dyingjoy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.5
- Helpful Votes:280
- Reviews Submitted:17
- First Review:February 29, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 17, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Unravel a tale of murder on the RMS Titanic. Help Professor Magnusson solve puzzles and expose clues to piece together evidence of a dark conspiracy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 42 found this review helpful
Great HO Fun
PostedMay 14, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm a fan of the Titanic, and a HO fan, so this game really worked for me.
The game is very light adventure with quite a lot of hidden object play, framed around the investigation of a murder on the Titanic. The art is very high quality, and fit the opulence of the ship perfectly.
While there is a fair amount to do around the hidden object scenes, they are the real focus of the game. The scenes and objects are very well done, and even the occasional small object was clear enough for me to identify it. The hint allows you to select the object you want pointed out, which I greatly prefer to a random choice. There is no timer or click penalty, so I just relaxed and enjoyed exploring each scene. I particularly liked the fact that the objects mostly fit the scene and theme of a location, so it isn't just a jumble of random objects. I haven't repeated any scenes yet, and There have been some interesting twists on the standard list (I liked having to organize the tools...I may be a bit OCD)
There is a lot of dialogue in the game, as the mystery unfolds. I enjoyed reading through it, but it can be clicked through if you just want to get back into the action. The journal stores critical details on the story, so you won't end up lost.
The puzzles were pretty straightforward, and most were at least familiar. I didn't encounter any I needed to skip, and all of them were worked into the story so they didn't seem random or arbitrary.
I also quite liked the music...it fit the setting well, and had a good ominous mood to it.
If you want a good, old school hidden object game with a very cool setting/story, then I think this is the one for you.
The game is very light adventure with quite a lot of hidden object play, framed around the investigation of a murder on the Titanic. The art is very high quality, and fit the opulence of the ship perfectly.
While there is a fair amount to do around the hidden object scenes, they are the real focus of the game. The scenes and objects are very well done, and even the occasional small object was clear enough for me to identify it. The hint allows you to select the object you want pointed out, which I greatly prefer to a random choice. There is no timer or click penalty, so I just relaxed and enjoyed exploring each scene. I particularly liked the fact that the objects mostly fit the scene and theme of a location, so it isn't just a jumble of random objects. I haven't repeated any scenes yet, and There have been some interesting twists on the standard list (I liked having to organize the tools...I may be a bit OCD)
There is a lot of dialogue in the game, as the mystery unfolds. I enjoyed reading through it, but it can be clicked through if you just want to get back into the action. The journal stores critical details on the story, so you won't end up lost.
The puzzles were pretty straightforward, and most were at least familiar. I didn't encounter any I needed to skip, and all of them were worked into the story so they didn't seem random or arbitrary.
I also quite liked the music...it fit the setting well, and had a good ominous mood to it.
If you want a good, old school hidden object game with a very cool setting/story, then I think this is the one for you.
I recommend this game!
Challenge yourself in the role of the scientist-historian-scholar of ancient civilizations and mystical legends and save your friend from the Demon of Darkness!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Great Art, Clever Gameplay
PostedMay 4, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
3 difficulty levels- regular, advanced, and hardcore, each with less sparkles and direction.
The cut scenes have voiceover that is decent.
HO scenes have no timers, but do have a click penalty.
Hints work in both HO and adventure scenes
The cut scenes have voiceover that is decent.
HO scenes have no timers, but do have a click penalty.
Hints work in both HO and adventure scenes
I really enjoyed this game. Being set in Thailand gave the art a unique feel, and the attention to detail was very nice. The puzzles were especially gorgeous, and well animated.
The hidden object play had some nice twists to keep it fresh, and the scenes weren't just a pile of junk...most items fit the scene, and were well hidden.
The light switching mechanic, allowing you to see the rundown version of the room, and then switch it to the prettier, ancient version added a nice bit of complexity to the scenes, as you have to accomplish tasks in both versions in the right sequence.
The puzzles, in addition to being gorgeous, were interesting and covered a variety of difficulties. The dragon puzzle was really hard for me, but watching the pieces breathe fire and chase each other was priceless.
This game had that mix of creative twists, great art, and fun puzzles that makes it a big win for me.
The hidden object play had some nice twists to keep it fresh, and the scenes weren't just a pile of junk...most items fit the scene, and were well hidden.
The light switching mechanic, allowing you to see the rundown version of the room, and then switch it to the prettier, ancient version added a nice bit of complexity to the scenes, as you have to accomplish tasks in both versions in the right sequence.
The puzzles, in addition to being gorgeous, were interesting and covered a variety of difficulties. The dragon puzzle was really hard for me, but watching the pieces breathe fire and chase each other was priceless.
