MSBAM100's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:8,578
- Reviews Submitted:240
- First Review:January 11, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A man has gone missing in the town of Rockshire, but the townspeople deny he was ever there. What dark secret are they hiding?
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 84 found this review helpful
Rockshire has a deep dark secret!
PostedAugust 6, 2015
MSBAM100
fromLooking for my trusy headlamp so I can go exploring in the mine
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the third in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed this game. Although the demo only lasted 60 minutes, it was enough to get the flavor of the game.
You are a detective hired by the wife of Bill Turner to find him in the mining town of Rockshire. It is not clear what happened to him, but the mayor and townspeople deny any knowledge of him, despite the fact that you find his train ticket plus one for his wife and child to join him. You quickly get a panda assistant for those hard to reach places. The map is quite nice, and useful for seeing where to go next. You would be all set, except the mayor has hired someone to kill you so you don't discover the town secret, which has something to do with the miners and a cave.
The mining theme is nicely carried out in this game, with miner statues and locks. This developer also gives you "picture hints" - match the picture to a site in the story, click on the "X" and find a secret box, which contains pieces of keys to open doors in the story.
Another nice touch is the Achievement mountain, which fills up with critters as you complete various game actions. The CE bling includes TWO bonus stories, and 72 crystals with on screen notification of how many are in each scene. The Workshop is similar to other developers "Making Of' photos, showing the entire developer team and pictures of them at their workspaces.
The mini-games are of medium difficulty - some were easy like match disks then rearrange parts of a picture. The HOS are mainly lists, but the first one is to find pieces of a ladder, then rope, then find objects by their silhouettes. You can play a Match-3 game instead of the HOS.
Overall this is a satisfying experience, with a good story and graphics. Makes me want to buy!
I recommend this game!
Can you find and catch the notorious Sea Ripper?
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 21 found this review helpful
Sea of Lies has sunk
PostedJuly 31, 2015
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is the fourth in the series, and I think they've stretched it about as far as they can. You are a female detective appointed by the Navy - which is not too believable given the time frame this story appears to be in. Although none of the newspapers have a date, so perhaps they weren't really sure what time frame they were aiming for.
The key players are also all female -- one being blamed as the Sea Ripper, and the Duchess of Reddington, who overacts terribly as a rich British lady. Her husband, the Duke, appears off and on as a ghost.
There is nothing special about this game. The globe collection is pretty obvious and uses the old "ship in the globe" as the icon, which has been done previously. There is a souvenir room, but no "making of" - one of my favorite CE blings.
The HOS are not even clever -- all are lists. The mini-games are a bit better, but again, none are unique, having previously appeared in other games.
The best part of the game is the opening sequence -- the waves are realistic enough to make you a bit queasy!
I would wait for the SE on this one and use a coupon.
I don't recommend this game.
Beyond the sky lies a thrilling adventure... and a deadly threat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 43 found this review helpful
Spaceships, Alien Invanders, and the 50's!
PostedJuly 25, 2015
MSBAM100
fromThinking about that handsome hunk Nix while still watching the rain in Florida!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What more could you ask for in a game! You are Diana, an astronomer, whose imaginary childhood friend Nix turns out to be a very handsome real alien. He's come to Earth to save it from the evil Nor and his World Eaters, who have already destroyed Nix's home planet of Iridessa. What a refreshing storyline - science fiction with a great soundtrack!
The graphics are gorgeous! Watching the crash of the space ship is amazing. The puzzles are quite unique - assemble the telescope, then map in the horizontal, vertical and zoom coordinates of the space ship as it hurtles toward earth, so you can determine the crash site. You find memory crystals that transport you into the mind of Kha'Zat, a naturalist, and P'tula, a scientist that allow you to see the story of planet Iridessa through their eyes - quite an effective mechanism to advance the story.
The HOS are silhouettes of complicated parts. Sometimes you assemble a piece of equipment. The map is absolutely beautiful. However, you can only "blink" if your alien bracelet is charged up.
The CE bling includes 41 rockets to collect, 21 morphing items in the HOPs, character bobbleheads, a jigsaw puzzle, a "Making Of" - one of my favorites - and the lovely soundtrack. I actually played this game without turning down the music - a first for me! Between the 50s rock and roll, and the "2001" space soundtrack, it was a blast!
These developers are one of my favorites -- everything is first rate. Try it and see!
