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:
Take up the cross and slip into the role of a young exorcist on his first solo battle with the forces of evil in The Exorcist 2!
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 23 found this review helpful
A Pretty Good Sequel
PostedDecember 30, 2011
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
5
/
5
This review is based on the whole game and playing in Expert mode.
The story: You take on the role of a young exorcist on his first sole battle with the forces of evil where you also have to save your mentor.
There are 5 chapters to this game and I was at chapter 2 when the demo time was up.
3 play modes:
Casual - Hints/skip recharge quickly and active zones are indicated by sparkles.
Expert - Hints/skip recharge slowly (about 2 minutes) and active zones are not indicated. Just shows sparkles for the hidden object scenes.
Professional - No hints, puzzles cannot be skipped, active zones are not indicated.
Voice overs along with text on the screen that you can read if you wish and there is also a journal however no map.
This game may or may not fill your screen. Instead of the usual "black bars" on the side there is a "rose border" but I changed my settings so the game would fill the screen.
My overall impression of this game:
The story I found to be pretty well done for the most part and a nice sequel to the first Exorcist game along with the characters and voice overs however the dialogue was a bit much at times and I found the demons downright annoying as I couldn't understand what they were saying so I found myself clicking through the dialogue to get past those parts as I didn't even want to read it.
The graphics I also thought pretty good for the most part. Nice, crisp, and clear. Just a couple of areas were a bit grainy to me.
The journal I found to be very helpful especially solving some of the puzzles. Speaking of the puzzles I enjoyed most of them as for me they weren't too easy or difficult having just the right amount of challenge but I did skip a couple.
The hidden object scenes: This seemed to be more "adventure" for me which was just fine as there are quite a few different locations with the traveling back/forth however the hidden object scenes despite the grainy graphics in a couple of areas I found the items pretty easy to locate as I only used a few hints which the hint was helpful and was also helpful if you can't figure out where to go next as I lost my way a few times.
As for the game length, I found it to be long enough as 5 hours was definitely long enough for me. I did not find this short at all. You may or may not.
Overall I give this a 4 star rating as it was pretty enjoyable "dark side" game for the most part but I had to knock this down a star mostly for the drawn out dialogue at times along with the annoying demons voice overs.
So if you enjoy the "dark side" type of games I definitely recommend you at least play the demo to see what you think of it.
Thank you Big Fish for a pretty good sequel here. : )
I recommend this game!
Someone is killing the guests at a mountain resort, and you could be next if you don't figure out the mystery and solve a Mountain Crime!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
Hooked From Start To Finish - Great Solid Game - Loved It
PostedDecember 29, 2011
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
The story: You take on the role of a doctor who is summoned to a hotel to tend to a patient in a mountain location with a murder afoot as you come across a few dead bodies.
There are 2 playing modes: Casual and Advanced. I played the advanced mode. Just like most games, the hint/skip take longer and it states you can turn off the sparkles however even though I checked it, there were sparkles for the hidden object scenes however it didn't bother me at all as that is the only part of the game I came across them. This may or may not be the case for you.
There is also a journal which keeps your notes as you use some notes in the journal for clues on how to solve some of the puzzles and the "story" which is a lot of reading if you are one to "follow the story" however the game does have voice overs to it. The journal will also show you the tasks that need to be completed along with a map. The map doesn't allow you to use it to travel back/forth locations however the map will show you where you are in the game and also show where there are things to do.
The hidden object scenes:The objects to be found are shown in a circle for placement so no word list like most of the hidden object games which is similar in this regard to "Mystery of the Crystal Portal" just to name one if you've ever played this game.There's also quite a few puzzles.
The hint/skip takes about a minute or two to charge up and ready for use. The hint (a wolf) will also help you along if you do happen to get stuck on where to go next in the game as it will either show you where to go or tell you "nothing at this time."
My overall impression of this game:
The story: I found to be very well done as I was hooked right from the get go and held my interest to the very end as I purchased it immediately after the demo. As for the ending, I guess I'm in the minority as I really enjoyed the twist and turns in this game and to me seemed to be based on Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" as it sure reminded me of this with all the dead bodies however definitely different.
