mrm2006's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:10,688
- Reviews Submitted:813
- First Review:April 8, 2013
- Most Recent Review:August 22, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A stay at a peaceful hotel turns into a nightmare when a witch from the Twilight World takes your daughter!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
A Pentagram, a Witch and a Curse. Next?
PostedMay 13, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on both the SE and CE demos.
The graphics are done very well. The voiceovers .... I had a real problem with ...... running the gamut of an echo in the room to lip syncing NOT matching up with the sound of the voice. Rather tragic in this day and age. Sound fx were somewhat muted.
And then, the storyline. A pentagram, a spell ..... and a curse. Could it GET any worse???? lol
There are 4 modes of difficulty: casual, advanced, hardcore and custom. You can choose no tutorial, special features only or a full tutorial. Your map shows your location, open action areas and closed areas.
There is also a Magic Box, which can hold up to 5 "magic items" which you can use throughout the game play AND a crystal ball that allows you to travel between the "Twilight World" and "Real Life". I have to say .... Twilight World is kind of ..... creepy. shudder
The HOGs (hidden object games) were okay. Very interactive and each one I played in the demo was different .... no 2 alike. THAT made it interesting.
Every time I found a postcard, a message on a banner referred to a "dossier". What and where is this dossier? Couldn't find it myself and when I tried to click on the word "dossier", the banner would disappear.
When I finished the demo, there was an area that said (in both the SE and the CE, there were 27 locations, 21 Mini Games, 17 HOGs, 150 zoom zones and 12 characters.). If I don't include my character and the girl at the hotel, I found 3 in the demo.
I really thought I would go for this game because it seemed like there was a LOT going on in terms of collecting cards and what magic items you had at your disposal. After playing the SE demo, I realized all the CE had to offer me was the collectible cats and rabbits. Everything else is in both editions of the game. So, for me, it all comes down to ..... how good is the bonus chapter.
I REALLY enjoyed playing. Very entertaining and lots to do and find, but I'm still very much on the fence regarding the purchase of the SE OR the CE. Either way, I think it's a great game to have.
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A stay at a peaceful hotel turns into a nightmare when a witch from the Twilight World takes your daughter!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A Peaceful Night in a Motel could change your life ..... forever.
PostedMay 13, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on both the SE and CE demos.
The graphics are done very well. The voiceovers .... I had a real problem with ...... running the gamut of an echo in the room to lip syncing NOT matching up with the sound of the voice. Rather tragic in this day and age. Sound fx were somewhat muted.
And then, the storyline. A pentagram, a spell ..... and a curse. Could it GET any worse????
There are 4 modes of difficulty: casual, advanced, hardcore and custom. You can choose no tutorial, special features only or a full tutorial. Your map shows your location, open action areas and closed areas.
There is also a Magic Box, which can hold up to 5 "magic items" which you can use throughout the game play AND a crystal ball that allows you to travel between the "Twilight World" and "Real Life". I have to say .... Twilight World is kind of ..... creepy.
The HOGs (hidden object games) were okay. Very interactive and each one I played in the demo was different .... no 2 alike. THAT made it interesting.
CE Bling:
The usual bonus chapter, music, art, etc. Very simple fare ... while not overloading the brainwaves with unnecessary items, there are the following:
* Collect post cards - don't know how many - but in both the SE and the CE.
* Collect cats - 40 - very clear to the eye .... can't miss them.
* Collect rabbits - don't know how many .... NOT in every area as far as I could tell ..... and sometimes very difficult to find.
* Collect post cards - don't know how many - but in both the SE and the CE.
* Collect cats - 40 - very clear to the eye .... can't miss them.
* Collect rabbits - don't know how many .... NOT in every area as far as I could tell ..... and sometimes very difficult to find.
Every time I found a post card, a message on a banner referred to a "dossier". What and where is this dossier? Couldn't find it myself and when I tried to click on the word "dossier", the banner would disappear.
When I finished the demo, there was an area that said (both the SE and the CE, there were 27 locations, 21 Mini Games, 17 HOGs, 150 zoom zones and 12 characters. If I don't include my character and the girl at the hotel, I found 3 in the demo.
