dustygoose's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:10
- Reviews Submitted:4
- First Review:October 29, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 5, 2012
- Featured reviews0
dustygoose's Review History
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter
Embark on a thrilling rescue mission in the Town of the Cyclops!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Absolutely enchanted! Imaginative game with quiet understated charm
PostedNovember 5, 2012
dustygoose
fromSydney, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter
(80)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Glad I gave this one another go! Put off by its unique gameplay style initially, I was captivated on my second try. And hooked I was, from start to finish.
Exploring a sprawling cyclopean town while trying to save your lover and then escape, I encountered gorgeous lush scenery, charming characters (some of whom actually had fun lines), found cute companions, and learnt more about the secrets that lay behind. And don’t forget a creepy villain too.
The puzzles/mini-games were unique, hidden object scenes moderately challenging, and the rest was pure adventure – of a more quiet, steady style. The voiceovers were fantastic (in accent and tone), although pretty much everything was voiced, so that could get on some peoples’ nerves. Another down side was how some of the recurring puzzles/mini-games (e.g. pebbles) could get quite dull.
I enjoyed collecting the strawberries, you had to really look out for them, and the reward was very worth it! *Those who have not played the earlier game- Margrave: Curse of Severed Heart -might want to hold off reading the strawberry book until you’ve finished it*
Loved the soothing background music as well. The ending was very moving, even if the cutscenes were slightly awkward. This is one of those rare games where I couldn’t quite predict where the storyline was going. Kept me engaged to the very end.
Overall this is a most whimsical and charming game that grows on you. It may seem weird at first, but definitely stands out from the crowd. I would play this again despite its flaws. My whole-hearted 5 stars.
I recommend this game!
Grim Tales: The Bride
After your sister vanishes on her wedding day no one has any idea what happened to her, so it's up to you to find the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Puzzles and visuals were good
PostedNovember 5, 2012
dustygoose
fromSydney, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter
(80)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You are off to save your twin sister from a sinister situation!
Innovative puzzles plus gorgeous visuals and ambience (realistic rain and snow) drew me in to this one. Unfortunately in the end the threadbare storyline let it down, leaving me feeling a little hollow inside after finishing it. Too much use of keys & locks really dulled the gameplay, especially towards the end.
There were moments of creative inventory item use which had me smiling, but these were rare in the second half of the game. Glitch alert -- quite a few of the puzzles had reset buttons which did not work properly.
Admittedly however, I was hooked on this game and finished in hour-long spurts (total 4-5 hours). I also liked the big and colourful hidden object scenes – no eye strain :) Hints also told you exactly what you needed to do.
I’d recommend this game to puzzle-lovers, and you’ll enjoy it as long as you don’t take the story or game too seriously! Giving this 3.5 stars.
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Premature Burial Collector's Edition
A young man has hired Detective Dupin to solve a mysterious case in Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Premature Burial!
Overall rating
5
/
5
An exciting adventure
PostedOctober 29, 2012
dustygoose
fromSydney, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed the story this was based on, even though I found this game had too many ghostly appearances for my comfort. It was thrilling to work through the game with the detective, as I wanted to see how the story progressed.
Gameplay was quite challenging (needed hints more often than I wanted to), and the mini-games were such fun, and good variety too! Even the hidden object scenes (something I prefer less of) were interactive and easy on the eye. Visuals were excellent and depicted the settings well, conveying a sense of misfortune which added to the atmosphere. Looking out for the collectibles was nice too.
Hours of fun roaming around town with this one!
I recommend this game!
Awakening: The Skyward Castle
Discover the fate of your exiled kingdom, save your people, and end the ancient evil that started it all!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Lovely Gem of a Game
PostedOctober 29, 2012
dustygoose
fromSydney, Australia
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
This is a gorgeous game that follows on from the story in the previous 3 Awakening games. Like the rest, this one is filled with love and hope in an untwisted magical world, unlike many other games out there.
Liked:
- Good storyline, which is detailed and well thought-out.
- Characters add to the experience, lovely helpers and voiceovers. I like the goodness of the characters.
- Tranquil music + bright watercolour-style graphics create an enchanting atmosphere.
- Lots of varied puzzles/mini-games which range from easy to very hard, some interactive hidden object scenes
- Inventory item use was mostly intuitive
- Pretty fast-travel map, hint recharges fast and works everywhere, concise journal,
- Good length (Took me 6-7 hours to finish over a couple of weeks on expert mode. Didn't skip any puzzles, for some I got stuck and needed pen and paper)
- Good storyline, which is detailed and well thought-out.
- Characters add to the experience, lovely helpers and voiceovers. I like the goodness of the characters.
- Tranquil music + bright watercolour-style graphics create an enchanting atmosphere.
- Lots of varied puzzles/mini-games which range from easy to very hard, some interactive hidden object scenes
- Inventory item use was mostly intuitive
- Pretty fast-travel map, hint recharges fast and works everywhere, concise journal,
- Good length (Took me 6-7 hours to finish over a couple of weeks on expert mode. Didn't skip any puzzles, for some I got stuck and needed pen and paper)
Didn't like so much:
- Some puzzles could have better instructions. One repeated puzzle was too much guessing (I heard this was the bonus minigame in the CE version).
- Some puzzles could have better instructions. One repeated puzzle was too much guessing (I heard this was the bonus minigame in the CE version).
I highly recommend this gem! Especially if you enjoy immersing yourself at a slower pace, and don't mind taking time to think in the games. Not too dark or evil, which is refreshing. Well-worth the price!
I recommend this game!