Gorgeous game I'll play more than once – Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece HD - A Hidden Object Mystery (Full) Review

I hadn't heard of the developer Boolat Games before playing this game. I will definitely be on the lookout for anything else they've produced and will immediately buy it, no need to read the reviews on my part. This game sets a new bar for the so-called HOP/puzzle adventure games. Nearly every HOP involved several steps to locate or assemble the desired items. The puzzles were designed to flow naturally from the storyline, and often a new paintbrush was the key to solving the next series. The journal maintained all necessary information in an easily accessible way, and the map enabled quick teleportation. Difficulty was configurable, and the back button (as requested but never received for many other games) was neatly placed to the side of the screen. You have two alternate inventories, depending on whether you're in the real world or the art world. A winged Egyptian dog serves as your witty helper in both locales. This game was truly beautiful, and the graphics were appropriately surrealistic when needed to convey the ethereal nature of the art world. The storyline was also provocative as you help your hero defeat villains such as Lethargy and Despondency -- whether Solitude is a villain becomes clear as you proceed. The only oddity I noticed in this game was the occasional use of elevator jazz during scenes in the artist's home and in the bonus chapter. This was distracting and the only element that didn't fit its environment. There were several hours of gameplay in the main game, and 2 to 3 more in the bonus chapter. This length is typical and I would never describe it as short, particularly when compared to the extremely short games Big Fish has recently offered (In Her Eyes, Labyrinth). There are also collectibles that create additional mini games that can be played outside of the main game. I can't emphasize how much I love this game, and I am happily giving it a rare five star rating.
Review by jennifer626 on Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece HD - A Hidden Object Mystery (Full).