Princess Isabella: The Rise of an Heir is the last game in the titular series, and probably the weakest game in means of gameplay dynamic, puzzle choices and story elaboration to begin with. It was in the Steam Store for ages alongside other two games before Artifex Mundi got the rights from Gogii Games to remaster. The old original game - a cheesy, yet okay conclusion to otherwise beautiful series - is sadly not acquirable through the Steam Store anymore. This is the remaster arranged by Artifex Mundi, and even though that I'm a fan of the publisher, I'll go out on a limb and declare that they didn't even try to make a decent job here.

Spoiler Alert! Isabella's last battle with the witch didn't end happily. Yes, she managed to rescue Bella with the aid of her companions, yet her momentary distraction costed her everything. The witch turned her into a stone statue, Prince Adam completely lost his mind and the kingdom has fallen under the tyrannical rule of the witch... Yet, in a silent and peaceful corner of the realm, three fairy godmothers and the dragon raised little Bella to be a capable wizardess just like her mother, for her to return and complete the deed that her mother failed to do so. Upon finally discovering Bella's location, the witch sends her hounds after Bella, and her hurry to clean this mess begins... Will there be a happily ever after, after all?

Let's start with the display options. The old original - just like previous games - was weaved out of pastel colors, dusty environments and all pictures carried an elegant shimmer. With new rendering of the images, filter and tone choices for colors got bolder and shinier. As a personal choice, I found that a bit of an unnecessary contrast with the original setting, lessening the atmosphere. Quoting from a friend's comment: "Pictures look like Walt Disney threw up all over the place." Well, that is kinda appropriate of a definition here. I usually adore Artifex Mundi's color choices, yet playing prior games it felt unfitting for Isabella series' elegance and naivety. Resolutions compared to the old game are marvelously better though, I won't lie. Art works and HOG scenes are much clearer, and it got a lot much easier to go through item fetching.

Some great annoyance on my part was that some voice acting got changed - to a lesser quality, surprisingly - and others are completely missing. Some character introduction scenes and other cutscenes are cut out, leaving small holes in the original plotline. The setting was overwhelmed with the concept of catholic evil to begin with - cleansing the evil out of all places that we run through, wickedly laughing villain, Eye of Sauron-ish watching eye of the witch, a curse so sticky that it takes 3 games to clean thoroughly - and not very original about it. Cutting out content leaves it fatally wounded. Sure, we are lucky that this is a collector’s edition which offers some bonus gameplay and references to older games, but I'd appreciate if I'd be able to see mandrake's introduction scene or hear the voice of the whale that resides on the beach.

HOG scenes got a heck lot of easier with lesser items to find on cleaner picture renderings. They are mostly redone with the same items. Puzzles are altered too; some getting ridiculously easier, others unnecessarily complicated. Item interface has also been changed with your wand being in dangerous proximity to hint button; just be warned. I do not recall whether there was a map or not, but I certainly hadn't any need for it. The environment itself is somewhat limited anyhow with a backtracking being mandatory.

Overall, this is most certainly not one of Artifex Mundi's better games, neither the best game in Isabella series anyhow. I could recommend the game only if you've played previous games and curious about what will happen to Isabella in the end. Even then, I recommend finding and playing the original through Big Fish Games.

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While the third Princess Isabella game is still the weakest in the series, at least this Steam re-release finally has the bonus chapter, plus trading cards and achievements.

Artifex Mundi tried to spice up their re-release of Princess Isabella 3: Rise of an Heir with their usual achievements and trading cards, but even these additions cannot hide the original issues of the game, like the bland hidden object scenes, lack of puzzles, or the repetitive item gathering.

New players have the luxury of not knowing how worse the gameplay and the helper system got since the previous games, but they also won’t really know what is going on, since the short plot dump at the start is hardly enough to catch up. (This is why it is baffling why they re-released only the third part of the trilogy.) Returning players may also feel alienated by a new protagonist, the daughter of Isabella, even if her task is to save her mother from the witch’s curse. (20 years after it was cast. She was apparently busy until now.)
This release also includes the previously missing bonus chapter to give a proper ending to the trilogy, but even with it, I can only recommend this game for those who want a full Artifex Mundi collection.

