SolarEclipse's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:5
- Helpful Votes:69
- Reviews Submitted:12
- First Review:July 25, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 31, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Hidden Mysteries®: Gates of Graceland®
Explore the home of the King of Rock and Roll while searching for clues about a lost song!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
"Nothing Good about Goodbye"
PostedJanuary 31, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There's nothing good about saying goodbye to Elvis Presley, but there’s some redemption in playing this wonderful game. I really enjoyed “Hidden Mysteries: Gates of Graceland” and all of the great Elvis footage and stills. I liked the idea of trying to put the pieces together of the lost song that Elvis wrote for his mother that’s hidden around the property of Graceland. I thought it was a fun game and very nostalgic.
I personally loved the graphics. They were bright and colorful. There was a journal and a map. Tasks were also marked on the map even though you couldn’t use it to travel. The hidden object scenes either had pictures of items or lists of objects that you had to find. There were a lot of locations throughout the house and property except for the upstairs. It was roped off in the game and that is, perhaps, my only complaint. I wanted to go upstairs. But not all of the locations were on the map because some took place in dreamlike sequences or vignettes that took you off the Graceland property. That was a nice surprise. I loved the Hawaii location. Another good thing was the hint feature. If you weren’t sure where to go, it would keep pointing the arrow in the desired direction. I thought the puzzles were good.
Overall, there was a certain level of challenge to this one. It’s not overly easy. I had to use the hint quite a bit. It’s not a straight hidden object game. You do have to acquire items to interact with other objects. And because there’s not a strategy guide in the game, it is hard to remember where to go sometimes. I thought it was very good. I enjoyed it. I think it was appropriate for who Elvis was as a recording artist. I’m definitely an Elvis fan and it was a little sad at times seeing the footage and pictures. He was definitely the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. On a side note, for those that haven’t seen footage from the “1968 Comeback Special,” which is mentioned in the game, run to YTbe immediately. It’s so spectacular. But if you’re an Elvis fan, then I would recommend this game if you want to play something more lighthearted and nostalgic.
I recommend this game!
Dupin needs your help solving the mystery of the gold bug. Crack the codes and follow the clues to one man’s obsession with an old legend.
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Good game, but there's room for improvement!!!
PostedJanuary 16, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I liked the game and the idea of a treasure hunt. But the locations and the graphics kind of sucked all of the life out of the concept. Unfortunately, I played “The Gold Bug” after having played other ERS games like “Spirits of Mystery: The Dark Minotaur,” “Reality Show: Fatal Shot,” and “Phantasmat: Crucible Peak.” And honestly, it just seems like ERS got tired when it came to “The Gold Bug” and wanted to work on their other games. I’m not sure where this game was in their overall development process, but it definitely didn’t get the star treatment that the others did. It just seems like they were more excited and into the other games that I played prior to this one.
I liked the character LeGrand, he was comical. And Dupin was great, but I actually think he needs his own game. I like the idea of him as a detective and I think he would flourish if ERS took the character and did an original mystery or detective story with him. I think it’s difficult when you’re adapting a literary work because the characters are somewhat limited by the original text. And I loved the dog Arthur and how he would bark and sniff out objects that you gave to him. However, I sense there is more potential. It would be nice to take Dupin and make LeGrand his partner and keep Arthur as their assistant and just give them their own unique landscape and game to explore. Dupin is just so dazzling and distinguished. I could see Dupin and LeGrand paired in sort of a Sherlock Holmes and Watson kind of way plus the dog. I’m not sure if this concept is in any of Poe’s writings. If not, it would be at least worth tossing the idea around.
The hidden objects scenes were good and clear. And there were a few of ERS’s newer kind included. But it just didn’t quite feel like a treasure hunt. It kind of lacked that real diehard adventure that people kind of associate with the concept. The idea of finding a pirate treasure is always interesting, but the premise was kind of trapped in a typical “Dark Tales” fashion. The game just lacked the “Wow!” that some of their others had. But it was good for what it was. Overall, I liked it and it was worth playing. But it didn’t have the urgency or immediacy that the other games that I mentioned did. But if you’ve played the other “Dark Tales” games, then it’s at least worth solving one more mystery with Dupin.
I recommend this game!
Uncover Poseidon's ancient secrets hidden under the town of Black Water!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Wow! Better than Expected!!!
PostedJanuary 15, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow, I wish I had gotten the Collector’s Edition. This was so much better than I expected. I used a free game coupon and now I actually regret not paying full price for it. The screenshots and walkthrough kind of looked interesting, but I couldn’t tell where the game was going based on the description. It’s so much better than it appears on the surface. It just looked like a vacant and desolate landscape, but there was so much more to it. I hadn’t played anything by this developer before so I was a bit hesitant. This might be one of the most underrated games from last year.
