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:
An invitation from your long lost mother leads you to a mysterious facility deep below the Atlantic Ocean.
Overall rating
3
/
5
36 of 42 found this review helpful
Ideal for Beginners
PostedDecember 28, 2013
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Our story begins when you receive an invitation to meet your biological mother aboard an underwater dream facility, apparently a playground for the rich and elite, designed to simulate dreams. Being abandoned by your mother, you are eager to meet her and discover the true mystery behind her disappearance. You soon discover that the entire facility is powered by an ancient technology, a machine that holds many dark secrets and surprises. Your quest is to set your family free while battling wits with an evil spirit and to escape the Emerald Maiden before she self destructs.
What we have here is a classic HOPA game, a bit too classic if you ask me. Graphics are sharp; there are relatively good animation scenes with voice-overs and artwork that is bright and easy on the eye. There are some sound effects and the music is soft and non-obtrusive. The SG indicates that there are 6 chapters to play along with a bonus game and as I was able to complete the first two chapters well before an hour, this does give an indication of being a bit on the short side.
There are no major surprises in this game which really was a disappointment. Starting with game features, you have three game modes to choose and you can also customize your settings. There are limited features in this game such as no journal or diary. However you are able to follow the story as you read notes and letters that you come across in every scene and there are also film reels that offer you a history of our plot. Please do keep a pen and paper available to write down some codes or numbers that you need to use along the way. . Adventure game play is relatively easy, picking up inventory objects, unlocking rooms and collecting clues along the way. There are a few characters you meet along the way but interaction with them is brief and pointless actually. You have a map that will indicate areas of interest as well as transport you which helps you to avoid back-tracking on foot. There are collectables, collecting 16 roses that are very easy to find.
There are hidden object scenes that come in two variations: Find silhouettes of items and use them in the scenes or a list of 12 objects, some with interactions. Graphics are sharp and objects were almost too easy to find. Puzzles were also very easy to solve and mini-games were almost childish and very dated. Actually, the entire game was just too easy to play, it runs smoothly but lacks in any sort of challenge.
The Emerald Maiden is a pleasant game with no surprises or extras to make it really worth a CE price tag. The only interesting feature is the storyline which slowly reveals a mystery about your past. The game is a bit dated and there are no challenges to make the game play exciting. Personally I think beginners may find this game interesting whereas I got a bit bored by the end of the demo. Due to lack of extras I will opt to wait for the Standard Edition or perhaps take advantage of the sale on CE games that we have today.
I don't recommend this game.
Stop the bitter Spirit of Cold from killing your ancestors!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 46 found this review helpful
Not Exactly a Cheerful Game!
PostedDecember 26, 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
5
/
5
T’was the night before Christmas, all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse when suddenly; a snow owl appears with a package that changes your life. The Bunny Team does it again, and in this particular story, you won’t find any Christmas cheer, gingerbread men, candy canes and Ole St Nick. Instead on Christmas Eve, Redemption Cemetery: Bitter Frost continues its series of murder and mayhem.
Our story begins with you meeting Koturi, a Native American owl spirit, who gave up his immortality for the love of Sheenah. He tells you that your total existence depends on you going back in time to save several members of your family from the evil clutches of Wenonah, the Spirit of the Cold, who apparently doesn’t really understand the true meaning of Christmas. Instead of forgiveness, her desire for vengeance is so cold that she decides to start eliminating several descendents and thus ending the bloodline of your family. Well then, better put on your winter coat, cap and gloves because you are in for a very cold adventure.
I have to say that these developers are forever constant with their signature look; washed-out graphics, beautiful hand drawn artwork, animation scenes that could have been done with a better resolution and voice-overs that were a bit bland for my part. I prefer a bit of realism in my games and with no mouth movements and cartoonish characters, I am reluctant to give this game full marks.
