This game is so interesting and unique. The artwork is gorgeously done, the sound effects and animation superb, and I especially like the intriguing surprises that show up. The brain showing areas of interest was especially well done. You're supposed to stay out of the right wing because of "renovations" - well it just begs you to go exploring when the master of the house isn't around. There is so much to do and see here. If there's one negative, it's that people's lips don't track with the dialogue. This is a game that I will definitely play more than once or twice. A very well developed, polished game.

Loved this game! It was very interesting and there were good puzzles. I loved that it wasn't a HOG and that there were animals. I especially loved the kitty helper. It was a great idea.

I had to rate this game 5 stars because the graphics were outstanding, and it is the best game I have played in a long time. The puzzles were not difficult -- geared toward young children, I'd say -- but they were certainly unique and I loved all the colorful jeweled objects and the animated critters. The whole game (except for the heads) was real eye candy. Most scenes were bright and colorful. The absence of HOs was a giant plus for me, since I don't enjoy squinting to find useless objects in junk piles, no matter how clever they may be. There were some genuinely creepy surprises, which startled me a bit but definitely added to the atmosphere. The only negatives (which I mention not to discourage anyone from buying the game, but just in case the developers are tuning in...) were the music (repetitive and not well suited to the action) and a not very satisfying ending. I didn't know there was a CE version, but from the reviews I read, it does not sound like the CE provided what I had anticipated for a conclusion. Had the game not been so enjoyable otherwise, I would have knocked off a star for that. It seems a shame to have such a good and surprisingly long adventure end so abruptly. Don't we deserve a finale that wraps up the story and resolves the mysteries? Even a written epilogue would have been appreciated, though frankly I would have liked more than that.

based on the free trial only I bought this game as soon as I finished the trial. it is fun. I love the cat that helps you out, just pure fun. the hint button helps direct you - a map might be nice but not essential. I don't play with sound so can't evaluate that but the graphics are good. lots of things to find and puzzels to solve but not a bunch of hidden objects that you can't see. I think this is one of the best out recently. I highly recommend this game.

I almost would have missed this game had it not been for the blog walkthrough. There?s not anything that I would really consider creepy or scary. Just a few talking heads. It?s not gruesome, just funny and campy in my opinion. ERS characters are always rather amusing. I always look forward to the hyperbole that their characters bring to the game. It?s hilarious because they are always exaggerated and comical to the max. And this game is no different. There aren?t any hidden object scenes. Just a lot of bright and fun colorful puzzles. You collect items for your inventory that you use to interact with other objects within the game. I didn?t mind. I actually wish ERS would make one or two more games like this with the lighthearted storyline and entertaining puzzles. There are lots of locations and a lot to do. There is also quite a bit of backtracking and there isn?t a map. This is one of the few times where I?ve bought the standard edition and I wish I had bought the Collector?s Edition. I used the blog walkthrough several times. It?s hard to remember where things are sometimes. I copied it from the blog and pasted it into Word. But I wish I could have utilized the in-game strategy guide. But now I?m also curious about the bonus game. I enjoyed the game so much I was ready for more when it all ended. I actually think this is one of ERS? better games. The graphics aren?t as sharp and crisp all the time as some of their others, but it?s not too bad. It was a long game for me. I could only get through 6 chapters in one day. There are a total of 12. Overall, I thought this game was refreshing. I would recommend this if you don?t mind the absence of hidden object scenes. If you?re a fan of ERS and just want good fun, then this just might be the game that you?re looking for.

Brilliant game. No hidden object scenes, which makes a nice change. Puzzles are set at a good level. A game you need to think about to complete. I thoroughly enjoyed this game.

Loved this game!!!!! So much fun! No help, no map, no collectibles or achievements, and NO HIDDEN OBJECTS!!!! YEH!! Not too much journal, either. Reminds me of the old RPG games, a while back, which was so much fun. Great storyline. Heads took a little getting used to. Puzzles were very good. Great game length; get your moneys' worth! I really liked this, good, clean, old adventure!! GO FOR IT!

This is what a game should be! Great visuals, fun storyline, good puzzles, and long!

Love and adventure game with puzzles and no HOS. SO TIRED of games with all of a sudden junkpile of some garbage that most of what you dont even need in the game ...Great game.

I trawl through so many 'adventure' games to find one that truly is an adventure game. I was so relieved when there wasn't 1 single Hidden Object scene.Each time I had to leave the game I couldn't wait to play some more, the story kept you wanting to know what was happening and the puzzles were just my level, you had to think a little or use skill but it wasn't way too easy or so hard you had to skip it.