sportygal2009's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:8,859
- Reviews Submitted:221
- First Review:November 12, 2011
- Most Recent Review:November 28, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Guide Ethan Black as he attempts to rescue his bride-to-be from a terrifying menace known as the Faceless Ones!
Overall rating
5
/
5
157 of 189 found this review helpful
If You're Undecided Between SE and CE Purchase
PostedApril 6, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is for the whole game and playing in Expert Mode
The story: You take on the role of Ethan Black who has to rescue his bride to be Claire who has been kidnapped.
14 Chapters
Journal/Map
Voice Overs for some parts of the game then text on screen.
2 play modes: Casual/Expert - Hint/Skip take 2 minutes.
Hint can also be used outside of HO scenes.
Mini Games
Journal/Map
Voice Overs for some parts of the game then text on screen.
2 play modes: Casual/Expert - Hint/Skip take 2 minutes.
Hint can also be used outside of HO scenes.
Mini Games
My overall impression of the game:
Well this is one game that is definitely worth the extra money as I purchased the CE version when it was released.
I found the story very intriguing as I couldn't wait to see what happened next in this game even though it's been done many times before the kidnapping and family secret theme story.
The graphics, cut scenes, and voice overs well I can sure tell there was some time and thought put into this game though I'll admit those characters popping up on the screen every so often really startled me. LOL!
I also thought the HO scenes were pretty nice, crisp, clear for the most part and quite a few of them. A couple of areas were pretty dark and had to use hints for those. The first couple of chapters they are interactive but after that just normal HO scenes that you find by word list.
This game just flowed very well with some traveling back/forth getting the inventory items which sometimes tells you what needs to be done. Lots of different locations to go to and lots to do however sometimes you do visit the same scenes for a few of the HO scenes.
The mini games were for the most part pretty easy and fun though a couple I found a little challenging but far from frustrating.
Not that I needed it but one thing I will say I didn't understand about this game was:
The map: I really didn't understand the purpose of having a map that just shows a little red dot of where you are. You can't use it to travel back/forth and it doesn't have any names of the different locations. Just a red dot.. You are here. Well big deal! LOL!
As for the game length: Obviously varies from player to player but took me about 6 hours which was definitely long enough for me.
Just additional info just in case you're undecided which version to purchase:
The CE is 4 bonus chapters which is a prequel. Though it's not necessarily needed as I found the story to be complete without it however just additional info that the developer here provided which I thought was really nice. You also visit some new locations however some are the same as the main game. I also found it to be long enough as it took me between 2 to 3 hours.
The strategy guide: i didn't need it but checked it out. You access it through the menu option of the game. You also have to "chapter select" as it doesn't follow you along as you move along in the game.
Thanks Big Fish and developer for an excellent game here. A 5 star rating all the way from me. Definitely worth the extra money. This ROCKS!
I recommend this game!
Jane's wheat cultivation has been tampered with in the midst of a thunderstorm. Help her solve The Crop Circles Mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
A Pretty Good Game For $2.99 The Daily Deal Price
PostedMarch 25, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This review is for the whole game and playing in timed mode.
The story: Actually there are two in this game: Follow Jane as she tries to solve the mystery of the crop circles and follow her husband as he sells crops and tries to repair the farm after a terrible windstorm.
*7 chapters and I was into chapter 3 when the hour demo was up.
*Graphics are a cartoon/comic book type style.
*No voice overs. Text on the screen to read to follow story.
*2 play modes: You can play timed or relaxed with no timer. In time mode since that's what I played, you are given 10 minutes for each HO scene. Some are found by word list or so many of an item. You also get a few inventory items which are used right away in that scene as there is no wandering around back/forth in this game.
*Hint/Skip which is an "alien" down at the bottom takes about 30 seconds for use.
*There are mini games/puzzles.
*Graphics are a cartoon/comic book type style.
*No voice overs. Text on the screen to read to follow story.
*2 play modes: You can play timed or relaxed with no timer. In time mode since that's what I played, you are given 10 minutes for each HO scene. Some are found by word list or so many of an item. You also get a few inventory items which are used right away in that scene as there is no wandering around back/forth in this game.
