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:
You receive a distress signal from a scientist who went missing a thousand years ago. Is this someone's joke or does he really need your help?
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
It's a Steel Life, Love It or Hate It
PostedFebruary 23, 2016
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A virus has attacked the human race and scientists have found a way to mechanize humans in order to cope until a cure can be found. However, one scientist is missing, and...
Peculiarities
Except for the game's title, the opening menu contains no text. It's a not-so-subtle hint that you will have to carefully look at everything in the scenes to identify clues. That is not to say that there is no text - there is quite a bit of dialog with characters (but no voices), as well as messages on your PDA. Unfortunately, there are quite a few grammatical and spelling errors present, so I guess they haven't invented spell check yet. There is a really, really basic map and two modes of play, Casual and Expert. There is an arrow on the left for back navigation, while areas to travel to are indicated by a compass needle cursor. Your PDA also indicates tasks and objectives.
Except for the game's title, the opening menu contains no text. It's a not-so-subtle hint that you will have to carefully look at everything in the scenes to identify clues. That is not to say that there is no text - there is quite a bit of dialog with characters (but no voices), as well as messages on your PDA. Unfortunately, there are quite a few grammatical and spelling errors present, so I guess they haven't invented spell check yet. There is a really, really basic map and two modes of play, Casual and Expert. There is an arrow on the left for back navigation, while areas to travel to are indicated by a compass needle cursor. Your PDA also indicates tasks and objectives.
Game play
This is listed as a hidden object game, but that is misleading as this is actually a puzzle adventure game. The puzzles contain minimal, and somewhat cryptic, instructions. For two of the puzzles I managed to solve during the trial, I had absolutely no idea how I arrived at the solution. There is a green hint/skip icon on the right. Hints take about 30 seconds to refill on the Casual setting. The hints are fairly helpful. I could not find a walk-through, so I anticipate the BFG forum will be quite busy with requests for assistance.
This is listed as a hidden object game, but that is misleading as this is actually a puzzle adventure game. The puzzles contain minimal, and somewhat cryptic, instructions. For two of the puzzles I managed to solve during the trial, I had absolutely no idea how I arrived at the solution. There is a green hint/skip icon on the right. Hints take about 30 seconds to refill on the Casual setting. The hints are fairly helpful. I could not find a walk-through, so I anticipate the BFG forum will be quite busy with requests for assistance.
This is a game for patient players and those that don't want a lot of hand-holding. Example: At one point you need to make a photocopy of a form. This simple task will take you about 20 minutes and several steps to complete. Nevertheless, if the pace suits you it can be quite fun as well as providing a sense of satisfaction when you (finally!) solve a puzzle. From experience, this type of game tends to divide gamers into the "Love it!" and "Hate it!" camps. You'll know which one you in are pretty quickly.
Because of the grammatical errors and unclear instructions, I am giving Steel Life 3 1/2 PDAs, but I will "Steel" recommend it.
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
4
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
Don't Tase Me, Bro!
PostedFebruary 17, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
As a Paranormal Activity Detective, you receive an impassioned letter from Mr. Clarkson, the owner and operator of the Big Pine Lodge in the mountains. He wants you to investigate the disappearance of Mr. Miller and his son who were guests at the lodge. He also reports seeing a mysterious shadowy presence in the lodge that has literally frightened him out.
The artwork is hand drawn, beautiful and very colorful. The season is fall, and the color palette dovetails with that. The opening cut scene is visually captivating, but it is marred somewhat by a muddled voice over. Fortunately once the actual game play begins, the cut scenes, voices and sounds are quite good.
The first item you'll find is a taser, the use of which is unusual to say the least. There is a fair amount of unlocking doors, drawers, etc. in the beginning and some of the play is strange. In one case, you can clearly see an item inside a vase, but its not clear why you cannot simply reach inside to get it. I also noted one mislabeled item in a HOs (a pawn), but did not see any obvious misspellings or errors in grammar.
There are more hidden object scenes than mini-games during the trial. They generally have more than one stage to them, i.e., first you find several objects or fragments, and then you place them. Difficulty was moderate, one or two objects were well hidden with the others fairly easy to find. The two mini games I recall were a rotating three ring puzzle to arrange tokens, and a puzzle with four concentric rotating rings to complete a design.
There is a transportable map, journal (notes) and Objectives. Oddly, the map, journal and objectives can all be accessed from the map icon on the right, while the journal and objectives can also be accessed from the icon on the left.
