Haberyan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:36
- Reviews Submitted:10
- First Review:June 30, 2013
- Most Recent Review:March 23, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Haberyan's Review History
Can you save your beloved Ruby before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
Living Legends succeeds again!
PostedMarch 23, 2024
Haberyan
fromLincoln, NE
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Friendly Fox truly has been putting the time and effort into its Living Legends series recently, and it shows. The series was always on my radar, but especially after this installment and the one preceding it, The Blue Chamber, I've realized this series will be a mainstay on Big Fish.
I don't normally comment on graphics in games, since I think the story and gameplay are a bit more compelling in general, but I have been a player of HOPA games for over a decade, and believe me when I say that I have never - NEVER - seen reds this vibrant or beautiful in a casual PC title before. The colors and lighting are so crisp, clear, and warm in every scene, and while the music may be repetitive at times (especially the same theme the series has used since its first installment), it complements the graphics nicely. Dialogue leaves a bit to be desired, but none of it was awful by any means.
Puzzles and HOPs are the usual affair: match the silhouette, standard item list, use the item in the scene, and for puzzles, lots of match-3 style chain games. The game did have a decent length, but for me, it felt like the second half was a bit rushed, and with the amount of story they tried to fit in, I wouldn't be surprised if there was originally meant to have been more content that was cut. The story itself is interesting enough to keep the player engaged, even if it becomes predictable after the first half hour or so, which is about on-par for this series.
If you're looking for a classic fairy tale adventure with a clean fantasy aesthetic, this game will get you what you're looking for. I'm eager to see what Friendly Fox produces next in this series!
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue a child with magical powers in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
ReDrawn - Sometimes better, sometimes worse
PostedNovember 5, 2021
Haberyan
fromKansas City, MO
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm an OG Big Fish Games member, as one could say. I was a huge fan of the original Drawn trilogy, and I was so excited to see a remastered version coming to Big Fish when I played the beta demo. First off, HUGE kudos to Friendly Fox for actually changing a few of the poorer choices in the demo - namely, the voice acting. It's much better in this final game (albeit far from the quality of the original).
I'll start with the good:
-Art, of course. Graphics were redone, resized, and enhanced to fit screens, plus some new scenes were made full screen, like the scarecrow's field. A welcome addition in my book.
-Remastered soundtrack. Instrumentation can be more clearly heard and audio levels are more evenly balanced.
-Addition of collectibles. Loved the puzzle pieces and their reward at the end (half good, half bad - I'll elaborate later)
-Bonus chapter, obviously.
-Tech issues removed
-New interactions and plus items, many of which I was pleasantly surprised with
And, of course, to the bad:
-Voice acting. Aside from Iris's voice actress and the scarecrow, which both did very well here, the rest were either slow, bland, or comically performed, especially the king at the end.
-Collectibles. The scarves were not necessary at all... I figured there would at least be an achievement for them, but there was nothing. No recognition that I'd even found any by the end.
-The game was very clearly dumbed down, for lack of a better term. Many puzzles have been replaced by HOP scenes (like the paints or the spider eye puzzle -- the latter I didn't mind as much). The scarecrow literally gives you a blueprint of the items to find to fix him, as if it weren't obvious enough.
-Notes were shortened and flavor text on interacting with the world was removed. I adored the flavor text in the original, which kept making the player think about the world and the broader symbolism of the story. Now it's just "Locked." or "Glowing symbols on the wall". Very bland.
-Removal of the ending teaser. This is a minor one, but really, the game's ending is lackluster at best without that post-credits teaser. In the original, players KNEW the story would continue and had a hint as to how... here it just feels like an abrupt ending like the game had no payoff.
And now I'll talk exclusively about the bonus content (spoiler-free) if this is the deciding factor for anyone.
The puzzle pieces are my favorite collectible because they actually unlock a bonus jigsaw with the pieces you've collected, and there's even another surprise after that (which I loved). Further, the bonus game, while clearly made by a different developer from the main game, fit very well with the main story, though it did feel a bit forced. After the intro segment I greatly enjoyed it, and that ending of the bonus, WHOA, I was not expecting that! That made the bonus content much more worth it for me overall.
However, the devs clearly skimped, because only five out of the twenty-something songs in the original (and in this game, too) appear in the soundtrack in the bonus content. The concept art is okay, but there's not much because most of the game was remastered, not made new. I wish they would've taken some concept art from the original game and put it here, maybe even some art we didn't see in the original Drawn series or other concept ideas? That would have been so cool.
Other than that, you have the standard replay HOP, minigames, cutscenes, wallpapers, and screensavers. As much as achievements are overdone nowadays in HOPA games, this game would have greatly benefited from it.
All in all, Redrawn: The Painted Tower is a great game by today's standards, but an okay game when compared to the original. This game feels lighter and more fantastical, whereas the original was deeper and had both more symbolism and darkness in its tone. Though I do prefer the original, I don't regret buying this game, and the bonus game is a welcome addition to the Drawn lore.