*Hint/Skip which is an "alien" down at the bottom takes about 30 seconds for use.
*There are mini games/puzzles.
My overall impression of the game:
I found this to be a pretty good game. Not bad.I enjoyed both of the stories; following Jane to try and solve the crop circles mystery and her husband fixing up the farm.
The graphics I found to be pretty good and I liked the cartoon/comic book style.
The HO scenes most pretty easy to locate but some were pretty small and it seemed some I had to click on them just so to be able to get them. I had to use a few hints for these.
I also liked the mini games as they were fun and pretty easy. I especially liked the Farmer's Market game as it reminded me of Gardenscapes to earn money to fix up the farm but I didn't like how the game cuts you off before finding all the items for the customers.
As for game length: Obviously varies from game player to player but I completed the whole game in 2 1/2 hours.
Overall I give this 3 stars as this is a pretty good and fun game however too short and would only recommend it at the $2.99 price. Not any more than that.
As always, definitely play the demo and decide for yourself.
Thanks Big Fish and developer for a pretty good game here.
I recommend this game!
The town of Deadwood is being terrorized by the ghost of a murderous outlaw! Break his curse and save the day!
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 113 found this review helpful
Save Deadwood From Blackjack - LOVED IT! This ROCKS!
PostedMarch 24, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is for the whole game and playing in Advance mode.
The story which has a "western theme" to it: You take on the role of a detective in the town of Deadwood that is being terrorized by a murderous outlaw Blackjack and you must end his evil curse.
*2 play modes: Casual and Advance.
*Advance mode only has sparkles for the HOS.
*Journal: Keeps track of story only.
*No map: Didn't deter me.
*Voice overs along with text on the screen.
*Graphics: The characters are cartoon/ghost drawn style.
*HOS: Quite a few of them. They're not interactive. Find by word list.
*Hint: Is only available in the HOS not to direct you on where to go/do next which takes about a couple of minutes for use.
*There are some puzzles which can be skipped and takes about a couple of minutes.
*Advance mode only has sparkles for the HOS.
*Journal: Keeps track of story only.
*No map: Didn't deter me.
*Voice overs along with text on the screen.
*Graphics: The characters are cartoon/ghost drawn style.
*HOS: Quite a few of them. They're not interactive. Find by word list.
*Hint: Is only available in the HOS not to direct you on where to go/do next which takes about a couple of minutes for use.
*There are some puzzles which can be skipped and takes about a couple of minutes.
My overall impression of the game:
Well for this being a SE I thought the developer here did a fine job. It is so integrated. This is better than most CE games I've played. The graphics are fantastic along with the cartoon/ghost characters. The story is definitely enthralling. The voice overs are just perfect. And the town, well, it's just brilliant. This developer here completely captured the feel of a Wild West town, to a tee. Oh and the little boy Billy is so adorable wanting to be sheriff and take on Blackjack. I just felt like a detective on the case. This game really drew me in and right from the get go. The story also had some twist/turns. Couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The beginning of the game for me started off pretty easy but I'll admit as the game progressed I did get a little hung up on where to go and do next. As I mentioned the hint is not available for this but I did figure it out which didn't take long so it didn't bother me all that much that there wasn't a hint outside of the HOS.
I found this game to have a lot of traveling back/forth with quite a few locations to go to and lots to do. Sometimes inventory items are used pretty much right away and sometimes not.
The HOS I found there to be quite a few of these which I didn't mind. After all it is a HOG. Most pretty easy to locate. Only had to use hint on a few.
The puzzles were mostly click/drag, rotate, or swap pieces to form a picture which I don't much care for these kind of puzzles so I skipped those as I'm sorry but find these tedious in any game. There's also jig saw puzzles which I did those along with a few others.
As for game length: Obviously varies from game player to game player but for me was about 5 hours which I found to be long enough and sure entertained me. I bought this immediately after the demo. Would of bought it sooner but too involved in the game. I also did not stop playing this until the end.
