steve_san's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:5,408
- Reviews Submitted:242
- First Review:November 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 3, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Are You Beginning To Feel Forsaken?
PostedMarch 1, 2014
steve_san
fromChilling Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The setting is in the year 1984 when you receive a cryptic letter from your sister Heather, with whom you have not been in contact with since your mother died ten years ago. Heather asks that you (a green-eyed beauty named Holly) come to a certain address to visit. The address turns out to be a boarded up, broken down, apparently abandoned home. But all is not as it seems.
While this may not be a game for young children, it certainly is not as scary as it suggests. Many of the game's "surprises" are telegraphed well in advance so you really expect them. However, this game does create a creepy atmosphere and also delves into themes like mental illness and keeping the mentally ill in asylums. The opening screen is of a security monitoring station at one such asylum, and it is apparent that something has gone horribly wrong as the camera pans across dead bodies and trails of blood.
As you would expect, the drawing is not cheery and colorful, but instead it is deliberately drab using a palette of pale blues, greens and browns. There are also a lot of little critters around, such as small crawling bugs, creeping spiders and skittering mice.
Game play consists of more puzzles and locks than hidden object scenes. The hidden object scenes have a somewhat older feel, with small pop-up areas in them. Objects available in the pop-up areas are highlighted in your list, while the others are faded out. Speaking of pop-ups, there are tutorial screens that appear again and again, forcing you to turn off the tutorial multiple times.
When passing between scenes, occaisionally the opening scene appeared for a moment - the security station. This seemed odd.
Along the way you collect pages from your sister's diary which begin to fill in her story. There are also collectable statues, 15 in all, as well as other pseudo-extras like music, wallpaper, making of, achievements, deleted scenes, cut scenes, and replay of puzzles and hidden object scenes.
Maybe it's just that this type of asylum game has not been done in a while, but it does have a scary, creepy, haunting effect. It's not quite "True Fear" but it comes close.
I recommend this game!
The town of Green Hill has really gone to the birds!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 26 found this review helpful
Where Were The Three Blind Mice?
PostedFebruary 28, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I did not care for the story, as it seemed like a patchwork of amulets (never my favorite anyway), little red riding hood, the birds, the (red-eyed) raven, black- smoke bogeymen, disappearing people, and over the top drama.
Oh, and then there was the flaming enchanted fox.
All in one game, and that was just during the trial. Sorry, this was just too much for me to er, "swallow" (bird pun).
Add to that the utterly simplistic and easy game play, and mini-games which fall far, far short of being puzzling.
No, pretty art work is not enough (though yes, it is good), and this game fails to deliver on much else.
If you must try it (and of course you must), I recommend you "unscrew your head" before playing. But then again, the headless horseman may be part of the story too.
I don't recommend this game.
Enter an enchanting world of legends, mystery and magic, where your destiny was written in blood and the soft murmurs of true love...
Overall rating
3
/
5
24 of 34 found this review helpful
I'll Forsake This Game
PostedFebruary 27, 2014
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I want to say straight out that within a few minutes of play I knew this game was not for me (more on that later). However, I played it to the end of the trial. The game's setting is that you are in pursuit of your sister through the forest as she has been kidnapped by a huge bear on the eve of her wedding.
The artwork is done in a very colorful kind of "storybook" or fairy tale style (Grim or Grimm Tales?) characterized by rich, saturated reds, blues and greens with no single color really dominating the palette. Cut scenes are well done. Perhaps it's just me, but I thought there was incongruity (can use that word?) between the drawing style and the story because the story is actually quite dark and frightening.
The voices I found to be lacking. While the voices used DO fit the character's appearance, the actors fall short of being convincing and instead sound like they are trying too hard.
The game play is different than the usual. There are a few hidden object scenes, which are fragmented, (FROGS) or progressive silhouette, and a lot more mini (and I mean mini) games and puzzles. They are all nicely drawn, but will not present much of a challenge. The biggest challenge is looking around and finding all the active areas. The on-screen hints are of the hand-holding type.
There are potions to be made as well. Since in the game it actually states that witchcraft is a good thing, and you meet a witch early on, I suspect there are a lot of spells and things of that type as you progress.
Anyway, I am sure I'll be in the minority on this. As I said in the beginning, I knew this game would not be for me. This is a game that is clearly aimed at the ladies. Nothing wrong with that, by the way.
There is a note on the options screen that the game will automatically play in widescreen (it did).
This seems like an OK game, not very challenging, and that definitely has a certain appeal. However, I am afraid this is one bride I must leave at the altar.
I don't recommend this game.
Your sister disappears the night of her star debut – and there are ghosts in the theater! Will this dance ever end?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
The Last Danse?
PostedFebruary 22, 2014
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The story, a spurned lover, this time in a phantom of the opera-esque setting, has been done many times before. This effort is not bad, but neither does it particularly stand out.
The drawing style varies somewhat from scene to scene as if different artists created them. Not too fanciful, but then again not pure realism. The character voices are ok, but their accents are not consistent, making the setting unclear. The "bad guy" has a somewhat cartoonishly bad voice. Also, if you've played a recent #great# game about a certain mountain, one of the characters here, Pierre, is a virtual twin of a character in that game.
