Poem123's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:2,200
- Reviews Submitted:37
- First Review:January 26, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 21, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Turn one small clothing store into a runway of fashion. It’s all up to you in this exciting clothing store simulation game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 43 found this review helpful
More staff management fun
PostedSeptember 11, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a nice second addition to the "Boulevard" series of time management games.
The good:
- a different approach to typical salon-type games
- focus on staff management rather than customer management
- non-linear
- smooth gameplay
- widescreen (stretch) option
- no time limit
- a series of tasks to be completed in any order rather than a set goal for the day
- easy to learn the basics; enjoyable for all ages
- different stores/upgrades
- a different approach to typical salon-type games
- focus on staff management rather than customer management
- non-linear
- smooth gameplay
- widescreen (stretch) option
- no time limit
- a series of tasks to be completed in any order rather than a set goal for the day
- easy to learn the basics; enjoyable for all ages
- different stores/upgrades
the not-quite-as-good:
- as with the previous game (Bistro Boulevard) gameplay can become a little repetitive in later stages
- feels limited in your management options (not much complexity eg. you can't set pricing/salaries)
- some choices have no impact (wallpaper, shelf type etc)
- as with the previous game (Bistro Boulevard) gameplay can become a little repetitive in later stages
- feels limited in your management options (not much complexity eg. you can't set pricing/salaries)
- some choices have no impact (wallpaper, shelf type etc)
I love this style of game. If you haven't played the first one, it might be confusing at first (especially the task list) but stick with it, it's a relaxing TM with no real pressure. Play at your own pace, move on only when you feel like it.
I recommend this game!
Help Angel figure out what is real and what is in her head as she attempts to escape from a Mental Hospital!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Almost didn't buy, glad I did.
PostedSeptember 9, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a sequel. I haven't played the first game.
It's a really good game but I almost didn't purchase it. Visual/sound quality is excellent. Great cut-scenes - it's very much an interactive story and draws you in. However I have a lot of unfinished games right now that are also fun. I was playing on casual mode and didn't like the sparkles and thought, if only you could change difficulty part-way through... then I opened the menu to quit and saw the option to change difficulty and bought it right away.
It's little details like that which put this experience above similar high-quality games.
Don't be put off by the escape-the-asylum theme. It's done right for a change and you feel empathy with your protagonist and actually care about the story more than usual.
Help your father manage his safari park to turn it into a successful venture full of tourists eager to watch exotic animals.
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Almost okay
PostedSeptember 7, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is the first TM game I've ever played where I've dreaded having to buy upgrades. It's awful enough managing 5 monkeys, no way would I want to deal with 8 of them.
Repetitive, tedious interaction: click tree - click giraffe - click tree - miss - click giraffe - uh oh hippos are hungry - click tree - click giraffe - click tree - click giraffe - eep something is attacking my monkeys - click tree - click giraffe - miss - click tree - click giraffe - click water - click tree - miss - click giraffe - oops 3 customers just left.
Glitches galore. Several hiccups really detracted from enjoying the game. It does not run smoothly.
I like the graphical style and the artwork but it seems unfinished. I love how the game zips from scene to scene. The demo is fun enough for 20 minutes which is long enough to get a sense of the entire game.
This could be such a great game, it really could.Sadly, it doesn't just fall short of the mark but runs in the opposite direction screaming.
I don't recommend this game.
Jo's Dream: Organic Coffee
Help make Jo’s dreams come true! Join her in a challenging journey to build a coffee shop. Learn to make different brews, take orders and manage staff!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 44 found this review helpful
High Quality TM - try it for yourself
PostedAugust 2, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Jo's Dream: Organic Coffee
(143)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a greeeeat TM that looks wonderful and feels different to other games out there.
I chose the "relaxed" option.
This is essentially a "staff management" game. Although you begin by fulfilling orders and menial tasks, your role changes as the game progress.
TIP: prioritize full upgrading your staff and always pay max salary.
Highlights:
- wonderful graphics/sound (your music options change as your cafe develops).
- no "queues", your cafe feels like a real cafe with some customers going directly to the cashier, some standing at the bar and some sitting. Also, no dragging +++
- no bugs, this game runs smoothly no matter what silly things you do. The coding quality is excellent, even when things get hectic I never misclicked and could always see clearly what was going on
- Staff AI is excellent, especially on level 3, they respond to the most urgent tasks and help with everything and if you take over they move seamlessly to something else
- Choice of upgrades beyond what is required to progress, good pacing
- wonderful graphics/sound (your music options change as your cafe develops).
- no "queues", your cafe feels like a real cafe with some customers going directly to the cashier, some standing at the bar and some sitting. Also, no dragging +++
- no bugs, this game runs smoothly no matter what silly things you do. The coding quality is excellent, even when things get hectic I never misclicked and could always see clearly what was going on
- Staff AI is excellent, especially on level 3, they respond to the most urgent tasks and help with everything and if you take over they move seamlessly to something else
- Choice of upgrades beyond what is required to progress, good pacing
Suggestions for improvement:
- an optional goal each day would really help those early levels which feel slow and a little pointless
- an optional goal each day would really help those early levels which feel slow and a little pointless
Really love this game. Try it for yourself and give it time to get into it.
