timothya's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:1,143
- Reviews Submitted:192
- First Review:June 24, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A dark fog is taking over Bremen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Delightful In Every Way
PostedFebruary 22, 2017
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I was fortunate enough to beta this one and knew it was a winner from the beginning. Quite simply the best game I've played in a very long time. Yes, it's a sister-to-the-rescue game but the female POV isn't overly distracting for the guys this time.
Pros: Gorgeous graphics, luscious scenery. Cut scenes to the point and not too long. Great voice acting, immersive music, smooth game play. Puzzles on the easy side, HO scenes varied and kept interest up. The writing is outstanding, plot twisting and engaging, characters developed, resolution sweet and satisfying. Sufficient game play although I didn't want it to end. A beautiful job, full credits to the developers.
Cons: not a single thing. I've never said that in a review before.
I've played so many stinkers and almost-there's that I think I'm justified in gushing a little now and then when a truly five-star game comes along. This is one. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Finally A Worthy Successor
PostedDecember 28, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
At last, after a long drought, a MCF that actually captures the magic of games gone by. From the theme to the clattering typewriter, this is the first in a while that is actually likely to satisfy our client, the Queen. There are rough edges, to be sure: a plot that seems a little overwrought, a cast of characters on which it might be wise to take notes just to keep them straight, but all of the ambiance and the wonderful puzzles are back. Hurrah!
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery behind a local woman's death?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Spider Boy Couldn't Save This One
PostedDecember 5, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Strange, incomplete effort, better than its awful predecessor but not, by quite a bit, up to the standard set by the earlier games in the series.
Pros: 19th-century steampunk atmosphere, and Spider Boy is back! Nasty little fellow, the place just wasn't the same without him.
Cons: quite a few, I'm afraid. Characters were depthless and without any convincing motivation, the Doctor was ubiquitous and uniquely helpless for all that, depending on the detective for the slightest medical procedure that was, alas, formulaic (literally) and cliched. The plot plodded in a completely linear fashion, each step successively explained to the player by one character or another as if the player were an idiot. There was no explanation whatever for the puppets in this thing, the daughter's death was treated not as a tragedy but as a plot convenience, the entire narrative soulless and mechanical. Music was the same Puppetshow mix we've had for the entire series. General subjective impression: stale, boring, repetitive.
I don't recommend this game.
Your new dream home has become a deadly nightmare!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 17 found this review helpful
Chimeras Will Gitcha If Ya Don't Watch Out
PostedNovember 22, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A lovely take in an unusual series. Quite a bit of to and fro in this one but the game mechanics were flawless and the map was very useful. What stuck out were the vivid colorations and the interior scenes.
Pros: the art, which we have come to expect from this developer. One wants to sit down in one of the chairs next to a cozy fire and read one of the books that abound. It's my kind of place. Immersive music that was in places quite beautiful. Certain of the puzzles were just tough enough to be entertaining without overwhelming new players. Very nice balance there. Hybrid HO scenes that were a delight. And yes, the plot was a real mystery if not a terribly difficult one. Well done!
Extra Pros: the bonus game was nearly a game in itself in length and plot. This one earned its CE status!
Cons: not much. Voice acting adequate, little girl in the bonus game was a frequency-pushed woman - wish they'd stop doing that. Male protagonist was quite convincing if a little too calm for a fellow who'd just killed someone near to him. No more spoilers, I promise.
Overall: A four-and-a-half star game kicked up to five star status by excellent value in the bonus game.
I recommend this game!
Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows Collector's Edition
There's more to this resort than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
Great Halloween Game!
PostedOctober 18, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Phantasmat recovers after a weak previous entry. This one is dark, spooky, and it's a game the player's character survives more than prevails in. Some themes so old they'd be cliche if they weren't so well done. LOTS of game play for a change, even the Bonus game.
Pros: Madness and mayhem and a monster. Very atmospheric, both music and art, which some might find a little dark but it's appropriate here. Not much in the way of gaiety and lightness in this one. Plot a bit weak when it comes to an interesting villain but solid overall. Puzzles a mix of old and new - loved the magnet puzzle! Useful map.
Cons: Had to use that useful map because the task sequence was sometimes not only not obvious, but impossible to guess. No matter, it worked. Quite a bit of back-and-forth, but never too far. Music got a little repetitive at the end. Maybe a few too many sudden cut scenes that broke up the rhythm of the game. Not much negative to say, really.
Notes: A terrific Halloween game, Asylums, ruined mansions, decrepit graveyards, ghosts, monsters, and mad doctors, oh, my!
I recommend this game!
Can you save a woman’s fiancé before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
No Spiderboy?
PostedOctober 11, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
A rather dismal entry in a once-superior series. The storyline was rambling, chaotic, and absolutely awful.
Pros: usual great graphics, enjoyable steampunk atmosphere.
Cons: Same old music, same old everything except this one didn't have much of a plot. Come on, vengeful gypsy lady who was nice and evil by turns, magic powder, talismans, human souls moving around, what? In Puppetshow? The assistant was marginally clever but useless. Nothing really original here at all. Puzzles way too easy. Voice acting painfully melodramatic and a saccharine ending that was cringe-worthy.
If the series is to continue, the writers are going to have to return to its successful roots - mechanical cleverness, no mysticism, no cutesy assistant, no morphing objects that have nothing to do with the game, concentrate on the basics or just mercifully end the series, please.
I don't recommend this game.
What secrets are hidden in the legendary McCordan Library?
