Nilosh's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,798
- Reviews Submitted:395
- First Review:November 20, 2011
- Most Recent Review:May 3, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The family saga continues when your nephew Brandon encounters the mysterious Stone Queen in a lonely mountain town.
Overall rating
4
/
5
239 of 264 found this review helpful
Good but Not Great!
PostedJanuary 3, 2013
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
When I review a game, I generally rate them according to certain criteria that I think a game should meet such as exceptional graphics and sounds, interesting storylines, top notch game features that provide the extra fun factor such as interactive HO scenes, voice-overs, a journal, interactive map and a helpful hint system. Then there are the extras that I believe developers should really make an effort to incorporate into their games such as morphing objects, collectables, achievements and trophies that generally add replay value. There is also the game length to take into consideration which in my humble opinion should exceed at least 5 hours of game play. Finally there is the fun factor or what some call it, the WOW factor which unfortunately is a rarity these days as most games are like carbon copies of each other.
Usually I will look for these criteria before deciding to purchase a CE game at full cost or wait until the SE comes out. Although it is rare to come across a game that meets them all, there are few that generally will provide fun and entertainment despite the lack of game features. This is also a method I personally use when rating a and I believe that a game that earns 5 stars should meet more than half of the game features listed above.. Grim Tales: The Stone Queen is the third of the series and in accordance to my own criteria it barely meets half of them therefore does not earn 5 stars from me.
The Graphics are great, much improved and I loved the art work. Voice-over is minimal and you come across few characters that talk one or two sentences. The sound effects are very well done but at times there is no music and no sounds, just gaps of silence that made me feel uneasy. The storyline is interesting but somewhat confusing as there is no journal or diary available. You do come across some diary pages but are not able to collect them. Having played the demo, I have learned that we are now in a mining town that once prospered and now is being terrorized by a Stone Queen who is ticked off at someone and is seeking retribution. Your nephew is also a part of this mystery and your mission is to stop the Queen and help reverse the damage she has inflicted on the town's people. Nothing we haven’t done before.
Game features include three modes of difficulty, several game options like special effects and environmental sounds that do add to the game. There is a very helpful hint system that will tell you exactly where to go and what to do so you really do not require the SG. There is a interactive map that will allow you to jump and does offer you a task list as well as game progress indicators. Unfortunately, as I have noted, there is no journal or diary which is a let-down.
You have a standard HOPA game that plays heavy on adventure with HO scenes that are junk-piled and slightly interactive. There is much to do and a lot of locations to cover, so my advice is to have a pad and pen on hand. There are many mini-games to play and most were interesting. A few that I came across were a bit vague in the instructions and some had enough challenge in them to make them fun.
Game Extras include the obligatory screen saver, music and you have the bonus chapter. The SG shows four chapters with only one chapter accessible in the demo plus one extra bonus chapter. I was able to complete the first chapter within the demo time which is an indicator on the length of this game.
Although I did enjoy the overall game and it does have its moments, after having played the demo, I felt that the developers have not produced an entirely exceptional game that warrants a five star rating. The storyline is somewhat disconnected and the game lacked the WOW factor. I predict that this is a game that will no doubt appeal to some while others like me will wait for the SE.
I recommend this game!
Is it just a high fever or something much worse? One doctor's house call is about to become an investigation!
Overall rating
5
/
5
196 of 207 found this review helpful
A Great Game to Start Of the Year!
PostedJanuary 2, 2013
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am a physician who has been summoned to the town of Blackburn where several of its citizens have mysteriously died due to an uncommon illness. My first patient is seventeen years old Elizabeth who suffers from high fever, pains and two bite marks on her neck. The only thing that seems to be helping her is a flower that she holds on to with her dear life. It is now up to me to uncover the cause of her illness and stop the plague that has taken over Blacburn. Can any one say Vampires?
At first the graphics reminded me of the first HOPA games that we use to play, they look a bit dated but I think that it adds to the overall atmosphere. There are good voice-overs and sound effects that somehow brings the game alive. You have three modes to choose from and game features include a diary along with a map that does allow you to travel to locations.
This is your standard HOPA, heavy on the adventure gameplay, some interesting mini-games to solve and frequent HO scenes that are not interactive; however you have the option to switch over to puzzle mode which is very similar to the old paddle games we use to play. Easy at first but they do get more difficult as you progress. A great little feature that does change the momentum.
