belamba's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:6,536
- Reviews Submitted:161
- First Review:November 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 4, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you stop a dangerous game from taking more lives?
Overall rating
3
/
5
83 of 103 found this review helpful
Found it tedious
PostedApril 4, 2019
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Wanted to like this game, but found it hard work. The graphics were excellent as was the music. I used custom mode but whenever I clicked on something a giant outline of what was needed popped up, over and again. The HOPs were nicely done and a bit different and the puzzles were intricate.
My other dislike was when asking for a hint as to where to go next, it took me to the map instead of the scene I needed. An annoying very loud buzzing phone needed in some scenes also got irritating.
My other dislike was when asking for a hint as to where to go next, it took me to the map instead of the scene I needed. An annoying very loud buzzing phone needed in some scenes also got irritating.
I'm sure some will love this game, but it left me hoping the end would come soon.
I don't recommend this game.
What lies within the depths of the pitch-black mirror?
Overall rating
2
/
5
151 of 176 found this review helpful
Not what MCFs used to be...
PostedNovember 20, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I was so happy to see another MCF game. I bought all of them in the past until these devs took the series over. Having read a couple of positive reviews I d/l it. Couldn't even last the trial hour sadly.
The likes of Madame Fate have long gone, and now just another 'same old same old'. Swirling smoke, none scary happenings, boring list type HOPs, puzzles ok but too frequent and uninteresting. Graphics were good as was a the music, but I just couldn't find this game even mildly entertaining.
What is happening with HOPAs? I want a scary circus, fairground or hospital. I used to take the day off work to play the latest MCF. I'm so fed up with smoke and unbelievable ghosts and the like.
Please devs, give us something new, innovative, interesting and not just rehashes of previous games sigh.
As always, try it for yourselves but I'm passing on this one sadly.
The likes of Madame Fate have long gone, and now just another 'same old same old'. Swirling smoke, none scary happenings, boring list type HOPs, puzzles ok but too frequent and uninteresting. Graphics were good as was a the music, but I just couldn't find this game even mildly entertaining.
What is happening with HOPAs? I want a scary circus, fairground or hospital. I used to take the day off work to play the latest MCF. I'm so fed up with smoke and unbelievable ghosts and the like.
Please devs, give us something new, innovative, interesting and not just rehashes of previous games sigh.
As always, try it for yourselves but I'm passing on this one sadly.
I don't recommend this game.
The killer from an unsolved case returns for more blood!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
Enjoyed this game to a point...
PostedJuly 19, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
These devs are my favourite, and I have loads of their CEs. I'm not sure about this offering. This review is based on the trial hour.
For me it's just too linear, and little thought needed from scene to scene. One bugbear is that in the mini HOPs, the cursor turns to a hand to let you know which are the correct items. The idea of HOP puzzles is that we have to find items, not be led by the hand and shown where they all are.
The main HOPs weren't anything new (mainly lists). The puzzles were well thought out but nothing new, and some I found a bit boring.
The swirling black smoke I could have done without. Plenty of collectables also morphing objects.
I'd really like my brain to be challenged a bit more, and more to do in each scene.
It's a bit of a cookie cutter. Growling dog, bees buzzing around the mailbox, aggressive fish in tank, coin to unscrew manhole cover...
Give it a go, you might like it but its a pass from me. I've given it 3* as the graphics and music were excellent and the storyline tolerable albeit silly as most are.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you solve the mystery of the murderous dolls?
Overall rating
1
/
5
93 of 115 found this review helpful
Boredom For Sale more like...
PostedJuly 14, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I love creepy doll/puppet games, and this had so much potential but was spoilt by some very irritating issues. Not so much Elefun but more 'Elenotmuchfun'.
Between each scene a Fear For Sale magazine appears 'whilst loading'. If you have to go back/forwards to a scene, this loading page happened every time.
I played custom mode, and there were very few options. The most irritating fact was that the HOPs screen would 'smoke over' if you clicked more than 4 times (thought this feature had been left in the last Millennium), and no way to turn it off. No way to turn of helpful messages either, so too much hand holding.
In fact, other than custom mode if you want hints and skips without sparkles you're out of luck.
