coffeyfan77's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:672
- Reviews Submitted:141
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 27, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After the police and FBI come up empty in their investigation, Bella turns to forces beyond our world to find her missing son!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
Acceptable But Way Too Short
PostedJanuary 23, 2012
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
If you're looking for a decently done hidden object game that you can finish in an hour or two, this would be the one for you. The story goes that you are trying to save your son who has been trapped inside a painting. The only way to do so is to enter other worlds through similar paintings after first cleaning them off with a dust brush. If that sounds a bit tedious, well it is.
I'll start with the positives. The game does look fantastic, as it spins through different backgrounds, gives you plenty of characters and things to do, and has some special touches. I especially liked the motion and shadows in the background of hidden object scenes. That high level of attention to detail is unexpected and very appreciated. The game also combines a couple of different search modes, as you search for both items by description and picture. Minigames are not that difficult, but are novel in their approach (expect for the torn paper bits, but you can't have everything).
If only the developers had paid as much attention to the game's sound. Speech is intermittent, and some of the actors sounded like they'd just been brought in off the street. The background music is particularly tedious. If I can notice it during gameplay, it's either really great or really terrible, and this was the latter. As to gameplay, it's nothing special. Items are collected but only used within each world, and they can be completed in fairly short order. You can also play a side mission of collecting coins in order to unlock trophies. Great idea, but all it earns you is a bunch of random junk. The "free play" mode is another dead end as it simply allows you to pick a chapter and replay it. Nothing made me want to head back in and tackle something I'd already done minutes before.
The game diary is extremely brief and, to be honest, irrelevant. One benefit of separate worlds is that you won't be doing too much backtracking. The game tries to be helpful by telling you that there's nothing else you can do at the moment, but it flashes it incessantly and kicks you out of the scene. I found that odd and unnecessary. When you first begin, it looks like you'll be playing in about ten different worlds, but it ends up being far less (in the standard edition anyway) and the ending is abrupt.
All in all, I enjoyed the time spent on the graphics and some of the minor touches, but the negatives outweighed the positives for me. I'll stick with Princess Isabella or Nightmare Realms, both superior (and related) games that give you far more bang for the buck.
I don't recommend this game.
Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus
Welcome to a world of danger and suspense in Murder Island: Secret of Tantalus, a thrilling Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Enjoyed It More Than I Should Have
PostedJanuary 22, 2012
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a solid and altogether fairly unexceptional hidden object game. The best thing it has going for it is the plot, which is an Agatha Christie-esque mystery that seems loosely based on the short-lived Harper's Island TV show, including the rampant cheesiness. Since I enjoyed that program, it's no surprise I also liked this.
Fairly straightforward gameplay. Hidden object scenes are decent, though size of some objects is the only thing making them difficult. I did like that they had an increased level of interactivity, as sometimes you had to do two or three things before collecting an object. Puzzles are nothing you haven't seen before, and there's really only one or two difficult ones in the bunch, so it's a good play if you're new to the genre.
The game features full voice acting, and there is more in it than you might expect, which I personally found a nice touch. Graphics are good enough. A bit of extra gameplay is found in collecting tiles (3 in most locations) which give you information on mythology. You'll find the myths far more believable than the plot itself. There is a fairly ridiculous amount of backtracking in this game, but the developers smartly included a "jump" feature on the map that allows you to go directly to a place of interest, so you won't have to wander around in search of a new hidden object scene.
All in all, it's an enjoyable little game that offers something different and has pretty high entertainment value. Not much in the way of difficulty or replayability, but you could do far worse.
I recommend this game!
After Sara inherits a home, she discovers that a restless spirit can speak to her! Help her sooth Emily’s soul in Haunted Past: Realm of Ghosts!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Well-Crafted Hidden Object Fun
PostedJanuary 17, 2012
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
There is a lot to like about this game. One example is the overall look of the mansion, which you get to see in both its current dilapidated and previously grand looks. The voice acting is infrequent but well-done, and I enjoyed the background music for the most part. It's always a good start when the game looks and sounds enjoyable.
A couple other very nice touches that the veteran game player will appreciate: you are able to select various difficulty settings (not just the game itself, but the hint timer and difficulty of objects as well#, the backstory is collected through journal pages and is deeper and more well done than much of what is out there, and the idea of hiding things in the past to use them in the future is quite novel and very well done in the game. The game moves in a very linear way and tells you when nothing is no longer needed, which is a great way to not spend hours wandering around just for that one lost item.
