You can download Mystery Case Files®: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition Here.



As always, please remember to come back and tell us what you think.

Happy Gaming,
Ana :wave:

Good morning, Ana! Thank you.

Coffee.....check
Comfey......check
Game bought and about to begin! Woohoo!

I am one happy
Enjoy everyone!!!!

~Carol

Thanks Ana, Woo Hoo! This is a buying without trying!

The offer is good until 11/25, so does it seem more sensible to buy the game on Sunday just in case there are more CEs available from today to Sunday or am I not understanding the offer? It wouldn't surprise me not to understand, not understanding is my best thing.

Can't wait to get playing this one! I bought it without playing the demo .This was a nice surprise as the game wasn't supposed to be released until the 22nd.

Fil, another CE was announced yesterday for release this week, entitled The Beast of Lycan Isle. I would think that it would be included in this MCF sale if you were to buy this game after it shows up (presumably this weekend), but I cannot say for sure.

I also bought Shadow Lake without even trying the demo - thankfully, the game runs well. Can't wait to start playing.

Thanks Marian, I believe I'll wait a few days and see what's what.

Fil, a moderator on the Big Fish forum has confirmed that the MCF coupon code will work for a CE released between now and when the sale ends.

Yippy skippy!

I'm a fan of the "Ghost Hunters" TV show, so I loved the beginning of this one. How nice to have the opportunity to buy this before Thanksgiving. And the special offer on other CE's makes it a no-brainer. Just played a few mins. of demo and can see that the game will be packed with challenges.

When I joined Big Fish I bought a superpack. One of the first games was a MCF game. I followed this series and enjoyed every one, Dire Grove being my favorite.

This present game does not have a MCF feel about it, it doesn't even have a BFG feel about it. It's like they farmed it out to another developer.

I've only played 20 minutes so far, and I will finish the trial. As for the extras, there's nothing there that is enticing. I'm thinking this will be one MCF that I won't be buying as a CE.

The SG is not a true SG, it borders on useless.

Sorry to be a downer on this game, but it's just not of the MCF caliber we have come to know in my opinion.

Thanks Ana! Yay! Bought it without trying demo and have been playing it all morning. Other games got put on back burner until I'm finished with this one.
Love it! Great game so far!
Also bought the Dana Knightstone novel CE on sale with it for $6.99.
Kay

Your opinion is valued, Flo. I can't comment on the game yet because I won't be starting it for a few hours. I will be very interested to hear what everyone has to say about the game, whether it be good or bad.

Does it in fact mean any game, or just any game by the same developer?? It's obviously one of my confused days today LOL

The sale applies to all other available CEs.

Whoohoo

Bummer. Was SO looking forward to new MCF but won't play on my pc. Used up the trial trying to adjust anything in Options but nothing worked. Pretty much saw just the small golden hourglass. Going to check forum on bf and see if anyone else having probs. I had problem with last MCF(last of Ravenhurst series)in that while in a rainy area would barely run...but this one has no rain-lots of fog however..BUT not fog indoors and still when able to get to new area then the hourglass begins again and can't move.

I'm sorry, gamenut. Be sure to contact Big Fish Customer Support to see if there is anything they can do.

I agree with you about the feel of these last 2 MCF games. The developers seemed to have gotten off track and have completely changed the format. I did enjoy Dire Grove and 13th Skull though. But I do really prefer the earlier games that were mostly HOG's I know that a lot of people here don't agree with that but this is just my personal preference. I am not wild about the Strategy Guide in this game but so far I haven't had a problem following it.

needing some help, please - asked at BFG forum but got no reply - liking the way the forum is linked right into the game

I can't find the school bus in the kids' room at the Warden's house - can you help me?

This is such a great game - lots of new and different things, but I'm frustrated when I can't find the bus and can't get help

Need to get outside now and have some fresh air - If the rain stops for a minute, I'll make a run for it

Janice

I'm just starting the game now, Janice; hopefully someone will be along to help you.