Redemption Cemetery: Bitter Frost Collector's Edition is yet another standard HOPA game with a menu that offers you three levels of difficulty that also can be customized, full points for that. On your adventure, you have a journal, a map that does allow for travel, a feather which unfortunately I have yet to discover exactly what it is used for, standard hidden object scenes that can be switched to Match 3 games, collectables along with a few achievements to earn as you play. As you collect the snow flakes throughout the game, you will get to fix up your homestead for Christmas which I suppose is a cool thing to add on. Puzzles are relatively easy to solve but I did enjoy some of the mini-games.
Yes we have all come to accept that this team of developers will continue on with creating one game after another, using the same cookie cutting technique. The only thing that does change is the storyline and setting. Although I am not overwhelmed with the game play here, it does feel like watching your all time favorite classical TV series, same style and feel but you do enjoy watching each episode. Sometimes, they do come up with something totally different but this time, it’s like watching a re-run. Still it is Christmas, and there is adventure and I could use a break from picking up after the family. So I will take advantage of the sale today and continue with saving the lives of my relatives. Isn’t that what Christmas is about? Family!
I recommend this game!
Gatsby's criminal past intrudes as Judy, a young architect, is caught up in a kidnapper's scheme to unearth the socialite's secret treasure.
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 54 found this review helpful
Its a Pass for Me!
PostedDecember 25, 2013
Nilosh
fromIstanbul, Turkey
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Before I begin, I will refrain from being politically correct and take this time to wish everyone in the Fish Pond and to everyone at BFG and to all game developers a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Why we need to be sensitive about a holiday name that has been celebrated for two millennia is beyond me. For those who are of a different faith as I am, I ask you to welcome Christmas not only for its religious symbolism, but also as a time when we are reminded that the true spirit of Christmas is within all of us, to love one another and to express our own divinity towards each other. May peace and goodwill be with you and your loved ones.
Set against the glamorous but deserted Gatsby Mansion from the Great Gatsby, a classic from the great American writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald, our protagonist Judy who is a talented architect, is given her dream job when she is asked to restore it to its former beauty. Upon arrival to the mansion, she finds herself caught up in a kidnapper's scheme to discover the notorious socialite's secret treasure.
Unfortunately the story may be the only good thing about this rather out-dated HOPA game. However if you are an avid fan of Hidden object scenes, this game may appeal to your appetite as there are plenty. But first, let’s start with game features before we continue on to the mechanics. The Great Gatsby: Secret Treasure offers two play modes and from what I could tell from the demo, I came across no sparkles or glints of any kind. Graphics are dark but in some cases sharp with hand drawn artwork. Lighting is bad making some HO scenes rather difficult to play without resorting to hints. Animation is minimal and grainy, voice-overs are mediocre and I found that at times Judy talks too much throughout the game.
Your tools include a diary that also outlines objectives and holds your clues. There is a map that does NOT allow for travel, therefore be prepared to do a lot of back tracking, although you do have a set of car keys that will allow you to travel from one scene to the next. Adventure game play involves a lot of exploring and coming across hidden object scenes for inventory items. I only came across one mini-game which was so basic and after 25 minutes of game play, I decided to call it a day. Today’s game looks like it belongs to the era of the Great Gatsby, old and tired looking. Needless to say, it plays smoothly and has a story that involves an interesting mystery. I doubt it is worth spending any money on this, perhaps if you have a game credit on hand to spare. However, I feel that the game just is not worth the time or effort.
I just wish that this Christmas, we had more Christmas theme games to play so I guess I will now go back to my own archive and select a few of the old ones. Cheers everyone.
I don't recommend this game.
You’re on a train in the middle of nowhere, and a band of dangerous thieves demand you tell them where to find the Hope Diamond’s shards. As the newest Hidden Expedition recruit, you’ve got to find the shards before they do…
Overall rating
5
/
5
298 of 335 found this review helpful
Game of the YEAR!
PostedDecember 19, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
On several occasions I have voiced my opinion on what I consider to be a five star game and Hidden Expedition: Smithsonian Hope Diamond Collector's Edition is a perfect example. Alway a favorite series of mine, today we have a game that not only deserves five star, but also clearly deserves to be awarded the game of the year title.
