Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride

I don't like to repeat myself, but let me tell you one more time: there aren't that many good games in the hidden object genre. They're too simple in development - comparatively - which makes them easy prey for companies wanting to produce something more or less palatable for the audience - to consume and to forget. Therefore, seeing such a marvel from a studio that is literally a conveyor belt for hidden object games was an unexpected surprise. But a pleasant one.

Plot - 9/10

The main character, along with her father, arrives in a little village for the wedding of her twin sister. But the ceremony never takes place: a large bear attacks the settlement and kidnaps the bride, preventing the proclamation of the union. A lot of people are hurt, but still, a lot more go after the bear. So does the main character, but she becomes separated and comes to a witch's hut...

Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride is set in a magical medieval-style world, so you'll see sorcery, spirits, witchcraft, potions, and more! The story holds its intrigue, and even though some things are predictable and the ending is too sappy, it's still a nice little tale.

Gameplay & Puzzles - 10/10

My deepest respect to the developers. I don't know the details of the game's creation, but usually Artifex Mundi games have a lot of mini-games done based on the same templates which migrate from one game to the next. Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride is a rare exception. All puzzles are unique - some may be too easy, perhaps. But at the very least I didn't have to do the same mini-game in different colors for the 20th time.

Hidden object scenes are also professionally crafted - sometimes I had to look very, very hard to find what was required. But! If you don't want it or prefer to bring some diversity to the game - welcome: instead of looking for things, you can complete domino games - not a unique concept, but a nice feature nonetheless.

Graphics & Visual Design - 10/10

I fell in love with Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride the moment I saw its graphics. It's one of the best I've seen in hidden object games in my life. Quite literally fabulous and charming. And the style in which all the details are drawn makes them seem... real in some way.

Soundtrack - 10/10

A very good compilation of compositions that underline and bolster the course of events. Mostly the notes are mystical and pensive, but not exclusively. There was a place for openly adverse - or conversely - soothingly friendly melodies as well.

Atmosphere - 10/10

A well-crafted magical world with beautiful scenery, titillating intrigue, and classic fairy tale tropes to boot. The feeling of a fable coming to life is real, it's at your fingertips - and all around you.

Verdict - 10/10

I haven't the slightest idea how a game like this was developed by Artifex Mundi - but it's a masterpiece in its genre. Even if you didn't like this sort of games before - try Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride. You won't lose anything. It's a pleasant way to spend a few evenings - oh, and a nice bonus. The game is longer than most of its counterparts - after all, legends tend to stretch out.