Overall, this is a 5 star game for me even though I didn't much care for the puzzles but they can be skipped thank goodness so no need for me to bring down the rating over puzzles cause the game overall I found to be just fantastic.
So at least play the demo and decide for yourself.
Thanks Big Fish and developer for an excellent game. I absolutely loved it. This ROCKS! I sure hope to see more from this developer. : )
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 39 found this review helpful
Good Game But I'll Wait For the Standard Edition
PostedMarch 22, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on the sample version demo which was 45 minutes for me as I did play until time was up playing in Expert mode.
*6 chapters plus a bonus chapter
*Integrated Strategy Guide shows only the 1st 2 chapters as the rest are not revealed and does hold it's place.
*There is a journal which also keeps track of your time.
*No map.
*3 play modes: Casual/Advanced/Expert
*Expert mode: Does have sparkles just for the HO scenes and the hint is not available outside of HO scenes.
*HO scenes are interactive at least in the demo time anyway.
*Hint for the HO scenes no comment here since I didn't use it.
*Skip no comment here since I didn't use it.
*Inventory items pretty much used right away. Not much traveling back/forth.
*Extras such as wallpapers/screen savers, etc., won't be unlocked until after the extra game play (bonus)
*Integrated Strategy Guide shows only the 1st 2 chapters as the rest are not revealed and does hold it's place.
*There is a journal which also keeps track of your time.
*No map.
*3 play modes: Casual/Advanced/Expert
*Expert mode: Does have sparkles just for the HO scenes and the hint is not available outside of HO scenes.
*HO scenes are interactive at least in the demo time anyway.
*Hint for the HO scenes no comment here since I didn't use it.
*Skip no comment here since I didn't use it.
*Inventory items pretty much used right away. Not much traveling back/forth.
*Extras such as wallpapers/screen savers, etc., won't be unlocked until after the extra game play (bonus)
My overall impression of the sample version demo:
I'll start of with the pro's:
The story, while it's not the same as the Dark Parable game, but instead appears to be a well imagined sequel to the original story, in that Kai and Gerda are now senior citizens, and the Ice Queen has come back for revenge and did I enjoy the story what I've played of this.
The graphics in this game I found to be just beautiful and well done and the HO scenes were nice, crisp and clear as I didn't even need the hint.
I also liked how the journal keeps track of your playing time. I wish all CE games did this as it's helpful when giving reviews instead of trying to remember the playing time to give an idea as far as game length.
Puzzles: I only recall 3 and were pretty easy and nothing frustrating here cause I'm not one for very hard puzzles.
The Con's:
Playing in the hardest mode and I'm not an expert hard core player as I'm intermediate but I found this to be very easy as I never got lost in the game traveling back/forth and using the inventory items as the text pretty much tells you what is needed and what to do. I was through the 1st 2 chapters within the sample version demo time which could however possibly get harder later in the game?
This game also has no voice overs, no collectibles, no achievements or rewards like I've seen in other CE games. I'm sorry Big Fish and developer but for me to spend an extra $7 well this stuff needs to be there for me.This game for me needed some voice overs as it was too quiet for me. Also while this isn't a big deal for me but from reading the game forums the wallpapers/screen savers, etc., being locked until after you play the whole game.
So while I wouldn't recommend as a CE I definitely think it's worth purchasing as a SE.
Overall I give this 3 stars as I knocked this down 2 stars for the reasons I mentioned.
As always, definitely play the demo and decide for yourself as this is just my opinion of the game.
Thanks Big Fish and the developer. This is a good game but not CE worthy for me. I will definitely purchase the SE when that comes out.
I don't recommend this game.
Fabulous fun in this Easter Eggztravaganza. Help Mike and Sally make this the best Easter ever!
Overall rating
4
/
5
78 of 93 found this review helpful
For The Young At Heart And Kids Very Short But Fun Game
PostedMarch 20, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This review is for the whole game playing in challenge mode.
2 play modes:
Casual has a basic tutorial, helpful sparkles, faster hint/skip charge.