This is a quite short and repetitive game. The story is cringeworthy (but at least they included the eye of Sauron...) and that the names are simply 'owl', 'fairy' and 'dragon' (really their *names* are that) shows the lack of imagination that went into the game. The presentation shows that the video sequences weren't touched at all (if you play a non 4:3 resolution you'll see what I mean) and the voice acting is quite amateurish. Compared to the original (which was only a dollar on Steam) there's trading cards, achievements and a questionable bonus chapter to be had.

The game isn't fun to play to begin with, but the really weak 'update' (most of the puzzles were just dumbed down to a point were you only have to click a few times) makes it hard to recommend at any price. If this is part of a bundle you might want to pick it up, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend to get it.

I'm not going to say that I was kinda excited to see Artifex Mundi pick this one, because this is the worst title in the series of Princess Isabella. Indeed, it was previously on Steam and I've played the "old" version. Be aware that I would have given a neutral rating if I could. If anything, there are better titles in Artifex Mundi's catalogue, so if you can avoid this one if you're a non-English player, do it. I'm still doing a positive review but the line is thin. Also, as I've said, I've played the previous release in English, which is why I was more sure of the positive than the negative than for this release.

Years after Princess Isabella saved her daughter thanks to her fairy friend and the little dragon and became a statue because of the evil witch, the kingdom is waiting for someone to defeat that person. Bella, now in age and learning about her lineage, is ready to deliver her parents from their fate though her godmothers got kidnapped and jailed by the evil witch...

The plot is still the same from the previous games: you have to purge scenes of all evil or to reconstitute portraits to save people in it (here, you have mainly the godmothers). You have also a magic wand to break stuff and also acquiring powers thanks to the fairies once free. You can also use a music instrument to call the dragon to lift heavy items.

The gameplay is very classic though, with hidden objects scenes and puzzles, that are quite easy to play. While I loved the first part of the game, once I've reached the castle, I was kinda bored and once on the beach, it was worse. Everything is kinda easy, but the hidden object scenes tended to have objects partially hidden. What I find interesting was the little mandagore figures to help. It has precious objects and well, they're not too much annoying, because they weren't invading the game.

The graphics are quite good, I loved the little mandragores though I hated the spider, too big for my taste. The voice actings for the dragon, the fairy or the witch are correct but the godmothers... Not only they looked like the same but I can't say I was charmed by their voice. However, I have a little complaint for the graphics: they were kinda looking like grainy. I wonder if it's because Artifex Mundi adapted it for widescreens (as it's a possibility that the previous release was still in 4/3 ratio) or if it's because the new HUD, which was way more colorful, is making this being more highlighted.

I appreciated the soundtrack too.

However, there is a major problem for anyone playing in another language than English: the poor translation. It's unusual from Artifex Mundi to release a game with so many bad translations that it's becoming not understanble or playable (it was horrible in the hidden objects scenes). I think that the people that redid a little the game used Google Translate. Bad idea. Very bad idea. In the end, some parts of the story didn't make sense as the sentences weren't rightly build and I know that pipe can be translated as tuyau in French, but a smoking pipe is also called a pipe in French. Without forgetting that pinecone (pomme de pin in French) got translated in céramique (a vase/pot). It's not worse than in Demon Hunters but at least, there, it was mainly the hidden objects scenes that were affected, not the story.

I've thumbed up the game in English, despite being mixed about it. I've enjoyed some parts and it stayed true with this re-release. I admit that the fact that it's a collector's edition is helping. Next time, Artifex, make sure that you checked the translations. Usually, you're managing well with them. I was hoping to have my mind changed about this game and I'm still at the same point: should I thumb it down because of my own playthrough, knowing that the English is correct, because of my previous experience or should I thumb it up, because, despite this, the game is still enjoyable?

