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:
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
4
/
5
53 of 60 found this review helpful
THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS GREAT IN THE SALT MINES
PostedFebruary 19, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromWhat will I do when I am replaced by a puppet? Guess I will just play more games
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You play the game as a detective: I am sure that comes as no surprise! You receive a letter from the mayor of Saltsbruck asking for your help in finding his daughter who has gone missing. There have been reports of a monster with glowing eyes seen at night in the streets and the mayor is concerned for his daughter’s life.
The game offers four choices of gameplay Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. In the custom mode the hints and puzzle skips recharge in a range from 10 to 200 seconds. One of the interesting things about the game settings is that you can choose your gender and appearance. The graphics are excellent as are the voiceovers.
Aside from the interactive, transporter type map we don’t seem to have any other tools – no pet helpers, and no gimmicks – so we can just play the game using our brain power to get things done. What a novel idea!
It seems that most games follow the same pattern now with very little difference in the types of HOS they offer. There is a mix of styles including the story type where we find the item according to the highlighted word and another where we find items by their silhouettes shown on a page. The first couple of puzzles during the demo were fairly easy but I did have a problem making sense of what to do when following the formula to fill the glass heart. The puzzles are nothing new but they are still what make the gameplay fun for me so as long as they are entertaining and not over-the-top frustrating, then I am very happy.
The Puppet Show series have not been at the top of my list of favorite games in recent years but after a few missteps, I must admit that they got it right with Puppet Show the Face of Humanity. As I was playing through the demo for the game I was so impressed with what an excellent game the bunny team has created this time around. One of the things I enjoyed was the humorous dialogue that had me laughing out loud. As I exited the coach at the beginning of the game, I felt like I was getting the captain’s reminder to collect my belongings as I leave an airplane – lol. The storyline in the Face of Humanity is excellent and I knew right away that I wanted to play the entire game. Everything in the beta left me wanting more and I have been eagerly waiting for the full release. Now that it is here, the game was an instant buy for me and a game that I did enjoy. Even though I liked the game, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if you might agree that this is an excellent game.
I recommend this game!
There’s a thin line between the living and the dead.
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 118 found this review helpful
PUT YOUR NEW EYES TO GOOD USE AND SOLVE A MURDER OR TWO
PostedFebruary 18, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Finally we have a storyline that is a bit different and one that is, IMHO, a bit eerie. You are recovering from a corneal lens transplant when you begin to have visions that concern you even though your doctor says it is a normal adjustment after this type of surgery. When you see a newspaper article that shows the ghostly woman who appeared after your surgery, it sparks your interest and you wonder if she is your lens donor. With the flick of a switch you purchase your airline ticket and jet off to Austria to delve further into the mystery.
The graphics are terrific and the style that I prefer in games. I get tired of the slick cutscenes and computer generated graphics that seem to lack pizazz. The lip-synced voiceovers are quite good as well. There are four modes of gameplay to choose when setting up the game: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Custom. If you choose the custom mode you can fiddle with various settings. The hints and mini-game skip times can be set in a range between 15 to 90 seconds.
Your tools include an interactive map that is found early in the game. There is also an old-school journal that contains your objectives as well as notes that you acquire while playing the game. Another tool that is helpful is Freya’s glasses that will show you past events as you try to reconstruct the murders.
The mini-games and HOPS are excellent even though the puzzles are just a bit too easy for my liking. That being said, they are still fun and balance out the game. If you choose not to search for items in the HOP scenes you can play an alternate match 3 game.
The CE version includes morphing objects and other collectibles that include files of Stupid Deaths. All in all it is a decent CE package that includes the standards such as the strategy guide and the bonus chapter. Many of us who are seasoned players hardly ever use the strategy guide but it is very helpful for those who are new to the genre.
I love the fact that we have a storyline that is a bit different than the normal fare we receive. It is refreshing to have a mystery to solve that doesn’t involve a demon who wants to take over the world. IMHO the game is creative and very entertaining and it is one I have been waiting for since playing the beta. The characters are believable as is the storyline. For me the game is perfect but we don’t all have the same taste in games so please try the demo to see if In Her Eyes is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Explore a cursed forest in search of missing persons! Be wary of the ancient and shadowy presence that has dominion there.
