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:
The Wild Hunt has begun and you may be its next prey!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 25 found this review helpful
Too many bugs. Gameplay tedious and repetitive.
PostedJune 17, 2018
LunaNik
fromHappy Father's Day, fishies!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really like this series because the storyline is engaging and the graphics are pure eye candy. However, I didn't like that nearly every puzzle was based on symbols; the lack of variety became monotonous by the time the demo was over.
Additionally, there are several bugs that need exterminating. The fight with the bear seemed to go on forever with no instruction about what the point was. When I finally won after nearly 15 minutes, I had no idea why I'd won, except that instead of countering the bear's moves, I mimicked them. It didn't make sense.
Next, in the custom difficulty level, neither the hint nor skip buttons functioned, even though I specified zero waiting time. When I changed the waiting time to 10 seconds, it took almost a minute for them to charge. Clearly, this is a bug.
Lastly, most of the puzzles are repeats, but designed to take ten times as long to solve. The skald's "fill all lines without retracing your path" was incredibly tedious, since each time I chose a line, I had to wait for the bottle-pouring animation. I don't find this an improvement on this standard puzzle.
Love the production and the storyline, but the gameplay was repetitive and slow. This one needs to go back to the drawing board for debugging.
Journey to the past to save your parents from a deadly killer.
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 17 found this review helpful
2½ stars…boring and predictable.
PostedJune 15, 2018
LunaNik
fromTired of every game being exactly the same.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The Keepers still haven't learned that they shouldn't keep dangerous magical artifacts lying around, but destroy them. Here we have yet another episode of "do what the gimmicky gadget tell you to do." Gameplay is so linear that a ruler seems crooked by comparison. And it's predictable, since it just runs down the laundry list.
I did like one mini-game: moving the box around to capture people. This was the only activity that required functioning neurons, however. The rest was pro forma; what to do next was always glaringly obvious. And constantly interrupted by cutscenes, notes, conversations, etc. These things should have a purpose, but most just took up time and delayed gameplay.
Sorry, I've had my fill of magical gadgets, mysterious strangers bent on revenge, and being the only one who can save the world. It seems like every game includes these elements. It would be nice to see an original storyline and innovative, challenging gameplay, but I won't hold my breath.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you navigate new realms to stop an evil conqueror in time?
Overall rating
1
/
5
28 of 38 found this review helpful
Worlds seem to collide in every game that's released nowadays.
PostedJune 15, 2018
LunaNik
fromThis series should be renamed "Saving My Blundering Idiot of a Sister from Menacing Evil in Another World."
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Man, a game set in the British Library would have been so cool. Instead, it's merely used as a setting to introduce "a dangerous book," and we're off to a parallel universe. Again. To rescue our sister. Again. From "an evil conqueror." AGAIN.
In light of the Lisa Frank-inspired neon palette, the phrase "things quickly take a dark turn" is laughable. A green waterfall that looks like toxic waste? Flowing into an irradiated blue stream? Does Domini ever go outside and see what nature actually looks like?
The opening cutscene was blurry with rough graphics that didn't match the rest of the game. In-game cutscenes were not only blurry, but also pixellated. Gratuitous animation throughout the game delayed gameplay, since my mouse was unresponsive until the animation loop finished. And I'm really tired of banners popping up for everything I do.
The objects in HO scenes were large and designed graphically to stand out from the scene. Mini-games were childishly easy even in "hard" mode. When one of the achievements is "completing a mini-game in less than a minute," you know the challenge level is low.
I lasted 15 minutes before quitting in disgust with the number of shaped keys in my inventory. Lighter fluid, a hair ribbon, and an arrow were locked up as if they were priceless treasures. One was in a box secured with twine, whereupon my character decided that burning the twine was reasonable. Perhaps she couldn't find her letter opener.
Lastly, I'm sick and tired of rescuing people and saving alternate worlds whilst illogically being totally immune to the bad guy's magical powers. This theme has been done to the death; it appears in every single game nowadays. I'll save my money for an engaging storyline and innovative, challenging gameplay. Given the quality of today's games, I should have a huge savings account in a fairly short time.
