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:
Track down the wily Fox’ before he slips away into the beauty of Venice!
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 95 found this review helpful
Molto Bene!!!
PostedApril 17, 2014
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
As investigative reporter, your vacation is abruptly cut short with a phone call beckoning you to Venice where the infamous thief La Volpe (The Fox) has struck again. A relic has been stolen from the Museum and you find yourself following clues that lead you to right to The Fox. According to his story, he has been in retirement for five years and is being framed by an ex partner, Gabriella. He has laid out clues that you need to follow in order to trap the real culprit and once again make headlines.
Once again these developers do not disappoint with their stunning graphics, beautiful artwork, well acted voice-overs and special affects. When I see a game begin with a message to turn up the volume, I know that I need to done the earphones and prepare myself for a real treat.
Although I do have to mention that the beginning of the game is intensely familiar; being a journalist and meeting a stranger at a café, opening a box with a message in it. Did we not just do that recently in Final Cut? I am sure some will complain that we are seeing a pattern here with storylines and game mechanics, which seems to be apparent with many game developers. However, I find that I enjoy these types of HOPA games and have yet to become bored of them so I continue to add them to my collection. I suppose one day I will tire of them and look towards something new.
We begin with three modes of difficulty with customized settings added on. Game tools include a journal, jump map and a special camera to use on certain scenes (which we have also seen). There are a variety of Hidden Object Scenes to play, some with silhouettes and actions that need to be taken, some with mini games involved and some with standard list of items to locate; all easy to solve but entertaining non the less. Puzzles are plenty and there is a lot of backtracking to do but the map will help out with that. Mini-games are interesting but not very challenging which is something I wish developers would consider in the future. Extras are plenty to boot and for those who enjoy them, you won’t be disappointed. There is a list of collectables that includes travel guide papers, photos, fox figurines and letters that make out a word in the main menu. There are achievements to earn as well as a souvenir room which will probably require you visiting scenes to find an object at the end of the game. There are also extra puzzles and HO scenes to play along with the bonus game.
Yes, I realize we have seen all this before and I anticipate we will be seeing more of these games; that is unless developers come up with something completely different. Still I liked the story and the scenery as well as the game play. Although I do wish they had made The Fox look a bit more interesting as he looks like a regular Joe. An Italian affair has adventure, intrigue and some interesting puzzles and I will be buying it once I come across a sale on Ces. Have a great week-end everyone.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a storybook world and bring life back to the glade.
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 27 found this review helpful
Kids Friendly
PostedApril 16, 2014
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
A Match 3 game for the youngsters and the young at heart that is a bit on the easy side with the exception of the opening scene, which required putting on my magnification glasses to get through fragmented object scene. I really did not see the point to making objects almost impossible to find and that girl keeps popping up saying something.
A Fairytale story that takes us to Storybook World where you need to complete the glades by playing M3 boards to collect coins for purchase. Graphics are sharp, animation scenes are slow and clunky with childlike cartoon drawings. There are voice overs as well as fairytale music that would lull a baby to sleep.
Playing boards are well designed with icons that are clear and large enough to make out. Game play is easy enough and after one hour of demo, I really did not see too much difficulty or challenge appearing. There are bonus power-ups to get and a rather bizzarre looking three-eyed bear pops up with a basket to fill with tiles.
It is too childish and tedious for me but for those with small kids around the house, ideal game for after school. Its a pass for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Dive into an epic story of honor and courage to help preserve ancient Japan in this Match-3 adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 28 found this review helpful
Nothing Really Special
PostedApril 15, 2014
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
I practice daily meditation and find that it helps to rid my mind and body of unnecessary stress and helps me to focus better during the day. I find that at times a Match 3 game is also a good way to meditate. After everyone has retired, if I am too tired to retreat into a good HOPA game, I will elect to unload my brain and what better way than to zone out with a great Match 3 game.
What I do look for in a Match 3 game is simplicity, swap challenge and soothing zen music in the background. I do also enjoy the occasional building or planting or decorating which is why Fishdom series are amongst my favorite. In tales of the Orient: The Rising Sun you have most of these elements, plus option to play timed or relax mode, three types of M3 games, swap, chain or pop challenges, all put together with clear graphics and soothing music in the background. Albeit artwork could have been a bit better as tokens are somewhat small and animations are blurry, but at least I was able to differentiate tiles and tokens.