Challenge has no tutorial, no sparkles, hint/skip charge slower.
Casual has a basic tutorial, helpful sparkles, faster hint/skip charge.
Challenge has no tutorial, no sparkles, hint/skip charge slower.
This game is pretty much a straight HOG (hidden object game) which there are quite a few scenes. There's a combination of finding by the usual word list and some scenes find so many of an item. For some you have to move your cursor around as a "magnify glass" will come up as some are hidden inside of things. There's also bunnies and eggs you find in each scene for points (high score).
There are several different mini games/puzzles throughout the game which some are repeated such as jig saw puzzles, spot the difference, and memory games (finding the matches) just to name a few.
As for game length: Definitely one of my shortest to date as I completed this in just under a couple of hours.
My overall impression of the game:
Well I really liked this little game here. What a cute game and this is coming from someone who is 40 with no kids or grand kids so to say this game is FOR KIDS ONLY is so NOT TRUE in my opinion. LOL!
The dark side and much more challenging games are my favorite but it's nice to see Big Fish release a game such as this that is geared more towards family friendly (kids/young at heart).
The graphics are very well done and I enjoyed trying to locate all the bunny rabbits and eggs.
Yes this game is pretty easy. I mean you can pretty much tell just by looking at it (the screen shots) that it more than likely would be though I will admit that a few of the items in my opinion were a little challenging to find as they were hidden in things before I realized the magnify glass. Some were pretty well blended into the scene and/or small but yes the majority very easy to locate.
The puzzles and mini games were also very easy to do as I didn't skip any.
Overall, I give this little game here 4 stars. The only reason I didn't give it 5 was because it was too short. If it would of been just a couple hours longer I would of given it 5 stars.
As for recommending the game:
If you're not the young at heart and every game MUST be hard/challenging, have no kids/grand kids well this won't be for you.
If you are the young at heart, have kids/grand kids and not every game has to be a challenge/hard and you are looking for something to pass approximately a couple hours of your time well this would be the game.
Thanks Big Fish and the developer for a very good game here.
I recommend this game!
Your family is missing and the town is in chaos in Small Town Terrors: Livingston!
Overall rating
1
/
5
15 of 28 found this review helpful
This Was Town Terrors Alright - Hey Big Fish Cut This Off
PostedMarch 17, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This review is for the demo and playing in the harder mode
4 chapters
2 modes of play
There is no journal.
2 modes of play
There is no journal.
There is a map, which shows you where you are, but can't be used to travel back/forth.
There is a TASKS tab down at the bottom of the screen. When you hover your cursor over it, it will tell you your tasks.
At the bottom are 2 sections: one holds your inventory items, the other one your documents. At the left is a switch, which you can use to switch from one to the other.
There is also a Health bar at the bottom, which will increase or decrease, depending on what you do or find.
The IHOS (interactive hidden object scenes) are a word list and the ones in red you have to move things about as they are behind stuff.
Skip/Hint take over 2 minutes for use. Hint can also be used outside of the HOS.
There are puzzles.
Skip/Hint take over 2 minutes for use. Hint can also be used outside of the HOS.
There are puzzles.
My overall impression of this game:
Well as you can see from my title well not very impressed at all.
I'm gonna start off with these graphics here: This game in my humble opinion and sorry to say but has about the worse graphics I've ever run across in a game. Depending where you are in the game they are either a yellowish/green puke color, bright red, or blue as I also checked the walk through just to see on this game these colors here if they were gonna be the same throughout the game which I have never done with a game and yep the same dreadful looking colors throughout this game. Oh and I also didn't care for the realistic-looking images with such poor graphics as these.
The story is yet another of the been there done that: Missing family theme which didn't have my attention at all. The characters also don't talk so not even that much to try to hold my interest in this game.
The HOS scenes to my surprise I located most of them pretty easy but a few were very hard to find because of these graphics and while doing a HOS all of a sudden out of nowhere comes a 'cut scene" which is bright white and flashing and grainy graphics. There's also several of these "cut scenes" that come up in the time I've played this.
The inventory items there's really not that much traveling back/forth what I played of this to use them.
