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:
Help Jill & Mike to save their wedding and uncover Jill's heritage!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Surprisingly fun!
PostedDecember 29, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi all. Well, this usually isn't my cup of tea, but not much to choose from this week, so gave it a shot. I'm actually enjoying this game. It is fun, different, fast paced and you are constantly on the move. This is a great hand/eye coordination game, even for us old folks. Want to keep your mind moving and have fun? Then just play this game. The music got annoying very quickly, but I just turned it way down. Definitely buying this one.
Short, sweat and to the point on this review. 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. Give it a try, you may be as surprised as I was. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
The Smithsonian Castle’s secrets lie in a Civil War past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 8 found this review helpful
Best in the series...
PostedDecember 27, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all. Back from Christmas Holiday and playing catch up. I see that I didn't really miss much. We have another Hidden Expedition game to add to our collection. I only have 4 others, not all. I found the graphics on this one a bit fuzzy in a lot of places, especially in close ups of pictures and books. Otherwise, pretty good. Colors seemed a bit muted to me, but maybe that's just me...still pretty clear. Game play was very good, no problems along the way during the demo.
I didn't even find any need to look at the map, so don't even know how it is set up. Hint system works quite well and is very helpful, even transporting to long distances, which I really like. It does fill very quickly. Really liked the HOPs, quite different and fun and not just straight HOGs. There are morphing objects in some of them as well. Puzzles were not extremely difficult, but did take some time and thought in most cases. Not as easy as you may think.
Collectibles: 43 things that look like old pocket watches in the shape of seashells to me. Very easy to spot, quite large in most cases. You also collect cards that give you information about things in the museum.
Even though I did find it quite odd for a Mother to bring her young children into her lab and expect them to sit still and not touch anything...really, I did enjoy this game. The story is the same, but a little different and interesting. I think it is even better than the others that I have in some respects. I found myself wanting to keep playing, when I usually only play about an hour or so a day. Yes, I am going to get this one for my collections. Got a free game coupon to use or lose, but I would buy it even if I didn't have the coupon. I think this game will appeal to all levels of players.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in game and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Help Santa make Mike and Mary’s Christmas the best ever. Decorate trees, build snowmen, visit Santa’s workshops and open fabulous presents.
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 21 found this review helpful
Extremely small items!
PostedDecember 16, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Wow, talk about eye strain! This game reminds me a lot of the Big City games (I have them all) and the ones with the park rangers (can't remember the name of those games). Very much the same with piles and piles of stuff to look through. Extremely small items and colors are blended into the background.
I did like the collectibles though. You had to find the items in the 12 Days of Christmas. What took me a minute to figure out was that you had to find that many, e.g. 5 gold rings, 6 maids a milking, you get the idea. Again, extremely hard to see. The only collectible I found fairly easy to see were the candycanes.
Even though I like the "no brainer" straight HOP type games now and then, and this one could have been a great game, my eyes just can't take the strain. I had a headache very quickly. Good luck trying to find things.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. A lot of people have far better eyesight than I do, so they will find this game to be quite fun and just what they are looking for. Too bad, disappointing and not for me. Thanks for the reviews.
I don't recommend this game.
Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call Collector's Edition
Do you have what it takes to save Christmas?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Very nice game...
PostedDecember 11, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hi all. Wow, this is one of the shortest demo games I have seen in a very long time! Graphics are extremely nice, clean and clear. Colors are very bright and true. Game play was very good, with no problems during demo and it fit my large screen nicely. Voice overs are very well done, age appropriate and show emotion. Some things that are said are a little silly, but not a deal breaker. There is not a lot of music in this game, but the sound FX are throughout the game and very well done. From the looks of the jump map, there is a lot more to this game than we think. Map is quite helpful and is clear and easy to follow.
HOPs are fun and somewhat different, but not a lot of them in the demo. Items were not hard to find and no junk piles. Puzzles I ran across so far were very simple. Again, not that many so far. Hint system is quite helpful and it does transport to far away locations. The one thing I didn't care for with the hint, is that it will send you to a location where something needs to be done, but you can't do it just yet. Maybe it's to let you know that you will have to come back there eventually. That is not a hint, it is a waste of time.
Collectibles I found are gift boxes, which are not difficult to find. These are supposed to give you access to presents for the extras, but I didn't see where that was happening. I did see that when you get an achievement, a decoration is added to a room. Nothing morphing. I expected more from this dev, so I was a bit disappointed in the lack of collectibles, which does cause me to downgrade a game.
This game was not as good as the other Christmas game out this last week, but it was a very nice game and one that I did enjoy. I like the story, although nothing new. I think what drew me in was how well the voice overs are done. That, along with the graphics, make the game more realistic to me. I think it will appeal to all levels of players. Yes, I am going to add this one to my ever growing collection of CE's.
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!
An unexpected invitation sends you to research mythical standing stones in Brittany.
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 52 found this review helpful
An SE with Extras...
