JanChan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:45
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:January 21, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 28, 2013
- Featured reviews0
With your carriage broken, and a wolf nearby, you must find shelter. What awaits you in the village just ahead?
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Nowhere near as fun or well done as the other Shiver installments
PostedMay 28, 2013
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I was sadly disappointed with this installment of Shiver. It seems like it was done by an entirely different team than previous Shiver games, and parts of it seemed to have been done by people just learning how to create games for this genre. Some of the artwork was fabulous, only to be clouded by terrible cut scenes, and horribly crowded HO scenes. There is so much going back and forth, which is frustrating and absolutely no fun without a jump map. I did like the different ways you had to figure out how to put tools and objects together, in order to be able to use them. Some of these were as illogical as the story line. This game is just another in a long line of disappointing games for me, but I am sure that other are many players who will love it. After playing it for a short time, I regretted purchasing.
I don't recommend this game.
Someone in the Order has turned traitor, murdering one of the Secret Five! Only Sarah can prevent the Order’s destruction!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Good Game, but not worth CE pricetag
PostedMarch 17, 2013
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of demo only
The storyline in this game is not exactly new, and there are no bells and whistles for a CE, such as morphing objects, collectables, or achievements. The game does open in wide screen, and there is an interactive teleporting map. HO scenes, while not crowded, are rather junkpilish (why we ever need to find a letter, or find a piece of chalk or pencil to complete a letter is beyone me). Most of the objects in HO scenes are rather small, so I wound up clicking around to find them. Good think there is no click penalty. I would probably have purchased this game, if it had not been for the lack of CE extras. Like many other players, I do not care about, nor do I have any use for wallpapers or music tracks whatsoever. I do enjoy finding morphing objects and collectables, so I usually wait for games with those features. It seems to be interesting enough, despite its storyline's familiarity, but I will definitely wait for the SE on this one.
I recommend this game!
The Order’s most closely-guarded secret sleeps deep beneath the ancient Spanish streets. What lies within this mysterious box?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Everything was just Okay for me
PostedMarch 4, 2013
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am just completing the bonus chapter, and quite honestly, I will be glad when I finish this game. I love morphing objects, but I found these to be poorly done. The map should have been a good thing, because it allows you to teleport to locations, rather than trying to remember where you need to go, but it was poorly designed, and does not highlight areas of interst, or anything else for that matter, other than showing you what the location looks like. The artwork was also confusing, sometimes it was really bright and colorful, while other scenes were dim and much too crowded to enjoy, I found the same to be true of the HO scenes. It seems as though several teams of artists completed various parts of the game, so there was a big difference scene to scene. I did not find the instructions for mini-games very helpful, so I wound up skipping quite a lot.
On the plus side, it does have morphing objects, it does have a teleportation map, there is a journal, and some of the artwork is very well done. However, this game was really a disappointment for me, based on my individual tastes, likes, and expectations, due to some very well made games that have come out recently. Really just not sure what happened with this one, and I am on the fence as to whether I would recommend it. I think this is one of those games that I would suggest tring before you buy.
I recommend this game!
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Charming, beautiful, endearing
PostedDecember 5, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have a huge collection of nutcrackers, so this was a Christmas game I could not resist. The story was endearing, and the artwork is just beautiful. I wish that the dolls we collect were a mixture of nutcrackers and dolls, which was the only flaw in the game for me.
There is a teleportation map, and if you play on casual, the hint will tell you exactlty where to go, and what you need to do, so for those looking for more of a challenge, play using a more difficult setting. The game is relatively long, and so is the bonus chapter, making it a really great value.
I am sure that others have reviewed most other items related to game play, but I just wanted to add what a delight this game is for the holidays, and it is one that should not be missed, especially if you are a kid at heart like me!
Happy holidays!
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
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Truly unique and imaginative
PostedOctober 23, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
My review is based on completed game. The first thing I would like to say is that this game has one of the best strategy guides I have ever seen, which not just holds your place, but follows your progress, so you do not have to find the correct page you need.
The story, many of the games, and the HO scenes were well crafted, and also quite uinque. The scenery is just beautiful and colorful, and really unlike anything I have seen. The game and epilogue took me about 7.5 hours to complete, and although there is NO MAP, the game is very linear, and there is little bactracking. Once you have completed one section of the game, you leave that environment completely, as you enter the next.
Quite honestly, this is one of the most fun games I have ever played, and I was really sad when my journey ended. It is a great stress reliever type of game, fully enjoyable, with tons to do and see. The little bugs you collect, for which there is one achievement, enable the player to really enjoy the craftmanship that obviously went into the creation of this game. There appears to be a set up for a sequel, and I know that I will buy it right off the bat, since I loved this game so much.
This game shoud not be missed. I appreciate the work put forth by the developers, who provided some really peacefuil and fun entertainment. Well worth the CE, for me any way. A bit disappointed that BFG put it on sale the day after I purchased, but I am happy with the purchase, nonetheless.
I recommend this game!
When a young woman is found comatose by the side of the road with a bloody knife beside her, it’s up to you to unravel her story!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Beautifully Awesome
PostedAugust 4, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is visually stunning. The storyline is not an entirely new one, but the psychological component was not one which I recall seing done before. Collecting the blue flowers in order to decorate your office was a fun little feature, but I wish that I could have placed the items were I wanted them. The story revolves around the case of a girl who has a dual personality, and as new discoveries are made about her identity and her past, new symptoms arise. Most of us who are seasoned players have seen many games revolving around patients with things we must cure, but the psychological component was really fun for me, because I am a psychology master's student. Anyone who is interested in traumatic experiences that result in psychological disturbances could probably appreciate this fearture of the storyline.