The only new thing I've come across in this game that I haven't seen in the HOGS that I've played is this health bar as you have to find things to increase you health to move things which then decreases it but this new thing is not enough to save this game.
As for puzzles I only recall coming across 2 in the time I played this: Fix the pipes to get the water flowing from one end to the other and navigate a boat from one end to the other which was very easy.
Overall, the best i can do for this game is a 1 star and this also gets my stop madness, cut off and pull the plug on this game rating. This family will just have to stay lost as far as I'm concerned. I'm sorry Big Fish but this game is dreadful. I think this needs sent back as it's not quite done yet.
Definitely give it a try and decide for yourself however as I've seen where some have loved this game but definitely not for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Save your sister and uncover the secrets of an ancient organization in Silent Nights: The Pianist!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 18 found this review helpful
I'm Sorry Big Fish But You've Done Way Better Than This One
PostedMarch 16, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This review is based on the demo which I played for about an hour playing in challenge mode
*2 play modes: Casual/Challenge (challenge does have sparkles just for the HO scenes.)
*No map or journal
*Objects to find are listed up at the top of the screen along with the inventory items.
*HO scenes are interactive and at the end of each one there is extra item you have to find. The objects to find are also true to the time period.
*Integrated Strategy Guide which shows the first 3 chapters and I was just starting chapter 3 when demo was up. The guide also stays open where you left it.
*Bonus content is locked but indicates extra play along with the usual other extras like wallpaper, soundtrack, concept art, etc.
*Voice Overs along with text on screen to read.
*Skip/Hint take about a couple of minutes. Hint can also be used outside of the HO scenes.
*Puzzles
*No map or journal
*Objects to find are listed up at the top of the screen along with the inventory items.
*HO scenes are interactive and at the end of each one there is extra item you have to find. The objects to find are also true to the time period.
*Integrated Strategy Guide which shows the first 3 chapters and I was just starting chapter 3 when demo was up. The guide also stays open where you left it.
*Bonus content is locked but indicates extra play along with the usual other extras like wallpaper, soundtrack, concept art, etc.
*Voice Overs along with text on screen to read.
*Skip/Hint take about a couple of minutes. Hint can also be used outside of the HO scenes.
*Puzzles
My overall impression of the game:
Well I always try my best to play the whole game before giving a review but this one I had all I could do to make it through the sample version demo of the game cause I sure kept hoping it would get better but unfortunately a big NOT.
The story is yet another kidnapping and this time a sister pianist by a "hooded" man. The setting is France 1946. The story I'm sorry to say but just didn't have my attention and draw me into the game.
The voice overs what little there were what I played of this game by Uncle Albert and the hooded man were OK but the two sisters I found annoying. I found most of the dialogue to be text but thank goodness not very long.
The graphics I'm sorry but in my opinion leave much to be desired as I've seen way better in other games as i found these depressing, no color, drab and dull. The HOS dark and foggy and some of the items very small. To my surprise though I located most of them. The hint is a bright orange flashing color - annoying.
There is some traveling back/forth several locations and inventory items pretty much used right away as I never got "lost" in the game but did use the hint once just to see if it was helpful or not and it will either tell you nothing to do or direct you with " bright orange" color flashing where to go.
I also thought there were a few unnecessary scenes to try to make the game more scary/spooky I guess but I found them annoying.
I believe I only came across three puzzles what I played of this and very easy.
Definitely give this a try and decide for yourself however as there seems to be mixed reviews on this game but sorry just not for me.
I'm sorry developers and Big Fish you've done way better than this one and overall 2 stars is the best I can give for this one cause it's definitely not the worst game I've ever downloaded but far from the best. I wouldn't purchase this as a SE, Catch Of The Week or Daily Deal.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover a dark scheme in Entwined: Strings of Deception and solve an elaborate murder mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 89 found this review helpful
I Felt Like a Detective On The Case - Good Game
PostedMarch 11, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is for the whole game and playing in Expert Mode:
The story: You take on the role of a detective investigating the murder of a famous Mr. Edwards by interrogating the suspects: his wife, his secretary, the butler, the housekeeper and the personal physician.
