Defeat the cunning wizard and return the magical artifact! FREE game on GOTD!

#16

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

To all community members having problems running this game, please read the comments I've posted to several community members. I've given several different fixes; failing those please try checking the FAQ's thread over in the game discussion forum sticky section. I usually link to it near the end of my reviews.
p.s. I've fixed the walkthrough links in my review (forgot to actually place the links).

Reply | Comment by Whiterabbit-uk – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#1

I arrived home from our university trip late last night as we stopped off to visit family. I've not had time to upload all of today’s game images. I need to take a break, but will add more images later today?

Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions

In Brief

A Hidden Object game with hand drawn graphics

Installation:

Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions downloads to a 149 MB zip file that unzips to three files, (a setup.gcd security wrapper, the set-up file and a read me). Those with multiple hard drives can save games on any drive they wish. The newly installed game is …. MB in size. The game installs to the following path by default, but can be changed by the user if you prefer:

C:\Program Files (x86)\MyPlayCity.com\Magic Encyclopedia Illusions

Four shortcuts are installed to the desktop, three of which can be safely deleted (Play Online Games, MyPlayCity Games and shortcuts to a free online game which vary each week). Also, if you don't like icons installed to the quick launch task bar, make sure you uncheck the box when the additional tasks window appears (after the Select Start Menu Folder window)

Introduction:

When Catherine receives word of an attack on the Magic Academy, she sets out to save her school from a fate worse than foreclosure! Join her as she learns about The Illusionist, a wizard that's changed the appearance of countless objects around the world and is gathering an unstoppable army. To defeat her nemesis, Catherine will have to figure out ways to switch back and forth between reality and deception to solve puzzles in Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions!

Edited reference accessed HERE. 24th June 2018

The Game:

After scoring a pair of hits with 2008’s hidden object adventure Magic Encyclopedia: First Story and its follow-up, Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light, Alawar isn’t resting on its laurels with the third game in the series. Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions introduces a fresh new graphical makeover and a unique approach to seek-and-find that has you switching between two different layers (one real and one an illusion) to uncover all of the secrets a scene has to offer.

Catherine, the magic academy’s best student, is dutifully studying at the library when she gets an urgent message from her professors via crystal ball. A villain named the Illusionist has stolen an important book from the academy and escaped, leaving a trail of illusions to cover his tracks. The illusions are so powerful that not only have they trapped the professors, but they’ve disguised the surroundings so that it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.

Magic Encyclopedia 3 follows the same tradition as previous games in the series in that you aren’t simply searching scenes filled with random clutter for a list of arbitrary objects. Rather, you’re looking for pieces of key objects that you should put back together to solve puzzles. In one early scene, for example, you must open a drape by first finding all the pieces of the drapery cord. Another challenge involves finding all of the pieces of a gear to repair on old clock, and so on.

The game’s first major departure is a purely aesthetic one. The graphics are still of the hand-drawn variety but they’ve taken on a more colorful and cartoonish bent that’s like the Samantha Swift games. For some this might be an acquired taste, but I found the visuals delightful.

The second twist relates to the gameplay. Because each scene has been doctored by an illusion, there are two ways to look at it (the illusion and the “real” version), which creates two layers to each scene with objects concealed in each. Many of the early puzzles involve manipulating the environment to toggle the illusion on and off, which causes hidden exits, items and other secrets to be revealed.

It’s a highly creative approach, to be sure; even if the game can’t keep it up across all five of its chapters. By chapter two you’ve acquired a pair of magical glasses that allow you to switch between the two versions of the scene at will simply by dragging them over different spots, which was a bit of a let-down at first even though the quality of the puzzles remains high right to the end.

Also clever is the way that solving a puzzle in one scene can affect another scene, like when turning a crank causes the water to drain out of a canal that can then be explored by walking one screen to the south. The ability to walk between scenes is part of the game’s fun, but is rendered slightly frustrating by the fact that exits aren’t always obvious.

The game is quite challenging, and its recharging hints system is a bit of an acquired taste. At first I was frustrating by cryptic messages like “I need to look somewhere else” and “Perhaps I need to change the way I’m looking at things,” until I realized that these seemingly unhelpful messages were the game’s way of telling me that I needed to try a different scene, and switch to the alternate scene view respectively. Once I had that down, the hint system never let me down.

Magic Encyclopedia 3 comes with a full complement of mini-games too. They range from well-worn (re-assembling a broken mirror, cat’s cradle puzzles and memory games) to slightly more creative (dragging stars to form constellations), but to their credit, all the mini-games have been carefully woven into the story and gameplay. They can all be skipped after a short amount of time has passed, and you get a fanfare whether you’ve legitimately beaten the mini-game or not, which seems a bit like cheating.

