shorenuf's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:2,543
- Reviews Submitted:89
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:October 25, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Reveal the twisted plan of a deranged magician who has his own Vendetta against the world! And uncover a secretive world of magicians and discover the power they have held and passed down through the centuries!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
My expectations were shattered…
PostedJuly 5, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I almost passed on this game because of mediocre reviews. I'm quite glad I didn't, it was really pretty good. My first impressions…
✐ Widescreen
✐ Colorful, fun graphics
✐ Voice overs
✐ Totally camp story and presentation
✐ Comes from a dev. who has made some pretty decent games
✐ 3 modes of play -- hardest has no help at all. Black bar info is there, but no hints and no puzzle instructions.
✐ Non interactive map -- shows your location. Objectives are not marked in advanced mode. From the map there would appear to be many locations to explore.
✐ Tutorial available only in casual mode.
✐ Lots of tasks to remember -- for what looks like a simple game, I was tempted to take notes.
✐ A story with a different twist…
✐ Colorful, fun graphics
✐ Voice overs
✐ Totally camp story and presentation
✐ Comes from a dev. who has made some pretty decent games
✐ 3 modes of play -- hardest has no help at all. Black bar info is there, but no hints and no puzzle instructions.
✐ Non interactive map -- shows your location. Objectives are not marked in advanced mode. From the map there would appear to be many locations to explore.
✐ Tutorial available only in casual mode.
✐ Lots of tasks to remember -- for what looks like a simple game, I was tempted to take notes.
✐ A story with a different twist…
Damien LeStrange, who bills himself as the world's greatest magician, is making famous landmarks disappear. Next stop for the detective on the case, Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Judging from the first in the series (Shattered Minds: Masquerade), there will be at least a few tricky puzzles. The HO's are junk pile with minor interaction if any. The tasks are many, but I doubt you will wear out any gray cells.
Well -- the story in this game got a bit more serious. So did the game play. There are tons of inventory items, tons of tasks, some really pretty good puzzles, and the H0G scenes are not too laborious but there are some very well disguised objects.
I haven't changed my opinion -- this is a good, entertaining game. It is definitely not short, and I didn't get bored with it. Don't take any of this game too seriously. Just go with it and have a few hours of fun!
I recommend this game!
A fun filled game of Solitaire for all ages
Overall rating
2
/
5
36 of 60 found this review helpful
The cards are still lost…
PostedJuly 3, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
3 mode solitaire game that plays like Fairway -- move cards one higher or lower to the discard pile.
Casual -- more generous power bar fill, less money to shop for special abilities, most likely to complete the level
Normal -- less generous power bar fill, more money to shop, more likely to complete the level than…
Advanced -- ridiculously stingy power bar fill, more money to shop, you cannot put King on Ace or Ace on King. Good luck completing levels.
Normal -- less generous power bar fill, more money to shop, more likely to complete the level than…
Advanced -- ridiculously stingy power bar fill, more money to shop, you cannot put King on Ace or Ace on King. Good luck completing levels.
Worst feature -- if you do not complete the level (first level has 10 hands; I played in normal and never got to level 2) -- you must play all the hands over again. I played them over 3 times. Trust me -- you need to race.
So -- this is no where near as cute as the original Fairway Solitaire. The story, perhaps, is a bit more lighthearted than Legends of Avalon. I wouldn't know because apparently it advances between levels. You can choose different fronts and backs of cards -- all mediocre. There are achievements.
Not widescreen, not terribly attractive, not a game I need to buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Save your sister and uncover the secrets of an ancient organization in Silent Nights: The Pianist!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
The Pianist Plays Detective…
PostedJune 14, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The year is 1946. The location is post war France. The wide screen artwork is rife with the aftermath of war. You are a pianist, meeting your sister, a noted singer, to accompany her in concert. But, you arrive to find she is missing. You go searching for her and discover she has been kidnapped by villains with a sinister plan to … well, I shan't ruin the story.
The game play is presented in a 2 mode HOPA (expert has sparkles only for H0 scenes, slower hint recharge.) H0s are interactive. Puzzles have interest but are not difficult. IMHO too much direction is given to guide you through tasks to leave much challenge in the adventure. The story takes the game along, but one disturbing truth (?) is revealed but left unanswered. This in no way suggests a sequel, but I had hoped it would be clarified. The core story has a satisfactory conclusion.
CE bonus content includes wall papers -- hardly bright and cheerful; nicely presented concept art; music featuring the piano, cannot be saved; the strategy guide -- well done, but does not follow your progress; and a bonus chapter.
The bonus chapter follows your sister's experiences while you are looking for her. It is not essential to the core story. You revisit some areas including H0 scenes where you are asked to find many of the same objects. There are puzzles -- two are fairly interesting, There are two new areas to explore. It is as well done as the core game, but, to repeat, not essential to the main story. It is fairly short.
