House of 1000 Doors: The Palm of Zoroaster - Collector's Edition
- July 8, 2014
- 6h median play time
"House of 1000 Doors: The Palm of Zoroaster - Collector's Edition" is a single-player adventure game with stunning graphics and a gripping story. In this sequel, return to the House of 1000 Doors, which has taken a dark and unsettling turn since your last visit. Prepare to face new challenges, solve puzzles and uncover secrets in this eerie and suspenseful game.
Reviews
- The game features beautiful graphics and an immersive storyline that enhances the overall experience.
- The addition of a map system allows for easier navigation and reduces backtracking, making gameplay more enjoyable.
- The puzzles are varied and engaging, with a good mix of hidden object scenes and mini-games that cater to different skill levels.
- The main story is shorter and less complex compared to its predecessor, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Some puzzles are overly easy or tedious, leading to a less challenging experience overall.
- There is a noticeable reuse of music and assets from the previous game, which can detract from the freshness of the sequel.
- story39 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally described as immersive and engaging, with a mix of familiar characters and new plot elements, though some players found it less complex than previous installments. While the main storyline is relatively short and straightforward, the bonus chapter offers additional depth, albeit with some criticism regarding its abruptness and reliance on previous games for context. Overall, the narrative is considered enjoyable but may lack the originality and charm of earlier titles in the series.
“It had an immersive appeal, both in story and graphics.”
“A nice short story and a return to some of the previous characters.”
“The story: the Palm of Zoroaster, a cursed orb, has been destroying things, people, and quite possibly civilizations for centuries.”
“The story feels a bit disjointed and has lost a lot of the mysterious charm the first title had.”
“A bonus chapter should add on to the story, not actually finish telling the story.”
“Kate expresses no reason for even returning to the house and the mystical cursed fireball that seems to be causing trouble rarely does much of anything besides float around, giving no sense of urgency to the mission of the game.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received positive feedback, with many users praising the beautiful visuals and immersive art style, particularly noting the pinballesque design and well-executed hidden object scenes. While some players mentioned the reuse of artwork and music from previous titles, the overall quality of the graphics is considered a strong point, enhancing the gameplay experience. Additionally, the option to adjust visuals adds to the game's appeal for players.
“It had an immersive appeal, both in story and graphics.”
“The graphics are beautiful and this game was so much fun!”
“A decently interesting plot, good quality graphics, and tastefully done CG - something I can definitely applaud is their very careful use of it.”
“Graphics are just fine, and the music is okay though repeated exactly from the previous game.”
“A superior game to Family Secrets in all but one aspect, Palm of Zoroaster features improved level design, even better graphics and much easier puzzles, catering more for the more casual hidden object game fans.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as relaxing and well-balanced, featuring familiar mechanics such as item clicking, puzzle-solving, and hidden object scenes. While some players found it slightly tedious and prone to backtracking, the introduction of a new map system enhances navigation and pacing, making the experience more engaging. Overall, the combination of improved gameplay elements and artistic presentation contributes positively to the game's appeal.
“The gameplay is the usual one: click on items that you'll need in another scene, solve puzzles, find hidden objects in specific areas, etc. I found everything well-balanced.”
“What was already enjoyable gameplay gets a big boost from the new map system - not just tracking where you've been, but giving a quick hint of where you need to go next, and cutting the backtracking with the new travel system through the map.”
“The game is saved by good gameplay and artwork; all of the hidden object scenes are well done, and the game also adds more puzzles this time as well.”
“The bonus game is fairly well thought out, but gets a bit tiresome as some of the gameplay seems to involve unnecessary backtracking.”
“The gameplay felt slightly tedious and not nearly as engaging as it could have been.”
“The gameplay is similar to its predecessor, and involves repetitive tasks that can become monotonous.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the organ music and overall soundtrack, but expressing disappointment over the heavy reliance on recycled tracks and artwork from the previous game. While some new melodies have been introduced, the lack of significant changes in the music and character designs has been a common critique among users.
“I really enjoyed the organ music!”
“The visuals and music are nice.”
“I enjoyed the music and the artwork, but you really couldn't have added some new tracks and lessened the amount of reused artwork?”
“My biggest gripe with Plam of Zoroaster is that they used the same music and some of the same exact models and drawings from Family Secrets!”
“The music and character designs are pretty much recycled from the first game, which makes sense, but all of the background art and puzzles are new.”
“There is also quite a bit of recycled music from the first game, though some new background melodies have been added as well.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unenjoyable, with many describing the puzzles and gameplay as lacking engagement. While some mini-games are appreciated, the overall experience is marred by a sense of monotony that leads to skipping content.
“The puzzles are mostly tedious and not fun.”
“The gameplay felt slightly tedious and not nearly as engaging as it could have been.”
“I liked all the mini-games in the main mission, but I actually skipped one in the bonus content because it was just too tedious (and I pride myself on never skipping anything in a casual game).”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has low replayability, indicating that players may not find sufficient motivation to revisit it after completing it.
“The replay value for the game is low.”
“Once you complete the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying feel tedious.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for being wonderfully immersive and satisfying, though it is noted to be slightly less accomplished than a previous entry focused on family secrets.
“While a little less accomplished than the family secrets entry, this is still a wonderfully atmospheric and reasonably satisfying hidden object/puzzle game.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be somewhat stagnant, as the music and character designs are largely recycled from the first installment, while the background art and puzzles introduce fresh elements.
“The music and character designs are pretty much recycled from the first game, which makes sense, but all of the background art and puzzles are new.”