textrekkie
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Rank:"Old-Timer"
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Worn Out
Posts:629
From: USA 
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 07:53)
I "downloaded" the demo and played.
Game by Artogon - the same developers who do the Treasure Seekers series. The game looks good. There are choices for full screen with wide screen adjustment (yeah). Casual and advanced mode (yeah). Options to adjust music and sound. PLUS, the strategy guide and extras (concept art and screensavers) are available during the demo (the exception being the bonus game play).
The story main character is male (nice change of pace). Dark and creepy atmostphere - run down town being evacuated. The cut scenes are good and the fx and graphics very well done. There isn't much to tell of puzzles or minigames--of the ones encountered during the demo there wasn't much in the way of challenge (putting things back in order, find the code for things--no real figuring things out).
The only concerns I have are 1) you have to use a flashlight alot in the hidden object scenes (which is a personal dislike for me) and 2) by the end of the one hour demo I had reached the end of Chapter 2 playing in advanced mode (there are 6 chapters in all, including the bonus chapter), so the game may come in a little short on the time side. 3)In advance mode sparkles still appear in some scenes for some items (other than HO scenes) I can't explain the reasoning behind it--it's not an always thing. But when I initially entered the basement and was looking around, no sparkles appeared at all. But, after I fixed the steps and I had paused to make a few notes, sparkles appeared to indicate where something was. :(
But overall a good-looking game.
DH has a niece getting married this weekend so there's lots going on for us. If I decide to purchase it can't be before Monday, after all friends and family have departed. I'll look forward to reading everyone's impressions.
ETA - Had to add information about the sparkles
(Message edited by textrekkie On 03/24/2011 09:34)
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All animals are created equal (but some are more equal than others)
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b00kworm 
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Status:
Developing Pub RPG
Posts:3733
From: Germany 
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 07:57)
I'm waiting until the beginning of the next month at least - what with me having bought another game full (non-casual) price today. But if the reviews here are good, I might go for the CE instead of waiting.
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Man who make mistake in elevator wrong on many levels.
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textrekkie
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Rank:"Old-Timer"
Status:
Worn Out
Posts:629
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 08:18)
I just spent $20.00 yesterday at GOG. So I should probably wait for the SE on this one, regardless - LOL.
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All animals are created equal (but some are more equal than others)
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govegirl 
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Posts:6333
From: Australia 
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 10:33)
I am resisting, resisting, resisting  LOL, Artogon are a favourtie developer of mine- I played the beta yesterday and found the game quite colourless and drab so I really am not tempted. Nope, save the money and put it towards Sims Medieval me thinks 
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b00kworm
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Status:
Developing Pub RPG
Posts:3733
From: Germany
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 11:51)
After an afternoon with medieval sims, I can only agree with you there!
I'm definitely waiting for the SE, then I'll give it a look.
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Man who make mistake in elevator wrong on many levels.
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textrekkie
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Rank:"Old-Timer"
Status:
Worn Out
Posts:629
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/24/2011 14:02)
I think we're doing the right thing waiting for the SE. This is gonna be a very short game, I'm afraid. And not a very challenging one.
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All animals are created equal (but some are more equal than others)
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/27/2011 06:52)
I didn't find it to be short at all. I played an hour or so on Friday and on and off for most of the day on Saturday. Granted, I'm perhaps not the fastest player, but there was still plenty to do and keep me guessing. I really, thoroughly enjoyed the game. It has all the things that make a game a favorite for me (except morphing objects and achievements)... -amazing graphics... truly beautiful imo -an interesting and more or less original story... as textrekkie said, it was nice to be the guy looking for who/whatever it is for a change -a really spooky atmosphere with good sound effects for added creepiness -the H0 scenes weren't junk piles too much... it is set in an abandoned town that's been wrecked, so there is some wreckiness, but nothing that seemed extreme -lots of cool settings like abaondoned houses, hospital, church/graveyard, and a creepy island with a Native American burial ground Yes, there were some sparklies, but they weren't the big obnoxious ones like many games have. I found that the sparklies generally just indicated directions you could go, and not necessarily where you should go, if that makes sense. It had two modes to choose from, a cursor that didn't seem obnoxiously huge to me, and the hint system didn't seem to take long to refill, though I didn't use it much since I played in casual mode. The H0 scenes were pretty decent. You seem to be looking for belts a lot for some odd reason. There was the obligatory rubber duckie in one scene (I look for them on purpose since it's such an in-joke for devs) and a boomerang or two, but there was only one hand fan that I can recall. YAY! I found the hospital section the most difficult since I missed one active area and got stuck in the morgue for a while. The built in strategy guide was helpful then.  There was a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, but nothing that seemed excessive to me. I will also say that I got too tired last night to finish the bonus game, but it was cool to have it open up an entirely new section of the game and it seems like it will provide some answers regarding the ending since the game sets itself up "to be continued if we make enough money on this" if you know what I mean.  Though the ending in itself was satisfying without the bonus area. Overall, I enjoyed it tremendously. Much more than Shades of Death which was okay, but not especially memorable. I think that about covers it, but if there are questions, just let me know and I'll do my best to answer them for you. Es 
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oregonpandora
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Status:
I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Tur
Posts:1717
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/27/2011 08:48)
Good review, esmeqt. I am trying to resist buying this game till it is a SE. However, I will see how my punch card looks on the 31st, and if (by pure chance, of course!) I happen to need 3 punches....It's MINE!
