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:
A series of deaths plague a small town, but who or what caused them?
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 16 found this review helpful
Yawn...
PostedJune 5, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I mostly review on the game and not much on the story, as others do a much better job than I. Graphics are well done, very clear and without blurring when moving in or out of cut scenes. Game play was very nice, with no problems during the demo. Colors are very bright for the most part, without being over powering. However, we do have a lot of purple background, with some brassy colors as well. Animation is well done, with smooth movements, even though the body sways in close ups. Voice overs are well done, and are age, character and setting appropriate, but very few and very far between. Music is monotonous. The SFX are minimal. This game was way too quiet.
HOGs are varied, with interactive lists, silhouettes, pairs and place items. Didn't see something different to switch to if we don't care for the HOGs. They are fairly clear, and items are not difficult to find. Puzzles were painfully simple. Hint system is quite helpful and it does transport to longer locations. Not a lot of back tracking, but some. The map is very bland and boring, but it does jump you to locations, and it shows areas you may have missed a collectible.
Collectibles not bad, and about the only place that had any challenge. We need to find 48 jigsaw pieces, which are fairly large, but quite difficult to find. They blended well into the background. We use these to complete 4 jigsaw puzzles. We also have 26 morphing figurines. These morph fairly quickly, but I found them much easier to spot. They are fairly large. We also have 12 photos to find. They are easy to overlook when you are looking for other things in a scene.
This game was just too quiet, had no real challenge and no action or suspense. This was not the usual Elephant game and was extremely disappointing. It is very slow moving, but I kept on playing, just to see if it would pick up as the game progresses. It did not. Definitely could have used a lot more character interaction. This series had started on with a bang, but has been on a down hill slide ever since. I felt this one was geared more toward the beginner, or someone who just wants a no brainer kind of game. I have a number of those, but this one just didn't have anything that made me want to buy it. I will recommend it for beginners, but not for the seasoned gamer. No buy for me.
Gave this one a 3.0 on my scale.
Gave this one a 3.0 on my scale.
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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
An intruder’s puzzling calling-card means certain doom for the Holmes family line!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Well that's the pits!
PostedMay 27, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others. Ms Holmes is at it again! The graphics in this game are nicely done, with fairly smooth and realistic movements. Animation was well done, although we did not have a lot of during the demo. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Voices fit the characters very well, but for most of the demo, Ms Holmes talked to herself. We can click through the dialog if we read faster than they speak, and not miss any hints or clues to what is happening in the story. Colors are a bit muted, but are still very nice. Music was soothing, but got a bit monotonous after a while. We didn't have much in the way of SFX, which this addition could have used.
HOGs are varied and very well done. We have interactive and straight lists, pairs and highlighted words. HOGs were fairly clear and items were not difficult to find. The hint system is quite helpful and we do have the transport feature. We didn't seem to have a lot of back tracking in this one, but we do have some. Puzzles were fairly simple and took no time or brain power to complete.
Collectibles weren't bad. We have morphing items that often are not that easy to spot and are somewhat small. We also have 48 puzzle pieces used to complete 4 jigsaw puzzles. Be aware, we do have more than one in a scene, and some are a bit small. We also need to find 12 character figurines. These are quite large and easy to find.
This story could have grabbed you from the beginning, if it had moved along a bit faster. We spend way too much time in one area before we even come in contact with a live person. Hopefully this picks up as the game progresses. We didn't have any action and hardly any character interaction, but we are constantly on the move for one reason or another. We find clues, which we have to choose from a list, that end up showing us what the intruder did while in a particular area. Didn't see the need for that, but... This addition wasn't as much fun as the last one, but I think I need to find out what those orange pits are all about. I think most levels of players might want to do the same. I will add this one to my CE collection, when a good sale comes along. Gave it a 4.0.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care of this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you traverse the Underworld and make it out alive?
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 18 found this review helpful
Scat cat!
PostedApril 24, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! Another addition to this long running series. As usual, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to those who do a much better job than I. The graphics in this game are quite nice, except for the usual blur you have when going in and out of a close up scene, which is the usual for this developer. Colors are bright, but not over powering at all. The voices were very well done when we had them, with some emotion. You can click through the dialog if you read faster than they speak, without missing any hidden clues. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. The outside sound FX are very well done, but we don't seem to have much when inside, except when finding or using an item. Animation was fairly nice and most movements were smooth. I didn't really hear that much music, but what we had moved with whatever was happening at the time. Yes, we do have a helper...a cat. Most annoying voice, but he is helpful. He sometimes questions as to why you think you need that item. Okay, if I didn't think I might need it, I wouldn't have asked you to get it. Silly cat! We also have a compass that finds ghostly prints. Sure, why not.
