dancemom1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:13,287
- Reviews Submitted:871
- First Review:April 15, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 26, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The fabled Minotaur waits patiently in his labyrinth to be reborn. Only the descendent of Ariadne can stop him... which just happens to be you!
Overall rating
4
/
5
31 of 35 found this review helpful
Nice story, excellent collectibles...
PostedMarch 12, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review on the game play and not the story line, as others do a much better job than I. That said, I do have to say that I love myths and legend type games and stories from any culture, e.g., Greek, Roman, Chinese...we all have them. I find it hard to believe that people have never heard of a Minotauer. We learned about this in middle school history. When I first beta tested this one, I wasn't kicked out about it, but a second go at it has changed my mind a bit. The graphics are very well done, with excellent animation and facial movements. Voice overs were age and character appropriate and showed emotion. Our heroine was a little boring, but okay. The colors are very clear and nice. Game play was good, but some movements seemed a little slow, e.g., picking up or using an item. Music was nice and soothing, but then, I just use it for background noise. I didn't really hear a lot of sound FX, but what there was, was pretty well done.
HOPs are interactive lists and silhouettes. The scenes are fairly clear and items are not that difficult to find. I did not see where you could switch to something else if you didn't care for the HOPs. These were okay, but not exciting and just seemed to all be the same. Puzzles were extremely simple, absolutely no challenge and nothing new. Jump map was well marked with areas of interest and identified by area name. Hint system is helpful, but it does not transport to longer locations. Fortunately, in this game, you don't do a lot of back-tracking. SG is the standard and is useful if you need a little help figuring out your next move. This game flowed pretty well, so you probably won't need to use the SG.
There are a lot of varied collectibles in this game, which I love...the more the better for me. You find dragonflies, night butterflies that look like large moths to me, butterflies, and fireflies. You also have morphing flowers, water lilies and hyacinths. The only time you can collect a flower is during the morph when it has bloomed out. None of these collectibles are difficult to find, but you do have to look for a few of the bugs. So far, I have found only one collectible in each scene. Somewhere along the line, you find crystals to add to a "thread" that allows you certain powers to complete or obtain an objective. There are only 3 and I found only one during the demo.
This is one of those games that you play on a lazy, dreary day when you have nothing better to do. I like this type of game now and then. Personally, I feel this is more a beginner game than one for a seasoned gamer, but I did like it. It is not a challenging game, but I think the numerous different collectibles sort of did it for me, and I like the story line. It's more fun to not have to look for the same old boring object in every scene and the change up between morphing and not was done very well. If you like, or know anything about Greek Mythology, you will probably like this game. I like it well enough to add it to my collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
When your father is arrested, it's up to you to save him and the city of Prague from sinister forces.
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Not a bad game, but not CE worthy...
PostedMarch 10, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi friends! Yep, we have #8 in this series. I have all of them, but not all are the CE version. As always, I review mostly on the game play and not the story, as others do a far better job than I. If you have played any of the first 7, you will see that the graphics are very much the same, very clear and nice. Colors are bright and true. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen quite nicely. Voice overs are very good and are age and character appropriate, but you don't seem to have as much character interaction in this game as in some of the others in this series. The soothing music and the very nice sound FX do make up for some of the few and far between character interactions.
HOPs are a nice combination of interactive silhouettes, riddles and lists. If you don't care for HOPs, you can switch to what they call "skip stones," which is just a match 3 game. HOPs are very clear and items are not difficult to find. Be on the lookout for morphing items within the HOPs. They morph in and out at about 6 seconds. Puzzles weren't all that difficult, but a few did take a little time and thought to complete. I think this is where the "challenge" might come in. Wish they would stop using the tired old zodiac puzzles..just my personal gripe. I get frustrated with a game that tells me to "move on" when I ask for a hint...give me a hint! Otherwise, when you did get a hint, it was helpful and occasionally included the transport feature. That just sort of came and went and at times, you did have to backup quite a ways, rather than transport. That was also frustrating and something I mentioned when I beta tested this one a couple months ago. Especially since you visit the same location multiple times. Yes, you have a jump map.
The only collectibles I found are fire symbols, which are actually outlines and can blend with the background, making them a little difficult to find. There are 43 of these in this game, and so far, I've found them only once in every scene. You also collect animal symbols, which when completed give you more insight into the story and why things are happening. You have 8 different animals and 3 puzzle pieces for each to find. These are not easy to spot at all. They are small and some are almost colorless, so be on the lookout for these as well. I'm not sure you'd call it a collectible, but you also have a powder and chalk that let you "reveal enhancements," e.g., puzzles that, after completion, give you objects to use during the game.