The graphics and voice overs I also found to be very well done. Oh and definitely spooky/creepy along with the music.
The journal and map I found to be very helpful even though you can't use the map to travel back/forth.
The hidden object scenes: While I like the word list I thought this was a nice change the "circles placement." Most I located pretty easily. Only a few hints and I liked the wolf for the hint.
The puzzles: I'm usually not too big of a fan of puzzles but most of these I found to be fun and just the right amount of challenge without getting frustrated. I only skipped a couple of them.
What a really loved about this game as it seemed to be more adventure (lots of traveling back/forth) with some hidden object scenes/puzzles. The game was also definitely long enough in my opinion as I got at least 6 hours of game play. I'll also say that this game for me would definitely be worthy of the collector's edition price but so glad it was $6.99.
A definite 5 star rating from me. A very well done standard edition game. Huge kudos and thank you to Big Fish and the developers.
So give it a try and I sure hope you enjoy this game as much as I did. : )
I recommend this game!
Save Oz from the evil Victor Vile! Team up with the Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Lion and use their powers to overcome obstacles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
124 of 128 found this review helpful
A RELAXING/FUN GAME FOR THE DIE HARD FAN OF WIZARD OF OZ
PostedDecember 6, 2011
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
3
/
5
This review is based on the whole game.
The story: This pretty much follows the original of the Wizard of Oz however with a twist in here as your helping save Oz from the evil Victor Vile. The characters and voice overs I found to be very well done. Just awesome!
The graphics I found to be excellent even though a couple of areas were dark but I think that is just to set the mood of the game so to speak.
There are two playing modes to this game: Easy and Expert. I played expert which does have sparkles.
There is also a map however you can't click on it to take you to a location but it will show you where you are and where there is stuff to do. There is some traveling back/forth however maybe have to go back a location or two. It's not like most games where you are wandering all over the place. Also after an area is completed it will show completed.
The hidden object scenes: I found this game to have quite a few different locations where you either find items by a list or fragmented (pieces of items). The majority I found pretty easily only had to use a couple of hints.
There's also puzzles/mini games which I found pretty fun and easy considering I'm not really a fan of puzzles. To get directions on the puzzle click on the ? mark down at the bottom.
The hint/skip take about a couple of minutes.
As for the length of the game which will show you your time down at the bottom took me 4 hours and 7 mins but I'm a slow player and take my time. I have to just check out all the different areas. I'm sure some will finish it sooner but I really enjoyed this game and was long enough for me.
Overall, I give this five stars as I really enjoyed the story, characters, voice overs, and graphics. Most important I'm a die hard fan of The Wizard of Oz. Great job done here.
Thanks Big Fish for a great game.
I recommend this game!
After crashing your car in the middle of nowhere, you stumble upon a mysterious town with a shady background. Solve a dark mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
173 of 179 found this review helpful
BY FAR ONE OF THE BEST GAMES I'VE EVER PLAYED! WOW!
PostedDecember 4, 2011
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
This review is for the whole game including the bonus and playing in Challenge mode.
The story: After crashing your car in the middle of nowhere, you stumble upon The Drowned Dead Hotel, a lonely forgotten structure leaning from a cliff. Beneath lies a dark and cold lake that used to be a lively town. What secrets are buried at the bottom of the muddy waters? Who are the mysterious inhabitants of the hotel?
There are 3 modes of play.:
Casual, where there is no penalties and more help.
Casual, where there is no penalties and more help.
Challenge, where there is a clicking penalty and vague hints. There's also sparkles just for the hidden object scenes in this mode.
Extreme mode, where there is no help, no skipping puzzles, timed hidden object scenes, and a serious clicking penalty.
There is no map or journal as I found this game to have quite a few different locations traveling/back forth however down at the bottom there is a task button that you can click on to see what needs to be done. Also if you get stuck you can click on the hint button and it will tell you where to go.
The hidden object scenes: You can either find the items like you normally would by a list of items or you can play match 3 by making matches to get the "golden eyes" to the bottom which will then automatically take the items off the list to find. You can also switch between the two at any time during the game. I did some of both while playing this game.
