I'm Voiding This Contract - No Negotiations! – Contract With The Devil Hidden Object Adventure Review

9/26/16 - FURTHER UPDATE: I decided to delete and reinstall the game, and I was able to play through completion. However, I only added an additional star due to the following: 1. Frustration from restarting over; 2. Flawed transitions during most cut-scenes where the screen froze and cut off dialogue; 3. Multiple puzzles were erroneously programmed as my correct solutions were undetected; for example, I changed the colored tiles in one puzzle so that they did not match the adjacent tiles. No response. Then I purposely changed one tile to the same color of an adjacent tile; and unbelievably, the incorrect solution was accepted. In the last puzzle, I did not get a chance to place the last set of runes in the book because the solution solved itself. I did not hit the skip button; 5. No bonus play and collectibles; and 6. See below for details. I added that extra star due to lengthy gameplay, vast assortment of puzzles, and interesting story. But for a high price of $4.99, even without any glitches, this is missing too many main components affecting player usability and satisfaction. 9/25/16 - UPDATE: Do not purchase this game! It is flawed; more specifically, I encountered a fatal error, which has hindered my ability to continue. When I opened the game this morning to continue, I had to replay a puzzle. Then I placed a water petal where I was supposed to; and in return, I received a large, blue ice petal. Then you are supposed to place the ice petal on the "large flower" along with the others and receive an ice candle; I received nothing, and the hints keep directing me there instructing me to "place something there." There is no relative item in my inventory. The on-line walkthrough shows that I performed everything correctly, except that one step was out of order; that should not affect progression. I cannot advance any further. I will be requesting a refund. This plot is not particularly original, but it entertains a refreshing idea with the incorporation of the seven deadly sins into the storyline. I love the little, quirky daemons who appear as comical, oddball gremlins with a peculiar and grumble-like communicative approach. The graphics are fairly clear and sharp; the colors emit darker tones reflecting a gloomy and oppressive ambiance. Surprisingly, there are no voiceovers present; the absence of audio dialogue minimizes the enrichment of the player's experience. Custom settings are unavailable; choices are restricted to two modes, which, depending on your selection, disallow one from rejecting search penalties. No map? Hello? Well, the good news is that your adventure is quite linear; therefore, one is not requisite. Inventory is labeled but not interactive. The journal records detailed story progression; however, it contains erroneous grammar and does not maintain the current page upon access. The HOS consist of only two types, which is an outdated usage these days. The puzzles were creative, challenging, and stole the show in my opinion. Some were rotational where "one move affects another" in nature; in others, you will build contraptions or create potions. Transition is a bit glitchy during the cut-scenes; otherwise, all is well. I was very excited to see a new HOA released, but the emotional trip slowly subsided as it omitted several key components that we expect in order to satisfy our needs. In some ways, this game has some interesting aspects; in other ways, it's a nuisance.
Review by KimTwilight69 on Contract With The Devil Hidden Object Adventure.