It seems to be getting too easy to just cut and paste a game these days. Some have more than run their course. I do like this series, but if they are going to continue, they need to upgrade the collectibles and give us something more. There is a lot to do in this game and even though you do a lot of running back and forth, you are constantly on the move. I'm on the fence on this one. As I said, I like the series and for some unknown reason, I find the need to play it out. I'm not sure if I will wait for the SE or wait for a really good sale and get the CE. Either way, I will add this game to my every growing collection. I think all levels of players will find this interesting enough to get one version or the other.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all, or it may be exactly what you are looking for. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
A killer is on the loose in a remote European castle. Track them down before they strike again!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Interesting, but not CE worthy...
PostedMarch 9, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all! Well, this is #2 in this series, yes, I have the first. As always, I review on the game play and not much on the story, as others do a far better job than I in that department. The graphics in this game are excellent, very clear and clean. Colors are very true, no blues or pinks for a change. Game play was very good, with no problems during the demo and the scene fit my large screen very well. Voice overs are age and character appropriate and quite good as well, with excellent animation, i.e., mouth and eye movements. Music was soothing and did move with whatever was happening in the scene at the time. Sound FX are fairly well done and between this and the music, I found no "dead" spots of nothing but quiet.
HOPs are well done, with a combination of interactive lists, silhouettes and morphing objects. The scenes are pretty clean and clear and items were not difficult to find. There seem to be quite a few in this game so far. I did not see that you could switch to something else if you didn't care for the HOPs. Puzzles were very simple, at least the few I ran across during the demo, and nothing new or exciting. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport you to longer locations. You don't really do that much back-tracking, but there is some. Naturally, you can use the jump map, but the transport automatically pops up when you can use it and I'm too lazy to open the map and jump. I was disappointed in the map set up, very bland, but it was okay and usable. One thing that was different, was if you have an inventory item that has multiple pieces to it, in most game you have to collect all pieces before you can use it. This game, you can place the pieces as you get them. Guess that's okay, but then I forget what I need to look for if it isn't sitting in my inventory...it's the little things I guess.
The only collectibles I found are 25 "invention cards." These show different types of inventions, what it is and who invented it. Not sure what that has to do with the story yet, but maybe I'll find out. These cards are not all that easy to spot. They are hidden in some pretty dark areas and some are quite small. I think finding them is the challenge here. I was disappointed in the collectibles, it definitely needed something more.
At first, I didn't think much of this game, thinking it was too simplistic. I found that the more I played, the more I got into the story. This is not a challenging game and as I said, the collectibles left a lot to be desired, but I liked it. Today must be one of those "no brainer" kind of days, when a simple game with a not bad story strikes my fancy. I think this game will appeal to a lot of people, especially on lazy days like today. Yes, I will get this game, although I don't feel it is CE worthy, due to the lack of nice collectibles. I may change my mind if a really good sale comes along.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
In Wishville, all dreams come true, for a price.
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 43 found this review helpful
Interesting storyline...
PostedMarch 3, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all! Well, we have #4 in this series. I only have the first two, didn't care for the last one. As always, I review on the game play and not the story, even though I do comment on it. Others do a far better job on the story than I. This game has exceptional graphics, very clear, bright, but not over-powering colors. The animation is very well done, with facial and body movements. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo and the scene fit my large screen very well. Voice overs are nice and are age and character appropriate, with some emotion, fear, urgency and not just someone reading a script. Could have used a little more in the sound FX department, almost too quiet. Music was soothing and was nice for the background sounds, since the sound FX mostly only show up when something is about to happen. I did not care for the ghostly cloudy, smoky whisp that ran across the screen now and then, especially since there wasn't a ghost in it. That said, there are ghosts, but nothing scary and nothing that jumped out at me during the demo.
HOPs are nothing new and I didn't see that you could switch to something else if you get bored with them. We have interactive HOPs, as usual, some lists and a few riddles here and there. Scenes are not junkpiles and items are easy to spot. Puzzles were not difficult at all. I didn't find the need to skip any and only one took me a bit of time to complete, but it was still simple. SG is the standard format. The hint system is very helpful, but it does not transport you to longer locations. Fortunately the map does jump and areas are clearly identified by name and picture and areas of interest are marked. You don't do a lot of long distance backtracking in this game, you can wear slippers for this game.
