Tufty57's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:5,072
- Reviews Submitted:119
- First Review:March 14, 2013
- Most Recent Review:April 9, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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
9 of 12 found this review helpful
What happened to Kitty?
PostedApril 9, 2015
Tufty57
fromCalling RSPCA to report missing kitten
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the demo only
Well, it's been a while since I reviewed a game, but this one had to be done!
As ever, I will not recount the 'story so far' for you. Suffice to say the Queen is telling another of her tales (in her terribly irritating voice) and you play out the tale.
Starting off with the 'bling' which may make this worth buying as a CE:
* 12 achievements to earn (a bit mean in my view)
* Chess pieces to collect around the various scenes
* Fortune telling cards to collect leading to a game in the extras menu
* A map puzzle which appears to be a jigsaw and could lead to something else
* Match 3 to play which suggests it is an alternative to the HOSs. (I rarely play the alternative as I usually enjoy HOSs so didn't think to look!)
* All the other usual stuff like wallpapers etc
* 12 achievements to earn (a bit mean in my view)
* Chess pieces to collect around the various scenes
* Fortune telling cards to collect leading to a game in the extras menu
* A map puzzle which appears to be a jigsaw and could lead to something else
* Match 3 to play which suggests it is an alternative to the HOSs. (I rarely play the alternative as I usually enjoy HOSs so didn't think to look!)
* All the other usual stuff like wallpapers etc
There is a map but the game is very linear in the demo at least so you don't really need it.
You acquire a phoenix that helpfully flaps its wings if ever you miss the big black vortex of dark magic which it can dispel for you.
So far 3 puzzles and 3 HOSs.
Puzzles are very easy (except for the one to get a flask off an Orc. Even with SG help, a first for me, I could not make it work) but some have a hard/casual option.
HOSs are revisited and so far are a list with some interactive items x2 and one where you replace items.
Puzzles are very easy (except for the one to get a flask off an Orc. Even with SG help, a first for me, I could not make it work) but some have a hard/casual option.
HOSs are revisited and so far are a list with some interactive items x2 and one where you replace items.
Began to lose interest within the hour it took me to play the demo, mainly because there is little you have to work out for yourself. An annoying druid keeps popping up to tell you what to do.
The most important issue is "What happened to Kitty when the Mage popped up through the portal?" I was mortified!
This is one to try before you buy. So I recommend that you try it, but I doubt I will buy it.
I recommend this game!
The Statue of Liberty is missing! Investigate the disappearance of one of the most important symbols of the United States!
Overall rating
3
/
5
52 of 62 found this review helpful
No 3 of a job lot?
PostedAugust 25, 2014
Tufty57
fromRummaging through the attic for old games to sell to BFG
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Do you remember a couple of games recently where you had:
* Arrows, eyes and magnifying glasses telling you what to do?
* A single level of gameplay with no choice of difficulty level?
* No sound on VOs but lips moving incessantly?
* Inventory items that you have to drag-and-drop?
* Windows and HOS inventory achievements where you have to click the X to close/claim?
* HOSs where the items were 'well hidden', which you came across 8x in the 60 minute demo, which you revisited, where some of the items were 3x this or 3x that?
* Where you could click a 'hidden' symbol in HOSs or scenes to reveal interesting facts?
* A single level of gameplay with no choice of difficulty level?
* No sound on VOs but lips moving incessantly?
* Inventory items that you have to drag-and-drop?
* Windows and HOS inventory achievements where you have to click the X to close/claim?
* HOSs where the items were 'well hidden', which you came across 8x in the 60 minute demo, which you revisited, where some of the items were 3x this or 3x that?
* Where you could click a 'hidden' symbol in HOSs or scenes to reveal interesting facts?
If you enjoyed those games then here is No3. This time you are an FBI investigator trying to discover who has 'stolen' the Statue of Liberty's flame.
I found the storyline a little more interesting this time, the graphics were OK, the music was OK but repetitive.
HOS heavy, this is definitely one for lovers of the 'classic' HOS style; a simple word list and much searching to be done. The hint recharges in about 30 seconds if you are struggling.
Puzzles were quite good (I encountered 3). There is little help and the hint just says, for example, "put the metal bits together" with no real clue as to where to start so they could challenge the old grey cells.
So, I would say it is a little better than Jean Valjean and Alice, and this time I might possibly use an expiring coupon without kicking and screaming, but it does not thrill me.
As I said, if you like classic HOGs with much handholding from the ever-present arrows, eyes, etc then go on and give it a try. This is what will put me off. I want to search that scene and find things for myself and then conclude, for myself, that there is nothing more to be done.
I recommend you try it, not that you buy it!
I recommend this game!
