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:
Help unravel the town's scariest secret and learn the story of an abandoned bride. Lift a mysterious curse and help the townspeople find love again!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
Surprising Change of Pace Game
PostedMarch 5, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Oh my, I never would have thought that I would like this game as much as I do. I am so addicted to CE HOPA games that nothing else usually tickles my fancy.
In Matchmaker there are so many things to do that I find it quite entertaining and a very nice change of pace. Not only are there some HO scenes but there are puzzles incorporated into each one. There are also tasks to be done such as renovate a room, fix an antique car, clean a park, decorate a setting for a date and so forth.
In my opinion, this game is a gem and a keeper. I purchased after 40 minutes of the demo because I didn't want the fun to end.
This is a game you really should give a try so you can see if you like it much as I do.
I recommend this game!
A simple murder investigation in Spain becomes a puzzling whodunit filled with intrigue.
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 58 found this review helpful
A Great Whodunnit Game
PostedFebruary 28, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Grim Façade: The Cost of Jealousy is the third game in the Grim Façade franchise. The story is as old as time – love, betrayal, jealousy, murder and revenge – quite a nice package.
As always is the case with this developer, we are presented with a very visually appealing game. Of course, it goes without saying that the artwork is beautiful. ERS has given us those cute furry animals that they do exceptionally well, and I always have my ahhhh moment when I meet their animals in a game. The artistry of the facial expressions in their characters is so amazingly realistic as well. There is one scene in the beginning of the game when the facial expression of our victim is so revealing and goes through a range of emotions during a confrontation that a live actor could not have done it better. IMHO, this type of artistry is one of the great strengths of this development team.
The music follows the developer’s branding and is pretty much the same as it is in all their games. Sometimes I long for quiet without the constant background music. The voices are done very well, and I am happy to say that ERS has ditched the game title announcement at the beginning of a game as it was just a bit of annoying, unnecessary fluff. As long as I am mentioning something annoying, I have yet to determine why Aidan keeps popping up so often. He is an addition to the game, that at this point, I find a bit intrusive.
As with the other Grim Façade games, The Cost of Jealousy has the inclusion of fan and gold coins to use as we did in the first two games. We encounter IHOS and puzzles during our crime-solving journey but they don’t seem as abundant as in some other games, which I like. However, that being said, I can never have too many puzzles in a game.
Needless to say, I own every CE game from ERS and love them all. I am looking forward to finding out who killed Hugo, and I suspect there is more to the story than is at first obvious.
I recommend this game!
Spend the night in an abandoned mansion. Can you survive to uncover the terrible secret about your ancestor?
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
What Lurks Within the Walls of Strangestone Manor?
PostedFebruary 27, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Strangestone is one of those surprising little games that BFG has been presenting lately as original standard editions. In this story, you and your brother are the only heirs to the estate of Dr. Strangestone and your adventure begins when you show up to meet with a realtor to sell the property. From the beginning cutscene, we can assume that the realtor has met a gruesome fate.
Although I am not familiar with this developer, we have been presented with a very good game complete with great graphics, voice-overs and live actors. The music is nice but not in your face, which is something I also like in a game.
At this point I have only encountered a couple of puzzles and I believe that the developer could certainly have provided more information on what we need to do to complete their puzzles. One of them was such a mess, I had no clue and had to hit the skip button after trying for 10 minutes to figure out what on earth I was doing, and that was after I read the description and knew what was expected. As is becoming very popular in the HO genre, the developer has included the almost now requisite interaction when locating some objects. I must admit that some of the items in the IHOS are almost invisible and I was surprised when I would accidentally find something by clicking around for a different object. Aside from the issues of weak puzzle descriptions and some almost invisible hidden objects, I think we have been presented with a very nice game.
One of the things that I noticed with this game is that the transition from room to room is seamless and almost instantaneous, so there is no lag time when moving from one location to the next.
In Strangestone there are various tasks that need to be accomplished in each area that will have dialogue pop up on the screen when we click a certain item or area. These tasks are also catalogued in the task button, which when opened also provides a map with highlighted areas where something needs to be done.
For me this is a very nice game with an interesting, eerie storyline that is holding my attention and presenting a fair challenge as I uncover the mystery of Strangestone.
I recommend this game!