The game spans five chapters, each set in a completely different location composed of multiple scenes. None of the places you’ll visit are terribly original ( Egypt, China, the Lost City of Atlantis, and so on), but what the locations lack in originality they more than make up for with style and clever puzzles.

Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions should satisfy fans of casual adventure games who enjoy searching for “fractured” objects that all have a purpose rather than laundry lists of random clutter. And while the game does have a satisfying ending, the door is left open for even more adventures to come.

Edited reference accessed HERE. Originally posted by Erin Bell on Apr 9, 2010. Edited and reposted by Whiterabbit-uk 24th June 2018.

Other Reviews and Videos of Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions:

You can see Big Fish community reviews of Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions HERE and more information in the Big Fish forums HERE. There are several in-game videos of game play HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. You can also find written walkthroughs HERE and HERE

Conclusion:

I’ve not played the game enough to give a fair conclusion. Been really busy for the past few days and am too exhausted to play the game for more than a few moments. It looks like a decent HOG with a different take on the graphics. I agree with Neme that some of the hidden objects are rather small and I weas forced to use the hint button a few times to finish. Erin Bell who wrote a review for Gamezebo (see 'The Game review' above) said the graphics were hand drawn and colorful and all the objects and mini games served a purpose with fun puzzles and repetitive but pleasant music. On the negative side the hint system took some getting used to and exits weren’t always clearly marked.

If for any reason you want to contact the giveaway team, for example, you have a game to offer the community, or are unable to download the latest game or other issues that the FAQ's thread or these comments don't cover or solve you can do so HERE

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank MyPlayCity for giving away the third installment of Magic Encyclopedia and also to the game giveaway team, as always, for securing other ways to get free games.

Useful Information not related to today's game giveaway:

If Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions doesn't interest you, but you still hanker for something new to play, you'll find details of some game deals whether they be sale items, indie bundles or games being given away for free HERE (I've not updated the thread in a while, but most of the links still take you to the latest deals).

The rest of the information that used to be posted in the game review can be found in the forums HERE. Finally, check out Delenns threads for details of other free games and offers HERE and elsewhere in the game discussion forums HERE, (usually on the first page of the game discussion forums).

magic-encyclopedia-3-illusions-screenshot0_big

magic-encyclopedia-3-illusions-screenshot1

magic-encyclopedia-3-illusions-screenshot2

<blockquote>I arrived home from our university trip late last night as we stopped off to visit family. I've not had time to upload all of today’s game images. I need to take a break, but will add more images later today?</blockquote>