There are three modes of play. I chose the Expert (hardest) mode which stated there are no sparkles or hints. However, that was not the case. I did see sparkles indicating areas of interest and hidden object scenes, so - note to developer - this is an area that needs work.
As you might expect, the story has a element of creepiness to it. It does progress as you learn more about the missing guests and the lodge. There is no forced end to the trial other than the sixty minute limit so how far you get may vary. I found the demo enjoyable and fun. If the sparkles are not a deal-breaker for you, this is a shadow that seems worth tasing after. 3-1/2 stars
I recommend this game!
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 57 found this review helpful
You Are Getting Very Sleepy, Sleepy...
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, 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
You are Dr. Hawthorn, an expert in cognitive psychology and hypnosis who hails from London. You've been summoned to St. Petersburg to examine Irina, a ballerina and the fiancee of Count Sergey Antonov, because of her recent erratic behavior. However, before you can speak to her, something terrible happens and, with the help of Inspector Yuri, you must investigate.
The color palette in this latest series offering - this is the fifth - includes lots of reds, golds and browns. That said, there are plenty of other colors used and the game is very pleasing to look at. The artwork is the usual high quality we expect (demand?). The scenes are very detailed - be sure to check left and right. Some of them are so detailed that I found myself wishing that more active areas had been included to explore within. The voices are all very well acted - I sensed that that the actors are aware of the story and not just reading lines.
The game play is solidly good, but not great. Hidden objects are fairly standard list types of moderate difficulty. There is a match 3 option in HOPs that I did not explore. There are no morphing objects. Puzzles are cleverly designed, but fairly easy to solve with a just little patience. The best puzzle during the trail was a 3d style navigation where you have to navigate across town.
There are four modes of difficulty. If you choose the Custom mode then you can set hints, glints, and skip within a range to a number of seconds (10-120, 1-10 and 10-400 respectively) or even turn them off. There is a transportable map. As a hypnotist, you also have a pocketwatch which is used occaisionally to put your patients "under."
The Collector's Edition extras include 46 collectible handbells (I thought these were refreshingly well hidden), replay of 26 puzzles and 15 hidden object scenes, 13 achievements, souvenirs, match-3 game, bonus chapter, bonus video and strategy guide (which does not show hidden objects). Plus the usual pseudo extra stuff.
The story is engaging and well told and the characters are very real. This is where Lethal Letters shines. I expect the game length to be satisfactory as well. I enjoyed playing the trial (took almost a full hour) and plan to purchase this game. Give it a try and see if it doesn't put you under as well.
I recommend this game!
Golems are taking over Glanville, and only you can stop them!
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 64 found this review helpful
Golems Rock Glanville
PostedFebruary 4, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The town of Glanville is between a rock and a hard place - it is besieged by golems. The first was as dumb as a box of rocks and the townspeople managed to defeat him. And then another. However, each time an even more powerful one follows it. It is up to you, royal detective, to get to the rock bottom of this mystery and save the town.
The artwork and animation will really rock you with its dazzling beauty and animation. Visually, there is an immersive quality and the cut scenes are exceptionally well done. Voice acting, music and sound effects are also rock solid.
During the trial there were four hidden object scenes. The first was a mini-scene of the list type. The second was silhouette style, and more difficult. The last was a progressive type, where you alternate between finding an item and placing an item. For the mini games, there was a story book style game, a semi-complex puzzle, and a minesweeper game.
There is also a helper, a mini-golem. He will utilize items in your inventory to accomplish specific tasks. I found him to be tolerable; not too endearing, but not too off-putting either. There are four modes of play including Custom. There is a transportable map.
Collector's edition extras are replay of hidden object scenes (12) and mini games (13). There are 14 collectible figures and 25 morphing objects. There is a bonus game, achievements and a strategy guide. Finally, there are the pseudo extras like wallpapers and music.
I had a rocking good time playing the trial. Because of the excellent look, decent story and varied game play, this should appeal to a wide range of players. Give this one a try, and see if it doesn't rock your world.
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity Collector's Edition
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Has This Salt Lost It's Savor?
PostedJanuary 22, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The town of Saltsbruck is heavily dependent on its salt mine for jobs and commerce. However, past problems at the mine threatened the town's existence. At the behest of Saltsbruck's mayor, David and Hannah - owners of the DH Wonders company - created mechanical puppets that saved the mine but at the same time put many humans out of work. Now, the mayor's daughter Agnes has gone missing, and you are the detective called in to investigate.