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 43 found this review helpful
AN OUTSTANDING SE GAME FROM A NEW TEAM
PostedFebruary 17, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromThanks BFG for a great SE hidden object game! I would love to see more games from this team.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When I saw Mysteries of the Past Shadow of the Daemon I had to do some searching because I was sure I had seen this game previously since the graphic of the young boy looked eerily similar to “Darren” the character in a game released about a month ago. Just to make sure I downloaded the game and, yes, it is new but I certainly experienced one of those déjà vu moments.
The game is from a new game developer; at least its name is one I don’t recall seeing in the past. The graphics are actually very good and there are sort of “iffy” lip-synced voiceovers. The game offers three modes of gameplay offered but no custom mode. The settings are minimal so there are not many things we can fiddle with to customize the game other than the volume sliders and screen size.
We receive a map early in the game but that is our only tool – aside from our wits and putting that gray matter to work.
The storyline is familiar but it is done well in Shadow of the Daemon. As a detective who deals with paranormal events you have been contacted by a Mr. Clarkson who is the owner of the Big Pine Lodge. The Millers, a father and son duo staying at the lodge, disappeared when it was seemingly invaded by an evil entity that whisked them away one evening when they returned from their daily trek. Since that event, Mr. Clarkson has been too afraid to enter the lodge so you agree to meet him outside the lodge. When you meet him at the entrance he explains how the appearance of the lodge has changed in just a matter of days and now looks as if it has been abandoned for several years. Out of control plants cover the lodge so your first task will be to gain entry. After you enter the lodge, your fun begins.
The HOPS are interesting, interactive and multi-level. Although there is nothing new I really like the way this developer has set up each HOP scene. The mini-games will seem quite easy for many seasoned gamers but they are still quite entertaining.
All in all, if this is a first attempt at a HOPA game by this team, I have to congratulate them on their efforts. I enjoy the game and it became an immediate purchase for me. I hope to see more games from this team in the future. Even though I really like the game, please try it to see if it is one you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The past isn't set in stone. Now's your chance to change it!
Overall rating
2
/
5
68 of 86 found this review helpful
THE ELECTRICAL STORM IS MORE EXCITING THAN THIS GAME
PostedFebruary 14, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromWaiting, waiting, waiting . . . for a spark of interest
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
A storm is raging when you receive an urgent request from your friend Professor Mann asking you to bring him an ancient relic as soon as possible. Of course while you are flying to meet him your plane is damaged by the ferocious storm and possibly something else. After you arrive at your destination the situation goes from bad to worse as you find yourself now the most likely next victim of this weather phenomenon.
The graphics are good and true to other games in the Rite of Passage series. The voice overs are excellent as are the stormy ambient effects in the game. The game offers a custom mode of gameplay so you can fiddle with settings and tailor the game to the way you like to play.
Your trusty cellphone is your most valuable tool in the game. At least in the demo I didn’t see any special tools or gimmicks but I didn’t want to continue the game so who knows what lies ahead.
The interactive HOPS are varied and interactive but even they seemed boring. Puzzles are super easy and there was nothing electrifying present. Although the puzzles seem easy at first and didn’t improve as I played further into the game.
The games from this developer and the Rite of Passage series are generally excellent so I am not sure what happened with Heart of the Storm. Maybe it is just an off day for me but, quite frankly, I couldn’t get enthused about a game that seemed to lack anything that could ignite even a small spark of interest. Overall, the game was boring and flat. I expect so much more from this development team – one that has brought us some innovative and terrific games in the past so now I am left wondering what happened. Although I purchased the game, I struggled to finish it. I found the entire game not up to par and boring. In the end I was left scratching my head and wondering how a series that started off with such promise ended up wallowing around in the mud. I think it is perhaps time that this series is retired if this is the best storyline the dev can come up with. Even though I didn’t care for the game you might love it. Please try the demo to see if you have a different opinion.
I don't recommend this game.
Terror strikes deep into the heart of this family's cursed estate!
Overall rating
5
/
5
73 of 100 found this review helpful
WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SAVE YOUR LOVE?
