gobaba's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,887
- Reviews Submitted:74
- First Review:September 12, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 25, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Set out across the globe to stop the end of the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
59 of 67 found this review helpful
Really a 4.6 But I'm Not Going To Be Stingy
PostedJune 2, 2016
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based On Main & Bonus Games
Make sure you have your donuts and coffee because it's time to save the world from another maniac, this time nicely attired in a fashionable get-up. Eipix has done a great job on graphics, scenery, audio, voice-overs, lip-synch, music, cut-scenes (just long enough and have the "wow" factor too), and a storyline to hold interest. Though as usual I forget everyone's names and get lost.
It's balanced more in HOs and puzzles than usual, though Eipix is usually puzzle-heavy. The HOs are widely varied to keep interest. The puzzles are part of the reason I gave it a higher rating and added to length of time, because they get much harder as the game progresses, plus several are new. Yay! Adventure part was pretty linear though a couple of times I was not sure where to go.
There are 43 Thor hammers to find = 43 scenes = large game. Jolly good. There are 15 cards to find which stand out easily. Morphing objects are in HOs. You can go back and find hammers in Extras if you miss them in gameplay. Not sure about morphs because I got them all.
CE bling includes the Souvenir Room, which is a mini-collectible hunt. It's gotten more challenging, and is an excuse to go back and look at the scenery artwork. At least for me. Also included are replayable HOs and puzzles, the Collectible hammers, achievements and the usual.
I play in "No Mode". No hints, no skips, no map help, no SG peeks. So if I give you a game length, keep that in mind. The main game lasted six hours. The bonus game lasted 1.5 hours and was a slightly different story.
Is it worth a CE? Even though this is really not my favorite game genre I do like Eipix' extras: the collectibles, the Souvenir Room, and the morphs. Plus I do think some of those head-banger puzzles were worth a replay. I'm going to say yes.
As always, demo if you're not sure.
I recommend this game!
What mysteries are hiding in your family's history?
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 22 found this review helpful
It was just okay, and so was the CE bling
PostedMay 27, 2016
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the Main & Bonus games, actual rating 3.5
I like Elephant Games for their thoughtful approach to adventure: you can't always predict the next move in hard mode, or how to use inventory that you've been carrying around for an hour.
But this game needs...something. The graphics and scenery were beautiful, music & audio were nice and not intrusive, voice-overs were good enough, storyline was easy to follow, and cutscenes okay.
Challenge level in hard mode was okay. Puzzles and HOs are about equal, but puzzles are too easy though nicely presented. HOs are widely varied to keep interest.
Get ready to find at least three of an item before you can open boxes or cupboards; it happens a lot. Morphing objects are in scenery. There're also puzzle pieces everywhere, and they can be tricky. You also collect a few tarot cards that you can read about later.
Maybe this just feels like another "Kidnapped Princess! OMG, It's Up To Me To Save Her By Finding 54 Keys To Stuff!" game. Hey, I found all but one puzzle piece, and it wouldn't let me put together the puzzle at all. That's just wrong.
The main game is very short, less than 3 hours. The bonus game is a slightly different story, and lasts a little over an hour. CE bling includes achievements,the puzzle(if you get all pieces), tarot cards and the Secret Room, which is just replayable puzzles & HOs. Plus the usual. And that's it.
Is it worth a CE? I don't think so. This game has nothing unique or compelling about it, is very short, has so-so bling, and so I'd save my $14 for something better.
I'd wait for the SE or a sale. As always, demo if you're not convinced.
I don't recommend this game.
Is the notorious Axiom Butcher back from the grave?
Overall rating
5
/
5
95 of 113 found this review helpful
Elephant's Excellent Execution of Haunted Hotel
PostedApril 30, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on Main & Bonus Games
Pun not intended. Disclaimer: Haunted House thrillers are one of my favorite genres. I just did a game that had only HOs, nothing else, ostensibly to relax me, but after the 30th one it made me go "Rawr!" So Elephant Games rescued me with a wonderfully atmospheric, puzzle heavy, adventure heavy game that you should try.
Now, the whole environment is great, with mournful, suspenseful music and occasionally chilling. (No spoilers, I don't do that). The devs create a great sense of being stranded and isolated. Low lighting effects are used to enhance creepiness, but yes, you can see.