I really enjoyed the art work and the storylinee which seems to involve vampires and a sinister couple that are called Lord and Lady Heartless. Yes, a bit corney but we are dealing with the undead (or at least I think we are). Dont be folled by the dated look, this game is not without challenges as there is alot to do and at times it makes it difficult to keep track of what items to use at what location. My memory was tested at times but that makes it more challenging and adds a fun factor to it. I recommend Fallen to all who enjoy gothic horror fiction and adventure HOGs that we use to play alot when they first became popular. A great way to start of the New Year with a SE game that you really can sink your teeth into. Ouch!
I recommend this game!
When your daughter, Emily, is taken over by a mysterious force, you must travel to the Nightmare Realm to search for a cure. But nothing could have prepared you for what you find there…
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 154 found this review helpful
wonderful Way to End the Year!
PostedDecember 30, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really enjoyed the first of this series and am very happy to see that the developers have brought us a even more exciting sequel that once again takes us into the Nightmare Realm. This game is far better than the first but does not come without some flaws. Although the graphics are beautiful, I wish that the resolution was better as it does tend to get blurry during the annimation cut scenes. The artwork is stunning with great attention given to details. There are voice overs but not as much as I wish.
The story continues with Emily all grown up and ready to go off to college. The day before her departure, some sinister force has taken over Emily and once again it is us to her Mother to rescue her daughter. To her great surprise, she has discovered her husband is alive and held prisoner in theRealm and only his tears can save their daughter. Unfortunately she has only one hour before his execution. This does make me wonder if we literally have one hour until game over but I doubt that.
Game Features offers three modes of difficulty to choose from, a journal that is very unique and a hint system which to be hones I have yet to use. The journal not only offers you progress details but there are mystical cards that will give you back stories to different characters you meet along the way. Unfortunately the map that outlines your route does not allow you to jump do there is some backtracking involved if you missed something earlier. There are collectables which come in the form of origamies that you find along the way. A group of them will unlock a story and they are not as easy to locate, so keep your eyes open.
Gameplay is heavy on adventure with few HO scenes thrown in. During the demo, I onlt encountered one HO scene with interaction, I am sure there will be more to come. The mini-games are uniques and interesting but not overtly challenging. There are items to find along the way, puzzles to solve and the SG follows your progress.
After my hour was up, I felt that time flew by too quickly so I am now off to immediately buy this wonderful sequel that will be the last CE collection for 2012. It has truely been an amazing year with BFG and once again, I personally thank them along with all game developers for bringing us hours upon hours of amazing games that have captured our hearts and imaginations. I look forward to many more games and wish everyone a magical and most joyous New Year.
I recommend this game!
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
3
/
5
80 of 99 found this review helpful
A Dİssapoinment!
PostedDecember 27, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Amongst my favorite games are Spirit of Mysteries: Song of the Phoenix and Amber Maiden, so you can imagine how excited I was to have this one come out. Well after having completed the demo, my excitement has dwindled and once again these developers have managed to dissapointed me. The storyline has a slight disconnected theme and after a while I just could not find myself remotely interested in what was going on. Our Princess is back and you play her. Weren't we married inthe last game? Anyhow, our favorite mystical animals have been kidnapped and we must retrieve them from the wicked soceress and her sidekick, Isa the gamehunter (Didn't we get rid of them in the last game?#. Anyhow, Each animal holds special powers which we will use throughout the game #ofcorse provided we find them#
Game Graphics are the usual and has become a signature for these devlopers: slightly washed out and old looking. I am sorry but when comapred to many games we have played recently, these style just seems a bit dated. The music is extremely annoying after a while and there are voice-overs. We choose from three play modes and game features inclue a journal and your menagerie of animals #once you hae located them). Gameplay is heavy on adventure and light on HO scenes. Mini-games are pleasant but not very challenging. There is alot of finding inventory items and if you have disabled the black-bar tips above, then the game does have a certain degree of challenge. While HO scenes are few, they vary at times; there are your standard "find list of items" and there is the occasional, "use items to unlock other items".
The game is not bad but I am on the fence as to wether to purchase it or wait for the SE. Game play just did not blow me away and to be honest, I was rather bored after 45 mintues. I am sure that there will be many who will enjoy the adventure and these developers do have a very loyal following. I enjoy many of their games however this one just did not appeal to me as the previous ones mentionned earlier. Like I said, a dissapointment!
I recommend this game!
Long-forgotten memories bubble to the surface when the past invades the present in the Collector's Edition of Lake House: Children of Silence!
