kgustavson's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.9
- Helpful Votes:1,707
- Reviews Submitted:116
- First Review:December 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:October 17, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help Ungh find new fire after the flame goes out in his village. Use logic and puzzle solving skills to navigate this fun and vivid Stone Age world.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Loved it!!!
PostedJanuary 24, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This will probably not be everyone's cup of tea for sure, but I just love this puzzle/adventure offering. There is no dialogue or hint button so you are on your own, interacting with different objects and trying to figure out what in the world to do next. To me, that's a good time!! Thank you Daedalic!
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
2
/
5
31 of 33 found this review helpful
What has happened to Mad Head?
PostedJanuary 17, 2016
kgustavson
fromSnuggford
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(48)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Well, after purchasing and playing the full game, getting to the bonus only to find out I couldn't finish it, I'm throwing in the towel with Mad Head. I was on the fence about this one in the first place as I wasn't completely excited after the demo. This game played more like Eipix, ERS, and Mad Head had a child that developed this one.
Scene collectibles are right out, and there are WAY too many uninteresting HOS (mildly interactive; wishing there was some alternative to get around them#. One HOS was certainly new and rather fun #once I figured out what to do# but that was about it. I found myself more often than not shouting "not another HOS!!" all too often. This is not usual Mad Head territory.
Story was beyond "whaaaaat?" What country are we in? I thought I crash-landed on an island in the western hemisphere as that's what all of the architecture was telling me. It's as if a completely different director took over after the demo. Mini-games were meh. Actually, one was so completely annoying and uncontrollable to me that I skipped it.
I will say that graphics, voice-overs and what-not are all very good.
Why did I buy it? It's pouring rain here. There was a kind of ok sale. Didn't feel like vacuuming and dusting. And the demo ending kinda sucked me in. Mad Head, please bring back your A-team.
#I am not recommending due to the bonus game glitch as this is major#
I don't recommend this game.
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 15 found this review helpful
It was ok
PostedJanuary 12, 2016
kgustavson
fromHere. Still raining, but not quite so torrentially.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(48)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I admit that I was drawn in enough during the demo to purchase. Should have waited for a better sale. (or just completely waited to use a bonus card on the SE) It's really rather hard to pin-point where this game went "meh" but I think it was the HOS. During the demo we had some good "find and replace", highly interactive and fun scenes which then all turned to lists, or, even worse, "find all morphs before you get the list" lists. Jeez. I played mostly the rather terrible match-3's for the last half of the game and all of the bonus just to avoid this clap-trap.
This series has never been known for its difficulty, and this episode is no different #not that they can't be fun otherwise#. These games are very story-driven and this one had me scratching my head, frankly. POTENTIAL SPOILER: I don't understand what the Renaissance has to do with floating islands; makes no sense. Or wood nymphs in Medieval times. Maybe that's what finally killed it for me - entering "time period" worlds that were fantastical #except for the first one, mostly#. Pick a plot line for pete's sakes.
As always, happy gaming All, and to each his own!! :-D
This series has never been known for its difficulty, and this episode is no different #not that they can't be fun otherwise#. These games are very story-driven and this one had me scratching my head, frankly. POTENTIAL SPOILER: I don't understand what the Renaissance has to do with floating islands; makes no sense. Or wood nymphs in Medieval times. Maybe that's what finally killed it for me - entering "time period" worlds that were fantastical #except for the first one, mostly#. Pick a plot line for pete's sakes.
As always, happy gaming All, and to each his own!! :-D
I don't recommend this game.
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 44 found this review helpful
What happened to this wonderful series?
PostedJanuary 9, 2016
kgustavson
fromTime to ski!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I just don't really know what has happened to Eipix (Developer of this game). NO lip synch graphics - and they used to pride themselves on the live-action video characters. No more. That was really their original niche, their particular unique flair, their raison d'etre. Apparently all flushed down the toilet, really a couple of games ago, but most missed in this series sequel. There is just nothing here to hold my interest, certainly no unique gameplay twists, just the same old stuff that has been beaten into dust well over a year or more ago. There was one kinda fun thing that I won't reveal because it's sort of a spoiler, but that was it. I didn't even make it through the end of the trial - and I always gut this stuff out.