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I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Turns out I just don't give a shit.
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Howatch
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Rank:Silver Member
Posts:189
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/27/2011 14:53)
I'm in the third section of the game now and must say that this is one of the best games of its type that I have played. The game just keeps on getting better. Well worth the price. The storyline is interesting and the puzzles are fun without being frustrating. I am enjoying this much more than I did Puppetshow: Lost Town (which, while pretty good, was a bit of a disappointment overall).
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/27/2011 15:13)
I completely agree, Howatch! I just finished the bonus section and it was great. I'm definitely glad I got the CE on it. The extra game was about an hour I'd guess. It was fun, provided an even more satisfying feeling to the end, and had some things I really had to think about in order to figure out. The bonus also has concept art that was kind of cool and wallpapers which I know some of you like to use for puzzles. This was a completely happy and satisfying (and I did jump in one scene!  ) game experience and was well worth the money for me. YMMV, but I would recommend this game to anyone. Es  for me! ETA: forgot my mugs! (Message edited by esmeqt On 03/27/2011 17:26)
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:03/27/2011 16:16)
Since Esmeqt did such an excellent review, I just wanted to add a few of my thoughts on the game.
Game Name: Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker CE Genre: IHOG Developer: Artogon Bought From: BFG CE/SE/Demo Version: CE Graphics: The graphics were very well done in a grayish, eerie realistic photo style. Widescreen Y/N: Yes Sounds: The sounds fit with the game. Music: The music fit with the game and wasn't intrusive. Cursor: Game cursor but not a large and instrusive one. Tech Issues: None Hints: Rechargeable Skippable Puzzles: Yes Length: My playing time was around 8 hrs playing on expert (I usually play in casual) and I did get stuck twice because I missed picking up an item I needed and had trouble finding it. Modes: Casual - hint and skip charge is faster and there are more sparkles to guide you. Expert - hint and skip charge is slower and there aren't as many sparkles, although there are some for the HOG scenes and where you should look or go next. Impression: I thought the game was very good. The storyline was intriguing and somewhat sad (IMHO only). The main game wraps up the majority of the plot. The bonus game pretty much wraps it completely and is in a previously unexplored area. However, if you only purchase the SE version, I think you'd only be left with a small cliffhanger and I don't think you'd be left with that -- "What the heck happened to?" thoughts. Pros/Cons: Definitely a dark and eerie game (with a creepiness factor thrown in). Very good storyline, gameplay, and graphics. The HOG scenes are a little junkpilish, however items aren't too difficult to locate. If you have to revisit a HOG scene, all of the items you searched for the first time aren't in the scene (this solved a pet peeve of mine). HOG scenes are sometimes located in an area you've already visited and there wasn't a HOG scene. There is quite a bit of to-ing and fro-ing but no more than you'd expect with this genre. Puzzles are not very difficult but are skippable. Overall Verdict:
(Message edited by reclusive On 03/27/2011 16:32)
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mcurty
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Rank:Silver Member
Posts:162
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 14:18)
Esmeqt , Howatch, and Reclusive did an excellent job of describing the game and my feelings about it also. Great game!! Enjoyed every minute of playing it including the interactive H0 scene parts. One of the best games I've seen recently.