Overall rating
5
/
5
Great Entry In A Favorite Series
PostedSeptember 27, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Stunning graphics in this one. I was lucky enough to Beta it and wow, what they've turned it into! I'll cut to the chase.
Pros: Glorious art. Every scene is a separate feast. Clean Cuts has provided some wonderful, immersive music. Plenty of puzzles - I love puzzles - and the HO scenes are varied and stick close to the plot. The art on these isn't skimped at all, and they're beautiful to look at and delightful to play.
Cons: For a game this nice the complaint is always not enough. It's a compliment, truth be told.
Oh, and another note: one of the Extras is a particularly charming series on the Dev team. They don't think we players look at that stuff but we do. Thanks to all there for a great ride!
Pros: Glorious art. Every scene is a separate feast. Clean Cuts has provided some wonderful, immersive music. Plenty of puzzles - I love puzzles - and the HO scenes are varied and stick close to the plot. The art on these isn't skimped at all, and they're beautiful to look at and delightful to play.
Cons: For a game this nice the complaint is always not enough. It's a compliment, truth be told.
Oh, and another note: one of the Extras is a particularly charming series on the Dev team. They don't think we players look at that stuff but we do. Thanks to all there for a great ride!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the secret of the Qin dynasty?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Different Visually
PostedSeptember 21, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It took a while to get into this one - the environment was different but the game play was the same. Lots to like here.
Pros: Gorgeous graphics, beautifully rendered scenery, and it made me want to buy a ticket to China. Decent music, quite atmospheric. A fair bit of history here, too, and for once I actually read all the cards and got that little extra out of the game in terms of education. LOTS of play! This one didn't cheat anyone in terms of playing time, which is a refreshing change for a game with graphics this elaborate.
Cons: Game play fairly conventional, and all of the objects were heavily stylized. If you like Chinese symbology it's terrific, but it is very different to Western eyes. That was a cause of some frustration in the HOS.
Voice acting, decent, and finally a credit for Sam, hurrah! Even if it's just his shirt. Overall, a very creative and beautiful game.
I recommend this game!
Mysterious creatures are terrorizing the train!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Half a Game?
PostedAugust 10, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This one was a disappointment, I'm sorry to say.
First, the pros: great graphics as usual, terrific atmosphere - I LOVE train environments! Minimal voice acting, no interaction with most of the visible human characters, which frankly was a relief. Puzzles excellent, certain ones quite challenging, and a set of Boss puzzles a la MCF that I loved. Music fresh and not cloying.
Now the cons: the writing, first and foremost. What there was of it was not enough plot to fill a picture postcard. We had a terribly overused children-with-special-powers-in-peril framework, the usual overused cutesy Elf, who I will admit trying to feed to the guard dog unsuccessfully, alas. That's it. Not one shred of character development in any of a number of potentially interesting possibilities, which was a terrible waste: who was the villain, where were the creatures from and who were they, who were the children, what was the back story generally? What are we doing here? Why did everybody end up on a train? And it's short. Very, very short, and with that paucity of plot, entirely soulless.
This was a terrific start with great potential but as a finished product it is seriously lacking and unworthy, in my opinion, of a CE status; in fact, if it were my decision I wouldn't have released it to market in this state. Double its length, flesh out the characters, provide a coherent plot to the thing, and you might have an acceptable Standard edition. Not recommended.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore fascinating unexplored worlds and save the Earth from catastrophe in this thrilling Hidden Object Adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Unique Charm
PostedJune 22, 2016
timothya
fromSandpoint, Idaho
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It takes a certain sense of humor to enjoy this game and its predecessor, but if you have it, there's nothing quite like them for fun. I mean, it's silly - the characters are two-dimensional, the dialogue is so stilted it's camp, the translation is painful, and yet it's an absolutely brilliant game that wins by not taking itself too seriously.
Pros: gorgeous, colorful, detailed sci-fi graphics, each scene a pleasure to the eye. The music is cinema quality and carries the atmosphere. Excellent (and occasionally needed) hint and map system. Smooth game play.
Cons: you can't even call them cons, and that's the charm of the game - the parodic, straight-faced dialogue will leave you laughing out loud with the devs, not at them. "We must get to the dome." "Yes, we must." I wouldn't change a line of it.
More Pros: the mini-games. Yep, this one is a mini-gamer's paradise, most of them quite original, many short, some with a challenging wrinkle or two. There's an unexpected value here - I still play the first Invasion's mini-games several times a week and will do so with Invasion II's games as well. It's a genuine bonus that's better than any bonus chapter. The plot isn't, actually, all that important.
Not everyone will love these games but I adore them.
Pros: gorgeous, colorful, detailed sci-fi graphics, each scene a pleasure to the eye. The music is cinema quality and carries the atmosphere. Excellent (and occasionally needed) hint and map system. Smooth game play.
Cons: you can't even call them cons, and that's the charm of the game - the parodic, straight-faced dialogue will leave you laughing out loud with the devs, not at them. "We must get to the dome." "Yes, we must." I wouldn't change a line of it.
More Pros: the mini-games. Yep, this one is a mini-gamer's paradise, most of them quite original, many short, some with a challenging wrinkle or two. There's an unexpected value here - I still play the first Invasion's mini-games several times a week and will do so with Invasion II's games as well. It's a genuine bonus that's better than any bonus chapter. The plot isn't, actually, all that important.
Not everyone will love these games but I adore them.
I recommend this game!