Collectibles are not many, e.g. 25 roses of various colors, which are plenty large enough to see easily. They can be anywhere. You also collect 25 morphing objects. These object morph fairly slowly, which makes it a little harder to spot them. I sort of timed them and when they morph in, you are there for about 20 seconds...morph out for about 10 seconds, or maybe I have it backwards. That's quite a while to stare at a screen, so pay attention. You also collect "blood drops" of characters in the game. You feed these to a rose covered box to gain more information about the people and the story. This was a bit weird to me, but okay.
I beta tested this game in January and I liked it far better than the last one. Everything about it was up to par with the first two, which were quite nice. This game is not all that challenging, but I liked the story so far, even though I am just a little bit confused at this point. It's a little like starting in the middle and working backwards. That being said, I think this will appeal to all levels of players. I am interested enough to want to find out what this story is all about. Yes, I will add this one to my collection, but I think I will wait for a really good sale.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Will your curse save or destroy you?
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
Not CE worthy...
PostedFebruary 28, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Hi all! Well, we have #6 in this series..yep, got the other 5 already. As always, I review on the game play and not the story, as others do a much better job on that than I. The graphics in this edition is exactly the same as all the others in the series, meaning, not bad at all, but nothing special or updated either. The colors are mostly grays, to give you that creepy feel, with some nice bright colors tossed in now and then. Game play was quite good, not problems during the demo and the game fit my large screen quite well. The music was rather quiet and somewhat soothing until something happens. Voice overs aren't bad, and are age and character appropriate. This game fell a little short with the sound FX. There are some, but there would have been a much better creepy feel with a little more.
HOPs are the usual and cannot be switched to something else if you get bored. Yes, there is a little variety, e.g., interactive silhouettes, straight lists, story type, and items are quite easy to see. You do play the same HOP multiple times. Hint system is helpful, but it does not transport you to longer locations. Get out your tennis shoes, you do an incredible amount of back tracking for one item or one objective. Jump map is very helpful and saves you a lot of time. Puzzles are painfully simple and nothing new at all. There is an over-abundance of rotating circle puzzles. One or two is sufficient, but this one went overboard.
The only collectibles I found are items related to this family, each having its own background story, e.g., family pictures, ring, knife, etc. Nothing exciting here. This game certainly could have use much more. The only other collection was berries. You collect a certain amount and they are supposed to "control" your urge to change to the wolf. When you are controlled, you gain a super power. So far, all I've seen is eyesight and strength, and there are only two more to get.
I really like this series and have the CE version of the other 5. However, I do not feel this one is anywhere near CE worthy. The demo was quite short and the story line has gotten very old. They either need to upgrade this one drastically, or retire it completely. Very disappointing for me. I wasn't keen on it when I beta tested it a few months ago either, and they obviously did not read the suggestions. This game might appeal to a beginner, who I will recommend it for, but I don't think it has any challenge or anything that makes me want to get it. I will give it another try when the SE comes out, but I'm not holding my breath.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this one to be exactly what you are looking for. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Some family heirlooms are more trouble than they're worth...
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 41 found this review helpful
Excellent game...lots of collectibles!
PostedFebruary 25, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hi all! Wow, we have #10 in this series. Naturally, when they have a special, it's on a series I already have all of the games for. As always, I review on the game play and not the story line, as others do a much better job than I can. The graphics in this game are exceptional, very clear, with bright true colors for a change. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen quite nicely. I loved the sound FX, very realistic sounding storm and the SFX didn't come and go like so many others. Voice overs were well done, except that that I noticed the child's character and his voice didn't seem to match. He was portrayed about 6 years old, but his voice sounded much older and more female. Maybe it was just me. You can click through most of the dialog if you read read faster than they speak, but I found that you cannot in the cut scenes. I didn't really notice the music all that much, as I just listened to the sound FX. I always run my demo in the casual mode to get a feel for the game.
HOPs are varied and done quite well. You have silhouettes, find pairs, find so many of this and so many of that, interactive, etc., so you don't get bored with straight lists. The scenes are very clean and clear and items are not difficult to find. I did not see that you could switch to a different game, but the HOPs are done so well, I don't know why you would want to. Puzzles for the most part were not difficult, but a couple did take some time to complete. Yep, there is a little challenge here and I did get frustrated with one and skipped it after about 10 minutes. I don't usually do that. The SG is the standard, as usual. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport you to longer locations. This is very helpful, as you do a lot of backtracking in this one, especially since you have time travel.
Talk about collectibles! I loved these in this game. You have morphing objects, 13 character statues and puzzle pieces, which they call "screensaver collection." Guess I have to finish the game to see what that means. The collectibles are not difficult to see, but some are a little small and tucked away and the morphing objects morph in and out fairly quickly. Some scenes have multiple puzzles pieces and they don't just jump off the page at you. Be on the lookout for them.
