biscuitsmama's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:67,036
- Reviews Submitted:1148
- First Review:July 13, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 16, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Deep in the heart of an enchanted forest, a forbidden love blooms. Guide the human Eveline as she sets out to rescue her beloved from the clutches of a tyrant.
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 50 found this review helpful
A Tale of Forbidden Love and Magic
PostedAugust 3, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Forest Legends The Call of Love is a fantasy tale of magic and forbidden love. There was a time when humans and werecats (Felizes) who were creatures of magic lived in harmony but a war ensued and it was not long before humans and werecats turned against each other. This is the story of Eveline and Aurelio: of love between a human and a Felize. Will their love restore harmony in the land? As the story begins Eveline and Aurelio are meeting in secret in the Forbidden Forest and Aurelio gives his beloved a magical baby dragon who becomes our helper throughout the game. Hunters appear in the forest and Aurelio is wounded so Eveline takes him to her cottage where he will be safe and she can tend his wounds. Lo and behold, Eveline's father appears at her door and this is where our journey begins.
The music and voiceovers are very good but sometimes Eveline’s voice can be a bit annoying. Although the game has beautiful artwork and wonderful environments, the graphics sometimes appear grainy or foggy rather than crisp but I think this is intentional to enhance the fantasy/magical feel of the game.
We have a jumpable map that will show us where we need to do something to fulfill an objective. The strategy guide can be accessed by clicking on the small compass above your dragon on the lower right. Your journal and map are located on the lower left. If you click the globe above the journal, you go directly to the map but the map can be accessed through a tab in the journal as well. When you click on the journal, Eveline will read the entries to you.
Forest Legends The Call of Love is more of an adventure and puzzle game where you will find what you need as you travel through the various scenes. You will not be hunting through junkpiles to find an arrow or whatever it is that you may require to progress. There are many puzzles in the game and some are challenging while others not so much but they are still entertaining.
Forest Legends is very light on CE content. As far as I can determine, the only usable bonus content is the strategy guide. Of course we do get a bonus chapter after completion of the game but aside from that we get the music tracks, concept art, wallpapers and “the story”. There are no achievements to be earned, no morphing objects or collectibles so many of you may wish to wait for the SE version of the game to be released.
The game is very different from the beta version and the developers made quite a few changes to the beginning of the game before release. All in all it is a game that I will enjoy simply because I like the story and games of this type. As always, I recommend that you try the demo.
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 23 found this review helpful
A Dark, Intense Game – Not for Everyone!
PostedAugust 1, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Grim Tales Bloody Mary begins with a cutscene as you are driving to Blackhill School at the request of your niece, Jackie, who is very upset because the adults have all disappeared and very strange things are happening. Upon your arrival at Blackhill you see the silhouette of a child with glowing red eyes decapitating a (hopefully) toy bunny with a pair of scissors. From the first scene, I knew this game would not be for me although I did give it a fair trial. Grim Tales Bloody Mary is a dark tale of demon possessed children - a theme I do not like. Strictly because of the theme, I was tempted to give the game a bad review; however, I have to admit that many of you will like the game and not be bothered by the storyline. I vacillated between buying the game or just trashing it because as I progressed through the demo I was a bit drawn in by the story and wanted to find out what was going on. In the end, I decided it was not for me. Grim Tales Bloody Mary will not be a game that everyone likes but many of you will find that it has the gritty content and feel that you have been asking for in a game. In the end, I think this installment in the Grim Tales series will turn out to be one of those polarizing games: you will either love it or hate it.
The graphics are crystal clear and excellent with lots of brilliant color. There are voiceovers that are very believable but I find it annoying that a developer the caliber of Elephant Games cannot add lip movement to their characters when they speak. This is one of my favorite developers and they just haven’t gone to the next level by adding lip movement/voice sync to their games. The music and sound effects are very intense, and I have to admit that I jumped once or twice as I was playing the demo. I found that because of the intense nature of the music, I needed to turn the music volume very low as I was feeling a bit jittery.
The HOS are list type with some interaction required. I found that many objects in the HOS are very small and difficult to find so I resorted to using the hint button. The puzzles are different and I frankly didn’t care for some of them. Since I didn’t purchase the game, I am not sure what they are like as the game progresses but most that I encountered were the type where you recreate the story according to the dialogue.
Overall, I was very disappointed with the dark turn that this installment of the Grim Tales series has taken. Elephant Games brings us some of the best games on the market so it was sad that I couldn’t get into a game that I was looking forward to playing. Although the game is not for me because I didn’t like the storyline, I will still give it a very good rating of 4-stars based on the game’s mechanics, artwork and challenge. That being said, I would strongly encourage you to try the demo before you buy it. Some gamers may find that Grim Tales Bloody Mary is the game they have been waiting for but unfortunately, this one is not for
I don't recommend this game.
