Customer Reviews

Pandora's Box (Jewel Case)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are enough different kinds of visual puzzles in this game to provide something for every puzzler. But it's more than that... there is a story! It isn't the kind of game that calls itself an adventure game but then sends you into a frustrating series of sliders and mazes... it makes no bones about its nature.

But it does have a premise: You, the player, are searching for a group of mischievous characters to return them to Pandora's Box. They have scattered to the four winds and can be found hiding in the mythology of a variety of cultures. Only through searching through famous artifacts, landmarks, and works of art from these cultures can you find characters like Anansi, Puck, Eris, and others, and return them to the box. With each one you are told the legend behind the character and hear pleasant, culturally appropriate music as you work the puzzle. It's not the kind of music that repeats a small, unnatural chunk of tune that drives you crazy, like some games do. You might be humming it later but you don't mind.

I never thought a puzzle game could be so immersive. There's also a lot to be learned in it about world cultures and art. A pleasant education, mind you.

Pandora's Box is a puzzle game. It doesn't shoot things, kill things, or escape from demons or monsters. It is simply a game of hundreds and hundreds of puzzles of growing complexity. The easiest levels start with simple puzzles. You re-arrange pieces in a circular puzzle where pieces slide. Another puzzle is overlaying pieces to complete the puzzle. A third puzzle is stacking slices together to create a whole object. A fourth type is filling in the outlines of objects. There are several more types, but they get harder and harder. The backgrounds begin to spin. The pieces are of varying sizes. It just keeps morphing into harder and harder levels. If you are into thinking and evolving, this game is for you. If you are into mindless shooting and running, try something else. This game can be addictive. It is especially fun to work together if you are working with a younger child or adult. The fun of solving a puzzle together is part of the joy of this game. It's a shame that it isn't easily found anymore. It will require a patch from MIcrosoft if you are running XP, but it only takes about a minute to get it and install it. It is worth the effort.

I bought this game a few years back and got this one to replace it. The puzzles are very challenging and diverse. I am not sure what version some reviewers are basing their ratings on, but this game does not require the CD to be in the drive if you do the full installation. One other plus is that you can download bonus puzzles from Microsoft.

I love this game! I played this several years ago and am completely disappointed that they didn't create a sequel to it.

There are enough easy puzzles to give you confidence and continue game play and there are enough hard puzzles to make you sweat. Most of the game is in between and that's the way I like it.

If these folks ever produce a sequel, I'll be first in line to buy it.

When my son bought this game for me a few years ago, I was immediately addicted! After solving all the puzzles, I sought in vain for another similar offering, but all the games on the market seem to target young people whose desire is action, shooting, and role play. I finally conceded defeat and bought a new version just to acquire another handful of puzzles. Of course, those are solved and I'm back where I started. Please, will someone tell the game maufacturers that there are lots of us out here who really enjoy challenging thought? This is the best (and, to my knowledge, the only, game of its kind) in production. I keep buying recommended titles that are not in the same genre at all. I keep thinking, "MORE, MORE, MORE!" But there is none, Alas!

For anyone who loves challenging puzzles, this will keep you playing 'til the wee hours. I just started playing today and it took me 4 hours to make it to the third level. There are many puzzles to solve on each level so you may not solve certain ones as you complete a level. You can save your game or start all over and do the puzzles you didn't do the first time. In fact, the puzzles are so challenging that you could probably complete a puzzle then come back a couple days later and still have a hard time doing that same puzzle the second time.

The puzzles in this game are wonderful and stimulating - not to mention beautiful. I have played this game several time already and never tire of reworking the puzzles.
I highly recommend this game if you are in to puzzle games. There is a small story line of a sort,or should I say several stories, but it adds wonderfully to the fun of the game.

This is a game for those of us who aren't into the types of games prevalent today. There isn't any sex, violence, fantasy or timed responses required to play this game. The puzzles are fun and get more and more difficult as the game progresses. Unfortunately, this title is hard to find, and it appears that there won't be any more like it unless the public demands it.

Outstanding puzzle game stimulating and relaxing enjoy the challenge of solving each puzzle in its completion microsoft has produced an outstanding product. These type of puzzles are very hard to come by.

Several years ago a friend of mine had this game. I loved playing it. Since then I had completely forgotten about it. When we finally got a home pc a few months ago I remembered the general idea of the game, but not the name. However I knew if I saw a picture of it I would recognize it. The last few weeks I have been searching & searching for it. I have finally found it & can hardly wait for it to arrive! I know it will be as fun as I remember. **But buyers beware, in my searching I discovered that the old version will not work with Windows XP, only the new one does.**