HoudiniCats's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:189
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:November 21, 2011
- Most Recent Review:November 25, 2014
- Featured reviews0
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 59 found this review helpful
Dire Intrigue
PostedNovember 25, 2014
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Last year's Elephant Game addition to the sacrosanct Mystery Files roster fizzled in my opinion. Over the last several seasons Thanksgiving brought something brand new to be grateful for: the daring, innovative and ingenious Big Fish MCF games. I've only played 80 minutes (and bought this latest entry) because it displays more of the amplitude I seek out in MCF games.
Naturally I haven't completed it, but in addition to competent dialogue and graphics, there are some new wrinkles that are very pleasing. The puzzles I've encountered so far are challenging without being impossible to solve and contain charming and witty surprises..
If the rest of the game holds up to this standard, I will indeed feel that Thanksgiving--via Mystery Case Files--provides the means to express more gratitude than the bountiful feast day itself.
Bravo!
I recommend this game!
Something wicked has taken over Fate’s Carnival!
Overall rating
2
/
5
42 of 54 found this review helpful
Not the same MCF, Alas....
PostedDecember 1, 2013
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
For those of us who've been with Big Fish since its beginnings, one of the true delights was the Mystery Case File series. The best of these games, Ravenhearst, Madame Fate, Return to Raven Hearst, Dire Grove and Escape from Ravenhearst demonstrated incredible genius and innovation. Alas, the latest foray, Fate's Carnival just can't measure up. Oh the graphics are pretty good, Madame Fate's voice is all right (though the original had tons more resonance), but where is the genius--the innovation? The things fans of the series really counted on to startle, engage and discover because they encompassed brand new territory and things we'd never seen in any other game? This is an adequate pastiche of all things Mystery Case Files, but merely adequate. The excitement that the other games generated has been, sadly, leached away. Personally, I hope Big Fish Studios will return to creating their own new games once again. Meanwhile, I'll replay those wonderful games that engendered more delight than I've found in any games anywhere....even spectacular games like Syberia and daring games like Scratches. Mystery Case Files--for the true aficionado--were so ingenious they took this gamer's breath away.
I don't recommend this game.
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
One of the Greatest Games--Ever!
PostedOctober 13, 2013
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've always been a huge fan of the Mystery Case Files series...and all the games devolving on Ravenhearst are top notch; but Escape from Ravenhearst is simply one of the most brilliant games (any type# conceptualized and executed. It's very dark, it's also a bit whimsical, the story is far above 99% of the tales spun in games...can't say enough about it...
I hadn't played it in a few years and have gone through the series #getting hungry for the next Mystery Case I guess) and this game is so worthwhile--not one instance of anything less than a solid gold rating.
Highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
With your carriage broken, and a wolf nearby, you must find shelter. What awaits you in the village just ahead?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Developers, Take Note!! Great game!
PostedJune 10, 2013
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a great game. Personally, I'm not a hidden object fan (they've been done to death), but the few that are in this game are a lot of fun to solve.
There are many excellent aspects to Moonlit Grove --the best of the Shiver series, in my opinion. The game is moody and atmospheric and the music harmonizes with its theme. Plenty of puzzles to solve--none terribly difficult. Some depend on mental acuity, some on mousing skills, but they are enjoyable. For the most part, figuring out what to do next is logical.
I really think this game combines the best of hidden object and adventure modes.
Best of all, the bonus chapter is unique--it's as challenging as the game itself and set in completely different locations.
There are many excellent aspects to Moonlit Grove --the best of the Shiver series, in my opinion. The game is moody and atmospheric and the music harmonizes with its theme. Plenty of puzzles to solve--none terribly difficult. Some depend on mental acuity, some on mousing skills, but they are enjoyable. For the most part, figuring out what to do next is logical.
I really think this game combines the best of hidden object and adventure modes.
Best of all, the bonus chapter is unique--it's as challenging as the game itself and set in completely different locations.
I recommend this game!
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
3 of 3 found this review helpful
MCF: From Sizzle to Fizzle
PostedNovember 23, 2012
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Alas, this game, which started out great, became an endurance test due to the repetitive nature of the gameplay. I think it may have been a better bet if they'd gone with Jack Talon and that story line; instead, one continually checks in with Cassandra and her dialogue is not exactly sterling--ditto--perhaps as a result of the dialogue--her acting.
Also, for a game with a map, there was an awful lot of back and forth, and the puzzles in which one had to move the cards around and attach them to each other was actually literally painfully fatiguing to wrist and arm. Not fun.
The previous MCF games--with a very few exceptions-- were really exciting to play, this one, sadly, doesn't stack up against games like Return to Ravenhearst or Dire Grove.
I did not feel the sudden "opening up" of morphing objects constituted bonus game play. Admittedly, in other non-MCF games, the bonus chapters are not enthralling, but this gambit was insufficent in my estimation.
The visuals, as always, are top notch.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the fate of your exiled kingdom, save your people and end the ancient evil that started it all!
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 12 found this review helpful
Disappointed
PostedAugust 26, 2012
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
My review is based on the demo, but ten minutes in I was completely bored. Alas, nothing hooked me: not the graphics, the story line, the voice overs, or the game play. I just found myself feeling as if the developers cobbled this together and were jaded as well.