Our storyline is simple, your quest takes you to the Edo period in Japan where your quest is to help Satsu and Miyamoto rebuild and preserve ancient Japan. You have the option to play in Challenge mode with limited moves or Relax mode where there is no pressure. Each level has goals which involve purchasing a group of buildings with coins collected and there are a set of tasks to achieve in order to progress. Once the Task bar is filled, you move toward the next board. If you opt to play the Challenge Mode, there is limited number of moves for every board and if you are unable to clear all the tokens, you can get a power-up bonus that allows for 5 extra moves. Also you can rotate the board with arrows to avoid empty tiles and make the best matches which makes for a more challenging game that requires a bit of strategic thinking on your part.
This game is not exactly a game I would choose to zone out with because it does require some concentration on your part. As you progress, the boards do get more challenging and bonus power-ups become very useful. I enjoyed the demo but to be honest, I have played better and I don’t think that hard core players of M3 games will find this game overtly challenging. This really wasn’t a game that I would rush out to buy but nevertheless, I do recommend that if you are a lover of M3 games try the demo and decide for yourself. The music is relaxing, game-play is easy to comprehend and there are no bombs or flashing lights or lasers to distract you. I am a bit on the fence on this and will probably use a credit or buy it at a very good sale price. Nothing really special here!
I recommend this game!
Become a real detective of the Ancien Régime and visit renowned carnivals collecting rare masks for the countess!
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 32 found this review helpful
No Story, Just Grids
PostedApril 14, 2014
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
1
/
5
Occasionally I enjoy indulging in a game of Grids and there are a few of them that I rank high but unfortunately, not this game. If you are expecting a storyline, any hint of a storyline, animation or special effects, there are none to be found here. From the menu, you jump directly into the game and with each level, your goal is to earn three gold stars in order to get that trophie. The music is on a loop and rather 'loud'.
The one thing that annoyed me was there was no left hand mouse click option which made it tiresome to change your mouse each time you wanted to place a mark or empty space on the grid. For those who are familiar with the Grid Puzzle #which is what I call them# you know what I mean. You do however get a chance to replay each level and as said earn the appropriate trophies. There is also a shop to buy three types of items that are used as hints and mistakes allowed; somehow mine did not work when trying to purchase.
This is no Gemsweeper or Arizona Rose which are my favorites so if you are just interested in solving grids that escalate in difficulty as you play on, than I suppose this may be mildly interesting. I think I will go back and re-play my World Mosaic series.
I don't recommend this game.
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 174 found this review helpful
Cool, Exotic and Spectacular!
PostedApril 12, 2014
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
“Oh it’s good to be back in New Orleans” is what our young heroine says in the opening scene and how I share in her excitement as soon as I hear the glorious sounds of New Orleans Jazz streaming from my computer. A spectacular game plays before me in Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death and after having completed the demo, I realize that this game will definitely rank amongst the top favorite for 2014.
Our story starts in New Orleans where sounds of betrayal and revenge become evident as our story begins to unfold under my fingertips. Upon return from School to my childhood home to visit my Father at his Jazz Pepper Club, I am confronted with a horrific scene where all the guests are turned into zombie-like creatures, frozen and seemingly dead, including my Father, Samuel ‘Papa’ Stirling, former band member of the Dixie Peppers. Evidence leads me into the darker side of New Orleans where the undead is seeking revenge and it is up to me to solve this tantalizing mystery.
Our story starts in New Orleans where sounds of betrayal and revenge become evident as our story begins to unfold under my fingertips. Upon return from School to my childhood home to visit my Father at his Jazz Pepper Club, I am confronted with a horrific scene where all the guests are turned into zombie-like creatures, frozen and seemingly dead, including my Father, Samuel ‘Papa’ Stirling, former band member of the Dixie Peppers. Evidence leads me into the darker side of New Orleans where the undead is seeking revenge and it is up to me to solve this tantalizing mystery.
I was totally blown away by the graphics, artwork and animations. I find myself enthralled with the music as I am a huge fan of Jazz from New Orleans. Excellent voice-overs with special effects tell me that the Developers have really raised the bar with this game. I loved the attention to details like seeing a car pass down the road as I survey the entrance of the club. Did I mention the music? I loved that song sang by Adele and the assortment of jazz tunes played throughout the game. How I have missed New Orleans and how exciting it is to feel its seductive energy within the game.