As Kate and Oscar continue their journey they find themselves blocked in the mysterious university town of Barrockstadt!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Wonderful classic adventure story
PostedJuly 24, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a classic story-driven game that continues directly from where Syberia 1 leaves off. While it's playable as a stand-alone, players should really start with the first episode to fully appreciate the delightful story and subtle humour.
Syberia 2 features a much better interface than its predecessor which was clunky and slow at best but the story and setting isn't quite as charming (in my opinion).
This series is for story-lovers. There is no hand-holding, you may need to resort to a walk-thru. Save often. It's well worth sticking with. Put on your jogging shoes and prepare to be immersed totally in a wonderfully crafted story.
Graphics are top-notch for it's time. Lovely music composed for the game. Great voice overs (some dodgy accents). Weeks of play rather than one afternoon's.
I recommend this game!
Many years ago, mysterious events separated Rachel and her father. Help find him and save the world from catastrophe!
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 61 found this review helpful
Delightfully Difficult
PostedJuly 7, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
An excellent but challenging game that plays more like an adventure story with puzzle and hidden object elements.
I played on expert mode which is actually difficult - as opposed to merely removing sparkles as might be expected.
When you need to use hints to get past the first scene, you're either going to love it, or dread it. I bought it right away.
One of the first differences I noticed from usual games of this type was that the cursor did not change to a hand/gears etc. You really have to figure out what to do, which may not be immediately obvious. I don't know if this is also the case with the casual mode.
Most scenes are interactive in some way - not just the hidden object scenes, but throughout the story - perhaps you need to push some junk aside to find an item, or pull a loose thread to unravel something and so on.
Something I found innovative was a bar/gauge in the hidden object scenes that monitors misclicks so you can avoid the penalty by being careful. The object scenes are challenging but the items are clearly drawn, it's not obvious how to find some items (perhaps they are in a bag missing a zipper, or you need to shuffle some papers covering them, or you have to catch that moving beetle with a glass jar). Because the cursor doesn't change, you have to click on items to see if you can pick them up. It makes the scenes much more interesting to solve, in my opinion.
I love the artwork! It has that kind of painted realism look that really immerses the player in a fantasy story (this one set in modern times).
Definitely try this if you are up for a challenge. Sometimes you just want a game to relax to, and this is not that - but if you want something engrossing that tickles your brain cells and takes your mind off your day, you've found it.
Usual story - find a missing relative (your dad) in an abandoned location (town). It begins with a vehicle (ambulance) driven recklessly on a stormy night and your first task is to find your way inside. It's well done though with good voice-overs.
High quality SE that promises to be immersing and challenging.
I recommend this game!
Join Claret and a lovable cast of characters explore, build and battle your way through a tale of magic, metal & mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
217 of 220 found this review helpful
RPG fans will LOVE this
PostedJune 23, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...and if you're merely RPG "curious", this is a GREAT introduction to a wonderful genre of gaming.
Quality RPG games are far and few between. I remember reading an interview with the creator of the wonderful Aveyond series. She spoke of the amount of time and commitment and sleepless nights to flesh out the full story of just a single game. She mentioned how hard it was to find people to produce something like Aveyond when other gems, such as the wonderful Grim's Hatchery, which she also created, could be produced in relatively little time (and therefore expense) and become a far greater commercial success.
Therefore I have admiration for any RPG that can find its way to a site like this one, if only as a soft release. This game however, blows every other RPG out of the water... yes, even Aveyond.
The artwork has been lovingly crafted, the interface is smooth and runs fantastically with a mouse. The story is told in such a way that you don't need to click through pages of tiresome dialogue (though do note, this game does require reading, there are no voice overs). Like other RPGs, this is a scrolling game. You have an open world to explore, party members to recruit and inventory items to scour.
For those who wonder - what is the difference between an RPG and an adventure game?
- Both follow a story based on a central character
- Both require problem solving, picking up needed items and working out how to use them
- Adventure games focus on the story
- RPG games focus on character development: this means your character may have levels, almost certainly has some form of statistics (stats) that can be improved and is able to learn particular skills depending on which path you take them - common paths may be that of a fighter (weapons), a thief/scout (stealhy) or a mage (magic).
- RPG games are more likely to involve combat, and offer greater options and variations on the approaches you can take.
- RPG games tend to have different character points-of-view, and are more likely to have you controlling a party of characters rather than just one.
- Both require problem solving, picking up needed items and working out how to use them
- Adventure games focus on the story
- RPG games focus on character development: this means your character may have levels, almost certainly has some form of statistics (stats) that can be improved and is able to learn particular skills depending on which path you take them - common paths may be that of a fighter (weapons), a thief/scout (stealhy) or a mage (magic).
- RPG games are more likely to involve combat, and offer greater options and variations on the approaches you can take.
- RPG games tend to have different character points-of-view, and are more likely to have you controlling a party of characters rather than just one.
One of the great things about RPGs is that they have far more replayability than a stock adventure game. Often several choices are presented to the player and almost certainly different endings become available based on these choices. I haven't finished Skyborn yet, but the last RPG I played had 76 different scripted endings.
