Brink of Consciousness: The Lonely Hearts Murders
- November 24, 2014
- Viva Media
"Brink of Consciousness: The Lonely Hearts Murders" is a hidden object game set in a 19th century English city. As Owen Wright, you must rescue your daughter from the notorious Lonely Hearts Killer and solve tricky puzzles to uncover the mystery behind the killings. The Collector's Edition includes bonus content such as a bonus chapter, integrated strategy guide, and downloadable soundtrack. Act quickly to end the killing spree and save Olivia before it's too late.
Reviews
- The game features a compelling storyline with interesting plot twists and a well-developed atmosphere.
- The artwork and graphics are beautiful, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
- There are some ingenious puzzles that provide a satisfying challenge, making the gameplay engaging.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including low framerate and game-breaking bugs, particularly in the bonus chapter.
- Many puzzles and hidden object placements feel illogical and random, detracting from the immersion and enjoyment.
- The dialogue and cutscenes can be overly long, leading to a slower pace that may frustrate players looking for a more streamlined experience.
- story37 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in this game is generally regarded as compelling and engaging, featuring a murder mystery with intriguing plot twists and character development. While some players found the narrative to be convoluted or lacking in tension compared to the first installment, many appreciated the atmospheric elements and the integration of puzzles within the storyline. Overall, it offers a mix of interesting themes and settings, though opinions vary on its execution and coherence.
“The lonely hearts murders is the second game of the series Brink of Consciousness, the story about Owen Wright who is searching for his missing daughter.”
“The concept of Brink of Consciousness is definitely intriguing and makes the story memorable, unlike many hidden object games where the events fade before you even finish.”
“This second installment in the Brink of Consciousness series serves as both a stand-alone Victorian detective story with a slight touch of the occult, and a vague prologue for Oscar's tale in Dorian Gray Syndrome, for the perceptive gamer.”
“The characters are not 'at the top', the story is too complicated to be followed or believed.”
“The story was alright, but just seemed to drag even though the game is rather short.”
“The graphics and animations are fine, but the story is really stupid and the characters are either annoying or boring.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful artwork, soft colors, and well-designed visuals, contributing positively to the overall experience. While the 3D graphics and animations are considered fine, some players feel that the story and character development do not match the quality of the visuals. Overall, the game's graphics stand out as a highlight, enhancing the murder mystery theme.
“The artwork of the game is very beautiful, the colors are soft and everything blends in nicely.”
“Really nice murder mystery with 3D graphics and plenty of puzzles embedded within the storyline.”
“Great graphics and decent voice acting.”
“The graphics and animations are fine, but the story is really stupid and the characters are either annoying or boring.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users praising the lovely soundtracks that effectively match the story's mood. Additionally, the inclusion of downloadable soundtracks and voice acting enhances the overall experience, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.
“The music is good, and it is a good mystery.”
“Lovely soundtrack that matches the mood of the story.”
“The voice acting is a nice touch, and I really like the soundtrack.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it standard and lacking innovation, while others appreciate it as fitting for the genre. Despite a strong narrative, the mechanics are often described as dated, leading to a disconnect between the story and gameplay experience. Overall, opinions vary, with some enjoying the gameplay while others find it unengaging.
“Excellent story, and despite the other review, good gameplay.”
“Gameplay: 8”
“It's not terrible, but there's just nothing special here, and dated mechanics make it a drag.”
“With that said, I am not a fan of the gameplay.”
“Gameplay is what you would expect from a hidden object game.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a compelling storyline and a Victorian aesthetic that enhances the detective experience, though it lacks the creepiness of its predecessor. While some players note outdated visuals and lengthy dialogues, the overall ambiance is praised for its engaging voice work and intriguing plot twists.
“The game creates the true atmosphere of a detective.”
“The Victorian style of the game adds a nice atmosphere.”
“Great atmosphere and voice over, and the story has some nice plot twists ready.”
“While the atmosphere is not as creepy as the first in the series, the storyline is compelling and the bonus chapter itself is fully worth the play.”
“The game looks outdated and the dialogues are too long, all true, but the game creates the true atmosphere of a detective.”
“The atmosphere is very different, with the first being more horror.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the character Jayden, whose comedic timing and tendency to withhold information until the last minute adds a layer of amusement to the challenging gameplay experience. Overall, players find the humor to be a notable and entertaining aspect of the game.
“I just finished this game a few days ago, and it was challenging at times. It seemed like a long game, but Jayden was funny, leaving details out until the last minute.”