calsmom2001's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:188
- Reviews Submitted:14
- First Review:December 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:October 2, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Become a detective, solve crimes, interrogate suspects, and find clues.
Overall rating
2
/
5
Well, this was a disappointment
PostedOctober 2, 2023
calsmom2001
fromNashua, NH
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Looking for Aliens is one of my favorite games from recent years. So when I saw Brave Giant had a similar-looking game, I jumped on it.
Unfortunately, the similarity to LFA is minimal. Crowded Mysteries is visually appealing, with the busy look of LFA, and the humor as well. I liked that as you found characters they went from black and white outlines to fully colored. It made navigating the space a bit easier. Unfortunately, that's about it for the positives.
In many cases the "clues" are too vague to be of much use. I ended up scrolling around desperately trying to find the current criminal, and finally used the hint button multiple times just to get through a case. There's a mandatory timer here - you lose stars according to how long you take, though you always get at least one. I hate timed games and found this stressful. The stress level was raised by the clouds rolling over the landscape, obscuring what I was trying to see. Either give a reasonable amount of time (5 mins with these vague clues is NOT reasonable), or lose the clouds - or both. The last big problem I had was that once you figure out the criminal you're looking for, you then have to follow his/her movements either forward or backward, which would be fine, except there were MANY instances where the character reappeared, but it was just an "indicator" that you were on the right track, not the instance of that character you were looking for. Very frustrating. The only cases I enjoyed were those looking for multiple instances of the same character (puppies as an example). For these there were no "extra" characters.
Also, and this is a minor point, the translation of the clues to English was not good, and very wordy, especially considering how little information you actually got from them.
Off to play Looking for Aliens again.
Unfortunately, the similarity to LFA is minimal. Crowded Mysteries is visually appealing, with the busy look of LFA, and the humor as well. I liked that as you found characters they went from black and white outlines to fully colored. It made navigating the space a bit easier. Unfortunately, that's about it for the positives.
In many cases the "clues" are too vague to be of much use. I ended up scrolling around desperately trying to find the current criminal, and finally used the hint button multiple times just to get through a case. There's a mandatory timer here - you lose stars according to how long you take, though you always get at least one. I hate timed games and found this stressful. The stress level was raised by the clouds rolling over the landscape, obscuring what I was trying to see. Either give a reasonable amount of time (5 mins with these vague clues is NOT reasonable), or lose the clouds - or both. The last big problem I had was that once you figure out the criminal you're looking for, you then have to follow his/her movements either forward or backward, which would be fine, except there were MANY instances where the character reappeared, but it was just an "indicator" that you were on the right track, not the instance of that character you were looking for. Very frustrating. The only cases I enjoyed were those looking for multiple instances of the same character (puppies as an example). For these there were no "extra" characters.
Also, and this is a minor point, the translation of the clues to English was not good, and very wordy, especially considering how little information you actually got from them.
Off to play Looking for Aliens again.
I don't recommend this game.
Learn the wisdom of the ancients in this match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
If it ain't broke....
PostedSeptember 17, 2023
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Have to agree with all the negative reviews. I have the previous games, plus all the Spellarium and Cursed House games as well. I pretty much play them all over and over again (aside from the earliest games in all three series and CH 7). This one will NOT be staying on my computer. After spending multiple games teaching us the mechanics of how to play, this game changes them. The flares and the rockets appear apparently randomly - the help book says make a match 3 for the flares - sometimes it work, sometimes it doesn't. AND the flares seem to move somewhat randomly, so you can't count on them going where you want them to go. Only certain matches result in rockets or flares - you can't make a match 4 of anything and have it result in a rocket or flare (this was the problem with CH 7 - HATED having to match the stars). I finished this game, just so I didn't quit, but I will be deleting it and not re-downloading. Also agree with the reviewer who disliked the attitude of the philosopher. Go back to what we like, or I'll not be buying the next one.
I don't recommend this game.
The playful spirits of the Cursed House series are back with another round of spine-tingling match-3 puzzles!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Why did you short change us?