<blockquote>Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions</blockquote>
<blockquote>In Brief</blockquote>
<blockquote>A Hidden Object game with hand drawn graphics</blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/3jop7tu8z/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/vwk6ycdf7/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>Installation:</blockquote><blockquote>Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions downloads to a 149 MB zip file that unzips to three files, (a setup.gcd security wrapper, the set-up file and a read me). Those with multiple hard drives can save games on any drive they wish. The newly installed game is …. MB in size. The game installs to the following path by default, but can be changed by the user if you prefer:</blockquote><blockquote> C:\Program Files (x86)\MyPlayCity.com\Magic Encyclopedia Illusions</blockquote><blockquote>Four shortcuts are installed to the desktop, three of which can be safely deleted (Play Online Games, MyPlayCity Games and shortcuts to a free online game which vary each week). Also, if you don't like icons installed to the quick launch task bar, make sure you uncheck the box when the additional tasks window appears (after the Select Start Menu Folder window)</blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/6drulbm5f/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/85ktg7xsj/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>Introduction:</blockquote><blockquote> When Catherine receives word of an attack on the Magic Academy, she sets out to save her school from a fate worse than foreclosure! Join her as she learns about The Illusionist, a wizard that's changed the appearance of countless objects around the world and is gathering an unstoppable army. To defeat her nemesis, Catherine will have to figure out ways to switch back and forth between reality and deception to solve puzzles in Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions! </blockquote><blockquote>Edited reference accessed <a href="https://www.bigfishgames.com/games/5691/magic-encyclopedia-illusions/?pc" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. 24th June 2018</blockquote><blockquote>The Game:</blockquote><blockquote>After scoring a pair of hits with 2008’s hidden object adventure Magic Encyclopedia: First Story and its follow-up, Magic Encyclopedia: Moon Light, Alawar isn’t resting on its laurels with the third game in the series. Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions introduces a fresh new graphical makeover and a unique approach to seek-and-find that has you switching between two different layers (one real and one an illusion) to uncover all of the secrets a scene has to offer.</blockquote><blockquote>Catherine, the magic academy’s best student, is dutifully studying at the library when she gets an urgent message from her professors via crystal ball. A villain named the Illusionist has stolen an important book from the academy and escaped, leaving a trail of illusions to cover his tracks. The illusions are so powerful that not only have they trapped the professors, but they’ve disguised the surroundings so that it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.</blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/piv3v1isz/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/o3tj6c4v7/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>Magic Encyclopedia 3 follows the same tradition as previous games in the series in that you aren’t simply searching scenes filled with random clutter for a list of arbitrary objects. Rather, you’re looking for pieces of key objects that you should put back together to solve puzzles. In one early scene, for example, you must open a drape by first finding all the pieces of the drapery cord. Another challenge involves finding all of the pieces of a gear to repair on old clock, and so on.</blockquote><blockquote>The game’s first major departure is a purely aesthetic one. The graphics are still of the hand-drawn variety but they’ve taken on a more colorful and cartoonish bent that’s like the Samantha Swift games. For some this might be an acquired taste, but I found the visuals delightful.</blockquote><blockquote>The second twist relates to the gameplay. Because each scene has been doctored by an illusion, there are two ways to look at it (the illusion and the “real” version), which creates two layers to each scene with objects concealed in each. Many of the early puzzles involve manipulating the environment to toggle the illusion on and off, which causes hidden exits, items and other secrets to be revealed.</blockquote><blockquote> It’s a highly creative approach, to be sure; even if the game can’t keep it up across all five of its chapters. By chapter two you’ve acquired a pair of magical glasses that allow you to switch between the two versions of the scene at will simply by dragging them over different spots, which was a bit of a let-down at first even though the quality of the puzzles remains high right to the end. </blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/5bho2q5w3/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/8v3lsk3gz/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>Also clever is the way that solving a puzzle in one scene can affect another scene, like when turning a crank causes the water to drain out of a canal that can then be explored by walking one screen to the south. The ability to walk between scenes is part of the game’s fun, but is rendered slightly frustrating by the fact that exits aren’t always obvious.</blockquote><blockquote>The game is quite challenging, and its recharging hints system is a bit of an acquired taste. At first I was frustrating by cryptic messages like “I need to look somewhere else” and “Perhaps I need to change the way I’m looking at things,” until I realized that these seemingly unhelpful messages were the game’s way of telling me that I needed to try a different scene, and switch to the alternate scene view respectively. Once I had that down, the hint system never let me down.</blockquote><blockquote>Magic Encyclopedia 3 comes with a full complement of mini-games too. They range from well-worn (re-assembling a broken mirror, cat’s cradle puzzles and memory games) to slightly more creative (dragging stars to form constellations), but to their credit, all the mini-games have been carefully woven into the story and gameplay. They can all be skipped after a short amount of time has passed, and you get a fanfare whether you’ve legitimately beaten the mini-game or not, which seems a bit like cheating.</blockquote><blockquote>The game spans five chapters, each set in a completely different location composed of multiple scenes. None of the places you’ll visit are terribly original ( Egypt, China, the Lost City of Atlantis, and so on), but what the locations lack in originality they more than make up for with style and clever puzzles.</blockquote><blockquote>Magic Encyclopedia 3: Illusions should satisfy fans of casual adventure games who enjoy searching for “fractured” objects that all have a purpose rather than laundry lists of random clutter. And while the game does have a satisfying ending, the door is left open for even more adventures to come.</blockquote><blockquote>Edited reference accessed <a href="https://www.gamezebo.com/2010/04/09/magic-encyclopedia-3-illusions-review/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. Originally posted by Erin Bell on Apr 9, 2010. Edited and reposted by Whiterabbit-uk 24th June 2018.</blockquote><blockquote>Other Reviews and Videos of Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions:</blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/sppnep5tv/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/aznytmxdv/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>You can see Big Fish community reviews of Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions <a href="https://www.bigfishgames.com/games/5691/magic-encyclopedia-illusions/?pc" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and more information in the Big Fish forums <a href="http://forums.bigfishgames.com/forums/show/1714.page" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. There are several in-game videos of game play <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj11VdauVfs" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3tqyML61dI" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWoONc3AvQ0" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsW6pzL7R7A" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>, <a href="" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNfXYkVs4Ig" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. You can also find written walkthroughs <a href="https://www.gamezebo.com/2010/04/07/magic-encyclopedia-3-illusions-walkthrough-cheats-strategy-guide/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.bigfishgames.com/blog/walkthrough/magic-encyclopedia-illusions-walkthrough/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a></blockquote><blockquote>Conclusion:</blockquote><blockquote>I’ve not played the game enough to give a fair conclusion. Been really busy for the past few days and am too exhausted to play the game for more than a few moments. It looks like a decent HOG with a different take on the graphics. I agree with Neme that some of the hidden objects are rather small and I weas forced to use the hint button a few times to finish. Erin Bell who wrote a review for Gamezebo (see 'The Game review' above) said the graphics were hand drawn and colorful and all the objects and mini games served a purpose with fun puzzles and repetitive but pleasant music. On the negative side the hint system took some getting used to and exits weren’t always clearly marked.</blockquote><a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/ydvy5l2gj/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a>

