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:
Violett is reluctant to move to the dreary countryside. But when a strange light lures her to into a world of magic, she may never find herself bored again!
Overall rating
1
/
5
21 of 25 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer - Review Based On Demo
PostedApril 9, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY: I really liked the graphics Definitely cartoonish. I thought they were just excellent. There are no voices just noises which was what I was expecting as I do get it's suppose to be a "quirky" game. I also really liked the music. No problem here.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: I see this is one of them large file "adventure" games with no instructions and no tutorial. There's also no HOS, puzzles or mini games at least for the 40 minutes I played. I do like to figure out on my own but yes I'll definitely admit to using a walk through for a few games to get me through a part or two in the game. I have played a few of these large file games that have little to no instruction as the hint system is just "question marks" in the scene having to figure out on my own what to do and inventory combine by trial and error. Also usually when the cursor turns into a hand can pick up something or sometimes have to trigger something else in the game before it can be picked up. Well I usually don't have much problem with that. This game however I did have to consult a walk through on the internet to figure out how to navigate the game and well have to move computer mouse up/down back forth SEVERAL times over a certain spot in the location and in a certain way as things have to be done just so in this game then the hand will finally pick up something. My problem was I couldn't make my mouse/cursor move the exact way it's suppose to. The hint system in this game is 4 per scene and just brings up a picture and then have to wait a few minutes for the next picture. I would of found this helpful however I couldn't move my mouse/cursor exactly as I was suppose to.
FUN FACTOR: Sorry but the game play dreadful for me.Way too "quirky" for me. I did honestly try to like it. I did stick with it for 40 minutes and did manage to get Violett here out of the cage and on to the next scene but this type of game play is just way too much madness for me. I just had enough and had to pull the plug on this. I'm sure I would of rated this game higher if the game play was like other large file games I've played and enjoyed while not easy for me but this is definitely a no go for me. Patience is definitely required here unless of course a person plays a lot of these and have enjoyed them. Sorry but my patience meter doesn't run this high. I do however look forward to your next game offering unless of course all of your games play like this! The game play is what ruined this game for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Enter the enchanted realm of the Snow Kingdom!
Overall rating
2
/
5
55 of 91 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer - Review Based On Demo
PostedApril 5, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well I'll admit I didn't get very far into the game. I'm going against the 4 and 5 stars on this game which of course are only based on the demo as I'm writing my review here and I'm sure more of these "demo" reviews will be along shortly. While some may not agree with my opinion on the games but at least when I submit a 4 and especially 5 star review (5 star is suppose to be for best right?) I always complete the game before doing so. The only time I do demos is if I don't like a game which happens to be the case here. While I think it's important for you to know what I like/love about your games well I think it's just as important to let you know what kept me from purchasing a game and this is the reason for my demo review.
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY: I had no problem here. I think the graphics are just excellent especially the opening scene to this game which looked to be for a promising game. The characters and voice overs a very well done here.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: Here we go again. There are 3 play modes and while there are no sparkles on the harder two modes however both are overloaded with black bar tips telling me what needs to be done in the game. While I never encountered it but there is also a click penalty in the harder two modes. Please make a custom mode for your next game offering. I prefer no sparkles/black bar tips and a quick hint/skip button charge up. Oh and drop the click penalty. I don't get that at all. The HOS I only did one and that was find pieces to assemble a case and no problem here. The graphics excellent and I'm a fan of the HOS. Puzzles/mini games I'm not a fan of this. Less the better. I prefer more on the adventure/HOS side. I only did one puzzle which was very easy. The horse mini game got on my last nerve. I skipped this.
STORYLINE: I also definitely admit to not being much into 'fantasy" type of games but I have played a few that are on the darker side and quite enjoyed them with no "cutesy" animal helpers. This one started out this way but was quickly ruined for me by a "cutesy" animal helper that I not only needed to let it free from it's cage but feed it a bowl of milk and also NAME it! OH HECK NO! LOL! I absolutely LOATHE this in my games.
