LunaNik's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.8
- Helpful Votes:12,435
- Reviews Submitted:670
- First Review:November 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 19, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Put together the beautiful jigsaws included, or make your own new puzzles from photos or screen captures in Jigsaws Galore!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Almost five stars, except for a bit of bugginess.
PostedAugust 19, 2020
LunaNik
fromThe Island of Myst
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON PURCHASE
This is one of the best jigsaw puzzle apps I've seen, and I would have rated it five stars, except it crashes when I try to use my own pictures. Fortunately, it comes with a large selection of pictures which are varied in color and theme.
OPTIONS
• Have the finished puzzle in the background or not.
• Change the background color to your liking, or have it set automatically to matching or complementary colors.
• Change the appearance of the puzzle pieces, whether you prefer them flat or more dimensional.
• Arrange the pieces across the surface of the screen or just around the edges.
• Customize the game's sounds.
• Create one or more "trays" into which you can sort pieces by color or shape.
• Have the finished puzzle in the background or not.
• Change the background color to your liking, or have it set automatically to matching or complementary colors.
• Change the appearance of the puzzle pieces, whether you prefer them flat or more dimensional.
• Arrange the pieces across the surface of the screen or just around the edges.
• Customize the game's sounds.
• Create one or more "trays" into which you can sort pieces by color or shape.
I hope to find a workaround for using my own pictures. Of note, this game works on El Capitan (OS 10.11.6). Based on the various customizations, the ease of the game's mechanics, and the wide variety of pictures...
I recommend this game!
Help Jim find Long John Silver's hidden treasure! Avoid dangerous traps set by the legendary pirate, and discover awesome riches!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Brilliantly designed adventure game!
PostedAugust 16, 2020
LunaNik
fromMORE GAMES LIKE THIS ONE, PLEASE!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
STORYLINE
Ahoy! I'm Jim Hawkins, and I'm the only pirate Long John Silver ever trusted. Unfortunately, the more mutinous members of Silver's former crew have pirated my boat and locked me in the hold. While attempting to escape, Silver's parrot brings me an enigma, a list of clues in the form of a poem. Once I escape, I'll be off to explore Emerald Isle for Long John Silver's fabled treasure!
Ahoy! I'm Jim Hawkins, and I'm the only pirate Long John Silver ever trusted. Unfortunately, the more mutinous members of Silver's former crew have pirated my boat and locked me in the hold. While attempting to escape, Silver's parrot brings me an enigma, a list of clues in the form of a poem. Once I escape, I'll be off to explore Emerald Isle for Long John Silver's fabled treasure!
GAMEPLAY
This is a pure adventure game, so there are no hidden object scenes. (If BFG offered more like this, I would have kept up my membership.) Explore each and every scene for useful items, which can be stored in the giant 75-spot inventory, so there's no limit to what you can carry around with you.
This is a pure adventure game, so there are no hidden object scenes. (If BFG offered more like this, I would have kept up my membership.) Explore each and every scene for useful items, which can be stored in the giant 75-spot inventory, so there's no limit to what you can carry around with you.
Items can also be combined to create new items, or disassembled to reveal new parts. There's a lot of disassembling, then combining in new configurations, but every move is rational. There's none of the "use a table fork as a crowbar" nonsense that permeates HOPAs.
There are puzzles here and there—including an epically complex "boss" puzzle—and instructions are not needed at all. All the information and items needed to solve them can be found somewhere on the island. Then it's just a question of firing your neurons.
PRODUCTION
Graphics are realistic (given the 2006 release). Not being a fan of sea chanteys, I turned off the music. Voiceovers are professional and sound effects are realistic. For 2006, this is amazing production.
Graphics are realistic (given the 2006 release). Not being a fan of sea chanteys, I turned off the music. Voiceovers are professional and sound effects are realistic. For 2006, this is amazing production.
MECHANICS
Navigation is similar to Myst's; move the mouse to look around (and up and down), and click on the navigation arrows to move to the next scene. (Since you can rotate your viewpoint 360º, there's no backing up. To return to the previous location, turn around and click the arrow forward.)
Navigation is similar to Myst's; move the mouse to look around (and up and down), and click on the navigation arrows to move to the next scene. (Since you can rotate your viewpoint 360º, there's no backing up. To return to the previous location, turn around and click the arrow forward.)
EXPERIENCE
The storyline is eminently immersive with sufficient plot twists to prompt you to continue. Gameplay is intuitive, not linear, and integrated into the story beautifully. I really enjoyed the lack of hand-holding, hint buttons, and integrated walkthrough. Finishing the game without any of that help was immensely satisfying.
The storyline is eminently immersive with sufficient plot twists to prompt you to continue. Gameplay is intuitive, not linear, and integrated into the story beautifully. I really enjoyed the lack of hand-holding, hint buttons, and integrated walkthrough. Finishing the game without any of that help was immensely satisfying.
Note: The game worked perfectly with OS 10.11.6 (El Capitan).
For all the reasons listed above...
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friends from their family’s tainted past?
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Awful.