<a href="https://postimages.org/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s19.postimg.cc/gb2vee96r/image.jpg" alt="image"/></a><blockquote>If for any reason you want to contact the giveaway team, for example, you have a game to offer the community, or are unable to download the latest game or other issues that the FAQ's thread or these comments don't cover or solve you can do so <a href="https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/about/contact/" rel="nofollow">HERE</a></blockquote><blockquote>I'd like to take this opportunity to thank MyPlayCity for giving away the third installment of Magic Encyclopedia and also to the game giveaway team, as always, for securing other ways to get free games.</blockquote><blockquote>Useful Information not related to today's game giveaway:</blockquote><blockquote>If Magic Encyclopedia: Illusions doesn't interest you, but you still hanker for something new to play, you'll find details of some game deals whether they be sale items, indie bundles or games being given away for free <a href="http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/458939#post-569898" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> (I've not updated the thread in a while, but most of the links still take you to the latest deals).</blockquote><blockquote>The rest of the information that used to be posted in the game review can be found in the forums <a href="https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/466808" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>. Finally, check out Delenns threads for details of other free games and offers <a href="https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/466757/page/2?replies=6" rel="nofollow">HERE</a> and elsewhere in the game discussion forums <a href="https://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/forum/17" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>, (usually on the first page of the game discussion forums). </blockquote>

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Reply | Comment by Whiterabbit-uk – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+16)

Whiterabbit-uk, "Been really busty for the past few days …"
Um, bit of an unfortunate typo, Stephen?!! Or is that what you do at weekends? ;)

Back to our muttons …

Thanks to MPC, Alawar, and Vendel Games for this third ME game in just the past few weeks! HOG heaven! I enjoyed playing First Story and I am enjoying working through Moon Light (given away yesterday), so I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy Illusions as well.

The real/illusion scene concept is a nice one, which if memory serves, was something I first saw in the classic Mystery of Mortlake Mansion, and it was very effective in that game. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works in Illusions.

So I'm now off to download Illusions; hopefully Chrome/Chromium browser won't have the false-positive "issues" with this download that some of us experienced yesterday with Moon Light!

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

I should have proof read it, but was desperate to go for a cat nap, so didn't bother. My keyboard is super sensitive (Razer Black Widow Ultimate Stealth), so I get a lot of typos when I touch the keys next to the one I'm using, for example, the T is next to the Y so I often get ty instead of T or Y. :)

Reply | Comment by Cad Delworth – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

Just reporting that there were no nags/warnings from Chrome/Chromium at the end of downloading today's GGOTD. So whatever affected Chrome/Chromium browser with yesterday's GGOTD isn't happening today, you'll be pleased to hear.

Reply | Comment by Cad Delworth – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

Cad Delworth,

"...whatever affected Chrome/Chromium browser with yesterday's GGOTD isn't happening today..."

FWIW, that sort of thing is usually automated, so when something goes wrong, like an entry in a black list, it takes a while for a real person to realize it's a problem, then go in and fix it.

Reply | Comment by mike – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Cad Delworth,
I downloaded with firefox then read your comment about chrome. Mine is doing the same thing as firefox. closing at the beginning of the game where you hit play.

Reply | Comment by Linda – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#30

I really want this game. I played another one but forgot the name of it and i loved it. Every time I get on the screen where it says options, play, etc it crashes but there is no kind of error message. It just goes back to the browser. Can you help me? I only have 2 hours to get it. I did uninstall and installed again but it is doing the same thing. Someone please tell me what to do. Thank you.

................................Moderator Comment..................................

Please check all my replies to other community members. I've posted several possible fixes to this issue. Failing that please check the event logs? As mentioned previously to another community member, you may find details of the issue there. If you find anything related to the game in the event logs and are not sure what they mean, please post them here and I'll try and figure out the issue. In the meantime, if you really want this game, you can get it via MyPlayCity. I've linked to it in my review above.

regards W.R.