Face off against Davy Jones and his nightmares from the deep!
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 76 found this review helpful
Break the Curse and Free Calliope
PostedJuly 25, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Nightmares from the Deep the Sirens Call is the second game in the series and, IMHO, is one of the best sequels to hit the market in recent months. If possible, this game is even better than the first in the series, and that was an incredible game. In The Siren’s Call we once again have our heroine, museum curator, Sarah Black doing battle with the wicked Davy Jones. Added to the equation is the powerful and evil Mayor Murray who has captured and uses the siren Calliope to maintain his power. It won’t be an easy task for us to free Calliope since the mayor derives his power from the beautiful sea maiden.
The Siren’s Call is one of those games that captured my interest from the very first scene and it just got better as I progressed through completing my objectives to free Calliope. The artwork and graphics in this game are stunning. The game has believable voiceovers that are excellent and with addition of a terrific musical score they ensure a quality gaming experience. Everything about Siren’s Call makes it a quality CE game.
As is the case with most of the newer HOPA games The Siren’s Call has a variety of HOS including interactive list and silhouette type. If you are not a huge fan of searching though junk piles you have the option to play a game of mahjong to complete the scene, and since I love mahjong that was my choice more often than not. Along with the HO scenes the game has loads of puzzles, many of them multi-layer. IMHO, none of the puzzles were overly difficult although some were a bit more challenging, but that only increased my enjoyment of the game.
The Siren’s Call CE is loaded with morphing objects, collectibles and achievements to be earned. Of course we have the strategy guide and the bonus game along with the familiar collection of other content that developers include to entice us to purchase the CE.
If you enjoyed the first Nightmares of the Deep, I have no doubt that you will want to add The Siren’s Call to your list of favorites. As always, please try the game for yourself to see if you agree.
Congratulations to the developers for a wonderful game – with this type of a quality sequel, I look forward to the next game in the Nightmares From the Deep franchise.
I recommend this game!
The mysterious League of Light has chosen you as their newest member. Are you up to your first assignment?
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 41 found this review helpful
Oh No, - The Dark Lord Rises
PostedJuly 20, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
League of Light begins with an excellent cutscene as you become a member of the League of Light. Your first assignment as a detective of the order is to journey to the village of Sorrow’s Well to investigate reports of a demonic beast that has been seen flying in the sky above the “Dark Lord’s” castle. It is thought that henchmen of the Dark Lord are now trying to resurrect him after his defeat at the hands of local villagers a hundred years ago. The local village’s leader Elton Finch, fears that the Dark Lord will seek retribution against his family since they played a major role in defeating the Dark Lord. After you arrive in Sorrow’s Well the demonic beast kidnaps Elton’s daughter so now you have to save the fair maiden as well as investigate what is going on at the castle. Good luck on your quest – the order is counting on you to determine what evil is afoot in the castle and prevent it from being unleashed.
As far as the technical aspects go we have great graphics and excellent voiceovers where those speaking actually move their lips in sync with the sound. Kudos to the developer for going the extra mile instead of just having a story told while the actors stand there looking mute. I know it is a minor complaint but with today’s technology there is no reason that a developer should overlook the realism of having lip movements.
Right before you set off on your journey to the castle, Elton gives you a map that is interactive and shows where there are objectives to be accomplished. On the lower left of your screen you have a diary that keeps track of the story as it progresses.
The iHOS are silhouette type but the objects have some greyscale color so it is easier to determine what we need to find. I didn’t find that we are inundated with constant HOS so the game plays more like an adventure. Unfortunately, I didn’t find as many puzzles as I like in a HOPA game. Puzzles are what make the game worthwhile and they do break up the monotony of wandering around and looking through junk piles. That being said, the puzzles I did encounter were very good and a lot of fun with a medium level of challenge.
Throughout the game we have to collect 34 owls some of them are moving while others are stationary. We also can earn 20 achievements as we play the game but aside from that there doesn’t seem to be much else in the way of CE content. Had it not been for the BOGO sale this weekend, I may have passed on the CE.
This is another of those stories involving dark forces and the struggle of good against evil. I don’t object to the storyline as it seems well done in League of Light but I do get a bit weary of the “dark” themed games. Still, the game is very beautiful with gorgeous wintery scenes and has a lot to offer visually. Some may wish to wait for the SE but I recommend you at least demo the CE to see if it is a keeper for you.
I recommend this game!
There are screams heard in Silent Hollow... Trouble at the Mystery Trackers headquarters means you're called in to help.
