hbgroadends's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:407
- Reviews Submitted:21
- First Review:December 20, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 28, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Can you rescue a child with magical powers in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
Still a masterpiece
PostedAugust 28, 2022
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bought this game when it originally came out and was blown away by it. Even after all of these years, it is still one of my favorite games.
This remastering is worth every penny, IMO. The graphics are still fabulous, voice-overs excellent, and the game play still challenging. I like the additional added bonus chapter (which the original didn't have) as well as the added morphing objects and collections.
I highly recommend this game to anyone who has never experienced the Drawn series, especially if they are looking for a game that is a lighter theme than some of the other games available today. Even if you played Drawn in the past, it is definitely worth the revisit.
For those who gripe it is the same game--that is what a remaster is--the same game brought to today's technology.
Hopefully they decide the remaster the remaining series.
I recommend this game!
Purchase real estate, construct buildings, trade goods and run your competitors into the ground using maps of actual cities in Trade Mania 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 35 found this review helpful
An addicting financial management game
PostedApril 16, 2013
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I knew I would be buying this one after loving the first one so much. The Trade Mania games are rather like Monopoly all jazzed up with some extra incentives. Where I could get bored with Monopoly, I don't with this game series.
The object of the game is to buy properties, build on them, accumulate money, and have the most wealth. Where the game really differs from Monopoly is that there are various tasks given to achieve, and you also buy and sell items throughout the game which also generate money on top of the rents you receive. You can also buy stock in your opponent's companies, which I think is a new feature in this version (it's been a while since I played the original).
There is also a custom feature that unlocks after the initial play which allows you to customize a game to play with other people in your house--a neat feature for a casual computer game. You can play this with kids (a great way to introduce them to financial management), your spouse, friends, etc.
The graphics and sound are simplistic compared to many of the games being released today, but I don't think that detracts from the game. This is a game that is mainly about strategy with a little luck thrown in. As someone mentioned already, it is a great one to keep on your desktop because the replay value is high. One bit of warning, though--it can be addicting, causing you to stay up too late at night. ;)
I recommend this game!
Save your brother and try to solve the mystery behind the silver screen in Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, a thrilling game set in the 1950's!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent HOG Adventure Game
PostedSeptember 7, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the first game I've played by this developer, and they did not let me down. Sharp, clear graphics, professional voice-overs, well-developed storyline, and challenging but not impossible puzzles. Two modes allow the player to choose the difficulty level. I played using the advanced mode, and only had to refer to the strategy guide a couple of times, mostly because I wasn't paying attention rather than the action required not making any logical sense.
The time period of this story is not often done in other games, so it was a refreshing change of pace. The developers did a good job of creating the time period with the right decor, colors, and artistry.
The music was very well done--not intrusive nor repetitious, and it added to the atmosphere of the game overall.
The HO scenes were well done--clear and well-sized. I very much enjoyed the balance of HO scenes with the puzzles--just the right amount to keep from getting bored with too many HO scenes.
The puzzles were challenging but not impossible--just the right level of difficulty. I also enjoyed the inventiveness; there were many new types that I had never done before rather than the standards that are found in every other HOG adventure game.
Finally, the extra game play was a nice length--roughly an hour. I liked that it was not necessary to purchase the CE in order to find out the ending of the story. The story ended in such a way that those who don't want to purchase the CE will still be satisfied with the ending of the game.
This is one of the better HOG Adventure games I've played lately. Definitely worth the money to check out.
I recommend this game!
Save the besieged alpine village of Martlet and rescue its residents from the mysterious living statues in this exciting Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
One of the finest game created in a long time!
PostedJuly 4, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After so many games that seem the same after a while, along comes a game that sets a new bar for quality. BFG's Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhurst and Dire Grove, along with the Drawn series, were ground-breakers in casual gaming that set new levels for other developers to reach. Elephant has met that challenge and raised it with Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues.