I really thought I would go for this game because it seemed like there was a LOT going on in terms of what collectibles there were and what magic items you had at your disposal. After playing the SE demo, I realized all the CE had to offer me was the collectible cats and rabbits. Everything else is in both editions of the game. So, for me, it all comes down to ..... how good is the bonus chapter.
I REALLY enjoyed playing. Very entertaining and lots to do and find, but I'm still very much on the fence regarding the purchase of the SE OR the CE. Either way, I think it's a great game to have.
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Can You Save the World .................. from the 4 Horsemen???
PostedMay 12, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
WOW! WOW! WOW! Whoa! and another ...... WOW!
Based on both the CE and SE demos.
I remember playing the beta of this game and it is even better now!
Your character is walking to her car in the garage talking on her cell to her son .............. when a thick black fog overtook her and the last we see/hear is her .................. scream!!!!! OH NO!!!
The graphics were AMAZING!!! At one point, I had to check and make sure an unwanted ad hadn't popped into my game. It is THAT realistic!!!! The music was perfectly suspenseful and often had me biting my nails - lol. Sound fx ... couldn't be better.
There are 3 difficulties: Easy, Normal and Hard ... all of which have options you can check/uncheck.
You are armed with a diary/journal that contains your notes and the Manuscript of Forest Legend. You also get a map that shows where you are, where you have open tasks (I like that it shows more than 1 open task area). The map also shows the 5 areas you will explore: Plains, Wastelands, Frozen Mountains, Swamps and Darkwoods.
HOGs (hidden object games) were VERY interactive silhouettes. There is no alternate game such as marble popper, etc. Mini Games - OMGosh!!! LOVE, LOVE and more WHOA and LOVE! I really enjoyed the mini games. Can you tell? lol Truly. The mini games were either completely new and innovative or same old with a twist. Not a single one was boring. A few required patience (of which I have none) ...... a LOT of patience. haha. IMHumbleO, there are more mini games than HOGs.
Both SE and CE games have the following collectibles:
* 8 Monk figurines
* 4 other figurines
* 20 manuscript pages
* 8 Monk figurines
* 4 other figurines
* 20 manuscript pages
I almost popped out of the demo after about 15 minutes to purchase the CE .... but I didn't. Boy, was THAT ever hard to do - lol. This game is HIGHLY entertaining. There is a lot to do, a lot to find, but all without taking away from the storyline. Everything relates to the story in some way. That's actually not an easy thing to do in game development.
This is a great game for all levels of expertise. I believe it is a standalone game and you do not have to play the previous Lost Lands game. Regarding CE vs SE? The Devs gave us so much to do in the SE that, IMO, it's down to a matter of personal choice ..... and therein lies my dilemma. I should have bought the game when instinct told me. lol
Are you brave enough to take on the 4 Horsemen???? You know these aren't just ANY horsemen ....... the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse!
ENJOY!
I recommend this game!
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
It's Up to YOU to Save the World. No biggee .... right?
PostedMay 12, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
WOW! WOW! WOW! Whoa! and another ...... WOW!
Based on both the CE and SE demos.
I remember playing the beta of this game and it is even better now!
Your character is walking to her car in the garage talking on her cell to her son .............. when a thick black fog overtook her and the last we see/hear is her .................. scream!!!!! OH NO!!!
The graphics were AMAZING!!! At one point, I had to check and make sure an unwanted ad hadn't popped into my game. It is THAT realistic!!!! The music was perfectly suspenseful and often had me biting my nails - lol. Sound fx ... couldn't be better.
There are 3 difficulties: Easy, Normal and Hard ... all of which have options you can check/uncheck.
You are armed with a diary/journal that contains your notes and the Manuscript of Forest Legend. You also get a map that shows where you are, where you have open tasks (I like that it shows more than 1 open task area) AND in the CE game, icons that show whether or not you've found the Morphing Objects and pieces of the Magic Machine - how cool is THAT!?!?!?!?!? The map also shows the 5 areas you will explore: Plains, Wastelands, Frozen Mountains, Swamps and Darkwoods.