I played 30 min. of the game and didn't like it all. That's just me. I didn't like the hint button keep recharging even outside the HO. Even in the HOS you have to go to other rooms to find things. Lot of gamer might like the game.
Richard

I bought it sight unseen this morning because I know despite what I am reading, I have to judge for myself. It's interesting reading the pros and cons. I will play it in a couple weeks when I have time.

Ana

I'm loving the game so far; I've only played it for about 40 minutes or so, but I can already tell that I'm going to have a great time with it. I'm playing in hard mode and seeing how far along in the game I can get without looking at the strategy guide. That probably won't last long, but it's fun to try.

Excellent Marian. I have always enjoyed the creativeness of the BigFish developed games so I am thinking I will also enjoy it.

I think part of the problem with the negative comments are that you may be expecting the same as the others when in fact they have all changed from the original a little bit each time. I will approach it as something new and not expect it to be any specific way.

Hi, Marian!

I just checked the "Help" article and it says nothing about CEs released between now and when rhe sale ends being ineligible. It just states that you must have "MCF: Shadow Lake CE" and at least 1 more CE in your shopping cart for the coupon to work. If the sale only applies to CEs released prior to today, should that not be stated somewhere in the instructions?

Susan

Hi Susan, it could have been made more clear as to whether any CE released between now and when the sale ends is eligible, but a mod on the BF forum has confirmed that it will be. Trouble is, that would have meant holding off on buying the new MCF for a few days, and I don't have that kind of intestinal fortitude. The other CE that is supposed to be released before the sale ends is The Beast of Lycan Isle (developer is Silverback, who also brought us the Empress of the Deep games and Theater of the Absurd); we will see if it shows up.

Ana, I go into each MCF game thinking of it as a new experience rather than comparing it to others in the series; I agree with you that the developers try to offer something a bit different with each new release. It has certainly worked for me.

Hi, Marian!

I just finished the demo and enjoyed it; however, if "The Beast of Lycan Isle" is from the same developer as the "Empress of the Deep" series, I think I'll muster up all of my willpower and wait to see if it's released before Sunday. If not, there are two other CEs that I've been holding off buying, so I can pick them up.

Susan

That sounds like a very good plan, Susan.

The sale will be good through November 25th, so if Lycan Isle is released on Sunday, you will be able to use the MCF code on it that day.

I am getting deeper into the game and I am liking it very much! A couple of scary moments there! No, it is not like the original MCF games but I have changed my mind about this one. It's delightfully different and interesting. Hey! Doesn't Cassandra look a lot like actress Lea Thompson? And the man who shot the convict ( the Warden?) looks like Jack Nicholson.

Marlene, it is indeed Lea Thompson.

Is it really! Wow! No wonder she looks like Lea Thompson!

That would explain it.

Menuhune....the schoolbus is

Thanks, Gail.

I think this game is wonderful. I am so enjoying it. I also approached it as something new with no expectations of it being like anything else and I like what they have done. I think it's creative, different and I am loving it. Ana I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

Hey smitty145 let me know when you come up for air, what you think. LOL

Barbara

I'm happy you are enjoying it, Barbara!

Thanks Marian I didn't know how to add the spoiler tags.

You're welcome, Gail.

Lea Thompson's daughter is there also - there's a great long list of characters/actors in the CREDITS tab in the EXTRAS - I think she's the one at the beginning scene in back of the Ghost Busters van (with the lip gloss)

Another section in EXTRAS is almost better than the game - it's called MAKING OF - the characters are introduced and talk about the making of the game

Janice

thanks a lot, Gail

my eyes aren't as good as they used to be, but I'm set up now for cataract surgery, just waiting for hospital dates and times -
yee haw -

Janice

I have to agree with you! I love the game and think it's a wonderful and fun change. Unfortunately, there were other things that had to be handled at home so this had to be put to the side for a bit. I'm looking forward to more game play tomorrow. I'm finding this really interesting.