A very well composed HOPA game with excellent puzzles to solve, innovative and challenging Hidden Object scenes that require interactions with items and really cool mini-games, all combined to creating not only an entertaining gaming experience, but also challenging, not to mention having that WOW factor that we all look forward to.
Extra contents are plenty including customized settings for difficulty. There are collectables, morphing objects within HO scenes and trophies to earn. The game is a tapestry of colors, sights and sounds along with excellent game mechanics and tools that include a journal, jump map and a music repair room where you need to assemble instruments.
I could go on and on describing this game, but I am confident that after having played the demo, many will agree that this game is special, and because of the visuals and sounds, it does stand out as being a top rated game. Sale or no Sale, I am off to purchase and play it at my leisure tonight. See you all in New Orleans, the land of Jazz, Exotic love and Black Magic.
I recommend this game!
A famous actor has literally stepped off the screen to kidnap your niece. Now you must find a way into the dangerous and exciting world of the film to save her!
Overall rating
4
/
5
76 of 105 found this review helpful
Not Much Of an Encore!
PostedApril 10, 2014
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
Back by popular demand, don’t miss the continuing saga of the exciting series Surface, returning to us with a brand new episode called Reel Life, starring none other than YOU, directed by Elephant Games and brought to us by BFG. In tonight’s exciting episode, Mary and her daughter Jane attend a screening of Nicolas Skipframe’s classic film, “Jungle Hunt” starring Andrew Light. As the camera begins to roll, suddenly stepping out off the screen is none other than Andrew who grabs Jane and pulls her into the film. Now it is up to you to help your Sister and enter a world where dangerous animals and strange plants try to stop you from discovering the real truth behind the madness that has taken fold. Will you uncover the truth? Will you be able to save Jane? Tune into the game to find out and don’t forget to pick up your pop-corn and soda before you begin.
Well I would like to say that I was completely overthrown by the game, but unfortunately I was not. I much prefer the previous episodes of Surface and I found this game a bit slow and cumbersome at times. Although the graphics and animations are excellent as is the stunning artwork and special effects, there just seemed to be something missing. A classic HOPA with standard Hidden object scenes and lots of puzzles to solve; I just wish there was a bit more to the game mechanics as it all seemed so familiar. There are three game modes to choose from, a journal and a jump map. There is a collection of film reels to look at, flowers to collect and a list of achievements to earn; that really is about it!
What I did love immensely about Reel Life were the mini-games, very well conceptualized and some were challenging to solve. Hidden object scenes were very basic, a list of items to find with only one interactive object. A good memory is required as a lot of backtracking takes place throughout the game so a pen and paper by your side may be of some help.
To be honest, I really didn’t feel the excitement and thrill that I did with the first two installments of Surface. The only things that separate this game from a standard version game are collectables and a list of trophies to earn. There is apparently a secret room where the flowers provide you with extra film footages to view. However the bonus section seems to be important as it offers you the opportunity to release Andrew from Cinecity which I think is clever of the developers to add on. Therefore I do think this may be the only incentive that compels me to buy this game as a CE version, not that there is much of a difference in price when sales are available. I must confess that at times, with certain games I enjoy Standard versions more so when there is no Strategy Guide to assist you; somehow games get a bit more challenging for me.
I expect many will award this five stars but I just feel a certain lack of luster in visuals as well as in game mechanics. If I were to compare this to some of my favorite games that have crossed my way this year, Reel Life does rate a bit lower. Therefore four stars it is!
I recommend this game!
Violett is reluctant to move to the dreary countryside. But when a strange light lures her to into a world of magic, she may never find herself bored again!
Overall rating
5
/
5
106 of 157 found this review helpful
Frustration Level HIGH!
PostedApril 9, 2014
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Remember the days of Room Escape games? Where you had to solve a series of puzzles in order to exit a lock room or car? well this is a warning: this game is not for everyone.
For gamers who enjoy the traditional HOPA or adventure gamei you will probably not be a great fan of this paticular genre. It is by far very different from the Drawn series but has a more simplistic style, yet is far more challenging that the classic HOPA games.
For gamers who enjoy the traditional HOPA or adventure gamei you will probably not be a great fan of this paticular genre. It is by far very different from the Drawn series but has a more simplistic style, yet is far more challenging that the classic HOPA games.
