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:
Help Ashley Ford find her father and solve the mystery of the Three Oak Mansion.
Overall rating
4
/
5
46 of 51 found this review helpful
A Very Good Game Patience Is Definitely Required - Review Of Completed Game
PostedDecember 3, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is an adventure game with some HOS and puzzles thrown in.
2 play modes: I played the hardest mode. There are sparkles for the HOS and there are also some black bar tips and some things you need to figure out on your own.
I read in one review there are some voices however my downloaded version of this game had no voices as my version of this game was text boxes to read and click through.
JOURNAL: Keeps track of notes and story along with objectives.
MAP: This is transporter but doesn't show if there is anything to do or not but I did get a message a couple of times "Can't go there yet."
HINT: If you aren't in a scene where there is something to do it will bring up a circle and show you where you should be. It won't take you there so a good memory comes into play here as there is A LOT of back/forth and at times several scenes. In some scenes the hint will change to "time." When you click on that it will change the room.
HOS: All found by word list and are revisited several times and sometimes even finding the same items but the game ends up being a lot of different places to go though. They're not interactive.
PUZZLES: Some the usual run of the mill and a few I haven't seen before. Most I found pretty easy and some required a little thought. A couple made no sense to me so I skipped them.
My Play Time: This was quite long for me as it took me about 8 hours.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
A smile and wink here: Well I see the developer is here which is always nice and I also see they are a small company with 3 people and this is their 3rd game. It would of been nice if they started a thread here like the other developers do in the forum and introduced them self as not everyone is familiar with them.
I'll start with the positive: The graphics are really good. I had no problem with them. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The music really good and fitting to the game. What really drew me into this game was the game play while there are HOS and puzzles this is more an adventure driven game. Having to figure out where to go/do next as it wasn't always obvious finding the hot spots to use inventory along with some inventory just laying in the scene and a good memory is also needed as at times I didn't find the hint too helpful. As I said A LOT of back/forth to this game. This game did require some patience which isn't usually mine but my patience meter was a bit higher today! Oh and I also liked the changing of the room.
The couple of criticisms I have about this game: The misspelling of several words and when I completed reading something or using inventory the boxes didn't always auto close. I don't like going back over areas I've already been to and there is no longer anything to do there.
Overall a very good SE version game and was definitely worth the use of my punch card coupon code and great game length. If I wouldn't of had a code I would of paid $6.99 for it the going price here at the Big Fish.
Thanks Big Fish and developer
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Secret Trails: Frozen Heart Collector's Edition
Your surprise visit is ruined by a blizzard. Who caused it, and what does he want with your little sister?
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 59 found this review helpful
An OK Time Passer - Glad It Was On Sale - Review Of Completed Game
PostedNovember 23, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
STORY: You are visiting your sister Emma for her birthday. When you arrive she has not only been frozen but kidnapped so of course you have to save her.
4 CHAPTERS plus a bonus chapter.
STRATEGY GUIDE: Since I saw it mentioned here in the forum about having to click through all the pages. Up at the top is CONTENTS. Click on that and it will show all the chapters and you can select from there. Also stays where you last left it. At least it did for me. I didn't use it. Just checked it out.
3 PLAY MODES: Once you choose a mode you are stuck with it. If you want to change it, you have to create a new profile and start again. I played the middle of the road mode. No sparkles however some black bar tips meaning tells you what to do.
There is a journal along with a transporter map. I didn't use it. Just checked it out. Shows where you are and where there are things to do.
You also find butterflies which restores the hint. How many I'm not quite sure as it never stated for me and I didn't count them. There's also achievements.
HINT: It tells you what you need to do. It won't point you in the direction.
HOS: There are quite a few scenes. Not one right after the other but they do appear quite often. Found by word list. They are interactive but not obvious which ones just by looking at the word list. These were nice, crisp, clear for me. No problem here.
PUZZLES: These also appeared quite frequent. Some the usual run of the mill but some I found to be quite different . Most I found pretty easy. Some required a little thought but not impossible. I did skip a couple of these though. They also have a reset and you can skip them. The skip doesn't take very long.
The main game ends with a conclusion. I didn't think the bonus chapter was needed.
MY PLAY TIME: MAIN GAME 4 HRS. BONUS: 40 MINS.
CE EXTRAS:
Bonus chapter
Strategy Guide
Butterflies
Achievements
Wallpapers and the usual fluff.