PostedFebruary 13, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromMaking sure my electromagnetic detector is in tip-top shape so I can follow the ghosts
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Tales of Terror Estate of the Heart is an awesome ghost story and a game that captures my heart after a string of so, so follow the dot games. Estate of the Heart begins as a trio who investigates paranormal activity is about to embark on their newest venture at Heart’s Estate, a mansion that has been abandoned since 1904. Jesse is all over this story as he knows that it will make a great addition to the book he is writing, and then there is Arthur who is always looking for a logical explanation. Margie seems to have a lot of patience with her dad’s down to earth attitude while at the same time supporting Jesse in his endeavors. The Heart Estate certainly looks creepy and it has been widely reported that anyone who enters the estate is never seen again but that doesn’t seem to worry our intrepid team as they begin their adventure. Of course, being a ghost story, it isn’t long before things start happening and before too long, you are left on your own to save the others.
The game has top-notch graphics that are colorful and crisp with none of those misty washed out scenes that we see in some ghostly games. Another thing that is excellent with Estate of the Heart is the realistic, voiceovers. The voices actually have some emotion and are not the usual flat “reading from a script” voices we normally encounter. The entire sound package sets the stage for a ghostly tale of terror. The modes of gameplay include the custom mode so you can set up the game for how you like to play. And yes, we have the magic number of five chapters plus the bonus chapter in the CE version of the game.
Your tools include an interactive map that is found early in the game and a device that detects electromagnetic energy. Fortunately there is no furry pet helper in sight to ruin a great ghostly tale!
Estate of the Heart includes various types of interactive HOPs and I love them. Some items we will find by silhouette and others by list but all of the scenes are interactive with some more so than others. The HOPS in this game are well-crafted and vary in style. There is a hidden surprise to find in each HOP scene so look closely at everything. The mini-games, although not over the top difficult, are a bit tricky. One of the first ones took a bit of fiddling with the movable pieces to get everything in the right spot.
Although the CE version of the game includes collectible hearts and secret gems hidden throughout the game, the remainder of the CE content is fairly standard. There is nothing over-the-top exceptional included in the mix so it becomes a matter of preference when deciding between the CE of SE versions of the game.
I LOVE this game. I like the storyline and the gameplay. I had a couple of jump-scare moments that got the adrenaline pumping and those are what make a ghostly game terrific. Tales of Terror Estate of the Heart is a game I have been eagerly awaiting and when I saw that it would be released this week I was doing my happy dance. Even though the game was an instant buy for me, as always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 39 found this review helpful
CAN YOU SAVE THE QUEEN AND THE WORLDS
PostedFebruary 12, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Let me begin by saying that I absolutely love the Reflections of Life series. Each game in the series is well-crafted and long (at least for me because I am a gawker and look at everything). The games are beautiful with gorgeous graphics that are stunning. This game is so full of things to look at and to click on just to see what happens. If you enjoy a feast for the eyes then this might be the game and series for you.
In Dark Architect, the worlds are under attack and Queen Clio was saved in the nick of time by your uncle as she was about to plummet to her doom. A meeting of the guardians has been called and you, Grace, have been sent to assist Queen Clio and to prevent the destruction of the Worlds by some unknown evil force and its minions. Using your wits, and aided by your trusty owl, you will overcome a multitude of challenges in this incredible game.
The game offers four modes of gameplay including the custom mode. As noted above the graphics are terrific and rich in color and clarity. The voiceovers and sound complete the package making this an extremely impressive game. The game has five chapters plus the two bonus chapters that are included in the CE version. My experience with the previous games in the series is that the chapters are long. The strategy guide has fifty-two pages and that is usually an indication of game length.
Your tools include an interactive map, your owl companion, and special lenses that you will find as you move forward in the game. Each lens can be used only once and must be activated before use by playing a mini-game but in this case it adds to the fun.
The HOPS are very well-designed and puzzle-like. There are many different styles in the mix but if you don’t want to search for items or figure out how to complete the scene, you do have the option of switching to a match-3 game. The mini-games, although not too difficult, are a lot of fun with many of them requiring a lot of thought.