The Order’s most closely-guarded secret sleeps deep beneath the ancient Spanish streets. What lies within this mysterious box?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 21 found this review helpful
Save the World
PostedFebruary 24, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Keepers -The Order’s Last Secret is the tale of the last keeper working to prevent the unthinkable, the unleashing of unspeakable horror and the end of the world. And, you must work quickly to accomplish all of this before the eclipse that will occur this very day. Sounds like you have quite a task. I only wish the game was as exciting as it sounds.
The graphics seem a bit grainy and old school. Although there is some interaction required in the HOS, it’s fairly simple and doesn’t take a lot of thought to figure out what to do. During the game we also get to find 35 morphing objects so that is a bit of an extra. I like voice-overs in a game but I have to say that I don’t really care for the Spanish accents in this game as they seem a bit over-done.
What makes the game worthwhile for me are the puzzles. Although they are familiar, they do present a bit of a challenge and that is something I like in a game. Admittedly, I haven’t played the entire game and am hoping that it gets better and not so ho-hum as I move forward.
Although The Keepers isn’t a “knock your socks off” stellar game, it is okay. If you are like me and love HOPA games, you will probably find this enough of a story and game to hold your interest.
As always, I would suggest that you download the demo and give it a try. You might just find that you really like this second game in The Keepers series. I can say without hesitation that the game is far better than the first and that is an improvement.
I recommend this game!
Jessica would never imagine that her big day would turn out to be a nightmare; they had an accident and Jonathan McNealy, her husband is missing.
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 17 found this review helpful
Another Suprisingly Good SE HOPA Game
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Silent Scream II – The Bride is a very nice surprise. I read some of the early reviews in the forum and I have to disagree with many of the negative reviews. I decided to download the game and try the demo and after about 40 minutes decided that I will buy the game.
Although it is not a spectacular game it is very enjoyable and a good HOPA game. I found myself being pulled into the story. Yes, it is mostly a HO game but I love the genre. In 40 minutes I encountered 1 puzzle and hope to find more. The HOS are slightly interactive and very nicely done. I found most of the hidden objects of respectable size and not too much trouble to find, although I did have to use the hint button a couple of times.
The game has voice-overs in the beginning but am not sure about later in the game. The graphics are excellent and crisp on my laptop. The game automatically opened to fit my widescreen so no adjustments were necessary. The game is a bit spooky and I like the music.
All in all, a very nice SE game that I think you should at least demo before making a decision. As for me, it is very entertaining and I can’t wait to find out more.
I recommend this game!
Follow the trail of the mysterious woman in white and discover the secret behind her terrible task!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 12 found this review helpful
What is Behind That Blank, Icy Stare?
PostedFebruary 21, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Previous reviewers have listed the most of the game’s details so I won’t go into those. I would like to say that Elephant Games is an exceptional developer who continuously presents us with great games, and this third installment in the Hallowed Legends series is no exception. I am finding everything about Ship of Bones very entertaining and of excellent quality.
I love the opening video in the game with the gentleman in the rocking chair. What a great way to start this game. I happen to really like a game where we have live actors, and this developer has given us several.
The graphics are excellent and up to the standard I have come to expect from Elephant Games. The artwork is always very colorful, which adds to my enjoyment of a game. We have voice-overs that are believable and seem quite in-sync with the characters. And, who wouldn’t be intrigued by the creepy woman in white who is causing all the problems with her blank, icy stare. IMHO, this promises to be a great game with an interesting storyline. I am also enjoying my raven helper, who seems to have quite a sense of humor at times.
Hopefully, you will try the game and agree with me that this is another CE offering that is well-worth adding to your game collection
I recommend this game!
Experience a story about love so strong, it can overcome the most powerful evil! Explore visually stunning mystical dimensions and rescue your fiance!
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 58 found this review helpful
Good versus Evil - Great Story
PostedFebruary 17, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This second game in the Sacra Terra series is even better than the first. It seems that in the past two years games have just become better with so many of the advanced techniques that are now available to game developers.
Although this game is right up my alley and I love it, I would suggest that parents play the game first to see if the content is suitable for their teens/children. The story theme deals with good vs. evil and it looks like some rituals may be involved. That being said, this game is really good. We have a young woman who is out to rescue her fiancé soon after he is captured by a beautiful succubus.
There is a helpful map included and we are challenged to find 33 morphing objects throughout the game. Sacra Terra: Kiss of Death has excellent graphics and we can choose the screen size/resolution. On my laptop when the game opened it automatically almost filled my screen. When I ticked the widescreen button in options, the game then filled the entire screen. Sacra Terra runs very smoothly for me with no sluggish cursors or long scene-change delays. Along with excellent graphics we are given very credible voice overs that IMHO can either make or break a game. Another thing I like about this game is that even in casual mode, there does not seem to be an overabundance of sparkles.