The story is what really drew me in from the beginning of the game. You have these archeologists that have stumbled upon the mythological Kraken which has been tasked with guarding the spirit of the treacherous Dagon. And his spirit has been hidden in one of the Temples of Poseidon. The archeologists mistakenly release Dagon’s curse and you have to defeat it before he regains full strength. Combining the Kraken with some sort of Poseidon tale was a bit of genius. The Kraken has become somewhat of an undersea icon since “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” The story of this game had such a refreshing point of view. It was a winning escape from the benign haunted houses and ghost towns.
The graphics were superb and the hidden object scenes were very clear and sharp. The puzzles were good. I loved the map that marked where the tasks were. And you could jump to the different locations using the map. That was a huge help. You didn’t really need a strategy guide too much. It wasn’t that bad. However, I did get stuck on a couple of occasions where the map didn’t indicate a task and I had to go look at the walkthrough. Sometimes the hidden object scenes were a little sticky in that you had to click right outside the object instead of on it. Other than that, I didn't run into any other major problems.
Overall, the atmosphere was great. It felt like I was really going through this seaside town. We could use a few more games like this. It was such a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it so much. I truly didn’t want it to end. It will be interesting to see what this developer does in the future. They’ve set the bar pretty high for themselves. Not a bad thing. But I would definitely recommend this.
I recommend this game!
Long-forgotten memories bubble to the surface when the past invades the present in the Collector's Edition of Lake House: Children of Silence!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Intriguing Story with Great Atmosphere
PostedJanuary 11, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ALWR, should be proud of themselves once again for being able to communicate both an inspired and dramatic story with such extraordinary skill. This game was done by ALWR’s team that did “Dark Strokes: Sins of the Father.” And it’s painfully obviously that they have a high aptitude for excellence. The atmosphere was somber and murky, but they were able to make it colorful without damaging the tone of the game. I wish more developers realized that you can to sad and eerie without overblown darkness. The colors and tones were more subtle and washed out, but it made for a landscape that was very compelling and striking. And when you add in the music that was very moving and emotional along with elements like the rain, it just all worked the way it should.
Thankfully, the game just wasn’t a treasure hunt for collectables and trophies. I like that stuff, too. But I would hate to think that the title of Collector’s Edition would only be bestowed upon games that rely heavily on side gimmicks because they can’t illustrate a thought or tell a real story. At times it felt like you were traveling through a very good illustrated book, and on other occasions you could sense the “Friday the 13th” Camp Crystal Lake/Jason Voorhees undertones. Their games always force you to be attentive. You can never sleep on them or you’ll miss something important. It’s a long and rigorous exercise.
This is the type of game that’s easy to overlook or dismiss because it’s not like, “Wow! Look at me! I’m jumping through fire!!!” But it’s a journey worth taking. The strategy guide is 353 pages long with the first 1-258 pages, 14 chapters, being the main game. And pages 259-353 are dedicated to the 4 bonus chapters. Now the strategy guide was somewhat controversial for me because it was done like a photo album. It was a pure visual walkthrough without any text. It fit in with the theme of the game, but it was odd. It worked. But a bit of a risk.
If you haven’t played “Lake House: The Children of Silence” or ALWR’S other game “Eternal Journey: New Atlantis,” then I think you’re missing out. The craftsmanship is just so artful and intelligent that I would recommend both of them. Overall, if I could describe ALWR in a few words: thorough, thoughtful, complete, exhaustive, and deliberate. All compliments. But as another reviewer said, an “A for ‘The A-Team.’”
I recommend this game!
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A Worthy Addition to the Series
PostedJanuary 11, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I thought “Sprits of Mystery: The Dark Minotaur” was a good addition to the series. I’m not disappointed that there wasn’t more interaction with the “Dark Minotaur.” The whole point was to rescue the animals and keep him from coming to life. There was enough of his snarling and shrieking in the menu screen when you pressed the play button. I had to cover my eyes. I couldn’t have taken much more. Knowing that was the potential outcome, that was enough to keep me motivated. I didn’t want to see anymore of him. So, the sooner he was defeated in the game…the better.