HOGs are varied, with interactive lists, riddles and find the difference, so far. The scenes are fairly clear and items are not difficult to find. There is a match 3 game, if you get bored with the HOGs. Puzzles are not difficult, but some do take a little time and thought to complete. The map is the usual with this developer, which I like. For some reason, the icon used to show an area that has a collectible is quite small. Really had to look to see it. Areas are clearly identified and it is easy to follow. The hint system is very helpful and opens the map to show you where you need to go next. As usual, there is a lot of back tracking in this game, to pick up or use one item.
Collectibles aren't bad. We need to find 61 heart shaped coins to buy items for our boudoir again. We also have 15 morphing items, which are very small, morph quickly and not as easy to spot as you think. Then we get to find 15 post cards. These are out in the open, but often a bit small.
I do like this developer and their stories and this one is no exception. This addition was almost too quiet and needed more character interaction. Of course, I say that about all the games these days. The story moved a bit slowly during the demo, but even at that, there was something different about it that makes me want to play it out and see where it goes. Not much action or challenge to the game, but it flowed quite well. That said, I still gave it a 4.5 and added it to my ever growing collection 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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
A mysterious birthday gift uncovers a sinister kidnapping plot!
Overall rating
4
/
5
46 of 49 found this review helpful
Grandpa, help!
PostedApril 16, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
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 can. This series just keeps on going. I've lost count. The graphics in this addition are very well done, very clear, with no blurring when going in and out of close ups. Colors are not bright, but are really nicely done. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Animation was very well done, very smooth and realistic. Voice overs were well done...not a lot of character interaction, but enough. You can click through the dialog if you read read faster than they speak, without missing any hints or needed information to continue through the game. Music was throughout and quite nice. It did move with whatever was happening at the time. Yep, Dad is back to help you out, but he is not a nuisance and only shows up when really needed. Sound FX are very well done and used when appropriate. Otherwise, we have the background music.
HOGs are somewhat varied. We have interactive lists, and silhouettes. 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. Some of the puzzles had some challenge, but mostly in the time it took to complete them. None were really difficult. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport you to longer locations. This is very helpful, as you do a lot of jumping from scene to scene in this one for one or two items, and not just backtracking a few steps. As usual, this map is very bland, but with the transport, who needs it?
I really like the variation of collectibles. You have morphing objects, that are not as easy to find as you think. We also have 12 character statues that are fairly large and jigsaw puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles. Now and then, the puzzles pieces are quite small, but mostly easy to spot. The collectibles are not difficult to see, but you do have to remember look for them.
This is an interesting series, and one that I like. Again, we are continuing with the Gray family and now Dad has a granddaughter to help out. This was a pretty good story line this time, it flowed quite well, and grabbed my interest from the very beginning. This addition has enough challenge and action to keep you interested and moving. The beta had a few problems, which I'm happy to see that they were fixed, so I had only given it a 4.25, but now I'm upping it to a 4.75. I think all levels of players will find this one worth the price of a CE. Yes, I am adding this one to my collection 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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you live up to your family’s legacy in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 29 found this review helpful
Tall, dark and not so handsome!
PostedApril 9, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! Another addition to this long running HOG. Been waiting since November for it to come out! Graphics are very well done, very clear, with no noticeable blurring at all. Excellent animation, smooth with realistic eye and mouth movements. Very nice, bright, but not over powering. Game play was very good, no problems during the demo, and the scenes filled my large screen very well. Voices are well done, and are age and character appropriate, with emotion, fear and urgency. Once in a while, the dialog is a bit silly, but I think our hero is younger than we think. Bad guy doesn't show up as much as in other games, but enough for me. We don't have a lot of character interaction, but enough to keep you interested. Music is now and then and only when needed. Sound FX are well done, mostly background sound until you use something. As usual, the map in this series is boring, but useful for jumps to other areas.
HOGs are a variation of interactive lists, silhouettes and match the picture piece. Scenes are fairly clear and items are not difficult to find. We do have the addition of a morphing item in each HOG, for a little extra challenge. We don't have a match 3 or anything else to switch to if we get bored with the HOGs. Some puzzles were a little challenging, but not really difficult, they just took more time to complete. Hint system is very helpful, but we did not have a transport feature. We do enough back tracking to warrant having one, but we do spend most of our time in the same location until time to move to the next one.
Collectibles were okay. We have the usual symbol for this Developer, but this time it is disguised as something else until you click on it, then the symbol is exposed. Different. Definitely not difficult to find. We also have morphing items in the regular scenes as well. They morph fairly quickly, so be on the lookout for them. These also are not difficult to find.
We don't have a helper as such, but we do have a "thing" that Grandma left us to help us through the game...if we can keep it. As in previous stories in this series, we travel through time and space, so we do have occasional bright lights. They are fast, so not too bad. Not a new story, but still interesting. We didn't have much action in this one, but maybe it picks up as we move along. The only challenge I found was in a few of the puzzles. The demo seemed very short and just left you hanging. That said, I liked this addition and find the need to play it out and see who this "tall man" really is. I think this will appeal to all levels of players, and I feel this one is worth a 4.5. Yes, I am adding this one to my ever growing collection 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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Join the Park Rangers at TWO National Parks, find hidden objects, complete challenging puzzles and spot 100’s of animals!