By now you are aware that I think this is a wonderful game. Even though I am rather tired of the storyline of some evil bent on destruction, with the gorgeous package in this game it can be overlooked. Of course, the game was an instant buy for me and one that I will replay many times in the future. If you want a beautiful fantasy game with excellent gameplay features, then Reflections of Life Dark Architect might just be the game for you.
I recommend this game!
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 52 found this review helpful
BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN ATTENDING THE BALLET IT MIGHT BE YOUR FINAL CURTAIN
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromDoing a quick pirouette and an arabesque as I rush off to solve another mystery
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Danse Macabre Lethal Letters is a tale of intrigue and murder. You play the game as Dr. Hawthorn, a renowned psychologist, who has been hired by Count Antanov to consult with his fiancé who has been suffering lapses in memory. Unfortunately, no sooner have you met the Count than he meets his doom at the hands of his beloved. Pull out your handy pocket watch (the major tool of all hypnotists and psychiatrists) to see if you can solve the mystery behind Lethal Letters and save Irina.
Lethal Letters has the familiar technical aspects of games from this top developer including a custom mode that you can tinker with to set up the game for how you like to play. Although the graphics are lovely, the voiceovers fall a bit short and were quite a disappointment. For a game that takes place in St. Petersburg, all of the accents are decidedly American. The game has five chapters plus the bonus game.
Your tools include a transportable map that you find early in the game. Of course no reputable psychiatrist would travel without her pocket watch and yours becomes another tool you use throughout the game. As is the case with most game gimmicks, we have to play a puzzle to activate the watch before use.
The interactive HOPs are familiar and there are no surprises but, IMHO, they are just cluttered junkpiles with items that are difficult to spot. On the other hand, Lethal Letters has some great puzzles and, although they might not be anything new, they are excellent with a few twists that are new.
The CE version includes collectibles and souvenirs to find. You can also replay the puzzles, match-3 games and HOPS. There are achievements, a souvenir room, wallpapers, videos, and soundtrack included as well.
Had it not been for an intriguing story and the great puzzles, I would have passed on the game. In their recent newsletter the developer touted Lethal Letters as their “50th” game so I was certainly looking forward to something spectacular but, IMHO, it misses the mark. The game is nothing more than the same old thing with very little to commend it as something special aside from the puzzles and storyline. I love the Danse Macabre series and lately the series has diminished in its appeal. That being said, Lethal Letters is still a game that I will enjoy even if it isn’t as spectacular as I had hoped. As always, please try the demo to see if Lethal Letters is something special for you and a game that you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
The past isn't set in stone. Now's your chance to change it!
Overall rating
4
/
5
70 of 82 found this review helpful
WILL PETER SAVE HIS BELOVED IN THIS ROMP THROUGH ANCIENTHISTORY
PostedFebruary 7, 2016
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Well, it should come as no surprise that once again you play a game as a detective. This time you receive an alarming call from the director of the agency who needs your help when your friend and colleague, Peter, disappeared shortly after he searched the archives to locate several items that the agency classified as extremely dangerous. What was Peter searching for and why? After arriving at Peter’s home you come face to face with him when he goes on a rampage and tries to kill you. What has happened and why has Peter turned into a madman? Changing the Past is a very good game that allows you to travel to different times and places as you try save Peter, undo the damage he has caused, and figure out why his fiancé is pretending to be terminally ill, which is what started him on this path of destruction.
Changing the Past is a game that offers almost everything I look for that, at least for me, makes a game one that I will enjoy. It has excellent graphics that are very sharp and crystal clear. I like the intense color palette the artists used to create the graphics much more than I do those in a game where everything is pink, purple and blue. The lip-synced voiceovers are generally very good, but there is one that could have been better. The game offers four modes of gameplay including a Custom Mode so you have the option to set up gameplay for the way you like to play. The full game includes 5 chapters plus the bonus game.
Your tools include an interactive map and a watch that allows you to turn back clock so that you can avoid dangerous situations.
The HOPS are varied with some interaction required to find a few of the items. The scenes were well-crafted and most of the items were fairly easy to find even though some of them were very well hidden. Most of the HOPS were slightly interactive and it wasn’t difficult to figure out what items needed to be used and where in order to complete the scene. There is one HOP where we need to find all of the morphing objects in order to open the list of items to be found.