I recommend this game!
A carnival is no laughing matter when a murderer strikes.
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 59 found this review helpful
Magicians, and Tigers, and Clowns, Oh My!
PostedJuly 23, 2015
MSBAM100
fromWaiting for the Florida rain to stop so I can go to the carnival!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the 3rd in the Dead Reckoning series and it doesn't disappoint.You are still a detective, with a new - and still useless - partner. This time you visit a carnival to solve the murder of the carnival manager and his brother. The magician may be involved, and the clown certainly is!
This is a fun game that makes you think. You once again have your evidence board and suspects list. And your trusty forensics bag, that now contains a thermometer, a tongue depressor, tweezes, calipers and a brush. I enjoy using the forensics tools to examine the dead bodies. Plus you are a crack interviewer that can tell when a suspect is lying or telling the truth!
The carnival theme is throughout the game, including the HOS and the mini-games. The interactive HOS are hard. One had you making acid, and I had to use a HINT twice! The mini-games are fun as well, and not too hard, and are also carnival themed. My favorite was creating the clown's real face by using pictures to select hair, glasses, mustache, and nose. If you don't want to play the HOS, you can play the bubble shooter.
The lips in the voice-overs actually match the words the characters are speaking. My one disappointment was the achievements log - nothing fancy here like creating a carnival scenario, or adding statues to a room.
The CE bling includes a Collection of hidden scales, some of which I couldn't find. There is also my favorite, the souvenir room, plus a bubble shooter and the other normal extras.
This is an excellent game, well thought out. Gonna have to buy to save myself from the tiger!
I recommend this game!
There’s a secret in Queen Elizabeth’s court, and you must uncover it.
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 31 found this review helpful
So who took Edward and what happened to the little girl?
PostedJune 25, 2015
MSBAM100
fromTrying to keep up with my old friend Frannie!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a great game! You are Willa de Sharkeston in 1576 Elizabethan England, in charge of a child Edward, te son of the deceased Earl of Oxford. Along comes the black smoke who steals the boy and QE I asks you to get him back. Along the way, it looks like someone is getting revenge on the queen and there may even be a red-haired daughter involved!
You are aided on your journey by the knave (at this time) Francis Drake, your old childhood friend "Frannie", who is quite useful doing all the "manly" things like changing a wheel or climbing a rope. He is also a bit funny, and stuck on himself!
The HOPs are a bit difficult -- I had to use a hint once or twice. They are very interactive, and make you think. Or you have to find "pairs" - like dice and card - and then insert what you find into the next scenario. The mini-games are also unique -- one of my favorites was to match three items to form another - like a mermaid matches with a fish, woman, and water. Again, make sure you have your thinking cap on.
This is a great game in a great setting. I was so involved in the game, I completely missed whatever collectibles I was supposed to find, but there are at least two types.
This is going to be a great gaming summer, with all the good games coming out. Try this one and see for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Can you help the City of Artists find their lost inspiration?
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
The muse Calliope has gone crazy!
PostedJune 13, 2015
MSBAM100
fromTaking care of my pet marmet and dragon, while playing with my doll.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is a bit quirky, but I like it anyway. It doesn't take a lot of thought, and sometimes easy fun is OK.
You are a detective who is sent on an agency test to find the three essences of the arts patron Calliope who has gone off the deep end. Every time you see her, she wreaks havoc -- destroying statues, setting fires, releasing snakes. Not to worry, though. You have a Harlequin doll, who dons different outfits you find and can fix things, or charm snakes, or whatever. You also get a magic paint palette that brings pictures to life -- a marmet, a dragon, and others. These critters also help you out, reaching areas you cannot.
I like the HOS as well. You find silhouettes that complete parts of the scene. Or you find pieces that are mentioned in a story.
I also like the coins you find that allow you to spruce up your user interface. Plus you find olive branches that let you decorate your boudoir. I like this type of CE bling. You also get to see a picture of Harlequin in each of her 14 outfits.
The demo was a bit short, but enough for me to decide I like this game. Try it yourself and see!
All the adults have vanished. Is this a child's dream, or nightmare?
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 39 found this review helpful
Are you ready to be an adult?