Hidden object scenes are standard fare, drawn well enough, and fairly easy. Puzzles and mini games even more so #easy, that is#. The first puzzle was so easy I'm not sure it even qualified as a puzzle.
The story is pretty predictable. Now that being said, some fishes LIKE predictable, and they will no doubt give this game four or five stars. Others #ahem# will say this has been done before, nothing new here, move along.
So I'll sit out this death dance, but keep me in mind for the next one.
I don't recommend this game.
Something pulled your son into a shimmering portal. Dive into a magical world to find him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 54 found this review helpful
Easy To Become Lost In "Lost Lands"
PostedFebruary 22, 2014
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Your son Jimmy was snatched into a tree portal while you were talking on your cell phone next to your late model SUV #never lose sight of your kids for a second - bad things happen #. You are able to follow him into a hidden world, but he is being taken to the Dark Overlord, who appears to be literally a dark cloud, by an evil dwarf. The dwarf has a good brother who is willing to help you find your son. - Ok, so it is not really a new concept, but let's play along.
The production values used here are first class, although because the game is somewhat dark it can be hard to tell. The style is an appropriate fairy tale-ish look but there is enough realism to keep you grounded in the story. The game opens with a well executed cut scene #as they all are#, but the start of actual play is a little disjointed. You perform various seemingly unnecessary tasks considering your son has just disappeared, and there is no backstory provided about your character. Eventually you are able to follow him.
Sounds are well done, in the beginning they are the sounds of a forest. Based on the map you receive from the good dwarf there are other environments you will travel through later #the Lost Lands#. Music is soothing and unobtrusive, rising and falling in tempo and tension. The character voices are spot on, and well suited to the character's appearance. All of the above creates the "draw you in" type of feeling and atmosphere that the better games are able to capture.
The hidden object scenes are on the more difficult side, and they don't seem too numerous. There was a silhouette type and a "put back the items" type during the trial in addition to the usual. On the other hand, the puzzles and mini-games were fairly easy but some required clues from various locations in order to solve. There is also a potion to be made during the trial period. There are many areas to explore so you will need to search around a lot and be aware of what you need and where to use it.
The CE includes various "collections" of objects to collect, i.e. a certain number of several different items. The pseudo-extras include wallpapers #9#, concept art #9#, videos #16#, music #6#, mini-games #27#, puzzles #4#, and achievements #24#. Also there is a strategy guide. I did not see an option for a bonus chapter, but it could become available after you finish the main gfame.
Dark Overlord or not, the Lost Lands are truly worth exploring.
I recommend this game!
The wolf spirit still haunts... will you heed its call?
Overall rating
2
/
5
41 of 51 found this review helpful
This "Myths" Cries Wolf
PostedFebruary 21, 2014
steve_san
fromthawing Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game has fine artwork and production values. I really enjoyed the earlier Myths - Chinese Healer.
Unfortunately, this one is burdened with a lame storyline and even lamer voice actors. And while I am not generally drawn to games that feature an amulet, this game's downfall is more substantive.
There are also many minor quirks such as your character, an expert in Native American symbolism, driving a '57 chevy convertible through the desert - is it not possible to draw a newer car? And putting "AA" size batteries into a flashlight that clearly uses "D" batteries? And using wooden darts? Are those sold anywhere in the last 2 decades? Finally, some of the other objects listed to find were just unidentifiable.
The end for me was when the wolf character began to speak. The voice of this character was so bad it was a deal-breaker. These characters are supposed to be Native Americans from long ago. They sound nothing like it. Not even close.
There is an incomprehensibly tedious maze puzzle where you guide two birds to a nest. Very easy, a waste of time, no feeling of accomplishment.
Besides that, the music is mind-numbingly repetitive. Perhaps this game would be more acceptable if you turn OFF the sound (as opposed to the developer's recommendation).
Pretty artwork is not enough anymore to give a game "spirit." We need a good story and good voice acting. This wolf has been de-fanged.
I don't recommend this game.
Your grandfather disappeared while searching for Inuits' legendary treasure. Travel to the Arctic to find your missing grandfather and solve the Inuit mystery.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 16 found this review helpful
Prisoners Of Ice A Chilling Story
PostedFebruary 19, 2014
steve_san
fromthawing Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You play an explorer following after your grandfather's failed quest for the treasure of the Inuit "God of Wishes." The time is in the early 20th century when "technological advances," i.e. zeppelins, made exploration of the poles possible. This story takes place in the frigid Arctic regions. Naturally, disaster stikes you too, and you are now marooned on a disabled ship in ice filled waters.
The drawing style is fairly realistic, with a particularly accurate rendering of the ship, both inside and out. The other players in the story are done via live actors inserted into the story using "green screen" technology. Voices are fairly well done, but it is obvious the actors lips are not speaking English (voices use a Russian accent#.