I beta tested this one a while back and loved it. Lots of things to do and look for, so you are constantly on the move. I didn't notice an over abundance of puzzles or HOPs, as compared to other games. If there was, the game flowed so well that I didn't even notice. I like this series and gave the beta a 4.75...I rarely give any game a 5, unless it is exceptional throughout. I think this game as enough challenge for any level of player and more than enough to do to keep you interested and moving. Of course I'm going to get this one...silly question.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the review!
I recommend this game!
The famous Johnny Abilli has been murdered at the Broadbeach Resort. You've been called in to crack the case.
Overall rating
4
/
5
79 of 105 found this review helpful
Excellent game...
PostedFebruary 20, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all! Well, we have #4 in this series, of course I have the other 3. As usual, I review on the game play and not usually the story, as others do a much better job than I on that. The graphics in this game are excellent, very clear and sharp. Colors are bright and true, no tiring blues or pinks. Game play was excellent, no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen very nicely. The voice overs are very well done, age and character appropriate, and you can click through dialog if you read faster than they speak. Really liked how my name was incorporated into the game in the very beginning...sort of pulls you right into it. Sound FX are very well done and almost constant, which is good since the music just comes and goes.
If you don't care for HOPs, you can play a bubble game. Personally, I don't care for those much, but occasionally I will play to break the monotony of the same old HOP. Not so in this game. It didn't take long for the bubbles to almost drive me batty. Besides, the HOPs are varied and fun, with silhouettes, straight lists, interactive find this, use that to get this. The first HOP was a major junk pile, but after that, they cleared up and were quite nice. Items are not difficult to find, but depending on the variation, it could take you a little bit to finish it. Puzzles weren't difficult, but do take a little time and thought on some of them. I actually got frustrated with one and skipped it completely. These can be challenging. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport to longer locations. This is very helpful, as you do backtrack quite a lot. Grab your tennis shoes, you will be moving in this game. SG was the usual. Didn't care much for the map...to blah and boring, but it did show you where there was something to be done. The use of the camera to find clues and evidence was interesting and different.
The only collectibles I found are 40 "tools of the trade." Now, I'm not sure, but one was large enough for me to see clearly and it looked like one of those old radio microphones. Some of these "tools" are very difficult to see, as they are quite small and well hidden. It is very helpful to have them listed in the SG for back-up.
I beta tested this one not too long ago and really liked it, actually gave it a 4.75. Of course, I'm into mysteries, so this one is a game that I enjoy playing, evidence board and all. It is not a difficult game, but I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Maybe it's the detective wanna be in me, or maybe I watch too much NCIS, but I think this game will appeal to all levels of players. Yep, going to add this one to my collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
There’s a thin line between the living and the dead.
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 38 found this review helpful
Different story for a change!
PostedFebruary 18, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hi all! Well, we have #4 in this series...naturally, I have them all. Graphics are done quite well, very clear, except when you are in a cut scene using the glasses. That's when it becomes very blurry, but I guess it's because you are having flashbacks. You will have to see the story to know what I'm talking about. I don't review the story, as other do a much better job than I, however, I like this story line. It is different and interesting. Colors are very clear and bright. The only place we see a lot of blue is within the cut scene. Guess we shouldn't complain about the purples either...the devs made the inventory bar purple...silly devs. Game play was mostly very good. I did run across a disappearing rope ladder. Maybe it will show up when I really need to use it. Music is somewhat monotonous and boring, but I usually always turn it down for background noise anyway. The voice overs are well done, but very few and far between. Sound FX are also very few. This is a fairly quiet game, but it does have it's moments.
HOPs are varied and interesting, e.g., lists, silhouettes, riddle type and interactive. They are clear and clean and items are not difficult to find. The interactive HOPs can take a little time to complete. The HOPs are very well done and because of the variation, you don't get bored. If you aren't interested in the HOPs, you can switch to a match 3. Hint system is very helpful, but there is no transport feature. For long distance, the map opens up to where you need to go and you just jump from there. SG is the standard, as usual and other than the collectibles, I don't waste my time using it. Puzzles weren't difficult, but one did take me a little time to complete.
You find and use special glasses that give you insight into the past and why things are happening in the game. Other than that, you also have a varied collectibles list, e.g. morphing objects, file pages and photos. Some of these items are very easy to see, but others you need to dig around for or move things to find them. The morphing items do morph quickly, so be on the lookout for them.
