10/4/2023 0 Comments Paranormal agency mini gamesHaving said all that, would I recommend Cinderstone Orphanage? Absolutely! As a continuation of The Agency of Anomalies storyline, it's a worthy entry to the series with solid HOPA gameplay and a gorgeous world to explore. Theater freaks you say? YES! The gameplay is also enjoyable with The Agent exploring a handful of newly uncovered areas, new puzzles (and old ones with added difficulty), and just enough hidden object scenes to keep you busy, but not totally inundated as they were in Mystic Hospital. Alas.įortunately, the bonus chapter nicely fills in missing story details, adds on to the series' over-arcing plotline, and gives us a hint as to where The Agent will be going next. ![]() What's there seems to be more to the point without as much of The Agent's sarcastic flare that I so love. The writing is more sparse as well with about half the number of journal entries as Mystic Hospital and less character-building mouse over text, something I sorely missed. I understand that a majority of HOG players are women (although that seems to be changing), so plots that appeal to the maternal instinct tend to crop up quite a bit and while it's nice to see The Agent concerned for the children's welfare, having him outwit freaks and monstrosities gives his adventures some edge. Story-wise, this entry is the weakest in the series. Not a huge complaint, just something I'd prefer to have been more game-y than it is. ![]() ![]() Items and areas that are to be manipulated glow the respective ability's color, which makes little sense to me since you have no way of choosing which ability to use as the game does it for you. Looking through walls, moving items with your mind and bringing drawn pictures to life all have a distinct charm to them, though I would have preferred a little more challenge in their use. Gameplay is fairly standard HOPA fare, save for the addition of acquiring special powers that are used in puzzle solving and further exploration of the game areas. If only I'd been able to behold its beauty before the conflagration overtook it. As I explored the orphanage, there were areas that I'd sit admiring the breathtaking view for several minutes, especially rooms barely touched by the explosion. Unlike most modern-day titles in which bright blues, reds and purples feature prominently, Cinderstone's color palette is subdued with the images all having a softly classical feel to them. I've always been fond of a more realistic art style in HOGs, and Cinderstone Orphanage falls into that category with its gorgeous painted scenery. I can't say the story had me as intrigued this time around, but anywhere The Agent goes, I go. It's up to The Agent to get to bottom of the things and rescue the vanished orphans and their caretaker. An unexplained Christmas Eve explosion has left the building in shambles and its children and mentor missing, body and all. Once again, the agency's top agent has been tasked with investigating yet another perplexing incident, this time at the Cinderstone Orphanage, home for children with paranormal abilities. But, despite being the first game in the series to implement the ability to collect and use powers in its puzzle solving, the very paint-by-numbers feel of the rest of the story and gameplay left me wanting more. That's not to say the sequel is bad, because it's a very solid hidden object puzzle adventure in its own right, and certainly one of the better examples of the genre. It set such a high bar for me that in some ways Cinderstone Orphanage had a hard time reaching it. ![]() It's no secret that I absolutely loved Mystic Hospital for it's great writing, creepy atmosphere and unique premise.
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