The graphics and artwork are excellently done in a similar style as we would expect from this series (I own all the other Puppetshow games). From the very opening screen and throughout the game we are introduced to all sorts of mechanical devices as well as puppets.
The music is reminiscent of the earlier games but thankfully avoids repeating the now all-too-familiar tunes. Voices are average - the acting is fine but there are too many moments when inflection is off. There are four levels of difficulty and a transportable map.
While the scenes are well rendered, there are few actionable areas in each one. During my play of the demo, I kept getting the feeling that the game was "stripped down." In each scene I was expecting more to do, but was always disappointed. The actions that are available are very straightforward, so while hidden object scenes and mini-games are well designed, they are disappointingly simple to solve. Likewise, the adventure component is minimal as your next steps are always very obvious and choices very limited.
This collector's edition includes replay of the 14 mini-games and 19 hidden object scenes. There are also 12 character statuettes to collect, a strategy guide and the usual other stuff.
The missing child story line is nothing new, and neither is the ubiquitous "mysterious hooded stranger" character. On it's own the game is OK, especially if you are a beginner. However, as the latest in a (some say declining) series, I can only give it three grains of salt and that may not be enough to preserve it.
Join Elly Cooper as she is unexpectedly thrown into an adventure that takes her around the world.
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
City of Antiquity - Not As Old As You Might Think
PostedDecember 21, 2015
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You play Ellise - please, it's Elly! - Cooper, a beautiful explorer who has just returned from abroad. Your father Henry Cooper, rather than greeting you in person, sends a letter arranging a meeting. There, he tells you of an important discovery he's just made and that he wants you to join him immediately on an expedition. Naturally, at this point things fail to go as planned. The era is the 1920's.
While the style of the game suggests it is a few years old, it seems to have been released only recently. The atmosphere is dark, dreary and dingy. The scenes are colored mostly in brown, dark brown, and even darker browns. The voices are well done, but if you have the sound turned off you'll have to focus carefully on the written dialog because it appears only briefly.
The game play, particularly in the hidden object scenes, is more difficult than the typical game. Objects are frequently hidden by very (very) nuanced shading, as well as small size. You should always try games for yourself, but I would imagine this would be extremely difficult to play on a laptop screen. The other thing about the game play is that it is more adventure style than the typical hidden object game. That means a little more exploring, a slower pace, fewer active areas, and not-so-obvious use of objects.
There is a map which subtly highlights available locations with a pulsating glow and shows where there are tasks to complete. The hint system is also good (sorry, I did not take note the refresh time). And though this is a standard edition, there are also extras like achievements and 55 collectible coins.
If you like light, easy, happy games, this one may not be to your liking. I did enjoy the demo and, since I have some credits to use, I will probably purchase this one. Definitely give it a try, especially if your preference leans toward adventure games. City of Antiquity is old-style, but not antiquated.
I recommend this game!
You're the last hope to stop the ancient curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 56 found this review helpful
Golden Curse May Fill A Golden Purse
PostedNovember 7, 2015
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, 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
The production standards for this game set a benchmark for others to strive for. The cut scenes are fantastically real and the level of detail is incredible - extending even to rendering the reflection of the sky in an ordinary puddle.
The quality of the game play is equally high. It is quickly evident that a great deal of planning and design went into each puzzle and hidden object scene. This is not a click-fest, a little thought will be required, but it is not difficult. The collectibles are also well hidden. The use of inventory items is creative, but stays within the bounds of logic.
The story involves a treasure of cursed golden coins: the curse being that when the coins are touched, powerful beasts are unleashed upon the Lost Lands. There is a lot of story to absorb, especially with the collectible manuscripts. There is also a fair amount of dialog. Be prepared to take your time and enjoying the slower pace, at least in the beginning.
A terrific map is provided. It is a "tabbed" map, with an individual tab for each Lost Land, just like in the first game. And that's important because you will be using the map a lot.
Based on just the demo, I highly recommend this game and believe it is a candidate for GOTY, It's that good - as good as gold.
I recommend this game!
Walk the razor's edge between fantasy and reality as you stop a lunatic from gaining power over death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 22 found this review helpful
Is It Kronville or Klunk-ville?
PostedSeptember 14, 2015
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
(97)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You had a frightening experience in your own childhood which is detailed in the opening cinematic. The game begins many years later when you are an adult. You are now a child psychologist, Ms. Maisy. Children in your school have been disappearing. You want to find out why.
The drawing style is grainy, but this is by design. It complements the the creepy story line.