HOGs (hidden object games) were VERY interactive silhouettes. There is no alternate game such as marble popper, etc. Mini Games - OMGosh!!! LOVE, LOVE and more WHOA and LOVE! I really enjoyed the mini games. Can you tell? lol Truly. The mini games were either completely new and innovative or same old with a twist. Not a single one was boring. A few required patience (of which I have none) ...... a LOT of patience. haha. IMHumbleO, there are more mini games than HOGs.
CE Bling:
Lots of the usual things such as wallpapers, music, bonus game, strategy guide, replaying games, etc. Along with those items are the following:
* Collect 35 Magic Machine parts.
* Collect 35 Beyond Objects (the same as Morphing Objects?)
* Ghost Objects (?)
* Collect 35 Beyond Objects (the same as Morphing Objects?)
* Ghost Objects (?)
Both SE and CE games have the following collectibles:
* 8 Monk figurines
* 4 other figurines
* 20 manuscript pages
* 8 Monk figurines
* 4 other figurines
* 20 manuscript pages
The CE Bling seems fairly light when you consider that the SE has collectibles as well, with only Magic Machine parts and Beyond (Morphing?) Objects differing between the two editions of the game.
I almost popped out of the demo after about 15 minutes to purchase the CE .... but I didn't. Boy, was THAT ever hard to do - lol. This game is HIGHLY entertaining. There is a lot to do, a lot to find, but all without taking away from the storyline. Everything relates to the story in some way. That's actually not an easy thing to do in game development.
This is a great game for all levels of expertise. I believe it is a standalone game and you do not have to play the previous Lost Lands game. Regarding CE vs SE? The Devs gave us so much to do in the SE that, IMO, it's down to a matter of personal choice ..... and therein lies my dilemma. I should have bought the game when instinct told me. lol
Are you brave enough to take on the 4 Horsemen???? You know these aren't just ANY horsemen ....... the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse!
ENJOY!
I recommend this game!
Join Margaret to complete mahjong puzzles, help her get rid of the family curse and find her stolen love!
Overall rating
3
/
5
40 of 48 found this review helpful
Left Standing Alone at the Altar!!!!
PostedMay 12, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
First, let me say ...... I LOVE a good Mahjong game and own a few from the BFG site. LOVE for this game is not even in the scope of my vocabulary. And I don't mean for a good reason.
The storyline was ..... borderline ridiculous. Your character, a bride, is left standing alone at the alter as her groom is a no-show and the guests slowly leave. You immediately call "foul play" and go ..................... to a private investigator.
The graphics were ok. Nothing above and beyond. The game playing area was a good size, the cursor didn't cause any problems, you could change the tile sets and, overall, everything was ..... ok. The music was a mash between a lilting Oriental and ...... something I couldn't recognize ..... but it wasn't a really great sound.
The gist of the game is NOT just to play the Mahjong in the "usual" fashion, but to play it as a hi/low solitaire game! Your goal is to get 3 stars for getting "x" number of coins .... twice .... and then completing the level/hand. Doing this gets you more coins which you need to get all 3 gold stars for a successful level/hand. So, you start out with, say, a pair of 2s, then another pair of 2s .... or up it to 3s, then 4s then back to 3s ..... but keep the train going as long as possible (up to 15 in a row, that's the max). Playing the game like this take a lot of time because you have to closely look over the game board to find matches to make a train as long as possible. You CAN play the usual game of Mahjong .... just playing pairs as long as possible with the goal to empty the game board but you won't earn as many coins .... and coins means .... gold stars! You can also go back and replay a level.
You have the opportunity to purchase bonuses in the shop.
That's it. That's the game in a nutshell. I would not recommend it for beginners or those who like the "just keep pairing tiles til you clear the board" type of Mahjong. I consider myself an "intermediate" and had to take it v-e-r-y slowly. I hated that.
The story really discontinued after your character went to the P.I. She pops up to give you hints/tips on the game play but does nothing else.
This game lacked entertainment value. It had a story that just ...... ended...... and the game play was extremely onerous. I couldn't' wait for the demo to end. I love my Mahjong games to have a story or some background AND to relax while I'm playing. This game has very little relaxation or story continuation to it. Therefore, it will not be a purchase for me.
