I loved the original and was thrilled when Cursed House 2 came out.
If anything, it is even better than the first as I find it a bit more challenging. The creativity in this edition lies in the variety of the different levels. One of my favorites was "light the torches", where fast matching and changes of direction were needed to complete the level. Great fun! I did not find it boring to make my way through the doors. The concept was well done even though it is not a regular story with a major plot line. Many Match 3 games employ this type of strategy.
Thanks to Big Fish for another winner and a welcome break from all the HOPA games. I usually alternate playing the different types so there is never a boring moment.
This is perhaps one of my favorite games of all time. As a lover of the Hidden Object genre, it is a real treat, containing many absolutely beautiful scenes where the player has to find unique items. The graphics amaze me, as do the backgrounds depicting scenes from ancient and exotic lands.
Which brings me to another reason why I love this game: unlike so many of the dark and malevolent offerings that have recently inundated the gaming scene, this one will take you back to the ancient lands of Mesopotamia. It has been quite a while since game originators have brought us story lines incorporating the ancient Middle East. It is a refreshing change, to say the least.
Lastly, this is truly a game that adults and savvy teens can appreciate. It does not insult one's intelligence. I will go so far as to say that I would not classify it as "family friendly" but that is meant as a compliment. There are so many offerings out there where the whole family can gather round and play. This one is more sophisticated and in my opinion geared for those who love ancient history. As an example, the inclusion of the basilica of Sophia Hagia is a brilliant touch and surely appeals to gamers who are also interested in the distant past.
Puzzles are not hard and the HO scenes sometimes require several actions before an object may be found, but it is never frustrating or dull. Combined with interesting and soothing background music, Curse of Babylon has proven to be a real "stress buster".
I recommend this game!
+14points
16of18voted this as helpful.
Hyperballoid 2
A great Brick Buster game that pushes the boundaries of visuals and gameplay and user customization!
Overall rating
5/ 5
37 of 39 found this review helpful
Fun, Relaxing, Stress Reliever!
PostedNovember 10, 2012
NellGwyn
fromToms River, NJ
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Sometimes I need a break from HO and Match 3 games, and any one of the Hyperballoid choices fit the bill. Old school take on brick buster fun! Very colorful, not as easy as one might think, and decent power ups as well.
I've had this game on my PC for quite a while and find myself returning to it again and again. Try your skill and see how many levels you can achieve. Great way to exercise hand and eye coordination. A welcome change of pace.
I recommend this game!
+35points
37of39voted this as helpful.
Vacation Quest: Australia
Grab your passport and get ready for an exotic Hidden Object Adventure in Vacation Quest: Australia!
Overall rating
5/ 5
Fun, Relaxing, Stress Reliever!
PostedAugust 12, 2012
NellGwyn
fromToms River, NJ
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Mahjong
I love PopCap games, and this one does not disappoint! Sure, playing other, more complicated HOS with mysterious and difficult storylines is fun. But when I need a break, I always turn to this company.
Vacation Quest Australia is very relaxing. The graphics are fun and the music both soothes and makes one feel happy. Very upbeat. There are no punishments and even the timer can be turned off. Some of the boomerangs can be hard to find, but eventually you can spot them. They add an additional fun dimension to the game.
Vacation Quest: Australia, as well as the other offerings from these developers, have helped me wind down after a stressful day. A huge thanks to them and to BF for keeping these coming. :)
This game is good old-fashioned fun! I find myself coming back to it again and again when I want to relax.
Love the background music. It is soothing and not distracting in any way. It's fun to watch the screen fill up with various types of fishes, each with its own special appetite.
There really is no storyline per se but you do get to progress through the levels.
There is a hidden "bonus"--if you finish a level and still have some stars available, you can keep playing and get the extra points as long as you don't let the ball drop off the screen. Also, if the clams stay after the end of a level, you can still bounce the ball off of them for additional points as well!
Game is a bit retro, not flashy or noisy. That's why it is one of my go to games when I just want to sit back and relax. A great little brick buster!