Manor Memoirs Collector's Edition
Help Scarlett write her next novel!
Overall rating
3
/
5
67 of 84 found this review helpful
An enjoyable game for HOG fans
PostedAugust 23, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, I will start off by saying that this is not my sort of hidden object game, I didn't enjoy Gardenscapes and much prefer HOPAs.
However, if you like HO games and can put up with the repetition then it is a fun game.
Most will know how the gameplay works but if you are new to this type...
Your friend is doing up the $1.5m manor she bought on a whim and you have to organise her yard sales, find the objects people want to buy (a paperclip for $35? Really?) and then grab the money to keep the customers coming in. You have various 'tools' to help you as you progress which also need to be found in the scene. Some scenes have multiple objects to find to move the 'story' on. You earn achievements and get bonus money for not using hints, accuracy etc As you earn enough money you can buy 'stuff' to do up the house.
The trial is only 60 minutes but felt much longer.
HOSs were revisited with often some of the same things to be found.
Music was OK, graphics were clear.
The taste of the furniture buyer was appalling! I went for an appropriate antique look but regretted that when the carpet choice came round. You can 'redesign'.
I played in relaxed mode, but there is a timed too.
Oh, and you have to name the cat who comes down the chimney! I called mine a name which reflects his fatness which the filter strangely found offensive!
I am not sure why this is a CE and probably wouldn't buy it as an SE anyway, but if you love HOGs then this could be a good buy for you, especially with the sale today.
Had no tech issues on my Windows 7 Home Premium
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The shadow of the Jabberwocky, a terrifying fantasy creature glides above Wonderland! Help Alice restore peace and harmony back to the land!
Overall rating
1
/
5
55 of 89 found this review helpful
I played it so that you don't have to!
PostedAugust 19, 2014
Tufty57
fromWeeping in the corner!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
They have ruined a childhood favourite of mine and to make matters worse, they keep making references to the delightful characters; the bread-and-butterfly, the rocking horse fly, the jubjub bird and my favourite jabberwocky to mention but a few!
Just do yourself a favour! Stop reading this, switch off your PC/Mac/Laptop and go and spend an hour watching paint dry!
OK, well if you insist!
If you played Les Mis a few days ago, then substitute one set of characters for the other and there you have it!
No levels of gameplay, music on/off, (I HIGHLY recommend off and I NEVER turn the music off!), sounds on/off.
Uninvited tutorial! Straight into an HOS (with even more irritating music). Just a simple list with a final single inventory item. Challenging? Yes, because there are tiny/invisibly camouflaged objects. I pride myself on never using a hint in an HOS. But, in this case I could't bear it! I would have skipped if I could! (Oh and by the way, if you think the hint takes an age, wait until you DO want to skip!) And even worse there are so many of them, around every corner!
Puzzles, so basic I cannot bring myself to describe them.
Uninvited tutorial! Straight into an HOS (with even more irritating music). Just a simple list with a final single inventory item. Challenging? Yes, because there are tiny/invisibly camouflaged objects. I pride myself on never using a hint in an HOS. But, in this case I could't bear it! I would have skipped if I could! (Oh and by the way, if you think the hint takes an age, wait until you DO want to skip!) And even worse there are so many of them, around every corner!
Puzzles, so basic I cannot bring myself to describe them.
Now onto the things I really hated!
* That flaming purring/snoring (?) cat as my hint (and I loved the CC in the story!)
* Cheshire cat smiles all over the place; in scenes, in HOSs. Got bored and ignored them! They give 'interesting' facts if you can be bothered!
* Hold and drag, don't click to get things from your inventory. Well, we all loved that in 'The French Game' didn't we?
* Arrows, eyes, puzzle pieces and magnifiers glow altogether just in case you are unsure what to do for 2 seconds.
* You have to click the x to close all windows
* That stupid cat's face during every scene change/window opening to 'cover' the time it takes to transition
* Have to click the inventory up when you need it.
* Cheshire cat smiles all over the place; in scenes, in HOSs. Got bored and ignored them! They give 'interesting' facts if you can be bothered!
* Hold and drag, don't click to get things from your inventory. Well, we all loved that in 'The French Game' didn't we?
* Arrows, eyes, puzzle pieces and magnifiers glow altogether just in case you are unsure what to do for 2 seconds.
* You have to click the x to close all windows
* That stupid cat's face during every scene change/window opening to 'cover' the time it takes to transition
* Have to click the inventory up when you need it.
I would not buy this game if you thrust a coupon in my hand and dragged me to the 'store'.
So, there you go. Hope you enjoy the paint. Do not say you weren't warned!
I don't recommend this game.
Unleash the awesome power of nature in Weather Lord: In Pursuit of the Shaman!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 51 found this review helpful
An enjoyable little game.