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 14:54)
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 15:25)
I am trying to make up my mind about this game. Should I get the se or should I save up for the ce? Any opinions?
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volnole68
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Rank:"Old-Timer"
Posts:569
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 17:52)
Same here Trinity! Just can't decide.
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 17:58)
Lol, at least I am not the only one then!
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oregonpandora
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Status:
I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Tur
Posts:1717
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 18:19)
I bought the CE and I know that I thought it was great! If you have doubts, buy the SE and if you love it. BF will let you trade it in on the CE (For more $$$$ of course.) As I remember it is one that is set up for a sequel (but it doesn't leave you hanging too badly) so if you want the whole experience, go with the CE.
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I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Turns out I just don't give a shit.
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 18:24)
Well, as I have some of those groupon coupons, I'll get the se and if I really fall in love with it I shall upgrade it. Thanks OP.
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bucky1of1
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Rank:Silver Member
Status:
It's time for a nap!
Posts:173
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/06/2011 18:50)
I just finished the se version, I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I loved this game, it is worth it either version you get.
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cuddlefish1
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Rank:Gold Member
Posts:375
From: Australia
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/07/2011 17:27)
Re Upgrade - I didn't know you could do that. Great data. Thank you OP.
(Message edited by cuddlefish1 On 05/07/2011 17:28)
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oregonpandora
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Status:
I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Tur
Posts:1717
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/07/2011 17:52)
LOL! I knew you could do it, but I never have. Therefore I don't know HOW to do it! Contact customer service, maybe?
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I used to think I had mellowed in my old age. Turns out I just don't give a shit.
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Ex-member
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/07/2011 18:07)
I upgraded one of my first games I bought with BF. Had totally forgotten I could do that. Anyway, what I did was go and buy the CE and then contacted CS. I used the live chat thing they have, just explained that I had bought the SE originally, decided I wanted to upgrade and could I have a credit for the SE. It was sorted out very quickly, I don't know if this is still how it's done. But I can't see why not.
ETD: Because I cannot spell today.
(Message edited by trinitymanson On 05/07/2011 18:08)
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cuddlefish1
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Rank:Gold Member
Posts:375
From: Australia
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/07/2011 20:08)
Interesting. Doing it thatway would be ok by them. I was wondering about buying the SE with a credit and upgrading with an additional $6.99. Perhaps this would not be as ok by them??
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Genkicoll
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Rank:Posting Wizard
Posts:2279
From: USA
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/07/2011 20:29)
My understanding of BF SE --> CE purchases:
1. Buy the SE - get one punch on your card
2. Decide to upgrade to CE - Pay $13.99 for the CE, get three punches on your card
3. Contact Customer Service, who will send you a game code, essentially refunding your SE purchase - get a 5th punch on your card when you use the game credit.
As far as I know, this is the only system they have in place at the moment.
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_DD_
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Rank:Silver Member
Posts:140
From: Germany
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Reply To cuddlefish1
(Date Posted:05/08/2011 01:04)
Reply to cuddlefish1 (05/08/2011 04:08) (Shiver - upgrade to CE question)
I was wondering about buying the SE with a credit and upgrading with an additional $6.99. Perhaps this would not be as ok by them??
Nope, they will ask you to buy the CE first. You'll get the refund for the SE (only) afterwards. Their Exchange Policy is (bold by me): >>> If you've already purchased a standard version game and would like to upgrade to the Collector's Edition, we will offer a full refund of the standard version game after the Collector's Edition has been purchased. Before contacting Customer Support to process a refund for the standard version game, please purchase, install, and then open the Collector's Edition at least once. (If you've already played part of the game, this should help save your player profile and game progress, preventing the game from starting at the beginning.) <<< Refund and Exchange Policy at: http://bigfishgames.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/213/kw/Upgrade%20to%20CE/r_id/109674 ETA: IOW, it's like TM and Genki described. I just thought I'd add their official text, so you know that it's easily done and you don't have to ask for a special favo(u)r. (Message edited by _DD_ On 05/08/2011 01:08)
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cuddlefish1
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Rank:Gold Member
Posts:375
From: Australia
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RE:Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker
(Date Posted:05/08/2011 01:36)
Thanks All. It is now clear to me.
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