by Nicole Williams

Created on: January 23, 2008

The mystical-themed game called "Great Tree" takes place in a forest where all the fairies and pixies live. In the introduction to the game, the narrator explains the origin of the setting of this fantasy type game. There's this magical tree called the Great Tree that allows the fairies to exist. It needs to be pollinated every day or it will die. Apparently, according to the narrator, one day that won't need to happen anymore. There were these creatures called the swee, that were described as beautiful and their job was to pollinate the Great Tree. However, the swee were disappearing. So, the fairies took on the burden of caring for the Great Tree. This is dangerous, because while gathering the pollen, there are a lot of creatures that can hurt or even kill you. Apparently this is much more dangerous for the fairies than it was for the swee that were more equipped for such a task.

I thought the storyline was very innovative and creative. However, the narration was too long. I wanted to get to the game. The game gives you an option to continue without hearing the narration, but the narration goes on for far too long.

When I first saw the game, I loved the graphics! There were done in a cross between a mystical and an ancient drawing form. The music was calming and mystical all at the same time. My initial feel of the game was great.

While playing the game, I noticed some good and some bad things about the game. When you play the game, you're one of the fairies that collect the pollen. Again, the graphics are great. The game gives you tips along the way when appropriate and it's very easy to understand what you're suppose to do. However, I found the play monotonous and boring. There was no thought in this game whatsoever. True, you don't want so much thought in a computer game that it's not relaxing, but there should be enough to keep your interest.

Overall, I would say most things about the game were excellent: the graphics, the innovation and the creativity. In addition, the music was very appropriate and pleasant and the fairy you control in the game speaks according to what's happened occasionally. The sound effects are definitely above average. The only thing that I feel is very average is the play of the game itself. It's a bit of a let down because everything else about the game is so brilliantly done. One would expect more out of the actual play of the game. Overall, I would have to rate the game as 4/5, with 5 being the best possible rating.

This game is priced at $19.95. I'm not into the whole fantasy theme game types anyway and since the game play is only average, I wouldn't purchase this game. I would suggest to anyone to play the trial version first to give it a try. If it's your type of game, it may be worth the purchase.

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