Adventure level is very good, and keeps your mind busy, because Elephant always has you hauling things around for two hours before you use it. There was more back-tracking than I cared for, but it didn't keep me from enjoying the game. Next steps aren't always obvious, so keep an open mind.
Puzzles outnumber HOs and some you've seen. Some are new, challenging and one was aggro to me. All beautifully done.
Puzzles outnumber HOs and some you've seen. Some are new, challenging and one was aggro to me. All beautifully done.
HOs are interactive or varied in some way to keep interest. And even locked boxes are multistep at times. Very Nice.
There are 25 scene morphs, 20 crystal balls, and 15(?) tarot card morphs to find. That means only 25 scenes total, but trust me, Elephant puts you to work so you barely notice. Other bling includes the Secret Room (a mini morph hunt), achievements, replayable HOs & puzzles, plus the usual.
The main game lasted 5 hrs in Hard mode, and bonus about 1.5+hr. The bonus game was a different story, new scenes, and kept me engrossed.
Is it worth a CE? I say yes. I like creepy games, good challenge, & puzzles galore, but this is also excellent quality work on the total package:scenery, music, sound, graphics, gaming on both games, and I was sorry when it was over.
I recommend this game!
Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope Collector's Edition
Carrying the lives of many on your shoulders, you are forced to balance on the tightrope placed between life and death.
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 44 found this review helpful
Excellent Sequel of Pure Creepiness
PostedApril 8, 2016
gobaba
fromTexas
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based On Main & Bonus Games
It's hard to top the original Phantasmat, but Eipix has cuddled up very close to it with this great offering with stunning graphics, eerie music, creepy sound effects and a hollow-eyed villain (who sees no need to shop at Roscoe's Villain Apparel for the usual and tedious crimson cape, thank heavens).
The story is simple and easy to follow, with no supernatural crystals, artifacts, or dusty tomes of druid lore that are the usual fare lately (also available at Roscoe's, BOGO). The atmosphere is spot on for Phantasmat. The challenge level is just right for no hints,no skips, and no sneak peeks at SG, that is, above average.
Puzzles and HOs are about 50/50, but both have some new and interesting ones. Puzzles can take time and thought occasionally, which is fine by me. Those who like tradtional HOs won't be disappointed either. There are no morphs, except in one HO. A match-3 game can be substituted for the HOs.
Collectibles are 41 green specimen jars, though at first I thought they were trash cans. They appear in both games. The bling also includes the Souvenir Room, a mini-collectible hunt. Achievements, replayable HOs, match-3 & puzzles, a funny Eipix dev video plus the usual bling are included.
You can go back and find any missed collectibles in the Extras menu. Nice. Don't forget to read silly comments in the credits too.
The main game lasts about 4+ hours in the mode above, and the bonus game about 1.5. The bonus game tells the story from a different character's point of view, and is enjoyable.
Is it worth a CE? Yes. The extras are fun, but both stories are great, plus Eipix has created a fantastically creepy, yet original and creative atmosphere. Plus the main game ending was straight out of Twilight Zone. Yow! Did not see that coming.
If you like creepy, suspenseful games, snatch this one up.
I recommend this game!
Is this an ordinary murder case, or something more sinister?
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 26 found this review helpful
FiveBN Hits A Home Run
PostedApril 4, 2016
gobaba
fromTexas
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based On Main & Bonus Games
First thing to know, FiveBN makes awesome games that shows they take time, thought, creativity, and the sweat of their brow. They aren't a game dev that cranks out "copy & paste" games every six weeks. NYM games come out once a year, like MCF, and I'm hoping they get tapped to do MCF at least once.
That said, this is an engaging story that people like me who don't follow stories closely, can pick up on easily. The adventure part is spot on! Be prepared to stop and think about where to go and how to use inventory. Sneaky FiveBN, putting things in your inventory, then you won't use it till two hours later.
I don't care for super-linear games, and NYM satisfies, making you think about where can I use this? And using inventory in a novel way without excessive back-tracking or frustration. It has a real journal, which I liked a lot.