Let's just hope they do as well with Dark Flight and Trail of Shadows...
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friend escape death's clutches in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Disappointing for the Halloween Stories Series
PostedOctober 10, 2021
Haberyan
fromKansas City, MO
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Drawn: The Painted Tower
(183)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I have loved all of the games in the Halloween Stories series, but this one did not live up to the others. The storyline didn't make sense, the game was shorter than the others, and the puzzles and hidden object scenes were easy. If the story made more sense and the game was longer it could have been really good.
I don't recommend this game.
Bigfoot: Chasing Shadows
Uncover the truth as Linda goes in search of a legend and winds up fighting for her very survival in this seek-and-find mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Bigfoot: Chasing Shadows... or chasing conspiracies?
PostedJanuary 1, 2019
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I got this game in 2010 when it first came out. Played it as a kid with my mom and sister, so I didn't fully understand what was going on half the time, haha. Regardless, this is a great game and I'm glad I revisited it!
Pros:
-Primarily HOP scenes and not the traditional pick up item, use item format in more recent games.
-TONS of variety in puzzles with only a few repeats, spread evenly throughout the gameplay. Very enjoyable, try to complete them without skipping! Some can be a bit difficult.
-Built-in extras... and it's not a collector's edition! The Bigfoot facts were very interesting, as well as the little webcam clip at the end.
-Love the use of color and light in the areas!
-Primarily HOP scenes and not the traditional pick up item, use item format in more recent games.
-TONS of variety in puzzles with only a few repeats, spread evenly throughout the gameplay. Very enjoyable, try to complete them without skipping! Some can be a bit difficult.
-Built-in extras... and it's not a collector's edition! The Bigfoot facts were very interesting, as well as the little webcam clip at the end.
-Love the use of color and light in the areas!
Cons:
-Of course, this game's a bit dated since it came out nine years ago. Graphics are fairly pixelated, and some of the HOP scenes can be a bit repetitive.
-Some of the objects are very hard to find, and they're scattered across multiple areas. There's often no indication of if you've found all the items in an area or not, so that can be confusing.
-A bit short. This does have a fair length to it, but once you get to the real bit of plot towards the end, it goes very quickly.
-Very little story. Definitely not a creepy game like it might seem to be. More of a mystery story. Still, the variety in gameplay made up for the short story.
-Of course, this game's a bit dated since it came out nine years ago. Graphics are fairly pixelated, and some of the HOP scenes can be a bit repetitive.
-Some of the objects are very hard to find, and they're scattered across multiple areas. There's often no indication of if you've found all the items in an area or not, so that can be confusing.
-A bit short. This does have a fair length to it, but once you get to the real bit of plot towards the end, it goes very quickly.
-Very little story. Definitely not a creepy game like it might seem to be. More of a mystery story. Still, the variety in gameplay made up for the short story.
Try to buy this game with a coupon code or a credit. It's a wonderful little game that you can spend an hour or two on. Definite buy for me!
I recommend this game!
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
After crashing your car in the middle of nowhere, you stumble upon a mysterious town with a shady background. Solve a dark mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Excellent even after all this time!
PostedAugust 22, 2018
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I thought I'd contribute my opinion on this game since it's definitely worth a buy if you ask me.
I was recommended this game by a friend online, and I'm glad I tried this. If the dated appearance in the video above and the description bore you, please... don't let that stop you. This game is definitely worth your money.
I didn't buy the collector's edition, but the core experience is still the same, so I'll go from what I do know.
Without spoiling too much, I'll summarize the story: your car crashes in the rain, and suddenly you're lost in this spooky town which appears to be flooded, for the most part. Aquatic life is everywhere... and everything is at least 100 years old.
You meet a girl in the woods who helps you out and directs you to a local hotel. Your objective throughout the game is to escape the town and fix your car at all costs. However, the hotel owner, and to some extent the other characters, all have different feelings about that. You end up searching the town... and then things get interesting. You learn a lot more about the characters' pasts... and that all happy endings don't necessarily have bright beginnings.
This was one of the first games to ever use the swap mechanic in HOP scenes... where you can switch between Match 3 and hidden object. I used the standard hidden object mode most of the time, and that was fine by me. Puzzles are very innovative for its time and the story and characters, particularly the dialogue, are what makes this game stand out from the rest.
There are also fun little achievements to collect -- It's always fun to challenge yourself a little bit! Plus, all the achievements come in the form of little car ornaments for your dashboard! What could be better than that?
If you have the money, give this game a try. It's definitely worth it -- and you'll spend a decent chunk of time on this game, it has a good length worth the 14$ for Game Club members.
I'll also say that, if you enjoy this one, play Crucible Peak (the sequel) as well. It's a little different, but it follows a similar format and actually improves on this game in a few ways, but this will always be my favorite in the series. One day I'll get through them all :)
So, in short... buy it if you can! A must-have for any gamer's library!
I recommend this game!
