Poodlebear's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:1,374
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:May 17, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Get sucked into this match-3 paranormal mystery and see if your puzzle skills can help you solve the case!
Overall rating
3
/
5
27 of 32 found this review helpful
Would have bought but for impassable format issue.
PostedMay 17, 2021
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Enjoyable enough Match-3 that would have warranted a buy but when, before the demo was up, thankfully, getting to a hidden object mini-game, half the list was hidden by the horizontal border that is at the top and bottom of that screen.I have an older Widescreen monitor at 1680x1050 resolution. Even though I don't like to play in Windowed Mode I tried that but it did not solve the problem. There is no option to change resolution, just Windowed Mode. I am not willing to monkey around w/ my system graphics settings in order to get a casual game to play, this game is just not that special to justify that effort, so this will be a pass.
I don't recommend this game.
Mystery and betrayal at Rosings Park darken an alternate version of Jane Austen’s classic!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Played like watching a bad "B" movie.
PostedFebruary 13, 2021
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Honestly I bought this because it was so weird during the (very short) demo it made me laugh. Terribly written mashup with Pride and Prejudice and a monster movie was oddly appealing in a Roger Corman sort of way. On a BOGO I thought, "why not?" There are some mildly engaging tweaks to Hidden Object scenes of which there are a decent number. The mini-games had a couple unique variants as well but nothing terribly challenging or, sadly, interesting. I completed the Main Game in about 1.5 hours, the Bonus Chapter in 45 minutes or so. Can't be sure as I fell asleep playing the Bonus. Not a good sign. Less than 3 hours on a CE is pretty sad. Also the CE content was underwhelming with bats to find in scenes, achievements, wallpapers I couldn't imagine anyone would want as artwork was at most adequate and the aforementioned short bonus chapter, the story of which contradicted the story in the main game.
Can't recommend. Not even for the camp factor I bought it for.
Can't recommend. Not even for the camp factor I bought it for.
I don't recommend this game.
A quest to recover a mysterious relic has surprising implications!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 27 found this review helpful
I'm Diggin' This!
PostedFebruary 6, 2021
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
So I grabbed the demo of Cave Quest 2 Collector's Edition a smidge after midnight and ran it out. I knew before it was over I was going to buy but didn't want to stop playing! Went right back in and just now sort of surfaced to realize:
!. I was hungry
2. I had to go to the bathroom
3. FIVE HOURS had passed!
It has been a long loooong time since a game has so engaged me it's done that "time travel" thing.
I LOVE THIS GAME! In fact when playing the demo I said, out loud, "This is so cool!". I don't think I've ever encountered a more savvy translation of Adventure Gaming into a Match-3 structure. Exploring, Dungeon Crawl, Battle, even Crafting and Potion Making are represented by different styles of Match-3 boards all interesting and fun. I really feel like the developers both play and enjoy both style of game so they understand the pluses and minuses and how to make the most of the good stuff.
I am playing on both easiest settings (there are 2, one for the adventure aspect and one for the puzzle) with no timers. Music is good, graphics are clear and bright and pleasant, tutorial type pop-ups are timely and helpful.
If I have any concern going forward it's that either the battles will get too hard to stay fun or the spiders encountered in dungeony type boards will get too numerous to proceed (you clear them by basically clearing webs around them until they can't run). So far that's not been an issue.
ANYWAY love it and give it ALL the stars! First 5 hours of it, anyway.
!. I was hungry
2. I had to go to the bathroom
3. FIVE HOURS had passed!
It has been a long loooong time since a game has so engaged me it's done that "time travel" thing.
I LOVE THIS GAME! In fact when playing the demo I said, out loud, "This is so cool!". I don't think I've ever encountered a more savvy translation of Adventure Gaming into a Match-3 structure. Exploring, Dungeon Crawl, Battle, even Crafting and Potion Making are represented by different styles of Match-3 boards all interesting and fun. I really feel like the developers both play and enjoy both style of game so they understand the pluses and minuses and how to make the most of the good stuff.
I am playing on both easiest settings (there are 2, one for the adventure aspect and one for the puzzle) with no timers. Music is good, graphics are clear and bright and pleasant, tutorial type pop-ups are timely and helpful.
If I have any concern going forward it's that either the battles will get too hard to stay fun or the spiders encountered in dungeony type boards will get too numerous to proceed (you clear them by basically clearing webs around them until they can't run). So far that's not been an issue.
ANYWAY love it and give it ALL the stars! First 5 hours of it, anyway.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a madman from using puppets to take over the island?
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 19 found this review helpful
R.I.P. Puppetshow: Will I Learn My Lesson?
PostedFebruary 2, 2019
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I hate to be that, "I remember back in the day" person BUT I *do* remember! I remember the first Puppetshow as an exceptional, unique, scary, tricky game. A favorite. I've bought and played every game in the series. I don't know why as only a couple have been worth it. I guess I keep hoping one will be as good as the first. The only thing this has in common with that is the title and graphic quality which has been consistently beautiful throughout all the series. That is also all I can find good about it. It is the only reason this isn't a 1 star review.