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 100 found this review helpful
The Best of The Best. What a Sequel!
PostedJuly 18, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh yes, our beloved Mystery Trackers is back this time with Silent Hollow. The game begins with a cutscene at headquarters, where we see “the boss” summoning agent Clyde to his office to let him know that there is an urgent situation since sensors indicate there is increased activity near the sarcophagus and it seems that “he” is waking up. Agent Clyde is asked to secure the activator and move it to safety but before he can leave there is an explosion at headquarters. You are called in because your expertise is required and there is no one else who can do the job. With such a dire situation threatening the very existence of Mystery Trackers, you and your trusty companion, Elf, head over to headquarters to save the day. Can you save Mystery Trackers and contain “him?” I hope so because we are all depending on you!!
Without getting into all of the technical aspects of the game I would like to note that you may choose from four modes of gameplay – Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Detective. Detective mode seems to be a new selection for gameplay and in this mode you are virtually on your own to get through the game since there are no hints, skips or sparkles and the cursor doesn’t hover over active zones. It seems there is finally a mode for those who want no hand-holding in a game so thank you to the developers for listening.
As has been the case with the past few Mystery Trackers games, we have “live” actors. Needless to say with this being an Elephant game, the graphics are excellent quality. I am always certain that when I see a game that has been produced by the team at Elephant Games it will be top-notch in every respect. Silent Hollow is the usual visual feast and I love it! The sound and voice overs are very good but sometimes repetitive music can be a bit irritating and I had to turn down the volume. Special effects sounds don’t grate on my nerves in the same way as background music so those are okay for me.
The iHOS and mini puzzles are what we expect to find in more recent games. The puzzles are fun and not too difficult to complete - at least for me. Sometimes puzzles can be downright frustrating and I want to tear my hair out but during the demo they were fairly straightforward with only moderate challenge.
During the game we get to collect an assortment of strange animals and learn their history. Scattered throughout you will also find secret dossiers and hidden ducats. There are eighteen achievements to be earned in Silent Hollow and some of them involve using the special abilities that you will acquire during the game. Of course when it came time to spend some of my hard-earned ducats in one of the shops, I had one of those awww moments because I love my companion Elf, and now he has the most adorable family. There is also an Interface shop where you can purchase different characters for your hint button. As far as CE content goes I think we have quite a selection of extras. One extra is a secret room that can only be accessed after completion of the bonus game.
All in all, this is one of the best games to be released this year and definitely a great sequel in the Mystery Trackers series. Silent Hollow may prove to be the best in an already excellent series of games but I always recommend that you try the demo to see if you agree. Kudos to the development team and BFG for bringing us a great game that is sure to provide hours of quality entertainment.
I recommend this game!
Discover the city of Apothecarium, where inhabitants are caught in a perilous struggle against a powerful alchemist who is taking the lives of innocent!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
A Unique, Awesome Game
PostedJuly 13, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The game takes place as Italy is being ravaged by plague, and it is said that there is a cure in the town of Apothecarium that is inhabited by scientists. As the game begins you are ordered by Duke Lorenzo Medici to travel to Apothecarium to find his daughter and granddaughter who have gone missing after his granddaughter was sent there to keep her safe from the plague.
Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those except to mention that the graphics are terrific. The thing I did not like about this game is the music that sets a mood of suspense and urgency. I had to turn the music off as it put me a bit on edge and I found that I wasn’t enjoying the game.
I almost don’t know where to begin when telling you about this game because it is so different than almost any other game that we have recently seen. There is just so much going on here that I am amazed it was not released as a CE. Apothecarium has all of the components to be a CE (even more than are included in some CEs that have been presented) with the exception of a strategy guide.
So many BFG members are always asking for innovations and something new in a game and now they have it. Over the past year or two we have seen the advent of progressive silhouette and interactive objects included in hidden object scenes (HOS) but I have never before seen anything like the HOS presented in this game. I don’t want to spoil your fun so I won’t elaborate on the exact mechanics but will say that they definitely are different. Although there is technically not a timer for the HOS, the faster you complete the scene the more coins you will earn for doing so. Your coins can be spent to purchase “advantages” in the HOS and game. Not only do we innovative HOS we also have some wonderful, challenging and different puzzles. This game just keeps getting better the longer I play.
As a general rule, I never use the tutorial but I because there is so much to learn in this game I did use it and found it very helpful. I recommend that you take the extra few minutes and go through the tutorial so that you have a bit more understanding of how the game functions.
In the end, Apothecarium is a unique and wonderful game. As I mentioned, I am so surprised that it was not a CE – what a treat it is for us to have a game of this caliber that is released as a standard edition game. I wholeheartedly recommend this game and hope you find it to be as much of a treat as I do. THANK YOU BFG!!!