FUN FACTOR: I must say I'm truly disappointed. This is nothing like the first Dark Strokes which I absolutely loved and received 5 stars from me. For me it takes more than great graphics and achievements, collectibles which I'm no longer a fan of this "fluff" for a great game. What could of been a great game absolutely ruined with "cutesy" animal helper and an overload of black bar tips which ruins the challenge.
Sorry but a definite no go here for the CE and the SE version when that is released. I gave you 2 stars because of the graphics otherwise you'd be seeing a 1 star review from me since I encountered this "cutesy" animal helper shortly after the excellent cut scene. I do however look forward to your next game offering unless of course you are jumping on the band wagon of releasing "cutesy" animal helper games. I, along with some others have had quite enough of this. Oh and not just you but other developers as well seem to be on this "cutesy" animal helper overload! ENOUGH ALREADY!
I don't recommend this game.
Ghostly warnings in the water are terrifying a grieving family. What's causing them, and what really happened to Julia White?
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer Only 3.5 Stars Review Of Completed Game
PostedApril 4, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY: I really liked the graphics and the cut scenes. I thought you did just fine here. The voice overs I thought were really good. The music started out really good for me however getting more into the game and even into the bonus ended up being pretty much the same music so I ended up turning that down.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: While I didn't use the hint/skip (or even map/strategy guide) I do thank you for providing a custom mode that I could set the hint/skip at quick charge up because I do like to have those available just in case needed. Also thank you for no sparkles. However I couldn't find a way to turn off the black bar tips telling me what needed to be done in the game. I do like to try and figure out on my own first and then if I can't I'll use the hint/skip button so I do think the game could of been just a bit more challenging. Please address the black bar tips in your next game offering. I did like the HOS the interactive word list. I'm a fan of these. The puzzles/mini games I'm not a fan of this. Less the better. Having said this I had no problem completing any of them but just too many for me. I prefer games more on the adventure/HOS side. (more adventure though). While I found some back/forth to this game the "adventure" side was pretty light not having to travel too far. I never got lost in the game.
STORYLINE: While yes it's pretty much been done before but haven't they all? I mean even TV shows/movies have all pretty much been done before in one way or another but yes I do hope you along with the rest of the developers try to come up with something new. Having said this... I did enjoy this one. It kept my interest from beginning to end. As for the main story ending I do have mixed feelings here. I thought it ended somewhat satisfactory meaning I was there doing what I was meant to do and accomplished that. However, if I REALLY wanted to know what Julia was doing and how it REALLY ends, I would need the bonus chapter for that. I also thought the bonus chapter should of been all new locations. There were a couple of new ones however most from main game.
THE CE EXTRAS:
Achievements/collectibles there is definitely a lot here to offer. I'll definitely admit to once being a huge fan of this but now I just find it distracting. It does seem that now that I'm no longer a fan of this I seem to achieve/collect more than when I was a fan! LOL! I did find it a bit distracting in this game popping up pretty consistently that I had "achieved" or "collected" something! All I want from a game now is a good/great story and game play that will entertain me for at least 4 hours as I said in one of my last reviews. Hopefully you can find a way to shut this off for the people who don't much care for this and of course keep for the people who are really into it. Oh and as for wallpapers, music concept art I will admit to using a few wallpapers but definitely not a must have for me and I've never used concept art/music in any game. The strategy guide I've used for a few games and will say it's nice to have with the game in case needed.
FUN FACTOR: Overall I liked the game. There is quite a bit to do and places to go. This is sure A LOT better than the last few games I've played on here. The game length was just right for me as the main game was 5 hours and bonus chapter 1 and 1/2 hours. This is definitely long enough for me. I also had no tech issues with this game. Also while I'm not into "helpers" I did like the sea shell!
Thanks Developer. Overall I thought you did a pretty good job. You get 3 1/2 stars from me. Since there is no 1/2 star I rated you 4 stars since this was A LOT better than the last few games here and kept me entertained as I said.
I recommend this game!