I'm pokey, but I finished the main game in a full evening's time. I would say there is no more than 5 hours total for the average player. In total this is an okay game -- nothing extraordinary -- on par with so many "same old, same old" games we've seen. The setting is somber and realistic -- odd to play a game with such a back drop whether or not the story told could be real. At the same time, the setting does set it apart from all the games that are pure fantasy or horror.
Certainly demo the game. If it appeals to you, the SE will provide substantial enough game play. 3.5 stars.
I recommend this game!
Enter a pre-historic world full of rolling stones and thunderous cheer for a modern marble popper.
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 57 found this review helpful
This game rocks!
PostedJune 12, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am not good (terrible, actually) at these shooter games. This is possibly the only one where I have ever felt at all successful -- well, at least I didn't feel totally beaten by the third level.
The mechanic is a bit different from others. And, you don't lose lives and lose the game -- you can repeat the level if you fail. That said, it's been on my Mac for a long time, but not a game I go back to or ever near finished.
Three modes of play -- strategy, survival, and classic. Lots of different power ups to collect. Lots of action when you catch them. Collect jewels after each completed level. Earn achievements. Build a village.
Older (2008), not wide screen, but colorful, plays in Mac OS LION. If you have never tried a Marble Popper game (in this case rocks), or if you think you couldn't succeed at this type of game, give this one a try. I was only going to see if it would open in LION for the purpose of this review, and ended up playing a few more levels. I played with a sense of confidence and it was even fun!
I recommend this game!
After inheriting a manor in England, you begin to explore the Kangale Estate and discover its history!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
That's one hot ghost!
PostedJune 3, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Well, some reviews said this was short, but I had to play it over a couple of days. I quite enjoyed it, actually. Not that the HOPA formula changed that much, but there were some added twists to inventory items that I liked.
✐Some items got used for more than one task
✐Some tasks required the use of non conventional items
✐Some items you found went in inventory but were puzzles to be solved after you found more pieces
✐Some items you found went in inventory but required additional actions to be useful
✐Some items got used for more than one task
✐Some tasks required the use of non conventional items
✐Some items you found went in inventory but were puzzles to be solved after you found more pieces
✐Some items you found went in inventory but required additional actions to be useful
HO scenes were interactive.
The journal kept track of the story, tasks, diary entries and pictures. You are provided with a camera that took very special pictures. You are also provided with a flashlight to illuminate dark areas.
I played in no sparkle mode -- close attention to everything was essential. There wasn't as much hand holding as in other games. There was, perhaps, an overdose of back and forth, with no interactive map to help you. Some of the tasks and puzzles were quite clever. There were many more H0 scenes than puzzles.
Hint system was available for H0s and tasks. If there was nothing to do in an area, it guided you along to the next task without needing to recharge. Puzzles can be skipped in all but hardcore, and you can switch modes, so SG not essential. Other CE extras are weak -- wallpaper and concept art.
Presentation was well done. Widescreen, special effects, animated cut scenes, artwork fit the atmosphere.
The story was presented well enough to hold your attention. The Bonus Chapter is absolutely essential to bring it to conclusion. The hero is actually left in peril as the core game ends. In the end, even the whole story left some questions unanswered.
To be honest, the Bonus chapter had some of the best of the game play. HOPAs have to have a story to take them along, but it was actually the game play throughout that I appreciated more.
This game gets a lot more involved past the demo hour. I say give it a try!
I recommend this game!
After their yacht is sunk by an incredible storm, Jane and Mike are separated in Sea Legends: Phantasmal Light!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Good to the core…
PostedJune 2, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If you are looking for a game with a lot of back and forth adventuring, a need to keep a sharp eye out for everything, some decent puzzles, maybe a tad too many interactive, and rather well done H0 scenes, an interesting enough story to keep you intrigued with the game play, this might just be it.
I will say, throughout the game the story suggested a more comprehensive ending, but did not deliver same, even in the bonus chapter. As for the CE extras -- the Strategy Guide was comprehensive, a few music tracks, concept art, and wall papers that probably would not enliven your desk top.
The bonus game play was as good as the main game, but rather short. Curiously, it suggested you were choosing from one of two endings when playing the final puzzle. Unfortunately it was not replayable -- you would have to repeat the entire game -- no thanks, it was a pretty good game, but not that good. The core game ended with enough conclusion. The bonus chapter definitely got the characters closer to home, but it wasn't required to feel satisfied.
All in all -- there was more than the usual amount of game play a standard edition would offer -- get the SE of this game and you will be satisfactorily entertained for quite a while.
I recommend this game!
