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:
Travel to Rome with Rhianna Ford, and confirm the authenticity of a still sealed letter allegedly written by Da Vinci!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Entertaining and Historic Journey
PostedJune 10, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is one that's been in my collection for a while, but just getting around to reviewing it having played it through again. I've played it four or five times even knowing the ending, but that's a testament to how fun it is.
Your character is an expert on ancient documents who is called upon by her boss to investigate a letter. This naturally leads to much more than it seems. The game is well done in just about all areas. Characters look and sound good, cartoon cutscenes show off the more dramatic moments, and hidden object search scenes are plentiful and detailed.
What I really enjoy most about this game is the storyline, which is Da Vinci Code-esque, naturally, but exciting and fun. Once you've completed the game you can go back and find all the items in each of the scenes, which is a nice touch. Just long enough with a couple of twists and a couple of scientific minigames that add to the nature of the main character.
Short and sweet, it's a joy to play and you will be entertained. Highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
Help Hanna `The Shadow` Nickson get her son back from nefarious foes by bringing down a mob boss in this great Hidden Object game.
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Sloppy Hidden Object Game
PostedJune 9, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
A hidden object game with the tweak of lockpicking is a good idea. The storyline of a thief coming out of retirement to do a "last job" because of family motivation is also solid. Unfortunately, this game couldn't take those two things and turn them into a solid playable affair.
The main issue here is that you'd expect to use some of your special skills from the field in the game, but your idea of breaking into an area for search is taking a hammer to a padlock or shoving a lockpick through tumblers. While I appreciated the variety of different entry methods, they all ended up being repetitive and boring by the end of the game.
The story is your standard fare. No voice acting and real actors used in the parts, which was a nice touch. HO scenes are fine but nothing special, and you will play them all quite a bit. You have an explanation for where you're going at the beginning, but by the fourth of fifth stage it's just a bunch of random places you've already broken into. Not logical in the least.
I did like the achievements, which are plentiful, but the majority of them are easy to get. I also liked the hard mode, which introduces a timer and makes the game a slight bit more difficult. Still not worth playing to the end though.
I don't recommend this game.
Solve the mystery of the Serpent of Isis on board the famous Mont Palu Express in this beautiful Hidden Object Adventure game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Exciting Adventure Through Europe
PostedJune 8, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is an oldie but a goodie, combining an Orient Express-like train ride with a hidden object/adventure hybrid that's a very fun play.
Your character is on a train with a bunch of suspicious art collectors when you receive information that may help you uncover a mysterious secret your grandfather was working on. Your diligent quest to uncover that secret composes the game, as you'll turn the train upside down to find clues that point you in the direction of where to go.
There's plenty to like here. Visuals are great, though the backgrounds and cutscenes look much better than the HO scenes, and the music is unobtrusive. No voice acting. In each chapter, you'll use objects collected to solve puzzles to move forward and unlock other locations. Minigames are varied but relatively easy, and the characters you encounter along the way are well done.
The story is the strong point here, and it's a sort of Indiana Jones type adventure that I found suspenseful and interesting. The ending is a bit anticlimactic, leading to the invariable sequel naturally, but has a satisfying twist to it. You'll definitely play plenty of HO scenes along the way.
All in all, this is an interesting game that's better than average in about every respect. It keeps things moving and keeps you engaged to solve the puzzle. Good stuff.
I recommend this game!
Who is responsible for your children's disappearance? Follow the trail!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Fractured Fairy Tale
PostedJune 7, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Everyone knows the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, but this game seeks to explore the origin story of the evil witch involved. Your character is the mother of those children, who pursues the witch following the kidnapping of them both. You will follow her trail through the town until the final confrontation.
On the positive side, this game looks gorgeous. The graphics are whimsical and excellent, really reminding you of a storybook journey. HO scenes have objects that are readily apparent, so the sacrifice was the look over the difficulty. That's not always a bad thing.
The story is told through a poem, and is effective enough, though doesn't add as much as the setup would indicate. The game is also very short and pretty simple, so you'll complete it in under a couple of hours for sure. Minigames are variations on ones you've likely played before.
Overall, as a work of art, it's great. As a game, it's pretty average. Better efforts are out there for taking fairy tales and turning them into standalone stories. Swing and a miss for me. Scenic drive, though.
I don't recommend this game.
Concoct mouthwatering recipes in a global adventure incorporating your best hidden object and time management skills.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Superior Sequel
PostedJune 2, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Movie sequels aren't often better than the original, and the same is true of games. This would be an exception to that rule. The sequel to the enjoyable Go Go Gourmet, COTY takes that winning recipe and adds a couple of ingredients to make the final dish taste that much better.
As in the previous game, basic gameplay has you putting together dishes using ingredients scattered throughout the kitchen. Difficulty increases on each level as more things are added to your arsenal. In a nice touch, completing a level unlocks a printable recipe. All of the dishes are real and inspired by the cuisine of the area in which you're playing, although obviously the method of preparing is simplified.
The storyline of this game is where it shines, as it takes a competition form in which someone is eliminated in each country. One side bonus I really liked were the scenes between the characters in between gameplay rounds, which were frequent and humorous. You don't expect much character development in time management games, but you get it here, complete with a couple of plot twists.