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 27 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer Only - Based on Demo
PostedApril 3, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
FUN FACTOR: Sorry developer I honestly was really looking forward to this game. I'm really into psychological thriller type of games/story but at least for the demo time the so called "warning" on this game is purely all hype for me. I found absolutely nothing scary about this game. About the only thing I found in the way of creepy was the hint button which looks like the cross between Linda Blair from the Exorcist and a female version of the "Chucky" doll from the Child's Play movie. If the game does get to be more of a "thriller" past the demo time well sorry but you shouldn't put all of your best work past the demo as you should not only have my attention during the demo to get me to purchase but keep it throughout the game. I will say I sure appreciated no "cutesy" or not so "cutesy" animal helpers that I had to name/feed/dress up!
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY: I don't mind buildings that are a bit rundown and grungy looking in games but sorry I don't understand why not only you but other developers have to make things look so gross with the creepy crawlers, rats, etc. I do believe a game can still have the "thriller" "eerie" feel to it without this as I've watched quite a few TV shows/movies that are psychological thrillers that don't have this stuff. For me the graphics were just plain awful especially the cut scenes. They were grainy and blurry. In regards to the sound I found this to be a very quiet game and not much in the way of music which is where I think you could of worked on to get the creepy/eerie feeling. The voice overs what little there were I thought were really good and could of been just a bit more.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: Here you have 3 play modes I just checked out the harder two modes. I ended up on the middle of the road mode because I like to have hint/skip available just in case needed. The only difference I found is the hint/skip are disabled on the hardest mode. Neither have sparkles however both are overloaded with black bar tips. I don't understand this at all. Why have 3 modes of play if all are going to be overloaded with black bar tips telling me what I need to do in the game? The HOS I like interactive word list and usually enjoy these but were Sanford & Son junkyard to me. I also found a bit confusing with several items opening up into more complex items but I did find that the HOS list helps with transparent, black and red items representing which items are visible at any time. The puzzles I'm not a fan. Less the better. Having said this: The same ones I've come across in many games. I found them rather simple. Nothing difficult here. The demo of this I didn't find much on the "adventure" side at all as it was basically the same 3 maybe 4 locations over and over again so not really much back/forth.
STORYLINE: The storyline itself definitely sounded intriguing but that is where it ended for me. As I mentioned I'm definitely into this type of storyline but I found nothing "psychological thriller" about this game.While there are voice overs I found the story very hard to follow because I had to find pages from the sister's journal that are not always found in order and some not from the journal. It just didn't make much sense to me.The story just didn't grab me at all by the time i reached the end of the demo.
The CE extras: Achievements/collectibles and the other fluff no longer appeals to me. I will say while I rarely use strategy guides those are nice to have with the game in case needed. As for the bonus chapter for this game I will say people should definitely check out the reviews of the people who completed the game just so they know what they are getting for their money.
Overall 1 star from me! I just found this game downright boring with no challenge at all and there was nothing "psychological thriller" about this game for me. By far one of the worst games I've ever played.
Sorry no recommendation here!
I don't recommend this game.
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
1
/
5
37 of 66 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer ONLY- Based On Demo
PostedMarch 31, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'll start by telling you that all of my 4 and especially 5 star reviews are based on completed game. The only time I do demos is if I don't like a game which sorry just happens to be the case here. Actually the last couple of games I've reviewed have unfortunately been on the demo.
FUN FACTOR: Sorry developer I honestly was really looking forward to this game. I'm really into psychological thriller type of games/story but at least for the demo time the so called "warning" on this game is purely all hype for me. I found absolutely nothing scary about this game. About the only thing I found in the way of creepy was the hint button which looks like the cross between Linda Blair from the Exorcist and a female version of the "Chucky" doll from the Child's Play movie. If the game does get to be more of a "thriller" past the demo time well sorry but you shouldn't put all of your best work past the demo as you should not only have my attention during the demo to get me to purchase but keep it throughout the game. I will say I sure appreciated no "cutesy" or not so "cutesy" animal helpers that I had to name/feed/dress up!