Everything about this game is high quality. The voice-over work was first-rate, the graphics crisp, highly detailed, and beautiful. The storyline keeps you wrapped up in the game play so that you can see what happens next. And the fact that there are two separate endings allows players to play the game again to see the alternate ending. Very inventive.
However, what I loved the most was using Rupert as your guide. Instead of referring back to a diary or journal, which is done in most games, Rupert tells you the tale as you come across important areas and/or items. He is also your help when you need to know what to do next. Even though the strategy guide is incorporated into the game, I never had to refer to it because the couple of times I needed assistance, Rupert pointed me in the right direction.
I also loved the rooster, troll, and gnome statues that you use continuously throughout the game. They really livened up the game and made it more interesting.
IMO, this game is worth every penny spent for the collector's edition price. It took me well over 6 hours to play the main part, and an additional hour to play the extra game play. I high recommend this game, and cannot wait for the next installment.
I 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
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A fun game with an interesting plotline
PostedJune 16, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ERS, known for turning out excellent games, has done it again with Queen of Spades. The graphics are well done, the music nice, if repetitive, and the story line well thought out.
This is a standard HOG Adventure game with a mix of HOG scenes and puzzles. The HOG scenes are the typical junk pile scenes, but the items are clear enough to find. The puzzles were a good mix of standard puzzles seen in other games with newer puzzles. There were more HOG scenes in this particular game than puzzles, which tended to drag the game down for me because too many HOG scenes tend to bore me after a while. For the devoted HOG lovers, this will not be an issue.
My only real gripe with ERS is that they don't switch up their music often enough and after a while it becomes so repetitive you have to turn it down. I have found this to be the case with some of their other games as well. The first Shadow Wolf Mysteries game was the first one that the music didn't bother me.
Outside of that minor annoyance, the game was well done and worth the money.
I recommend this game!
Called into a small city from the capitol, you have been put in charge of solving a string of mysterious murders!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
An excellent game by ERS
PostedJune 16, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ERS has put out yet another fine game for players. Personally, I think this Shadow Wolf Mysteries game is better than some of their other collections. The voice overs were well done, the story line intricate, and most of all, the music wasn't has annoying as it is in some of their other games.
The HOG scenes are typical junk piles, but the items are clear enough to find. There were some standard puzzles as well as some new ones, making the game challenging yet not impossible to beat. This game wasn't overwhelmed with HOG scenes which, as someone who tires of too many HOG scenes after a while, it was a perfect balance for me.
I had to look at the walkthrough only once during the game, so the flow is logical overall.
All in all, an excellent game.
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
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Overall a fun adventure HOG game
PostedApril 28, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game has a lot of things going for it: great story line, interesting characters, excellent graphics and sound. The reason why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is that (for me) it had too many HOG scenes versus puzzles. For those who like a lot of HOG scenes, you'll love this game. If you are like me, though, too many HOG scenes tend to begin to make the game boring.
Outside of that, though, the game was fun. There was a lot of running around to do, and the puzzles were challenging without being impossible. I never had to refer to the walkthrough, although I got stuck a couple of times, but the Hint button led me in the right direction to what I had missed.
The sound and music were nice and creepy without being repetitive and annoying. The graphics were well done, although a little dark (the flashlight came in handy).
Overall, it is a good game that took me quite a while to finish, so if you pick this up at the regular price, it is worth the money.
I recommend this game!
Turn one diner into a promenade of five-star restaurants! Pick the menu, and decorate your restaurant to impress your customers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Very different type of cooking game, but more Strategy than TM
PostedApril 16, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Personally, I would not have classified this game as a Time Management game. There is no timer to speak of. It is really a Strategy game. So, for anyone looking for a Diner Dash-like game, this is not it.