Bonus chapter
Strategy Guide
Butterflies
Achievements
Wallpapers and the usual fluff.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I thought the graphics were good along with the voice overs. I had no problem with them. I also enjoyed the game play. Where this game is lacking for me is the story. I thought this could of been worked on some more. While the frozen has been done before it started out intriguing but once I got past the demo that part of the game was a disappointment for me. I was also disappointed in the bonus chapter as well as far as story. As far as game length I thought it was long enough and truth be told I was so ready for it to end. As I said I'm glad it was on sale.
As always give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Life imitates art with deadly results in this thrilling whodunit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
108 of 123 found this review helpful
A 1930's WHODUNIT - MY KIND OF GAME REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedNovember 16, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: This is set in the 1930's and in Boston. You take on the role of Samantha Pollack and your writer husband Russell has been framed for several murders of your friends and using his books to guide them.
There's 3 play modes plus a custom mode along with a journal that you can play back cut scenes if you wish and a transporter map.
HOS: Found by interactive word list. These start out few and far between but towards the end of the main game seemed to be more frequent. Not one right after the other but more frequent. These were nicely done for me I had no problem with them.
PUZZLES: These seemed a bit different to me and not the usual run of the mill but they varied in challenge for me and I did skip a couple of them.
There are achievements and 25 teapots and 40 hidden items (finger prints) that you have to find throughout the game. For the hidden ones you get a magnify glass.
The main game ended satisfactory for me but does hint at a continuation which is the bonus chapter but it is a new story and is set in Chicago instead of Boston. All new locations.
MY PLAY TIME: 7 hours main game. 2 hours bonus chapter but I poke along especially if I find a game that I believe is well done such as this one.
CE EXTRAS: Bonus chapter, achievements, collectibles, music, mini-games, concept art, wallpapers, Russell's book which is replayable cut scenes, and Microscope that gives you info on all the characters.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Definitely need more like this one. I'm totally fascinated by this time era the 1930's (and even the 20's) and a "whodunit" on top of it. Very nice to see everything "era" appropriate and I loved the magnify glass. I really felt like a detective and a part of the game.
The graphics and cut scenes were excellent for me. I also liked the characters and the voice overs. Oh and the music a very well done too. I felt a sense of urgency.
This was more adventure traveling/back forth than HOS and puzzles for me. I really liked the balance.
The only small criticism I have about this game is I chose no black bar tips and it started out that way until I bought the game. Sometimes I had them and then I didn't have them. I didn't find it overly intrusive though but not sure what happened there and I also double checked to be sure that was shut off and it was???
Thanks Blam! and Big Fish for an excellent game. Well worth the CE price for me!
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
This was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. But instead of walking down the aisle, you're in another dimension, battling a mad inventor to save your family!
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 72 found this review helpful
The Mad Scientist Is Back - Review Of Completed Game
PostedNovember 15, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Story: This is the second game in this series. The first being Whispered Secrets: The Story of Tideville and while it's not absolutely necessary to play the first I recommend it. Tim was a young boy in the first game. In this game he is all grown up and a scientist/inventor.and is about to marry his fiance Erin but his mother has been poisoned and he has been kidnapped by the mad scientist who is back yet again. So you are taking on the role of Erin to try and save them both.
3 PLAY MODES: I played the hardest mode. No sparkles. Black bar tips. Hint is directional. Hint/Skip very slow on charge up.
There is a journal that holds notes along with some to solve puzzles. Transporter map. You also get a "helper" dragonfly that removes toxins from the locations. There are achievements and 164 eye ball observers that you find throughout the game.
HOS: Found by word list and are not interactive but you will have to "move" some things to get to some of them. The locations are also visited more than once. If you don't feel like finding objects you can play match 3. These were nicely done for me. Nice, crisp and clear.
PUZZLES: Some the usual run and a few I haven't seen before. These varied in challenge for me. Most very easy, some required a little thought and some downright frustrating and annoying. The skip couldn't charge up fast enough.
The main game also ended satisfactory for me. I didn't think the bonus chapter was needed. This was a new story for me and I enjoyed it.
MY PLAY TIME: 7 hrs. main game. 2 hours bonus.
CE EXTRAS:
Bonus Chapter, Strategy Guide, achievements, 164 eye ball observer collectibles, movies, wallpapers, screen savers, concept art.
Bonus Chapter, Strategy Guide, achievements, 164 eye ball observer collectibles, movies, wallpapers, screen savers, concept art.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Just like the first game in this series I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved the story. Nice to see Tim and his childhood friend Rudy all grown up. I thought this was very really well told. It held my interest from beginning to end.
The graphics for me were excellent. I really liked them a lot. The voice overs also very well done.
While I'm not into "helpers" in a game the dragonfly I didn't find intrusive at all cause I didn't have to feed it, buy clothes and dress it up or I would of stopped the madness and pulled the plug on this REAL QUICK!!!