Reply | Comment by Linda – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)

#29

Seemed to download but only displayed the opening screen. When I click on it the screen disappears. Using Chrome browser with Windows 10 system.

................................Moderator Comment..................................

Please check all my replies to other community members. I've posted several possible fixes to this issue. Failing that please check the event logs? As mentioned previously to another community member, you may find details of the issue there. If you find anything related to the game in the event logs and are not sure what they mean, please post them here and I'll try and figure out the issue. In the meantime, if you really want this game, you can get it via MyPlayCity. I've linked to it in my review above.

regards W.R.

Reply | Comment by Zen – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#28

No desktop shortcuts on yesterday's and today's games. Seems to install OK. Successfully activated.
What folder does it install to ? ( I can create shortcuts from there to put in my 'Games' folder. )

Reply | Comment by Steve – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#27

I've tried everything I can think of, but keep getting "engine.exe" failure. Tried compatibility modes, changing screen resolutions & disabling DPI and a combination of everything I could think of, but it just doesn't want to run. I even downloaded from MyPlayCity & that didn't run any better. I'm running Win 10 Pro 64 bit, 32Gb of RAM with a 4 TB hard drive partitioned into 2 - 2 TB drives. The computer's not the problem it's the program. Yesterday's sister program runs fine.

................................Moderator Comment..................................

Please check all my replies to other community members. I've posted several possible fixes to this issue. Failing that please check the event logs? As mentioned previously to another community member, you may find details of the issue there. If you find anything related to the game in the event logs and are not sure what they mean, please post them here and I'll try and figure out the issue.

In the meantime:

Judging by the number of downloads and activations vs. the number of community members who have got this game working, it cannot be the game that is the issue as the number of those assumed to be working is very significant (statistically). It's more likely to be a conflict via your computer; for example, it may be your security that is blocking the game or other programs you run in the background.

The game is one from MyPlayCity, which does have a low-level adware program included, which opens your browser to MPC each time you close the game down and when you first install the game, plus it advertises various online games in the initial splash screen that appears when you start up the game. The reason for this is because this game and most others from MyPlayCity are still commercial games and not freeware games (as most people believe). A percentage of the money MPC earns from you visiting their site each time the game is closed is paid to the developer of the game or the present license holder; (they earn more from older games using this model {and that indie bundles}, that from actual game sales once the game has been out for a year or two)

If you have anti-adware programs installed, it may be those that are blocking the game. There are ways around this, but I'm not at liberty to post them here. I have the game installed to three different computers running Win 10, Win 8.1 and Win 7 (all 64 bit) and the game runs on all three with no problems. Sorry I can't be of more help.

regards W.R.

I've tried everything I can think of, but keep getting "engine.exe" failure. Tried compatibility modes, changing screen resolutions & disabling DPI and a combination of everything I could think of, but it just doesn't want to run. I even downloaded from MyPlayCity & that didn't run any better. I'm running Win 10 Pro 64 bit, 32Gb of RAM with a 4 TB hard drive partitioned into 2 - 2 TB drives. The computer's not the problem it's the program. Yesterday's sister program runs fine.

<blockquote>................................Moderator Comment..................................</blockquote><blockquote>Please check all my replies to other community members. I've posted several possible fixes to this issue. Failing that please check the event logs? As mentioned previously to another community member, you may find details of the issue there. If you find anything related to the game in the event logs and are not sure what they mean, please post them here and I'll try and figure out the issue.</blockquote><blockquote> In the meantime:</blockquote><blockquote> Judging by the number of downloads and activations vs. the number of community members who have got this game working, it cannot be the game that is the issue as the number of those assumed to be working is very significant (statistically). It's more likely to be a conflict via your computer; for example, it may be your security that is blocking the game or other programs you run in the background.</blockquote><blockquote>The game is one from MyPlayCity, which does have a low-level adware program included, which opens your browser to MPC each time you close the game down and when you first install the game, plus it advertises various online games in the initial splash screen that appears when you start up the game. The reason for this is because this game and most others from MyPlayCity are still commercial games and not freeware games (as most people believe). A percentage of the money MPC earns from you visiting their site each time the game is closed is paid to the developer of the game or the present license holder; (they earn more from older games using this model {and that indie bundles}, that from actual game sales once the game has been out for a year or two)</blockquote><blockquote>If you have anti-adware programs installed, it may be those that are blocking the game. There are ways around this, but I'm not at liberty to post them here. I have the game installed to three different computers running Win 10, Win 8.1 and Win 7 (all 64 bit) and the game runs on all three with no problems. Sorry I can't be of more help.</blockquote><blockquote>regards W.R.</blockquote>

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Reply | Comment by Ron Dunn – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

Should have mentioned that I'm using Firefox but it downloaded ok, it just crashes when it gets to where you would enter your name or chose your options.