If you find that you like this game ..........
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
It was supposed to be a routine mission. But when a dragon attacks your plane, crash-landing in a lush valley, you're drawn into the adventure of a lifetime!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
The Tale of the Five Dragons
PostedMay 10, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on both the SE and CE Demos.
The storyline for this addition to the "Myths" series is very unique. It grabbed my interest from the very beginning when the narrator says "Only the greatest myths last through the ages. This myth is from an ancient land and forged in fire".
The graphics are so very well done. The colors are spot on and there was no over-use of the colored crayons. The music was very oriental ... fluid and melodic. I enjoyed listening to it during the demo. The voice overs were also extremely well done. Although I wonder why MY character never really spoke. Lots of reading here.
There are 4 levels of difficulty: Casual, Expert, Insane and Custom (where you can change many gaming options). You can choose how much of a tutorial you want - none, fully or specific to new items in the game.
There is no journal but the map LOOKS like a journal. I found this to be very annoying because when I clicked on it, it literally FLEW up into the air and opened with rippling sheets!! i truly thought it WAS a journal with a map inside. Nope. The map shows where you are and where objectives need to be finished. You CANNOT go back to an area unless a new objective is there. It shows only one objective at a time .... which I think is too much handholding. No thought required. You also have a golden heart which recharges when you play a DIFFERENT type of mini game .... NOT the regular mini games.
The "hint" button is a stargazer lily. I HAVE to mention that because it's one of my fav flowers so ..... really ..... this game had me at the "hint" button. LOLOLOL!!!!!
The HOGS (hidden object games) were fun interactive lists and silhouettes. There is an alternate Mahjong game if you prefer that. In the CE version, the Morphing Objects are found in the HOGs.
The Mini Games - OM!Gosh!!!! and WOWOWOW!!!!! Talk about new .... innovative ..... fresh ideas! They run the gamut of nice and easy to time and patience (of which I have none - lol).
CE Bling:
The CE extras were hard to get a handle on because everything "is unlocked after the main game" or "Bonus game" "is completed". The usual fare of wallpapers, music, strategy guide, etc., etc. In addition:
The CE extras were hard to get a handle on because everything "is unlocked after the main game" or "Bonus game" "is completed". The usual fare of wallpapers, music, strategy guide, etc., etc. In addition:
* Souvenir Room - unlocks after you finish the Main Game.
* 42 Collectible Bamboo Strips - NOT easily found. There is a tiny bamboo strip near the "hint" button. When you find the bamboo strip in the area you are playing, it lights up.
* Golden Heart puzzles - unlocks after you finish the Main Game.
* 17 Morphing Objects - found in the HOGs. When you find one of these a banner comes down from the top of the page and lets you know it's been found.
* 42 Collectible Bamboo Strips - NOT easily found. There is a tiny bamboo strip near the "hint" button. When you find the bamboo strip in the area you are playing, it lights up.
* Golden Heart puzzles - unlocks after you finish the Main Game.
* 17 Morphing Objects - found in the HOGs. When you find one of these a banner comes down from the top of the page and lets you know it's been found.
Anytime there are collectibles and morphing objects I will lean towards purchasing the CE. Add a great storyline and I lean MORE towards that purchase. Add dragons and a stargazer lily "hint' button ..... and there's just no hope for me. I am off to purchase the game. It is so very entertaining and, while there is a lot to do in each area, everything you do is very game specific so you don't get lost in the "doing" and miss the story completely.
I recommend this for all levels of difficulty. It's truly an entertaining game all around with lots of CE extras.
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A meteorite devastates a town, yanking Emily from her normal life.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Welcome to the "House of 1000 Portals"
PostedMay 10, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on both the CE and SE versions.
I do have some of the past "House" games but, unfortunately, they are stuck in the Land of Unplayed Games. Sigh.
The game started out well enough with an entertaining storyline. After a meteor hits the planet Earth, a stranger arrives at your character's (Emily) front door and, with no explanation, whisks you away to a strange place and you both go through a portal. Uh.....no ..... ever hear of "stranger danger"? Nothing good can come of that.