I don't recommend this game.
The fate of the realm depends on your ability to reunite the five races and remind them of their vows!
Overall rating
3
/
5
27 of 42 found this review helpful
Nothing new. Slow-moving plot. Easy gameplay.
PostedJune 12, 2018
LunaNik
fromDevs need to take a creative writing class.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The second episode in this series, Stories of Forgotten Past, was the only one to show innovative gameplay and an engaging storyline. In this episode, the plot…well…plodded, bogged down by the standard laundry list of tasks.
The HO scenes weren't bad. Mini-games are few and far between…and too easy. Exploration involved mostly playing Mr. Fix-it with broken everything.
The production is quite beautiful, except for blurry cutscene animation, but I couldn't become engaged in this one. I recommend you play the second episode instead.
I don't recommend this game.
Become the Red Queen and save Chessland!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 19 found this review helpful
3½ stars...I'll probably grab the SE with a PCC.
PostedJune 12, 2018
LunaNik
fromNot remotely burned out, just bored with cookie cutter clones.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
4Friends has presented another visit to Wonderland with a brand new quest for us, playing as Alice again. I found the storyline engaging, especially since 4Friends again humanized Wonderland's characters and provided us with two antagonists…and no way of knowing which one is really the bad guy.
The production was beautiful. Pure eye candy. Once again, the story's themes are sneaked into the graphics in clever ways. Characters were well-rendered with excellent voiceovers. And the music was appropriate.
The HO scenes were presented well, although only the objects on the list with interactions presented any challenge. On the down side, the puzzles were childishly easy. My hand was firmly held even through the simplest tasks, like copying a three-digit clue. And there was lots of "click to advance the plot" type of throwaway gameplay.
I would recommend this game for beginners to the HOPA genre, for lovers of Lewis Carroll's fictional universe, and for experienced gamers looking for an entertaining rainy day game. However, I do think that Alice in Shadowland was a much better game because its gameplay was more creative.
I recommend this game!
Wield powerful relics and stop a book from releasing the ultimate evil!
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 15 found this review helpful
1½ stars…should have remained a secret in the shadows.
PostedJune 4, 2018
LunaNik
fromMay Stats (12 games reviewed): 5★=0, 4★=3, 3★=1, 2★=3, 1★=5
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Another cookie cutter. I lasted through 25 minutes of purple everything, a magical gadget, the usual laundry list of stupid tasks, dozens of shaped keys, unhidden object scenes, and mini-games that would bore a child before quitting in disgust.
Also, most of the extras are locked. Why would you spend your hard-earned cash on a product when you don't even know what you're getting? The gameplay was so parochial and repetitive that I couldn't even begin to be engaged by the plot. I can't recommend this game even for beginners. It's that awful.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you defeat a foe with an ice-cold soul?
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 27 found this review helpful
The Frozen Soul is a hot mess.
PostedJune 4, 2018
LunaNik
fromMay Stats (12 games reviewed): 5★=0, 4★=3, 3★=1, 2★=3, 1★=5
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
A post-apocalyptic world is the setting for a class war of biblical proportions between the elite Society (who live in the high towers) and everyone else. As long as I played, no explanation was given for the Society's animus against the others. Just to complicate the plot, there are elves. The story had some potential, but moved slowly and was riddled with irrelevancies.
A word about the "ancient technology," which was eye-rolling. The computer complained it was low on memory, then demanded diskettes. For some reason, this worked, even though diskettes store data; they do NOT provide a computer with more memory. You'd need RAM chips for that. The freezing/flaming artifact was just silly. A device small enough to lug around, powered by parts cobbled together from a rusting auto, and lacking both a compressor and fuel managed to both flash freeze and emit flames. LOL…sure.
