krissywillow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:506
- Reviews Submitted:34
- First Review:November 24, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Mystery Case Files: Shadow Lake Collector's Edition
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not good enough for the Thanksgiving tradition.
PostedNovember 22, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Mystery Trackers: Four Aces Collector's Edition
(134)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I only played the demo. Based on too many negative reviews, I decided not to buy the CE. I will buy the SE, w/ a coupon, or will wait for it to be a DD.
Because I did enjoy what I played. The demo ran out when I got to the first moving puzzle. Other reviewers warned of these, their ability to cause motion sickness (which I'm very prone to) and I could see that would be a problem so I did not even attempt it. I was waiting for it to skip when my time ran out.
Before that, I enjoyed the atmosphere, I liked the campy acting, and the activities were good. I didn't use the SG and I don't think I needed a hint (played in expert mode).
I don't like the inventory wheel because you can't see enough of your things at once. Esp those matching pictures..I don't mind doing that but it would be nice if those could be displayed somewhere besides the inventory wheel/bar so they can be referenced easier. Also why do the finished ones have to go back in the wheel? It just makes for more constant spinning of the thing.
I liked the H0 scenes spanning large areas but I agree that some areas and items were very small.
This game will not play on my old pc w/ Win XP [neither would ESR] so I have to play on my laptop and no way I would attempt w/ my laptop monitor; I plugged in my larger (square) desktop monitor and it was acceptable. Game ran smoothly, no glitches or bugs as far as I got.
To get my gaming on Thanksgiving fix, I have been playing Mystery Trackers Four Aces and that is a stellar game. I do believe I can say w/out reservation that Ele pha nt games have surpassed BF/MCF for sheer customer satisfaction (at least this customer).
Try this MCF before you buy. Read reviews. It just doesn't sound worth the CE price. So I'll say I don't recommend the CE, but do recommend the SE when it comes out.
I don't recommend this game.
Solitaire Kingdom Quest
After the king chooses you to join the Solitaire Heroes, you’re off on an epic adventure in Solitaire Kingdom Quest!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Addicting and Charming.
PostedSeptember 24, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Although I usually prefer golf solitaire (the ORIGINAL Fairway Solitaire is my favorite), this is one klondike game which is charming and addictive. The cartoon characters who pop up (without animation) say some of the funniest, quaintest things--the conversation is always amusing. You can click to speed it up. I like the way the game chooses which helpers for each level, and the way they interact. (For example, "Monk" allows you to turn 1 card at a time, instead of 3). I particularly like the Dragon levels (using 2 decks instead of 1).
Also there is a daily challenge mode making the game infinitely enjoyable. Most aren't very tough but it varies. Sometimes you have to win x number of games in a row...a recent one I played required 7 wins in a row..took some doing!
Some of the trouble makers such as some of the gremlins, don't really cause any trouble, just like some of the helpers don't really help that much--but others do cause trouble and help! It's fun to see the new characters come onto the scene.
I like the simple sound effects and little musical riffs that accompany wins, etc. (I have full game music turned off, I think; as I always do, so cannot comment on that).
If you like solitaire, give it a chance; it might take getting further into the game to get challenging but once it does, it's quite addicting.
I recommend this game!
City of Fools
A UFO is rumored to have landed in the small town of Tundel and the mayor is trying to conceal it. Run your own journalistic investigation and learn the truth behind the event!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
From the makers of Green Moon..a hilarious romp!
PostedJune 23, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When I downloaded and opened the game, the dev's name rung a bell but I couldn't remember. Then when I started to play...I realized these guys made Green Moon, one of my favorite games. And this is like that, only MUCH easier to figure out.
My demo hour flew by and I was disappointed when it ended; this is a definite buy. I absolutely love this type of game play (similar to Green Moon ) with the arrows on the sides of the screen to walk around, the mouth icon to talk to people, etc. These developers are from overseas (I forget where, I want to say Russia but I could be wrong) and maybe the reason they have the people doing "non-speak" is so this can be played by anyone anywhere. I think it's brilliant. (Reminds me of "Edison the talking lightbulb" in Brainiversity).
A gazillion tasks to perform, really works the memory cells in the ole brain, that with moving around the town and finding your way, remembering what is where, etc. I enjoy the challenge of this immensely! It's good for you! Try not to rush to a walkthrough or other help..try to figure it out. It's so rewarding when you do!
And the humor, omg, I laughed my head off already over some things..(the guy standing in the water, lol..classic)..and when you step in the doggy mess...well it's all part of the game and there is a very common-sense thing to do ...but I won't spoil it by telling!
Looking forward to playing this for many hours to come.
Kudos to the developers, I love Green Moon and have replayed it numerous times, was waiting and waiting for them to come up with something new and this is great.
I recommend this game!
Stand O'Food
This exhilarating arcade game challenges you to feed a host of hungry patrons before they leave in a huff!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Best of the Series
PostedApril 6, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Contrary to what another reviewer said, you can indeed put items back on the conveyor belt..just right click.
