jessmom01's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:732
- Reviews Submitted:54
- First Review:December 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 13, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Find the woman who disappears in the Hall of Mirrors. Investigate two worlds: the Carnivals of Good and Evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Step right up, folks, & enter Dark Arcana the Carnival!
PostedOctober 27, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Extraodinary developer Artifex Mundi does it again with this outrageously creepy supernatural carnival theme that treats the eye with their typically great graphix, and seriously amazing cutscenes, some of which almost look 3D - and REALLY spooky! I'd love to have the mirror on my desktop for Halloween - you'll see what i'm talkin' about when you play, & you should definitely play at least the demo if you love the dark & eerie genre, 'cause this one fits into the category like hand in glove. This is really good gameplay; a story that follows a plot & sticks to it; & a scary-fun adventure with nicely done tho' not difficult HOS that give you the option of finding objects or playing a game of Monaco to earn your item from the scene. The music is the typical carnival theme done in creep-tone as a perfect back-drop. Voice overs are very well done. The game kept me fully immersed & moving, with no need of map or walkthrough - everything made sense & i was never stumped by what to do next, so i guess that's to say it's not too hard to play & enjoy without distraction... except for the "sight-seeing" in this strangely enticing & totally creeped out double universe carnival. I also like the extra chapter added to the SE, which does give closure to the story. Folks, this is a blast to play, very creepy, & seasonal to boot. Enjoy this one, & Happy Halloween gaming!
I recommend this game!
Follow orphan Eva on a trip to mystical Prague. Will she find out about her Royal origins, find real love, and save the world from a monster? It’s all up to you.
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Spooky Adventure in Prague
PostedSeptember 9, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really liked this game by a dev we haven't seen in quite a while, JetDogs studios. These guys did the Millenium Secrets adventure games, which i love (something else to try if you haven't yet) Alchemy Mysteries also focuses heavily on adventure play & some folks may find it a bit of a slow mover because of that. There are HOscenes that are interactive, some of which will depend on finds outside of the scene to complete. For the most part HOs are decent enough, with some objects a bit tough to see, but not bad. Cutscenes & voice are good, while music & audio effects are negligible. You are able to move around a room to see 360 degrees, but in increments, which is cool & shouldn't bring on the motion queasy issues. This game has an older kind of look & feel in a lot of places, which i actually liked a lot; it seemed right for this story, location, & the overall atmosphere. There's a journal, with incorporated map that shows you where actions are available, & will take you there - i love when that happens :) Otherwise, not a lot of bells & whistles so you're gonna use the little gray cells playing thru this one, with little hand holding. It's not horribly difficult but there's challenge enough & good length to this game, with some pretty decent puzzles. This is a spooky little bugger with occult overtones, so be aware if you don't like the genre. If you do, i recommend giving this one a try. The story is interesting, gameplay keeps you moving a lot, & the end hints at a sequel, which i will look forward to. A nice SE offering - thanks bfg, & happy gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Rescue your daughter, Hannah, from the clutches of an evil witch before it's too late in this chilling Hidden Object adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Average Adventure-lite (featuring... Elvira??)
PostedSeptember 1, 2012
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
So many great games have come from ERS. And against the tide, Imo this isn't one of 'em. I beta'd this way back in April, so i was expecting... well, better than what i saw then, which it may be but not by much. Don't get me wrong, there's some good stuff here. This is adventure-lite, so no HOs at all, & I'm thrilled that ERS is launching into this type of game & hope a lot of folks really like it. There's a lot of running around among many locations, & the map is only minimally useful & doesn't transport you. There's plenty to keep you busy - typical of adventure play, you'll be moving & doing & searching & finding. But despite that, this one got pretty tedious for me - i think because the story doesnt seem to evolve with the gameplay; you pretty much know up front what's going on, what to expect, & there really arent any surprises, so movement was necessary but not necessarily fun. I also think we've seen way better artwork/graphix from this dev, & i didn't care much for what in many instances is a cartoonish presentation that seemed somehow unfinished. A well done incorporation of live actors can be a plus for a game, & while one ghostly young girl is quite good, the rest are mediocre. Thankfully the Witch herself doesn't show up much, 'cause she reminds me too much of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, & i just can't take her seriously. There are plenty of puzzles/minis, mostly very easy. 3 modes of gameplay so you can bump up the challenge. The journal isn't very involved, & you will be collecting pages to a separate book of the Witch's story. Music, while it isn't particularly atmosheric, isn't intrusive. You've got a decent length of play, & should have with the SE as well - which i would recommend, as the CE bonus isn't necessary to the story, & the game/story, imho, isn't worth a CE. Just a hunch, but if this is going to be the 1st of serial GF games, i'm hoping this dev cuts its baby adventure game teeth here & comes out with something a little better next time. While Gothic Fiction just didn't kick it for me with that fully immersive atmosphere i look for in a good d&e game, I think GF is an average game that'll be plenty good for lots of folks who want to try their hand at an adventure type game without the hidden object aspect. Enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Follow the kidnapper's clues, rediscover Sarah's past and bring her brother back to safety in this action packed Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