PostedAugust 14, 2020
LunaNik
fromThe HOPA genre is dead...killed by developer greed, as evidenced by devs churning out one clone after another.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
STORYLINE
Moves slowly and illogically. "OMG, I have to save this person! But first I'll help the carpenter carve animal figurines, fix the car, and do a hundred other inane tasks."
Moves slowly and illogically. "OMG, I have to save this person! But first I'll help the carpenter carve animal figurines, fix the car, and do a hundred other inane tasks."
Done to the death plot. Tentacled monstrosity with minions who kill members of the Livingstone family. If your tentacled monstrosity isn't Cthulhu, why bother?
GAMEPLAY
HOs take about 15 seconds each, since every object is in plain sight. Mini-games lack cohesive instructions; most are "swap the pieces". Been there, done that a zillion times, tired of it.
HOs take about 15 seconds each, since every object is in plain sight. Mini-games lack cohesive instructions; most are "swap the pieces". Been there, done that a zillion times, tired of it.
Exploration largely involves fixing broken things, doing favors for people, and the like. Mr. Fixit gameplay that makes no sense and is tedious.
PRODUCTION
Overall high. So what? This is supposed to be a game, not an interactive story. Give me some gameplay I can sink my teeth into, that provides an actual challenge.
Overall high. So what? This is supposed to be a game, not an interactive story. Give me some gameplay I can sink my teeth into, that provides an actual challenge.
CONCLUSION
Not even if it was free.
Not even if it was free.
I don't recommend this game.
Springfield has never been spookier! See the Costume Parade, Ghostly Museum, Dracula's Castle and Haunted Hotel in this superb Halloween adventure.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
This dev has the best HO scenes in the business.
PostedJuly 4, 2020
LunaNik
fromIt is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based on purchased, completed game.
STORYLINE
The fictional town of Springfield has got its Halloween on, and we follow the family around to different areas and attractions, each of which generates several HO scenes.
The fictional town of Springfield has got its Halloween on, and we follow the family around to different areas and attractions, each of which generates several HO scenes.
GAMEPLAY
The HO scenes include an interactive list with both simple and complex interactions. For some, you must deduce where the object is hidden and reveal it. For others, you must find an item and put it where it belongs.
The HO scenes include an interactive list with both simple and complex interactions. For some, you must deduce where the object is hidden and reveal it. For others, you must find an item and put it where it belongs.
In addition, there are two categories of collectibles: silhouetted objects (displayed in the hollow pumpkin at bottom left) and golden pumpkins (indicated by the jack-o-lantern at bottom left). Both displays change to show you've found everything.
Mini-games are mostly jigsaws of various types, but there are a few logic puzzles, matching pairs, word searches, and others. Still, the HO scenes are the most challenging part of this game.
PRODUCTION
Not much in the way of bells and whistles here. The scenes are mostly static with some minor looping animation, and there are no voiceovers. However, the graphics are beautifully rendered and realistic. Music tends to be repetitive, and I would have like more tracks.
Not much in the way of bells and whistles here. The scenes are mostly static with some minor looping animation, and there are no voiceovers. However, the graphics are beautifully rendered and realistic. Music tends to be repetitive, and I would have like more tracks.
If you have children, love Halloween, or are just looking for a rainy day game...
I recommend this game!
Travel the world as a Cruise Director, in charge of the super luxurious S.S. Liberty of the Waves!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
This dev has the most challenging HO scenes.
PostedJune 30, 2020
LunaNik
fromVacationing on the Island of Myst
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Disclaimer: I got this game free during quarantine. My review is based on the completed game.
I had no idea that this series was from the same dev as the Christmas Wonderland series...and they play the same way.
There's a basic storyline of being on a cruise. In that context, you're presented with challenging HO scenes and fairly easy puzzles (mostly jigsaws). The HO scenes, in addition to the interactive list of objects, has several silhouetted "lost and found" items to find and a number of "trash and recycling" items to find.
You'll collect achievements along the way, and earn cash to buy virtual souvenirs of your cruise. While it's not an overly difficult game, the presentation is excellent. For a rainy day...
I recommend this game!
What's more important - the fate of the world or the destiny of your family? Find out in this amazing hidden object adventure game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Redemption? This series needs redemption after this episode.
PostedJune 29, 2020
LunaNik
fromVacationing on the Island of Myst
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
STORYLINE: A thoughtful tale involving the Lost Lands's deities of creation, one of whom is a baddie. Susan returns to the Lost Lands again to save the day, this time accompanied by her incredibly whiny, immature teenaged son. Minus one star for the son and his annoying attitude.
FUN FACTOR: The gameplay is not remotely intuitive and includes some of the most nonsensical use of inventory items I've ever seen. While the mini-games may have been fantastic, it was difficult to tell because the instructions were so poorly written. HO scenes all included interactions, but they too were not intuitive. I've been a gamer for 40 years, and I've never used so many hints in one game. The map wasn't especially helpful either.