I recommend this game!
You've arrived in the peaceful resort town of Aurora Peak to investigate some mysterious local crystals. But the devious plot you uncover there could endanger the entire world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 41 found this review helpful
A Visual Feast and Excellent Game!
PostedJuly 13, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As the game opens we see a drab woodpecker mutate into a beautiful strange species after drinking from a water dispenser that contains an odd pink crystal. So the first thing that got my attention with Aurora Peak is the spectacular use of color. Wow, from the opening cut scene to game’s title page we get a glimpse of how beautiful the environments in this game will be. At the request of your brother Alan who is checking out the renovation of your grandfather’s resort – Aurora Peak, you are on your way to join him to investigate some of the odd mutated plants and animals that he has noticed. As a geologist, you are the expert in the family but your helicopter crashes upon arrival to the area and that is where our journey into this strange and beautiful area begins. Will you be able to save your brother and get to the bottom of what is really happening at Aurora Peak?
Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those except to note that the graphics, voiceovers, and sound are all excellent.
There are various types of HOS including the progressive silhouette type where you locate an object and then use it to find another. The puzzles are fairly standard but have their own unique twist. None of them seem too difficult but nevertheless are fun.
During the game you get to find morphing objects and earn achievements, all of which add to the enjoyment of the game. As far as the extras go we have the usual collection of wallpapers and artwork that will be nice to have since this is such a visually gorgeous game. We get to replay the HOS and puzzles which is something I like to do. I buy CEs mostly because I like having an integrated strategy guide and so all the other little things that are thrown in are icing on the cake for me.
The game seems to be more of an adventure rather than a hidden object game, which is fine with me since I enjoy roaming around in a game and discovering what needs to be done (especially when the environments are so beautiful), and I don’t mind that there are not too many HOS that I need to complete in order to move forward with the story. I love puzzles and am quite happy that I encounter them more frequently than I do the HOS. For me this game is a winner. As always, I suggest that you try the demo first to see if it is a game you like.
I recommend this game!
Your murderous half-sister has escaped, and you've got the last piece of your father's treacherous film projector...
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 61 found this review helpful
A Good Sequel - Now Where Did I Put the Iris?
PostedJuly 11, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It has been a year since the death of your father, the famous director and inventor, Morton Wolf, who was killed by your half-sister. We find out that Linda has escaped the mental institution where she has been committed during the past year, and is now a danger to your family. In order to protect you a close friend of your father’s, General Lee Porter, comes to visit and requests the one remaining piece of your fathers’ mind control projector – the iris. Is General Porter the man he seems to be, or is there more to his professed caring and friendship? Now it is up to you to solve the mystery in this intriguing story.
Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those except to note that there are three modes of gameplay – casual, challenging and expert. You have the option to change to a different mode of gameplay during the game by selecting the menu button.
The graphics are crystal clear and excellent. I really liked the music and ambient sounds because they added a lot to the game. The game has voiceovers some of which are excellent and others just so, so.
The interactive hidden object scenes (iHOS) are list type with some items requiring just minor interaction. In some recent games the HOS have become quite interactive and added a lot to the games but the ones in Final Cut Encore seem more like the older style. Even with the clear graphics, I still had a difficult time finding some items in the HOS and had to switch to the match 3 portion just to complete the scene and move forward. The puzzles are ones we have often seen so there is nothing new or too innovative in Final Cut Encore. I always have difficulty with the click a button to turn off or on all the lights type puzzles until I figure out the patterns, and these are not my favorite puzzles as I find them frustrating. That being said, thankfully there is a variety of puzzles in the game and I did enjoy most of them.
There are achievements to be earned one of which is to find 37 film strips hidden throughout the game. As far as the extras go they are fairly standard – strategy guide (SG), wallpapers, artwork, music, replay puzzles and HOS, and the bonus game. What is added is a secret gameplay chapter. When CE’s first came out most of us purchased them simply because the bonus gameplay and for the integrated SG that we didn’t have to purchase and then open outside of the game. In the past couple of years we have come to expect a lot more in the way of extras and if they are not included we say no to the CE. Although the game does seem light on CE content (no morphing objects), I happen to like the SG so for me it is worth the purchase but others may not agree.
Overall the game is very good but I did have a bit of a problem keeping up with the storyline. Once I “caught on” to what was happening I was able to become immersed in the game. Right from the beginning when the front door to the Wolf mansion had a rusted lock, it seemed a bit weird but since I play games for the entertainment value and am not too picky about the details, or whether or not it seems realistic, I just laughed and continued on to enjoy the story and the game. For me the game was an instant purchase since I really wanted to continue playing when the demo ended. As always, I recommend that you try the game first to see if you like it.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery of a seaside town as you uncover your lost memories.