Skyborn is a lovely rendition of a classic genre. It has the old-school feel of classic RPG games combined with upgraded graphics, a smooth engine and a user-friendly mouse interface (actually rare in this "old-school" genre).
You play the role of Claret (what a great name) who is introduced in a simple and lovely sequence that teaches you the basics of what you need to do to get started. The adventure becomes yours to make of it what you like, although there is a story to follow, the choice is yours on how fast you wish you to progress through the storyline, or simply explore the world around you.
Thank you, Big Fish, this game is delightful and will hopefully introduce a few new fans to a really fun and engaging experience.
I recommend this game!
Help Katy and Bob find their way back home and build up their tropical open-air bar in this exciting Time Management game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
41 of 54 found this review helpful
Nice enough TM
PostedJune 17, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Once again I wish we could award half-stars, as this would be rated slightly higher.
Nothing really stands out with this typical time management game but it is pleasant enough. Game-play is smooth and the interface works fine.
Some positive things:
- two difficulty levels, clear non-obtrusive tutorial (skippable)
- varied alternative goals: the main goal each day is to earn X amount of dollars but there is a secondary goal (for example, serve menus to 5 customers in a row, set off fireworks twice) that changes each day
- all store upgrades are available right away and you can pick whatever you like that you can afford
- the secondary goals allow you to purchase different sorts of upgrades
- no dragging customers around
- combo rewards are nicely handled
- customer happiness is gauged by a bar which is much clearer than hearts or similar in other games
- two difficulty levels, clear non-obtrusive tutorial (skippable)
- varied alternative goals: the main goal each day is to earn X amount of dollars but there is a secondary goal (for example, serve menus to 5 customers in a row, set off fireworks twice) that changes each day
- all store upgrades are available right away and you can pick whatever you like that you can afford
- the secondary goals allow you to purchase different sorts of upgrades
- no dragging customers around
- combo rewards are nicely handled
- customer happiness is gauged by a bar which is much clearer than hearts or similar in other games
Things I didn't like
- I played on the easiest difficulty, but swung from getting expert on most levels to missing the goal completely on the rest.
- Nothing to make me want this when I already have plenty of similar games that have more depth.
- I played on the easiest difficulty, but swung from getting expert on most levels to missing the goal completely on the rest.
- Nothing to make me want this when I already have plenty of similar games that have more depth.
I cannot rate the storyline as I always skip them in TM games.
Give it a try. Not for me though.
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Top Secret Finders. Your first mission is to save a small town, uncover the truth about a government conspiracy and stop the villain in his tracks!
Overall rating
5
/
5
176 of 184 found this review helpful
Challenging HOG Mystery
PostedMay 19, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love detective games but in this one you belong to a secret division of the FBI investigating archives of highly classified (think paranormal) activity, so it's definitely not a CSI style game.
This is a challenging game. The story and plot is well done, even if once again we are stuck in an abandoned place (this time a ghost town, complete with resident ghosts).
Graphics are standard (high quality) for new games. Objects in the (many, many) scenes, are relatively clear and correctly labelled. The journal is excellent and necessary reading if you take an interest in the unfolding story. There is a map that is neither interactive nor marks your current location.
The hint system is first-class. It tells you where to check next and can take you there instantly, without using up the hint.
There is some back and forth but it's possible to use the hints to travel quickly to where you need to go. Most of the town is closed off to you early on and you gradually open up more areas.
Hidden object scenes are plentiful. They are of the usual dark and dreary abandoned junk pile variety, but nicely done with some great interactive items that are fun to solve.
Only 2 game modes. I played advanced in the demo and it is not possible to switch modes once started. I recommend the easier mode as I often missed things I needed, and I did not complete the demo in the allotted hour.
Puzzles are challenging but skip-able.
The developers of this game also made the Love Chronicles series so it's a definite change of theme for them. While some things felt overly familiar - abandoned gas station, abandoned diner - the great cut scenes and unusual story made up for the deja-vu in the setting.
This is a high quality game with a great plot. The cut scenes are movie quality and use real actors. Lots of voice-overs, a responsive cursor, fast animations and a helpful journal promise several hours of enjoyable yet challenging investigation.
I recommend this game!
Travel back in time to help stop a terrible fire that started Felicia down her evil path in PuppetShow: Return to Joyville!
Overall rating
5
/
5
63 of 88 found this review helpful
Every bit as good as expected
PostedMay 18, 2012
Poem123
fromMelbourne, Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ERS know how to make an excellent game. This one does almost everything right. Beautiful artwork, terrific cut-scenes, great voice overs and really fun puzzles and object scenes. Three difficulty modes, plays beautifully on wide-screen with a responsive cursor and terrific story.
I bought this within 5 minutes of trying it - I'd deliberately avoided trying the CE as I knew I wouldn't be able to wait.
The only (very minor) issues I have are: the inventory layout ("tools" that pop out) can be annoying when you need to place multiple items from your inventory, and the sparkles on easy mode (while subtle) aren't as delicate as the ones in Song of the Phoenix.
This is a genuine 5 star game that any hidden object or puzzle adventure fan should adore.
I recommend this game!