The graphics were AMAZING! Better than home movies - lol. I don't believe I've seen anything this on this grand of a scale when it came to making the characters so realistic before. KUDOS to the Devs. The music was great! Not annoying ... although you may want to turn it down a bit ..... but also not creepy. Just good background music. Sound FX were great ..... even dripping water!
There are 4 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. You can choose how much of a tutorial you want. I would highly recommend at least going for "Special Features" to learn how to use some of the unique items/powers are used.
You are immediately decked out with a journal that has both "notes" and "tasks" tabs. Check this often because there IS usual info in there. There is also a "task" tab ON the Inventory bar. The map is a blue compass below the journal. I was expecting to have to find it. ..... but no, you get it right away. it shows where you are, where objectives are and what area is completed. i like that it shows more than 1 area of objectives -- less handholding. An "Inner Light" power (which becomes a hand near the hint button), and a Siamese cat helper (not annoying ... no meows or dress me up ... just sits there quietly waiting to be moved to wherever you needed it).
There are 3 portals you will need to go through. In the one portal I played, there was a plethora of things to do and, yes, some doors ................ many doors .................. to unlock and find the hidden "surprises". But, the main focus seemed to be the portals and NOT the doors.
The HOGS (hidden object games) were silhouette, very interactive and the interaction made sense. Find "a", use it to do something at an item, which will give you "b" and you will use that, in turn, to get "c" and so on. No alternative game to play such as match 3, bubble shooter, etc.
Mini Games were extremely varied and ran the gamut from very easy to "uh oh .... patience and perseverance required". I have NO patience so I had to persevere. lol. I did have to skip 1 mini game because the instructions weren't very clear ... to me. i found an equal balance of HOGs to mini games.
CE Bling:
I think this area was a bit lacking. Yes, you are inundated with the usual wallpapers, music, making of, etc. Here are the "extras" I look out for:
* Find 48 evil faces. I found these terribly difficult to find. But then, I also forgot about them BECAUSE they were staring me in the face ... so to speak. You must find at least 1 Evil Face or finish the Bonus Game to unlock the Evil Hunt mode. Hmmmm. Also, on the Inventory bar there is a grayish teeny tiny eye (?) which will light up when you've found the Evil Eye in your playing area.
* No morphing objects, statues, helper's room to decorate or anything like that. See? Extremely lacking.
I really, really thought I was convinced to purchase this game ... CE version and all .... about 10 minutes into the game. I'm glad I waited.
What I liked:
* The amazing graphics (almost worth purchasing it for that).
* The music (but I never download it)
* That there are 48 Evil Faces to find. I found that I spent quite a bit of time in each area, so 48 faces/areas might mean a lengthy game.
* The music (but I never download it)
* That there are 48 Evil Faces to find. I found that I spent quite a bit of time in each area, so 48 faces/areas might mean a lengthy game.
What I disliked:
* The game was too campy. Although it started out very well ... very entertaining ..... it went downhill fast. You DO a lot in each area. Mega amounts of "do this here, do that there ".... and the basis of the story ..... got lost in all the "doing" that didn't really need to be there. What a shame.
* CE Bling was extremely lacking.
I REALLY wanted to love this game. I really wanted to love it. But, when the demo finished (and I used the entire 90 mins.), there was no "wow" factor for me. No "OMGosh I want MORE!" moment. I'm positively NOT going to purchase the CE. I'm not even sure it's worth an SE coupon. It just ..... lacked .... everything.
For those who want to disinfect the world ...............
ENJOY!
I recommend this game!
Your enemy imprisoned your father, but now he's forcing you to marry him! Can you escape and save your father?
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 44 found this review helpful
Not sure exactly WHAT I'm supposed to be doing.
PostedMay 8, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Queen's Tales: Sins of the Past
Based on both the CE and SE demos.
I have to admit, the storyline was lost on me. Nothing in the demo really adhered to the title of the game. Also, in the intro, your character is being told your Grandmother's Story .... so then why is everything seemingly being done by you???