This series not only provides great storylines, but also educates and entertains at the same time. Our story begins on a train where we find our selves held hostage by a bband of notorious theives who are after shards of the great Hope Diamond which, once collected, have immense healing power. Our mission is to collect the shards before they do and our adventure begins.
What an adventure, filled with riddles, clues and puzzles. This game offers it all. Excellent graphics, very life-like and voice-overs are very well done along with mouth movements which is a plus for me. I love the sound effects, plenty of ambient sounds that add realism to the overall gaming experience. Our menu offers four modes of gameplay, one which allows you to customize your settings which I prefer. The game looks sharp and sophisticated, KUDOS to the developers for all the intricate details that they have added.
Our adventure and once we jump off the train, we find ourselves at the famous Smithsonian museum which by the way I have yet to see. Game features include a H.E.L.P kit that holds your fact cards which you need to collect, your list of objectives and clues. There are hidden symbols that are scattered throughout the game, and you have a map that can also be cutomized to show you areas of interest and allows you to travel.
Game play is fun and there is alot to look out for. You will notice that some inventory objects need to be combined and some require use of those dormant brain cells if you play without any assistance whatso ever. There are interactive hidden object scenes with a morphing item in each, so keep those eyes open. Mini-games are plenty and some and very well conceptualized. There are also riddles that need solving and you have a list of achievements to earn as well.
What I love most about this game are the facts that I learn. I know it may sound trite, but Hidden Expedition always manages to thrill me with their adventures and information about things we dont spend much of our lives thinking about. A game that will not only thrill the kids, but also those who are explorers at heart. Filled with adventure, hidden secrets and a few challenges,this game puts many CE games to shame.
Thank you to the Developers for continuing this wonderful series,
I recommend this game!
Stop a madman from taking over a city using a mind control device!
Overall rating
4
/
5
66 of 71 found this review helpful
Excellent Pulp Fiction
PostedDecember 17, 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
5
/
5
Move aside Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, a new private detective is in town and his name is Alex Hunter. A great detective story with excellent artwork, sharp graphics, very well done voice-overs and music that sets the pace for this Standard HOPA game that will thrill fans of the pulp fiction era. As a fan of some of the great American popular literature I read from Chandler, Hammet and Dashiell, this game offers an authentic atmosphere of that time.
I love the art direction and the details of that era are so well presented. From what I understand, the game is originally designed as a CE but thanks to our friends at BFG, we get it as a SE, and the best part is that there are collectables, achievements and a SG as well. Fantastic!
Our story begins as we take on the role of the great detective and what you thought was merely a case of the missing professor soon turns into something much nastier.
There are two play modes to choose from and game features include an interactive map that indicates tasks and allows for travel, a journal and a SG that works as a pictorial walkthrough. A well put together HOPA, with tasks and inventory items to pick up, puzzles to soşve, standard Hidden Object scenes that are slightly interactive and mini-games that vary in style; nothing we haven’t seen before but some are interesting and even time-consuming which is right up my alley.
From what I can tell from the SG, it is a long game with a bonus section and as I said, you have to collect hidden symbols along the way and depending on what mode you play, you need to complete them in order to gain access to the bonus section. I really like the gameplay, intricate at times and some of the puzzles were not so easy. The story does get interesting and I really enjoyed the over-all atmosphere created by the dark graphics, 2D characters and the lingo used in the game. Definitely worth the time and effort!
I recommend this game!
Play as both Ellie and Ian, two scientists stranded on Botanica. Can you save your friends and find your way home?
Overall rating
4
/
5
74 of 87 found this review helpful
Good Sequel
PostedDecember 14, 2013
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
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
What dismayed me were the graphics. Characters were too cartoonish and voiceovers again were a bit strained and over acted. There was a lack of animation and I just found it all very old-school. Nevertheless once I began to play, the game became more interesting and actually challenging as well. You have game features that include three game modes to choose from, a journal with objectives, clues and films, a map that not only includes actions but also allows you to travel, and your trusty botanical kit that will help you create and analyze ingredients.
