HeavenBound7729's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:26,774
- Reviews Submitted:964
- First Review:June 6, 2017
- Most Recent Review:September 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Rick and Daemon stumble upon a sinister plot at a rock concert!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Finally He's Back After A Too-Long Absence!
PostedMay 23, 2024
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I thought Rick Rogers returning to us after his long ordeal in another universe would ensure a fine new game. Not so, at least for me! Paranormal Files has been greatly amiss without Rick and I didn't see anything promising in the demo. The demos really do need to show more story and less of the time wasters.
I didn't enjoy the demo very much for various reasons, beginning with the tasks. Hopefully, this series will regain the excellence of its past games before Rick disappeared. I've not purchased any of the Paranormal Files after the one where he departed. I'm not sure this new one will be a satisfying come-back but I might be entirely wrong.
The graphics are excellent. The demo's HOPs and puzzles were enjoyable, although a bit on the easy side. The collectible figurines were very easy to spot because they were so big. The small eyes were sometimes hard to see. There was a lot of item collecting for inventory and I became tired of it along with the tasks.
This may turn out to be a worthwhile CE for fans of this series. However, for me, if I decide to buy, the SE would be a better choice for my budget and the extra content isn't enough to be missed. 3 stars for a kind of okay demo.
I recommend this game!
Complete striking works of art and let your creativity shine!
Overall rating
3
/
5
It's Usually Wonderful
PostedMay 20, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
when I find a new Art By Numbers but this time not so much. I counted 30 Winter/Christmasy images which just don't appeal to me. especially this time of year. Then there was, what I thought, a peculiar image of a "cowgirl" and a "shaman?". It was just plain odd to me. And the robot was walking dogs in the snow.
A few of the images were really fabulous. I wish there had been more of a variety rather than so many of the "off-season" ones. Many of the images didn't have a surrounding background and I always feel a bit cheated because of that, as it makes coloring so quick and easy. The colors are as vibrant and beautiful as ever, maybe even more so in this newest release. The Free Paint Option is always nice since it extends the length of the game and, of course, adds great replay value. It is a lovely game for those of you who don't mind the many Christmas/Winter images.
Art By Numbers has always been a favorite, I own most of them. Now I am currently caught up in the Pop Art Series. Both are gorgeous, one for its busy patterns and intricate designs and one for its realism and unique images. So I appreciate BFG having these paint by number games to enjoy when I need a refreshing break from the evil vs good HOPAs and boring HOGs that dominate their daily releases.
I recommend this game!
Breathe new life into precious paintings and photographs!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Mixo Games And Beauty Just Go Together
PostedMay 14, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The demo was so pretty with its remarkable graphics and strong colors. The artwork and characters were super fine. I believe it will appeal more to the gals than the guys but beauty has a habit of touching us all in some way.
I like the variety offered in this game and the demo kept me interested and busy with things I really enjoyed, The music was very nice but I seldom listen to music with my games. It was soothing and others will likely enjoy it. I own a few other games from this dev and enjoy replaying them. They are all lovely.
Art games are a special treat I am always waiting for or looking for elsewhere. My fave is the Pop Art Series but Mixo has given me something more to fall in love with, due to the games and puzzles added to the art. I don't have to struggle with my decision to purchase at the CE price. It was nice to see the other 5-star reviews because I feel Mixo has certainly earned them!
I recommend this game!
Dive into “World Wonders: Hidden Secrets,” a Hidden-Object Puzzle adventure through history’s greatest civilizations!
Overall rating
1
/
5
Seriously??!!
PostedApril 30, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
What a horrid example of an Hidden Object game and especially when BF deems it worthy of the CE cost. Definitely not CE material, no matter how you slice it!
The demo was just flat out awful and riddled with so many flaws that it was ridiculous. Very slow skip and hint, incorrect descriptions and spellings, also there was a tech issue to add more frustration. The scenes were not fun to search through with most items just pasted on. Very poorly designed game.