VISUAL/SOUND QUALITY: I definitely get that this is suppose to be a "thriller" type of game and I don't even mind buildings that are a bit rundown in games but sorry I don't understand why not only you but other developers have to make things look so gross with the creepy crawlers, rats, cob webs in the fridge, etc. I do believe a game can still have the "thriller" eerie" feel to it without this. For me the graphics were just plain awful especially the cut scenes. They were grainy and blurry. In regards to the sound I found this to be a very quiet game and not much in the way of music which is where I think you could of worked on to get the creepy/eerie feeling. The voice overs what little there were I thought were really good.
LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: Here you have 3 play modes I just checked out the harder two modes. I ended up on the middle of the road mode because I like to have hint/skip available just in case needed. The only difference I found is the hint/skip are disabled on the hardest mode. Neither have sparkles however both are overloaded with black bar tips. I don't understand this at all. Why have 3 levels if all are going to be overloaded with black bar tips? The HOS I like interactive word list and usually enjoy these but were Sanford & Son junkyard to me. I also found a bit confusing with several items opening up into more complex items but I did find that the HOS list helps with transparent, black and red items representing which items are visible at any time. The puzzles I'm not a fan. Less the better. Having said this: The same ones I've come across in many games. I found them rather simple. Nothing difficult here. The demo of this I didn't find much on the "adventure" side at all as it was basically the same 3 maybe 4 locations over and over again so not really much back/forth.
STORYLINE: As I mentioned I'm definitely into this type of storyline but I found nothing "psychological thriller" about this game
CE EXTRAS:
Bonus Chapter: From my reading after I finished the demo as this is when I read for peoples' thoughts on the games that is when I'm "done" with the game. Be that the "demo" or after I have completed it. It was nice for a change to see some "honest" reviews and I don't think this is a spoiler since it's been mentioned in a few reviews in the forum and on the main page but this game here: The story does not completely end at the end of main game play or even after the bonus game play because it is part of a trilogy. I will also tell you and the Big Fish this is exactly why I don't do raving 5 stars or even 4 stars based on the demo I also have no problem with developers doing sequels (but your game here is a trilogy from my reading the more "honest" reviews) but the main game should have an ending and bonus chapter be just that a bonus chapter so now people have to spend more money for the other two parts to find out what happens in this game that is if they want a "complete game" of course. Oh and just who knows when those will be released.
Achievements/Collectibles; No longer a fan of this "fluff."
Wallpapers: Used a few from some games but not a must have.
Strategy Guide: Have rarely used but nice to have with game just in case needed.
Concept Art/Music; Never used this "fluff" in any game.
Replay HOS/mini games/puzzles: I don't do this.
Wallpapers: Used a few from some games but not a must have.
Strategy Guide: Have rarely used but nice to have with game just in case needed.
Concept Art/Music; Never used this "fluff" in any game.
Replay HOS/mini games/puzzles: I don't do this.
Once again sorry but definitely a no go here! I just found this game downright boring with no challenge at all and then to top it off the main game and even playing the bonus still don't have a complete game. I must say I'm highly turned off by you. I'll be watching for your games more closely to try and avoid since I won't be getting a completed game even if I was to purchase the CE version! Sorry HUGE turn off! SHAME ON YOU!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you defeat the mist and find your lost brother?
Overall rating
1
/
5
36 of 59 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer - Review Based On Demo
PostedMarch 30, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Fun Factor: Sorry developer and I honestly don't mean to be harsh here but excuse me while I yawn. This game for me was more like a snooze fest. While it's all been done before that is word list and interactive silhouettes, there's not really much more any developer can do with the HOS but I quite enjoy these. I'm a fan of the HOS. This was about the only thing I can say I honestly enjoyed about this game.
Visual/sound Quality: Yet again, sorry developer. I thought the graphics were quite hideous,amateurish, foggy though I think some scenes are suppose to be foggy but sorry I'm not a fan of these kind of graphics. The characters just seemed very odd and misplaced to me. They also appeared wooden with little to no animation to them. The voice overs OK but then again nothing to write home about.