PostedAugust 18, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There is no tutorial but you soon get to work out what to do and I admit I did gasp in horror as I allowed my 5 pumpkin's worth of warrior to die a couple of times.
What I DO like about this game is there's no "Let's go!" or other repetitive remarks when you task your workers. Just a little "Eeek!" if they get caught by the gollum or a little cheer when you meet your targets.
I play these games just for fun and rarely purchase them, so I don't mind too much if I have built and upgraded a sawmill and then find I should have built a forge.
If you are a serious player, I would use the demo as your tutorial and then play under a new profile to play 'seriously'. Or, I believe, you can reply the levels to improve your score/achievement.
Definitely worth a demo IMHO
I recommend this game!
There's a new sheriff in Meadows Town – and it's you! Can you stop a vengeful Viking spirit before she strikes again?
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 154 found this review helpful
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
PostedAugust 14, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on demo 73 minutes
The bunnies have been busy again and you can tell straight away it is one of their games.
A new sheriff arrives in town to solve the mystery of serial murder and disappearances. Helped by his (rather too helpful) deputy, he sets about compiling the evidence on an evidence board and pursuing his ghostly adversary.
Reminded me a bit of a wedding; something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
The old was the CE bling:
* Wallpaper/Concept Art/Screen Saver/Movies/Music/Workshop
* Mini games and hidden object replay
* Collectibles in the shape of runes to collect (40) which are used to decode prophesies on 8 scrolls
* 4 Levels of gameplay including custom
* Wallpaper/Concept Art/Screen Saver/Movies/Music/Workshop
* Mini games and hidden object replay
* Collectibles in the shape of runes to collect (40) which are used to decode prophesies on 8 scrolls
* 4 Levels of gameplay including custom
I found no achievements :-((
The new was the map - a SatNav style jumpable map with 4 screens and showing location and objective/action. Also twice I received back story by listening to the radio.
Borrowed...
...a mystic orb which identifies paranormal activity and collects energy which is then used to uncover a secret. Found myself quartering the screen to find glowing energy which can be tiresome.
...a mystic orb which identifies paranormal activity and collects energy which is then used to uncover a secret. Found myself quartering the screen to find glowing energy which can be tiresome.
Blue:
* Colours are blue/grey shades which are quite soothing
* Colours are blue/grey shades which are quite soothing
Puzzles, of which there were several, were very straightforward but some new ideas which I liked.
HOSs: I only came across 2. One was a find pairs and the other a replace items. The second one I found quite amusing!
I had a peep at the SG for information and found:
* no HOP solutions/screen shots
* 3 chapters shown plus locations of runes
* no HOP solutions/screen shots
* 3 chapters shown plus locations of runes
Apart from the easiness of the puzzles and HOSs, I found it exercised my grey cells on the gameplay. It also had an almost 'tongue-in-cheek' humour which kept me smiling and added to the fun factor. The storyline is a new take, which I liked a lot.
The gameplay was smooth and I downloaded and played with no issues at all.
So, I will be buying this weekend. I thoroughly recommend you give it a try and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Discover the story of Jean Valjean, the hero of the novel "Les Misérables"!
Overall rating
3
/
5
84 of 97 found this review helpful
Be careful what you wish for!
PostedAugust 13, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I recently read of a fellow player who bemoaned the lack of games based on 'The Classics' of literature. Well, here you have it! If you do not know the story, then it seems to leap about somewhat. But it is heavily linked to the film in its structure, rather than the novel.
I quite enjoyed playing the demo. There was a lot to do and at times it was challenging.
I thought the graphics were good, well drawn and the music was, again, reminiscent of the film. Very enjoyable. Sadly, the characters were not based on the actors. Having Hugh Jackman or Russell Crowe might have earned an extra star! There are no VOs so lots of reading to do in dialogues and info drops.
The gameplay was the thing that let the game down. there is little challenge as the directional circles pop up in every scene with either an eye (HOS), a magnifier, a jigsaw piece (puzzle) or footprints to go to another scene. Click these, not the object to activate them. However, BEWARE! This is not all there is in a scene!
The cursor will change to white at times and might reveal a hidden butterfly or a pick-up. Butterflies reveal facts about the history or the film.
If you like HOSs, then you will LOVE this game! There are LOADS! All simple lists with a final object to keep. (BTW you have to click the X to take the object) But, they are not easy at all. I think I had to use a hint in most to find a last object. You really do have to search. And there are hidden butterflies in some too!
There are no whistles and bells; no map, no journal, no different gameplay levels. You certainly don't need the first two. The game is very linear.
