mycatluna's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,488
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:November 23, 2011
- Most Recent Review:July 2, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Guide the Rescue Team to save your city from disaster!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
One of the Best TM Games Available; Very Well Done
PostedJuly 2, 2022
mycatluna
fromOn location with the Rescue Team
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I own all the previous Rescue Team Games. While I enjoy the others, this one really takes it up to the next level & has quickly become my favorite.
I am extremely impressed with the new format of this game. It does take some getting used to; however, the tutorial is thorough & I did not feel overwhelmed at all. I recommend playing in relaxed mode until you get the hang of it; there's still plenty of challenge & the game is fun enough that you'll want to play through several more times anyway
In my opinion this is one of the best TM games I have ever played on BigFish. The developers really took great care to create something new here & the end result is a very enjoyable & lengthy game with plenty of replay value.
I do not understand the negative reviews. This is exactly what TM fans have been asking for & I sincerely hope that developers will make more Rescue Team games exactly like this one. Honestly, I would have a hard time going back to the old format after they raised the bar so high with this one.
Please make more. Excellent work!
I recommend this game!
Guide the Rescue Team to save your city from disaster!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Best TM Game Yet; Very Well Done!
PostedJuly 2, 2022
mycatluna
fromOn location with the Rescue Team
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I own all the previous Rescue Team Games. While I enjoy the others, this one really takes it up to the next level & has quickly become my favorite.
I am extremely impressed with the new format of this game. It does take some getting used to; however, the tutorial is thorough & I did not feel overwhelmed at all. I recommend playing in relaxed mode until you get the hang of it; there's still plenty of challenge & the game is fun enough that you'll want to play through several more times anyway
In my opinion this is one of the best TM games I have ever played on BigFish. The developers really took great care to create something new here & the end result is a very enjoyable & lengthy game with plenty of replay value.
I do not understand the negative reviews. This is exactly what TM fans have been asking for & I sincerely hope that developers will make more Rescue Team games exactly like this one. Honestly, I would have a hard time going back to the old format after they raised the bar so high with this one. Please make more. Excellent work!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover what’s causing the strange symptoms in Blackwill?
Overall rating
2
/
5
97 of 106 found this review helpful
What Did They DO??
PostedJanuary 31, 2015
mycatluna
fromMourning the Loss of a Great Series...by Eating a Gallon of Ice Cream
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well...what can one say? This game killed the Shiver franchise. The first two Shiver games were phenomenal; the first Shiver is one of my top 5 favorite games of all time. I finished the trial...and suppressed the urge to throw my PC out the window.
If you are going to make a game that has a legacy of being creepy, ominous, suspenseful and utterly mesmerizing to the point that a person feels the need to finish the game in one sitting because it is really THAT good, then please honor that legacy. If you don't; then give the game a different name. This is a terrible disappointment and, that aside, not a very good game either.
If this game was aimed at children than I would understand collecting pearls to decorate your house and tend to your 'aquarium'. However, from what I played, this game was not intended for kids (although the creep-factor is nill and challenge so low that little kids could play this). What is this extra fluff doing inside of a "Shiver" game?! That right there took any possibility of me purchasing the CE off the table. I have no interest in that type of mind-numbing filler.
The game itself, as others have mentioned in various ways, is not well-done. The graphics are odd; some colors way too bright, others washed-out and dull. The game-play itself I found boring and tedious; I lost interest very quickly because the game did not engage me. The story itself is not that interesting so I didn't feel the drive to continue to find out what happens next. The mini-games are incredibly easy and ones we've seen many times before. A lot of the HOP scenes are junk-pile and while there are some variations, I found those boring and tedious as well. And the only thing I found interesting about the characters was how frizzy the lead's bright orange-red hair is and if we could find her a hairbrush in a HOP scene.
No challenge, so-so storyline, no creep-factor...at all, boring and tedious game-play, uninteresting characters, and the could-really-do-without extras. There is no "Shiver" to be found here.
Setting aside my personal opinion of how bad this game in the series is, my advice is to always try for yourself. However, you may want to wait for the SE on this one, unless decorating a fake house and fake aquarium is of interest to you. Personally, I wouldn't buy this as a DD or with a coupon.
Please bring the real "Shiver" back...or is this series done for good? I am very disappointed and honestly, also very sad. I loved the Shivers series. When you have a really good thing going, why go off in a completely different direction? Ugh. I'll replay the first one. This fishy recommends the Pass Lane at speeds upwards of 100 miles an hour.