55 of 59 found this review helpful
We're talking Creep Factor here
PostedAugust 11, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
based on the demo: I would definitely diagnose this game Positive for Creep Factor, & am really liking it. Most graphics are nice & clear, often photographically sharp, yet are interspersed with brief cuts of comic book art that somehow doesn't detract from the creepiness (much), as well as the occasional live person - it's an interesting combo that could be better implemented, but i just chalk it up to artistic eccentricity. Voice acting is good & sound fx are appropriately atmospheric & really add to the feel of the game. You'll note on startup that it takes a while for it to set up your player name, but gaming itself is running smooth & glitch free. This one is heavy on adventure play, & depending on the play level you choose, it can be plenty challenging enuf for most folks. HOscenes are interactive, & you're likely to have to pick up more out of the scene after you think you're finished, so stay alert to that. Your journal isn't too in depth but keeps track of necessary info. The intro scene gives good indication of things to come, & if you savor the creepy anxiety of gaming in the arena of a twisted mind playing you toward an unknown end (Dorian Gray, anyone?), i highly recommend giving this a demo. I'm off to buy & see how this turns out. Enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Help James defeat the sinister Sandman!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A fun little game for your weekend entertainment
PostedAugust 11, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was glad i finally got this little gem of a game, acquired more out of curiosity than anything else. Yes, it's rather short compared to the norm, but it's fun, engaging, & pretty well done, tho' not intense with special fx like we're seeing more often these days. Graphix in most places are quite nice, while the few cutscenes are not spectacular. Voice overs & narration are pretty good. This HOPA is heavier on the adventure end, & there's no walkthru & little help via hints, so you're engaging the little gray cells to get you through, which makes it more fun & challenging than i thought it would be. HOscenes are easy to do & to see, & the game isn't overloaded with them. The story is nice, barely stepping over the boundary into spooky, with no witches, demons, or occult influence - just the Sandman gone bad, & you're the little boy who will save your friend & save the day. It's a fun little game to while away a bit of time, relaxing to play, & worth a buy if that's what you're in the mood for. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Become a Hunter of darkness to cope with possessed owner of theater and revived shadows. Help other people by correcting their wrong fulfilled wishes!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
It wasn't As I Wished :(
PostedAugust 10, 2012
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I wish i could have found as much to like about this game as other reviewers, but i couldn't even get thru the demo. Cutscenes are terrible - very blurred, & if that's supposed to lend some spooky atmosphere, imo it doesn't work; it just looks poorly done. Plus, without voiceovers, you're either going to read or watch the scene, but you can't do both. No voice & no atmospheric audio effects doesn't help this game. As far as i got, the artwork seemed somehow overly busy & unpleasant to view for my taste. The written script, imo, wasn't well written, & the initial taste of the plot seemed poorly contrived. I usually like the offerings of this dev, but this one seems a long way from the quality they've exhibited in the past. For me, the demo alone was so disappointing that i have to slide past this game. But i do hope those who spring for it enjoy their gaming.
I don't recommend this game.
Escape a cursed island of lost souls by helping three of the trapped spirits in Redemption Cemetery: Grave Testimony!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 69 found this review helpful
Ghosts & Gangsters? Pretty Cool.
PostedAugust 2, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the demo: This game starts out like an old gangster movie, complete with Tommy guns, bad guys who sound like Jimmy Cagney/Public Enemy, and You as the poor sucker who witnessed the dirty rats pull off their crime of abducting the rich guy's daughter for ransom. As they're about to do you in, things take a turn, & your spooky adventure begins. Ok, i was hooked by this time. Cool live acting & voice got me first - old time gangsters is a fun change, regardless of whether they're alive or... . I like the adventure play with minimal HOscenes that are not typical - they involve finding objects to interact with other objects, which adds interest to the gameplay. Puzzle/minis are easy so far. Some inventory items combine with others for use when needed, & so far it seems like you dont have to wait forever before you utilize your tools. Graphics are quite decent, & music seems appropriate & unobtrusive. Needless to say, as a Redemption Cemetery game, you're moving into the ghostly realm to free souls & solve an injustice, & the game seems appropriately darkly atmospheric. You will be instructed to collect specific objects to help you thru the game, so watch for these. I liked the 1st R.C. game, but wasn't thrilled with the 2nd. Even with only demo time, i'm liking Grave Testimony, & appreciative of the devs recent moves toward highlighting adventure play more, & HOS less. Challenge level can be tweaked with 3 modes of play, but i don't think this is a tough game regardless of your skill level. It seems like a fun, entertaining game, good tho' not great, & i'll get it, but may wait for the SE unless further reviews convince me that the bonus play is necessary to the storyline. Seems like fun, so enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
When a young woman is found comatose by the side of the road with a bloody knife beside her, it’s up to you to unravel her story!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
This is So Good!