To each her/his own of course, but this developer needs to take a long vacation and figure out what they want to do because this game really is just a faint shadow of prior episodes.
To each her/his own of course, but this developer needs to take a long vacation and figure out what they want to do because this game really is just a faint shadow of prior episodes.
I don't recommend this game.
Sable Maze: Soul Catcher Collector's Edition
After 20 years, you're ready to make peace with your brother's disappearance. But the spirit world has other plans for you... Welcome to the other side!
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 20 found this review helpful
Good for beginners
PostedJanuary 3, 2016
kgustavson
fromAnd now we're freezing...
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
So based on all of the glowing reviews I did what I rarely do, which was purchase before completely sampling. I did do about a half hour of the trial but I should have done more.
The story itself is ok enough however everything else is way too EASY. Puzzles are a re-hashed no-brain-needed time waster. The rune-arm-gimmick is annoying on the second go-round (and you'll need to do it another 5 or so (I lost count) times). And as for gameplay, if you need it you'll either find it immediately or already have it in your inventory. There is just no thought or creativity here as each chapter only allows you into 3 scenes.
Oh, and the HOS all REPEAT. Granted, the goals may be different but this tactic is just cheap and I found myself annoyed and playing the match-3 to just get past them.
The story itself is ok enough however everything else is way too EASY. Puzzles are a re-hashed no-brain-needed time waster. The rune-arm-gimmick is annoying on the second go-round (and you'll need to do it another 5 or so (I lost count) times). And as for gameplay, if you need it you'll either find it immediately or already have it in your inventory. There is just no thought or creativity here as each chapter only allows you into 3 scenes.
Oh, and the HOS all REPEAT. Granted, the goals may be different but this tactic is just cheap and I found myself annoyed and playing the match-3 to just get past them.
So, if you are a brand-new player to the genre you will have fun as Daily Magic always does a super-nice job with graphics and story-line; the rest of us will suffer under the insultingly-easy game play. Actually, newbies probably will too.
I don't recommend this game.
Join Elly Cooper as she is unexpectedly thrown into an adventure that takes her around the world.
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Yeesh! Kinda don't care what happens.
PostedDecember 22, 2015
kgustavson
fromRainy deluge on the Left Coast but we sure need it
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I really thought this was going to be way more fun, a la Melissa K, but this was a real disappointment. Constant HO scenes with teeny-tiny items, little other scene interaction in the 25 minutes I trudged through this. Cut scenes were done pretty well (but cartoon graphics) and that's what kept me in the game as long as I was. Unfortunately, this one is not a keeper.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel with Ben in his journey through dreams and unravel the mystery of his late wife Elizabeth.
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 54 found this review helpful
WOW!! what a GEM!!
PostedDecember 17, 2015
kgustavson
fromA Snowy valley in WA State
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
To turn an overworn phrase, "You had me at Hello". The mix of video and hand drawn scenes is stunning and so VERY very well done that I cannot believe that this was just a soft release. Where to begin? I am only about 45 minutes into the game and have been drooling all over my desk with the game layout. And I am trying to figure out how I might possibly call in sick to work tomorrow so that I could continue playing uninterrupted.
The back story is mainly told through the real video clips and has me intrigued. Then you plunge into the dream world where the gameplay happens. I have only encountered one HOS so far which was a highly interactive FROG (*stars in my eyes*). There are achievements and apparently things to collect that I might have just landed on randomly?! (This game needs a walkthrough for us OCD about collectibles or achievements!!) Puzzles have been varied and not really anything new but still interesting; a couple thus far just aren't my bag, so used a skip but that should not deter anyone from diving into this absolutely fantastic offering from a developer that I don't think I'm familiar with. And if this is their first go-round, then I am all a-quiver with what they might come out with next.