All in all I quite enjoyed it and might consider it for an expiring coupon. I certainly recommend you give it a try. What can you lose except a bit of time? You might just enjoy it!
I recommend this game!
Travel through ghost worlds to investigate the mysteries of your family. Can you uncover the mystery of the tribal curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
A real treat!
PostedAugust 11, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a lovely little game!
A straightforward HOPA with few whistles and bells, but an unusual storyline and gameplay.
3 levels of play which cannot be changed, no map and no collectibles, achievements, morphs or cute pets to distract you from the challenges of the game. It does require some thinking and I did use the hint a fair bit, but it is all there, you just need thought and patience to crack it.
The themes (and some of the screens) are a bit dark, including pentagrams and dolls. This might put some off.
It is certainly one to try (60 minute demo) and I will be purchasing with a coupon today to get my punch!
I recommend this game!
A Mayan god is turning people into jaguars! Can you stop him before the world falls into chaos?
Overall rating
4
/
5
128 of 137 found this review helpful
A little underwhelmed
PostedAugust 7, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Chapter 3 of the Mayan Prophecies and, having completed the demo, I feel a little deflated. The story is a loose continuation of the previous games, but you are briefly filled in during the intro so no worries if you haven't got/played them.
The storyline is a familiar one, with the main menace being jaguars this time. Just needed an occasional "Mwah ha ha!" from the baddy as he helps the evil one to take over the world.
It was enjoyable and, although the storyline has been done to death, it is somewhat intriguing as to how you will defeat him this time.
Visuals were OK, but the dark smoke and pink/purple shades are prevalent again. Sound quality was disappointing. Our heroine's voice was very flat which took away any tension or excitement. Music was occasional and there were long periods of silence. The jaguars roar, I discovered, was a clue to use your helper. Hmmm :-(
The only challenge in the puzzles was a lack of clear instructions which led me to skip one.
HOSs are junk piles (you will be amazed what they store in Jaguar cages these days) and a lot of the scenes are very cluttered too. I came across 4 in the demo, 3 fairly simple interactive lists and one silhouette. There is a mahjong alternative.
CE bling:
* Wallpapers/Concept Art/Screensavers/Music
* 15 achievements
* Mayan Horoscope
* Strategy Guide (don't know how useful as I didn't have to use it)
* Morphing objects in main scenes (but no reminder of if you have got it.)
* 25 birds to collect
* Jump Map with active areas marked and your location
* 4 levels of play - Casual/Normal/Hard/Custom
* Wallpapers/Concept Art/Screensavers/Music
* 15 achievements
* Mayan Horoscope
* Strategy Guide (don't know how useful as I didn't have to use it)
* Morphing objects in main scenes (but no reminder of if you have got it.)
* 25 birds to collect
* Jump Map with active areas marked and your location
* 4 levels of play - Casual/Normal/Hard/Custom
All in all I liked it. I could have liked it more with a little originality. I will probably buy in a sale to complete my collection, but I am not blown away.
Definitely worth a try.
I recommend this game!
Hoyle Illusions
There is malice afoot on the eve of the awaited Battle Royale between two famous illusionists. Will you get to the theater on time and save the day?
Overall rating
1
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
Only for HOS fanatics with 20/20 vision and infinite patience
PostedAugust 5, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The premise sounded intriguing: a Battle Royale between two great magicians. Made me think of a favourite film "The Prestige".
Checked the main menu and found that there were collectibles (52 playing cards) to open up mini games. Hmmmm!
Began to play. And that's when it started going downhill!
There is no choice of gameplay and the uninvited tutorial holds your hand from the start. Unless you have NEVER played a HOG before, you do not need to be told to find objects from the list!
You begin by playing one character and then, as the story unfolds, you switch between her and her fiance. This could have been a redeeming feature. Another is a magical way of finding inventory objects, but after the first few it just becomes boring.
HOSs - all lists, all junk piles, all a bit dark, all with tiny objects. I played 10 during my 60 minute demo, one was repeated (I had to find some of the same objects which were in exactly the same place as before!) and the same objects cropped up in all of them.
Puzzles? Well don't get me started! For the first I had to find 4 music sheets, I found 3, placed them dutifully onto the music stand, went to search for the 4th, clicked in error on the piano and there I am in the puzzle with no escape and no clue of what to play! Had to skip! 2 other puzzles were so frustrating, I skipped them too (and I usually love puzzles!)
Music in the main game is OK, in the HOSs it is repetitive and irritating. Graphics are so old fashioned and dark. VOs are none existent - all reading and popping up too often to state the obvious.
You have probably guessed by now that I will not be buying this game even with a coupon.
I repeat: "Only for HOS fanatics with 20/20 vision and infinite patience"
I don't recommend this game.