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 26 found this review helpful
Back at the park!
PostedApril 4, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! This addition makes #10 in this series. I freely admit that I am addicted to these silly adventure games. They are straight HOGs, nothing more, nothing less. Graphics aren't bad. Some of the faces are still a bit creepy, but at least they aren't blurry. Game play is very good. Colors are bright and true. They seem to have added a bit more animation, with the animals moving now and then, well done. The story is always the same, as are the characters and locations. I don't play the Vacation Adventures games for the story, I play for the challenge of finding everything. As always with this series, we have a lot of dialogue, but no voices. You can click through it and not miss any hints or clues. The music is the same and can easily become monotonous.
We still have to find the extras, e.g. wildlife animals and garbage. Scenes are fairly clean, but some items are still very small. Others blend in well with the background. The challenge to this one is to find all the garbage. The animals seem to be quite easy to spot. My goal is to find everything without using a hint, but I didn't make it with this one either. We have the same puzzles, but I did see a new one. None are really difficult, but some take some time to complete. There are different levels of play, from slow an easy to get moving quick.
Again, I bought this one without even trying the demo. I like to not have to use my brain now and then and these are the perfect game for that. I'm not sure why this one is a CE. The last one was as well, but I didn't see anything "extra" to make it a CE. Hopefully we have something at the end of this one. So far, it's the same as just a standard SE. I think most will find a bit of challenge in this one, and the scenery is very nice. Yes, I am going to add it to my collection, and see if they added any bonus play at the end. I love this series (and the Cruise Director), so I'm giving it a 4.75.
Give it a try and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you escape a utopian toy world before it’s too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 35 found this review helpful
Mechanical people...again!
PostedApril 2, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I mostly review on the game play and leave the story to others. The colors in this game were very fairly nice, but a bit muted, which made them look faded. Still not bad. Graphics were well done, and not much blurring at all. Animation wasn't bad, but the body movements seemed a bit stiff. Music was smooth and not obtrusive. Voices are fairly nice in this addition, being age and character appropriate. Unfortunately, we didn't have a lot of character interaction in this one. The sound FX were very well done, but not constant. Game play was good, with no problems during the demo.
HOGs aren't bad. They are varied, with interactive lists, find and use, place items and highlighted words. We can switch to a match 3 game within the HOG. Scenes are fairly clear and items are not difficult to find. Puzzles were painfully simple on easy mode. I always demo a game in easy, then replay in the hard level. Hint system is very helpful, but I haven't run across the transport feature yet. We do a lot of back-tracking, so this would be quite helpful and a time saver. The map is set up nicely, but would have been better if it indicated whether or not you found all the collectibles.
Collectibles were better in this one, but some were very small and blended well with the background colors. We need to find 54 feathers that don't actually look like feathers at all. We also have 54 coins that definitely are not shaped like a true coin. Not sure what we do with these yet. Of course, we also have 27 various morphing items. Be aware that scenes have multiples of some of the collectibles.
I wasn't too sure about this game when I beta tested it and I'm still not after playing it again. The game moved too slowly, the story is nothing new and I'm not kicked out about mechanical people or animals. Makes me think of PuppetShow. There is no real challenge and very little character interaction, which would have helped a lot. Too much backtracking and not enough action. I know it sounds like a bad game, but it wasn't. I didn't dislike it, I just didn't like it enough to want to buy it. I will recommend this for beginners, but probably not for seasoned gamers.
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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you save a town from turning to ash in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
Romance?
PostedMarch 31, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! Another addition to this series. I've lost count. As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story review to others who do a much better job than I. Graphics are very well done, even with the occasional blur when moving in and out of close ups. Colors are very bright and true but the least bit over powering. Animation is very well done, even with the occasional stiff body movement. Facial movements are extremely well done. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Voices are well done, being are age and character appropriate, and they do show emotion when needed. Sound FX are well done, even the background sounds were more than just music. Music is unobtrusive and moves with whatever is happening at the time.
HOPs are a variety of missing word/silhouettes (something new), silhouettes, and find and use items in scene. Not bad, but hoping for a little more variety as the game progresses. Scenes are very clean and clear and items were not difficult to find. Didn't pay attention as to whether you could switch to something else or not. Puzzles were not difficult, and did not take any time or thought to complete. I found them to be fairly simple. We can still choose between easy and hard for the puzzles and the full game play as well, for those who want more challenge. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport to longer locations, by opening the map and showing you where your next move is going to be. This dev has the perfect map. You can choose to have or not have the extra hint of where the collectible has been missed on the map.