I don't recommend this game.
Depression... You are looking for light, but darkness already has you... Your soul is engulfed by THE EMPTINESS!
Overall rating
5
/
5
277 of 291 found this review helpful
Why This Game Isn't Getting a Fair Shake
PostedJanuary 30, 2015
mycatluna
fromManuvering my way through this scare-fest of a house...using only my brain! *gasp*
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I took a look at the overwhelmingly negative reviews before I played this yesterday and did notice the main complaints were that it was: a) too hard & therefore frustrating and
b) not a 'true' HOPA. So, as I always do, I tried it for myself. Love it (more on that later) so I was curious why there are so many negative reviews. I found the answer in the labeling.
b) not a 'true' HOPA. So, as I always do, I tried it for myself. Love it (more on that later) so I was curious why there are so many negative reviews. I found the answer in the labeling.
I think the issue here is two-fold. First, I recognize many of the reviewers here from HOPA game review pages that have come to expect the standard difficulty settings, hand-holding, Strategy Guides, unlimited hints, skip functions, etc.; basically a game that 'guides' you to the one and only ending there is. That is the exact OPPOSITE of this game in every possible way which ultimately resulted in many giving this game 1-2 stars. With that said...
...the issue that the Developers or whoever oversees the 'categorizing' should pay attention to: why categorize this game as "hidden object" when it couldn't be farther from it?
This game is most closely associated with the 'Adventure' category and IMO, should have been labeled as such. To reach the target audience, and in doing so, receive fair reviews, then label for the target audience. As a result of the 'mislabeling'; there are HOPA players that downloaded this game with the assumption they would be demoing a standard HOPA. You don't have to imagine their surprise, you can read about it in the poor review section. The one and only saving grace is that there are also HOPA players who like a unique challenge or who, like myself, are also Adventure Gamers. You will find most of these people in the higher-ratings area. I hope you change the category because those that strictly play only "Adventure" games won't know to try this one!
I hope that helps some people know what to expect before downloading it. Just in case, here's some more info. This game is in no way comparable to any HOPA you have played. This is truly Adventure-game based in its mechanics which means little to no help; the player 'guides' the game, meaning input and problem solving on the part of the player is the only way to proceed through the game. Frustration is to be expected-it's that feeling of accomplishment when you finally figure something out (along with a good story) that drives the Adventure game market. Games like this are usually not meant to be played in one-sitting or you get brain-drain so expect a longer game spread out over several days.
The game itself is, as others have mentioned, similar to the game Rooms but definitely not directly comparable. This game takes that concept to new heights and does it well. It is challenging and often difficult; for me that's a blast of fresh air. I felt smarter just for playing the demo. Graphics are well-done and the atmosphere created is definitely somber and at times utterly terrifying. There are multiple endings so re-playability is high which is always a bonus. Players also have a responsibility to heed the warning label on this game. If dark, dreary and jump-out-of-your-seat scare moments are not for you, pass on this one. Similarly, I understand if a game is 'not for you' but wow there are some downright harsh reviews in this bunch simply for the game being too challenging. Its good to remember there are other "fish in the sea" that may actually enjoy this type of game and level of difficulty.
I will definitely be purchasing this game; kudos to the developers for a job well-done. Calling all Adventure Gamers; hop on over here and give this a try! And please move this game into the appropriate category. It deserves much more merit than it is currently receiving. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
You thought this would be just like any other investigation. But now you find yourself lost in a mysterious mansion brimming with strange creatures, comatose colleagues, and mysterious tentacles around every corner...
Overall rating
1
/
5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
Cute and Scary=What in the World am I Playing? The Creep-Factor is Completely Gone.
PostedDecember 27, 2013
mycatluna
fromPASS LANE
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am beyond disappointed. This was the only remaining series that this particular developer had not yet made a mess out of. Until now that is.
My main complaint for awhile now is that they are in need of a serious update of...everything. Nothing has changed in over 2 years. Graphics, music, game mechanics, items in Hidden Object Scenes, puzzles, storyline; each game is exactly like the one before it. It would be fantastic to see some of that creative spark that their games used to have. I was hoping to see it here but...no. The one thing that ERS has 'added' to their last dozen games or so is a whole lot of cuteness. Fuzzy little pets that you can feed and clothe. Cuteness abounds! That's great...for kids. I'm not sure who their target audience even is anymore. Most games are a bit too mature for kids yet many are too immature for adults, hence my confusion. They carried this cuteness over into the Haunted Halls series, much to my massive disappointment.