Level of Challenge: While you did provide a custom mode and while I didn't have any sparkles I still had black bar tips no matter what I checked or unchecked in the custom mode. For me there was absolutely no challenge at all to this game. I didn't use the map, hint/skip or strategy guide. Inventory pretty much used right away or I didn't have to travel too far. The puzzles/mini games: I'm not a fan. Less the better. Having said this: These were quite simple for me with just a few clicks of the mouse or just time consuming, boring, tedious and nothing really any different than I've seen in many games.
Storyline: For me there was nothing new, fresh, unique and especially awesome about this story. I've had quite enough with the fantasy, fairies, animal helpers/creatures that you have to find stuff for games from other developers. I would say "cutesy" but the dragon helper I found downright ugly and when I got to the part in the game with the other ugly creature who lost their key chain I almost pulled the plug on this game here but was curious where the end of the demo would take me. Sorry developer but yet another great big YAWN here.
The so called CE extras: Achievements/collectibles: I use to be a huge fan now I just find it a huge distraction. Wallpapers while I've used a few from some games this isn't a must have for me. The majority of the games I've never looked at them let alone use them. Strategy Guide; I've used for a few games but once again rarely looked at it but is nice to have with the game just in case needed. Concept art/music: I've never once used this "fluff" in any game I've played. Replay of HOS/mini games/puzzles: I've never done this. Once I've completed a game it's time for me to move on to the next happening game.
I sure hope you aren't jumping on the band wagon with some of the other developers here having all of your games being this fantasy, rescue/helping creature, fairies in games. The same old rehashed and predictable stories.
Could you please make a true adult game? While it's been done before but a whodunit type of game? I quite like these. Crime solving story that is actually suspenseful instead of predictable and more on the true adventure side where I have to actually think where to go/do next with some actual travel back/forth in the game? Great character interaction, voice overs and graphics. No ghost or hideous monsters. Characters that actually look real. You can even throw in a few HOS. As I mentioned I'm a fan of these especially when there is variety in the ways to find them. Also a true custom mode that actually applies to the game? I prefer no sparkles/black bar tips. Just provide me with a quick charge up hint/skip button and I'll decide if I need help or need to skip anything in the game.
A smile and wink to you here: Although I didn't like this game Actually absolutely loathed it. I'm still pretty sure you are talented at developing games so please put your talent to use here instead of this so called "extra fluff." cause truth be told I'd be willing to pay $13.99 for an actual "game" that's about 4 to 5 hours long (I don't need for a game to go on for many hours as I like to play in one setting) without this so called "extra fluff." Yet another truth be told I've been finding some of Big Fish SE games on the site here A LOT better quality than these CE games that cost me twice as much! I jumped off the CE wagon a few months ago.
Sorry but this game is definitely a no go for me and I won't be purchasing the SE when that comes out either. I do however look forward to your next game offering Just maybe that might be a winner for me!
I don't recommend this game.
Nightmares from the Deep: Davy Jones Collector's Edition
Escape the cold incarceration of Davy Jones' brig and discover the otherworldly origins of his galleon in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 25 found this review helpful
Feedback For Developer - Review Based On Demo
PostedMarch 28, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Fun Factor: Overall this was OK. What I found most enjoyable about this game was the variety of the HOS: I'm a fan of the HOS. Slightly interactive word list, FROGS (fragmented pieces), and silhouettes with several actions to complete the scene. I also liked the mahjong. I played this a couple of times.
Visual/Sound Quality: The graphics were good however I usually enjoy cut scenes but far too many that are long and drawn out. I guess to try and make the game longer. The voice overs were good.
Level of Challenge: I didn't find this game very challenging at all. I played the hardest of the three play modes. While there were no sparkles however black bar tips at least for me stating what needed to be done. Black bar tips shouldn't be on the hardest mode. There is also a transporter map (I just checked it out to see if transporter or not) but I didn't use it. Actually I'm finding myself moving away from using maps as I now like to wander around in the game and just discover things that need to be done by just stumbling across them. I also didn't use the hint/skip, or strategy guide so no comment here but still like to have them available with quick charge up just in case needed. Inventory at least during the demo I used pretty much right away or didn't have too travel far. The puzzles. I'm not a fan. Less the better. Having said this... These for me were quite simple. Some I solved just within a few clicks of the mouse but some were just time consuming and tedious.