There's also trophies you can earn and the bonus play which is an epilogue to the game.
Overall, oh lets forget the 5 stars, I give this a 10. Yes I enjoyed this game that much. I was hooked to this right from the get go as the story and characters definitely creepy and I mean that in a great way. A definite hit for the dark side type of game which is right up my alley.
The graphics, cut scenes, voice overs are definitely one of the best I've come across in a game. This game just as it all in my opinion.
The game took me about 5 hours and the bonus just under a couple of hours as I really took my time with this game however didn't use a whole lot of hints so I didn't encounter the penalty for clicking and only skipped a couple of puzzles. This is definitely worth the collectors edition price. This game totally blew me away. A HUGE kudos to the developers here. JUST WOW!
Thanks for an AWESOME game Big Fish! This ROCKS!
I recommend this game!
After a terrible traffic accident, Amy Walters finds herself trapped in dark, mysterious world that seems to have a mind of its own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 27 found this review helpful
INTRIGUING ADVENTURE/HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
PostedDecember 3, 2011
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
This review is for the whole game.
The story: After a terrible traffic accident Amy Walters finds herself trapped in Resurrection, New Mexico! Now she must work with lost souls to escape the dark and mysterious world that seems to have a mind and a will of its own.
This game has 4 chapters
No choice in level of difficulty (easy or advanced mode) and there are sparkles to this game which didn't bother me in this game. Also no voice overs as there is text on the screen to read.
There is no map however there is a journal that will help you along the way with "tabs" off to the side that will list each different location and show the task(s) that need to be completed. Also crosses them out as you complete them. So if you do get stuck refer to the journal and also use the hint as it will tell you where you need to go in the game.
The hidden object scenes: While I will agree with others that the graphics are somewhat grainy I really didn't have much trouble at all finding the majority of them. A few were obscure. You also sometimes have to combine a couple to use them in a scene in the game. There is also a few mini-games to this game. The hint/skip button are available for use pretty quick - about 30 seconds.
As for the length of the game, it took me about 4 hours. I'm also a slow game player as I take my time so I'm sure this will be different for you.
Overall I give this 4 stars as I really liked the game. A very good game for a standard edition. I found the story very intriguing, waiting to see what was going to happen next. The characters were also very interesting and too bad no voice overs as it would of made the game great. The graphics while a little grainy still pretty good. The game had enough different locations with traveling back/forth and 4 hours was definitely long enough for me.
Thanks Big Fish for a very good game here. : )
I recommend this game!
Stop the villainous Visage from ruining Mardi Gras in Shattered Minds: Masquerade, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
110 of 124 found this review helpful
Absolutely Love It - Fun Adventure/Hidden Object Game
PostedNovember 28, 2011
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This review is based on the whole game including the bonus.
The story which Vast Studios is the developer for this game:
You are a detective asked by your boss to investigate a strange fog that has settled in on New Orleans Mardi Gras. In the process it is having some disfiguring affects on the people. In addition, the chief's daughter has gone missing.
This game has 6 chapters plus a bonus chapter.
No choice in level of difficult (easy or advanced mode). Yes there are some sparkles to this game which usually annoy me however in this game I didn't find them to be overly intrusive so it didn't bother me. This may or may not bother you.
It was mentioned in a review about no choice for widescreen. I have a 20 inch monitor and no problem filling my screen. No adjustment needed. You may or may not need to adjust.
There is a journal which will help you along the way however no map as there is some traveling back/forth and I found the game to have just enough different places to go to keep it interesting. Also if you get stuck you can click on the hint button and it will tell you whether there is anything to do in that area or not. There's also a strategy guide that comes right with the game which I found very helpful as I'll admit I had to refer to it a couple of times but it got me right back on track with the game.
The hidden object scenes: Sometimes you find them in the open, sometimes you have to combine a couple before you can use them, and some are hidden as you have to move things. I found most to be pretty easy to find however a few a little tricky and blended into the scene. The hint however charges up quick.
Also quite a few puzzles. I only skipped a few. The skip I also found to charge quick.