This game had that mix of creative twists, great art, and fun puzzles that makes it a big win for me.
I recommend this game!
Criminal Minds
Join an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A lot of good and a lot of bad
PostedMay 2, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've never seen the TV show, so I can't comment on how well the game simulates the characters and interactions. My reaction is based just on the game play. While there are some nice twists to game play and interaction with the in game characters, there were a lot of quality issues that kept me from being sold on this game.
I enjoyed the fact that interacting with characters and interrogating suspects was an active part of the game. It made it feel much more like an investigation than investigating a bunch of empty rooms.
The light adventure elements were okay, though I would have preferred more exciting tasks to the mundane replace the printer cartridge that were presented.
The hidden object scenes were junk piles with random objects tossed together, often in different sizes and perspectives. The scrambled items were a nice addition, but would have worked better in well laid out scenes with interesting items.
I liked the use of puzzles to represent piecing together evidence, though some of the puzzles seemed like an odd choice (mahjong for questioning a subject?).
The art was okay, but small items were often hard for me to spot. The scenes seemed a little dull color wise.
What I saw of the story line was good, and seemed like it would unfold nicely. It was a really nice change of pace to see a game with a modern, realistic setting.
In the end, I can't recommend this game unless you are a fan of the show. I liked the setting, story, and some new ways of interacting with the story, but I don't think they managed to present them well enough to earn my money.
I enjoyed the fact that interacting with characters and interrogating suspects was an active part of the game. It made it feel much more like an investigation than investigating a bunch of empty rooms.
The light adventure elements were okay, though I would have preferred more exciting tasks to the mundane replace the printer cartridge that were presented.
The hidden object scenes were junk piles with random objects tossed together, often in different sizes and perspectives. The scrambled items were a nice addition, but would have worked better in well laid out scenes with interesting items.
I liked the use of puzzles to represent piecing together evidence, though some of the puzzles seemed like an odd choice (mahjong for questioning a subject?).
The art was okay, but small items were often hard for me to spot. The scenes seemed a little dull color wise.
What I saw of the story line was good, and seemed like it would unfold nicely. It was a really nice change of pace to see a game with a modern, realistic setting.
In the end, I can't recommend this game unless you are a fan of the show. I liked the setting, story, and some new ways of interacting with the story, but I don't think they managed to present them well enough to earn my money.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel back in time to help stop a terrible fire that started Felicia down her evil path in PuppetShow: Return to Joyville!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Great visuals, clever story, typical gameplay
PostedApril 23, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really enjoy the PuppetShow series, and the art quality and storytelling in the game are really solid, but I was a little disappointed by the game play...it seemed rushed and without the kind of intuitive logic that I prefer in my adventure games.
Fun Factor
There are some interesting puzzles, and even the ones you've seen before are visually charming and good fun. I was pretty disappointed by the adventure tasks, though. A lot of the items you had to gather, and the uses you needed to put them too just weren't intuitive or logical, and you often find items well before you have any idea that you might need them. It makes me feel like I am just being led through the game, without any need to figure out what to do on my own.
There are some interesting puzzles, and even the ones you've seen before are visually charming and good fun. I was pretty disappointed by the adventure tasks, though. A lot of the items you had to gather, and the uses you needed to put them too just weren't intuitive or logical, and you often find items well before you have any idea that you might need them. It makes me feel like I am just being led through the game, without any need to figure out what to do on my own.
Visual/Sound Quality- Great art, with that great mix of vivd colors and creepy imagery that all the PuppetShow games have had. Definitely gold standard.
Level of Challenge- The puzzles are well done, but most aren't terribly hard. With the adventure scenes as straightforward as they are, this is the sort of game you can just relax and wander through, watching the story unfold. I prefer a bit more challenge, but the tasks were still fun and pleasant.
Storyline- I found the story very clever, and it using the time travel trope very nicely. This was actually my favorite story of the series.
A good game in general, it just didn't wow me as much as the earlier games in the series.
I recommend this game!
Guide Kate Reed as she searches for the artifacts that can break the power of a cursed gem in House of 1,000 Doors: The Palm of Zoroaster!
Overall rating
4
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
A solid sequel
PostedApril 19, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Overall, a really good game.
The adventure elements are decent, and there aren't too many times where I had an object in my inventory that could have accomplished my goal, but it wasn't the 'right' object for the game.
The map was a great help, since it not only eliminated having to click through tons of scenes to reach my goal, but since it highlighted places with active tasks, it also helped guide me if I was stuck.
The HO scenes had some clever multi-step items, which kept things from getting monotonous. The objects were pretty much junkpile, though.
The cut scenes are really good quality, and help move the storyline along nicely. I do wish they hadn't started with the random car crash...it seemed unnecessary, and I have seen it in so many other games.