PostedOctober 7, 2022
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I own every Laruaville, Spellarium, and Cursed House game. These are pretty much all I play these days. I start with Laruaville, go through Spellarium and end with Cursed House, because these games are SO entertaining, with just the right level of challenge in each series. I buy them without demo'ing them. Or I have until now.
I do not understand why in CH11 all of a sudden we now are collecting 10 coins, instead of 20, effectively giving us half a game. At first I thought I had just not been paying enough attention, but no, a level consists of only 10 coins.
And to add insult to injury, rockets no longer collect coins. What? Don't change the rules like this, people who have played these games for years base their strategies on the way bonuses have always worked.
Not happy, devs, I will be doing the demo before buying in the future.
I do not understand why in CH11 all of a sudden we now are collecting 10 coins, instead of 20, effectively giving us half a game. At first I thought I had just not been paying enough attention, but no, a level consists of only 10 coins.
And to add insult to injury, rockets no longer collect coins. What? Don't change the rules like this, people who have played these games for years base their strategies on the way bonuses have always worked.
Not happy, devs, I will be doing the demo before buying in the future.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore an entire world of wonderful art as you decide how to complete each masterpiece and become the painter!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 20 found this review helpful
WOW!
PostedJanuary 5, 2022
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I love the Art by Numbers series, and my favorites pictures in those have always been those that tend towards the more realistic. This game takes that to a whole new level. I played two pictures in my trial period, and will be buying this immediately.
The pictures are so bright and colorful, and having the lines disappear as you paint leaves an end product that really does look like a painting. THIS is the painting game I've been waiting for. Five stars!!
The pictures are so bright and colorful, and having the lines disappear as you paint leaves an end product that really does look like a painting. THIS is the painting game I've been waiting for. Five stars!!
Art By Numbers delivers a new set of incredible painting puzzles! Complete incredible works of art and become the artist!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 19 found this review helpful
WOW! THIS is what I've been waiting for!
PostedMay 28, 2021
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I've played a lot of "paint-by-number" games. Mostly I've felt that they were close to what I was looking for, but there was always something missing.
THIS game has it all! Great, bright colors, lots of interesting pictures, many options to personalize how you play, including whether you want to have a shaded or flat look to your finished painting.
Just recently I have been trying to decide which of several games from this developer that I want to buy. Now I know. I will definitely be purchasing this game, and any others that have all the bells and whistles this does. Two thumbs way up!
THIS game has it all! Great, bright colors, lots of interesting pictures, many options to personalize how you play, including whether you want to have a shaded or flat look to your finished painting.
Just recently I have been trying to decide which of several games from this developer that I want to buy. Now I know. I will definitely be purchasing this game, and any others that have all the bells and whistles this does. Two thumbs way up!
I recommend this game!
Take a journey through the former USSR to investigate the whereabouts of a missing person!
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 34 found this review helpful
I really wanted to like this
PostedJune 17, 2020
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The very first scene, where the car pulls up, caught my interest, just because it was old-school, and looked "cartoon-realistic", if that even makes sense.
Based on pennmoms review, I thought this sounded like a game I would like, and I probably would have, but it would only play in a window. Since I play on a relatively small screen laptop/tablet, this was a non-starter. If this is fixed, I'd love to give it another try.
Based on pennmoms review, I thought this sounded like a game I would like, and I probably would have, but it would only play in a window. Since I play on a relatively small screen laptop/tablet, this was a non-starter. If this is fixed, I'd love to give it another try.
Using the artifact of life, the gods created wonderful gardens in Egyptian land. Use your match 3 skills to make the gardens thrive one again!
Overall rating
2
/
5
37 of 38 found this review helpful
Untimed should mean just that
PostedJuly 22, 2018
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This game initially appealed to me. I liked the graphics, the game play, the level of challenge - I even liked the music, at least for a while.
However, by maybe 7 levels in (I wasn't paying close attention to how many levels I played) I lost a star for taking too long. Having read the review that said you could pause and restart, I did that - only to lose the star again when the level was almost complete.
I do not play games to add to my stress level, and this aspect of the game did just that. Untimed mode should mean that there are no penalties for time. Uninstalled immediately, but if you don't mind time penalties, you may like this game. Not for me, sadly.