Minigames are nothing special, and the prizes awarded for winning first place and filling your room are tacked on, but the main game itself is very solid. It doesn't get too challenging until late in the game, but there's plenty to enjoy here even after you finish the first time. Overall, a solid time management entry with a story that will keep you entertained. Delicious!
I recommend this game!
Party Down
Serve the Hollywood elite and keep your cool in this great Time Management game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
Short-Lived Show, Shorter Game
PostedMay 26, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I didn't watch very much of the show this game was based on, but the general idea is that you play an aspiring actor/actress who along with the rest of a service team go to a bunch of Hollywood parties in order to hobnob with celebs and get casted. The game is mainly time management in nature, as you have to handle requests, kick out paparazzi, and handle food and beverages simultaneously.
I appreciated the humor in the game (a very overlooked element) and caricatures of famous Hollywood types. The downsides are the characters look downright odd, the challenge of the game is significantly reduced once you've made it about halfway through, and the minigames are pretty poor. I liked how the game was very different from anything I played before, but replay value is pretty low.
All in all, if you were a fan of the show, you might enjoy this more. I thought it was a unique take, but just a passable time management game at the end of the day.
I don't recommend this game.
Stop Count Olaf's horrid reign with fire, snake bites, leeches, and other wieldy machinations in this game of deductive reasoning.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Unfortunately Excellent
PostedMay 24, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm a big fan of the books on which this game as based, and therefore can appreciate the tone throughout. This would be a prime example of a very simple concept that turns into a way better game than it might first appear to be.
You'll eliminate options through increasing rooms of Count Olaf's mansion, while discovering more characters and items that directly relate to the original tales. With a few levels of difficulty and two completely different (but clearly related) games, you'll have hours of play available. In addition, as mentioned by others, the boards randomly generate, so you'll definitely find yourself coming back for more.
You will also get some trivia from the books as you play, but the main feature here is the addictive logic puzzle that makes up its core. The animation is fine, though nothing special, but it's a really fun diversion. Never gets old for me.
I recommend this game!
Travel to 19th century Europe in this mysterious Hidden Object game! Discover who is behind the mask and unravel the case!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Not Sure What It's All About
PostedMay 18, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is an odd game that seems to be based on a spy novel loosely translated by folks with a decent (at best) grasp of English. Your character is assigned to keep tabs on a foreign national's papers and the plot goes on from there. While it's heady stuff for a simple game, the finale is muddled and it doesn't quite add up.
Game itself has interesting but very repetitive music, including the use of instruments for finding objects. While that effect didn't bother me, you hear it so many times that you begin to dread revisiting scenes. As for the HO scenes, you'll find plenty of those, and they look realistic and are well done for the most part. My only real issue there is that you'll be collecting about 500 stars before the end. Assuming you stick around that long. The same objects over and over? Not so great.
On the plus side, the locations are interesting and the minigames are original and unique. Your character's deductions are unfortunately largely based on evidence you will never see during the game, which spoils it a bit. Interesting for the history and the diplomatic intrigue, but kudos if you make it to the end.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the secrets behind a magical deck of cards in Haunted Legends: Queen of Spades! Find The Countess and stop her curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
It All Starts Here..
PostedMay 17, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Queen of Spades is the first in the Haunted Legends series, and establishes what will be a long battle with SG, the magical gnome antagonist. In this game, you must explore the house, grounds, and neighboring village of a countess whose desire to stay young attracted the attention of the villain and therefore had the expected dire consequences.
Plenty of positives abound. The journal entries are well-done and numerous and actually add content to the game for a change, and you'll collect cards from an enchanted deck that you'll end up using in the endgame as well as unlocking bonus content (should you spring for the CE#. The regular game provides a satisfactory ending, and there are an abundance of HO scenes which require minimal effort while still looking pretty good.
One lone drawback is finding an item that you immediately use to solve a puzzle or unlock a door. Another is you'll spend a lot of time backtracking #sometimes through ten or so screens) to get to the next part of the story. Graphics and sound are fine, and there is no voice work in the game. All in all, it's the start to a very enduring series, and a great introduction to these kinds of games.
I recommend this game!
Saddle up for fun and become a sheriff in Golden Trails: The New Western Rush. Find the culprits behind a bank robbery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent Dose of the Wild West
PostedMay 15, 2015
coffeyfan77
fromPhiladelphia, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This opener of the Golden Trails series is a bit dated by now, but still a really solid play. It's mainly a standard hidden object game, but there are a couple twists that both new and veteran players will appreciate. You play a sheriff who is given a new post and immediately fall into a case involving bandits, missing gold, and some surprises along the way.
Gameplay is divided into different areas, and you'll collect items which you'll use in those scenes to find clues. There is actually quite a bit of deduction in this game, which is a nice twist to the standard western. If you prefer shoot 'em up, you'll get that too, as you gun down rustlers between scenes in a repetitive (but fun# minigame.
There are plenty of achievements to be had, such as collecting badges, stolen property, and no misclicks. It's good incentive to play the game multiple times. I also really liked the unlimited mode #unlocked during the main game#, which allows you the ability to beat the best time on each screen you've previously played. Good way to add value to just your basic game. There's also plenty of extras about the game and a bonus chapter that #sort of) wraps things up.
Considering it's not a CE, it's an impressive amount of content and a neat variation on an old but good theme. This game is a lot of fun. I wouldn't say it's that challenging but it doesn't have to be. Enjoyed it.
I recommend this game!