Where did the scary, creepy go? That's the one hidden object I couldn't find anywhere in this game, and I looked for scary, creepy everywhere in the demo. Never did locate it, but I did find a Cuddly Hamster with a huge appetite.
The first Haunted Halls is my favorite of this series. I went back and played part of the original Haunted Halls again after playing the demo of this one and I could not believe my eyes! The graphics in the 1st game are actually "better" than the graphics in this latest release! If you own the first one, take a peek. Your jaw will unhinge and hit the floor when you see the difference. This series has actually gotten worse over time in my opinion (and the graphics agree with me). With this game, they went way too far in the wrong direction.
Game-play itself is rather linear; puzzles very easy, HOS very easy. So as far as CE versus SE: not much challenge to be found here; therefore the SG really isn't needed. Intermediate to Expert players may find themselves getting bored and restless due to lack of challenge. Additionally, there really isn't much in the way of CE extras. This is more of an SE with some extra padding thrown in.
The most frustrating aspect of this game for me is that the developers brought "cute" into Haunted Halls! This is their "scary, creepy, nightmarish" series. It's "HAUNTED" halls; it says so right in the title. Cute, cuddly and fuzzy doesn't mesh well with a scary, creepy nightmarish game. It causes massive confusion for the player. Am I supposed to scream...or play with and feed Mr. Cuddles? The demo, in my opinion, is a mess. I cannot imagine playing through the remainder of the game. Aside from the strange genre-blending, I got bored fast. The storyline is lacking and there is very little "haunted" left in the halls at all, which is a shame because this was a series I enjoyed...for the most part. Their last Haunted Halls wasn't up to par with the others either but that sometimes happens with a series. However, this one strays even further away; to such an extent that it is difficult to even associate it with the others in the series.
For this developer, it appears that "super cute" and "never going to change a thing about our games...ever" is here to stay. The fact that they brought cute into a game that is supposed to be nightmarish completely ruins the experience. Sad to say this, but there are too many other games out there now using superb graphics, intriguing game-play and unique and original concepts to waste anymore of my time with these cookie-cutter repeats.
For fans that were around for the original Haunted Halls game; you may find yourself extremely disappointed, especially if you weren't thrilled with the last one either. As far as morphing objects go, this is the biggest find. "Haunted Halls" completely morphed into "Cuddly Halls". As a result, I absolutely cannot recommend this as a CE. My opinion of this game aside, there isn't much in the way of CE extras here anyway so I would consider going for the SE on this one if the budget is tight. Personally, I cannot recommend the SE either. As always, try for yourselves; opinions vary. For the original hardcore Haunted Halls fans; well, it was fun while it lasted, eh?
I don't recommend this game.
Stop a madman from taking over a city using a mind control device!
Overall rating
5
/
5
160 of 172 found this review helpful
A game where we get to actually use our brain! What a concept.
PostedDecember 17, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
One word: phenomenal. Actually, many more words; this is a lengthy review. This brilliant gem of an SE is actually more CE worthy than...well, let's just say I'm having fun gaming again. A LOT of fun.
The developers did a fantastic job with this brilliant detective game that takes us back into the era of horse-drawn carriages and rotund and gruff Police Captains that can't be buggered by having to deal with you, the brilliant detective for hire.
Much to my surprise, embedded within this SE are what we usually find as the extra filling for CE games. We have collectibles, achievements, a bonus chapter, a secret room, etc. We also have an in-game Strategy Guide, a journal and a jump-map. WOW and thanks!
This game looks to be a LONG one so players will definitely get what they paid for plus; well...A LOT more. There is no way I can finish this in one sitting unless I want cramps. Graphics are superb; they are beautifully and realistically rendered and combined with the fantastic ambient sound-effects (like a bird bathing and splashing in a water puddle for example) really pulls you into the atmosphere of the game. The tiniest of details are not over looked here which goes to show just how much effort and hard work actually went into this game. Incredible.