2 play modes: Easy and Expert. Expert does bring up a magnify glass for areas of interest when you come across one of those spots with your mouse/cursor and only the HOS (hidden object scenes) sparkle.
There is Voice-Over.
There is a CASE FILE, which has tabs for Case Summary, Postmortem Reports, Observations, and Active Tasks, as well as a section for the Suspects.
There is a MAP, that shows where you are, but can't be used to travel back/forth locations.
At the bottom of the screen are 2 tabs: Inventory and Objectives.
HINT button refills within about a couple of minutes in Expert Mode and can also be used outside of the HOS. If you get stuck as it will list the task(s) and you select which one you need help with and it will list step by step what you have to do.
Mini games/Puzzles can be skipped which also takes about a couple of minutes in Expert mode.
You can collect 20 jewellery items. The 17 fingerprints you should collect as they are used later in the game.
My overall impression of the game:
Well for starters when I first saw this game listed and looked at the screen shots, I almost didn't download it but thought what the heck and decided to give it a whirl and so glad I did.
I really enjoyed the story and I felt like I was a detective on the case interrogating the suspects/gathering evidence and the voice overs well done.
I found this to be an "adventure" type game as there were quite a few locations to go to along with some HOS.
The graphics are really good as I located most of the items pretty easily however a few were really blended into the scene really good and some were really small so had to use a few hints which by the way the hint doesn't take you right to the item as it will bring up a box and show you where the item is in the scene and then you have to find it which I had no difficulty with that.
The puzzles while they were very easy I still found them fun.
As for the game length: Well usually it takes me longer than this for most games as this was just about 4 hours but definitely long enough for me and it kept me entertained which is most important so I definitely don't regret purchasing it.
Overall, I give this 4 stars as I knocked this down a star as I had to use the hint twice to help with a couple of different tasks cause I wasn't too sure where to go/do next however I thought it was a bit too helpful for expert mode as it should of given one clue at a time and have where you could select if you needed another clue instead of listing them all step by step. I also thought there could of been just a wee bit more twist and turns in regards to the "who done it."
Thanks though Big Fish and the developer for a pretty good game overall. I sure hope to see more games similar to this one. : )
I recommend this game!
Guide Ethan Black as he attempts to rescue his bride-to-be from a terrifying menace known as the Faceless Ones!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 34 found this review helpful
Great Long Game Well Worth The CE Price Tag
PostedMarch 11, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is for the whole game and playing in Expert Mode
The story: You take on the role of Ethan Black who has to rescue his bride to be Claire who has been kidnapped.
14 Chapters
4 Bonus Chapters
Journal/Map
Integrated Strategy Guide
Voice Overs for some parts of the game then text on screen.
2 play modes: Casual/Expert - Hint/Skip take 2 minutes.
Hint can also be used outside of HO scenes.
Mini Games
4 Bonus Chapters
Journal/Map
Integrated Strategy Guide
Voice Overs for some parts of the game then text on screen.
2 play modes: Casual/Expert - Hint/Skip take 2 minutes.
Hint can also be used outside of HO scenes.
Mini Games
My overall impression of the game:
I found the story very intriguing as I couldn't wait to see what happened next in this game even though it's been done many times before the kidnapping and family secret theme story.
The graphics, cut scenes, and voice overs well I can sure tell there was some time and thought put into this game though I'll admit those characters popping up on the screen every so often really startled me. LOL!
I also thought the HO scenes were pretty nice, crisp, clear for the most part and quite a few of them. A couple of areas were pretty dark and had to use hints for those. The first couple of chapters they are interactive but after that just normal HO scenes that you find by word list.
This game just flowed very well with some traveling back/forth getting the inventory items which sometimes tells you what needs to be done. Lots of different locations to go to and lots to do however sometimes you do visit the same scenes for a few of the HO scenes.
The mini games were for the most part pretty easy and fun though a couple I found a little challenging but far from frustrating.