My only disappointment in the game is that I'm having an issue with the sound not working. This is a problem with another MCF now too. All other games work fine with sound, etc. The BF Techs are working on it with me and I'm hopeful they will find the problem with mine. It's not an issue for others.
Rickey and Allison are two great Reps at BFG CS.

As said here before, we expect the same type of gameplay all the time. I happen to feel this is a great change for the better!

ENJOY!

Geez, I guess I'll read the game descriptions from now on! I just sort of skimmed through it.I totally missed the Lea Thompson reference.

Marlene, it's totally understandable - you were just excited to play the game. I didn't read the game description either but rather went straight to the buy button.

Smitty, I hope BF can sort out your sound problem!

Having enjoyed all of the previous MCF games which I thought got better & better (the 13th Skull my favourite) I just went ahead & bought this.

I've been playing for at least a couple of hours now but with so many games to choose from I just wouldn't have if I'd tried the demo 1st!

I'm not unenjoying the game by any means & all kudos to BFG for trying something different but for me it's sooo slow moving! I'm not crazy about the way the HO finding is done & I really dislike the medium's reading puzzles (always a mistake to keep repeating puzzles in a game I think!) Also I find the character of the medium so irritating!

The story is interesting enough but the game just doesn't flow for me so far & seems too fragmented?

I see from comments that players either love it or hate it so would recommend you please try before you buy!!!

I'm with Chrissie! Finished the game but was looking for more??

I decided to give the trial version a try, to see if it was worth the $19.99 I'd have to pay for the full version.

The only reason I would buy the game would be to find out what's going on in the town. What the horn is, and why it has such an affect on people.

For the hour I got to play the game, the only acting that was worth writing home about was the ghost hunter group. The medium's performance is way to cheesy for my taste.

While I do play HOs I'm not fond of the type in this, or any other, game. It's harder for me to pick out things from photo type images than those with actual 3D models.

What puzzles I did encounter in that hour were OK, I guess. The one needing to be solved in order to see the medium was just a matter of finding the correct information. Getting into the records room was just trial and error, and observing.

As to the graphics I saw within that hour, eh, I've seen better. But they aren't intolerable.

As to what's going on, that would, as I said, be the reason I'd buy the game. But since other things have to be taken care of first, it may be some time before I do buy the game.

Yay, downloading now. Gonna be a fun weekend.

Well, I am stuck outside the prison and I just dont know what I am doing with these darn drawings! Does something get highlighted when you have found the correct location?

What a great game! I finished and I really enjoyed it.

I'm stuck too. I'm doing the HO for the school room and can't' find the" heart". When I ask for a hint it says I should find the objects Cassandra wants. The SG is not helping, I don't see a heart highlighted anywhere.

Rosaboobie you need to place the drawings over their corresponding scenes. Yes, it highlights when you click it in the right place. Hope this helps

thracia

Thracia the heart drove me crazy I don't know how to hide the answer and you might not need help anymore but if you do want me to tell you where it is, let me know and I will attempt to figure out how to hide the answer or I can message you. LOL
Barbara

An update has been released for this game:



I haven't experienced any issues with the game as yet but will probably update just to be on the safe side.

Thanks Marian!

Ana

I'm on the fence on this. It didn't get great reviews at BF. so undecided

Play the demo for an hour and see what you think. I'm enjoying the game very much.

I'm still waiting to see if Big Fish releases any more CE's before buying it. The sale lasts until Sunday, Nov. 25.

I think there will be another CE released this weekend.

Sly One, I finally found the heart after looking on the BF forums. Someone else had the same issue, Marian answered the question. Thank you for the offer of help. The funny thing is once I knew where to look for it, it was clear as day. Not sure why I didn't" see it before. Thanks anyway.

thracia

You are welcome. I'm glad that you found it. I had such a difficult time finding it myself and said the same thing when I finally found it. LOL
Barbara

Hi, Just finished the game and found out there's more to it. I didn't know there was a Grimes Quarry but found it when I was looking for more. Now, I'm hunting morphed objects.
I enjoyed the game very much. It's not like the other Mystery Case file games. You will either love it or hate it.
Kay

I'm glad you enjoyed the game, Kay. I did too.