There is minimalist background music, always there but not intruding. Sound effects were appropriate if also minimalist. Hidden object scenes were well drawn, with one or two objects per scene very well hidden, but the other objects not so much. I noted one misspelling during the trial, the word "Thermometr."
Puzzles and mini games were all very easy to solve, they will definitely not give you brain freeze. Solutions for some appear on the screen from your journal when you open the puzzle.
Keys turn automatically when you place them in locks.
There are coins to collect in your piggy bank. They are used to buy toys for your pet penguin. The penguin does not appear to tie into the story in any way.
There are also 10 relics and 18 beyond #morphing) objects to collect. Based on the low number of these and how many I had already collected during the trial, I expect this game to be shorter than most.
Except for a few flaws and easy puzzles, this seems to be a decent game with a good story and an immersive atmosphere. I would say Prisoners Of Ice is one captivating game.
I recommend this game!
A series of robberies takes a deadly and supernatural turn!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Face of Envy Has Familiar Scent
PostedFebruary 15, 2014
steve_san
fromsnowy Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In this game, you play a retired detective called in to investigate a series of attacks and robberies against wealthy people in a European town. It was because of your success in the last case, Scent of Desire, that you are being consulted again. The villain here seems to have some supernatual power which enables him to alter his appearance using the stolen jewelry.
The time and place are not stated; however it seems to be set in the 18th century. The drawing styple is semi-realistic, and it is well rendered, but not especially distinctive. That is a nice way of saying that it looks like a lot of other games.
The hidden object scenes are mostly straightforward. However, during the trial period there is one scene where each object in the list requires an additional action to collect. There are many short mini games which serve as locks. These are designed well to fit into each scene, which is nice, but stripping that away they are mostly the standard types.
What is not standard is your kit with which you can use a charged crystal and other materials (i.e. gold and silver) to create special jewelery objects. You must be aware of what you need and use items from your inventory to add to the kit. This is a good idea as it increases the experience of participation and immersion n the story.
There the usual achievements for skillful play. There are also 35 masks to collect. The masks seem to be fairly well hidden, or at least they don't jump right out at you.
This is a solid game with a few twists and is a good follow up to the first in the series, but it's not going to make other developers green with Envy.
I recommend this game!
Your strange travels continue in this sequel to the exciting game that took you on an Amaranthine Voyage...
Overall rating
5
/
5
92 of 103 found this review helpful
Living Mountain-top Experience!
PostedFebruary 14, 2014
steve_san
fromsnowy Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is possibly the best game, at least from a technical standpoint, that I have ever played. The artwork is absolutely some of the finest I have seen, every scene is well detailed and spectacularly drawn.
The voice acting is similarly first class, making the characters and story come to life in a manner that borders on realism. Someone once wrote (ahem) that this aspect of the game helps to "suspend your disbelief" and this game truly does that. The combination of the artwork and voice acting draw you into the story the way a great game does.
The hidden object scenes are also clear and sharp, though they are fairly easy to complete. In at least one there were three different "levels," with the camera automatically panning to the next scene as each was completed. Well done!
I played the first in the series, Tree of Life, however I don't remember too much but apparently this is a continuation. Nevertheless, if you did not this game stands on its own.
Music is nice and soothing and hardly noticeable. Sounds effects are good, including the footsteps of shoes on a marble floor.
There is a "cute" helper in what looks to be a beagle puppy, Bonnie. She's so cute that even though I ordinarily do not care for helpers, I cannot "help" but like her.
Wish they were all of this high quality.
All in all a great game, truly worthy of five stars.
All in all a great game, truly worthy of five stars.
I recommend this game!
Return to Raincliff, where what you see isn’t always what you get!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
Phantom Difficulty
PostedFebruary 13, 2014
steve_san
fromsnowy Philadelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Mystery Trackers series is one of the best, with each game being a very strong entry. I own five other MT games, with two as CE's.
In this episode, you return to the town of Raincliff to investigate the disappearance of TV reporter Emilie White. Ms. White disappeared while investigating the presence of invisible people in the town, hence the "Phantom's" title.
The drawing and design are top notch, the swirling snow very realistic (I can attest to that by looking out my window). Voice overs are also very believable, and cut scenes (and they pop up frequently) are well done. Music is very subtle.
Playing off the snowy landscape is a unique (as far as I know) wrinkle. On the left of the screen there is a thermometer. When the temperature get cold you have to find an object to warm you. However, the objects are just standard items, not necessarily associated with warmth. There is an option to disable this feature.
Another wrinkle is VHS tapes (yes, still using them, my theory on this I'll put in the forum). Each time you find and view a tape you receive a photo (a polaroid type of course). You have to match the photo to its location in the game to find a secret hiding place and objects.
This game is clearly well thought out and well executed. My only ding would be that the hidden object scenes and even the puzzles are just so easy. You really won't have any trouble finding anything and the puzzles, while cleverly designed, have really simple solutions. Perhaps this changes as you play further but I'll take of 1/2 a star for now.
This CE has collectible "creatures", achievements, a strategy guide, and a bonus chapter as well as the usual pseudo-extras. There are four levels of difficulty.
Four 1/2 stars
I recommend this game!