Review: Tiger Eye - Curse of the Riddle Box (PC Game)

I enjoy the challenge of hidden picture games now as much as I did as a child. I've only very recently been turned onto casual games for the PC. Since I am no longer able to commit to long-term role-playing games because of my busy schedule, this type of game is a welcome diversion.

Scheduled to be released in April 2010, Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box is based on the first half of the book Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu. You do not have to have read the book to enjoy this game. Although for me, a storyline is secondary when it comes to a puzzle-solving game such as this, I think that this particular story, which contains the elements of danger and espionage in the country of China, enhances the playing experience. I say this having only seen an unfinished version of the game. When the game's hand drawn scenes complete with recorded voices acting out the storyline are finished, I imagine that the experience will be even more enjoyable.

Although I really do enjoy hidden picture games, what makes Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box a great game is that it offers so much more beyond just hidden pictures. There are visual puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, word games, codes to decipher, and more. There are so many varieties of games that I have not felt even a hint of boredom.

The graphics on this game are good, but not the best. They are good enough for me to play this game enjoyably. I almost think that more detailed graphics would make finding objects quite difficult. Also, if your eyes tire easily, you can switch to full-screen mode.

You are able to quit the game at anytime and it will save your place automatically. If you were in the midst of a puzzle, then you will have to start the puzzle from the beginning next time you sign on. You can save different games by entering a different player name so that more than one person in your household can enjoy this game.

You should know that there are adult themes in this game that may not be suitable for young children. I have only had access to this game for one week, so I have not yet finished it. So far, there has been kissing and references towards sex and nudity plus some mild language. I cannot attest to what the storyline will bring beyond the point in the game where I am now.

When this game is released in April, a download version will be available for just $6.99 (or $9.99 for the premium package), which is a great price for the amount of entertainment it offers. If you would like to pre-order this game or simply learn more about it, visit the PassionFruit Games website.

System requirements for this game:

PC Download:
Windows XP/Vista/7
Intel Pentium III 1.4 GHz or higher
512 MB RAM
300 MB hard drive space

Mac Download:
Mac OS X - 10.3 or higher
1.0 GHz G4 processor
512 MB RAM
300 MB hard drive space

Thank you to PassionFruit Games for providing a sample early build game free of charge to base this review upon. I received this review as a member of the Game Review Network.