Also, at the beginning of the game, a disembodied voice tells you that a thief stole your father's most valuable item .... without saying WHAT that item is. It continues to say that your Elf Doll was your BF but was arrested. No more on this tidbit of info .... as we proceed to 13 years later and the beginning of the game play.
The graphics were very well done, although there was a lot of gold/orange in some of the HOGs. The music was SUPER creepy, especially on the game title page. I mean ..... total EXCELLENCE! I almost purchased the game then and there! The sound fx were also very well done as were the voice overs.
There are 4 difficulty modes: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. All the modes can seemingly be changed, but when you DO change something you are automatically in the "custom" setting.
You have the option to set the tutorial: Full Tutorial, Features Only and No Tutorial. That's a nice feature, especially for the more experienced of players.
There is a task list, a transportable map (I didn't use it as I only traveled between 2 destinations each time I moved through the game play), and a helper in the form of a phoenix who dissipates the dark force whenever it is nearby. The phoenix is by no means annoying as it sits in it's little corner of the game page .... not making any sounds ..... just waiting to do its little thing. There is no journal/diary.
HOGS (hidden object games) were interactive lists and silhouettes. Mini games, while being fresh, new and innovative, ran the gamut of easy to mind numbing. I usually don't skip a mini game but there was one that had me completely flummoxed.
While I felt the "pull" to purchase the game when I heard the creepy music, I'm glad I didn't. The demo was .... confusing. Are we hearing our Grandmother's story or do WE somehow become the story??? Is your Grandmother's story linked to the thief stealing your father's most valuable item? What IS the most valuable item? Are we looking for it or rescuing your father? Or ... is it your Grandmother's father?
As you can tell, IMO, this game is truly confusing as to WHAT is actually going on. It lacks substance and rather than giving enough info during the demo to make me WANT to purchase the game, it only confuses me. For these reasons, and many more, this will not be a purchase for me.
It is a standalone game ... not a continuation of the previous Queen's Tales so I would recommend purchasing the SE.
For those who had a better experience playing the demo ...........
ENJOY!
Overall Impression: Ok for a freebie coupon for the SE. A definite "pass" for me.
I recommend this game!
Your enemy imprisoned your father, but now he’s forcing you to marry him! Can you escape and save your father?
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
An Elf, a doll, a betrayal? What's next!?!?!?
PostedMay 8, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on both the CE and SE demos.
I have to admit, the storyline was lost on me. Nothing in the demo really adhered to the title of the game. Also, in the intro, your character is being told your Grandmother's Story .... so then why is everything seemingly being done by you???
Also, at the beginning of the game, a disembodied voice tells you that a thief stole your father's most valuable item .... without saying WHAT that item is. It continues to say that your Elf Doll was your BF but was arrested. No more on this tidbit of info .... as we proceed to 13 years later and the beginning of the game play.
The graphics were very well done, although there was a lot of gold/orange in some of the HOGs. The music was SUPER creepy, especially on the games title page. I mean ..... total EXCELLENCE! I almost purchased the game then and there - lol. The sound fx were also very well done as were the voice overs.
There are 4 difficulty modes: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. All the modes can seemingly be changed, but when you DO change something you are automatically in the "custom" setting.
You have the option to set the tutorial: Full Tutorial, Features Only and No Tutorial. That's a nice feature, especially for the more experienced of players.
There is a task list, a transportable map (I didn't use it as I only traveled between 2 destinations each time I moved through the game play), and a helper in the form of a phoenix who dissipates the dark force whenever it is nearby. The phoenix is by no means annoying as it sits in it's little corner of the game page .... not making any sounds ..... just waiting to do its little thing. There is no journal/diary.
HOGS (hidden object games) were interactive lists and silhouettes. Mini games, while being fresh, new and innovative, ran the gamut of easy to mind numbing. I usually don't skip a mini game but there was one that had me completely flummoxed.
CE Bling:
I found this area very lacking in substance. There are plenty of the usual items: Strategy Guide, wallpaper, screensavers, music, etc. but I couldn't find a reference to a Bonus Game anywhere. The only additional items are the following:
* 12 Fortune Telling Cards to find - not always the easiest and not in every scene.