ERS has tried some interesting things as others have mentioned in their more recent games. I liked the portals that were used to transport you to different areas within the game. The animals having special powers was interesting, but it was somewhat underutilized…and hilarious. Like sometimes they would give you an object that you needed, but most of the animals weren’t acquired until later in the game. That was a unique part of the game, but I wish they would have expanded upon it more. The other noteworthy element was Isa’s (The Royal Hunter) magic powder that allowed you to go through the portals. His entrances and exits with his panther were always spectacular. ERS is so strong when it comes to creating interesting characters with such noteworthy attributes. Whether it’s the animals with special powers or the quirky characters, they just all fit so well into their environments.
The hidden object scenes were a combination of old and new. Although, it would be harder to do an entire game with the other type of elaborate and more intricate hidden object scenes, I think it would be worth it. The graphics were bright and colorful. There were a couple of scenes after the beginning where the graphics seemed inconsistent, but that was remedied rather quickly. The strategy guide is deceptive with respect to the length of the game. Pages 1-42 for the main and 43-55 for the bonus. It was longer than I thought it was going to be. However, I do sort of feel that the bonus chapter should have been part of the main game as it gave a more complete ending to the story. I’m starting to question the logic of developers making a “Bonus Chapter” because in most cases it would have been better served to include it as part of the main story.
Overall, this was a good game. I wish it could have gone on a bit longer. But I would recommend it if you liked the first two in the series. ERS is definitely improving. I can’t wait to see what they have in the works for 2013.
I recommend this game!
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
After a man is murdered on a hit reality TV show, you are called in to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Fun and Different
PostedJanuary 2, 2013
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I thought this game was fun, refreshing, and different. I thought this was one of ERS’ better offerings this year. I love the idea of a reality show gone wrong for a light adventure game. I also enjoyed the great locations, bright graphics, and interesting puzzles. This is one of the few games that have attempted a theatrical setting that takes place on a sound stage/studio and locations around the city. The rain effects were good. And the city really glistened colorfully at night. Also, ERS was on point with their characters again. I thought these were an improvement over previous. Still quirky and unique, but with more defined personalities this time. A good step up.
Some have complained that it was “too short.” But for me, I’m in the group that it took 4+ hours to play the main game and maybe an hour for the bonus. So, I actually didn’t have a problem with the overall length of the game. The strategy guide is 118 pages including the bonus. And I think the bonus game started on page 94. However, it was such an interesting premise that it could have been longer. But I was satisfied in the end. I think what probably made this “shorter” is that there aren’t any hidden object scenes. Those definitely add a lot of time to a game. I did play on casual mode, skipped only 1 puzzle, and referred to the strategy guide a few times. I am slower at this type of game, but for me the length was fair.
My only complaint, perhaps, is that some of the puzzle directions were kind of vague and confusing at times so I had to go to the strategy guide. But then, on occasion, the strategy guide for the puzzles gave little info, also. As I mentioned, I was able to figure all but one out with the help of the guide. The ending came rather quickly. The bonus chapter felt more like a real conclusion and was a continuation of the main game. There is an ending for the Standard Edition, but you might be saying “What’s next?” It was simple, but justified. Although, it would have made more sense had the bonus chapter been the official ending for the Standard Edition. I guess that’s where length might be an issue for some.
Conceptually, this was a different type of game for ERS. But I thought they did well with this attempt. So, I’d like to see them try something else like this in the future. This game was definitely outside of their comfort zone, but it was a bit better in some ways because they sidestepped their usual fare. If you’re an ERS fan, then I would at least try the demo. I really liked it. I applaud them for doing something a little different than usual.
I recommend this game!
Louis the Clown and Mr. Dudley are back in an all-new adventure! Travel through the dark corners of history's most famous fairytales to rescue children trapped in a frightening netherworld!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Good long game, but HARD at times!!!
PostedDecember 15, 2012
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Due to content which I considered "objectionable," I didn't play the first one. Thankfully, they resolved that issue in this game. I really enjoyed “Weird Park: Scary Tales.” The length was great and it was VERY challenging. I relied upon the hint quite a bit. Without a strategy guide built into the game, it was tough. I had to use the blog walkthrough several times.
My only complaint is that I wish ALWR would have focused on one fairytale. Their graphics are so superb and their level of difficulty is so high, that I wish they would have just picked one story to explore at length. Honestly, they should have been the developer to take on the “Nutcracker” or “Cinderella” and not you know who!!! ALWR’s games are just so complete and thorough. My only disappointment was not being able to play more of each particular story. Each episode was more like a teaser.
So, I would recommend this game even if you haven’t played the first one. If you are up for a real challenge and want a longer playing experience, then I would try this installment. I just hope that in the future ALWR makes more pure Sci-fi games like “Eternal Journey: New Atlantis,” or fairytales, or something else like “Snark Busters.” Whatever they decide to do, I hope they leave the unnecessary questionable content out like they did this time and not allow their ship to be commandeered by outside influences.