As for the storyline itself; superb. I immediately felt like Sherlock Holmes and ran off to get my detective hat and my trusty pipe before settling right in to this game. I'm having such a blast playing that it was difficult to pull myself away long enough to write this review. The voice-overs are very well done (thank you voice-actors for not grating on my nerves; you were excellent) and the lips of the person talking synch about as much as they possibly can (love that). There are several characters you will meet; each unique with their own set of 'quirks.' I've only scratched the surface and I've been playing for awhile now.
As far as the technical nitty-gritty. Aspect correction is available for wide-screens (should be standard for every game these days) and for those that get annoyed by large black bars, you will be pleased. Aspect ratio, when I activated it on my wide-screen, has VERY tiny and thin black "lines" on the top and bottom as opposed to the 'bars' on the sides of the screen, And like I stressed; they are barely noticeable. For the purposes of reviewing, I had to click that button a few times to even see them. Standard volume controls, option to turn off custom cursor and two modes of play which is all that is really needed for this particular game. Casual mode: you get a tutorial, have less hidden symbols to find, and objects and puzzles are easier. Expert mode: expert gamers will be pleased. No tutorial, no help, more hidden symbols to find and harder to locate items as well as more difficult puzzles. Even in casual mode however, you will not get an abundance of hand-holding which is where using ones' brain comes in. Expert mode: you are on your own as it should be. WIN-WIN-WIN.
I saved the best for last. Ready? No overuse of cute, furry, cuddly, dress me up and overall maddening stuff crammed into this game!!! NONE! It is a detective game; heavy on adventure, lighter on the HO's and puzzles yet still enough to please both HO fans, puzzle fans, and adventure gamers. It is the perfectly balanced HOPA. And...you get to use your brain; there is no zoning out and just clicking your way through this. I don't want to give the wrong impression either. It is not ridiculously difficult either. With some logical thinking and having fun exploring around, game-play runs smooth with no frustration. And remember, if you do get stuck, there is always the built-in SG to help you.
So: no cuteness, excellent detective game, CE extras without the added price tag, excellent quality in all possible aspects, very good length, use of ones' brain, hard-work and creative effort on the part of the developers as in no cookie-cutter short-cuts or skimping on details. So why are you still reading this? Demo as soon as possible, buy the game (I'm betting you will want to within 10 minutes of demo time) and consider yourself properly entertained for quite some time.
Happy gaming fishies and EXCELLENT work developers. Thank you for putting so much effort into your game; it shows. So, now I'm putting my detective hat back on, picking up my trusty pipe and proudly announcing that the "Game is, once again, afoot!" I'm eager to get back to solving this crime. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford. You must search the city for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping the global epidemic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Nice and Refreshing Change of Pace
PostedNovember 25, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This gem was hiding out in my Game Manager for awhile and I finally got around to playing it. And oh, how I'm glad I did.
I want to tip my hat to the developers on this one for their creativity and hard-work. It is obvious from the moment the game begins that this is not going to be an ordinary HOPA; and it isn't. This game is put together extremely well; zero shortcuts.
I love the voice-acting. It is phenomenal in this game and really adds to the tension and suspense. We begin the game, not really as a detective, but as a Geneticist sent to find a child that may be holding the key to a cure for a deadly disease in her DNA. She is immune; yet no-one can locate her. So in comes you, the main character, sent to find this missing girl to create a vaccine before this volatile plague can spread any further, Sound like anything you've played before? I thought not.
Graphics are incredible, special effects really add to the "I'm all alone in an evacuated town" feel. Medicopters flying overhead; emergency alerts blaring from parked semi-trucks, birds falling from the sky, video messages on cell phones from the height of the pandemic; all of these 'little' things add up and really create the atmosphere.
Finding the little girl proves an uneasy task and you must overcome a variety of obstacles (with a little help from a most unusual resident) in order to reach the little girl in time.
This game is heavy on the adventure side. There are a few 'puzzles,' but those mostly consist of logical tasks needed to gain entrance to buildings, etc., which I like. I like the logical use of inventory items to progress in the game.
The HOS are also done differently and I like this as well. Every item within a scene has a purpose. They are used within the scene to obtain the item you are looking for. I love that as the main character, you aren't clicking on junk just for the sake of clicking on it. You are using everything within that scene to obtain what it is you ultimately need. I would love to see more of this within HOPA games. As this is mostly an adventure game, these creative HOS are infrequent yet fun to do when you come across one.
All in all, I cannot find a single thing to complain about with this game. Take every element graded in a game, make a checklist, and place an "A" next to it.