Collectibles aren't bad in this series. Some are quite challenging to find, mostly due to size. We need to find 15 notes/newspaper pieces (there are a lot of papers all over the place, so look around for them); 100 bundles of money (bills) to buy items for our house; and 15 varied evidence pieces that also morph. These can be anywhere and different sizes.
This game flowed very well and was easy to follow. We do switch players in this one, as in the others in this series, but it seems to just happen whenever needed. There really isn't a lot of challenge in this game, but there is a lot of action. You are constantly on the move, and yes, a lot of back tracking. This could be an interesting story, but I find I need to play it out to find out what is really happening. There wasn't a lot of character interaction, but enough to keep you going. I did have to laugh at the use of a seam ripper to cut out the ticket. Anyone who sews would know better than to ever use one for that! Even at that, I think most all levels of players will find this one entertaining. I gave this one a 4.5. Yes, I am adding it to my collection 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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Could you survive a deadly game where your opponent knew your secrets?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Unlock your mind...
PostedMarch 15, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others who do a much better job than I. A new story! We have excellent graphics in this game, very clear and no blurring when going in and out of closeups. Colors are a bit faded looking here and there, but still very nice. Animation is extremely well done, very smooth for the most part. Voices aren't bad, but our COP sounds a bit bored with her job. The bad guy, Designer, has an excellent voice...very sinister sounding. Still, not a lot character interaction during the demo, but enough that you don't fall asleep. Game play is excellent, no problems during the demo. Music was almost non existent. Sound FX aren't bad, but about the only time we have them is when something is being done. A lot of chimes when we find something.
HOGs are nice combination of interactive lists, silhouettes, and pattern blocks. Scenes are fairly clear and items were not difficult to find. I did not see where you could switch to something else if you did not care for the HOGs. Puzzles are a bit challenging, but not really difficult, just time consuming and though provoking. Hint system is very helpful, but I haven't seen that we have the transport feature in this one yet. Sometimes, it doesn't show up for a while. You do a fair amount of back tracking in this one.
Collectibles are okay. We have to find various morphing items, both in the game and in the HOGs. They aren't that easy to spot either. We also have the usual all seeing eye, that this developer is known for. These are fairly large and easy to see. No challenge here at all.
In this game, we have powers that were given to us during medical experiments. That was okay, but got a bit boring. I did like the story and naturally, it was beginning to really pick up when the demo ended. We are constantly on the move, so there really isn't any lag time. Short demo, so a bit difficult to gage where the story is going just yet. Still, I have the need to play this one out and see what happens. This is one of my favorite Developers, and they usually have a surprise or two. The only minus to this game is the lack of sound FX, even just some outdoor sounds, or a ticking clock in the building, etc. Not much challenge to this game, but I like it well enough to add it to my collection. I think most levels of players will find it entertaining. Gave this one a 4.75.
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. Play on!
I recommend this game!
A recent expedition uncovered unique, priceless artifacts, but at what cost?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 35 found this review helpful
What? Wait, what just happened!
PostedMarch 15, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others to tell. We have yet another addition to this series. Graphics are very well done, with no noticeable blurring. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Animation is fairly smooth and more realistic than most when we had it. Colors are very nice and clear. Voices were age and character appropriate. We didn't have a lot of character interaction, but we did have enough to keep us going and interested. You can click through the dialog without missing any clues or additional useful objects. Music was just background noise and unobtrusive. Sound FX are well done and move in and out with whatever is happening at the time., but we didn't seem to have as much as in the last game in this series.
Didn't have a lot in the way of HOGs in this addition. We had mostly lists. Items are not difficult to find and the scenes pretty clear. Puzzles had a little more challenge, but still were pretty simple. Hint system is helpful and we do have the transport feature for longer locations. As in the others in this series, we do backtrack quite a lot, but it seems to be quite a lot more running around here. We do have a jump map, which is nothing special, but it does show you where a collectible is found, or missed.
Collectible are very well done and extremely easy to find. We have eye silhouettes that are large and stand out quite well. Morphing items that are very easy to find as well. We also have 12 globes that hold figurines of our key players in this game. Nothing is "hidden," or disguised and are very easy to spot. No challenge here. As always, if you just can't find these collectibles on your own, they are listed clearly in the Strategy Guide.
During the beta test, I was unable to play this game...too many problems. Happy to see that they have been fixed. This story is nothing new, but of course, it started to pick up when the demo ended. Didn't care for the back story showing how something probably happened. Too long and not necessary for the game or story line. You are constantly on the move, even if it is going back to the same locations frequently. The story is fairly simple to follow. No real challenge, but I find the need to play it out and see where it's going. I think most levels of players will find this one interesting. I like this series, so yes, I am adding it to my CE collection. I gave this one a 4.5 on my scale.
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. Play on!
I recommend this game!