There's also 20 morphing objects to find "illusions" which opens extras.
As for the length of this game? Well I think that depends on your skill level and if your a fast player or take your time. The main game took me somewhere between 4 to 5 hours and the bonus took me 1 1/2 hours so this may vary for you. I also found the bonus chapter to be well done and added to the game.
Overall I give this 5 stars as I really enjoyed the story. It kept me interested as to what was going to happen next. I also LOVED the Mardi Gras theme to the game. I found the graphics to be nice, crisp, and clear. The voice overs also well done. I also found the game to be challenging at times cause as I said I lost my way a couple of times. I found this game to definitely be long enough and well worth the collector's edition price of $13.99 in my opinion.
Thanks Big Fish and Vast Studios for a great game.
I recommend this game!
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 14 found this review helpful
Yawn is Right
PostedNovember 24, 2011
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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This review is based on 30 minutes
Oh wow! I was really looking forward to this as I sure loved the other Ravenhearst games. The graphics in this game are just excellent. Definitely a psychological thriller which is usually right up my alley but unfortunately trying to find these morphing objects definitely ruined it for me.
If this would of been a hidden object game and not these morphing objects I would of bought this and I more than likely rated this 5 stars.
I'm sorry Big Fish but I definitely agree with the reviewer that stated this is a yawner. I really honestly tried with this game but 30 minutes was more than enough for me. This game just about put me to sleep! I also didn't much care for the strategy guide showing pictures.
Sorry I can only give this a 1 star. I found the game play to be just awful.
As for recommending this game: If you don't mind the morphing objects or love them well you will more than likely enjoy this game but if you don't care for these morphing objects and looking for a hidden object game well you will be disappointed.
I don't recommend this game.
Dive into Haunted Manor: Queen of Death and save your sister before it’s too late! Find a powerful amulet to stop an ancient evil!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
This Could Of Been Great - Falls A Little Short
PostedNovember 21, 2011
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
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This review is based on the demo of the game which is a sample version and I played for about an hour.
I'll start off with what I liked:
I found the story to be good and interesting. Twin sister and you have to save her by finding a powerful amulet to stop an ancient evil. I also found the graphics to be very well done. The hidden object scenes are nice and clear. Easy to find stuff. I'm also not much of a puzzle person but I didn't mind these and didn't skip any as I came across several in the game. Not difficult at all. Super easy for some I'm sure. I found there to be a lot of traveling back and forth locations to get and use inventory items.
What I didn't like:
No voice overs as it would of made this a much better game and should be there for a CE game in my opinion.
No choice in level of difficulty as there should of been an easy mode and advanced mode for a CE game.
I know that some either like the sparkles, don't mind them, and some don't care for them at all but in my opinion way too much sparkles for my taste especially when you'd click an area and nothing be there. Just to move something without getting anything. I didn't understand the purpose of this at all. I don't mind a few especially showing where the hidden object scenes are but this was overkill and kinda took the fun out of the game always being showed where to go.
Oh and I didn't much care for the music. Sounded kinda like a funeral to me. I had to cut that off. That was annoying for me.
Overall, I give this 3 out of 5. I found this to be an OK game. I had to knock this down a couple of stars for the overkill on the sparkles. This annoyed me more than anything else.
I usually purchase most Collectors Editions unfortunately I wasn't too impressed with this for the reasons I stated above in my review here so while I don't recommend this as a Collectors Edition I do however think it would be worth the Standard Edition as I'm waiting for that to come to the site.
Give it a try however as you might enjoy this Collectors Edition which I hope you do!
Happy Gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Save the three worlds contained inside of a magical book in Azada: In Libro! Stop a dark magician from conquering Azada!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 17 found this review helpful
Awesome Fun Adventure Game - This Rocks!
PostedNovember 20, 2011
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
This review is based on the whole game including the bonus game.
There are 3 playing modes to choose from: Easy, Advanced, and Hardcore. I played the advanced mode.
The story which I found to be very well done begins you've been advised by a Notary that you've inherited property from relatives in Prague and you must go there to claim it. The cut scenes, voice overs and graphics as with every ERS game I've played are very well done. Just awesome. These people definitely know how to make a game.