Outside of a few puzzles I didn't find this game to be very challenging as most things used either pretty much right away or not much traveling to use and that is fine. The only two criticisms I have about this game is the black bar tips on the hardest mode and the skip is way too slow. I do like to figure out on my own and when I want to skip something well that's what I want to do is skip it. Thank you for no sparkles though. Oh and definitely long enough as I take my time with games and not to see how fast I can click through it.
Thanks Big Fish and Developer
As always give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Your archaeologist fiancé has been abducted in Prague! Unravel an ancient mystery and save humanity from destruction as you rescue him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Well I Liked It - Review Of Completed Game
PostedNovember 6, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: You take on the role of Suzanne and your fiance Michael has been kidnapped In Prague and you have to search for evidence of a 12th planet with alien life and technology that the Germans were trying to acquire during the war so you end up traveling back/forth Prague, England, and Mexico. There is also a map but it just shows you traveling back/forth between the locations. As far as game play there is no transporter map. You will also meet up with quite a few people throughout the game. Have to do a task for them to move forward in the game.
3 PLAY MODES; I played the hardest mode and has sparkles for the HOS and black bar tips.
HINT: Outside of HOS it will NOT point you in the direction you need to go. It will just tell you what you need to do so if you are in area where there is nothing to do, you need to find it on your own.
WIDESCREEN: There is a box you can check for that which I had to so graphics were for me stretched just a bit. Otherwise I would of had black bars down the sides of the game.
HOS: Some scenes are interactive word list, find one item at a time by opening/closing drawers and fitting items back into the scene.
PUZZLES: Not really a whole lot. Some the usually run of the mill found in many games and a few I've never seen before
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Well I'm going to start by saying that I read the Big Fish game forum and the main page here for everyone's thoughts on this game after I completed it and well I've never even heard of the large file game Nibiru let alone played it so whether or not this game here has anything to do with that game I personally don't know. All I do know for sure is I enjoyed this game very much and bought it with a game coupon code. If I wouldn't of had a coupon code I would of paid $6.99 for it.
While there is a lot of dialogue, I thought the story was very well told and held my interest from beginning to end. I also really liked the characters and the game play. This seemed to be more HOS and adventure than puzzles.
The only criticisms I have about this game is I do wish the sparkles and black bar tips wouldn't of been there for the hardest mode but didn't bother me too much for this game. At times the graphics were nice, crisp and clear but the cut scenes for a minute or two would be blurry but then clear up. Also I'm not sure what was up with the voice overs as the lead character Suzanne talked but the other characters mouths just moved. This annoys me. Please don't have the characters mouths move if they aren't going to say anything. Since someone questioned the ending to this game here in the forum well my downloaded version of this game didn't end with a "to be continued" it ended satisfactory and just fine for me.
Overall not a very challenging game but I enjoyed the 5 hours I spent playing this game.
Thanks Big Fish and Developer. As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
As Sara tries to find a miracle cure for her ailing brother, she unravels the dark events of her own past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 30 found this review helpful
Greedy Mad Scientist - Review Of Completed Game
PostedNovember 5, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Story: You take on the role of a detective and must help Sara find a miracle cure for her ailing brother Sam.
Game Features:
3 play modes: Normal, Hard, Detective. I played hard mode. There are black bar tips. HOS and puzzles can be skipped. Hint outside of HOS will bring up a box telling you what to do and then you can click to take you to the location if you aren't in the correct one. There's also collectibles to find throughout the game. You can also chose to take the tutorial or not. I chose no and that worked for me as it didn't make me take it.
Case File: This holds summary, evidence, task(s) which also pop up on the screen, map which is not transporter, and diary which is notes and some are used for puzzles.
HOS: All found by word list and they are not interactive. Seemed to be a bit on the Sanford & Son junkyard pile side to me however I had no difficulty finding anything.
Puzzles: The usual run of the mill as I didn't come across anything new from the many offerings here at the Big Fish. I found them doable.
Overall impression:
Wow! I must say I about lost hope in the Big Fish! LOL! I'm so glad to see they have taken a break from the "cutesy" dress up animal games. This here is right up my alley as it's a Sci-Fi. I was hooked to this right from the get go and held my interest to the very end. Some twist/turns to the story which I really liked though I will have to agree with the review that stated this ended a bit abrupt. Yes it ended satisfactory meaning no kind of cliff hanger but just a bit abrupt. This for me was more on the adventure side than HOS and puzzles.
The graphics, cut scenes and voice overs a very well done for me especially for a game that is a stand alone SE.
A 4 stars from me. This was also just right for me as far as game length 4 hours and a punch code coupon well spent!