Gameplay is mostly adventure with excellent HO scenes that are not only interactive but there were mini-games within scenes to solve. I found them both entertaining and not always easy to figure out. Mini-game instructions were a bit vague and I have to say that some Mini-games had me a bit stumped. You also have lots of puzzles and then there is that rather cute snail-like crab creature that helps you with cutting things.
Botanica has much to offer which also includes collectables and achievements to be earned but unfortunately the list of achievements are easy and mostly pertaining to actions taken within the game. Botanica offers an interesting storyline and also your very own botanical encyclopedia. Entertaining gameplay and a certain degree of challenge which makes this game a bargain especially as we have a sale on CE games today.
I realize that once again I seem to be unpopular with my grading of games, but I just wanted to let you know that for me, a five gold star rating means a game offers more that just sharp graphics, but really stunning animation scenes, high degree of technical innovations, amazing sounds and effects, entertaining gameplay with features that we have come to expect with CE games, and I really don’t mean wall papers or screen savers which I personally have no use for. I also want to be immersed into the story and enter a virtual world of adventure with characters that don’t look like paper cut outs. Botanica is good but hardly great and it just doest have that WOW factor. Regardless, I will take advantage of the sale today because I did enjoy the HO scenes. The story however just did not excite me too much nor did the overall look of the game. Still it is a sequel.
I recommend this game!
The mystical Silver Arrow has been stolen from you on the eve of your wedding. Without it, you can’t marry your beloved Prince Philip! Can you track down the arrow in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 25 found this review helpful
A Bad Case Of Deja Vu!
PostedDecember 12, 2013
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
This series has had its moments, and one of my favorite was the Song of the Phoenix. Now it seems we are back as Princess (sorry guys but it looks like you will have to change genders here)and we are in love. (I wonder what happened to the other Prince, I swear in the last game there was a Prince). Anyhow, i this story you have found love at first sight and a silver arrow will seal the deal with the ever so charming Prince Phillip. But it looks like you have a deadly rival who fully intends to steal your man and so your mission begins. Now you need to battle wits with the notorious shape shifter and track him down to get back the arrow before his mysterious client takes your place at the altar.
It looks like our bunny team has taken a step back and there doesn't seem to be much improvement with the overall game mechanics here. A standard HOPA game with the ever so familiar graphics, voice overs, music and storyline. So much so, once I could hae sworn I played this game before.
Again we have a weird looking creature who helps with translating animal talk to us. We have a jump map that also indicates progress and tasks as well as a journal. There are HO scenes that vary in style; the ones I played duing the demo required placing items back to their proper places. Mini-games are also familiar and relatively easy to solve. Mostly adventure gameplay which includes mixing potions and collecting inventory items. There are collectables, tiny pearls that amount to gold coins which you spend on decorating a room and there are very basic achievements that are very easy to complete.
The game is really a no brainer and unless you play in the hard mode which will also disable your black bar tips, the game may offer some degree of challenge. It really is a case of deja Vu here and I suppose fans of this genre may enjoy. I on the other hand already have similar games that are far more interesting and so I think I will wait for the SE on this one.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
80 of 90 found this review helpful
At Last! A Grown Up Game!
PostedDecember 9, 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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Our story is not original but who cares, its dark and its a mystery and that is really what I need right now after a long stint with sugar-coated games. Now it GROWN-UP time folks so put the kids to bed and get ready for some creep time.
Finally, a game that is dark that will definitely be keeping me awake tonight. There are NO enchanting setting, NO cute animals and NO fairytale characters in this game. You have dark graphics, great opening scene by the way and really spooky background music with the occasional ambient sounds that will send shivers up your back.
Like I said, not an original story, child is missing, Mother finds her self caught up withwhat can be called a military experiment gone bad. Yes we have fog and we havd it so many times before, but who cares, at this point I will settle for anything fromthe dark side.
There are no bells and whistles to this game, no extra features and no bonuses. You have two modes of difficulty, one journal and a map that is totally useless. There is a mystery box that needs you to collect spare parts but I really dont know what it is for.