This game left room for a sequel, and as this is an older game that I forgot I had, I am hoping to see a sequel released in the near future. Very well done developers; you created an excellent and unique game and I really hope you've been hard at work on a sequel. Keep up the excellent work!
I recommend this game!
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 43 found this review helpful
Serious Game of the Year 2013 Contender; I Won't be Surprised if this is the Winner
PostedNovember 22, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I want to throw my hat in the ring and say that if this doesn't win "Game of the Year, 2013", I will be incredibly surprised. This game has earned it. It has 'surpassed' my highest possible expectations and blew me away. As there are some new game mechanics used in this game, I first created a character to walk me through a tutorial (it really is needed if you want to get the most out of the game and avoid confusion as SO MUCH is offered here (speaking of the CE; I'm unsure of what extras were kept with the SE release). Once I figured out what I was doing, I created a new character and customized game-play to make it challenging. It is the perfect amount of challenge and there are 3 modes of difficulty to chose from; 4 counting the "Customize to your Preferences" mode. While the Strategy Guide is very helpful, it does not assist with how the game is set-up (those that have played this know what I mean: when and how to access the hidden chapters, how to get the 45 additional collections, etc.). I recommend the tutorial; in lieu of that; the forums are helpful.
There is so much to love about this game. It is incredibly unique, absolutely engaging and an enormous amount of effort was put into every single little detail. It is completely customizable, voice-acting is top-notch, graphics are stunning, aspect correction for wide-screens (pet peeve of mine), cut-scenes are well-done and perfectly balanced, your journal (smartphone) contains everything you need including the list of achievements right there for you to see while playing, and your 'helper' is not annoying or fuzzy or over-the-top cute.You don't dress him up or feed him. He's awesome to have around, very useful, and I quite enjoyed the areas in the game where I could utilize his assistance.
There are ZERO shortcuts taken here. Zero. Hard work went into this down to the tiniest detail. Leaves on trees actually have 'texture'; you can see individual grains of sand and this is found in places where the developers didn't have to go the extra mile; they chose to enhance quality for us gamers: it really is that intricate. That's the level of detail we are talking about here and this hard work is obvious throughout the entire game.
There is no rushed ending. In some games it feels like the developers just wanted to get the game over with and hurried up the ending; NOT in this game. Additionally, SE players will get a proper ending and not be left hanging just because they decided to purchase the SE as opposed to the CE. Thank you Developers for not cheating players out of a proper ending if they cannot afford or do not want to buy the CE version. *thumbs up*
The main game took me well over 7 hours. If you decide to upgrade to the CE (and I highly recommend that if you can swing it) the bonus chapter is another 1.5 hours (at minimum) and the hidden chapters, collectibles, additional puzzles and fulfilling the *3 stars for each HOS* took me another 2+ hours. Well over 10 hours was spent playing this game and I wasn't bored for a single nanosecond.
Various types of Hidden Object Scenes are presented to keep the game exciting, including some we haven't seen before. There is a heavy 'adventure' aspect to this game and the puzzles are quite engaging and original as well. There are stories within stories, the list goes on as far as unique game mechanics.
Honestly, I feel like I got a good deal paying the CE price; it really is that good. And this is coming from someone who is very critical of CE's as they are so often just glorified SE's with a bunch of fluff. I do not regret this purchase and it is one I can actually see myself playing more than once. So, for those that bought the SE; this is my honest advice...
...If you are going to buy only ONE CE this year, make it this one and upgrade. This is the first CE I've played in a LONG time where I feel like I actually got my money's worth plus some. It is full of 'extras'. And not just a bunch of the typical stuff thrown together haphazardly either. The enormous amount of CE content was handled with as much care and attention to detail as the main game. Typically, a bonus chapter will contain a bunch of drawn-out puzzles and HOS after HOS; filler and fluff mainly. Not so with this game. The bonus game is its own story; a spin-off from the main story, whose ending is wrapped up nicely in the SE version.
The bonus game is fun, engaging, just as innovative, every bit as beautiful, and again; no shortcuts.
The bonus game is fun, engaging, just as innovative, every bit as beautiful, and again; no shortcuts.