PostedJune 4, 2015
MSBAM100
fromPretending to be a child in Tampa so I don't disappear!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Run, don't walk, to purchase this creepy seventh edition to a fantastic series! it is your 16th birthday, and your present seems to be the fact that all the adults in town have disappeared. Little orphan Allie, whose parents have also disappeared under mysterious circumstances, has somehow managed to gather all the adults to the orphanage, including your parents, and now they are gone! Wow, what a story line.
The HOS are quite fun - each one is unique. There are lists, and silhouettes, and multi-part lists with a puzzle to assemble. My favorite had clues from a tape recorder that indicated what item in the picture was required.
The mini-games are fairly easy, but fun, and fit with the theme of the game. The best part of this game is the creepy child Allie, whose appearance and haunting voice really set the theme.
CE Bling includes the Secret Room, and Flowers to find that eventually let you "purchase" a person who gives you a task that lets you earn more flowers. The achievements are carnival features sitting in Allie's hair - so perhaps there is a carnival later in the game.
This is a wonderful game with a good story and excellent thematic elements. I can't wait to buy it!
I recommend this game!
There’s a corpse in your house, but who killed him?
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 19 found this review helpful
Did YOU done it?
PostedMay 16, 2015
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the 8th in this series about the Gray/Grey family and takes place in Aunt Anna Gray's house instead of the Grey mansion. The Grey family are usually so entertaining with all their quirks, but only niece Jackie is here to represent them. There are a few HOS but they are all variations of the list type. The mini-games are fun, especially the Rube Goldberg type where you have to solve so many things within one large puzzle - luckily you can get hints for each step.
So you are the psychic detective who can see pieces of the past, but this time it is you who are accused of murdering a 24 year old college student. If only you can view the VCR from your security camera! With a lot of tracking back and forth between a few rooms, you come up with the card and the code to unlock the camera and you see who actually did it...........and the demo ends.
This game just didn't pique my interest the way the earlier ones did. It has collectibles and morphing objects, and a Secret Room - one of my favorite CE bling items - and a Mosaic puzzle to put together. The demo is nice and long, but I got tired of trekking upstairs, downstairs and outside on a regular basis. I like this game -- just not 5 stars worth.
Your daughter's lost in the Maze of Fears, but you'll face more than her disappearance if you dare to enter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 65 found this review helpful
Be afraid! Be very afraid!
PostedMay 14, 2015
MSBAM100
fromGathering up my good luck charms to help me conquer the Fear Maze!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Sable Maze series is a great one, and this game doesn't disappoint. Your daughter Amber gets a free ticket to enter the Maze of Fears. You, the dad, must earn your ticket to get in. What you don't know is, a psychologist has been studying Amber, and knows about her 12 fears, and plans on subjecting her to each one -- to cure her, maybe?
You get an amulet you can use to remove the black fear smoke - which of course must be recharged after every use. Your goal is to save Amber from the maze, which means saving her from her 12 fears -- fear of water, fear of fire, whatever. You also periodically get messages, which contain maze symbols that fit in some cubby hole in the game, which opens to give you some item you need.
The HOS games are very interactive - find an item and use it to get the next item in the list. The hard part is figuring out where to start! You can play a Match-3 instead. There are plenty of mini-games as well. I think I only received one achievement while playing, and one collector item which was a piece of the maze.
The CE bling includes a Developer Diary, which they cleverly shot at a carnival, in keeping with the game's theme. They all end up in the mirror maze at the end!
This is one more clever game from this developer. Although the demo was short - less than an hour - I only conquered one fear, so there are still 11 left to go! Enjoy.
I recommend this game!
In Monument Builders: Big Ben, oversee the building of the famous clock and discover the many legends which surround it!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 21 found this review helpful
Big Ben is really the Great Bell!
PostedMay 13, 2015
MSBAM100
fromLooking for a serial killer in the Westminster area of London!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Every one of the Monument Builders games are clever, intelligent fun. Did you know that Big Ben is really the name of the bell inside the Clock Tower? Or that it was named for Sir Benjamin Hall, a tall man who supervised the bell's installation in the clock tower? Each scene contains a little known fact about the monument you are building.
Of course you get to clear debris, fix roads, build a bank, a quarry, a tea house - we're in London, remember! - and a factory. Cut down trees, fight the thugs, feed the stray dogs, drive away the thieves. A new wrinkle introduced in this game is the finding of clues -- a bloody knife, a rope, a footprint. The police think it's a serial killer! Is it Jack the Ripper? What fun!
I recommend this game!