Reply | Comment by Ron Dunn – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#26

HI!

I had no problems, downloaded a little slow and opened fairly easy.
The graphics are good. Its one step at a time and slower play than yesterdays.
But easy, except for one I had a little hard time finding. Easy game for most
to follow.i I think a little companion like a fairy would spruce up the game and if need
an extra hint would be fun! Thanks for another great game and have a good week!
Lee

Reply | Comment by Lee – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#25

Two minor miracles.First, this is the first game on this site that downloaded directly without going thru the email link.Secondly, after reading all the trouble some are having, it installed without a hitch and runs fine with no tweaking. Got the usual "not optimal resolution " notice,but that was it.Very interesting game.Keeps you hopping around and a good challenge.

Reply | Comment by dusty – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#24

Yesterday's Magic Encyclopedia game was so badly constructed that I wiped it almost immediately & am not sure I will even bother to try this one. Might be worth one last risk.

Reply | Comment by Larry – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)

#23

Downloaded and installed without a problem. Was very excited to play the game, because I and my grandchildren love playing HOGS. However, it seems that I had to start over many times, because I seem to be stuck, where the hints can't help me. There is a definite pattern to the game where you have to do everything in a certain order. Even with the walkthru, we seemed to have missed a couple items, and have to start over. Can you add a "UNDO" button?? Please?

..................Moderator Comment..............................

An undo button would be a really good idea; unfortunately, this game is at least 8 years old and I doubt the original developer would bother - but, you never know. :)

Reply | Comment by Sandra M. – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#22

The moonlight game from last time works fine for me. I have window 10, 64 and the illusions game would only crash from the start. I tried the suggestions given here, even uninstalled the game and reinstalled it from the toomkygames site. Still does the same thing - and just doesn't work! Hope someone comes up with a solution.

Reply | Comment by la – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#21

I too have a crash as soon as the "castle rises" at the start of the game. Can't even enter anything. I tried the compatibility tests and run as Admin but no luck. :( I got the other one to run and enjoyed playing the game. Ah well... I went to toomkygames.com but got a virus warning when I tried to download it there.

Back to actually doing some work I guess! ;)

Thanks,
A

Reply | Comment by Anne Hogan – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#20

I keep getting a 404 "Oooops! Sorry, the page you're looking for isn't here." When I click on the download button. The prompt suggests (with a link) to go back to the main page and try again from there. Same results. Tried Chrome and IE.

Any clues?

Reply | Comment by Beth – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#19

Nice game. I like the level of challenge. Two levels down - many to go, I'm sure.

The hint "I need to look somewhere else" - it frustrated me for a bit. It's the same one for needing to go to a different room, or changing whether you're in illusion mode or not.

Reply | Comment by dave6d6ky – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#18

Have Win 7 64 bit. Works fine. So far as I have played it, have found all the pieces, even the magic wand.. It is a bit tricky but you need to keep changing your seeing ability with your potions.

Reply | Comment by emmy – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#17

For those of you who have trouble getting it to run, you may get this game for free at toomkygames.com. I got it from there around 2 years ago and it works. There is no resolution adjustment, just windowed mode and full screen (which leaves a black vertical stripe on each side of a full HD screen). No guarantuee, though, that it will work on Win 10 (I'm using Win 7 64-bit).

Reply | Comment by JoeJ – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#15

Oops, sorry. I have launched the previous giveaway game package ;)
All is fine now.

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

No Problem Dec :)

Reply | Comment by dec – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#14

Downloaded and installed fine but like many others, cannot play.
Game opens full screen, I get the Alawar logo page, it switches to window mode, my system pops up "igfxEM module; optimum Resolution" message, game goes full screen again, I see the custom cursor on a black screen, and then it closes itself. Weird! For the record, I got that igfxEM message on yesterday's game also but that did not seem to effect playing that one. I have aWin10 Home x64 system with a separate video ram, just for the record. No time to troubleshoot, just uninstalling as I still have yesterday's game to play.

Thanks to all involved for today's offering!

Happy Pride to everyone!

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

Try going into compatibility and changing various options. Our resident gash poster actually posted something useful today. Said Compatibility settings of win 8 and High DPI worked for them.