Storyline: Sorry but I found this lame and boring. Truth be told I was about ready for a nap by the time I got to the end of the demo. The first game in this series was good. The second was by far one of the best games I'd ever played at the time I reviewed the game which was August 2013 but this third installment was a disappointment for me.
The extras: Achievements/collectibles. There's quite a bit here however something I use to be a huge fan of I'm no longer. I now just find it a huge distraction and takes away from my story/game play. It seems some developers just want to overload the game with this "fluff."
I'll also say even if I would of enjoyed this and I definitely don't mind and welcome a sequel but I'm glad to see this is going to be the last of this series at least according to the game description. When a developer has done 3 of a game well it's definitely time to move on to something else and something new.
Overall 3 stars from me. I just found this to be an OK game. This for me just wasn't as good as the other two especially the second one in this series. I absolutely loved that game. Sorry but I doubt I'll purchase the SE when it comes out. While I didn't enjoy it I'm sure many will so I still recommend it and I still look forward to seeing something else and hopefully something NEW and DIFFERENT from this developer. Also please have a custom mode for the hint/skip, sparkles/black bar tips, etc. in your next game offering.
I recommend this game!
Orphaned Lunna can see and speak with spirits, but when a mysterious spirit asks for her help, she must face a challenge she never expected.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Wow! I'm Not Sure How I Missed This Little Gem - Review Of Completed Game
PostedFebruary 22, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Story: Lunna, an orphan (parents died 10 years earlier in a car accident) is now 17 and an outcast at Hawkins High School. She is no ordinary girl. She has a special gift of being able to see and speak with spirits. This begins where she realizes her special pendant that was given to her by her mother is now gone so she sneaks out of her dorm to find it As she is about to return to her dorm, she is intrigued by a singing voice of a familiar song, and follows the sound to a mysterious girl asking for help. Suddenly, an evil shadow starts chasing her. Who is this "mysterious" girl and why is this "evil shadow" chasing her? Your adventure begins here.
2 PLAY MODES: I played the hardest of the two. There are sparkles for the HOS. Very few black bar tips. Hint directional outside of HOS.
WIDESCREEN; Yes at least for me. I had no problem here.
VOICE OVERS; Yes
JOURNAL; No however at the top off to the side there is "task" and if you click on that it will tell you the "task" that need completed.
MAP: Yes however not transporter and you also have to hover your mouse over the locations to get the names of them.
GAME PLAY: HOPA (Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure) Emphasis is definitely on "adventure." Lots of back/forth and clicking around to activate things. Some objects can't be "picked up" until they are actually needed so scenes will not auto close until you are completely done with them. You also have to combine some items which will be indicated by a red plus sign.
HOS: These start out few and far between however more into the game more frequent. All found by word list. Only a few are interactive (no gears come up though) and a few you just have to move something to get to them. The same scenes are also visited several times.
PUZZLES: These also started out few and far between however more into the game a little more frequent. Some the usual run of the mill found in many games but a couple I haven't seen before. Instructions down at the bottom. There is also a reset at the top on some of them. The skip takes a few minutes. There's also a couple where you have to click on the skip about 3 times before you can actually "skip" the puzzle.
MY PLAY TIME: This was quite long for me as it was about 9 hours.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
As my title says I'm not sure how I missed this little gem when it was first released but oh so happy to get this at the Daily Deal price of $2.99.
I really enjoyed this overall but there are a few flaws that kept this from being a 5 star game for me.
The story did start out a bit confusing and kinda hard to follow but so glad I ended up sticking with this game as the story ended up being pretty well told especially the ending. It really made up for it's "confusing" start.
I definitely found this to be a very atmospheric, eerie and creepy game. There were a few scenes that actually startled me.