I'm barely putting a thumb up. If you're playing in English, you should be fine. For other languages, I can't say. For French players, I've made a little guide with the right translations. It should be easier for you to play with that.

Mostly Negative reviews seems harsh. It wasn't anything special, but it's pretty standard fare as far as hidden-object games go. Certainly not worth $11, but if you get it in a bundle/on sale it's still pretty fun. You can get all the achievements on casual difficulty and there's no need to play through it multiple times.

2nd HOG for Gogii Games (Fairy Tale Mysteries: The Puppet Thief) and World-Loom (Mind Snare Alice). The game isnt long, the story isnt really suprising, its enough. The graphics are like Fairy Tale Mysteries not really good or sharp like Mind Snare Alice or other games. The level design are fine, the puzzles are good for casual games and HOG starters. The sound is sufficient. Since is first the 2nd HDO game for both developer under Artifex publishment. Its not good and not bad.It could have much more Steam Achievements, but i am happy that is has a few. I give for HDO gamers 53. Normal players should watch out. Buy this game with 66-75 % discout, because its only 1-2 euros worth, but i am happy that it exist and that i could play it. Thx 4 reading.

Game Information

"Princess Isabella: The Rise of An Heir" Collector's Edition is a Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game. The game was developed by Gogii Games and published by Artifex Mundi.

"The Rise of An Heir" is the third episode of "Princess Isabella." Previous episodes: "Princess Isabella" and "Return of the Curse."

Since this is a collector's edition game, it comes with extra features that are not available in its' counterpart; the standard edition.

The Game Review

Game Visuals

I want to mention that the visuals in the game are well done. The visuals can be adjusted in the game's option menu.

Game Audio

I want to mention that audio for the game is well done. Even though the audio is somewhat simplistic and repetitive. The audio can be adjusted in the game's option menu as well.

Gameplay

There are three different difficulty game modes to choose from: Casual; Advanced and Expert.

The notebook keeps track of all progression in the game. Such as story events and clues.

There is an interactive map in the game. It allows the player to fast travel between each location quickly without having the need to constantly backtrack. It also indicates that there are a variety of tasks that can be completed at various locations within the game. The interactive map is automatically given at the start of the game.

There is no padlock feature that is available to lock the inventory panel in place to make it stationary. The inventory panel comes automatically stationary.

There are some interactive items in the game. Some of the interactive items may require extra components before they can be interacted with. All interactive items are marked with a symbol in one of the corners.

The magic wand tools, there are two kinds of magic wands: Fairy and Dark Magic, both of these wands function differently from each other. They can be used at certain situations within the game. However, both needed to be built before they could be used.

There is a dragon helper in the game. It is summoned via pan flute. The dragon helper can complete certain tasks that the player cannot do themselves.

There are also Fairy Godmother helpers in the game. They also can complete certain tasks that the player cannot do themselves.

The hidden object scenes consist of the following: Find 'x' amount and Traditional word lists. Some of these hidden object scenes may require little or no interaction. Most of the hidden object scenes can be replayed in the game's extra feature section.

The puzzles are fairy easy to solve without having the need to skip any of them. Most of the puzzles can be replayed in the game's extra feature section as well.

Since this is a collector's edition, there is a bonus chapter, but it can be accessed only after the main story is completed.

There are nine different achievements that can be unlocked from playing the game. Each of these achievements does come with some requirements that need to be completed before they are unlocked.

Miscellaneous

There are extra features in the game: Bonus Chapter; Bonus Hidden Object Scenes; Bonus Puzzles; Wallpapers; Concept Art and Soundtracks. Most of these extra features can be accessed only after the entire game is completed.

There are five different trading cards to collect. Only three of those trading cards are given out by the game. There are several ways to get the rest of the trading cards: Purchased from Steam's Community Market; Trade with friends; Booster Packs and its' Booster Pack Creator.

Final thoughts: I have found the game enjoyable to a certain extent. The replay value for the game is low. I would recommend this game, but not at the game's full price value.