PostedDecember 9, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi all. Wow, a not too bad SE today, what a shock! The graphics in this game weren't too bad. Sometimes a but fuzzy but otherwise good. Didn't care for the fact that every time someone spoke to you, the background went blurry. Colors were good and true. Game play was good, no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen very well. There is a jump map, but areas are not identified by name, only by picture, so be sure you remember what is what. Also does not show where there is an objective, so no help there either. Did not care for the cursor at all. The fact that you cannot change to the system cursor makes me wonder how old this game really is. It is very distracting.
HOPs are nice and clear. Items are not difficult to find. You have a combination of interactive silhouettes (put this together to make that# and just silhouettes, and straight HOPs. Nothing difficult. Puzzles were very simple and nothing new. Some took a little time, but no real thought or skill to complete. Hint system was helpful and took a little while to recharge. Scenes opened and did not close after you find your items, which makes you wonder if you found everything or not. You don't collect a lot of items to have on hand before you use them, which is good. You use them fairly quickly.
There are collectibles in this SE, which is a nice change. You need to find 40 mosaic pieces, which are different shapes and colors and are very small. They blend very well with background colors, so watch for them. I would have missed a few, had it not been for the sparkles. Yes, I demo in easy mode to get the feel of a game. You also collect 70 mistletoe sprigs. Not sure what that has to do with the story or what you do when you get them all, but okay. These are hidden in fairly dark places and are not that easy to spot. I also found them in the HOPS #quite by accident).
This game is not challenging, except to try to find the collectibles. Story is nothing new and the game doesn't seem to flow well, a little choppy in story line. This is a simple "nothing better to do" game. That being said. Even though the story lost me about half way through, I find the need to use a credit and keep playing, just to see if I can find all the collectibles. Yes, I am going to get this game.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Another bloodcurdling tale ripped from the pages of history. This time, the horrifying legend of Elizabeth Bathory is yours to discover!
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 48 found this review helpful
Vampires!
PostedDecember 6, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi all. Well, here is another addition to this series. Didn't really care for the last one, but this one is much better. Graphics are very nice and clear. Colors are true but some areas are a bit too dark. Game play was pretty good, but a little slow in some spots. The opening scene was excellent, but slowed drastically from there, until the end of the demo when the old lady pointed her crooked old finger at me. Hopefully it stays up from then on. Voice overs were far better in this game and actually had a little emotion, fear and urgency. Fathers voice was a little young, but okay. Unfortunately, there are not many VO. Sound FX are good, but a fairly quiet game. Jump map left a lot to be desired...very cartoon like and the clouds made it difficult to see clearly.
HOPs were a little different, some silhouettes, some interactive and some word associations, e.g. winter = gloves, snowflakes. That was different and fun. Again, some areas are a little too dark and hard to see, but items can be found without much eye strain. Puzzles were not difficult at all. Although it is simple, I do like the slider puzzles. Maybe it's because I am a huge jigsaw puzzler. Hint is quite helpful, but does not transport and fills at a nice rate. This is where is it faster to use the map rather than shoe leather.
The only collectibles I found are the tarot cards. Yes, they do morph and they are not as easy to see as you may think, blending well with background and colors. They morph fairly quickly, but so far, there is one in every scene, so watch for them. I see that if you miss the card at first and leave the scene, then return, the card is still there to be found. Maybe I'm missing something, but I think it needed a little more.
I did find one glitch, in that the screwdriver turned into a black box when I used it, but that was about it. All that being said, I did enjoy the game and with the deal this weekend, I believe I will get it to see how it plays out. I think it was the old lady that really grabbed me, so hopefully it continues. There is not a lot of challenge to this game, but I'm in the mood for Vampires today, so yes, this is a buy for me.
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 you may find it is exactly what you are looking for. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
The Rat King's wand has fallen into the hands of a vengeful baron. Team up with your new friend, the Tin Soldier, to stop him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 52 found this review helpful
Wonderful addition to this series!
PostedDecember 4, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hi all. Wow, another addition to the Christmas Stories series. I have the first 2 and really did like them. This one is a great story. Graphics are extremely nice, with bright clear colors. Game play was excellent, no problems with any of the demo and the game fit my large screen perfectly. Music was fun, and I usually turn it way down. I always demo in the easy mode to get the feel of a game during the demo and then go from there. Voice overs are good and the Rat King has a very sinister sound to his voice. Sound FX are appropriate for what is happening at the time and are nicely done.
HOPs are clean and clear and switch between standard, find pairs and silhouettes, so you don't get bored with the same thing all the time. Well done. Puzzles were simple. The only thing I didn't care for was the "story" puzzles using Charlie. They were very slow, too long and very bland, but not a deal breaker on this game. Hint system worked very well and was quite helpful. Yes, it does transport when needed and fills fairly quickly. SG was the standard, and is something I rarely use anymore, except to see if I find all the collectibles. I spent quite a little time looking for the one that I missed during the demo and haven't found it yet, but I will.