The game has a mix of adventure, IHOS and puzzles. The puzzles are good and not too easy but also not frustratingly difficult. In the IHOS some items that are marked as available are slightly hidden but no interaction is required to complete the objects. It took me a few minutes in my first IHOS to catch on. Very cleverly done!
I’ve not yet finished the game but did purchase it. Because of the story and early game play, I have no doubt that this will be a great game that will hold my attention until the very end. I like this developer’s games and I don’t think they have ever presented a game I didn’t like or love. This game promises to live up to the standard that I have come to expect from the “A” team.
I recommend this game!
Halloween decorations aren’t the only things hanging around spooky Stone Farm when a group of students unwittingly open a portal to the underworld.
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 48 found this review helpful
Did We Miss Halloween??
PostedFebruary 16, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Shadows Price of Our Sins is an interesting SE game. Like others, I am surprised that it was not released as a Halloween game. A nice spooky game.
The Graphics are very good, with the exception of the IHOS where they seem to be a bit fuzzy or muted. Quite frankly, I had a difficult time finding objects except for the sparkles that appear when it seems we are having difficulty locating an item. Very different to see sparkles in the HOS parts of a game. Although there is no walkthrough at present for the game, the map and hint system are available and seem to provide all the help that is needed.
Although the music is very good, I had difficulty hearing the voice overs. I adjusted the music volume down and had the voice volume set at the highest level but the voice overs still seemed too low to hear clearly.
The storyline seems interesting. You are attending a Halloween party when the other guests disappear. This is a game with a story that is worth investigating and I think will hold my attention throughout the game. I like spooky, eerie games and this one seems very promising.
I think this is a very nice game and will be an interesting way to spend some time on a rainy afternoon. A definite replay is in order next Halloween!
I recommend this game!
Explore the magical world of Enchantia as you race to save the land from the evil Phoenix Queen.
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 114 found this review helpful
Enchantia is a Masterpiece!
PostedFebruary 14, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Enchantia is an art masterpiece!! Gosh, I have been waiting for Enchantia and purchased it outright without the demo, and true to form this game developer has never presented a game that IMO was a disappointment. Enchantia is just a feast for the senses.
It goes without saying that the graphics in this game are beautiful. The voice-overs are excellent and I really like the story. I don't find the cut scenes cumbersome or to be too many, in fact they lay the story out perfectly.
Along with the excellent graphics, we have interesting puzzles. I had a bit of difficulty with the first one but soon caught on to the sequence of switching. It's nice to have puzzles in a game that require some thought to solve. I am not a huge fan of FROGS in general but I do enjoy the ones from this developer, mainly because of the beautiful artwork they incorporate into these scenes. Another plus is that we get to find "enchanted" objects throughout our journey. Love the map!
IMHO, this game is the same quality and caliber as the Red Riding Hood Sisters that came from this developer late in 2012. Enchantia looks to be just as wonderful and may even surpass that effort. If I could give this game ten stars I would, and each one would be very well-deserved.
Thanks BFG and developer for a very beautiful and challenging game.
I recommend this game!
Soul and machine are one in Motor Town, where a stunning mystery awaits!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 25 found this review helpful
Very Good SE Game and Great Puzzles
PostedFebruary 13, 2013
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the second time in a week I have had the privilege of reviewing some excellent SE games. I downloaded the demo for Motor Town and was initially put off by the filth of the abandoned mansion but I am so glad I continued on since the game just got better and better.
The game is from a developer who always seems to bring us some very good HO games. When I see their name on a project, I know it is a game I want - so kudos to you on an excellent game. The game is a mix of IHOS and some very good puzzles. I really like the interactive part of the HO scenes as they are a bit different and it is not always apparent what you need to complete an action to obtain the object. Very clever. As you continue your investigation, you will pick up clues along the way on how to solve many of the puzzles so pay attention to your journal.
The game has an different storyline but it is one I am enjoying. It is fun to meet the ghosts along the way who give you items that will be needed to complete the game. The artwork and graphics are excellent. Just remember you are dealing with an abandoned town so you don't get shiny, beautiful, clean scenes.
Again, I am very happy to have such an excellent game come to market as a standard edition. IMHO with a few additions, this would have been a great CE game.
Please give the game a chance because once you are past the mansion things really get interesting and the story picks up.
I recommend this game!