Explore kingdom ruins and meet the exiled Salt Princess.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 7 found this review helpful
A Classic Tale... with a Grain of Salt
PostedMarch 25, 2018
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First off, let me say I've been a fan of the Dark Parables series since the beginning. They always seem to get better, in my opinion. My previous favorite was either Ballad of Rapunzel or Jack and the Sky Kingdom, but now I have a new one!
-Plot Summary-
So, you, the Detective, are called to the Grak Kingdom's ruins to investigate the return of the missing princess. Through tons of exploration, you'll slowly unravel the plot's pieces that eventually make one grand story... and it's awesome.
So, you, the Detective, are called to the Grak Kingdom's ruins to investigate the return of the missing princess. Through tons of exploration, you'll slowly unravel the plot's pieces that eventually make one grand story... and it's awesome.
Each of the parables essentially gives you a group of people's perspective on the story (don't worry, it'll make sense once you play it). And thanks to the devs, I can actually SEE the pieces now (I'm looking at you, games 8-13). And the stories are all unique in their own way. Parables/story in the bonus content wasn't super enticing, but it was still pretty nice.
-Gameplay-
Loads of people are complaining about the lack of a teleporting map and custom difficulty mode; I honestly don't understand what the issue is. Just play whatever setting is closest to your style, man. And as for the teleporting map, are we really so lazy to where we can't walk in a VIRTUAL world? Just think about how crazy that sounds!
That being said, I was kind of sad when the map didn't teleport me when I started, but I got used to it and I actually prefer it that way, as I fear the teleport maps make me lazy. Puzzles were nice, but a few repeated too many times. FROG scenes were lovely as usual.
-Bonus Content Stuffs-
Bonus Chapter was a nice addition and was really cute to see those two characters interact as they did. Bonus puzzles were just puzzles from the main game, so that was a bit of a letdown. However, by buying the CE, you also get achievements and can reread all the notes you clicked in the game, and you also see all the characters' art and exclusive art for some of the game's items you use. It's pretty neat.
-Overall-
Awesome game! Had a blast playing it the first time. I'm really excited for the future of this game series now that Blue Tea is back!
Definitely a purchase. If the lack of a teleporting map and/or custom settings bothers you A LOT, try the demo first, you might be surprised.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Dark Parables: Ballad of Rapunzel Survey
PostedJune 20, 2014
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is (or will be) a wonderful game! This is Dark Parables at its best, with amazing graphics and music as well! Will certainly buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I recommend this game!
Cursery: The Crooked Man and the Crooked Cat Collector's Edition
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Cursery: The Crooked Man & The Crooked Cat
PostedNovember 19, 2013
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Cursery: The Crooked Man and the Crooked Cat Collector's Edition
(186)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Crooked Man has struck! From the music to the puzzles to the art, this is Blue Tea's best chronicle so far! The Crooked Man's fiancee died about 100 years ago from an accident, and YOU are the only one who can save the victims.
~3 hours of gameplay
~6 chapters plus Bonus game
~Humpty Dumpty strikes again!
~What is "Cursery?"
~20 cursed morphing objects
~Bonus rhyme for never skipping a puzzle
~Many achievements
~6 chapters plus Bonus game
~Humpty Dumpty strikes again!
~What is "Cursery?"
~20 cursed morphing objects
~Bonus rhyme for never skipping a puzzle
~Many achievements
Best game ever, finished about 5 times!!!
I recommend this game!
Macabre Mysteries: Curse of the Nightingale Collector's Edition
Explore the Nightingale Theater, which was ravaged by a devastating fire 40 years ago, and uncover a dark mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Macabre Mysteries: Curse of the Nightingale
PostedAugust 11, 2013
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella Collector's Edition
(192)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is another excellent Blue Tea Game. Graphics were stunning (as usual) and the story was good. Not one of my favorites, but a good game. Adventure through the game and slowly discover what made the Nightingale Theater burn down with the help of "Night of the Fire Visions".
*Lots of game play (6 Chapters)
*20 Cursed Morphing Objects to collect
*Bonus Chapter covers the director's vision show
*20 Cursed Morphing Objects to collect
*Bonus Chapter covers the director's vision show
I hope they continue this series. I think the next one could be about Darcy the Diva's Past considering that her bedroom is a bonus location.
I recommend this game!
Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella Collector's Edition
Become the fabled detective and rescue the Final Cinderella from the evil Godmother's clutches!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Presenting the Final Cinderella!
PostedJune 30, 2013
Haberyan
fromSt. Joseph, MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella Collector's Edition
(192)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This, in my opinion, is the best one yet! As soon as I saw the game, I bought it. The game went really fast for me (about 3-4 hours), and did not drag. Blue Tea did a good job twisting two fairy tales together. Hint worked well, but very slow before I got the 20 morphing objects (I have memorized them by now). Few puzzles, and all of them were easy. I did like the ball puzzles though. 5 Parables, each pretty clear. Bonus game took about 1 hour, with hard to find Parable Pieces. Overall, this game is my favorite so far! I can't wait for the next installment!
I recommend this game!