But if you like ALWR games, then I would at least try the demo.
I recommend this game!
A disastrous avalanche... an evacuation... did anyone survive? The ski trip you've dreamed of for so long turns into a nightmare.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Best game for the season!!!
PostedDecember 11, 2012
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you're looking for a true winter landscape and experience, then "Phantasmat: Crucible Peak" delivers on that promise. I only wish more developers understood how to utilize the theme of winter the way in which ERS did in this game.
I did play the previous “Phantasmat” and enjoyed that one. But I also liked what ERS did with “Crucible Peak.” The overall concept from the first game is the same. But I prefer the winter setting of the new game because the haunted house theme has been done so many times. I think overall, ERS was the right developer to take over this series. The new characters are on point. I think ERS always has the most entertaining characters.
My only gripe, perhaps, is that you didn’t get to explore enough of this intriguing wintery landscape. It is the perfect setting for bizarre happenings, but it was underutilized in this situation. One reason, the game is shorter than most of their others. I wish ERS has focused on this game a bit more than some of their other regulars. I’d like to see them do another game with a winter setting, but make it longer and more detailed.
ERS’ signature odd and quirky characters fit in well with the “Phantasmat” theme and showcased some of their true potential…as well as the graphics. I liked the bright white that was offset by the colorful hidden object scenes, interiors, and puzzles. It was a nice contrast.
Ironically, perhaps their only mistake was labeling the game as another “Phantasmat,” even though I didn’t mind. I might have liked this one better than the original because of the winter atmosphere. But the title unfortunately invites comparisons. For me, this might have been an improvement over the original. If you judge the game on it’s on merits, then I think it’s good. I just wish it had been longer. But if you’re en ERS fan, then I would at least try the demo.
I recommend this game!
An evil villain is luring people to his beautiful mansion and preparing them for a terrible ritual. Can you keep your head on the shoulders?
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 20 found this review helpful
Fun, Lighthearted, and Entertaining
PostedNovember 24, 2012
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I almost would have missed this game had it not been for the blog walkthrough. There’s not anything that I would really consider creepy or scary. Just a few talking heads. It’s not gruesome, just funny and campy in my opinion. ERS characters are always rather amusing. I always look forward to the hyperbole that their characters bring to the game. It’s hilarious because they are always exaggerated and comical to the max. And this game is no different.
There aren’t any hidden object scenes. Just a lot of bright and fun colorful puzzles. You collect items for your inventory that you use to interact with other objects within the game. I didn’t mind. I actually wish ERS would make one or two more games like this with the lighthearted storyline and entertaining puzzles. There are lots of locations and a lot to do. There is also quite a bit of backtracking and there isn’t a map.
This is one of the few times where I’ve bought the standard edition and I wish I had bought the Collector’s Edition. I used the blog walkthrough several times. It’s hard to remember where things are sometimes. I copied it from the blog and pasted it into Word. But I wish I could have utilized the in-game strategy guide. But now I’m also curious about the bonus game. I enjoyed the game so much I was ready for more when it all ended.
I actually think this is one of ERS’ better games. The graphics aren’t as sharp and crisp all the time as some of their others, but it’s not too bad. It was a long game for me. I could only get through 6 chapters in one day. There are a total of 12. Overall, I thought this game was refreshing. I would recommend this if you don’t mind the absence of hidden object scenes. If you’re a fan of ERS and just want good fun, then this just might be the game that you’re looking for.
I recommend this game!
Use your botany skills to survive the strange new planet of Botanica. Can you find your way back to Earth in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
If there were only more like this!!!
PostedNovember 8, 2012
SolarEclipse
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Overall, I found this to be VERY refreshing. It was bright and colorful. I think one of the more original games this year. I like the idea of some sort of otherworldly botanical setting. Yes, I hope this does become a series. But I hope they maintain the integrity that the first one has.
I'm glad this wasn't one of the dark, dreary, lonely games that most developers have been putting out lately. It's been hard for me to buy hidden object games anymore because of the direction they've all gone in. So this was a nice change form the worst that we’ve been getting.
Ideologically, this was an improvement and a step up from their previous games. It required more of a leap of faith to make this one. They entered a brave, new, and beautiful world with “Botanica.” I hope they keep it that way. It was fun and I enjoyed the characters in this game. I was sad to see it end. I’m glad that I ventured into the world of “Botanica.”
I recommend this game!