Gameplay is best described this way: Wander around, pick up random spare parts and odd bits of things, and MacGyver them into usefulness. Meanwhile, your inventory is filled with a bizarre collection of junk for no reason. Makes no sense. People usually figure out the problem first, then formulate a solution; they don't randomly collect junk in the hopes that it might be useful in the near future.
HO scenes were typical of this dev…beautifully-designed but with the objects in plain view. Mini-games were all familiar and easy. On the plus side, the shaped keys were nearly absent. I encountered only 3 in 38 minutes.
Sure, the production is (mostly) spectacular. But it's an immersive storyline and interesting gameplay that make a game great. Both those elements were missing. I enjoyed Skyline Adventure, the first episode in this series, but Madhead took it in the wrong direction. More focus on the characters and less on elven magic and physics-defying technology would have been the way to go.
I don't recommend this game.
Turn one small clothing store into a runway of fashion. It’s all up to you in this exciting clothing store simulation game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Just as much fun as Bistro Boulevard. Review based on completed game.
PostedJune 1, 2018
LunaNik
fromSo, maybe the 4th time is the charm?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
POV of my reviews: Gamer since 1980. Currently own 656 computer games. An immersive storyline and challenging, innovative gameplay are most important to me.
——————————
If you're familiar with Bistro Boulevard, you won't have any trouble with Boutique Boulevard. The interface and game mechanics are similar. If you're unfamiliar with this franchise, there's a spectacular tutorial. Both games are better categorized as "resource management" rather than "time management."
——————————
If you're familiar with Bistro Boulevard, you won't have any trouble with Boutique Boulevard. The interface and game mechanics are similar. If you're unfamiliar with this franchise, there's a spectacular tutorial. Both games are better categorized as "resource management" rather than "time management."
I originally demo'd Boutique years ago and didn't care for it, so I'm glad I decided to try it again, since I purchased it as soon as my demo was over. If you take your time (like I did), you'll probably get about 15 hours of gameplay. I periodically changed the decor—there were so many choices!—and took my time choosing outfits and setting everything up. Even if you rush through it, I'd estimate at least 8 hours of gameplay. Well worth the price either way.
One thing to note: Once you click "start," you must click/drag your staff to where they're needed. This might be a deal-breaker for some, but I didn't think it was annoying once I got used to it. (And I think the click/drag method is better than having to click twice: once on the worker and once where the customer is.)
I only wish that this dev would be making more episodes in this series, because I'd purchased them in a heartbeat. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Will you escape the mansion, or become its permanent resident?
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
Shows improvement, but still needs work.
PostedMay 24, 2018
LunaNik
fromEnjoying a beautiful New England Spring
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
POV of my reviews: Gamer since 1980. Currently own 656 computer games. An immersive storyline and challenging, innovative gameplay are most important to me.
——————————
It's a mystery why Eipix continually attempts to revive old series, yet refuses to maintain the sensibilities that made those earlier episodes hits. It's as if they can't resist branding the series as a typical Eipix cookie cutter game.
——————————
It's a mystery why Eipix continually attempts to revive old series, yet refuses to maintain the sensibilities that made those earlier episodes hits. It's as if they can't resist branding the series as a typical Eipix cookie cutter game.
The plot in this game is thin on the ground. Why bother mentioning a scavenger hunt when it's immediately interrupted by trying to escape the island? Which, as usual, results in every NPC being utterly incompetent and us getting to do all the running around and silly tasks whilst carrying an inventory filled with unidentifiable items.
I did note quite a bit of improvement in the few puzzles I played, especially the maze with crossing lines and the radar puzzle. And the HO scenes were a bit better too. However, both puzzles and HO scenes were few and far between, especially if we don't count the numerous "copy the clue" fillers. Lastly, there were still far too many shaped keys, missing parts, and inane MacGyver'ing that would never work IRL. (You hook both chains to one end of the boat, but magically aren't dumped into the storm-tossed waves? Amazing!)
Had the storyline actually been developed, this game might have been interesting. As it stands, the characters weren't fleshed out enough to make us care about them, even though the setting, a college reunion, was perfect for character development.