The mini-games are either tedious trial and error (trial and error is NOT a game! A trained rat could do trial and error!) or so crazy easy as to barely hold my attention. I mean seriously - you're going to put highlights around where to put each piece of a jigsaw style puzzle? Some games don't work terribly well, e.g. mouse clumsiness in dragging the cursor through a maze, that I'm not sure if it's a purposeful "game mechanic" to add difficulty, more like reduce fun, or just bad code.
Other than lack luster mini-games it's run back and forth to use an inventory item that takes no pondering on what to use or how because you've either been told or, again, there's a big blue highlight to tell you where to use the object. OR, weirdly conversely, no information or clarity at all. There is no logic to any of the items, where they are found, or how they are used.
So the big question I have for myself is, "When will I learn?" It's like a dead relationship with a beautiful lover you need to end but you're nostalgic for how it started and just look at them! *sigh* I need to let you go, Puppetshow.
The mini-games are either tedious trial and error (trial and error is NOT a game! A trained rat could do trial and error!) or so crazy easy as to barely hold my attention. I mean seriously - you're going to put highlights around where to put each piece of a jigsaw style puzzle? Some games don't work terribly well, e.g. mouse clumsiness in dragging the cursor through a maze, that I'm not sure if it's a purposeful "game mechanic" to add difficulty, more like reduce fun, or just bad code.
Other than lack luster mini-games it's run back and forth to use an inventory item that takes no pondering on what to use or how because you've either been told or, again, there's a big blue highlight to tell you where to use the object. OR, weirdly conversely, no information or clarity at all. There is no logic to any of the items, where they are found, or how they are used.
So the big question I have for myself is, "When will I learn?" It's like a dead relationship with a beautiful lover you need to end but you're nostalgic for how it started and just look at them! *sigh* I need to let you go, Puppetshow.
I don't recommend this game.
What lies within the depths of the pitch-black mirror?
Overall rating
4
/
5
33 of 45 found this review helpful
Give it time, it's better, but not MY MCF
PostedNovember 21, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Let me get this one bad thing off my chest right away - WHAT is with EIPIX and bad pixelly graphics?! Other developers have crystal sharp HD graphics all the time now and EIPIX consistently has visible jagged edges and a general haze on everything.
That out of the way I began thinking this was just another EIPIX offering with MCF slapped on it but after playing a while I encountered some truly interesting and challenging puzzles scattered amongst the same old ones. Door puzzles! YAY! ...except many, particularly late in the game, were just made up of the standard mini-games we see all the time.
I did like the story, although it was derivative of so many others. I found it spooky only a handful of times. The rest of the time it was weirdly flat, not helped by muddy graphics and lack of any kind of background music or sounds.
So those of us who experienced the original Big Fish developed MCF games I think are doomed to always be disappointed, at least a little. I wish they would hand off to a fresher developer. This WAS another ground out of the EIPIX machine BUT it had a really tasty sauce on top? I liked it. Didn't love it, but liked it.
That out of the way I began thinking this was just another EIPIX offering with MCF slapped on it but after playing a while I encountered some truly interesting and challenging puzzles scattered amongst the same old ones. Door puzzles! YAY! ...except many, particularly late in the game, were just made up of the standard mini-games we see all the time.
I did like the story, although it was derivative of so many others. I found it spooky only a handful of times. The rest of the time it was weirdly flat, not helped by muddy graphics and lack of any kind of background music or sounds.
So those of us who experienced the original Big Fish developed MCF games I think are doomed to always be disappointed, at least a little. I wish they would hand off to a fresher developer. This WAS another ground out of the EIPIX machine BUT it had a really tasty sauce on top? I liked it. Didn't love it, but liked it.
I recommend this game!
Can you escape a madman’s grasp before it’s too late?
Overall rating
1
/
5
88 of 116 found this review helpful
The MADness is taking over, but not like they mean.
PostedJune 23, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In other words I was furious by the time it was over. I HATED this game.
That is a rare statement for me to make. I can usually find some aspect I like about any game. I normally say, "even a cheap chocolate bar is still chocolate." Not this time:
Story - same old kidnapped, abandoned asylum, escape.
Mini Games - They were either nothing new OR the controls were clumsy and the instructions non-existent. I have NEVER skipped so many.
Hidden Object Scenes - the only thing a little bit enjoyable, but very dark and some items hidden behind others with the teeniest bit poking out. I actually used quite a few hints and I NEVER use any normally. Oh! And one "jump scare" just to make me hate it more.
Choices to Make - several times you need to choose a course of action. Spoiler alert - choose the *least* logical.
Timed Aspect - I will *never* understand the point of timed aspects in a game. It just means the game is over faster (a blessing this time) and you feel pressured to use hints and skips. How is that fun?! I am not sure if there would be actual failure if the "Madness" meter at the top of the screen ran out. I did not rush, but I went faster than I normally would relying on the guide particularly for finding Collection Items and skipping things rather than fiddling about trying to figure out mini-games with non-existent instructions.