However, by maybe 7 levels in (I wasn't paying close attention to how many levels I played) I lost a star for taking too long. Having read the review that said you could pause and restart, I did that - only to lose the star again when the level was almost complete.
I do not play games to add to my stress level, and this aspect of the game did just that. Untimed mode should mean that there are no penalties for time. Uninstalled immediately, but if you don't mind time penalties, you may like this game. Not for me, sadly.
I don't recommend this game.
Bring balance to different worlds endangered by chaos and help your partner, Seuss, find his lost love – Ariadna.
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
This looks like an M3 from the screenshots...
PostedMay 14, 2018
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
But it's actually another "Clutter" knockoff. I was kind of excited to see the M3 screens - they looked bright and fun, but as far as I can tell from playing the first chapter, you only get to choose an M3 board once out of ten rounds - and, at least for the first chapter, the M3 was pretty boring. I'll wait for a true M3 game, and go replay one of the many "Clutter" games I own
I don't recommend this game.
Can you confront an otherworldly foe and save your nephew?
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 72 found this review helpful
Great game!
PostedMarch 30, 2018
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I very rarely write a front-page review, but this game earned one. I was hooked from the opening scene, and loved the different worlds aspect of this game. I played in Custom, as I always do, and found the challenge level to be just right. For once, I found every morphing object and collectible the first time through without hints - not because they were too easy, but because they were well-designed. (And yes, Mad Head should change out the spiral collectible.)
There were two puzzles that I had to go to the SG for, because my brain just doesn't work that way; that can't be considered the devs fault.
The graphics were amazing, with bright clear colors, and a varied palette.
I left the music on, something else I never do, as it was varied, pleasant, and appropriate to the scene.
Yes, the bad guys may have been a bit over the top, but aren't most villains (think of the Bond movies...). At least there were no demons, ghosts, or monsters. It was great to play an engaging, fun sci-fi story. I hope Mad Head continues with this series, I look forward to the next one eagerly.
It took me just over five hours to play through the main game and bonus chapter. I never once got bored or wished the game was over, a frequent complaint of mine (my attention span is short, what can I say?). I intend to replay this in hard mode, something else I never do, just to see how challenging it can be. Two thumbs most definitely up!
There were two puzzles that I had to go to the SG for, because my brain just doesn't work that way; that can't be considered the devs fault.
The graphics were amazing, with bright clear colors, and a varied palette.
I left the music on, something else I never do, as it was varied, pleasant, and appropriate to the scene.
Yes, the bad guys may have been a bit over the top, but aren't most villains (think of the Bond movies...). At least there were no demons, ghosts, or monsters. It was great to play an engaging, fun sci-fi story. I hope Mad Head continues with this series, I look forward to the next one eagerly.
It took me just over five hours to play through the main game and bonus chapter. I never once got bored or wished the game was over, a frequent complaint of mine (my attention span is short, what can I say?). I intend to replay this in hard mode, something else I never do, just to see how challenging it can be. Two thumbs most definitely up!
I recommend this game!
Olivia has been kidnapped by the mysterious Lonely Hearts Killer who murders those suffering from a shattered love. Save her!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
I'm conflicted...
PostedNovember 30, 2012
calsmom2001
fromBoston, MA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I absolutely LOVED the first BOC game, so I came to this with high hopes...that initially, seemed doomed to be dashed. This game, while very good, doesn't quite live up to the first BOC. There are FAR too many cut scenes, the accents (even to a non-Brit) can be a bit hard to take, and the dialogue lurches between Victorian and modern-day...However, after watching part of the interviews in the Bonus Content (and I will go back and watch the rest; time is a factor here), I am quite willing to cut the devs a bit of slack and concede that I can't wait to re-play this game, in light of what I now know. Herewith, the pros and cons:
Pros
1) Hands down, visually, one of the most beautiful games I've seen. I have a brand-new 24" monitor, and this game fills every square inch with simply gorgeous graphics. I liked the look of the earlier BOC, and the devs only build on that here. The Chinatown scenes, in particular, are simply phenomenal.
2) The music, oddly enough. No, the '40s, film-noir feel doesn't exactly fit the VIctorian England setting, but the music is beautiful, haunting, and one of only two soundtracks that I've ever wanted to listen to outside of the game. (Dire Grove was the other.)