Reply | Comment by jboy – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

#13

I downloaded yesterdays game and my chrome blocked it saying it was unsafe and dangerous so I didnt want to take a chance in it having a virus

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

Hi Jennifer, the warning occurs becasue the game is wrapped in Themida code, which is often tagged as unsafe becasue themida wrappers can also hide malware. In this case, the package was safe. The giveaway team have been giving games away virtually every weekend and for the first few years every day since 2006 and have NEVER given away an infected game. You can still download the game free from MyPlayCity HERE

Reply | Comment by Jennifer Bergman – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-4)

#12

After numerous adjustments to compatibility settings I eventually gave up trying to get this to work on my W10 machine. I installed it on my older W8.1 machine and was heartened to see the window pop up asking for my name. Progress! However, after typing in my name and hitting enter I found that there was no cursor! After moving the mouse around and around I eventually found that there was a cursor but it was invisible. Fortunately it only took a couple of minutes to fumble my way into Options and turn off "Custom" cursor".
Was it worth the effort? Not really. I'm not a fan of HOGs where you have to find little pieces of objects. And it is clear that the target audience is much, much younger than me.

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

Looks like a compatibility issue with the screen resolution. If there are no settings in game to change the resolution try temporarily changing your screen resolution to a lower setting as this is an older HOG and may not be compatible with newer monitors with much higher DPI.

Reply | Comment by Jerry – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

I already tried changing the resolution on the W10 PC without success. As reported by others, the game dies shortly after getting to the main screen so there is no chance to change any settings in the game itself.
I will add that my W10 laptop has a 1080 x 1920 screen and my W8.1 desk top is connected to both a 4K TV and a 1080 x 1920 monitor. The game won't work on the laptop but it will work on the desktop on either screen (except for the custom cursor).

................................Moderator Comment..................................

Did you check the event logs? As mentioned previously to another community member, you may find the issue there. If you find anything related to the game in the event logs and are not sure what they mean, please post them here and I'll try and figure out the issue. In the meantime, if you really want this game, you can get it via MyPlayCity. i've linked to it in my review above.

regards W.R.

Reply | Comment by Jerry – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#11

I like this one better than yesterday's game. The graphics are cartoon instead of real which gives it a different feel and the illusions concept. is a nice change.
Installed and works fine on Win 10 64-bit.

Reply | Comment by RBG – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

#10

I recently switched browsers from Firefox to Opera. Since using Opera I have had no issues downloading any games (no longer have to turn off Norton) or games shutting down. I have no idea WHY this should be......just sayin'. Good Luck all, and once again a great big THANK YOU to the GGOTD team for all you do.

Reply | Comment by ketzele – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

#9

I cannot get this one to work I'm afraid, I have changed to all the available resolutions, run as admin - done all the things that usually work, but the game just closes immediately after it opens. The one yesterday was fine, so I wasn't expecting problems with the similar one today - but it looks as though I shall just have to delete it. But thank you anyway - I'm sure I shall enjoy playing yesterday's.

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

Hi Fran, maybe try downloading the MPC version?

Reply | Comment by Fran – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#8

Bitdefender has no problem with this game.
It has no problem with most Play City games.
The game started on Win 10/64 bit with no adjustment's.
Thank-You.

Reply | Comment by Robert G. – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#7

I have a feeling that this game won't work on 64 bit systems. I had a similar problem to the others who tried to play it. The game crashed before I could even hit the 'Play' button. There was even a problem after uninstalling the first attempt, and I tried to reinstall. I was informed that a dll coudn't be overwritten.

...............................Moderator Comment..............................

Works fine on my 64bit Win 10 system. If you have issues running it, try compatibility mode, ensuring that Admin is checked.

Reply | Comment by wendymareebb@dodo.com.au – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#6

After complaining yesterday about the first two games in this series (First Story and Moonlight) being, in the later parts of the game, VERY frustrating with TEENY tiny pieces of sticks hidden so thoroughly that I have to use hints (see yesterday's review), I was curious to try today's offering, the third in the series, to see if that's changed. Just have played the first few minutes (mainly to see if I'd have the problem others have already reported of the game opening and closing, and to check out the changed graphics), so I don't know if the annoying tiny micro-millimeter pieces completely hidden issue still exists (the early parts of all in this series were pretty easy), but did want to weigh in on the other aspects.

First, the game installed and runs fine so far, albeit with the occasional momentary hiccup. So far no serious opening/closing errors. I really don't like the cartoonish graphics and more juvenile presentation (very obviously a different team of developers), but it occurs to me that the brighter, more cartoony presentation MAY make it easier to see tiny pieces than the previous more artistic but darker graphics, so perhaps a trade-off! And I DO like the "illusions" aspect where you have to find a way to change the scene (i.e. day to night) to see all the possibilities.