There were a couple of minor problems that need to be fixed, but otherwise, this is a nice game. When I beta tested it, I gave it a 4. Still think that's what it should be, even with the fixes. I like this series, but it would have been much better if they had more character interaction. Maybe it will pick up as the game progresses. I think this game will appeal to all levels of players. Yes, I will get this one, but I will wait for a really good "sale."
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 35 found this review helpful
Challenging puzzles...nice game!
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all! Here we have #5 in this series, and yes, I have them all. As always, I don't review the story line, as others do a much better job than I, but I review on the game play. This game has excellent graphics, very clear. Not much animation, but what there is, is very good. Colors are somewhat muted, but it seems to fit the story line and the series. Game play is very good, no problems during the demo and the game fit my large screen quite well. Voice overs are well done and character appropriate, except that I wonder why devs need to have a woman with a high pitched voice all the time? It does get annoying. Music is the usual for this series and is done well. There are a lot of sound FX in this game, which seem to help bring a story to life for me. I like how the devs incorporated my name into the game as Dr. _____ Hawthorne. The screen does scroll in some scenes, which I don't really care for, but it gives you more to do within that particular scene.
HOPs are done well and are very clean and clear. You have a combination of HOPs, e.g., riddles, lists, interactive and such, so you don't get bored with the same old thing all the time. Items are not difficult to find. If you don't care for HOPs, you can switch to a match 3 game. Puzzles were a bit challenging for a change and took some time and thought to complete. They are not really difficult, but well done. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport you to longer locations. This is a wonderful feature, especially since you do back track quite a lot. The SG only showed one chapter, but if this game is like the others in the series, it will take some time to complete. I only use the SG to make sure I have all the collectibles anyway.
The only collectibles I found are bells. Some of these are blended in quite well and not as easy to find as you may think. There is a "blank" in the bottom right corner that fills in when you find one. I'm missing one in the alley and it's driving me nuts trying to find it!
I like this series and this addition is no exception. The story is interesting, even though nothing new, and you are constantly on the move so you don't get bored. As I said, there is challenge to this game and I found it to be quite fun. I think all levels of players will find this one fun and challenging. I don't give 5 stars easily, a game has to be exceptional to get them, but this one is very close...I give it a 4.5. Yes, I am adding this one to my ever growing list of CE games.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 35 found this review helpful
Elf is back and so is the Avenger...
PostedJanuary 28, 2016
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi all! Wow, we have #10 in this series. I think this is the longest series I've played. Of course I have them all! As always, I review on the game play and not the story, as others do a much better job than I can on that. The colors have been cleaned up a lot in this one and are very true, bright and clear. Graphics and animation are very good, even though the Avenger does occasionally move in a rather choppy motion. Game play was excellent, no problems during the demo and the game fit my large screen very well. Voice overs are very well done, age and character appropriate and have emotion, e.g. fear, anger, a bit sinister. Music was very nice as well, and moved with whatever was happening in the scene at the time. Of course, our little friend "Elf" is back, dressed and ready to help out when needed. He doesn't get used much, so he isn't bothersome at all. Really liked the sound FX. They seem to help keep a game moving and interesting.
HOPs are a variety of basic lists, silhouettes and interactive HOPs. Items are very easy to spot and the scenes are very clean and clear. Puzzles for the most part were quite simple. I did run across one that had multiple steps to complete. This type of puzzle usually frustrates me, but this one was okay. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport you to longer locations. This is a great feature, as you do back track a lot in this game. SG is the same as usual and it does clearly show where all the collectibles can be found. We have to use a machine to track where the "bad guy" runs off to, which I found to be rather silly and unnecessary, since I saw which way he went, but okay. When you use it, you play a very simple puzzle.
I did like the collectibles, mostly because there was more than one. So far, we have puzzle/photo pieces. Not sure what they do for you. These are not out in the open, so be on the lookout for them. Also have morphing objects, which morph fairly quickly. They are easy to miss and I have found one in every scene so far. You also find musicians. Maybe I was seeing things, but I think they morph as well. Again, not sure what they do for you either.
Just a quick note on the story...it's nothing new, but I did find the guys popping in and out of hiding places rather fun to watch. No one wants to mess with the Avenger! I beta tested this game back in October and have been waiting for it to come out. I don't give 5 stars easily, a game has to be exceptional to get those, and this one isn't quite there. As I said, the story is nothing new and the game isn't all that challenging, but I did find it fun. I think it was those silly men. I did click on them to see if they would talk, but they were too scared, so I moved on. I think this will appeal to all levels of players. Yes, I am adding it to my collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!