Overall rating
4
/
5
70 of 81 found this review helpful
Not exactly a Game For the Holidays!
PostedDecember 23, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It is a good thing that I actually bought but did not play the Christmas Story, Nutcracker CE game; I was saving it for Christmas and I am glad I did. Because this is definitely not a game that I would want to playing over the holidays.
A very interesting game filled me with melancholy during the first 30 minutes of playing the demo. The graphics were very well done, artwork resembled faded water colored canvases and I loved the the animation scenes; they did a brilliant job with voice-overs which were totally in syn with mouth movements. But Seriously, what is up with that music? Can we get anymore gloomier?
Our storyline is interesting and this time we are taking on the male lead as Henry who helps his soon-to-be wife Ann with a mystery that she needs to solve involving her dead brother. Together they return to their childhood home, a house by the lake that is haunted by a tragic past. By the way, Ann did annoy me a bit as she kept telling Henry what to do. Once we get there, we recieve the journal and map which will help us play this HOPA game. There are two play modes to choose from and the only sparkles I saw in the casual mode were for HO scenes. The SG maintains our place and tells us there are 12 chapters to play and 4 additional bonus games which is very clever of the developers to do this. This may prove to be a long game well worth the CE price tag. Interesting thing to mention about the SG is that it displays only photos as to what we need to do, there is no text to read. The map indicates progress and there is a task list as well.
Gameplay was on the easy side as were the minigames. There really isn't much challenge to the game which was a disappointment. The HO scenes were the best features, interactive by which you need to take an action to recieve an item which you use on another and so on and so on.
Overall I found the story interesting and am very much intrigued as to where it will take us. However, I will delay actually playing this game and save it for after the holidays. I am too much in a good mood to immerse myself in this very sad and dismal game. I will definitely be going back to the Nutcracker! Meanwhile I would like to take this time to wish everyone at BFG and all the Fishies at the pond a very Merry Christmas and a very happy and joyful year.
I recommend this game!
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 32 found this review helpful
A Wonderful Gift for CHristmas
PostedDecember 22, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Beautiful Breathtaking Graphics, original tune from the Nutcracker Suit and wonderful game mechanics in this magical HOPA that everyone of all ages can enjoy. If you did'nt go for the CE version (which incidently I highly recommend you reconsider), then do not pass this gem up.
You have three game modes, a map that follows your progress and your trusted companions that help you with your mission that include the Nutcracker himself, a cute cat and a candle. Gameplay comes with some challenges not to mention the HO scenes that are slightly interactive and wonderful mini-games that are unique in design.
Definitely a game that made my list of top 10 for 2012. Who can resist the Nutcracker, an all time favorite during the Holidays.
I recommend this game!
Romantic Paris awaits you on your next Big City Adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
297 of 349 found this review helpful
From Paris With Love
PostedDecember 21, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Once again our beloved family takes a trip to the romantic city of Paris and its fun fun and fun. Big City Adventure fans will love the small changes that have been adapted to this ever so popular series. First of all we are in Paris and the graphics, as always are wonderful, voice-overs only at he beginning and music which unfortunately is on a loop.
HOG lovers will definitely enjoy the many HO scenes just packd with items to find and they are not always easy. As always you have the coins to collect that give you extra bonuses like hints and 2 minutes added to your clock.
The one feature that I simply love about this game are the postcards with fun facts, interesting information on sites that you visit which for some strange reason sticks to your mind. So if you are ever visit Paris, you will now know where to go and what to see. Did I mention that there are also achievements to earn? A fun time for the entire family and a way to challenge yourselves with different mini-games and lots and lots of HO scenes to play.Vire La France!
I recommend this game!
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
After a man is murdered on a hit reality TV show, you are called in to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Overall rating
3
/
5
45 of 52 found this review helpful
Same Game, Different Story!