I was looking forward to this installment but it just didn't work for me.
I know some others love the game, but for me it was, unfortunately, sub-par.
I don't recommend this game.
An unseen prankster plagues the exclusive Redondo Spa! Now it’s up to you, as Nancy Drew, to stop them before the clients retreat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Just too fabulous, darling
PostedAugust 8, 2012
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Great game....snazzy graphics, excellent voice-overs...lots of fun.
Terrific dialogue that's witty and well-done.
The dossier series combines the best of hidden object and adventure play without the boring repetition some games are subject, too. Her Interactive, and this game, are top-notch!
I recommend this game!
Join Nancy Drew as she goes undercover to expose the truth behind the calamitous production of a cursed Hollywood remake!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
A different Nancy Drew
PostedAugust 8, 2012
HoudiniCats
fromNew York, NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Dossier series from Her Interactive combines the HO format with adventure; these games are easier than the typical Nancy Drew games, but they are every bit as wonderful in their own right.
Here, Nancy goes to Hollywood to investigate a series of accidents bogging down filming a movie.
Lights Camera Curses features a terrific plot,voice overs that rival the very best in adventure games, and wonderfully noirish graphics that complement the theme. As an aside, if you liked the Nick Chase games--especially the first one--you'll love this game. The art work for example, is remarkably similar and though I didn't check the credits, it's entirely possible the same hand did both. The music here is jazzy and terrific, too. And, as one did in the Nick Chase series, one hunts up objects within the scene and then uses them to solve each part of the storyboard.
It's not a difficult game--about the only really tough thing is beating some of the games against the clock--but Nancy Drew fans are used to having to do that.
Sparkle hints can be turned off--althought the first time through --especially when you have to find all those candles and light them quickly enough-- you may be glad you've left them on!
It's a terrific game and it really holds your interest. It may be kid approved, but adults will love it, too!
One final word about voice-overs because they are so outstanding--more developers ought to hire talent of the same caliber as these actors. Simply fabulous and a real delight to listen to--especially since the dialogue is also very well-written.
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart Collector's Edition
Dive into an epic journey as a museum owner in pursuit of an undead pirate who has kidnapped your daughter in Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Fabulous Game! Highly Recommended!
PostedMay 28, 2012
HoudiniCats
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Can't say enough good things about this one...beautifully rendered; an engaging story line; wonderful music and sound effects. Some of the puzzles were on the easy side, but the game itself is so enjoyable I wouldn't consider that enough of a negative to lower its rating. Loved interacting with the characters, and the voice overs were much better than one encounters in many games.
There are enough HO scenes to please those who love them, and not so many that those who aren't smitten with them will be frustrated (as with many games that turn into HO scene after HO scene.) The HO scenes are nicely done and clever--another plus.
There are enough HO scenes to please those who love them, and not so many that those who aren't smitten with them will be frustrated (as with many games that turn into HO scene after HO scene.) The HO scenes are nicely done and clever--another plus.
It was enjoyable from start to finish and my interest never flagged.
With the current sale, it was a must buy for me.
I recommend this game!
Investigate the dastardly deeds of a wealthy socialite and prove your fiance is not a thief in Snark Busters: High Society!
Overall rating
2
/
5
49 of 55 found this review helpful
Sadly, a disappointment
PostedMay 23, 2012
HoudiniCats
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I absolutely adored Snark Buster 1 and 2.
I had a credit and elected to purchase the game.
I had a credit and elected to purchase the game.
It's so disappointing.
1. The snappy music is gone, replaced by something between elevator music and a dirge.
2. The characters in the first games were "naughty" in a very harmless way, but contributed to the fun and to the story line.
Instead, we have a sappy heroine who isn't even as interesting to look at.
3. The logic of the game in the first two episodes--travelling through the mirrors to backward worlds is almost completely lost here. In addition to the logic, the excitement of discovering those backward worlds is also absent.
4. One never has a clear idea what one is searching for, or precisely why. In the first two games, the missing pieces one needed were shown at the botttom. Now we have rings--a la Treasure seekers-- and the magic/cleverness that occured in the first two games--sort of like Rube Goldberg inventions and steampunk machinery--is entirely absent.
5. No voice overs in the first games and not missed at all. Much better than this dull dialogue with unimpressive acting. One example: we never heard the newswoman, Jessica speak, and didn't need to.
6. In the first two games, one could not wait to get to the next world, because it was all so fresh and so original. All of that excitement is utterly gone.
7. The humor, perkiness and the kick of both previous games is non-existent, alas.
I find this so tedious, that after having puchased the game on the strength of the first two episodes --which are wonderful-- I cannot even play through the chapter following the demo.
If I could get a refund, I would. But this not the fault of Big Fish. The developer--and perhaps different creative teams were involved with this project as opposed to those who worked on Snark I and II--seems not to have understood what worked the first two times and what was indispensable and what should have been kept and not jettisoned like flotsam.
For those who don't know Snark Buster I and II--highly original and delightful games--try those.
For those who loved the first two Snark Buster games, I suspect this might be a pass.
I don't recommend this game.