BF must have been "around the corner" when good judgement and quality assurance were passed out. I'm really surprised at how bad it has become since BF changed hands and format. When standards of quality become unimportant and money is at the forefront, games like this will always be the sad result.
I don't recommend this game.
Unite realms and safeguard Eldoria's equilibrium with jigsaw magic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
What A Fantastic Collection!
PostedApril 30, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It isn't a juvenile set of puzzles as the Home Page picture led me to believe. When I opened the game I was relieved to see that wasn't the case. The devs really outdid themselves, imo, with this lovely collection of puzzles. The dreamy fantasy theme is at its best here, for my tastes. This is the first time ever that I loved EVERY puzzle in any set, even in the scads I already own.
The puzzles were gorgeous, unique, interesting, colors were perfect. How difficult to choose where to start! The demo was a total delight and passed too quickly. I purchased right away and appreciated no CE price to stop my hasty decision. It's rare these days, for me, to buy a game without struggling with "should I or shouldn't I" in the way.
The 28 backgrounds are a very nice variety of colors and patterns. Having something visually appealing surrounding my puzzles is so important to me, just makes it a whole lot nicer! The puzzles sizes, piece shapes and misc adjustments afford the ability to customize each puzzle to your liking. A big plus, as it is all more fun when you aren't locked into a dreary one-choice format, bland backgrounds or are stuck with puzzle styles that you dislike.
There was a story to follow through the chapters, again more enjoyment to keep boredom from creeping in. It happens even when puzzles are a favorite pastime and it was a nice touch that I enjoyed. In settings I unlocked all the chapters to see everything up front. I also eliminated shadows and rotate, tweaked the snap sensitivity and chose my cursor.
I tested the features/options and they all worked perfectly except for the Custom Puzzle option. Rather than providing info, it bumped me out and I couldn't resume the game without changing to a new player name. No big deal, but I don't know if it was my fault or that of a faulty feature design.
If you love fantasy themes, these puzzles offer a wonderful variety of scenery, characters and animals. It's nice to buy a game, in this dry spell at BF, that leaves me completely confident that it will deliver exactly what is expected.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friend from a sunken town’s curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
New Opinion The Second Time Around
PostedApril 27, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I rated this game with 3 stars when I demoed the CE and think it would have earned 5 if not for the delay in reaching more of the story in the demo. Since it's from Friendly Fox I thought to try it again, as they usually are not disappointing.
So, with this SE demo I slowed my pace and found it more enjoyable, paid closer attention. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood when the CE came out! It is an interesting story, the theme is a bit creepy and Ford adds to that feeling. Ghost towns always have a great tale to tell, so decided to see what's up with this town rising from its watery grave.
Friendly Fox usually doesn't mess around when it comes to quality games/stories. That's why I was surprised with my initial opinion of this game. I did enjoy the demo this time, more than last, and will wait for the CE to go on sale because I like the extra content it offers.
I recommend this game!
A legendary ghost ship has returned, and ghostly sailors walk the streets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
The Flying Dutchman Is Known For Many Good Stories
PostedApril 25, 2024
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I was immediately drawn to this story because pirates always provide intriguing adventures to get caught up in, and ghost pirates add even more interest from the high seas. The return of these scoundrels usually involves vengeance for deeds that should no longer matter to a dead person. But that logic would leave us without a new Dark City adventure.
The Flying Dutchman has been the source of many good pirate tales for adults and kids to delve into. I wish our games gave us more of these escapades. The older pirate games I own are not compatible with Windows 10 so today I was happy to see this particular game.
Graphics are outstanding and the characters are beautifully rendered, pirate features are well done too. Voices are very good and flow naturally. However, considering this is Amsterdam, the lack of appropriate accents is noticeably missing. There's just a wee bit detected when the Captain speaks. I wish devs would give more attention to this character flaw when creating games that relate to other countries. Everyone sounds like they're from the good old USA.