The graphics and cut scenes which there are quite a few and a couple of them especially the ending kinda long but excellent. . I also liked the characters and voice overs (with one exception which I'll get to shortly) especially Lunna. She was excellent.
What I really enjoyed about this game was the "adventure" game play part of it as there was little "hand holding" and I'll admit I did get hung up a couple of times and had to use the hint but it was sure nice trying to figure out on my own first instead of just being told what to do.
Now for the flaws:
The sparkles on the HOS in the harder mode. Those shouldn't be there in the harder mode. While I do enjoy HOS for the most part and don't care if there are even a lot of them but I didn't much care for visiting the same scene several times especially when the game has a lot of different locations and some didn't even have one HOS in them. Most games you only have to revisit the scene twice. Truth be told should only have to visit the scene once for a HOS. Sorry but I find this a bit lazy on the developers part here. Also some scenes were beyond Sanford & Son junkyard and some objects were so small. I also had to either click on them just so or 2 to 3 times to finally get it to register.
While I thought the voice overs were excellent for the most part as i mentioned but this "evil shadow" saying the same thing pretty much over & over got a bit annoying. I think the developer could of put some more work into this as well.
Oh and since I'm not a fan of these: When I want to skip a puzzle well that is what I want to do and not have to sit through THREE skips before I can do so.
Overall though a very good game and length. I'm happy to add this to my collection especially at the $2.99 price but would of paid $6.99. Truth be told even with its few flaws well this better than some CE games I've played especially here lately as there is also NO animal "helpers" that you have to name, feed or "dress up."
Speaking of CE 's I wonder if this was suppose to be a CE as it does have some extras: Wallpapers, concept art and music??
Thanks Big Fish and Developer.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Jack's fiancée Emily was kidnapped by mysterious scientist! Can you unravel the mystery of the secret bunker and save Emily before she is used in dangerous experiments?
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
An OK Time Passer - Review Of Completed Game
PostedJanuary 22, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Story: You take on the role of Jack. You and your fiancee Emily are camping in the forest and you're attacked by a man in a black cloak. When you regain consciousness your fiancee Emily has been kidnapped by this man. You stumble across an old military bunker just in time to see the kidnapper vanish. Your adventure begins here to rescue Emily.
2 PLAY MODES: I played the harder mode. It says no sparkles but there are sparkles for the HOS and black bar tips telling you what needs to be done. There are a few things needed that aren't so obvious. I just happened to click on them. Hint is directional outside of HOS and not too long on charge up.
WIDESCREEN: I unchecked the widescreen in the options then the game filled my screen. Graphics definitely stretched. Otherwise there is a wallpaper border instead of black bars.
VOICE OVERS: Only for the very beginning of the game. Outside of the kidnapper laughing every now and then there is text that comes up on the screen to read/click through.
GAME PLAY: This seems more on the puzzle/mini game side than HOS and adventure. The adventure part is pretty lite.
JOURNAL:This is just a summary of what you've done so far.and sparkles down at the bottom pretty much constantly.
MAP: There is no map for most of the game but towards the end there is a map for a brief amount of time that shows where you are, things to current do and the other areas a come back later. This is transporter.
HOS: All found by word list. Slightly interactive and you also have to "move" some things to get to some of them. The interactive ones which are indicated by a different color but no gears/sparkles come up. I thought these were great. No problem for me.
PUZZLES: Not a fan. Less the better. These were the usual run of the mill for me that I've come across in many games. Most I found easy but some just tedious and annoying especially the "shooting bats" puzzle. I did skip a few of these.
MY PLAY TIME: This was about 3 hours for me.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I really liked the opening scene to this game. The graphics will definitely be "too dated" for some people but I really liked them as they are grungy/creepy/eerie. A very atmospheric game in this regard. The voice overs what little there were - excellent especially Emily's scream. I also enjoyed the story for the most part. I was also just fine with the game length.
Where this went a bit down the hill for me was for starters no true widescreen. Please have this for your next game offering. I was able to get it to fill my screen otherwise this would of been a no go.