The game is linear in the extreme, in fact just about every object you found was used immediately.
Not too much to do in each scene either. There were far too many bits of paper to look at for more of the storyline, and codes to collect. The graphics were dark and blurred.
The HOPs were nicely done and interesting, and the music was ok. Puzzles weren't anything new, and I skipped most as I couldn't be bothered with them.
There were some morphing objects to collect, but it wasn't easy to see them as scenes are so dark.
Not enough of the dolls, and too much chit chat. In fact the dolls were few and far between.
I struggled to finish the trial hour. Give it a go, you might like it but it's a pass for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Work with new puppet allies to uncover the true puppet master!
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 60 found this review helpful
A boring game...
PostedJuly 12, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
When I read a 5* review I thought 'at last an Amax game to d/l.' I've all the games in this series, and hoped for something great.
The story line is the usual dross, but that never bothers me as most games have silly storylines.
The gameplay was so linear that no thought was needed at all.
It struck me as a very lazy game; find the bits that make up the symbols. Once was enough, but in the demo it occurred 3 x (so 9 in total), a real yawn.
The HOPs were a bit different but nothing to go 'wow' about.
Graphics were excellent as we'd expect, and morphing piggy banks to collect.
Puzzles were easy peasy. Far too much dialogue - just went on and on and on.
I couldn't wait for the trial hour to end quite honestly.
I'm sure some will like this game, but I think its time to end the 'Puppet Show' series.
The story line is the usual dross, but that never bothers me as most games have silly storylines.
The gameplay was so linear that no thought was needed at all.
It struck me as a very lazy game; find the bits that make up the symbols. Once was enough, but in the demo it occurred 3 x (so 9 in total), a real yawn.
The HOPs were a bit different but nothing to go 'wow' about.
Graphics were excellent as we'd expect, and morphing piggy banks to collect.
Puzzles were easy peasy. Far too much dialogue - just went on and on and on.
I couldn't wait for the trial hour to end quite honestly.
I'm sure some will like this game, but I think its time to end the 'Puppet Show' series.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you escape the nightmares before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 42 found this review helpful
Really good entertaining game!
PostedJuly 6, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't buy many CEs these days as they’ve got, in the main dull and boring. Can’t say that for this one. Whilst the storyline is silly, as they nearly always are, the game play was really enjoyable. Didn’t want to stop playing, but have to go to work.
The graphics were excellent as was the music. The odd fright but nothing too scary.
The puzzles were different, and instead of skipping them which I usually do, these were so entertaining I played them all. The HOPs were unique and for once I looked forwards to them.
There’s a couple of extras to use during the game, but no crying cats or whinging puppies.
Loads of morphing objects in all parts of the game, and also puzzle pieces to collect.
I haven’t finished the game and have been playing for 3 hours.
If more games were of this calibre I’d be very happy.
I recommend this game!
Can you keep the past from destroying the present?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
This game is like Marmite...
PostedJune 22, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is like Marmite (or Vegemite to others not in the UK), You'll either love it or hate it! I actually liked it a lot! Different to so many with black smoke, amulets and so on.
I've steered clear of Eipix games because they are getting duller than dull. I've got all the MCF games, so played the demo and it was a buy for me.
Loads of HOPs and puzzles and really not much else, but it made a refreshing change from recent offerings.
Not really much to do with Dire Grove, but we're taken back to it.
Wouldn't want too many games that are just HOPs and puzzles, but these are done so well I've enjoyed it.
I've steered clear of Eipix games because they are getting duller than dull. I've got all the MCF games, so played the demo and it was a buy for me.
Loads of HOPs and puzzles and really not much else, but it made a refreshing change from recent offerings.
Not really much to do with Dire Grove, but we're taken back to it.
Wouldn't want too many games that are just HOPs and puzzles, but these are done so well I've enjoyed it.
I recommend this game!
Save the town of Blackhill from an army of shadows!
Overall rating
4
/
5
43 of 52 found this review helpful
Liked this game...
PostedApril 21, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love Elephant games, and after playing the full trial hour I bought it. The positives are that as you'd expect the graphics, sound track and the way the game plays is excellent.