Does anyone have a solution to the lock puzzle for sheriff's office. The strategy guide I am afraid to say is not very helpful unless I am missing something. It just shows the picture with no way to solve it.

Ramona, could you give me the page number on the strategy guide for this puzzle? This might help jog my memory about how you solve it.

It doesn't give the page number. It shows 62% complete. It is one of those lock mechanism puzzles. I had to use a bobby pin to pick the lock.

To get into the sheriff's office, you need to

ramona, you have to get all the locks out of the center at the same time. the locks move at different rates. You need to click the slower ones first and the faster ones later. It does take trial and error. I solved it by counting how long each lock took to return to their starting positions. Hope this helps, if this is the puzzle you are referring to.

thracia

Thanks, thracia; that's exactly how I arrived at the solution as well.

No, this one comes up after the trip to the coroner's office. A bobby pin and screwdriver are used. I wish the guide at least gave an explanation of the puzzle.

Is this the safe in the sheriff's office, where it talks about a fishing spot?

If so,

Sorry was trying be vague in case thought it a spoiler. I am trying to get into the locked sheriff's office downtown. I can't get past the lock pick puzzle.

You said you used the bobby pin. Have you used the screwdriver as well?

Sorry about this, Ramona - it's frustrating not being able to reference this in the strategy guide.

Yes, used both and now at part where use bobby pin to tap the mechanism. Usually with these puzzles,you have to tap one in a certain order to get them to lock into place. It is frustrating. I will try a little while longer and then go to the Murder She Wrote game.

Marian, I posted to the forum and someone provided the solution. Thanks for trying to help me.

Great! I considered doing that myself but wasn't all that sure I would get a quick reply.

Well folks I finished the game and have to say finding the morphing objects was the most fun. It was the first MCF HOG that I rushed through just to finish. I have high hopes though for the next year's game. All the games have been excellent and no one can be perfect all of the time.

I enjoyed finding the morphing objects too, although I did not find all of them, so I will replay the game at some point.

It wasn't my favorite of the MCF games, but I thought it was well worth playing, and I too look forward to seeing what they do with it next year.

Just finished the game and have mixed feelings. I think it is because some aspects of the game were good, others not. For example, I loved the fact that the puzzles were animated, but hated the way they floated around. I like my HO's all in one spot, with interaction, didn't like having to more around to find them all. Loved placing the drawings. Loved the map, but you were unable to walk to the different locations if you wanted to. Don't like the integrated bonus content, felt like it was just part of the game, not extra. Always love morphing objects. Finally the SG was terrible, showing only a small section. There were times I was past the point the SG showed, would have preferred to be able to go and forth in the SG. Overall well made game but, not going to be my favorite.

thracia

Just finished the game and I must say I enjoyed it throughly except for the floating puzzles, I did not like them at all. After two of them, I skipped the rest. I found them very tedious and nerve racking. I hope this does not become a regular part of the upcoming games.

Sorry I'm getting a late start on this an so lost as how to get the wires for the basement light in the box with number to work. Maybe I shouldn't have tried the hard mode? Thanks for any help

Hi Shy, are you still stuck? Could you explain exactly what area/chapter you are in when you talk about the basement?

Hi Marian, I got it figured out thank you.

Good for you!! I hope you enjoy the rest of the game.

I can't remember do the morphing items go away or are they always there so you can go back to areas to find them? Thanks

Once you unlock the morphing objects, they remain there for you to find.

Thanks Marian

You're welcome.

Finally found time to get started with this game. It's amazing! So many outstanding qualities. All I can say is, if you haven't made up your mind yet, don't hesitate any longer. I can't think of any reason someone would be disappointed.

I'm glad you like the game, Sparkle; I thought it was well worth playing.

There is a preventable glitch towards the end that will cause you to have to start over Sparkle. Unfortunately I was unaware and can no longer finish the game unless I start over which is not happening.

Here is how to avoid the glitch:

Thanks Ana for the tip!