I have always been a fan of these type of games, and honestly I enjoy the rare opportunity to sweat through a game that tests my patience and compels me to use my brain once in a while. Pushing through with intense focus and determination, while avoiding the urge to pull out my hair, I find that having completed a task offers me a sense of accomplishment. Having played the demo, I was able to only get through two scenes and now I yearn to continue and having said that, I probably will be balked at by many for giving this game 5 stars. What can I say, I enjoyed the simplicity and yet the intricate puzzles involved and I anticipate that I will be amongst the minority who do enjoy this genre as much as I do.
Our story is about Violett, a young girl who has been dragged by her folks to the countryside where she now lives out a lonely childhood existence. One day, while sulking in her bedroom, she notices something shining in the mousehold and upon close inspection, Violett suddenly is thrown into a different world inside another dimension where adventure, and danger awaits her and you. Inspired by many popular stories, Violett needs to use her wits to escape the clutches of the evil Queen Spider and find her way back home.
With graphics is somewhat crude, more in an anime style but less sophisticated. Cartoon artwork makes the game appear more surreal rather than just plain childish. Once I got to the main menu, confusion struck and I still could not find a profile name section. Violett offers no levels of difficulty but the choice of helpful hint is offered as an option. Like I said, confusion sets in from the start and there are no instructions or texts to read or any legible voice-overs that offer direction, but rather a variety of comical sound effects that make the entire game appear a bit insane. There are some helpful hints during gameplay like small drawings and arrows and nods of heads that will offer some sort of direction. You do have a diary and there are pages to pick up along the way. You hint system only offers four pictures for every scene but basically you are on your own and you really need to figure things out, hence the word Puzzle Game.
There are collectables, collecting small colored balls and some inventory items. I will be honest and tell you guys that I have not yet decyphered the use of the small colored balls or the the gadget that looks like a whistle. As there are no instructions, I really am just getting the feel of the game and already my frustration level is high. You will understand what I mean when you try to figure out how to get the fly into the bottle in the second scene. That took me over 30 minutes to solve that one puzzle without using any visual hint but finallu I had to succumb to pressing for all four hints in order to solve that one puzzle. (to be honest, even with hints I had the most difficult time with it).
I wish I could tell you more about game mechanics, so far I found it extremely frustrating and challenging as well as a bit bizzarre but nevertheless, I am loving it so far. I do welcome a walkthough as the hints are not as helpfull as I like them to be. And if anyone has figured out what those darn balls are about, I welcome the help. I think for those who do enjoy these types of puzzles, Violett will deffinitely keep you busy.
I recommend this game!
Enter the enchanted realm of the Snow Kingdom!
Overall rating
4
/
5
53 of 74 found this review helpful
Fun Game For Everyone
PostedApril 5, 2014
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
Although spring has finally arrived to my part of the world, winter still seems to be the underlining theme of our games. Our story begins with our handsome hunter, Alan Wood, who rescues a beautiful maiden from the clutches of an ice knight. We discover that Adele has been sent away from the Sky Kingdom by her Father and now seeks refuge at Alan’s cabin. Not long after, a mysterious package arrives at the door and before you can say Brothers Grimm, Adele is trapped inside a snow globe and the adventure begins as Alan needs to return to the Kingdom to find a way to set her free. A wonderful fairy tale filled with an assortment of characters, magical creatures and a lot of ice and snow making for a thrilling Hidden object, Puzzle and adventure game.
At first the graphics were a bit discerning what with the cartoon artwork but once I began to play, I totally became immersed in the story as well as the game mechanics. With three difficulty modes to choose from, game tools include a diary, a map for travelling, a cute baby Lynx for retrieval of far away objects, and the infamous snow globe with Adele inside who occasionally pops up to let you know what needs to be done. Hidden object scenes are challenging enough and come in variations, mostly interactive and there is a fun factor to them. I loved the mini-games, some are arcade style with a level of difficulty that you can adjust and some are interesting enough which please me immensely. Puzzles involve a lot of back-tracking when applying your inventory items but then the map helps you with that.