And therein lies the only disappointment for me. Granted, I didn't play the CE, so I can't speak to that, but the game is very short. The searches #even on the difficult level) are often enough but a breeze, there are not very many puzzles in either "world" to slow you down, and you always have a very good idea of what needs to be done next. In addition, not to be a stickler, but considering you can just plop a mirror down in any room to visit that "other side," it rendered the lengths you go to a bit bizarre. Of course, this territory (haunted mansion, speaking to the spirits) has been mined before as well.
All of that said, this is a very fun game that looks great, plays in a very straightforward way, and tries to bring something new to the table. You could do far worse than this.
I recommend this game!
Help Detective Croft solve the case of the Baker Street Murder and uncover the conspiracy about the murder of her partner!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Hope the Sequel Fares Better...
PostedJanuary 15, 2012
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Every so often, a hidden object game comes along that, despite its obvious flaws, ends up being pretty awesome. This is not that game. Jane Croft investigates a murder at Baker Street, hence the title, but it's a long way off from Sherlock Holmes-level detection.
The most evident problem for me concerned both graphics and sound. There is no voice acting, and the music is monotone and boring. The graphic cutscenes are interesting enough (done in a comic strip style that works with the subject matter# but the rest of the art is way too blocky and clunky. Determining what to pick out of the junkpile object scenes is an exercise in itself. I will admit an odd fascination with finding items like a toilet and lumber in a mansion, but it gets old fast.
Speaking of fast, you won't have that long to wait before the game reaches its #surprising) conclusion. The minigames are incredibly simple, so while the skip button will take a while to charge, I doubt you'll need it. The benefit of picking up bullet piles throughout the brief game ends up unlocking bonus content, which essentially is a five-minute random first person shooter. That will end up being the most fun you have with this, incidentally.
I don't want to be too harsh. I liked the plot of the game, which was rather complex, but the execution of everything else renders it near irrelevant. There are some minor translation issues but nothing too terrible. All in all, I'd pass on this and pick up something far more playable and well done in this genre, like "Little Noir Stories."
I don't recommend this game.
There's a terrible secret hidden deep within Lockwood Manor!
Overall rating
3
/
5
32 of 43 found this review helpful
Good Entry-Level Hidden Object Adventure
PostedDecember 31, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
If, like me, you enjoy hidden object games, it's a safe bet you won't mind Lockwood Manor, although it does suffer from a case of false advertising as you spend way more time wandering the expansive grounds than the manor itself. I don't think it does anything particularly well or in a novel way, but it's good enough to merit an enjoyable afternoon or two.
The story is something that's been covered before. Head down to the nearest spooky manor and rescue the damsel in distress. A couple of big negatives in the production would be the lack of voice acting and the rather simplistic story line. This could have been a better story had they fleshed it out a bit more.
The graphics are average. Cutscenes are well done, and there are a few "scary" moments, although you're basically dealing with the world's slowest demon. Hidden object scenes are plentiful and you likely won't need to spend too many hints on them. I did like that using a hint out of an HO scene would point you in the direction of where to go next, although to be honest it's very linear. Lots of "here's an axe, oh good, there's a tree in the next scene" type of scenarios that won't have you trying too hard.
The puzzles are a primer on everything usually found in a game of this ilk. Piece together the puzzle, paint the picture, sliding puzzles: you get the drift. They were challenging enough, but none need to be skipped really. Length was okay with me but could have been better. I assume that's why someone would go for the CE instead, but I don't think the game looks or sounds good enough to merit that.
I'm not often annoyed by background music, but I was with this game. The gameplay was fine and overall I'd say it's excellent for anyone looking to start out with hidden object games, but nothing to crow about if you've played a bunch. Hopefully they try a mite harder with the inevitable sequel. There are two difficulty settings, but expert is not that challenging.
I recommend this game!
Explore the Nightingale Theater, which was ravaged by a devastating fire 40 years ago, and uncover a dark mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 66 found this review helpful
Another Winner From Blue Tea
PostedDecember 21, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Really well done game, as other reviewers have mentioned. I can't claim to be a huge proponent of fractured hidden object games, but I enjoyed the heck out of this one. Very interesting storyline with a bunch of characters and good voice acting throughout. Cutscenes are frequent and extremely well done, and the game looks fantastic.
The journal is very helpful, as it includes a map that both tracks your progress and points out areas you may have missed. Backtracking is fairly minimal, and the amount of places in the game is actually pretty good considering it's just one cental location.
The real winner to me, though, are the extra touches that elevate this above other hidden object games. The minigames are a bit awkward to figure out at first (hello, MCF) but that's a good thing. Once you figure them out, there isn't a great deal of variation on them once you see them again. The "vision" power your character has unlocks more traditional hidden object scenes, but they are the easiest part of the game. I did appreciate the detail of being able to speak to characters and examine items that are unimportant to the main storyline in these scenes; it reminded me of good old-fashioned adventure games in that respect.