The HOPs and games in the demo were all pretty easy, I liked them but was missing the challenge. I don't know if a harder game mode would have helped. I stayed with Custom to avoid long hint and skip recharge, which works well for the demo. Tasks were still the annoying necessity but not too bad here because I was more focused on the story. But I did have to scare away a crow with a horn, calm a dog with a treat, sweep away cobwebs, find a valve, etc. Those usual menial tasks that waste so much time and can drag a game out to the point of major annoyance and boredom.
Since this a Dark City game I hung in there but, alas, it didn't lead to as much as I hoped for. Other than the mean-spirited ghost pirates arriving briefly, scaring everyone in sight, the demo was short on action. I'm counting on more activity after the demo is out of the way. Agatha is going forward with her investigation and would make better progress without so many notes to ponder over. I didn't relish the abundance of reading but felt it might be important info needed later on. Anyway, that and the tasks were a bit annoying as I proceeded through the demo.
There are 98 collectibles and morphs, with a pop-out indicator to help keep track of them. They stood out even though they were small due to either color or just looking out of place in relation to the surroundings. However, still a bit of extra fun if you are a big fan of collecting. I enjoy them, too, but have to pass on CEs now until available in a current sale, such as today's. But since New Releases are a no-no that means wait and wait some more. I hate it!
I love the Dark City series and own all but one of the early games. This time I'm afraid my enthusiasm will disappear before Amsterdam becomes available at a more affordable price for me. Budget rules these days! Such a disappointment for so many of us with the new sales rules Big Fish has in place, as if all the other changes weren't bad enough!!
In the meanwhile I have to say again that I really appreciate Friendly Fox for their quality games, always reliable for good entertainment and beautiful graphics, satisfying CE content and fun stories. I can't ever recall being disappointed.
I'm giving this game 5 stars for the story's theme and the enjoyable HOPs/games in the demo, along with the excellent graphics/character rendition. The pirates, too, looked great for this story, not cheesy looking or lacking the menacing appearance we'd expect for this adventure.
Hopefully, my desire to buy Dark City: Amsterdam is still as great, as it is today, when it is offered at a price I can afford. I really enjoy this series and hope there are more stories from distant lands in the future. I love the variety and the different monsters or evil characters involved in each investigation.
I recommend this game!
From smoke and fire, a hero emerges.
Overall rating
5
/
5
No Complaints Here! Just Lots Of Fun!
PostedApril 23, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was a demo I really did enjoy from start to finish. That has never happened before. It was different, fun and challenging. No broken keys, fixing, digging or other ridiculous tasks!!! The graphics are beautiful, music was very nice.
Characters were unique and I just enjoyed looking at them, some reacted to touch. I loved the mushrooms. The art style was great for this story, making everything so interesting, the scenes were very colorful. The voices were a little stiff with deliberate emphasis on certain parts of the dialogue, so the natural flow of expression was a bit off to my ear.
It wasn't easy to locate the items needed and having to find a specific number of them was a good extra challenge. There's lots of running around to and from various locations. Each scene held something of importance to your goal. A good map is provided and hints are definitely a must at times to ease the frustration. Once I caught on to how the game works and what was expected of me it became easier as I proceeded through the demo.
Keep your radar up for the collectibles. They are not the usual in-your-face type. They were very well concealed or blended, the morphs were the best I've seen in a long time. The games/HOPs were sheer delight, not one of them looked familiar to me so boredom had no chance of latching on, and I didn't want to skip any of them. The scenes were interactive, cute characters would pop up unexpectedly along the way. There was attention to detail and everything was a visual treat.
The story has Jane once again on the island, having to thwart the evil witch now with a huge army to defend her and the castle. Jane is called upon, by the prince, for help in his desperation. This is an unexpected sequel in the Legacy: Witch Island series that I thought was long gone and forgotten. So what a nice surprise, adding even more enjoyment to the adventure! I'm anxious to see more of the beautiful scenery and unique characters as I make my way to the mountain where the witch is waiting in her castle.
I have no doubts about the quality and rewarding gameplay I expect to find in this CE. It doesn't seem heavy with extra content but for this game it is sufficient for me. It was a quick purchase which hasn't happened for me in an extremely long time. Nothing in the demo indicated this would be a poor choice. Thank you to the dev for re-igniting that spark of enthusiasm with this excellent game!