Overall rating
4
/
5
57 of 71 found this review helpful
Help Marcus Regain His Memory and His Love
PostedJuly 4, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the story of a friendship that develops into a love triangle between Marcus, Vasco and Delores. As the story begins Marcus (you) is being tossed into the ocean by Vasco who tells him “you lose, she is mine.” Marcus regains consciousness on a beach holding a portrait of a young woman who looks familiar but he has apparently lost his memory. Now begins your journey to help Marcus find out who he is and to regain his lost love.
Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those, except to note that there are three modes of gameplay – casual, advanced and hardcore. Another nice option is that you can set your interactive map to indicate where you have an objective to accomplish. So if you would rather figure it out on your own, you can set the map so it does not indicate active areas.
Graphics quality is excellent and the artwork is gorgeous with a wonderful color palette. Although the graphics for the most part are crisp and exceptionally clear, the cutscenes have a foggy, muted appearance. I don’t see why the developer did this in the cutscenes because they look like a lower quality resolution. The game has voiceovers that are very good and the characters actually move their lips when speaking. The musical score is standard fare but is not too intrusive into the gameplay. I do keep my music volume lower because I don't want it to be distracting. Overall the sound quality is very good and goes well with the theme of the story.
There are different types of iHOS including list and the progressive silhouette type where you must find one object and then use it to find another. The puzzles in the game do not seem difficult but they do increase in difficulty and challenge as you progress through the game.
In this game you have an area called Sea World that includes a Sea Creature Album, Aquarium and a Dolphin Pool. As you move through the game you can find collectible items that include dolphins, sea turtles and shells that will be added to your Sea World. There is a store where you use the shells you have found to purchase items for your aquarium and dolphin. Also, there are 22 achievements to be earned and some of them relate to finding the collectible items. Included in the extras section you will find concept art, wallpapers, music, videos and mini puzzle that can be replayed.
The CE is loaded with extra content and although I am generally not interested in some of the extras, I think the wallpapers are beautiful and with them being available immediately, I’m going to put one on my laptop now. Since the SE version won’t be here for a while I don’t know if any of the extras, such as the Sea World, will be available in that version of the game.
Overall this is a very nice game and I recommend that you at least try the demo. For me it was an instant buy simply because I loved the first Fierce Tales and also it is a great value given today's sale.
I recommend this game!
A letter offers new information about Elizabeth just as Lynn's powers have awakened. Help her overcome the darkness before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
78 of 89 found this review helpful
The Wicked Witch is Back!
PostedJune 27, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The story begins with a recap of the history of the Charleston family and the witch Elizabeth. This sequel is more or less a continuation of the first Witches Legacy but you really don’t need to play the first one in order to understand what is going on in this game. Your niece Lynn has very strong magical powers and Elizabeth is intent on making Lynn her only heir but to do that, she needs to get rid of you – the last remaining Charleston descendant.
Others have done a great job of listing the game’s technical aspects so I won’t go into those except to note that there are four modes of gameplay casual, normal, hard and custom. In custom mode you can set the game to play exactly as you like with respect to hint recharge time, sparkles and HOS click penalties.
Your diary is on the lower left and shortly into the game you will receive an interactive map that will allow you to move quickly from one place to another.
The graphics are excellent and crisp with a lot of color. The music and sound effects are good and add to the overall enjoyment of the game, although, there are times when my little Imp helper seems a bit too hyperactive and very vocal. Some of the things that happen with Imp are actually very humorous and had me laughing out loud.
The HOS are list type with some minor interaction required to find some items. If you don’t want to hunt for objects, you can switch to a matching puzzle. Since I can switch to the matching puzzle, the HOS don’t seem quite as tedious as they were in the first game.
There are more puzzles in Lair of the Witch Queen than in The Charleston Curse and that always keeps me happy, since the puzzles are what I look forward to the most in HOPA games. The puzzles are nothing new but they are fun and maybe a bit too easy for some. So for those who like a real challenge in their puzzles these might be too simplistic.
Throughout the game you can you can find morphing or beyond objects and need to collect puzzle pieces. You can also earn achievements. The rest of the CE content is very much the standard screen savers, wallpapers and other stuff that I have no interest in ever using.
This developer has brought us some great games in recent months and has really improved their quality and presentation over the past year. Kudos for another great game!
Although the story is not new, it is very entertaining and well done and it is a buy for me. I recommend you at least try the demo.
I recommend this game!