Inventory Use - Deeeeeply illogical, both finding the things and applying them.
I repeat - I HATED this game. I don't know if Big Fish still has the Satisfaction Guarantee but this is one time I'm going to find out.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you discover the truth about the Queen’s disappearance and save the kingdom?
Overall rating
3
/
5
99 of 110 found this review helpful
SUPER short. SUPER easy. What happened?
PostedJune 16, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have really enjoyed other games in this series but this offering fell short, VERY short. I completed the main game in less than an hour. I did skip a couple tedious puzzles but only a couple and still hit that 1 hour mark if that.
The puzzles I did play were nothing new and very easy. If you had to find pieces of something and reconstruct it (which happened several times) a blue outline showed where the current piece went so you didn't even have to figure that out. Black box tips were not hints but solutions. Very little continuity or story or logic and TERRIBLE translations in a few Hidden Object Puzzles that made the accompanying story text unintelligible.
The whole game felt rushed to deadline, like it was cobbled together from old pieces, to vaguely fit the series.
The reason I gave it 3 stars rather than lower is it was still pretty to look at, a fantasy game (my favorite genre) and I got it on the 2 for 1 sale. Had I paid full price I'd be really unhappy. My advice is wait for the non-collector version or skip it.
The puzzles I did play were nothing new and very easy. If you had to find pieces of something and reconstruct it (which happened several times) a blue outline showed where the current piece went so you didn't even have to figure that out. Black box tips were not hints but solutions. Very little continuity or story or logic and TERRIBLE translations in a few Hidden Object Puzzles that made the accompanying story text unintelligible.
The whole game felt rushed to deadline, like it was cobbled together from old pieces, to vaguely fit the series.
The reason I gave it 3 stars rather than lower is it was still pretty to look at, a fantasy game (my favorite genre) and I got it on the 2 for 1 sale. Had I paid full price I'd be really unhappy. My advice is wait for the non-collector version or skip it.
I don't recommend this game.
Enter the enchanted 'Netherworld' where your destiny was written in blood and which whispers of true love.
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 31 found this review helpful
Loved everything about it and hope for more!
PostedJune 7, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It was very refreshing to see a game from an almost new developer as far as IHOGs go. I have a weakness for Indian mythology and lush color pallets and fantasy themes so this was right up my alley. Some neat little "door puzzles" right off the bat had me buying before the demo was even over.
The reason for the 4 rather than 5 stars is I had three programming glitches pop up that stopped me from proceeding BUT they cleared by just restarting the game with no progress lost. Also the very best and most innovative puzzles were loaded at the front end of the game so by the end we were back to mostly the standard stuff. I realize this is SOP in games w/ demos but I found that a little disappointing.
Even with the one lost star this was the most enjoyable game I've played in a while and I'm delighted to see an IHOG originating from somewhere other than Russia. :D Hope to see something else from TuttiFrutti Interactive in the future.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your trusted companion escape with your lives?
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 35 found this review helpful
I'd play The Game!
PostedMay 10, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed this very much. I like story, I like dialog, I like inventory puzzles and escape scenarios. I watch cutscenes and read notes. Needless to say this game was right up my alley. :)
The puzzles were clever but not too difficult. I love anything involving riddles and or visible clues to solve (rather than just being handed the solution) and there were several of those. The graphics were great and voice acting excellent. The most negative things I can say about this were some old tried and true mini-games and I encountered a glitch which required starting a new player to get past but it was near the beginning so I didn't mind.
The puzzles were clever but not too difficult. I love anything involving riddles and or visible clues to solve (rather than just being handed the solution) and there were several of those. The graphics were great and voice acting excellent. The most negative things I can say about this were some old tried and true mini-games and I encountered a glitch which required starting a new player to get past but it was near the beginning so I didn't mind.
I recommend this game!
Nobody comes back from the Dark Side unchanged, but it’s the only way to re-light the fading flame.
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 29 found this review helpful
LOVED this game! Looking forward to more.
PostedApril 2, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Recently I have found some sequels not living up to their predecessors.Darkness and Flame: The Dark Side absolutely did. I hoped I was in for a treat because, on starting the game, I said to myself, "Oh! This one! I remember this." Which is rare because I play sooo many of these games but this series stands out. The graphics have improved with each offering, the voice acting has been and is excellent, the story very engaging. AND NEW PUZZLES! I imagine some would say they are too simple but to encounter *any* new concepts in mini-games these days is super rare and there were several. Mostly logical use of inventory is another plus and you get to keep your knife throughout the game! I know, I'm using a lot of !!! but that's how I feel. The bonus game was as good as the main game (with exception of old woman's voice acting) but *shudder* spiders...
Anyway an enthusiastically positive experience that I've not felt in a while. Didn't want it to end.
Anyway an enthusiastically positive experience that I've not felt in a while. Didn't want it to end.
I recommend this game!