This is also a pure adventure game as you will not find any hidden object scenes in this game. You will however acquire inventory items along the way to use in scenes of the game and there is some traveling back and forth locations.
There is also a diary (journal) to help you along the way along with the hint button. Both I found pretty helpful most of the time. The hint which takes about a couple of minutes to charge back up after you've used it to be able to use again in the advance mode will also tell you if there is anything to do in that area or not. I did however a couple of times have to refer to the strategy guide which was nice to have available right with the game and found it very helpful to get me back on track with the game as I'll admit I lost my way a couple of times..
There's also quite a few puzzles in this game. Normally I don't much care for puzzles but these didn't bother me and I completed most of them. Only skipped a couple which in the advanced mode takes a couple of minutes for the skip to be available.
The main game took me 5 to 6 hours cause I tend to take my time when I find a game to be very well done such as this one. I have to poke around and check out all the different areas and just admire the greatness and beauty before me. The bonus game I got through within an hour. Definitely worth the collector edition price of $13.99 in my opinion. 5 to 7 hours is definitely enough game play/exploring for me.
Thanks Big Fish and ERS for an awesome game. Five star rating all the way from me.
I recommend this game!
Help Jane follow in her father`s footsteps, searching the mountains of Tibet for the mythical city of Shangri La.
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 66 found this review helpful
5 STARS FOR CHALLENGE - FUN GAME
PostedNovember 13, 2011
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
My review is for the whole game which is hours of game play as it took me 2 days, playing an hour or two here and there.
This game has 7 levels however there are levels within each level. Overall I would say close to 60 levels give or take a few as I kinda lost track. Some have more than others.
This is also a timed game which I LOVE and prefer. I like to be under pressure while playing. Racing against the clock. There is no relaxed mode without a timer so some may not care for this game because of that.
The game here starts you off with 3 lives which you do have a chance to earn more as I earned as many as 10. You also get points. The quicker you finish the more points. If you do lose all your lives, you also lose all your points and it will take you back to the beginning of the level. For example if you make it to Level 7-5 but lose, the game will take you back to 7-1.
What you are doing in this match 3 game is clearing a path for Jane (the lady character here) to collect pieces to items which will also show you up at the top how much you have completed. Once you hit 100% you've completed that level.
You also gather "tools" so you can make your way to the next board such as: keys to open doors, buckets of water to put out fire, bridges, water rafts to get across the water, ladders, drills to break down the walls, and torches to remove cob webs. You also have to gather these again for the next level as they don't carry over. There are however power us to help you clear the path: hammers and lighting that you can collect along the way which these do go to the next level what you haven't used I had as many as 20 hammers and 15 lighting.
For me while this game is really fun wasn't very challenging however I did feel it getting a little more challenging as I moved along but not until I got to level 7 and then I had to really start using the hammers and lighting. I did end up losing all my 10 lives and I also had close to 500,000 points so I just started over from the very beginning and made it through the whole game with 10 hammers and 1 lighting, 537,000 points with 4 lives left. As once again I had 10 lives until I got to this level 7 then lost some. I'm usually an "expert" when it comes to match 3 games such as this with the timers but I did get hung up on this level 7. I found this to be VERY challenging. You really have to pay attention which way Jane is going to move along in this game.
Oh also every so often and if memory serves me right there are about 5 puzzles that you put together as you can use them as screen savers.
The one and only thing I didn't much care about this game but not enough to bring the rating down, I didn't really understand the need for the points as you don't buy anything like in some match 3 games.
Overall I still give this 5 stars. The game here has very nice graphics. I also loved the character Jane and collecting the tools to get through the maze to go to the next board.
As for recommending: if you are looking for a good game that is timed and with some challenge I recommend this but if you don't care for timer, I don't much think you will care for this game but as always try it out for yourself. You just may be surprised and end up liking it.
Thanks for a GREAT game Big Fish! Especially for $2.99 as I purchased this the Daily Deal and what a "deal" it is.
I recommend this game!