No SG to help you so you are basically on your own and let me tell you, I really welcom the challenge of just wandering thru a game and figuring things out for myself. HO scenes are dark and slightly junk-piled and there is minimal interactions. Mini-games are basic, what we have all seen before but I really enjoyed the adventure aspect of the game. Not much hand holding here and already I will be needing that walk-through .
It s been a while since we have seen something from these developers, yes the game is old-school, yes it is dark and yes we have seen many similar games with this theme but it is such a relief to just get down to basics with a touch of malice and a cool Sci-Fi story involving fog.A definite buy for me!
I recommend this game!
You're called to a health spa in the Alps, where an evil professor has something terrible in mind for his unwitting patients.
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 48 found this review helpful
HOG Fans Will Definitely Enjoy This Game!
PostedDecember 7, 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
4
/
5
As Detective for the Agency of Anomalies, once again you must fight the Seekers Brotherhood and stop their evil plan for world supremacy. Your new case takes you to an exclusive sanitorium located in the Alps. Soon you discover that Dr. Swens is behind the mysterious brainwashing of several influential patients. With a powerful device on your wrist, you must battle wits with the good doctor and save several of his victims.
I really enjoy this series and felt that the developers have taken a tiny step back with some of the graphics. ALthough our story line is interesting, I found the visuals and sounds to be a bit old school. Animations are well done, no great special effects, however graphics are sharp but there are minor things that are amiss like mouth movements during dialogues. A lack of sophistication in the technology is apparent but still gameplay is promising.
To my disappointment there are three levels of difficulty to choose from and unless you choose hardcore, you will get the sparkles. Game features include a map that allows for travel, a journal with a list of objectives and a brain device that takes you into the minds of your victims and alternates betwen a dream world and reality.
HO Fans will definitely enjoy this game because there a many hidden object scenes and the best part is that they vary in style. You have your standard list of items, find the sillohettes and place listed objects back into their proper place.
Puzzles and mini-games are somewhat challenging which is a plus for me and I paticularily enjoyed the going back and forth between two alternate realities. There are collectables throughout the game and a list of simple to do achievements as well. A very entertaining game with a certain level of difficulty if you decide to play advanced. owever not as challenging as previous games.
A definite four star game that certainly has merits and will not disappoint. Perhaps not the best in the series but definitely worth it especially if you take advantage of the sale this week-end. As I said, HOG Fans will most definitely enjoy this game!
I recommend this game!
Everyone deserves a second chance – even the stingiest of them all.
Overall rating
4
/
5
50 of 62 found this review helpful
Early Holidiay Cheer for the Entire Family
PostedDecember 5, 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
5
/
5
T'was the Night before Christmas, actually two weeks before and our favorite Pachyderm group have brought us some early seasonal cheer; who doesn't love Charles Dickenson's famous Christmas Carol? A befitting tale that can melt the hearts of any tyrant, especially during the holidays. Yes, its sappy and yes cutsie, but hey, it's Christmas and today we have a chance to be kids again. A wonderful tale where we take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooges's niece and find ourselves aiding the three famous ghosts of Christmas to try and save our poor Ebenezer from himself. We have some help ofcourse and I wont spoil the surprise.
A beautifully put together HOPA game with sharp graphics, excelent sound and visuals along with special effects and animations. I love the Nutcracker Suite playing in the background along with very well acted voice-overs. You have four game modes to choose from which you can change during gameplay, an interactive map that allows you to jump and various diary notes and letters you pick up along the way.
Game mechanics include Hidden Object scenes that are standard list of items with some interaction. Adventure gameplay that has you running back and forth and there are clever little mini-games that are well conceptualized and entertaining to solve.
Although not as intricate or challenging as our last year's game, The Nut-cracker Suite, Christmas Carol will be fun for kids of all ages. There are morphing objects that you need to look out for and collect as well as a list of achievements.
A delightful game with beautiful visuals but lacking in challenge which is why I gave it four stars. As I said, The Nutcracker still remains a favorite of mine but as I am a fan of the tale of Scrooge, I do look forward to help our three Christmas Ghosts with their lofty task.
I recommend this game!