Extras are plenty as there are scrolls and snowflakes to collect throughout the game. You also have morphing objects within each hidden object scenes and a list of achievements to earn. Although the game seems to be more standard that a CE game, what with the graphics and sound effects, I did love the small details that the developers added like biting into fruits or tapping a creature and watching it scurry away. Somehow, they did manage to bring images alive which I do applaud. Still the extras do make it a collector’s edition and although I thought the graphics were substandard compared to many other recent games, I still enjoyed playing the demo and will take advantage of the April Shower sale today.
We have a damsel in distress, a handsome woodsman and obviously some sinister enemy out to stop them. I also think it is age appropriate so the entire family can get into the fun. I just wish that voice-over was added to our Alan Wood which would have made the game more real.
I recommend this game!
Ghostly warnings in the water are terrifying a grieving family. What's causing them, and what really happened to Julia White?
Overall rating
5
/
5
95 of 131 found this review helpful
Bring Your Galoshes, Its Fun in the Water!
PostedApril 3, 2014
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
5
/
5
As paranormal journalist, Emma Roberts, you are called upon to investigate a strange water-based paranormal activity that has plagued the town of Greenville and may have caused the death of Julia White. On arrival to the White’s home, you discover that there is indeed something suspicious about Julia’s death as her watery image seems to be haunting the family. There is also a mystery that involves the hydro-electric plant and somebody will stop at nothing to keep in under wraps. Your adventure begins as you tackle ghostly images and follow leads that hopefully will end the watery threat in Greenville.
Once again the developers have brought us a new and exciting installment to this ever so popular series, Fear for Sale. The opening scenes with live actors and excellent animations had me hooked to the story and as I began to play the demo, I was not disappointed with the game so far. With three modes of difficulty to choose from, you also have customized settings to suit your own preferences. Phantom Tide is a standard HOPA game with extras that make it a collector’s edition. Sharp graphics and life-like images along with excellent special effects enhance the overall gaming experience. I really liked the life-like characters and thought that the voice-overs were very well done. Animation scenes are crisp and the music adds tension to the storyline.
Game tools include a journal, a map that allows for travel and a conch shell that collects water traps throughout the game. There were standard Hidden objects scenes that were somewhat over crowded with a list of items to collect; some required interactions. You also have the option to switch over to a jig-saw puzzle which personally I enjoyed as I am a fan of jigsaws. Adventure game-play involves solving puzzles, collecting items and applying tools while visiting each scene. I especially enjoyed some of the mini-games, not especially difficult, but some were actually very well conceptualized and fun to play. I do however miss the more intricate puzzle and would like to see developers use a bit more imaginations when designing mini-games, making them more challenging; nevertheless, I thought that some of them were well executed.
Extras include a series of collectable items which are scattered throughout the game. There are also morphing objects to locate, forcing you to look closer at the scene which also gives you the opportunity to really appreciate the artwork in the game. With every item that you find, you get a press pass card popping up at the side of the screen that gives you points for items found.
I really enjoyed the demo and will definitely add this to my collection once I pay up my credit card. As always, games do take a toll on my wallet so I will probably take advantage of a CE sale. I do thing a round of applause to the developers is warranted for keeping this series going and making each game equally good as the predecessors. Well done and have a great week-end everyone.
I recommend this game!
Pinecreek Hills just keeps getting better! Help the Rangers find lost objects, clean up the park and spot the wildlife.
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 29 found this review helpful
HOG Lovers Rejoice!
PostedMarch 31, 2014
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
Old school game for HiddenObject fans who enjoy the classics. Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger 2 (I missed out on 1), offer bright and clear graphics, loopy music in the back ground, a simple storyline and a multitude of Hidden Object scenes along with a variety of mini-games.
As newly appointed park ranger, your goal is to clean up the national park and trust me, there are plenty of objects to find. Each scene has a list of objects, several animals to locate and some recyclables to throw into the bin. A map will indicate your progress with either a bronze, silver or gold star and the best part is that you get to replay each scene.
The game is really not that stressful as each time I replayed a scene, it got easier and easier (I still have my memory intact) and actually finding the recyclables was the hard part. Anials were relatively easy to locate and they enter your log book. Mini-games were fun and not overly challenging.
A simple HOG that the entire family will enjoy, especially children who will learn about wild-life and cleaning up after your self.
I actually liked it although it does tend to get a bit tedious after a while. It is a straightforward Hidden Object Game with no frills and no fuss. A good way to zone out if you dont mind going through over crowded scenes but an excellent way to exercise the old memeory. Practice makes perfect!
I recommend this game!