Even though the puzzles were nothing I haven’t seen before, I still enjoyed them. There was one puzzle early in the game though that really made me very dizzy as I tried to grab the speeding letters as they went flying by. I almost skipped that one but did make it through without too much trouble. That particular puzzle might be difficult for anyone who suffers from vertigo so you might want to skip it. I am sure you will know the puzzle I am referring to as soon as you see it. A puzzle I loved involves restoring a map, but it is not as easy as it seems since it becomes progressively more difficult with each level.
Although I did not care for the last game in the Labyrinth series, this one is a vast improvement. I generally like games from this development team and find that in general they present a bit more challenge that is something most of us want in HOPA games. Not everyone will like this game as much as I do but I think it is excellent as I am enjoying the storyline and gameplay. There is the mystery of Debby and why she is faking her illness – or is she? My recommendation is that you try the demo to see if Labyrinths of the World Changing the Past is a game that you will also enjoy.
I recommend this game!
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
81 of 101 found this review helpful
AN AWESOME SEARCH FOR THE FABLED FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
PostedFebruary 5, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As an agent of the prestige Hidden Expedition team you have been called upon to investigate the loss of communication with three HELP agents who were overseeing an archeologic reconstruction site in Sri Lanka that is being financed by a very shady businessman Darius Aturnin. As you arrive at the site you learn that the agents have been captured so now you are on a rescue mission. It soon becomes apparent that more is going on at the site than originally suspected. Will you be able to save the agents and find out what Aturnin is hoping to find at the site? So ditch those expensive anti-aging products, you might just find the mythic Fountain of Youth as you do some globe hopping in this terrific new Hidden Expedition game!
Fountain of Youth has wonderful graphics and top-notch voiceovers. There is my favorite custom setting so I am happy. Tools include the HELP box where you will gather fact cards and other information about your mission. There is an interactive map to help you keep track of locations
After playing so many HOPA games it is not often that I am surprised by the HOPS but all I can say is that this awesome and creative development team has once again raised the bar. The HOPS are varied, interactive and many contain mini-games. I am very impressed and found the HOPS to be excellent. Not only are the HOPS awesome the puzzles are terrific and some of them are quite challenging. AGAIN, I am amazed that this developer just keeps raising the bar and creating such wonderful games. There is no need to tell you all the details of the puzzles and HOPS since discovery is more fun so I will leave it to others to let you know what to expect.
The Hidden Expedition series has always been a favorite of mine with some of the games being better than others. The Fountain of Youth is probably going to be right up there at the top of the list because it proves that this game developer keeps stretching their creativity to give us what we want in games. All that is left to do now is grab a cup of coffee and play this awesome game! Happy gaming everyone: what a great way to kick off the games for 2016!
I recommend this game!
The murders are escalating in the city! Follow the clues to crack the cases and arrest the killers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 72 found this review helpful
A TOP-NOTCH MOSAICS OR GRIDDLER GAME
PostedFebruary 1, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hidden Clues is another griddler or mosaic puzzle and this one has a fun storyline with great graphics. The game is detective themed and we will solve puzzles by finding clues to solve each case.
What I like about the game are the graphics and the multi-colored boards. What I don’t care for is the annoying ping or sound each time we place a pin or mark a colored square. I really don’t get why everything must be coupled with some sort of sound effect. I can see making a noise if I make an error but aside from that I want background music in these types of games. The other thing I happen to find distracting is those bright purple pins to mark a completed square.
Perhaps I am spoiled by a terrific multi-colored puzzle game that comes along every few months that I love and despite the couple of things that I don’t like, all in all Hidden Clues is a terrific puzzle game and definitely a buy for me. If a griddler type game is well-crafted, as this one is, then it will be one I will add to my collection. I find these types of games great time-fillers when I have a few minutes to spare.
Because of the great story concept, wonderful graphics, multi-colored game boards, and a good level of challenge, I highly recommend Hidden Clues. As always, please try the demo to see if this is a puzzle game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!