mandi_berg's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.5
- Helpful Votes:81
- Reviews Submitted:10
- First Review:November 30, 2011
- Most Recent Review:December 10, 2012
- Featured reviews0
mandi_berg's Review History
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Perfect Christmas Game - Fun CE Bonus
PostedDecember 10, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As a stand-alone seasonal game, this is great. Fun, lots of exploring, good production, great HOS. As far as an offering by Elephant Games though, it's good, but not great as I expect with their games. It's short for an Elephant game, the challenge is taken down a few notches (I played on hardcore even), and I hope they can sharpen up their cut-scenes in the future. However, if you have a couple of game credits rattling around, do buy the CE. The bonus is lovely. It's a great chapter, independent from the main game, but quite sweet. I will definitely be looking forward to more Christmas games by Elephant - - as was implied a couple of times during this game!
I recommend this game!
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
BFG Does it Again - Superb Game
PostedOctober 9, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am one of those gamers that loved this game. WOW! I'm sorry the content and challenge bothered so many, as I'm afraid (like others who've reviewed and posted to forums) some people will be deterred from playing this amazing game because of the poor reviews. I kind of was....which is why it's Oct. 2012, and I just finished playing this game. Shame on me!
Congratulations to BFG staff, who outdid themselves with this game. Good work. I can't wait for the next MCF game (which is right around the corner, I hope!), and I will not be influenced by reading bad opinion comments for another MCF game again.
Congratulations to BFG staff, who outdid themselves with this game. Good work. I can't wait for the next MCF game (which is right around the corner, I hope!), and I will not be influenced by reading bad opinion comments for another MCF game again.
Puzzles were outstanding (I am one of those bizarre gamers who actually enjoys agonizing over hard puzzles), and production was also innovative and incredibly well done. This is a massive, complex game.
I appreciate that EFR didn't just hand over clues in the in-game journal either. I hate when I'm playing a game, and trying to figure out a puzzle, and the in-game notebook/diary has the numbers or clues scrawled in its pages. It's not really a 'game' to me when you're handed the answers all the time.
Remember the content is definitely not for the faint of heart - be prepared to be plunged into a hollywood-style psychological horror/thriller, and grab a pen and piece of paper, 'cause you're going to be making some notes...
Morphing objects offered a new change of pace, and by the way, there are still some hidden object puzzles thrown in too.
Also, I bought the SE, and although I'm sure I would have enjoyed the CE, I loved the SE - one of the longest SEs I've ever played.
I appreciate that EFR didn't just hand over clues in the in-game journal either. I hate when I'm playing a game, and trying to figure out a puzzle, and the in-game notebook/diary has the numbers or clues scrawled in its pages. It's not really a 'game' to me when you're handed the answers all the time.
Remember the content is definitely not for the faint of heart - be prepared to be plunged into a hollywood-style psychological horror/thriller, and grab a pen and piece of paper, 'cause you're going to be making some notes...
Morphing objects offered a new change of pace, and by the way, there are still some hidden object puzzles thrown in too.
Also, I bought the SE, and although I'm sure I would have enjoyed the CE, I loved the SE - one of the longest SEs I've ever played.
I recommend this game!
Help The Fool become a hero and save the beautiful princess Catherine from the jaws of a terrible dragon!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Exceptional Game
PostedAugust 2, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Clever puzzles and HOS, fantastic production with lovely crisp graphics and great music, and a charming storyline.
I enjoyed this game from beginning to end....in fact, I'm sorry I hadn't played it sooner, thinking it was a short easy game after reading many reviews.
There are five worlds to explore (someone commented that there are only three parts....sorry, there's more than that!) and it wasn't as easy as some made it out to be. Sure, I've played longer, harder games, but this is definitely worth a credit!!
I look forward to more games like this one.
I enjoyed this game from beginning to end....in fact, I'm sorry I hadn't played it sooner, thinking it was a short easy game after reading many reviews.
There are five worlds to explore (someone commented that there are only three parts....sorry, there's more than that!) and it wasn't as easy as some made it out to be. Sure, I've played longer, harder games, but this is definitely worth a credit!!
I look forward to more games like this one.
I recommend this game!
Reunite the Dragon and Phoenix Kingdoms to stop the evil witch!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Great story, satisfying gameplay
PostedJuly 17, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What I liked: I'm not much of a fantasy fiction fanatic, but this story had me hooked and I enjoyed the plot, the urgent pace and the characters. The bonus was exactly what I hope for in a bonus: generous additional game play somewhat connected to the story but not necessary to the actual plot of the main game.
What could have used more work: The graphics and sound could have been better, I thought. I'm a little tired of ERS Game Studios recycling their music from game to game. It's catchy enough that I remember the soundtrack from the PuppetShow games, and I'm now sick of it. Regarding the artwork, although I appreciated the detail, I'm just not blown away with their art department's work. The style just isn't as clean and sharp as other game studios.
The puzzles were also fairly easy. Considering this was a nice long game though, I didn't really mind. However, it just wasn't very challenging.
The puzzles were also fairly easy. Considering this was a nice long game though, I didn't really mind. However, it just wasn't very challenging.
Overall, playing this was time well spent. Although the bonus was great, I'd recommend buying the SE. This isn't all that memorable a game to spend the extra $$ or credits!
I recommend this game!
After inheriting a manor in England, you begin to explore the Kangale Estate and discover its history!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Excellent Production, not as creepy as the first
PostedApril 21, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I loved Shiver, Vanishing Hitchhiker, and was very excited when this game was released. This game certainly doesn't disappoint, but I didn't experience that same 'jump' factor I got from the last game.