This game is a lot of fun, though. In your restaurant, you design the table placements, decor, and hire staff. The more training the staff has, the happier the clientele will be. You are required to "learn" different recipes (meaning figure out what ingredients go into it), then you match up each recipe with the chef that has the highest skills for that particular recipe type based on the ingredients. For instance, a chef with high meat skills would be assigned recipes that have beef in them, and so on.
You also get to design the kitchen, purchasing the appropriate equipment that will allow your staff to work more efficiently.
It is important to manage your cash flow correctly or you could end up unable to advance in the game. At one point, I had to start over due to some errors I made early on in the second restaurant that made it almost impossible to advance.
As I said at the beginning, there is really no TM part to this game. There is no rapid clicking around trying to beat a timer somewhere. Perhaps the reason this game was classified as a TM game is because the more inexperienced your staff is and the less equipment you have, the longer your customers have to wait for their food, and if they wait too long, they will leave. But once the restaurant opens for business for the day, you can't do anything to speed up the process--you sit back and see which of your choices worked and which ones need improvement.
This is a very different game from the run-of-the-mill TM games and resource management games, so check it out. You'll be delightfully surprised.
I recommend this game!
A warlock's curse has trapped you in an otherworldly cemetery! Explore Hidden Object scenes and save the warlock's victims!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
This sequel was much better than the first one
PostedApril 14, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Redemption Cemetery: Children's Plight was much better than the first RC game, IMO. The story line was intriguing, the puzzles were more interesting and engaging, and there was a good balance of HOG scenes and puzzles. The first RC seemed to have more HOG scenes than I prefer, so I appreciated having more puzzles as HOG scenes can become boring after a while.
I liked the story line for this game. The only minor quibble I have is that it seemed to end rather abruptly. Perhaps in the CE edition there is another chapter that has the main character getting out of the cemetery. It didn't take away from the game in any fashion, though.
The voice-overs were first rate. The graphics were detailed enough that you don't have to struggle to find an item because it seems blurry or poorly drawn. And the music added to the atmosphere of the game without being intrusive or annoying.
Great game--well worth the SE price. Probably worth paying for the CE, too.
I recommend this game!
When Houdini’s promises of contact from beyond go unkept, his wife comes to you in a final plea to unravel his mysterious passing.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Another excellent game in the Midnight Mysteries genre
PostedApril 8, 2012
hbgroadends
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played all of the Midnight Mysteries games, and each one gets better and better. Haunted Houdini is an excellent mix of both HOG scenes and puzzles, so it is sure to please both HOG lovers and puzzle lovers.
The developers did a fabulous job with the puzzles. Instead of the standard ones that appear in most games, they took the time to develop new and inventive puzzles that were challenging, but not impossible to solve. I didn't have to skip any puzzle because it was boring or too hard.
The story line, as usual, was very well thought out and engaging, holding your interest throughout the story. The mix of historical facts and fiction made for a very entertaining game.
The graphics and sound were also well done as usual. HOG objects were well-defined and of appropriate size. The music added to the atmosphere of the game without being annoying or repetitive.
The developers give players the option of selecting from three different challenge levels at the beginning of the game, depending on the player's need for assistance. The easiest mode allows for sparkles to assist players and you collect ravens to increase the hints as you need them; the middle level eliminates sparkles, but you still can collect ravens; the most advanced level eliminates the ravens. You still get a hint, but it takes time to recharge.
This is the first "deluxe" game I've seen put out with an integrated strategy guide available for a regular game price. High marks to the developer for including it in the game. I only had to refer to it a couple of times, but it was sure nice to have when I needed it.
Final verdict--I will continue to buy every game that comes out in the MM series, and look forward to any other games made by this developer. They continually and consistently put out excellent, high quality games that are inventive, challenging, and fun to play. The fact that they released this game as a "deluxe" edition instead of a collector's edition tells me they are listening to their customers who desire the strategy guide, but don't want all the extraneous stuff that comes with the typical CE.
Check this game out, as well as the other Midnight Mysteries games. They are well worth the money to play.
I recommend this game!