by Christina Brzustoski

Created on: December 18, 2008   Last Updated: August 25, 2010

Score: 4/5

The secret of King Arthur's legendary sword Excalibur is waiting to be uncovered through a dangerous and magical book, which gives its readers clues as to how to solve the mystery. No, this isn't the latest installment from Dan Brown, but Game Agents' new release, The Book of Legends. The players follow the adventures of siblings Charleston, a Harry Potter look-a-like who has read the DaVinci Code one too many times and his recalcitrant sister, Zoe, who is less than pleased to be assisting in his obsessive quest for Excalibur.

Game Play

The Book of Legends is user-friendly with plenty of hints and how-to's for the new player. At times, the conversation between the sparring brother-sister pair, as they bicker over the new clues offered by the eponymous Book, can become a bit grating. However, this rapport between the two becomes less irritating as the game goes on. Some of the tasks are silly or redundant but the action moves along at a good pace. Most of the game involves the "search for the item hidden in the pretty picture" format, but with a few different twists.

Graphics and Sound

The hidden item pictures are well-done and beautifully rendered with meticulous details. In one image of Prague's Astrological Clock (which this writer saw countless times as a resident of that city), this attention to such small details of this intricate work of art may make players feel as if they have actually been transported there. Unfortunately, these lovely representations are juxtaposed against the comic book drawings of the game's protagonists. The music is atmospheric and blends in nicely with each different puzzle.

Creativity and Innovation

The Book of Legends scores extra points for trying to put a new spin on the old hidden item search game. There are additional tasks and actions that require the player's attention, from piloting a boat to trying to find a particular stretch of landscape while on the river. There is also the prospect of traveling to different countries in order to solve the mystery. But the catch is that the player has to raise funds for the trip before Zoe will get on the plane. This can be done by helping out with various jobs, which appear on the cell phone as unread messages. Most of these jobs are, you guessed it, locating the hidden objects in a pretty picture. The creators' attempt at a new creative twist on the old genre is appreciated, and helps The Book of Legends to rise above the rest. King Arthur would be proud.

Learn more about this author, Christina Brzustoski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.