Puzzles are plentiful, with no traditional HOs. Some get annoyed at that, but all HOs are interactive HO/puzzles to locate the desired object. Puzzles range from easy to moderate, with no head-scratchers.
There are morphs and collectibles in main game only: 35 morphs in scenes plus sets of collectible symbols. I got them all, but I think you can go back and retrieve any missed ones in Extras menu.You also collect informational cards about the history of New York City.
There's a bonus "untangle the strings" game with twenty levels in Extras, as well as 5 jigsaw puzzles to complete.
The main game is very long, lasting 5+ hours, and the bonus game almost two. The bonus game does carry the main story a bit further. Other CE bling includes replayable puzzles and HOs, plus the usual.
Is it worth a CE? Yes. I keep an eye out for FiveBN games because of the attention to detail, quality, scenery, bling, excellent adventure, and overall awesomeness. But to those of you who like traditional HOs, you may not be satisfied.
I recommend this game!
You're a surgeon. You can handle anything, right?
Overall rating
4
/
5
35 of 45 found this review helpful
Good Puzzles and Atmosphere
PostedFebruary 8, 2016
gobaba
fromTexas
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Main & Bonus Games
I've come to notice not all of Eipix' games are going to have morphs and accept it, nor are they all going to be Final Cut quality. This little semi-precious gem has a pirate theme, which suits me, with a dash of Mayan culture.
The story is straightforward and easy to follow. The HOs are varied, but nothing you haven't seen before. It's top-heavy in puzzles, which increase in originality and difficulty as the game progresses. I do think they are worth replaying.
The scenery is highly varied, with a lot of internal and external sets allowing a wide range of color and design. The sounds and atmosphere are well-done. Adventure challenge is medium, with only a few spots where the next step isn't clear. There's a bit of potion-mixing, and I'm lukewarm on that.
Collectibles include ship's wheels ("signs"), which can be glaringly obvious or subtle. Achievements are included, including watching the credits for Eipix' silly remarks. No morphs, alas.
The main game is close to 4 hours in hard mode, the bonus game is just over an hour. The latter carries the story further in an interesting way, and has very good puzzles. CE bling includes replayable HOs and puzzles, the souvenir room (a collectible hunt), a silly dev video (find it under the cut-scene videos), achievements, and your collected shipwheels. You can go back and find missed collectibles.
Is it worth a CE? Well, I personally like Eipix' CE bling, but also I think it has good puzzles to replay, and the bling extends my playtime. If you're still skeptical, try a CE sale.
I recommend this game!
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 34 found this review helpful
Good Adventure Challenge With a Slightly Loony Story
PostedJanuary 29, 2016
gobaba
fromTexas
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on Main & Bonus Games
Somehow, "Paxton Creek Avenger" is not a sobriquet that strikes terror into one's heart. It's rather like being called the "Menlo Park Menace". People prefer names of more sinister origin. This guy was channeling his best Phantom of the Opera.
Anyway, Elephant Games does their duty in lush detail to scenery, plus creativity, design and a fair amount of originality. Yes, there is that kidnapping thing, plus the odd squirrel-feeding, but no complaints about adventure challenge in hard mode. You'll carry around inventory items for an hour before using them, and adventure steps aren't obvious in several places.
Puzzles and HOs are about equally balanced. Puzzles can be easy but some take time and thought. HOs are varied but there's a lot of that find this, find that lists going on too. The super puzzle wasn't really hard; it was just several easy puzzles put together. Boo. The exception was the one to the MT vault, which presented more challenge.
Morphs appear through both game scenes. Collectibles include photo pieces and orchestra members in both games. You can't go back and find them later. Pooh.
The main game is about 4 hrs long in hard mode, the bonus game 1.5+ hrs. The bonus game goes on about resurrecting the Ghost of the Avenger, but to me he looks like a pirate. Arrrr! CE bling pretty much includes achievements, your completed (or in my cased incompleted) photos, your orchestra members playing for you, plus the usual. Aaaand, that's about it. So when you finish the bonus game, you're done.
Is it worth a CE? I doubt it. It's nice having collectibles and achievements, but there's not a lot beyond the bonus game it has to offer. Keep in mind there's only 26 scenes in the game, not counting duplication in the bonus game. You might want to want for either the SE or a CE sale.
I recommend this game!