There were not a lot of HO scenes, and the fact that they were not interactive was just slightly disappointing. HO scenes were colorful, clear, and pretty easy for me, which was nice because my eyesight is not the greatest. The map is interactive and can be used to teleport to different scenes, but it lacked objective lists, which would have been nice. The game filled my widescreen laptop monitor, which I really appreciated, as I am getting more and more frustrated with developers that do not take this into account.
The strategy guide does hold your place, although I did not really use it much. The hint system is great, hints charge relatively quickly, and clicking on a hint during adventure portions of the game will give you a clue as to what you need to do, and where you must go to achieve an objective. One of my very favorite scenes was a ship in the bonus game, that made me feel like I was at the ocean on a boat during sunset.
Overall, the game was very well done, which I found even better than the first Surface game, which I also enjoyed. The improvements over the first game are the beautiful burst of color throughout the game, a more interesting storyline, ease of game play that did not frustrate me, the great map and hint system, and the fun decorate your own office feature. Congratulations to the developers, who really made this a great, fun, beautiful, and relaxing game, that was extremely well done. I highly recommend!
Happy gaming
I recommend this game!
Guide Kate Reed as she searches for the artifacts that can break the power of a cursed gem in House of 1,000 Doors: The Palm of Zoroaster!
Overall rating
4
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent sequel, wish HOG scenes were not junkpiles
PostedApril 12, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was a great sequel to House of 1,000 Doors: Family Secrets. This game did have some lag in some scenes, although I am not sure why. My mouse would move incredibly slow at times, and the only only other technical issue I had with the game was that it will not fill my widescreen monitor. I really wish that developers would correct the latter issue, as it can make some things difficult to see when you do not have great vision. I also wish that they would stop using junkpiles in HOG scenes, as I would prefer that HOG scenes mesh with the story, and other scenes. I coulde not give partial points, so these issues are the only reasons why I ddi not give this a five star rating. It is really more like a 4.5 for me. The story line was just as interesting as it was in the first installment, and the way that the game ended, even after playing the bonus chapter, leaves room for another installment. The graphics are very clear, and most of the scenes were interesting to look at, without too much darkness. The game is a pretty good length, but I felt like it was a little shorter than the first installment. However, I think that I am getting to be a faster player, which may account for why I thought it was shorter. I love finding the beyond objects, although I did not find all of them (there are slightly more than 40 to find). I have not yet layed the game a second time to see if there is any replay value, but from what I could tell from the walkthrough, there is at least some. As far as the collector's edition value, I am not sure what you would be missing with the SE, but you may not get the beyond objects, and you will not get the strategy guide. However, the interactive map (a feature that I love, and have complained about in games without one), and the great hint system makes the SG nearly unnecessary. Overall, I loved this sequal as much as I loved the first one, and I am sure that I will buy any others that come out in the future.
I recommend this game!
After inheriting a manor in England, you begin to explore the Kangale Estate and discover its history!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Too many junk pile HOG scenes
PostedApril 4, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
While both Shiver games are entertaining, I just cannot for the life of me, understand why developers insist on too many HOG scenes, which are juge piles of junk that are irrelevant to game play. This is becoming a pet peeve of mine lately, probably because some developers are really spoiling me by limiting the number of HOG scenes, and making HOG gameplay an integral part of the story, with relevant objects. On the plus side, this game is easy to play, although the SG does not keep your place, which was also annoying. I do llke the use of the camera to keep track of important clues, which was fun, but having to use the flashlight in so many scenes was rather annoying. Overall, this was a good game, but by no means one of my favorites of the year, thus far. Still worth trying before you buy.
Happy gaming to all you fishies!
I recommend this game!
20 years ago a terrible accident destroyed most of Cyan City. Now, Monica returns to uncover the secrets of her childhood!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Original Story Line, Improved Upon HOG Searches
PostedMarch 28, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
While this game is fairly short, and not very challenging, it is actually pretty fun to play, the story line is new, and the HOG sob-scenes were new and enjoyable. The artwork and graphics were pretty well done, and most scenes were really bright, colorful, and nice to look at. I would have liked to have had more to do, and more time to spend on some of the really great scenes. There is a great deal of hand-holding in this game, but that is fine by me if I just want to play something without having to think so much. I do enough of that during the day as a grad student! The map was a little unusual, and I wish that it could have been used to teleport to various scenes, but this is not entirely necessary, since the hint system will point you in the right direction. There is an interesting map feature, in that on several occasions, you put pieces of the map together, which gives you something useful for game play progression.
Again, this is not a complex game, or one that requires a whole lot of thinking. However, it is quite enjoyable, even though it seemed pretty short to me. For a SE game, it does include a strategy guide, which again, is not all that necessary for people who are even intermediate IHOG players. It was a nice perk, along with a new way of completing HOG scenes. I do recommend this game for anyone who is looking for something that is just fun, has a unique story line, and nice art work to look at. Although I usually do not play with sound, as I find it distracting, this does have VOs, but I cannot say that they were particularly realistic. I do realize that voice acting is not as easy as people think it is, and I have definitely heard both better and worse. Do try it out, but unless you are a really fast player, some of the stuff that made this a fun game for me will be missed in the demo.
I recommend this game!
Black Isle was supposedly abandoned after an earthquake but the truth is much more sinister! Join the Mystery Trackers and learn the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another Great Mystery Trackers
PostedMarch 15, 2012
JanChan
fromDallas, PA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just completed this game, directly following Surface, and I must say that the two games were neck and neck, in my opinion. I loved Raincliff, and this next installment ranked right up there for me. This game has a slightly better hint system than Surface, but the graphics quality is just as good, with lots to do, and plenty of places to visit. It was well worth buying the CE, which I highly recommend, in addition to trying it. Mystery Trackers fans should not be disappointed, and it is at least trying before buying.
I recommend this game!