Rita Ray, your mother and world famous film star, has disappeared! Find her before it’s too late in Film Fatale: Lights, Camera, Madness!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Disappointingly short…
PostedMay 20, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
…because I was having fun and wanted more!
It probably will only take you around 3 hours in expert mode. You could ignore the map, which points out where you can accomplish objectives, but it's interactive and very tempting to be transported exactly where you need to be.
From the villain's voice acting, to the eccentric setting, this is just campy fun. Kudos for the story -- up to the end, I did not anticipate the villain's final confrontation.
Thematically presented but fairly familiar puzzles, static H0G scenes, some clever tasks -- no great level of challenge, but no matter. This is just an entertaining activity that will take about as much time as going to a movie. Just that movies aren't made with V W. Vernon's approach.
I recommend this game!
The Hods, magical beings and pure of heart, once lived in harmony with the holy Tree of Life. But the endless greed of a dark demon forced the Hods into hiding. Now, new hope springs eternal. Rebuild the world of the Hods in this Match 3 Adventure Game and restore the Tree of Life to its old strength!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
At least the Hods are happy again…
PostedMay 9, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I'm not. I wanted to like this game but after only a few levels it just felt boring, tedious, wearisome, and repetitive.
I completed the game, buying a lot of power ups -- especially the extra time. I usually like the challenge in Match 3 of beating the clock -- it is simply an annoyance in this game. Besides, there is really no challenge since it is impossible to run out of money to buy power ups, and they are always available.
I got really tired of having to collect more pieces to finish the levels after the board was cleared -- a feature that seemed so innovative during the demo.
Jewel Legends Tree of Life might be best as a go to game (unless you feel compelled to earn the "played for 2 hours straight" achievement) .
What I was most impressed with, and what probably inspired me to buy the game, was that it was in true HD wide screen -- not just stretched. But lovely graphics were not enough to make this game fun.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Scarlet Frost outwit evil itself in a dark and mysterious theatre to save an innocent girl’s soul from the most sinister of perils.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
The Chronicleds of Scarlett Frost (Part 1?????)
PostedMay 3, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I must say I quite enjoyed this game. I even enjoyed the H0G scenes -- amazing myself, given I am rather tired of the concept at this point. The presentation, taken as a whole, just felt different. It was fun.
theater of the absurd (n.)
A form of drama that emphasizes the absurdity of human existence by employing disjointed, repetitious, and meaningless dialogue, purposeless and confusing situations, and plots that lack realistic or logical development.
A form of drama that emphasizes the absurdity of human existence by employing disjointed, repetitious, and meaningless dialogue, purposeless and confusing situations, and plots that lack realistic or logical development.
Well -- as a game it wasn't all of that. The setting was certainly surreal and horrific, but within the context, it had a story you could follow -- in a broad sense, anyway.
I remember reading Ionesco's [i]Rhinoceros[/i] for a college course and having to analyze it ad nauseam. I don't think this game requires quite so much introspection, but it will leave you thinking…
As for the game mechanics -- the hint system does double duty. It will indicate H0 items, but it also serves as a helping hand (literally) to perform certain tasks.
I'm glad I got the CE. The bonus chapter filled in some gaps. Visually, this game had some outstanding artwork, and it continued in the bonus content. In total, for the extra $$$, I suspect many will say it was not worth it. I enjoyed the game quite enough not to bemoan the additional cost.
This review is beginning to sound as absurd as the definition given above. Well -- it was an unusual experience. Nothing about the game play was particularly challenging. It was quite linear in scope. The puzzles were not difficult. The length was modest (even for pokey me) and the bonus chapter even shorter. Certainly you will not need the Strategy Guide. The other bonus content is Concept Art -- well presented but of little other value. And, when all is said and done -- well, you will be left "Waiting for Godot", so to speak. The game finishes with some "handy" information, but is it true? … hmmmm.
Still, I'm willing to say it was great -- how absurd is that?
I recommend this game!
A long time ago, the Dacians asked their gods to hide their treasures. Now, you have been chosen to find the treasures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Reach Zamolxes -- Go for the Gold!
PostedApril 27, 2012
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
An interesting twist on Match 3 play. Addictive. Along the way, complete a gate and face a FROG (Fragmented Object search) and task puzzle. Those are fine, visually interesting enough, but hardly the meat of this game. It's all about the game boards.
Timed in regards to earning medals, but otherwise the boards are more exercises in thinking than clicking. There is definitely a "best way" to play each board. Take as much time as you need to perfect your strategy. You will earn power ups as you progress through the 7 Gates.
There are 84 levels. After you have completed a board once, you can repeat it at any time. I was compelled to play through them all until I turned every level gold. I think you will be too!
I recommend this game!