Oh and I must say this is the first time I've ever paid any attention to wallpapers being offered in a game but I just had to check these out for some reason and really enjoyed them and have the one of Ethan on my computer.
I do have a couple small criticisms about this game but not enough to bring the rating down since I felt everything else about the game stands out but still needs to be mentioned:
The map: I really didn't understand the purpose of having a map that just shows a little red dot of where you are. You can't use it to travel back/forth and it doesn't have any names of the different locations. Just a red dot.. You are here. Well big deal! LOL!
The Strategy Guide: You access it through the menu however you don't leave the game which that's fine and not the problem however you have to chapter select as it doesn't follow you along in the game
As for the game length for the main game took me around 6 hours. Maybe a little longer.
The bonus: This is a prequel which goes back 20 years in time and explains why the "good guy" turned bad. I thought this was very well done and sure added to the game. There's also different scenes you visit. Some however they are the same as the main game. As for length it took me between 2 to 3 hours to complete.
So overall about 9 hours total game play give or take a little which was definitely long enough for me and no as much as I loved this game didn't play it all in one setting as I did have to get up and move.
I definitely give this 5 stars and a huge kudos to the developers here and thank you Big Fish for a great game and well worth the CE price tag as I stated.
I recommend this game!
Find the Lost Regalia that will help Grandpa Scruff prove that he is the true Duke of Scrufford in The Scruffs 2: Return of the Duke!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Short But A Really Fun Game
PostedMarch 1, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on the whole game playing in expert mode.
This game has 10 chapters and I was just starting Chapter 3 when the demo time was up.
Two play modes: Casual/Expert
There are voice overs plus text on the screen you can read if you wish.
Cartoon style characters
No journal or map however down at the bottom it will show you the task(s) that need to be completed.
The hint is a dog that barks and will get louder as you get close to the item you need to find and the item will even shake/vibrate. If you do get stuck on where to go to next, if there is nothing to do at the present time in that scene, the dog will put up a sign "check elsewhere. If there is something to do the dog will get excited and there will be a "sparkle" on the screen directing you where to go.
There are voice overs plus text on the screen you can read if you wish.
Cartoon style characters
No journal or map however down at the bottom it will show you the task(s) that need to be completed.
The hint is a dog that barks and will get louder as you get close to the item you need to find and the item will even shake/vibrate. If you do get stuck on where to go to next, if there is nothing to do at the present time in that scene, the dog will put up a sign "check elsewhere. If there is something to do the dog will get excited and there will be a "sparkle" on the screen directing you where to go.
The game play is pretty much a straight HOG (hidden object game) where you will come across some characters along the way where you have to find so many of an item (feathers just for an example here). After you find the items you have to find the person to give them to as they are not always in the same scene as you find the items. Then you are given a scroll to find the list of HO 's (hidden objects).
The inventory items you get will automatically go behind the scroll as you will see an open/close tab. This game does have some traveling back/forth but not a whole lot in my opinion.
There's also a few puzzles to this game and the skip takes less than 30 seconds to charge up for use.
My overall impression of the game:
Well I really liked the cartoon characters and thought they were really cute and funny. Made me LOL quite a few times.I also enjoyed the story.
The graphics I found to be very well done and liked the dog for the hint but hardly had to use it for the HOS. Only a couple cause they were rather small.
Overall I give this 4 stars as I knocked this down a star as I was 3 hours into this game and at Chapter 9 where the polishing cloth for the silverware disappears just because I didn't do the puzzle quite right to start off which I wasn't the only one according to the forum for this game.
The puzzles were pretty easy except for I didn't care for the using your mouse to "shift the gears" in the car as this can't be skipped. Sorry not for the RA challenged here (rheumatoid arthritis) but I made it.
As for the game length I completed it in less than 4 hours which is unusual for me and a game but while it was short it was a pretty fun game overall.
Thank you Big Fish and the developer of the game.
P.S. Yes Big Fish customer support was contacted about this game before my review here and thank you for your help/suggestions even though I ended up replaying it. I see there is a fix now for this game in the forum.
I recommend this game!