Princess Isabella: The Rise of an Heir is a re-release of a game of the same title previously available on Steam. Now in the hands of a different publisher, the game has been given a bit of modernization while still retaining its charm. This title is the third in a series of hidden object games centered around a woman named Princess Isabella, however this time you take the role of her daughter Bella. I’ve played the game before and played it again for this review, as well as played this release twice so I’ll do a little bit of comparing as I go along.

The story remains unchanged, Bella’s mother, Isabella, previously fought against an evil witch to protect the kingdom but was turned to stone when Bella was a baby. The witch has finally found the child, despite the protection of her fairy godmothers and now Bella must follow in the steps of her mother to save the kingdom. The story in the game is very basic- it wasn’t good before, and it’s still not very good. The characters all have uninspired names; Bella, Owl, Dragon, Fairy, and have personalities to match. Bella never says anything, not to other characters and even to herself so we have no idea what kind of a person she actually is. This updated version brings collector edition bonus not previously available on Steam, including a bonus chapter. You learn more about what happened to the people in the kingdom after the witch’s curse and tie things up a little bit but this still doesn’t add much of anything to the story.

This is a mouse-controlled hidden item game, you point and click on items and people to interact with them as well as to move around. You collect useful items to progress through the game while solving puzzles and playing hidden item scenes. The scenes are good and offer some fun and sometimes a challenge but none are too difficult at all. The mini games on the other hand have been insanely dumbed down from the previous release with some being omitted all together. The game has been made entirely too easy in my opinion. One of the omitted puzzles I didn’t like anyway, but the mini games have become boring. While some of the changes aren’t too bad, most might just make hidden object game veterans feel a little insulted.

I found that the audio wasn’t changed much, if at all, from the previous release. The music is all the same, the voice acting is all the same as well. This is a bit of a shame because the voice acting isn’t that great. It’s not bad but there could have been some better direction and actors. One note, a certain old man in the story has not the best sounding mic quality. It doesn’t say much so it’s not critical but I did notice this. The art was also unchanged except for making things look crisper. Certain items in the game were moved but it effects nothing. The artwork is nice, very magical and fitting but dated. The user interface had a huge graphical update, everything is smoother looker and more up to date with current hidden item game standards. The menu, your inventory, speech bubbles and such look pretty good.

In all honesty I didn’t like this title when it was released before, I found it to be the weakest in the trilogy so I was excited for this remake...however it’s not a remake at all, just a re-release. It does improve on some areas, like giving you a map, but if you’ve played the game before you don’t need this unless for the achievements and trading cards. If you’ve never played this title before, maybe grab it on sale. This game would be good for younger fans, especially with the level of difficulty being so low but more avid fans of this genre should probably find another title to play.


Lunar Productions[lunarproductions.tumblr.com]

Usually, when you're playing games which are the 2nd or 3rd or Xrd part of a series, you see a progression when it comes to art or gameplay and it's usually for the best.
Princess Isabella was a 800x600 HOG with a classic story and a nice system with using a fairy and her power.
Princess Isabella: The return to the curse already had a better resolution, added a dragon with the fairy and - like the previous opus - was a solid HOG game with nice puzzles and a Prince that would cause you to have nightmares.
Princess Isabella: The Rise of an Heir is an absolute garbage looking HOG with 0 difficulty regarding puzzles and the only complicated thing in that game is to understand what is asked rather than executing the action. Even the end boss which is made the same way as the two previous opus, don't attack you. You can take 25mn finding the items or click everywhere and you're still golden.
This game was clearly made to finish the series with the lowest budget possible in every single way, with actors breathing on their mic, CG quality of the end of the 90's and puzzles which can be solved by a kid.
Play it only if you need to see the end by yourself and if you fancy being frustrated by elements not being explained or used in any way.
Otherwise, just know that daughter save mother, everybody is happy, the end. And this small sentence is already better than the game in itself.

If you like Hidden Object Games (seek and find, puzzles, point and click), then games from Artifex Mundi are for you. Maybe this one has not aged well, but it still works.