The back story is mainly told through the real video clips and has me intrigued. Then you plunge into the dream world where the gameplay happens. I have only encountered one HOS so far which was a highly interactive FROG (*stars in my eyes*). There are achievements and apparently things to collect that I might have just landed on randomly?! (This game needs a walkthrough for us OCD about collectibles or achievements!!) Puzzles have been varied and not really anything new but still interesting; a couple thus far just aren't my bag, so used a skip but that should not deter anyone from diving into this absolutely fantastic offering from a developer that I don't think I'm familiar with. And if this is their first go-round, then I am all a-quiver with what they might come out with next.
Complacent CE developers beware - there's an awesome new kid on the block!!!
I recommend this game!
Why would anyone want to stop Christmas from coming?
Overall rating
3
/
5
30 of 36 found this review helpful
Uhhhh, yeah *scratches head*
PostedDecember 5, 2015
kgustavson
fromA Snowy valley in WA State
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I think I'm still trying to figure out what I just demo'd quite frankly. Visuals and graphics - fantastic. Gameplay - I'm not sure, I don't think I actually played anything - ?
I felt I was simply a pawn going from one cute-as-heck cut scene to another, needing to help out yet another cat. I will admit that, even as an animal lover, I found helping the young cats (they can't really be called kittens) in the beginning of the game rather annoying and completely pointless other than to obtain the next "place this here" object. And then there we are doing...what exactly? Find this, place that, get coins for this, wake up the cat...WAS THERE A PUZZLE...? I don't think so? WAS THERE AN HO SCENE? I think so? Yes, I'm pretty sure of that one as it was a "replace in the scene" style. Am I playing a game or watching cute cut-scenes?
So it will be a good 72 hours before anyone else sees this as I am a normal BF member and not Sunnyblow who will give a 5 star rating to every single CE game regardless of recommendations positive or not and somehow materializes with a review within 5 hours of a release; I can only hope all other fellow fishies try before they buy!!
Happy gaming all and to All Happy Holiday Season!! :-)
Skol!!
Skol!!
I don't recommend this game.
You're the last hope to stop the ancient curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Is Benoit Sokal on the team?
PostedNovember 16, 2015
kgustavson
fromDeponia (who else remembers this one eh?!)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Wow, wow, and more wow from me. Fantastic graphics (many of which reminded me of the great Mr. Sokal, especially the cut-scenes), very good puzzles, progressive HOG's which I enjoyed tremendously, and a great solid fantasy story line. The main game took me well over 6 hours (hurray!!# and the bonus almost 2. There is so much to do, see and accomplish here that you will want to set aside at least a couple of hours at a time to play. Bonus chapter has all new locations #THANK YOU BN for not going cheap on this like so many other developers!); although it has no bearing on the main story, it is a welcome add-on to one of the characters from the main game. There is quite a bit of to-and-fro, but, like the previous game, the jump map should be your favored choice of transportation. Game of the Year as far as I'm concerned!!! Looking forward to their next release!
I recommend this game!
Can you find the key to Ravenhearst's resurrection?
Overall rating
2
/
5
65 of 72 found this review helpful
What's the fuss about?
PostedOctober 30, 2015
kgustavson
fromDeponia (who else remembers this one eh?!)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
It's just another Eipix game. Sadly, they have managed to take down yet another great series. The graphics are like cartoons (and there are even a couple of scenes in the demo where there is no lip synch for pete's sakes#, there is absolutely no "creep factor" left, and difficulty is non-existent. The story does not compel me to move on nor give a rat's about what happens next. And one giant peeve I have about this developer is this: when I un-check "plus-item indicator" I MEAN it! I do NOT want an item highlighted in BRIGHT GREEN but is just missing it's little "plus"!!! Good grief!! There are at least 3 other developers out there that have figured this out yet these folks continue to ignore the recommendations from us beta-testers #although I did not test this one but have suggested this multiple times on previous games#.
If this was just a stand-alone game I would give 3 stars, but since it came out with all this fan-fare, pay full-price drivel for a so-so attempt, I cannot recommend this game. #sorry to sound so negative! I was just really, really disappointed#.
If this was just a stand-alone game I would give 3 stars, but since it came out with all this fan-fare, pay full-price drivel for a so-so attempt, I cannot recommend this game. #sorry to sound so negative! I was just really, really disappointed#.
I don't recommend this game.