Some additional details on the SE versus CE conundrum. There are numerous achievements of various ranks: bronze, silver, and gold and some are quite unique in actions you have to take to achieve them so best take a look as you go along so you don't miss one. While I don't know for sure, by the way the game is set-up, achievements *may* still be available with the SE; I don't know that for sure. There are many collectibles both within the game and within the HOS we occasionally encounter. These are also done beautifully and creatively. After the main game, there are even more collectibles and additional puzzles not found in the main-game. There is literally double, if not triple, the amount of CE content that we usually get with this game which is why, if you are on the fence, it may be worth it to save those game credits and go for the CE to get the most out of this game.
Regardless of SE or CE, this game stands out from the crowd in every possible way. Happy Gaming. Once you get going, you won't resurface for awhile so set aside a good chunk of time for an outstanding day of gaming. I am looking forward to playing more games from this developer. They are, in my opinion, the new 'cutting-edge' leaders in casual gaming. Very well done and as for Game of the Year 2013, this game has my vote, no question.
I recommend this game!
You thought this would be just like any other investigation. But now you find yourself lost in a mysterious mansion brimming with strange creatures, comatose colleagues, and mysterious tentacles around every corner…
Overall rating
1
/
5
150 of 179 found this review helpful
Cute and Scary=What in the World am I Playing? The Creep-Factor is Completely Gone.
PostedNovember 21, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am beyond disappointed. This was the only remaining series that this particular developer had not yet made a mess out of. Until now that is.
My main complaint for awhile now is that they are in need of a serious update of...everything. Nothing has changed in over 2 years. Graphics, music, game mechanics, items in Hidden Object Scenes, puzzles, storyline; each game is exactly like the one before it. It would be fantastic to see some of that creative spark that their games used to have. I was hoping to see it here but...no. The one thing that ERS has 'added' to their last dozen games or so is a whole lot of cuteness. Fuzzy little pets that you can feed and clothe. Cuteness abounds! That's great...for kids. I'm not sure who their target audience even is anymore. Most games are a bit too mature for kids yet many are too immature for adults, hence my confusion. They carried this cuteness over into the Haunted Halls series, much to my massive disappointment.
Where did the scary, creepy go? That's the one hidden object I couldn't find anywhere in this game, and I looked for scary, creepy everywhere in the demo. Never did locate it, but I did find a Cuddly Hamster with a huge appetite.
The first Haunted Halls is my favorite of this series. I went back and played part of the original Haunted Halls again after playing the demo of this one and I could not believe my eyes! The graphics in the 1st game are actually "better" than the graphics in this latest release! If you own the first one, take a peek. Your jaw will unhinge and hit the floor when you see the difference. This series has actually gotten worse over time in my opinion (and the graphics agree with me). With this game, they went way too far in the wrong direction.
Game-play itself is rather linear; puzzles very easy, HOS very easy. Not much challenge to be found here; therefore the SG really isn't needed. Intermediate to Expert players may find themselves getting bored and restless due to lack of challenge. Additionally, there really isn't much in the way of CE extras. This is more of an SE with some extra padding thrown in.
The most frustrating aspect of this game for me is that the developers brought "cute" into Haunted Halls! This is their "scary, creepy, nightmarish" series. It's "HAUNTED" halls; it says so right in the title. Cute, cuddly and fuzzy doesn't mesh well with a scary, creepy nightmarish game. It causes massive confusion for the player. Am I supposed to scream...or play with and feed Mr. Cuddles? The demo, in my opinion, is a mess. I cannot imagine playing through the remainder of the game. Aside from the strange genre-blending, I got bored fast. The storyline is lacking and there is very little "haunted" left in the halls at all, which is a shame because this was a series I enjoyed...for the most part. Their last Haunted Halls wasn't up to par with the others either but that sometimes happens with a series. However, this one strays even further away; to such an extent that it is difficult to even associate it with the others in the series.
For this developer, it appears that "super cute" and "never going to change a thing about our games...ever" is here to stay. The fact that they brought cute into a game that is supposed to be nightmarish completely ruins the experience. Sad to say this, but there are too many other games out there now using superb graphics, intriguing game-play and unique and original concepts to waste anymore of my time with these cookie-cutter repeats.
For fans that were around for the original Haunted Halls game; you may find yourself extremely disappointed, especially if you weren't thrilled with the last one either. As far as morphing objects go, this is the biggest find. "Haunted Halls" completely morphed into "Cuddly Halls". As a result, I absolutely cannot recommend this as a CE. My opinion of this game aside, there isn't much in the way of CE extras here anyway so I would consider waiting for the SE on this one anyway if the budget is tight. Personally, I cannot recommend the SE either. As always, try for yourselves; opinions vary. For the original hardcore Haunted Halls fans; well, it was fun while it lasted, eh?