The collectibles I found were 36 puzzles pieces, some of which are well hidden and others quite easy to spot. There's more than one in each location, so keep a look out for them. You also find 15 miniature cats. Not sure why yet, but I assume we will find out at the end of the game.
I got so engrossed in this game that I nearly forgot to keep any notes! Yes, we have Charlie as our helper, but he is quite useful getting rid of trolls and into small spaces. This is a wonderful game, one that pulled me in from the beginning. Not so much because of the story, but because of everything else about it. It flows extremely well and is very well done. I believe this game will appeal to all levels of players. Am I going to get it? Absolutely, I can't wait to get back to it and play it out.
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. However, if you like Christmas, you will like this game. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror!
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 13 found this review helpful
Extremely simple game...
PostedNovember 30, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Hi all. Finally got around to this one today. I have the first two games in this series and really liked them both. This one is very much the same in graphics and art work, although a bit old school in design. Colors are very bright and clear and game play was good. No problems at all. Jump map works quite well, but often shows multiple places that you are "currently" in and multiple things to do in those locations...okay, which one do I go to first?
Very few HOPs in this game and they are extremely simple, e.g. find a part and place it here in order to find another to put somewhere else. Easy and boring. Puzzles were so simple it was ridiculous. Took no thought to figure these out. Hint system was helpful, but really not necessary. The story line sort of got lost in the game play. Some movements didn't make sense and it didn't really flow very well.
This game felt more like something they were "practicing" on before the "real" finished game that came out later. I was very disappointed in this one. Very child-like actions and puzzles, e.g. paper doll...silly. Absolutely no challenge or fun. I'm not even sure a beginner would like this one, but a younger child might - except for some of the language that comes out of the creepy elf clown's mouth. Rarely do I ever not recommend a game, but this one...I just can't see even wasting a game credit for it. No buy for me. I really do hope this is the last in the series.
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 don't recommend this game.
A fire breaks out during a concert, and now your daughters are both missing. Hurry to track them down – their music may hold the key to life and death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 21 found this review helpful
Not a bad SE....
PostedNovember 28, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hi all. Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I reviewed this one as a CE and did not feel it was CE worthy. Not because there was anything wrong particularly, but because it was lacking something. The graphics are nice, a little fuzzy. Game play was very good. Music not annoying. Voice overs are very few and far between and dialog cannot be "clicked" through if you read faster than they speak. There isn't much in the way of sound FX either, which makes this a fairly quiet game.
HOPs are the standard and not many of those either. Items are very easy to find. Puzzles are extremely simple, no challenge here at all. Very helpful hint system, which you will use. Jump map doesn't always show that there is something to be done in a location, so you keep hitting the hint and back tracking, which is annoying.
As I said, I did not feel this game was CE worthy, but I always give it another chance when the SE version comes out. I sometimes change my mind and get the SE, which is what I am going to do with this one. No, it is not all that challenging, the story is quite predictable and nothing new, but it is not a bad SE. Yes, I will use a game credit to add this one to my collection, only because I need to us it. This is one of those "nothing better to do" games and this is definitely one of those days.
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!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
5
/
5
39 of 61 found this review helpful
Excellent, challenging game!
PostedNovember 25, 2014
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hi all. Here we have the 7th installment in the MCF series. Yes, I have 5 of them. The only one I did not care for and did not buy was Shadow Lake...don't remember why. This one has the same quality as the others all the way around. Very nice active graphics, even down to the "cold breath." Very nicely done. There are some purples, but not over-powering at all. Colors are bright and clear. Game play was excellent, no problems with the demo at all. Excellent voice overs, appropriate for age and gender, with fear, excitement and pain, not just someone reading a script. Very well done. I got so engrossed in the game that I didn't pay attention to the music, except to note that it did move up and down with what was happening at the time. As always, I demo every game on casual mode to get a feel for the game play and this one is excellent. I've been waiting for this one since I beta tested it months ago.
HOPs are quite interactive, clean, clear and items are not difficult to find. I found them to be quite fun and somewhat challenging in some areas. The puzzles were very challenging, even though you could use a hint, e.g. do this to make that happen. Within the game, you will find clues to what is happening in the story and why. You must collect these clues in order to go to the "investigation board," where you will get the information you are looking for. Hint is quite helpful, fills quickly and transports you to the next location, if further than around the corner. This is one of my favorite features of any game. I did find that the "skip" button for the puzzles was pretty slow filling. I didn't remember the beta being quite that slow.
Collectibles: 84 puzzle pieces. Not sure what happens when you get them, but they are not that hard to spot. There are also 9 morphing buildings to collect. They pop in and out fairly quickly, so pay attention.
I was drawn into this game from the beginning and the more I played, the better it got. It's just a very nice game and one that I have to add to my collection. I think this game will appeal to all levels of players. It has enough action and constant movement to keep you interested and wanting more, and finally some challenge. I rarely give 5 stars to any game, but in my opinion, this one deserves them.
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!