill "seek and find", then you are in for a BIG treat with this game. But, do yourself a favor and play "Witch's Prison" before you play this one. Have loads of fun - I did.
January 28, 2013
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
I beta tested this game 3 years ago and did not like it because I thought it too technical and too difficult. Shows what a rookie I was back then. Apparently, I have come on in leaps and bound, because it is not TOO difficult, just difficult. It is a PA only so no HOS, and the puzzles need you to be fired up with the old grey matter raring to go. At first they seem to make no sense, but they are actually quite straightforward. You have all the clues and codes you need in your PDA and everything is logical.
The story is great and the graphics are neat, once you get into the Research Lab. The navigation is well done, no lagging. The hint button is directional and fast to reload. I encountered no glitches and it played smoothly all the way. You will have to wait a little longer than you might wish to for the skip button.
There is a huge amount of reading matter in this game, if you want to follow the story closely and I suggest you do because it is really interesting and well told. The cut scenes have the voice of the main character but when interacting with other characters, silence, just text.
The one thing that I did not like was that almost everything in a location gets a cursor eye, but not everything that gets an eye is interactive. Seems like the Devs just want us to admire their handiwork, sometimes. Also after solving a puzzle or finding an item, the areas do not close down. You have to back out yourself and the eye is still there. Took me a while to realize I had done everything and should leave. I had the music volume up at the highest, but it was still very low.
No wide screen and the SG does not work, so I am guessing this was originally created to be a CE. At 7 hrs long, it could well have passed for one. It is a very cool game. Very technical, with an occult twist. The ending definitely indicates another in the pipeline. Hopefully it will not take another 3 years to get here. I reckon the Devs have been raking in the cash from this on their own site and once the momentum ran out there, handed it to BF for do a little more raking. Have to keep an eye on that site.
Well done, to these Devs. Definitely a cut or three above the usual fluff games in this genre.
January 28, 2013
arcane adventure
This is my first introduction to Nightmare Adventures. Well, it is an adventure - thats for sure. I am just at the beginning but the pace is quite good; picture quality excellent; story line enticing - But ... the sound quality lacks. I can hardly hear the conversation. So, only 4 stars from me.
January 26, 2013
Give your brain a workout game!
I remembered in detail playing the first one, Witch's Prison, once I started on this sequel and it all came flooding back. I remember I loved that one and I also loved this one.
For an SE, it is a long, absorbing game with (for me, at least) an interesting storyline and some great puzzles that actually make you use your brain. The ending ensures that there will be a third.
It should be noted that this game is not listed as a Hidden Object Game, but as an Adventure game. It is, in fact, Adventure Lite/Puzzles. There is only one hidden object scene which appears more as tongue-in-cheek humour rather than anything else. Gamers who love their hidden object scenes will be disappointed. The puzzles are challenging, on the whole. Some more so than others. The humour throughout was much appreciated, thank you developers.
If you wish to give your brain a workout (all in about 7 to 8 hours), then I'd thoroughly recommend it. This is not a 'hold-you-by-the-hand' walk in the park which, for me, made a very nice change from the norm.
February 1, 2013
A game filled with humor and intrigue: don't pass this one by
First of all, before playing this game, I recommend going back and playing the first Nightmare Adventures about Blackwater Asylum. It is not absolutely necessary as this game has cleverly inserted a journal to find that summarizes the first game for you; however, it does help to have all the information fresh in your mind for this sequel.
What is absolutely important to note is that when, during the tutorial, they tell you to click on EVERYTHING, they mean it. This is by far my favorite part of the game. The character you are playing as is incredibly funny and witty, and has many things to say about random objects that you click on-so click often on the same object. In line with this is the use of inventory items. They are creative about it and use humorous dialogue specific to the item you are using. For instance, I used a fishhook on an unconscious person's face and dialog popped up that told me the poor woman was not a bass fish! I purposely try to use the wrong inventory items just to read the reactions! It's worth a laugh every time.
There are also many files/letters/notes to read, if you so choose. It helps with the back-story and adds additional details to the current story. Having played both games back to back, I can honestly state that the developers were careful-there are no gaps in the plot-the games flow seamlessly.
It's these types of attention to detail that make the Nightmare Adventure series stand out from the rest.
The graphics in this game are fantastic. The witch is incredibly frightening: hands down one of the creepiest creatures I've come across in an Adventure game.This game has much exploring to do and fully exploring your environment (clicking on everything) is both enjoyable and adds length to the game. I am an advanced player, yet I've been playing for a good 4+ hours now and I have a feeling I have a long way to go still. Take into account that I have been reading everything and taking my time exploring.
I can't say enough good things about this series. Kudos to the developers. Please keep the sense of humor in future games and the penalty-free clicking with witty dialogue. It balances out the game quite well. Fear, laughter, mystery...all weave together to create a fantastic 5 star game.
Don't pass this one up!
January 31, 2013
excellent adventure game!
based on the demo, which i loved and my love for the first nightmare adventures, i bought this game!
i won't be playing the rest of the game for a few days as i have decided to first replay the witch's prison game to jog my memory... and, to enjoy the thrill of a pure adventure game with no HOSs!
i truly wish that the people giving low star ratings, based only on the lack of HOSs, would realize that this game is not *supposed* to have HOSs!
it is listed, correctly, as an adventure game, not a HOG or HOPA.
please, devs, you have done a GREAT job and i want MORE of this type of adventure game. this game is NOT dumbed-down, it does not hold my hand or lead me around by the nose. i appreciate the more difficult puzzles and the fact that the game makes me think! i have tired of games which, even on the hardest mode, give you SO many "hints" and "clues". i use quotes for those words because they are not really hints or clues, they are outright TELLING you what to use where, or what is required to accomplish whatever.
the only suggestion i would make for improvement would be an upgrade of the graphics quality. i have become very spoiled by the high quality graphics of many games nowadays, and would love to see you take that step forward as well.
i cut my gaming teeth on myst and its sequel, riven (astounding graphics for that time!) and it looks like syberia is in my future... all pure adventure games with NO clues or hints at all!
so, i say to you, devs, BRAVO to you for creating a series of games for those of us who LIKE to think! i hear rumors of a third in this series and, if it lives up to the challenge and storyline of these first two, it will be an immediate buy for me!
January 30, 2013