I don't recommend this game.
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Serious Game of the Year 2013 Contender; I Won't be Surprised if this is the Winner
PostedNovember 19, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There is not much more I can say about this game; there are almost 200 reviews before mine for the CE version. I only want to throw my hat in the ring and say that if this doesn't win "Game of the Year, 2013", I will be incredibly surprised. This game has earned it. It has 'surpassed' my highest possible expectations and blew me away. As there are some new game mechanics used in this game, I first created a character to walk me through a tutorial (it really is needed if you want to get the most out of the game and avoid confusion as SO MUCH is offered here (speaking of the CE; I'm unsure of what extras were kept with the SE release). Once I figured out what I was doing, I created a new character and customized game-play to make it challenging. It is the perfect amount of challenge and there are 3 modes of difficulty to chose from; 4 counting the "Customize to your Preferences" mode. While the Strategy Guide is very helpful, it does not assist with how the game is set-up (those that have played this know what I mean: when and how to access the hidden chapters, how to get the 45 additional collections, etc.). I recommend the tutorial; in lieu of that; the forums are helpful.
There is so much to love about this game. It is incredibly unique, absolutely engaging and an enormous amount of effort was put into every single little detail. It is completely customizable, voice-acting is top-notch, graphics are stunning, aspect correction for wide-screens (pet peeve of mine), cut-scenes are well-done and perfectly balanced, your journal (smartphone) contains everything you need including the list of achievements right there for you to see while playing, and your 'helper' is not annoying or fuzzy or over-the-top cute.You don't dress him up or feed him. He's awesome to have around, very useful, and I quite enjoyed the areas in the game where I could utilize his assistance.
There are ZERO shortcuts taken here. Zero. Hard work went into this down to the tiniest detail (leaves on trees actually have 'texture'; you can see individual grains of sand and this is found in places where the developers didn't have to go the extra mile; they chose to enhance quality for us gamers: it really is that intricate (that's the level of detail we are talking about here and this hard work is obvious throughout the entire game). There is no rushed ending. In some games it feels like the developers just wanted to get the game over with and hurried up the ending; NOT in this game.
The main game took me over 7 hours, the bonus chapter another 1.5 hours and the hidden chapters, collectibles, additional puzzles and fulfilling the *3 stars for each HOS* took me another 2 hours. Well over 10 hours was spent playing this game and I wasn't bored for a single nanosecond. Various types of Hidden Object Scenes are presented to keep the game exciting, including some we haven't seen before. There is a heavy 'adventure' aspect to this game and the puzzles are quite engaging and original as well. There are stories within stories, the list goes on as far as unique game mechanics. Honestly, I feel like I got a good deal paying the CE price; it really is that good. And this is coming from someone who is very critical of CE's as they are so often just glorified SE's with a bunch of fluff. I do not regret this purchase and it is one I can actually see myself playing more than once.
For those that bought the SE; this is my advice. If you are going to buy only ONE CE this year, make it this one and upgrade. This is the first CE I've played in a LONG time where I feel like I actually got my money's worth plus some. It is full of 'extras'. And not just a bunch of the typical stuff thrown together haphazardly either. The enormous amount of CE content was handled with as much care and attention to detail as the main game. Typically, a bonus chapter will contain a bunch of drawn-out puzzles and HOS after HOS; filler and fluff mainly. Not so with this game. The bonus game is its own story; a spin-off from the main story, whose ending is wrapped up nicely in the SE version. Thank you Developers for not cheating players out of a proper ending if they cannot afford or want to buy the CE version. The bonus game is fun, engaging, just as innovative, every bit as beautiful, and again; no shortcuts.
There are numerous achievements of various ranks: bronze, silver, and gold and some are quite unique in actions you have to take to achieve them so best take a look as you go along so you don't miss one. There are many collectibles both within the game and within the HOS we occasionally encounter. These are also done beautifully and creatively. After the main game, there are even more collectibles and additional puzzles not found in the main-game.
This game stands out from the crowd and I am looking forward to playing more games from this developer. They are, in my opinion, the new 'cutting-edge' leaders in casual gaming. Very well done and as for Game of the Year 2013, this game has my vote, no question.
I recommend this game!