Wasn't too keen on the voices, as sounded a bit desperate and/or squeaky.
I was getting so desperate for a decent CE (and have loved other Mystery Trackers games) I thought I'd give this one a good go.
Although there is a custom mode, even with sparkles 'turned off' they still appeared in the HO 'boxes'. This only happens with Elephant games and is a major annoyance. In the past I discovered turning off sparkles in both gameplay and HOPs cured it, but no option for no sparkles in HOPs anymore.
You could choose to ditch Elf the dog, which I did. I love dogs and work with them, but hate helpers canine or otherwise. This wasn't an option in the bonus chapter.
Lots of collectables as you usually get with these devs; morphing, picture pieces and 'Elf' pictures. I missed a lot of the morphing objects as not easy to find.
The game is too linear, just a few scenes active at anyone time, and I couldn't find a way of going back to find morphing items I'd missed. I must have found a good handful of screwdrivers - why do devs have you needing the same object over and again rather than keeping a useful item with you (as in Ye Goode Olde Days)?
I counted 30 chapters which isn't bad. In the bonus game we revisited a scene or three.
The bonus chapter wasn't a bad length for a change.
The puzzles I really wasn't keen on, and skipped most. I found it difficult to understand the instructions (which I don't usually). The HOPs were varied and nicely done. Some a bit list type, but others varied. Only one 'book type' story find the items; almost seemed like it was an afterthought.
All in all got 4 hours entertainment and that's not bad for the price.
I recommend this game!
Can you confront an otherworldly foe and save your nephew?
Overall rating
2
/
5
35 of 45 found this review helpful
Monotonous and slow moving game
PostedMarch 29, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I really wanted to like this game, as it's the first in a new series and I'm getting desperate for something interesting and exciting to play.
I could barely manage the trial hour as the game was just so boring. The positives are that the graphics are excellent and I liked the music. Plus there were 5 game play modes to choose from. The collectable was a swirl in each scene, hardly riveting or mildly worth searching for them. There were some morphing items too in each scene.
As soon as a flashing 'helping hand' to translate gibberish appeared I knew the game wasn't going to be to my liking. Found the storyline dull and all over the place. The gameplay was very linear and although the custom mode is very welcome I was still being given hints on what to do even though I'd turned that option off.
The HOPs were nothing special and once I hit a 'locate the symbols in a book' whilst the story was being read to me I'd had enough. The puzzles were dreary and very simple to solve.
Used the hint once and had to repeatedly press on it to understand what it was showing me.
Used the hint once and had to repeatedly press on it to understand what it was showing me.
I really am fed up with searching for symbols, and also dark forces taking over someone's body. Surely devs can think of something more interesting than this?
No doubt some will like this game, but I just couldn't take any more. I used to buy every CE that was released, but lately I'm really struggling to find a game that's a bit different, interesting and has me left wanting more.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore kingdom ruins and meet the exiled Salt Princess.
Overall rating
2
/
5
83 of 125 found this review helpful
Nothing magical about this game.
PostedMarch 15, 2018
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This review is based on playing the full hour trial.
This game lacks a 'custom' mode' so the options available put me off to start with. If you want a 'sparkle' free game, (the 3 options are easy, normal and hard - I chose normal) you also can't skip puzzles or have any hints. The hint button refilled quite quickly.
I thought these kinds of options were so last 'Millennium'!
I thought these kinds of options were so last 'Millennium'!
There's zero interaction in the HOPs (which were all FROG style). The pieces aren't always easy to find, and quite honestly I found the HOPs lack lustre and far too many of them.
Not many puzzles, but what there was were relatively easy.
The music was excellent, and on my Mac the graphics were quite blurry and pixelated.
Quite a bit of going back and forth, and a lot of hand holding. When I needed to use a hint it wasn't always obvious the first time round what it was showing me.
Lots of things to collect, and in this game style the inventory held items I had to keep mousing over to find out what they were. So many with similar shapes and colours I got bored really quickly.
I'm sure some will like this game, but for me it's a no buy, especially because of the lack of game play options.
I don't recommend this game.