As I said yesterday, I love when a HOG is challenging, I love when you have to use one item and your brains to find another item, but really don't find it pleasant to find out that a piece is a micro-millimeter long and the same color as the background. Challenging is good; invisible so you have to use hints a lot, not good. So we'll have to see if this new one has addressed that issue by making the HOG parts a tad more clear and larger without dumbing down the more challenging puzzle-y parts. If so, and with the addition of the "illusion" device, this might be the best of the three for me.

Did want to mention to WR that the links to the walkthroughs aren't correct; just lead back here. As always, thanks to GGOTD for providing us with these fun diversions!

After complaining yesterday about the first two games in this series (First Story and Moonlight) being, in the later parts of the game, VERY frustrating with TEENY tiny pieces of sticks hidden so thoroughly that I have to use hints (see yesterday's review), I was curious to try today's offering, the third in the series, to see if that's changed. Just have played the first few minutes (mainly to see if I'd have the problem others have already reported of the game opening and closing, and to check out the changed graphics), so  I don't know if the annoying tiny micro-millimeter pieces completely hidden issue still exists (the early parts of all in this series were pretty easy), but did want to weigh in on the other aspects.

First, the game installed and runs fine so far, albeit with the occasional momentary hiccup. So far no serious opening/closing errors.  I really don't like the cartoonish graphics and more juvenile presentation (very obviously a different team of developers), but it occurs to me that the brighter, more cartoony presentation MAY make it easier to see tiny pieces than the previous more artistic but darker graphics, so perhaps a trade-off! And I DO like the "illusions" aspect where you have to find a way to change the scene (i.e. day to night) to see all the possibilities.

As I said yesterday,  I love when a HOG is challenging, I love when you have to use one item and your brains to find another item, but really don't find it pleasant to find out that a piece is a micro-millimeter long and the same color as the background. Challenging is good; invisible so you have to use hints a lot, not good.  So we'll have to see if this new one has addressed that issue by making the HOG parts a tad more clear and larger without dumbing down the more challenging puzzle-y parts. If so, and with the addition of the "illusion" device, this might be the best of the three for me.

Did want to mention to WR that the links to the walkthroughs aren't correct; just lead back here. As always, thanks to GGOTD for providing us with these fun diversions!

Save | Cancel

Reply | Comment by neme – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)

#5

This one loaded and plays great. The one yesterday appeared to start and then just gave me the ole blank screen with it minimized in tray. Using Windows 7. Even tried downloading it from myplaycity and it did the same thing.

Reply | Comment by Suzanne – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#4

it auto closes when I click play... I don't know why :(

Reply | Comment by UrsLove – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

#3

This downloaded successfully, but just throws me out and closes the program on the opening screen. Yesterday's game (Moon Light) worked perfectly. Anyone any thoughts? Thanks in advance,

Reply | Comment by Sieska – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Sieska and UrsLove, I am having exactly the same problem. No matter how much troubleshooting or compatibility testing I try, nothing helps. It still closes at the "Play" screen (even if I don't click anything). I'm on Windows 10, but did not expect any problem, since yesterday's game works fine. I was going to just remove it, but I'd like to wait and see if anyone has a solution to fix it.

...............................Moderator Comment..............................

It's on older game so may have issues with newer monitors. Try changing the screen resolution.

Reply | Comment by Buster – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

WhiteRabbit,
I tried all compatibility settings available and set the resolution to the lowest available setting. No chance. This program does not run. I have Windows 10 Pro with the current service level.

.....................................Moderator comment.....................................

Hi Nobody, try running the game again, then immediately open up the event viewer and check the event logs; hopefully, there will be details of what the issue is there.

Also, often with older games, it can be a problem with the Direct X or OpenGL drivers. It may be worth downloading the latest versions of these (because it's an older game download DX9 as well) and also update your graphics drivers.

Reply | Comment by Nobody – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)

NobodyI am having the same problems as others. I have Win 10 pro 64 bit Dell Laptop. It starts the opening scene and then stops after the castle raises up, and closes before I can even click play or options. I ran troubleshooter and changed different graphics resolutions and windows versions and ran as administrator and still no luck running the program. I was able to play yesterdays game just fine., I will try changing drivers.

Reply | Comment by Kathleen Alkire – 5 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

Kathleen Alkire, I just tried downloading the game from My Play City and it does the same thing. I even downloaded a trial version from Big Fish. It still wouldn't work. I loved yesterdays game and I probably would love this one too, if I ever get a chance to play it.