Nightfall Mysteries: Asylum Conspiracy (PC DVD)

I am quite surprised nobody has reviewed this game yet, because it was one of the best HOG/adventure games of 2010 for me. I played Nightfall Mysteries - Curse of the Opera and that was so good, I went out and bought the sequel which was even better! This is classed as a hidden object game, however the search areas are so clear and sharp I didn't need a single hint which is unusual for me because my monitor can be a bit dark on top during some darker games, and I have to keep tipping it forward to see things properly but I didn't have that problem with this game. There are not too many of them either. I do get a bit bored of constantly looking for random items, but this game has just the right amount of search areas.

This is the casual gaming genre, but I have to admit to being slightly addicted to these types of games because unlike 'full' adventures, you don't keep getting stuck all the time, you don't have to read endless texts (although I do like reading journal entries) and there are no overly boring, slow dialogues and the game is beautiful to look at and so much fun to play. My husband and I spent a whole Sunday playing this and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is good and a bit spooky, and there are plenty of puzzles. This is not your regular junk pile HOG and it is erring more towards adventure, because there are a lot of items to collect and you need to figure out where they go! It is first person point and click, however it is not static screened and you can wander around the asylum and its grounds at will, and there is some trekking backwards and forwards, but the game is pacey and there is always something new to discover. I thought the mini games were just about right in difficulty and there are just the right amount of them in the game. The story is interesting and this game has a great ending. All in all this is in my top ten of favourite HOG adventures, and I have played a lot! If you like this, I can highly recommend all the Mystery Case File games, Drawn the Painted Tower and Drawn Dark Flight, Dark Parables: The curse of Briar Rose, Dark Tales Murders in the Rue Morgue, Midnight Mysteries: Salem Witch Trials, Enlighten us one and two, Witch's Curse and all the Dream Chronicle games plus there are many, many more but too many to list. I have tried full adventure games, but I got so bored I nearly fell asleep playing Chronicles of Mystery The Scorpion Ritual! It was endless dialogues, stupid combinations that made no sense and basically boring. The only upside were the graphics which were quite good for a 3D third person adventure. Personally, I prefer the casual games because there is a vast choice and they are relaxing and fun to play. If I want high action and a wrecked thumb, I will crank up Drakes Fortune or Resident Evil 5! These types of games are fast becoming my preferred choice because of the lack of adventure games on the PS3. The last Tombraider was underwhelming at best and there has only been three other games I have really enjoyed. What a waste of over £300. I am so glad I discovered these types of games because they have brought me endless hours of entertainment. I do tend to say away from the pure hidden object games now though because they have become boring and repetitive, however this game is neither boring nor repetative. I have noticed that more and more so called hidden object games have a grander storyline, more puzzles and exploring than the older style ones (such as the very early Mystery Case File games) which is good news for adventure/puzzle fans. Also, another highly recommend adventure game that only just fits into the 'casual' genre is Nightmare Adventures: Witch's Prison. Not a hidden object game, but plays like a casual game. Very, very good and quite tough too.

If anyone wants a game that goes on for hours - then this one will be for you !
I have to admit getting very frustrated near the end, when I hadn't managed to collect all the 'medallions' for the final game, and had to resort to the 'Walkthrough' - but thoroughly enjoyed the whole concept of the game and it's graphics are excellent.
For me, it was just the right level of complexity.

Game play a little jerky as it was playing from the disc (doesn't provide an option to load game to pc).
The game art work and cut scenes quite good - that is better than a lot of games but not on a par with the top ones. Music generic and uninspiring.
Game play more intuitive than most click and point so not impossible to work out what to do next. Also, the hint button will tell you what to do next on most occasions. Hidden object games quite clear and not too difficult. Puzzles quite interesting as well although to get out of them if you get stuck you'll have to use the 'back' button on the bottom left of the screen next to the 'menu' button (pretty frustrating until you find this out!)
Played it from start to finish in an afternoon but it didn't feel too short - just about right.
Gave the game an extra star for the fact that it has an inbuilt walk through so you don't have to get on line if you do get stuck.
Not the best I've played but certainly not amongst the worst - will get 'Opera' next and give it a go.