3) The story - and I don't mean to belittle this element by placing it third, but, perhaps significantly, that's where it occurred to me. We have here a murder mystery, unlike the earlier game, where Oscar introduced himself right from the start. It's an intriguing story, if a bit far-fetched, but surely, the first thing we must be willing to do in one of these games is suspend disbelief. The story caught me up and carried me on, and I don't ask more than that.
4) Intriguing puzzles, with a level of difficulty that, for me, was spot on. I don't like puzzles that insult my intelligence; I also don't like puzzles that make me pound my head on the desk. That's a difficult line to walk; these puzzles do it perfectly - and I hadn't seen most, if not all, of them ever before. No Towers of Hanoi here, people. (Not that there's anything wrong with ToH.)
5) HO scenes that were clear and beautiful to look at, with a nice mix of regular and interactive objects.
1) Hands down, visually, one of the most beautiful games I've seen. I have a brand-new 24" monitor, and this game fills every square inch with simply gorgeous graphics. I liked the look of the earlier BOC, and the devs only build on that here. The Chinatown scenes, in particular, are simply phenomenal.
2) The music, oddly enough. No, the '40s, film-noir feel doesn't exactly fit the VIctorian England setting, but the music is beautiful, haunting, and one of only two soundtracks that I've ever wanted to listen to outside of the game. (Dire Grove was the other.)
3) The story - and I don't mean to belittle this element by placing it third, but, perhaps significantly, that's where it occurred to me. We have here a murder mystery, unlike the earlier game, where Oscar introduced himself right from the start. It's an intriguing story, if a bit far-fetched, but surely, the first thing we must be willing to do in one of these games is suspend disbelief. The story caught me up and carried me on, and I don't ask more than that.
4) Intriguing puzzles, with a level of difficulty that, for me, was spot on. I don't like puzzles that insult my intelligence; I also don't like puzzles that make me pound my head on the desk. That's a difficult line to walk; these puzzles do it perfectly - and I hadn't seen most, if not all, of them ever before. No Towers of Hanoi here, people. (Not that there's anything wrong with ToH.)
5) HO scenes that were clear and beautiful to look at, with a nice mix of regular and interactive objects.
And now to the cons..
1) Do any of the characters EVER stop talking? There was SO much dialogue here, and you really do need to listen to it, or you'll simply be lost. Some of the accents were "a bit dodgy" LOL, and some of the lines were ...just odd, but when I consider that this is from a dev for whom English is not the first language, much is forgiven. If the idiom ranges from Victorian to dated present-day, at least they get the point across.
2) SO many cutscenes - a carryover from point 1. I think, having watched the interviews, that the main problem here may that the devs were trying to cross genres - going from the self-described "horror story" of Dorian Grey to a murder mystery. I think they need to find a better way to convey the story behind a murder mystery, and, given what I've already seen from these folks, I think they will. I can't wait for their next effort.
1) Do any of the characters EVER stop talking? There was SO much dialogue here, and you really do need to listen to it, or you'll simply be lost. Some of the accents were "a bit dodgy" LOL, and some of the lines were ...just odd, but when I consider that this is from a dev for whom English is not the first language, much is forgiven. If the idiom ranges from Victorian to dated present-day, at least they get the point across.
2) SO many cutscenes - a carryover from point 1. I think, having watched the interviews, that the main problem here may that the devs were trying to cross genres - going from the self-described "horror story" of Dorian Grey to a murder mystery. I think they need to find a better way to convey the story behind a murder mystery, and, given what I've already seen from these folks, I think they will. I can't wait for their next effort.
All in all, a good solid second effort. Like so many encore performances, this doesn't quite live up to the first. However, had it BEEN the first effort from these devs, I think we would all be raving about this game. Even if you don't feel inclined to purchase the CE (although I highly recommend that you do - the bonus isn't NECESSARY to the story, but it is illuminating), do buy the SE, if for no other reason than to bask in the simple beauty of the game. Darn near every scene is going into Jigsaws Galore to enjoyed all on it's own.
I recommend this game!