Don't Get Burned At This Hotel! You May Never Check Out! – Haunted Hotel: Phoenix - A Mystery Hidden Object Game (Full) Review

UPDATE: I deducted a star due to offensively short length of main game. It only took me two hours, and I am a slow player. Off to play the bonus. You are a detective who travels to mountainous northern Oregon to the Stone Spires Hotel where a deadly fire broke out years ago when it was still a university; it was believed to have been started by either an arsonist or a mystical, fiery Phoenix. Now strange sightings of fiery birds flying in the sky are occurring, and a menacing hooded figure is following your every move. The graphics are portrayed through a palette of darker colors, such as purples, blues, and browns to create a mysterious, creepy ambiance while you explore your surroundings. The artwork is clear but ever so slightly grainy; the scenes are appropriately embellished with dark, spooky, abandoned ruins accompanied by haunting music and sound effects. There are several modes of difficulty including the option to customize your settings. The inventory is labeled and interactive; items require assembly. The fast teleport map indicates current tasks in custom mode; the indication mechanic appears to be synonymous to immediate available actions. Transition between scenes is smooth and glitch free. There is no journal, but you pick up reading materials to inform you of the story as you progress. There is no back button, but transition is not hindered in this game. The HOS are varied and interactive; several types are word lists with interaction, uncover the pairs of items, and find silhouette shapes. The puzzles are varied and unique as well. One type is to adjust bumpers on a tennis court to move a ball past the right side player; another type is to stack objects of multiple sizes and shapes on a wall to fit into cells in order to climb up through the manhole. They are fun! There are also some micro puzzles peppered throughout, such as find three parts of an item to complete a whole. There's lots to do in this game, including making chemicals; you collect or use a multitude of inventory items in each scene. You collect morphing objects in some scenes; you must stare for a while to find them, which adds to the challenge. You also collect bird figurines and jigsaw puzzle pieces scattered throughout. Unfortunately, you do not play a jigsaw puzzle; the puzzle completes itself. The extras include art, collections, replays, and a secret room, which is actually quite fun and different this time. Overall, I find this installment to be smooth, glitch free, has varied puzzles/HOS, and an interesting storyline. Just wish it were longer.
Review by KimTwilight69 on Haunted Hotel: Phoenix - A Mystery Hidden Object Game (Full).