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Available in Collector's Edition format, Royal Romances - Cursed Hearts is a Hidden Object Adventure title from the Domini Games catalogue of offerings.  Spread over three chapters, plus various bonus items, this game is set in a magical world inhabited by strange creatures and a reliance of magic potions.

As mentioned the game is spread over three chapters that each one concentrating of the activities of the three main characters featured in this tale of betrayal, magic, strange creatures and the force of love.  Within the three chapters of main action, you will need to investigate forest areas, underground mines, royal castles and the home of a magic specialist.  An opening animated scene with spoken dialogue introduces you to two of the game's characters of Prince Albert and Princess Rosalyn who wish to marry. 

Unfortunately this opportunity is denied to them as the King insists that a contest mist to held with the winner marrying Princess Rosalyn.  Rather than a contest involving a battle, the proposed challenge concerns the finding of a special flower.  This leads to more problems and a case of treachery as Prince Albert fights for his bride.

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Thus this adventure begins with you initially taking on the role of Prince Albert.  Providing assistance to the chapters main character will be a selection of tools running across the bottom of the current scene.  These tools consist of a Journal, with Task and Note sections, Map and an Inventory plus links to a Strategy Guide and Hint features.  From time-to-time, this arrangement will be added to with an option to step back to the previous scene. 

Positioned on the left side of the screen is an icon allowing access to view the current state of Collectibles in the form of Princess Gifts, Jousting Gear and Fortune Crystals.  An icon on the right side of the screen provides access to examine various decisions made during branching incidents at relevant moments during the game.  These effect the game's actual ending.

All the usual features you would expect to find in a Domini Games title make regular appearances,  The mouse cursor will change to indicate when certain actions are possible while the appearance of an outbreak of sparkles will reveal a Hidden Object challenge is available.  Overlaid windows are used when you need to examine areas for required items.  When meeting characters with spoken dialogue information to impart, your focus will be directed on to the character as it appears in a split screen sandwiched between views of the current scene.

With both Hidden Object challenges and mini game puzzles style of play, this title follows Domini Games usual pattern in the presentation of these features.  When faced by the various Hidden Object scenes, you will always have the option to switch to a Match 3 grid where you will be challenged to clear selected tiles.  At any time you can switch between the Match 3 and Hidden Object style of play.   Mini game puzzles also offers a choice.  However this time the choice involves either an Easy or Hard version of the puzzle with the latter using more elements and/or stages.  A bonus chapter will awaits you once the three main characters had their moment in the spotlight and played their part in the story line.

I downloaded my copy of this game from Gamehouse.com where it is priced at $19.99.  You can also download it from Big Fish Games where it is priced at £15.60.  The game requires a 2.0 GHz processor with 1024MB of RAM and 1.10GB of hard disk space running Windows 7 and later. 

Royal Romances - Cursed Hearts Collector's Edition | Big Fish Games

Royal Romances - Cursed Hearts Collector's Edition | GameHouse