PostedJuly 29, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really liked the 1st Surface game & was pretty psyched when this was released. Demo'd, got more psyched... & tho i haven't yet played the bonus, i must stop to throw my 5 stars into the reviews - & would throw more if possible. This HOPA has everything good: thoroughly engaging storyline that is very well narrated; incredible graphics that are crisp, clear, & beautiful; wonderful cutscenes with good acting & voice; smooth gameplay with all the bells & whistles including the map that shows where actions are necessary & will take you there; fun minis that wont make you tear your hair out; easy, clear HOscenes that don't take over the adventure feel of the game at all. This game is like a blend of psychological drama/fantasy/sci-fi. You are the psychic who must attempt to enter, explore, and find the mysteries in the mind of a girl found unconscious by the side of the road. Who is she? Is she a criminal or a victim, or both? What is trapped in the mind of this girl to have brought her to this state? The adventure leads you through her psyche into a world where we rarely tread. Dreams, delusions, fears, wishes, repressed memories... & you must find the truth that lies somewhere in the midst of them all. It is a great trek thru this beautiful, fun, & interesting game which is often quite surreal, reminding us of the depths of the psyche. Incredibly cool concept for this excellent addition to the offerings from Elephant Games. I highly recommend anyone of any gaming level to at least demo this 2nd in the Surface series, a stand alone game, if you have interest in this genre. I already have high hopes for the next one from EG, a very talented bunch who are definitely on a roll. Mega kudos to the devs, & to BFG for bringing us this awesome piece of work. Enjoy your gaming, all!!
I recommend this game!
Help out James Voodoo as he investigates a mysterious attack and goes on an incredible adventure in Voodoo Chronicles: The First Sign!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
And Now For Something Different..... :)
PostedJuly 20, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This one isn't going to fit nicely into the slot of "games like you're used to", unless you're proficient at putting square pegs in a round hole:) I'm calling this one a Winner, with humor & weird pulled together into a story/game that might test the imagination to follow & enjoy the ride. It begins as a whodunnit when Detective Voodoo begins an investigation into some bad results of a greedy expedition team. The beginning appears to be period detective stuff, complete with great music (that makes you expect to see Bogart sitting behind the detective's desk), "dames" in roaring 20's garb, and a trainride on something akin to the Orient Express. But there's magic afoot, folks, and as you follow the trail, things get, well, as Alice would say, "curiouser and curiouser". With this game's storyline, it was almost natural to move on to a navy ship in wild seas with no crew, steampunk junction (so to speak), a long lost jungle island, and a land where Salvador Dali would have felt at home. It sounds too odd to be comprehensive, but this game is a heck of a lot of fun to play with wonderful graphics, well done voice acting, interesting tho' not difficult adventure play, HOscenes that are clear & often weird in their own right, & a good big dose of humor, all from a dev who obviously unbridled their collective imaginations & put together a game that might leave you saying "huh?", but with a smile on your face. I'm gonna be presumptuous enough to say Voodoo Chronicles isn't about challenge, it's about fun. I'll play this again, & really hope for a follow up. I gotta go 5 stars & a recommendation based on fun & engaging gameplay, humor, graphics, & oddly cool concept. And especially for those of you who like something "different", well, here ya go. Have some fun with this one!
I recommend this game!
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 44 found this review helpful
She's Back! I don't think we're in Kansas anymore....
PostedJuly 19, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the Demo: The 4th game in this popular series seems to maintain all those things that keep us coming back for more. The storyline remains engaging, 'cause after all, we do want to save the good guys from the supremely Evil Witch... tho' i think after this 4th attempt i'll be about tapped out - it'll be her or me this time, then i give up unless the dev ups the ante with this game recipe. Graphics/ artwork/ cutscenes are all of very nice quality, & voice acting is good. HOscenes are not difficult to do or to see. Puzzles/minis i've done so far are easy. As soon as you begin the adventure you start collecting & using items rapidly, which for me is great motivation to play like crazy. The music sounds the same as the other installments of Echoes, so it's either like visiting an old friend or easily tuned out; either way it doesn't add much in the way of atmosphere. 3 modes of play allow you to up the challenge, tho' the game isn't difficult - but i have to say that what it may lack in challenge, it makes up for in engaging entertainment. Your talking mirror will give hints, & i haven't checked out the SG so can't comment. I've really enjoyed this series so far, & couldn't help but get swept into this newest installment straightaway. This dev knows how to get the action going & draw you in as soon as you hit "Play". Needless to say, i'll get this to add to the collection, 'cause i'm having fun. I'm not yet convinced that the CE is necessary to the story, so if my short supply of patience allows, i may wait a bit to buy & see what others have to say about that. Definitely give this fun game a demo, & enjoy your gaming, folks!!
I recommend this game!