What I liked: the atmosphere; the puzzles were challenging; the game had me hooked all the way through
What I didn't like: the backstory behind the family lineage and the motivations behind the murders was frankly, boring. You pick up all these pages around the island that reveals this story, but good luck remembering all the details, or caring about it afterward. There could also have been many more puzzles - it felt a little like inventory pixel-hunting with a few HO Scenes and puzzles thrown in to keep it interesting.
What I liked: the atmosphere; the puzzles were challenging; the game had me hooked all the way through
What I didn't like: the backstory behind the family lineage and the motivations behind the murders was frankly, boring. You pick up all these pages around the island that reveals this story, but good luck remembering all the details, or caring about it afterward. There could also have been many more puzzles - it felt a little like inventory pixel-hunting with a few HO Scenes and puzzles thrown in to keep it interesting.
Also, if you are eager to play this, I recommend you buy the Collector's Edition - purely because the bonus is actually some of the best, most challenging gameplay of the whole game, and the ending is revealed only at the end of the bonus. I hope the developers don't continue to do this in the future though...bonus should be just that, a bonus. I think it's kind of a money-grab if the expectation is that bonuses are necessary to concluding a story or comprising the bulk of the best gameplay.
I recommend this game!
Help Sam rescue his love Anna in Brink of Consciousness: Dorian Gray Syndrome, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Stop reading reviews...start playing this now
PostedApril 9, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a great game! A great massive story, awesome antagonist, exceptional production value - unquestionably one of my favourite games this year, for sure.
What I liked: the puzzles are good, with a couple that were really difficult! The mansion is fantastic - you get a real good sense that you're combing a huge estate. The villain is fantastic - I was really starting to hate the guy (in a good way...). By the end, the bonus chapter is just as good as the rest of the game. I have found some game developers kind of cheap-out on bonuses, and this didn't, to me.
What I didn't like - hmmmm....hard to say! - - Perhaps a bit of a spoiler without really spoiling it - - I suppose the ending, although a good ending, left a lot to be explained, and after roaming around for hours and hours, I kind of like some sort of explanation at the end...bring on the sequel!
I recommend this game!
When a medical consultation goes terribly wrong, it’s up to you to realize the full potential of your ability and save the day!
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 38 found this review helpful
What a great game should be
PostedJanuary 1, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
What I liked: intriguing story and characters; plot moved well and there was great addictive urgency to finish each objective - it was hard to pull myself away; excellent artwork and challenging creative puzzles. It reminds me of some of the older MCF games. Also, there was some back and forth exploration of different floors and rooms, but certainly not like other games I've played. The back and forth was logical and made sense to me and therefore I wasn't bothered by it at all.
What I didn't like: the bonus is ok - not the same production value as the main game, however it does answer some questions.
Get this game!
I recommend this game!
You’ve been invited to the long abandoned Paris Opera House. Find the phantom and discover the torment of this tragic hero!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Great Detail, Good Challenge
PostedJanuary 1, 2012
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
What I liked: tremendous amount of detail in the scenes and production; creative characters and atmosphere; interesting, fun and thoughtful puzzles; very long - even for an SE; challenging hidden object puzzles - some of the best I've ever played; a very beautiful game.
What I didn't: Too much wandering back and forth - and because it's such a big opera house, it made me a little crazy. Also, the ending kind of didn't feel satisfying after all that hard work! Perhaps bonus content found in the collector's edition helps wrap things up a bit better.
I recommend this game!
After leaving something in your car, a hitchhiker vanishes! Track her down and return her things in Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 35 found this review helpful
You must get this game!
PostedDecember 11, 2011
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This game was fantastic! As a fairly experienced and long-time fan of HOGs, this is a must-play. I have to admit, after playing the demo, I wasn't sure I would enjoy this over-the-top creepy game. However, I'm so glad I played it and finished it. Everything about this game was fantastic. The story, although sort of cliche, compliments the horror genre well. It's kind of a love-letter to some of the best horror stories, I think. However, it's weaved it's own originality throughout, and I was hooked.
The title is perfect - cold and creepy! I wish someone would make a movie this good. From the atmosphere and graphics, soundtrack and effects, to the challenging game play, I was transfixed the entire time. I was glued to my screen! Also, and I can't emphasize this enough - the collector's edition is TOTALLY worth it! The bonus, to me, was a very generous additional chapter of game play, having been disappointed several times with other collector's editions.
The developers of Shiver have done everything right I think. They've produced a massive game with enough challenge to keep things interesting and created an atmosphere you won't soon forget. It's not a game for the faint of heart though, but for those of us who like the haunted genre, I promise you, you'll enjoy this game.
I recommend this game!
Re-enter the enchanted world of Drawn in the highly anticipated third installment of the cinematic series!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Good by short
PostedNovember 30, 2011
mandi_berg
fromAlberta, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Not my favorite of the series, but still fun. Graphics were great, story was intriguing, but the puzzles were pretty easy and the challenge just wasn't there. I was really frustrated with one puzzle in particular, regarding an amulet, which has many different solutions but only one will work. Still, I enjoy the environments of the Drawn series and it's all the reason to get this game. I loved solving the puzzles in the pages of the book - I wish there had been more.
My suggestion though, don't get the collector's edition. The bonus isn't really a bonus.
My suggestion though, don't get the collector's edition. The bonus isn't really a bonus.
I recommend this game!