Thanks Big Fish and Developer. As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
While visiting your uncle, you stumble upon a curious case. Men are vanishing, reappearing dead days later. Who killed them?
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Better Than The First - Review Of Completed Game
PostedSeptember 22, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
STORY: This is the second in this series. The first being Web of Deceit: Black Widow. In this game you are traveling to Transvaal and must find your Uncle Sam who has went missing and once again defeat Morgana. I honestly didn't care much for the first game in this series and ended up not completing it but for me this game gave enough "back story" to where I didn't feel I was missing anything by not playing the first game all the way through.
6 CHAPTERS
3 PLAY MODES: You can switch at any time. The hardest mode has no sparkles/black bar tips. Hint/skip are also disabled.
JOURNAL: Keeps track of notes, clues and video play back.
MAP: I just checked to see if it was transporter. Other than that I didn't use it. This is transporter and no matter what mode you are in you can turn on/off the indicators were there are things to do.
HOS: There are some but I wouldn't say A LOT and these for me were spaced out quite well. I did find these to be a bit on the Sanford & Son junkyard side. I found these in the hardest mode since there are no tips a bit challenging and some very well hidden.
PUZZLES/MINI GAMES: These definitely varied in challenge for me. Some I found quite easy and got through them pretty quick and some took a little thought and took a bit to get through them. I'm not a fan of these but my patience meter was quite high today for these.
ENDING: This came to a conclusion for me. I didn't feel the bonus chapter was needed.
BONUS: This to me seemed to be a new story. Some locations from main game along with some new ones and ended just fine for me however I do believe Morgana will be back.
CE EXTRAS:
Bonus Chapter
Strategy Guide
Achievements
Collectibles 30 posters
9 Wallpapers
7 Music
3 Concept Art
9 Mini Games
9 Videos
Bonus Chapter
Strategy Guide
Achievements
Collectibles 30 posters
9 Wallpapers
7 Music
3 Concept Art
9 Mini Games
9 Videos
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
For me this was a huge improvement over the first game. It did take me a good 15 to 20 minutes to warm up to this game but once I did I was there. I ended up really enjoying the story. I also really liked the graphics/artwork to this game. It seemed very fitting to me the colors used considering this has to do with "sand."
The live actors for the most part I thought did a really good job but at times they were a bit off the mouth movement and sometimes I found them to be a bit over the top.
What I really enjoyed about this game was the game play. The balance of HOS, puzzles and adventure just right for me. No sparkles or black bar tips! Woo hoo! I do like to try and figure out on my own.
MY PLAY TIME: Main game 7 hrs. Bonus: 1 1/2 hrs. No hints, skip, map or strategy guide.
Thanks Big Fish and Developer for a very good game here.
As always give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Your father was murdered while he was investigating a crime. Travel back through time to save him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
33 of 35 found this review helpful
Atmospheric - Thrilling - Engrossing - Review Of Completed Game
PostedSeptember 14, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Story: Your father, a police office has been murdered. You receive a package of his remaining possessions. . As you sort through his remaining possessions you discover his diary recording his last moments - and a strange amulet that takes you back in time one month before his murder to Easthaven to try and prevent his death along with solve the mystery behind The Blood Ruby.
6 Chapters (bonus review/extras at bottom)
3 Play Modes: You can change at any time. I played Expert mode the hardest mode. There are some black bar tips but for this game I didn't find them too intrusive. I didn't come across any sparkles. You may or may not. Hint I can't comment on its helpfulness outside of HOS cause I didn't use it but did notice the charge up and it's very slow along with the skip. Several minutes.
Diary: Notes and some puzzle clues.
MAP: I didn't use it but checked it out during the demo. This is transporter. In the easier modes shows where you are, things to do and areas that have been completed. Expert mode only shows where you are.
HOS: These were for me few and far between. Found by word list. There are 3 off to the side that are find by silhouette and when you find those you fit them back into the scene. I had no problem here. These were very well done and fun for me. No hints here.
INVENTORY: You do have to combine some items to be able to use them. The easier modes shows you which ones with a green plus sign next to them. In expert mode doesn't "highlight" them for you.
Puzzles: The usual run of the mill however some had a different "style" to them. Most of these I found pretty easy and even fun. I did have to skip a couple of them.
Main game came to a satisfactory conclusion for me.
Bonus Chapter. This is a prequel and seemed to be a little on the short side but I thought it was very well done and is relevant to the main game. All new locations. None from the main game and the HOS are still the same as main game that is find the silhouettes and fit back into the scenes. There's puzzles of course.