VISUAL/SOUND: VOs were mostly decent, except for Susan's son's whining. Visuals were terrific, and you get to get a really good look at them during the numerous lengthy, slow-moving cutscenes. Music was unremarkable.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: The only reason there was a challenge at all was the weird use of inventory items and the lack of instructions.
CONCLUSION: Probably the worst episode of this series and, honestly, I think Susan deserves a vacation, while the Lost Lands should learn to take care of themselves. This game shouldn't have made it out of beta testing. For the reasons described above...
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop history from repeating itself?
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Repetitive, redundant, and monotonous.
PostedJune 16, 2020
LunaNik
from"Expert" means "I want to be challenged," not "I own a ton of wicked easy games."
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
In exploration mode, there are a limited number of tasks that are repeated ad nauseum. Multiple things are buried. Multiple things are obscured by cobwebs, dirt, thorns, or vines. Multiple things are buried. Multiple animals need to be bribed to move. Over and over again. This isn't remotely creative.
The HO scenes are the highlight of the game. From interactive list to find and use to replace, these scenes actually present a modicum of challenge.
The mini-games are overwhelmingly jigsaw puzzles, followed by "moving one thing moves other things." There were a few I enjoyed, but they were the minority.
The collectibles are so numerous that they distract from the game, which might be a good thing. And the game mechanics, both during exploration and in mini-games, are sloppy. If you don't click at the exact right spot, you're wrong.
Disclaimer: I got this game for free during quarantine, and I still can't recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
A series of deaths plague a small town, but who or what caused them?
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 23 found this review helpful
You can't keep offering us the same garbage and pretending it's new.
PostedJune 6, 2020
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
All the Elephant nonsense is included. The broken glass that you can't touch without a cloth, to be used as a knife. Something lodged in the drain. Stuff hidden behind walls. 85 million shaped keys. It's the same in every single Elephant game.
I currently have 9 game credits and can't find even one game worth purchasing. Personally, I'm going to troll through the older games, spend my credits, and cancel my membership. Enough is enough. The glory days are over and they're clearly not returning.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your dad from a genie bent on revenge?
Overall rating
1
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Another Mr. Fixit game.
PostedMay 31, 2020
LunaNik
fromEven after 3 months of self-isolation, this game doesn't enchant.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OMG, my dad's been pulled into the house by eldritch forces! I must rescue him! But first, I'd better find the pieces and reassemble the garden statue. Then I'll get some stuff from the well, repair the cart so I can get to the river, fix a tent, find a glove to move some thorny vines... Ah, I see I'm right on time for the villain's monologue.
OMG, my dad's been taken by an evil genie! I must rescue him! But first, I have to get the dragon out of his cage, repair the bird house, find all my dad's messages to me, search for and use shaped keys... I quit, because I'll bet I'd be right on time to see my dad and the genie, but not soon enough to prevent them from escaping to the next point of false hope.
BTW, who turned up the saturation? These colors are blinding me. And why is literally everything sparkling? Who decided that "enchanted" equalled "dust everything in glitter?"
This kingdom is not enchanted; it's contrived. The secret is imparted to you right at the beginning of the game. And I'm tired of games that force me to be Mr. Fixit before I can take one tiny step forward in the storyline.
For these reasons...
I don't recommend this game.
An intruder’s puzzling calling-card means certain doom for the Holmes family line!
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Same old song and dance...again.
PostedMay 31, 2020
LunaNik
fromThat devs think their customers are so stupid that the gameplay has to be dumbed down to a kindergarten level is truly insulting.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
THE GOOD
• The graphics are lovely and the palette is realistic, not neon.
• The music accents the theme of the game.
• The MC voiceover is excellent.
• The HOs actually present a challenge.
• The graphics are lovely and the palette is realistic, not neon.
• The music accents the theme of the game.
• The MC voiceover is excellent.
• The HOs actually present a challenge.
THE BAD
• The mini-games are much too easy for adults.
• The storyline is vague and slow-moving.
• The mini-games are much too easy for adults.
• The storyline is vague and slow-moving.
THE UGLY
• Gameplay consists of finding and using shaped keys...loads of them. It's maddening.
• Nothing is intuitive and there's a lot of sheer nonsense. The mailbox is locked with two shaped keys; inside is a pair of scissors. Because people generally store scissors in a locked mailbox, what with scissors being so scarce and precious. Other items are buried, protected by thorns, and locked up six ways from Sunday, even items that are just everyday things. This is a cheap, contrived way of creating gameplay that isn't really gameplay.
• Gameplay consists of finding and using shaped keys...loads of them. It's maddening.
• Nothing is intuitive and there's a lot of sheer nonsense. The mailbox is locked with two shaped keys; inside is a pair of scissors. Because people generally store scissors in a locked mailbox, what with scissors being so scarce and precious. Other items are buried, protected by thorns, and locked up six ways from Sunday, even items that are just everyday things. This is a cheap, contrived way of creating gameplay that isn't really gameplay.
Even after three months in self-isolation, it's a "no" from me. This game is typical Elephant fare...hundreds of shaped keys. I did enjoy not having my eyes seared by the palette, but that's about it. For these reasons...
I don't recommend this game.