I've played at least the demo of all three Stand O Food games and IMO this original one is the best. Smoothest gameplay (SOF2 was full of bugs making it virtually unplayable) with simple cartoony graphics and lots of upgrades. You can buy sauces to add to sandwiches and in higher levels the sandwiches get really crazy and huge. There aren't any snacks or sodas in this one, but I actually don't like them (in SOF3) so they aren't missed.
I've played at least the demo of all three Stand O Food games and IMO this original one is the best. Smoothest gameplay (SOF2 was full of bugs making it virtually unplayable) with simple cartoony graphics and lots of upgrades. You can buy sauces to add to sandwiches and in higher levels the sandwiches get really crazy and huge. There aren't any snacks or sodas in this one, but I actually don't like them (in SOF3) so they aren't missed.
There's no cake or lasagna levels but there are salad levels and I like how the colors change in different levels. Nicely done.
I've completed the game (bought in 2007) a few times so for those who complain that it's too hard or too frantic at later levels, you have to use the plates wisely and pay attention to the placement of the food on the belts..if you do it right you can figure out which belts to take from leaving your options open later. As well, use right click to put things back.
The worst drawback to this game is that I get really hungry for fast food when I play! : )
I recommend this game!
Dark Dimensions: City of Fog
Search for a town consumed by fog! Unlock forbidden doors and uncover mysterious items!
Overall rating
2
/
5
54 of 66 found this review helpful
Mostly Annoying.
PostedMarch 5, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Haunted Manor: Lord of Mirrors
(72)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Soon after I bought, I wish I hadn't bought. Extremely annoying for the following reasons (not necessarily in order):
1. "You can only do that in the movies" any time you use an inventory item where you shouldn't.
2. Same inventory used in wrong place will pop out of your hand, flly up and back into inventory.
3. Very precise placement of inventory items so even if you have it right it will still pop out of your hand, fly up and back to inventory over and over until you get the right pixel.
4. Annoying thunder over and over and over like so many games these days. Enough already!!
5. Nonsensical linearity, stupid things to do for example, pull a ladder down. You have a crowbar or other hooked item in inventory, or rope, but noooo, can't use! Have to wait for correct item!
6. USELESS hints. It will only tell you "My investigation is done here for now" then when it gets to a spot where there's something to do, it goes to it, but even if you do not yet have the inventory to do that thing, so now you are stuck again!
7. Tedious H0 scenes, yes they are interactive but I found much of the interactions rather lame. Nice touch, I just think it could have been done better.
8. Sparkles everywhere.
2. Same inventory used in wrong place will pop out of your hand, flly up and back into inventory.
3. Very precise placement of inventory items so even if you have it right it will still pop out of your hand, fly up and back to inventory over and over until you get the right pixel.
4. Annoying thunder over and over and over like so many games these days. Enough already!!
5. Nonsensical linearity, stupid things to do for example, pull a ladder down. You have a crowbar or other hooked item in inventory, or rope, but noooo, can't use! Have to wait for correct item!
6. USELESS hints. It will only tell you "My investigation is done here for now" then when it gets to a spot where there's something to do, it goes to it, but even if you do not yet have the inventory to do that thing, so now you are stuck again!
7. Tedious H0 scenes, yes they are interactive but I found much of the interactions rather lame. Nice touch, I just think it could have been done better.
8. Sparkles everywhere.
One of those games where I was enthusiastic at first but quickly grew tired, bored, and wanted it to END.
You might like it. I did not.
I don't recommend this game.
Puzzler World
Visit Puzzler World and enjoy different Puzzle types like Wordsearch, Fitword, Sudoku, and many more!
Overall rating
2
/
5
73 of 89 found this review helpful
Moving background ruins it.
PostedFebruary 22, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Green Moon
(44)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I'm one of those who gets motion sick easily from games that have unnecessary movement. I'm also one who LOVES pencil puzzles such as are in this game. Unfortunately although this has the latter, it also has the former. I could barely play 3 mins without feeling sick and couldn't quit fast enough, due to a patterned background that moves the entire time you're solving the puzzle. Really??? How is that necessary??? No option to change it or turn it off that I could find.
Otherwise, I couldn't play long enough to comment, except game buttons and interface are very large and in your face. Kids would probably like this as would people who like pencil games. Myself, I'll stick with the pencil and paper variety that don't have swirling nausea-inducing backgrounds.
I don't recommend this game.
Peggle Deluxe
Do you have what it takes to become a Peggle Master? Take your best shot! Ready, aim... bounce!
Overall rating
3
/
5
54 of 77 found this review helpful
Can't get into it..
PostedJanuary 29, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I bought this a long time ago because I was hooked after playing the demo. But I quickly lost interest. Over the years I have reinstalled it to try again and every time I do, I lose interest after a few mins. I don't know why but it doesn't grab me, I find the gameplay boring after a short while.