Also on the positive side, Eipix did a fairly good job simulating the precise, incredibly detailed artistic style of the earlier episodes. It's too bad they didn't also emulate the gameplay. Still, I'll revisit this when the SE is released, so my recommendation is that you try the demo.
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BEST GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Lord of Mirrors (2010) and Queen of Death (2011)
——————————
BEST GAMES IN THIS SERIES
Lord of Mirrors (2010) and Queen of Death (2011)
OTHER GAMES WITH HAUNTED HOUSES
Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga — Grim Tales: Bloody Mary — Maze: Subject 360 — MCF: Dire Grove and The 13th Skull — Mystery of Mortlake Mansion — Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall and Shadow at the Water's Edge — Ominous Objects: Family Portrait — Phantasmat — Secrets of the Dark: Mystery of the Ancestral Estate — Tales of Terror: House on the Hill — True Fear: Forsaken Souls
Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga — Grim Tales: Bloody Mary — Maze: Subject 360 — MCF: Dire Grove and The 13th Skull — Mystery of Mortlake Mansion — Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall and Shadow at the Water's Edge — Ominous Objects: Family Portrait — Phantasmat — Secrets of the Dark: Mystery of the Ancestral Estate — Tales of Terror: House on the Hill — True Fear: Forsaken Souls
Save the people of Glenville from a supernatural killer!
Overall rating
1
/
5
17 of 26 found this review helpful
Just click through the story.
PostedMay 22, 2018
LunaNik
fromIn what reality does electrical cord + hand rake = grappling hook?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
POV of my reviews: Gamer since 1980. Currently own 656 computer games. An immersive storyline and challenging, innovative gameplay are most important to me.
——————————
This "game" is exactly the same as the one Madhead released last week. Same storyline: missing people, supernatural evil. Same gameplay: illogical exploration, zillions of shaped keys, unhidden object scenes, and mini-games suitable for young children.
——————————
This "game" is exactly the same as the one Madhead released last week. Same storyline: missing people, supernatural evil. Same gameplay: illogical exploration, zillions of shaped keys, unhidden object scenes, and mini-games suitable for young children.
In 35 minutes, there were 26 shaped keys—or missing parts, which is the same thing—most of them in groups. There was a gadget you had to wave over the screen. There were 3 full-screen HO scenes and 1 zoom box scene. All were completed in a matter of seconds. The mini-games are the same uninspired, insipid garbage that doesn't require neurons.
After you've played incredibly immersive, challenging HOPAs—like the earlier episodes of the Enigmatis, MCF, Surface, Rite of Passage, Mystery of the Ancients, and Secrets of the Dark series—this "game" is a joke. Seriously, who's buying this trash? HOPAs used to have more than 200 reviews; now, they barely get a dozen.
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WAY BETTER GAMES WITH THIS THEME (missing people, supernatural evil)
• Series: Dream Chronicles, Enigmatis, Lost Souls, Margrave, MCF (the Ravenhearst story arc), Nightmare Realm, Secrets of the Dark, Stray Souls, Surface (first 4 episodes), Twisted Lands
• One-Offs: Abyss: The Wraiths of Eden, Calavera: Day of the Dead, Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga, Inbetween Land, Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher's Stone, Subliminal Realms: Masterpiece, The Beast of Lycan Isle, Timeless: The Lost Castle
——————————
WAY BETTER GAMES WITH THIS THEME (missing people, supernatural evil)
• Series: Dream Chronicles, Enigmatis, Lost Souls, Margrave, MCF (the Ravenhearst story arc), Nightmare Realm, Secrets of the Dark, Stray Souls, Surface (first 4 episodes), Twisted Lands
• One-Offs: Abyss: The Wraiths of Eden, Calavera: Day of the Dead, Gothic Fiction: Dark Saga, Inbetween Land, Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher's Stone, Subliminal Realms: Masterpiece, The Beast of Lycan Isle, Timeless: The Lost Castle
I don't recommend this game.