PostedDecember 20, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have to be honest here, these were once my favorite developers but lately I feel I have outgrown them. Their games of late have been similar in design and features and less challenging; like I said, perhaps I have just gotten better at playing them. ALthough their story lines continue to be intersting, I find that game mechanics especially when the games are adventure lite, consists of alot of back tracking, finding inventory objects and solving very easy mini-games. Game graphics are the same as always, their art work and designs never seem to change in style or resolution nor do thier voice-overs; relative good but not exciting. Today our story involves us solving the murder of a man who was part of a hit reality show. His wife has hired us to investigate and we soon realise that she is not as innocent as we thought. We meet up with an odd familiar face who helps us with odd clues and cryptic evidence. Our tools of the trade include one journal and an ultra violet light which needs to be used every time we come across a red balloon in order to reveal hidden clues and messages. There is no map so as I mentionne, there is alot of backtracking. While the storyline is interesting, game mechanics involve adventure lite with no HO scenes to play. I dont mind having no HO scenes as I am a fan of adventure games but this game is just too easy to play and the mini-games have absolutely no degree of difficulty. I just wish the developers could put in a bit more elbow grease into their games; it looks like they target gamers who are beginners more than hard-core players. Even while playing hard-core mode, I finished the demo trial ( two chapters) in less than 45 minutes which tells me that the game will be a bit on the short side. The only element which will prompt me to purchase this game would be the storyline as I am interested to find out who the villain behind the clown mask is and how does the victim's wife become a suspect. I will recommend this game as I know there are alot of fans out there who are loyal to these developers. Meanwhile I will ponder on wether to wait for the SE version to come out game or just buy to get the extra three credit, I really still am on the fence about this. I do wish that the developers would start adding some extra features like morphing objects, collectables or achievements just to make them more interesting and worth the extra pennies for a CE game. If I had to sum up this game, it really is a glorifies SE version with an interesting storyline. I guess it really is up to you to decide what your standards are to buy a CE game.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a family manor and lift the mysterious Curse of the Werewolves in this blood-chilling and enthralling Hidden Object Adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 84 found this review helpful
Where Did This Wolfy Gem Come From?
PostedDecember 19, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Sometimes an obscure SE game comes along where people often are split into two camps, those who absolutely hate it and those who love it. I belong to the latter camp; I loved this game. It came as a total surprise but after having played the demo, I found myself needing an immediate walkthrough and lost as to what to do next. I always enjoy the challenge offered in these tpes of games. Our story begins in New York where Ashly recieves an anonymous postcard sent from Maine where she grew up. Dİsturbed at the fact that her Grandmother does not answer her recent phone calls, she decides to drive to her Granny's house only to discover her missing and her Manor is empty. Can anyone say Red Riding Hood? By the title of this game, we know that the storyline is about werewolves and we soon find ourselves playing a creepy Hidden Object Adventure game where we have to collect clues and unravel the mystery behind Ashley's dark past. The graphics are relatively good, sharp and obviously due to subject matter, dark and creepy. There are voice-overs and Ashley does have the tendency to talk a bit too much. There are two play modes to choose from and unfortunately, the hint only works inside the HO scenes. There is alot of adventure in this game and puzzles to solve and inventory items to collect. The mini-games are not that original nor were they challenging and the HO scenes were slightly interactive and at times, slightly blurry. As I said, the hint button only works within HO scenes and after 40 minutes of gameplay, to my great frustration and delight, I got stuck as to where to go and what to do. There is an interactive map that does give you progress indicators and a journal, but that is about it. No hand-holding whatsoever. This part will probably be a problem for many gamers who don't enjoy the constant clicking around and bumbing into things, backtracking alot and finding yoruself playing the same HO scenes several times to pick up the odd inventory tool. I myself dont mind and actually enjoy unraveling a mystery on my own. ALthough I will be keeping my eyes open for that walkthrough, this game is an absolute buy for me and recommended to adventure lovers like myself.
I recommend this game!
Visit Santa and his helpers at the North Pole and fly back home on Santa's Sleigh for a big surprise on Christmas Eve!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
Come All Ye Faithful HOG Lovers and Kids!
PostedDecember 18, 2012
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A Merry Christmas in Wonderland where kids of all ages and HOG lovers will certainly enjoy this game with bright colorful Christmas graphics that almost hurts the eyes, seasonal melodies in the background that you cant help but hum to while you play and two play modes to choose from. Once again we travel to Wonderland but before we do, we need to find the 5 golden keys. Once we have played several rounds of HO scenes and have collected our keys, off we go to Wonderland which is where I got off the train and quit the game. A bit too much for my senses. Tons of over-crowded HO scenes, bonus items to finds and mini-games that entail jig-saw puzzles, spot the difference and so on and so on. A fun family game to be enjoyed for the young ones during the Holdays. I think I will pass, as I said, it became a bit too much what with too many colors and too many items to find. Not so much of a challenging game but certainly a game that will satisfy any craving you have for HO games. I think my eyesight will pass on this but certainly give it a try and do share with the kids.
I recommend this game!