I haven't started yet, been busy finishing up Nancy Drew The Captive Curse and Fishdom 3 got my attention (addition, lol). But getting ready to start soon and will keep this in mind.



Koalanut

I didn't know about this glitch, Ana; fortunately it didn't happen to me, but I have taken note of it for when I play the game again.

I unfortunately did not either and I am hoping they make a patch that will give the item back to me because I really want to finish it.

I was really enjoying the game by the way and thought it it to be a great addition to the MCF series.

Ana

Appreciate the heads up, Ana. How frustrating.

Hi, Ana!

Thanks for the heads up! I'm not quite halfway through the game, so I'll be sure to follow your advice when I arrive at that task because, as much as I'm enjoying the game, I don't really want to start over in order to see the ending.

Susan

I just heard from the CS and the update on the 28th was suppposed to have fixed that. Unfortunately, it does not give it back to you, it just prevents it from disappearing. I guess this may be one MCF I never finish, I am totally bummed.

That's a shame, Ana.

I just found another glitch (I think). Early in the game I went to the quarry and picked up the wrench. I didn't use it right away and it disappeared from my inventory. Now I'm finished with the regular part of the game and am starting the CE portion which I think takes part in the quarry but with no wrench, I can't proceed. Is there something I'm missing here? I don't know if the quarry is actually the CE portion or not. If it was part of the regular game, where is the CE portion?

I did love the game but, as you can see, I'm a bit confused at the moment.

Barb

Barb, the quarry level with the safe and the morphing objects is the bonus gameplay.

Thanks, Marian. Guess I won't be able to play the bonus because I picked up the wrench early in the game and it vanished from my inventory. Now, I can't get into the shed in the quarry. Bummer!! Up until now, I really, really loved the game.

Barb

Barb, if the morphing objects have already opened up for you, then I believe it's not necessary to go back to the quarry when the main game has ended; I think it was only important during the main game - being able to get into the quarry and having access to morphing objects constitutes the gameplay bonus for the Collector's Edition, as far as I know. Sorry if I confused you.

I'm confused about the Bonus Content as well I finished the game, but hadn't found morphimg objects. So, I went back to complete the safe puzzle im the quarry and got the mask I then went back through all locations and found all morphing objects. Now what?

I think that's the end of the game, Sparkle, as far as I know. I got the mask earlier in the game, found some of the morphing objects while playing and finishing the game, and that was it for me.

Hi, Marian!

I just finished the game and must admit that I'm a little (no make that a lot) disappointed. I found the repetitive floating puzzles to be EXTREMELY annoying and ended up skipping all but the first two. It wouldn't be so bad if you could simply click on the squares to join the pieces together, but you can't because they have to be maneuvered, which is next to impossible. The sketches were fun at first but, again, the repetition eventually became annoying because, if you don't have a photographic memory, you end up revisiting practically every location until you find the right match.

Don't even get me started on the bonus section. I don't really consider 2 puzzles and about 20 minutes of gameplay to be a bonus section, and there is no way I'm going back to every location just to find morphing items.

"Dire Grove" was the first MCF I ever played and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but this one pales in comparison.

Susan

Hi Susan,

I thought the floating puzzles were intriguing at first and did manage to do three or four of them, but after that I skipped them - the difficulty of controlling the pieces in order to put them into position got quite frustrating for me. I agree with you about the bonus section; I thought there should have been more.

If this game had not been a part of the Mystery Case Files series and had been from another developer, I think the game would have rated a lot higher in the estimation of many who were instead disappointed. When compared to other Mystery Case Files games, I agree that it was lacking in some areas. Still, I enjoyed the experience overall and felt eager to play it until I had finished.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the game.

You didn't confuse me, Marian. The game did. I never dreamed that the bonus chapter would only be looking for morphing objects. Had I known, I wouldn't have paid for the CE version. Next time there's a MCF game released, I won't be so quick to snap it up. I'll wait for the reviews. Sorry if I sound crabby here. Guess I'm just disappointed.