I beta tested this game. I was very interested in the story because it goes in some unexpected directions - especially the "Stolen Dreams" aspect. But you'll really, really have to like the story to overcome the very "klunky" game play. First of all, there are conversations where you choose a response. This doesn't seem to be too popular anyway, but here it is poorly executed. Sometimes you are given two responses, but you can only choose one. Also, depending on the order in which you play, you may get a response that makes no sense until you've done something else. This happened more than once just during the demo.
When placing items, you'll have to be very precise in clicking the exact location, so this was also klunky. Navigation is done via pulsing blue arrows which are located at various areas on the screen. Again, I found this to be klunky. Finally, exiting out of windows and deselecting items? Klunky again.
HOPs and mini-games were ok, no problems but nothing memorable either.
If you don't mind a lot of clicking, you could enjoy this game. But owing to the klunkiness, I would probably only get this with a sale or a PCC.
2-1/2 stars out of 5 for the promising - but klunky - Stolen Dreams.
Solve the mysteries of Stoneville and escape with your life!
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 28 found this review helpful
More Like A Silent Molehill
PostedSeptember 11, 2015
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
(97)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The setting involves a stolen artifact and the missing daughter of the leader of the League of Light. Then there are numerous hooded, red-eyed, black-smoke-surrounded henchmen spewing fireballs. So nothing really new. The developers try to add a backstory of the townspeople, but it fails to take hold because it is painfully familiar material that has merely been rehashed.
Another feature of this game is some of the most foolish villains you'll ever experience. Time and time again they could have easily destroyed you but - for reasons only to continue the game - they let you live.
The game play is equally disappointing - about the most disappointing I have ever experienced. If you have read any of my other reviews, that is saying something. There is absolutely zero challenge. You'll collect an object in your inventory, and then use it almost immediately. You may need to move to another location to use it but many times even that simple action is not necessary. I found myself losing interest in this game very quickly despite the nice visuals.
I do own an earlier LoL game - Dark Omens. If this style game is to your liking, I would wait for the SE because there is no "mountain" of extra content either. There are 26 hard-to-miss owls and 7 figures to find. The remainder are what I refer to as "pseudo extras" - the stuff that few care about.
Always give it a try. If you are new to this genre or just like easy fantasy games, this may be for you. Otherwise, I believe you will be disappointed.
If this is where the series is going, maybe it's time for this League to fold.
I don't recommend this game.
Do you have the courage to stop the inquisitor?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 14 found this review helpful
No St. Augustine Here, But I Confess I Liked It Anyway
PostedSeptember 5, 2015
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is certainly not a girly game - but that doesn't necessarily mean it is a good one either. I mention this because when I am asked to beta-test a game, they always seem to send me the girly-est games. *sigh* This game was the exception, as I beta tested this game a while back.
This is a religiously-themed game. The setting is the 13th century, and you have been authorized by the Vatican to investigate an inquisitor (curiously named Augustine) who has "gone too far." You travel to the Spanish village of Portonero disguised as a Knight Templar. You are going to see a few things in this game that you don't normally see in games of this nature, but I won't reveal them to avoid spoilers.
We're introduced to quite a few characters during the demo; a guard, the Sheriff and his wife Dolores (they also have a son, Diego), a local villager, Brother Ramon the village chaplain and of course, Augustine. The voices are good, and there is a fair amount of dialog.
I should stop here to say this: Be prepared - the pace of this game is meant to be slower than usual. Along the way you are followed by a raven. When you click the raven in a new scene, a video is added to the Backstory icon on the left. I recommend watching the videos as they are well produced and add quite a bit to the story. I think I accumulated 6 during the demo.
This is a period game, but it suffers a little because there are numerous non-period items present, i.e. clothespins and pocket-watches. Nevertheless, you'll have to "get-into" the whole 13th century thing in order to enjoy the game. The music is very much a help with this, not because it is period music, but because it is very beautiful and uplifting in contrast to the dark story.
There are numerous old-style "pop-out" items where a few items need to be collected and inserted into the little balloon to complete the task. There was a tangram puzzle and several fairly simple HOPs.
CE Extras: The usual Bonus game and SG. 16 achievements, replay of the 30 mini-games, 15 collectible doves. There is also an Info/Stats page showing how many mini-games completed, total # of clicks, time played, etc.
I found the artwork to be very high quality and thought the game had a great look. No tech issues. Don't ever be dissuaded by negative reviews (even mine!) or slower pace. As St. Augustine said, "Patience is the companion of wisdom."
I recommend this game!