The puzzles were decent, with some old standards mixed in with a few new and clever ones. Not too hard, and the skip button can save you from anything you just can't get.
While it has some flaws, this is a really great sequel, and I look forward to the next game in the series.
The adventure elements are decent, and there aren't too many times where I had an object in my inventory that could have accomplished my goal, but it wasn't the 'right' object for the game.
The map was a great help, since it not only eliminated having to click through tons of scenes to reach my goal, but since it highlighted places with active tasks, it also helped guide me if I was stuck.
The HO scenes had some clever multi-step items, which kept things from getting monotonous. The objects were pretty much junkpile, though.
The cut scenes are really good quality, and help move the storyline along nicely. I do wish they hadn't started with the random car crash...it seemed unnecessary, and I have seen it in so many other games.
The puzzles were decent, with some old standards mixed in with a few new and clever ones. Not too hard, and the skip button can save you from anything you just can't get.
While it has some flaws, this is a really great sequel, and I look forward to the next game in the series.
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
An excellent experience
PostedApril 3, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Fun Factor
An immediately engaging game. The blend of puzzles, HOS, and exploration sets a modest pace. The story revelations are well executed and the atmosphere is consistently moody and fantastical. A one hour free demo will be enough for most mystery/HOS fans to get hooked.
Visual/Sound Quality
Beautiful visual artwork with some nice idle animations. The art style is very evocative of the fairy-tale adventure, and crisp enough to prevent too many HOS headaches. The few animations were simple and clean, without bogging down gameplay. No voice-over, but the musical score is marvelously moody, and makes a lovely background counterpoint to the gameplay.
Level of Challenge
A mix of puzzles, HOS, and scavenger hunting. The puzzles themselves aren’t terribly challenging, even at Expert, but make an entertaining obstacle. The HOS in particular were entertaining in that the same room would be used for multiple HOS searches, reducing the clutter each time. In addition some of the HOS items required a degree of interaction or deduction where you’d need to create the object from various other bits. Very engaging. The scavenger hunting was a typical mix of overt “find x” and more deductive “find the solution”. Like the puzzles, it was not especially challenging, but it kept the gameplay moving and provided reasons to shift back and forth between scenes.
Three gameplay modes to set the level of difficulty. A hint button is available (on a 1 minute timer) as well as a “skip” button for stumped puzzles.
Storyline
A solid fairy-tale setting; an Ice Queen, a missing beau, a mysterious magical curse befalling an otherwise idyllic town. The accompanying music and visuals go a long way towards keeping a sense of mystery and suspense in the story; though it is not designed to be frightening it manages to keep an uneasy edge throughout play.
I recommend this game!
Lead Saturn's son to the top of the Pantheon and help him become a mighty god in All My Gods! Use divine powers to change the life of Romans!
Overall rating
4
/
5
69 of 90 found this review helpful
Charming and Well Done
PostedFebruary 29, 2012
dyingjoy
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm not usually a Sim fan, but All My Gods does a good job of mixing the best elements of the genre with some charming twists to make a more compelling game than I expected.
The art is nice, and fits the theme of a Roman village pretty well. The people have a bit of variety and character to them, and the other gods are pretty cute.
Gameplay is really nicely done. You have a lot of resources and needs to balance, but since it isn't timed you don't have to stress about getting everything right immediately.
Once I realized that I wasn't racing the clock, I took the time to lay out my growing city just the way I wanted it. Between that, and the fact that I could spend mana to make things instantly happen, the game gave me a little bit of a power trip.
The game had a nice learning curve for me, and every time I felt like I had figured everything out, they introduced a new wrinkle in game play. I loved the introduction of the rival god, and the need to clean up after his tantrums was great.
All in all, I was very impressed by the mix of old and new gameplay, and recommend giving the demo a try even if this sort of game isn't usually your thing.
The art is nice, and fits the theme of a Roman village pretty well. The people have a bit of variety and character to them, and the other gods are pretty cute.
Gameplay is really nicely done. You have a lot of resources and needs to balance, but since it isn't timed you don't have to stress about getting everything right immediately.
Once I realized that I wasn't racing the clock, I took the time to lay out my growing city just the way I wanted it. Between that, and the fact that I could spend mana to make things instantly happen, the game gave me a little bit of a power trip.
The game had a nice learning curve for me, and every time I felt like I had figured everything out, they introduced a new wrinkle in game play. I loved the introduction of the rival god, and the need to clean up after his tantrums was great.
All in all, I was very impressed by the mix of old and new gameplay, and recommend giving the demo a try even if this sort of game isn't usually your thing.
I recommend this game!