Barb

Okay, I told myself if you can't say nothing nice... ,but since we're venting... I actually found the game interestingly differant, but I agree it was repetitious. I actually completed all of the floating puzzles (OMG). My disappointment was with Lea Thompson's acting. I was excited that she would be in the game, but she acted as if to children. It was overly dramatic and, sorry, kinda cheezy. The game overall was not one I am interested in replaying, perhaps if I get desperate waiting for something new to come out...

That's not venting, Pam, but rather just stating an honest opinion. I congratulate you for your patience in completing all of the floating puzzles!

lakecat, I really liked this game. The floating puzzles were annoying but I did them all too. I thought Lea Thompson's acting was appropriate for an IHOG adventure. I think all IHOGs are somewhat cheesy. So, I kinda think she meant to play it that way. Just a thought.

Lol, thanks Marian. Zookeeper, I also got the impression she was acting as directed. It's just that I've seen her do better and felt alittle insulted. You're right though, some of the acting on IHOGS is rather cheezy.

I also did not appreciate the floating drawing puzzles. I managed to complete 3 of them and skipped the rest. I have a hunch that "younger" gamers who are accustomed to playing on Xbox or other such platforms would likely have an easier time with them.

I also agree that Lea Thompson's role wasn't that impressive. In fact, the lure of the game as a whole was more about the live acting eye candy. I enjoyed playing, but would advise those who haven't bought the CE to wait for the standard version.

It's always good to remember that these games are not documentaries.

Hi, Marian and Pam!

Marian, I was also miffed that there was no Strategy Guide or hints for the bonus chapter because, once I finished the 2 puzzles in less than 20 minutes, I thought that surely there was more to do besides backtrack and search for morphing items. It was only after I checked the BFG forum that I learned there wasn't.

Pam, if you finished all of those "floating" puzzles, you have my utmost respect . I gave up after the first two because it was too difficult, not to mention frustrating, to capture each floating piece and join it with another floating piece.

Susan

Hi... Newbie here to GBC & in desperate need of some serious help! I'm stuck in the Quary in front of the safe, & for the life of me, can't get the blasted thing open (Grrr)!! Anyone care to lend a hand, errr, hint? I'd most sincerely appreciate it... Thanx

to GameBoomers, Simi.

This thread on the Big Fish forum should help you out. A full spoiler is also included, but warnings are given if that is not what you wish to see.

Thanks Marian!!! How do you get the smilies to work where you want them. Yours are soo cute! I just love using smilies. Do it all the time on FB ;) Also, what is a signature?

to GameBoomers Simi.

If you select full reply and then select the smiley face you will see a bunch that are available.

A signature is something you can put in your profile that will appears on the bottom of your posts. No links allowed in them except for developers or publishers with their game links.

Ana

I just noticed that an interesting update was released for this game three days ago, which is as follows:

Interesting! Thanks Marian!

I came late to this one as well, and was really looking forward to playing it.

Mixed feelings may be the best description, with the overall feeling being disappointment. The SG was the worst I've seen in a very long time! Lea Thompson was okay, and I do thin she was directed that way, but the puzzles were repetitive and the overall? Well, frankly, it wasn't that entertaining, but it will teach not to just buy an MCF without doing the trial!

Live and learn,

I'm thinking because so many people bought it unseen, that's the reason it made the #1 slot for the game of the year. I was really surprised to see it there, as there were a high percentage of bad reviews. However, their way of determining the winners was the amount of sales in the first two weeks. So, there ya go.

I actually broke down and purchased the game in the sale, just to see what those who did like it, saw in it. I can't say I'm not enjoying the game, it's not too bad of a game, just not up to MCF standards.

Try the solution in the ***Gamezebo walkthrough***. It may have different numbers from the clues given to you by your game, but try them anyway.

In my case, the clues given by my game often didn't work for puzzles like the safe puzzle and I had to use the solution given in the walkthrough. The strategy guide that came with the game was no help here. Apparently the "random" element of the puzzle malfunctioned. It changed the clues, but not the puzzle itself.