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family… or are they?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Good Engaging Creepster Game
PostedJanuary 1, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Main & Bonus Games
Eipix did a great job making this game eerie, creepy and fun all at the same time. I chopped it up into three sittings, but it's long and very enjoyable for those of us who are into haunted house, mystery games.
Excellent graphics, design, scenery, and I'm thinking 42 scenes to romp through. Puzzles are fresh and some are new to me. HOs are varied to keep interest, and there seems to be a balance between the two.
No tech problems for me on Win 10, smooth transition and good story flow, unlocking each room is like opening a new present. Get the story from someone else but it's not too hard to follow.
There are morphs in many, not all scenes, and collectible rocking horses in every scene. Match-3 is alternative to HOs.
Main game is 4-5 hrs long on custom with no hints/skips/map hints, and bonus game is <hr. Bonus game carries the the main game further.
CE bling includes replayable puzzles, HOs and match-3. You can go back and reclaim horses you missed but not morphs. Poo. Also included are the Souvenir room (a clever mini-collectable hunt), a bonus vid of the devs being silly, and the usual. As always, be sure to check out the witty comments in the credits.
Is it worth a CE? It depends on how you feel about the CE bling. I love all the extras, but the bonus game is short even though it adds a lot to the story. The main game is the big deal in this one. It's worth it to me.
I recommend this game!
After being contacted by a secret organization of elite mystery solvers, you're sent out in the field to prove your skills. This job interview may be your last!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Good Paced Game From Domini
PostedDecember 8, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Main & Bonus Games
Last game I played by Domini, Mystery Something: Alaskan Wild, really dragged and had trouble holding interest, but this one is a peach. You can get the story elsewhere, but it has fun quirky gadgets, a unique bad guy, good pacing, and a good tale through different scenery to keep interest.
I like the bad guy, Ignotus. He looks like a zombie Calvin Klein model sporting a Klingon bathrobe. The weapons are cool, I get to shoot gargoyles in the Midway at a fair as well as in the course of play. What's not to like?
The puzzles and HOs vary but none are too taxing, with option for Match-3 on HO. Find dossiers on main characters in the story as collectibles, as well as notes lying around, all in the main game.
The main game took me over 4 hours, and you've got about 1.5 hrs on the bonus game. Bonus game is a prequel, not related to main game. CE bling also includes achievements, collectibles, plus the usual.
This is a solid 4.0 game, enjoyable but not challenging, with some novel features to it. Is it worth a CE? Welll, I can't say that the CE bling is necessary. I got this game on a buy-one-get-one-for-$2.99 CE special, and that's about as far as I would roll with it.
I recommend this game!
The rivalry between two movie studios escalates into deception and murder!
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 66 found this review helpful
Good Finale to an Excellent Series
PostedDecember 6, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the Main & Bonus Games
On the one hand I hate to see the Final Cut series go, because I like the period, the art deco, the characters, and the tempo. But I understand Eipix' desire to end on a high note, rather than dwindle away as some devs' series have done.
The story you can get elsewhere, but I like the gadget that lets you assume someone else's appearance. As it turns out, it allows several twists and turns to the story, plus a surprise ending.
Graphics are bright, colorful and A+. Lots of scenery, 41 scenes to romp through, nice pacing, not too much "would you do me a favor?" nonsense, good creativity & design, and reasonable originality. No hammering ladders, feeding squirrels, finding well cranks or that tedium.
Puzzles and HOs are balanced, with option to play Match-3 on HO. Morphs are all in HOs. Puzzles are easy to moderate, adventure level is decent. You may carry inventory items around 30 min before using it, instead of 5 sec later as in some games. Yay.
Find small trophies resembling a face ("signs") in each scene, 41 in all. Find 3 each of candy canes & stockings and play bonus puzzles/HOs from past Final Cut games. Check out the homage to Final Cut vid too. Souvenir room is a mini-collectible hunt. Other CE bling includes replayable HOs & puzzles, plus the usual.
Is it worth a CE? It is to me, because this is exactly the kind of game I enjoy. Excellent production values, great setting, mystery with twist ending, good CE bling, and last of its kind.
As always, demo if you're not sure.
As always, demo if you're not sure.
I recommend this game!