I recommend this game!
+28points
33of38voted this as helpful.
Venice Mystery
A secret society, a magic puzzle, and 13 lost paintings. You need to solve the mystery before Venice sinks...
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Great Fun Mahjong Game!
PostedAugust 1, 2012
NellGwyn
fromToms River, NJ
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
This game is addictive! Mahjong is just right and the "find the spot in the paintings" will really challenge you, guaranteed. Intelligent story backed by colorful graphics with sounds that are not intrusive. Warning: you will be saying to yourself: "Just one more level", even if it's midnight and you should be getting some shuteye.
With HO/Adventure games monopolizing PC games, this is a very refreshing and welcome change of pace.
First off, I must admit that I used the Strategy Guide more often in this game than any other I have played. But that said, both the game play and the story were well worth it.
I thought the graphics were excellent, and the music is just right for this sort of story. It's there in the background, setting a gloomy mood without being intrusive in any way. And kudos to the foley person. The sound effects were excellently done and very realistic.
The HOS were quite easy, though I did have to use the hint button once or twice. The mini-games were fun to play as they were really based on logic. Not the kind that make you want to pull your hair out ;)
The story was interesting and fun, collecting and combining different objects to produce a desired result (developing a film, for instance). The layout of the scenes was a bit confusing at first, but I finally remembered what room was where, and how to get to it. But if it were easy, there would be no challenge.
Finally-if you are a Lovecraft fan, you will truly enjoy this game as you will pick up on the various references to his stories. The writer did an excellent job and is quite obviously a fan of H.P. It is not necessary to be familiar with this great author's works, though, to enjoy the game.
This is the first game that actually game me shivers when the ending played. It was an OMG moment. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil it for others.
The "extras" aren't that abundant and mostly consist of more mini-games. I haven't played those yet as I need a break but if they are anything like those within the main story they should be fun as well.
So much fun I played it twice! And my hubby, who just started to play as a lark, was soon hooked in and now can't wait to continue. He's just finished Day 1 and is frantically trying to find the time to continue on.
I recommend the CE version not for the extras but because the Strategy Guide might become indispensable to some (like me). It would get me out of a bind so that I could continue instead of spinning my wheels.
I have played many games since Mystery In London, but although good, none have been as much fun to play. The 360 degree rotation is remarkable, and the individual scenes are excellently laid out. The HOS are just right; not too hard, not too easy. Also, if you are a fan of London, you will love visiting the different places.
BTW, after playing this game I did research on how the 360 degree scenes were done. There is a company with a special camera that takes pics of an entire room, or landscape, which are then used for advertising purposes. The creators of this game used this company to produce a unique and fun mystery. Absolutely remarkable!
I am hoping there will be another game that will use this device. I was really sad when I reached the end :( as it was that much fun to play!
Mystery P.I.: The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove
(57)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
I must say I really enjoy playing this game and return to it quite often as a stress reliever (really). When you get to the last game of each different level, it becomes extremely hard to get past the skulls of death. Watch out for spiders weaving their webs!
The only complaint, and the reason for the four stars, is that somehow this game goes by very quickly. Wish it were longer, with more locations. Other than that, lots of fun.
I recommend this game!
+14points
15of16voted this as helpful.
Mystery P.I.: The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove
Travel to New England to investigate a counterfeiting ring in Mystery P.I.: The Curious Case of Counterfeit Cove!
Overall rating
5/ 5
38 of 40 found this review helpful
Relaxing Hidden Object Game
PostedMarch 19, 2012
NellGwyn
fromToms River, NJ
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I love all the games in this series. This one is no exception. It is perfect when I just want to relax without worrying about what location to go to next. It's fun to collect the lobsters and keys, and the HO scenes are just right--sometimes easy, sometimes hard but never frustrating.
Sure, the more "sophisticated games" are great but this one is a refreshing change of pace. I don't even both to download a trial version anymore but just purchase the games in this series as soon as they come out.
Just kick off your shoes and relax with Mystery P.I.!