I recommend this game!
Complete striking works of art and let your creativity shine!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Still Beautiful But....
PostedApril 22, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
this edition wasn't as appealing as others I've seen in this series. Most of the images did not have a background around them, so that greatly reduced the appeal for me. They could have been more attractive/interesting with more painting involved to keep the fun going.
Subject matter was disappointing, pics were very cartoonish. This series isn't known for presenting realism in its art style but these pics were too cutesy and either too simple or too busy. Being an adult I would enjoy something more age appropriate with fewer juvenile ones in the mix.
What I really don't like is the multitude of teensy, almost totally invisible areas that comprise every pic, usually requiring hints too often. I don't understand the necessity! Zoom sometimes doesn't even reveal them. It just takes way too much time, which is drudgery, and it doesn't result in a remarkable piece of art for my efforts. Also I think color options for the areas being painted would be so helpful. As is, the grey just adds to the frustration because it is so hard to detect in the very busy images. Color would reduce the need for hints and be easier on not-so-perfect eyes like mine.
I do love the very helpful counters that keep track of our progress. Also the vast color palette is amazing! The colors are gorgeous and include unique variations that create great shading and more detail. You can start anywhere you like, not restricted to completing the first group of pics in order to proceed to the others. The Free Paint option is another nice option if you love dreaming up your own color schemes and adds to the length of the game which is a big plus.
I would rate higher if not for the crazy amount of tiny spaces to color and the abundance of cartoonish pics. Right now I'm caught up in a fairly new series that offers lots of realism and fantastic, unique imagery and will stick with that because it is just more satisfying in the end.
Art By Numbers is a beautiful series, the Free Paint Option is really fun and colors are fabulous. I own many from this series, enjoying them all but still needing something more adult oriented and with a better variety of subject matter. If you love this kind of art and you enjoy the countless little spaces to fill in, you can't go wrong with Number 21.
I recommend this game!
Emily’s visit to interview a friend becomes an unexpected crime scene!
Overall rating
4
/
5
It's Off To A Good Start
PostedApril 18, 2024
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the completed demo I feel this game will be better than the last two in this series. Sunnyglow's evaluation of the game piqued my interest enough to see my trial time to the end. I am one of those silver-haired gamers, though not THAT old, referred to in her review. So this game may be more entertaining for me without the usual very young characters.
I was surprised and happy to see more character involvement this time. It made the tasks seem less daunting and moved the story along nicely. Usually I get bored because the story is just stuck in the background while I unlock, find, fix and tape everything in sight.
The characters were looking and sounding great and fit appropriately into the story's theme and each one contributed in some way to the mystery at hand. Lucas being murdered was the start of the detective's investigation and our adventure. Graphics and characters were excellent in design and color. The scenes were well laid out with all the this-and-thats and not a lot of clutter which I appreciated for the ease of searching for necessary items.
It was great that there wasn't an over-abundance of puzzles because I tend to skip many, due to my impatience to fiddle with them all. I liked the variety of HOPs, none were very challenging but the styles kept everything from becoming boring. The puzzles were very good too. I found them to be more enjoyable than frustrating for a change. I thought the collectibles were hard to spot, many were opaque and blended too well into the scenes. I mostly just accidentally hit on them while clicking around for other things.
The demo had more of the story at play than any other I can recall which is really a big plus! When there are only tasks and Plus Items to assemble it really doesn't give me any indication that the game would be a worthwhile purchase. I want/need some story and action in the demo, not just a bunch of time-fillers. Can't make a sound decision without it.
There were two things I did not like, which were going to the phone for photo evidence and the Plus Items flashed on the screen too quickly when showing the parts needed for assembly. It wasn't enough time for me to process it all at once. Otherwise, no complaints, no glitches to report.
So I will buy the game when the SE is available. With New Releases being banned from the sales for at least a month, I have to pass on the CEs. Big Fish changes have not been kind to us and my game purchases have really dwindled!
I recommend this game!