* Map Puzzle ... (?)
* Match 3 Game
* Collections ---- this appears to be pieces of a chess board. When you find a chess piece, you will get a bit of chess trivia.
* Map Puzzle ... (?)
* Match 3 Game
* Collections ---- this appears to be pieces of a chess board. When you find a chess piece, you will get a bit of chess trivia.
While I felt the "pull" to purchase the game when I heard the creepy music, I'm glad I didn't. The demo was .... confusing. Are we hearing our Grandmother's story or do WE somehow become the story??? Is your Grandmother's story linked to the thief stealing your father's most valuable item? What IS the most valuable item? Are we looking for it or rescuing your father? Or ... is it your Grandmother's father?
As you can tell, IMO, this game is truly confusing as to WHAT is actually going on. It lacks substance and rather than giving enough info during the demo to make me WANT to purchase the game, it only confuses me. For these reasons, and many more, this will not be a purchase for me.
Due to the lack of real CE Bling, I would recommend purchasing the SE, although I probably won't purchase that either.
For those who had a better experience than I playing the demo ...........
ENJOY!
I 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
1 of 1 found this review helpful
BEWARE! ...... The Black Widow's Kiss!
PostedMay 7, 2015
mrm2006
fromSomewhere Over the Rainbow
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Large File, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the demo of both the CE and SE versions.
The storyline is pretty straightforward right from the beginning of the game ..... beware the Black Widow''s kiss!
The graphics are amazing. But, I wouldn't expect anything different in this 2nd game of this series. The music is jazz.... just like the first Cadenza game, but this one is more .... sensuous. The voice overs were done very well. Each character has their own specific voice and tone.
There are 5 difficulty modes: Novice, Artist, Virtuoso, Maestro and Improvisor (the "Custom" mode"), where you can choose various items, including how much of a tutorial you want and how quickly you want the hint to recharge or the mini game skip button to work.
There is also an "Objectives" list and, eventually you will receive a map of the City streets. I think this image of streets is unique and I've only seen it in this game series. The map shows where you are, what area has been completed and where "active" areas are. I like that it shows more than one "active" area.
In the CE version, near the hint button on the bottom right of the page, during game play you will see either a tiny ticket (indicating you haven't found the "gold collectible ticket" or a swirling disk (indicating you haven't found the Morphing Object in the HOG you are playing). I found these features to be extremely helpful as I would lose track of finding them because I was too "into" the game. - lol!
The HOGS (hidden object games) - This is where you will find the Morphing Objects. Very interactive games. The mini games were not as prevalent as the HOGS, but they were fun and fairly easy.
CE Bling:
Besides the usual Bonus Game, Strategy Guide, Wallpaper, etc., this game comes with the following:
* Finish the Bonus Game to unlock the Ticket Hunt.
* Complete the Ticket Hunt to unlock the Treasure Hunt.
* Complete the Treasure Hunt to unlock Match 3 mini games.
* Finish the Main Game to open the Case Files.
* Find 42 collectibles in the Treasure Hunt.
* Find 42 golden tickets in the Main Game.
* Find 15 Morphing Objects.
* Finish the Bonus Game to unlock the Ticket Hunt.
* Complete the Ticket Hunt to unlock the Treasure Hunt.
* Complete the Treasure Hunt to unlock Match 3 mini games.
* Finish the Main Game to open the Case Files.
* Find 42 collectibles in the Treasure Hunt.
* Find 42 golden tickets in the Main Game.
* Find 15 Morphing Objects.
I LOVED playing the demo! I was drawn into the STORY of the game very quickly. ....... as opposed to just the game play (finding this, doing that, playing HOGs and mini games). I found that to be the case in the first Cadenza game as well. You can tell when it's a GREAT game when the story is done so well you are unaware of anything else going on.
I would recommend this game for all expertise levels because there are so many difficulty choices. I wouldn't suggest that you pass up this demo. It's a definite purchase for me and I hardly EVER give a 5 star review!
Come back in time with me and find out just who the Black Widow is ..... and why her kiss is so deadly.
ENJOY!
I recommend this game!