Fractured scenes are plentiful and somewhat challenging. There is an additional side quest of collecting morphing objects, which does help your hint meter fill quickly, though you'll likely not need it often. Minigames can be skipped with a minor penalty. Satisfying conclusion and a great twist on a familiar standard equals a winner for me.
I recommend this game!
After a terrible traffic accident, Amy Walters finds herself trapped in dark, mysterious world that seems to have a mind of its own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Better Than Average
PostedDecember 20, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a well done hidden object game with some issues, but nothing that hugely detracts from it. The story is decently done, with a good sense of urgency due to the plight of the character. The first half of the game moves along at a decent clip, but the second half is very rushed and has too many "pick up an object, immediately have a use for said object" type scenarios for my liking.
Characters are decently developed, although I would have liked some voice acting. A couple other minor quibbles: the journal fills in before you do actions (so be careful if you like surprises), and the minigames in particular are interesting variations on old favorites but very very easy. If you play these type of games often, you'll breeze through this.
Art quality is pretty good overall. I liked the animations in the hidden object scenes, and there are a decent amount of cutscenes as well. The opening one in particular is very well done. Ending is anticlimactic, though I suppose if you splurge for the collector's edition that might be cleared up a bit more. The music I was not a fan of. Turned the speakers down about halfway through as it was far too repetitive.
At the end of the day, it's a good quick play with an interesting concept. Don't expect the ending to do that much for you and you'll be fine.
I recommend this game!
Help Minha save her father from the gallows in this 19th century epic based on Jules Verne’s novel La Jangada.
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Tedious Trip
PostedDecember 17, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I'm predisposed to games based on historical events and characters, or literature. So it's with a heavy heart that I report you'd be better off reading a book than playing this game.
The story is the best element, as it's interesting and complicated and full of twists (though the largest one you see coming a mile away). If only the developers had spent an equal amount of time on gameplay.
The hidden object scenes are difficult only because the colors blend together and the objects are 75% hidden behind other nebulous images. It's elation when you get through them. The game does have an interesting sidenote of the main character commenting when she collects certain items, but too often it's the same phrase over and over. "Oh, that might be helpful." "I hope those books aren't ruined." So on and so forth. Spoils what could be an exciting method.
As to the minigames, they are all very standard and not difficult in any way. Piecing together documents, find the differences, you've been there, done that, and likely in a far better way. Let's find all the symbols in the old church! Then all the random bits of paper in the garden! And then find the aspirin for the eye strain you'll get scouring pixels.
At the end of the day, a good premise wasted. Not enough serious exploration of the Jangada itself. If you've got some time to kill, go for it. Otherwise pick something more entertaining.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Santa deliver presents! Can you help Santa find all the toys scattered around Wonderland? Deliver his presents in time!
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 22 found this review helpful
Simple Diversion
PostedDecember 11, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Brain Teaser, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
You get about what you'd expect here. The Christmas theme is entertaining, especially at this time of year. I did enjoy the chorus of the 12 Days of Christmas song, but no vocals beyond that. Graphics overall are nicely done, but other than the touches of movement on individual hidden object screens, they revert to generic junkpiles where it's pretty obvious what to click on.
Finding the items in the song is an interesting task, but other than that it's just Santa barking orders. Minigames are extremely easy, with the possible exception of slider puzzles (depending on how you feel about those, for me they are filler central). If you enjoy finding 15-20 spot the difference items crammed onto a small Christmas tree, you've found your dream game.
Overall it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half, which should be about all you need to complete this.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore a haunted amusement park in Weird Park: Broken Tune! Investigate a rash of “accidental” deaths and solve the case!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Artwork a Ten, Plot Not So Much
PostedNovember 27, 2011
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
For some reason, game developers seem to love being stranded in a carnival setting. Not sure why, but it works here. This is a "mystery" and the plot is rather disjointed to say the least, but it's a very entertaining and colorful ride. Scenes are fantastic, particularly the last quarter of the game where you switch to a Salvador Dali-like setting.
There are voices in the game, although they are bland and might be the same gentleman doing all three or four. He does a mean Tim Curry impression though. Music is nothing special but not bad. You do have access to a journal, although I highly doubt you'll need the strategy guide provided in the collector's edition. Hidden object scenes are mostly piles, although very well drawn, though you will find some of the scattered object variety as well. Puzzles are fairly mundane and not that challenging, although they did a nice job incorporating the carnival theme.
I enjoyed the game overall, despite its flaws. The bonus chapter has a decent length, and the art is really well done. Some great cutscenes and visual effects. The game borrows heavily from both the Haunted Legends and Puppetshow series, so if you enjoyed them (as I did), then you'll like this.
I recommend this game!