The graphics and sound effects are great and it's a humorous and cute game, very well done for what it is. There's a number of imaginative and useful powerups. But that pot sliding back and forth at the bottom is maddening (I keep trying to control it w/ my mouse!) and the way the focus zooms in and out on the last peg makes me seasick.
It's a unique game (others have followed, but this one started it all) and I'm glad it's out there for those who love it! I myself just don't like the type I guess. Aim the ball, drop it, and watch it bounce around.
Still, I recommend it, but try the demo and play the whole hour first, you might get bored (or maybe not)..!
I recommend this game!
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff Collector's Edition
After a group of young students go missing, the Mystery Trackers are called in to search the city of Raincliff!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
Awe inspiring.
PostedJanuary 21, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff Collector's Edition
(66)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Wow. Just finished. Can't believe how awesome that was. I rarely buy CEs. This was worth every cent. I played/looked at everything! (This includes wallpapers, bonus video clips, a little "test", etc). I even had the music on while I played which I NEVER do. I liked how it was in "installments" w/ periods of silence inbetween. It didn't get annoying that way.
Others have commented on the graphics and gameplay. Incredible graphics. Simply stunning.
Just the right amount of H0 scenes and puzzles and nothing too hard. I used hints a few times when I wasn't sure what to do next. Did not use or need the strategy guide (I like figuring things out.) A LOT of back and forthing which did get tiring (and I generally like back and forthing) but that's a minor (very minor) issue. I don't use maps even if games have them as I like trying to remember where to go. Good for the brain cells.
Loved the story, the way the music fit the drama, the graphics, everything.
One minor quibble--an option to turn off the falling snow would be good because it (a) can slow down some computers and (b) can be sort of dizzy-inducing for those of us prone to that.
This is a first-class, excellent production in every way. I loved the kindness to animals too. (I do not like games, no matter how "funny" they think they are, that include animal cruelty).
Highest recommendation. In my opinion this rivals any MCF game to date. In fact, it beats them.
I recommend this game!
Hidden Mysteries®: Salem Secrets
Help Constable Hawthorne investigate the rumors of witchcraft in Hidden Mysteries – Salem Secrets, a fun Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
50 of 53 found this review helpful
Worth a Second Look
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff Collector's Edition
(66)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
When I first tried the demo a while ago I didn't like it. But during a daily deal, I bought it. Just finished after many days of playing in installments.
Very long game! I don't know how many hours I logged. It would have been tedious to play all at once but I enjoyed playing here and there. The story was actually rather interesting and kept me wanting to find the next girl, etc.
Although at first the 2-D graphics seemed rather flat, I actually started to like them. This one doesn't have all the bells & whistles of many new games. There's no moving animation in H0 scenes, for example. But as others have stated, the graphics do evoke the proper feel for the subject.
In some ways this reminded me of Green Moon, one of my favorites. I never used the walkthrough and rarely used the hint system so I spent a lot of time wandering back and forth looking for H0 scenes, etc. That was much of the fun as I like nonlinear games w/ very little hand holding.
For the most part I liked the puzzles and the lack of instructions unless you wanted them. Sometimes I figured out the object myself, other times I'd look at the question mark in the corner. I think I only skipped 1 (maybe 2) puzzles. Overall they were a good mix, interesting, fit in w/ the feel of the game (i.e., made of wood), and not too hard.
The voiceovers were so-so. You can fast-forward through the speech which is good.
There are MANY H0 scenes and you do revisit them. I love games where you have to search around to find which H0 scene has 'reopened' when it's time to find another inventory item. There's much of that here. I did get lost as there's quite a large area to cover but the scenes load seamlessly and quickly so it wasn't a big deal.
The H0 scenes themselves could use some work. Items are quite small, and sort of thrown onto the scene in an odd fashion. Some H0 scenes were quite dark. Also there was a LOT of repeat items (pinecones, irons, bells, for example, had to be found in almost every H0 scene). I had to use hints a few times in the H0 scenes but considering how small (and sometimes dark) the scenes were, I did pretty good. So overall I think the odd "flat" style was still mostly effective.
The ending of the SE was rather abrupt but that's all right.
Overall I'd give it a B+. I'll def. play it again some day. Worth a second look if you didn't like it the first time.
I recommend this game!
Lottso! Deluxe
Bingo gone bonkers? You`ve played Bingo, you`ve played the lottery - now play the winning combo!
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
Addicting
PostedJanuary 8, 2012
krissywillow
fromWestern MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Weird Park: Broken Tune
(160)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Very addicting. Simple concept, a mix of bingo and scratch tickets. You play against computer opponents [that each have names, avatars, etc]. There are power ups you can get to swap cards w/ an opponent, confuse the opponent, etc. I'm surprised how much I like this, it's one where you say, "Ok just ONE more round" and before you know it, another half hour has gone by! Try it, you might be surprised.
I recommend this game!