I don't understand the purpose of 2 play modes if they are both going to be the same that is sparkles/black bar tips on both of them. Games don't have to be very challenging for me to enjoy them but the "hand holding" was a bit too much in this one. I do like to figure out on my own.
While I enjoyed the story for the most part as I stated well I also prefer for characters to talk in the game. I really think it would of added so much more to this game if the voice overs would been used more throughout the game than the very beginning along with a bit more character interaction especially the kidnapper. The ending of this I also found a bit abrupt. This could of been better. I didn't need a map but I do believe this is the first developer I've seen to not have a map until the game is about over. I just found this odd and then it's brief.
Overall an OK time passer game in my opinion and I would recommend purchasing it with a coupon code is how I purchased it especially if you have some that are ready to expire or the daily deal/catch of the week price. I wouldn't pay any more for this than that. If you are one of the hard core players expecting a challenge well I'd skip this one. I do believe you will be highly disappointed here.
As I always say though, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
Thanks Big Fish and developer. Not a bad game. Worth the use of a coupon code but more work could of been put into this game in my opinion.
I recommend this game!
Excursions of Evil
Audrey makes her living writing about her extreme adventures. But will she be able to retell this tale?
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Pretty Good Until The End - Review Of Completed Game
PostedJanuary 16, 2014
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: You take on the role of Audrey (a blogger) and have made a name for yourself by writing about your travels You have been asked by a travel agency "Excursions of Evil to tour a spooky English mansion where a butler Gareth Greenwich has killed everyone including himself or did he? So off to England you go.
2 PLAY MODES: I played the harder mode. I had no sparkles or black bar tips. Hint which is a mechanical cat that needs a battery in it at the beginning of the game. It is not directional. Just tells you what you need to do.
WIDESCREEN: NO (at least for me there wasn't as I had to change my settings)
VOICE OVERS: YES
GRAPHICS: Will definitely be "too dated" for some people and are on the cartoonish side.
CELL PHONE: This holds you emails, voice mails and games that you will receive throughout the game. The games on this which are an "arcade" type crop up as part of the story and these cannot be skipped but you receive "joker" cards along the way that you can use to prolong the game so you can reach the score needed without starting over. There is a "retry" button though if you want to keep trying without using your jokers. There is also instructions on these. You have to click on the cat but it just stays visible very briefly then the cat goes back to sleep.
MAP: There is NO map.
GAME PLAY: Emphasis is definitely on the HOS with some mini game/puzzles and lite adventure thrown in.
HOS: All found by word list and there are A LOT of these but no scene is repeated. They are not interactive. I had no problem here though definitely Sanford & Son junkyard pile side.
PUZZLES: Not a fan but most of these I found doable. I did skip a few of these and didn't seem to take very long to do so.
MY PLAY TIME: This was about 6 hours for me.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I'm gonna start off with the positive for me. I loved the storyline. It's a bit different than the usual games here at the Big Fish. I was hooked from the get go and held my interest to the end. The graphics/artwork I really liked this as well. The voice overs excellent. There are a lot of HOS but no problem for me since I like those. While I'm usually not a fan of the mini games well I really enjoyed the ones on the cell phone as I found myself trying to beat my previous score. I also liked having the cell phone as part of the game. I also didn't have a problem with there being no map though I will admit I did get hung up and lost a couple of times but I enjoyed trying to figure it out on my own cause while the adventure side was on the lite side for the most part not always obvious. Oh and a developer who knows how to do play modes - no sparkles/black bar tips - Also NO animal "helpers" that you have to name/dress up - THANK YOU!
Now for where this developer could improve: Please have widescreen on your next game offering. I didn't like having to click on the X to get out of a scene as I just couldn't "back out" of it. The inventory the having to "click and drag" it. instructions for puzzles/mini games should always be available. Shouldn't have to use the hint as I found that "mechanical cat" downright annoying especially the noises it made. Also the ending to this game was abrupt and leaves a lot to be desired. I would of rated this 4 stars if not for this ending.
Thanks Big Fish and developer. It was worth the use of my coupon code.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!