CE Extras:
Bonus Chapter
Strategy Guide
17 Concept Art
12 Wallpapers
12 Music
24 Mini games
30 videos
Bonus Chapter
Strategy Guide
17 Concept Art
12 Wallpapers
12 Music
24 Mini games
30 videos
MY PLAY TIME: Main game: 7 1/2 hrs. Bonus: 45 minutes. No hints. 2 skips.
OVER IMPRESSION:
I'll start by saying if you are sensitive to guns you may not like some of the scenes in this game however nothing gory.
For me this game was... Wow! What an atmospheric, thrilling and engrossing game. I was hooked to this right from the get go and didn't stop playing until I got to the end. I was so into this game. I loved the story line.
I thought the graphics and especially the long cut scenes at the beginning just excellent. I also really liked the characters and voice acting great.
This to me seemed to be more on the adventure/task side than HOS and puzzles for me. It did start out where I was using things pretty much right away or didn't have to travel far but more into the game there was some back tracking (several scenes). I did get a little hung up where to go/do next but didn't take long to figure out and this game was definitely long enough for me. I thought this was great length.
So why 4 stars? Well there was one thing that REALLY annoyed me about this game. It asks me if I want to do the tutorial and I say no but had to take it anyway. Why bother asking if I have to take it anyway? And it was a good 5 minutes long! LOL! Oh and of course for a CE the achievements and collectibles should be there. Yes I know some don't care and that's fine. To each their own but I do care. I love the achievements and collectibles.
Thanks Big Fish for the sale getting it for $8.99 the reason I bought this to begin with and developer for an overall excellent game but do stop the madness with the tutorial and please include achievements/collectibles in your next CE offering.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Jane Austen's: Estate of Affairs
Search for Jane Austen's missing novel and help save the Austen estate from greedy villains!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 36 found this review helpful
An OK Time Passer - Review Of Completed Game
PostedSeptember 10, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
STORY: You take on the role of Jane Austen's niece Christiana and must go to Chawton Village to try and save her estate from the greedy cousins the Binghams who you are at war with to find a missing novel manuscript. Not only do you have to deal with the greedy Bingham's but upon arrival you are greeted by a very mean housekeeper. There is also an untrustworthy neighbor, Richard, with whom you have "history" with.
3 PLAY MODES: All have sparkles and black bar tips. The hardest mode there is no skip for puzzles. You also can't change modes once you start playing. If you want to change have to create a new profile and start again. I tested out all 3 modes during my demo time and didn't see any difference in the amount of sparkles/black bar tips so I ended up playing the easiest mode. HINT/SKIP very quick on easiest mode. The other two takes a bit longer of course. Hint is also directional outside of HOS.
JOURNAL: Holds notes and puzzle clues for some puzzles.
MAP: NO
HOS: There are A LOT of scenes and there are 3 types: Word list not much interaction at all and some you just have to move something, silhouette, and frogs (fragmented pieces). I thought these were well done. The graphics clear here but there were a few that were cleverly hidden. I enjoyed these though I wish they would of been interactive.
PUZZLES: Not too many and the usual run of the mill found in many games. I didn't come across anything new. I did have to skip 1 of these and not because it was too hard but the code key pattern although I entered it correctly didn't work. A glitch here.
MY PLAY TIME: 3 hrs.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I'll start by saying I've heard of Jane Austen and that's my extent of knowing anything about her. I've never read any of her books so whether or not the graphics, characters, voice overs are appropriate or not I'll let you decide especially if you are a fan of her work. Having said this...
I thought the graphics were good as they were nice, crisp and clear for me. I had no problems with them. I also enjoyed the story, liked the characters and voice overs except for Christiana's. Her voice annoyed me. Appropriate or not. She annoyed me.
I didn't find this to be a very challenging game and while there is no map I didn't find it necessary as everything is pretty much used right away or I didn't have to travel too far to use. I wish this would of been just a bit more challenging.
The one thing that really annoyed me about this game is I don't understand why this developer created 3 play modes for this game if they are going to put sparkles/black bar tips on all of them. Just disables the skip for puzzles on the hardest mode. This makes no sense. Please don't do this with your next game offering. Do a custom mode and let us choose what we want and then have it apply to the game.
So overall 3 stars from me. This was worth a punch code coupon for me is how I purchased the game.
Thanks Big Fish and developer for an overall OK time passer game.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
The fate of the magical world is in your hands – free it from evil!
Overall rating
1
/
5
40 of 78 found this review helpful
What A Snooze Fest - Cut This Off - Based on CE Demo
PostedSeptember 6, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
STORY: You take on the role of Jane Lockwood and your mother dies when you were a child and your father disappeared under mysterious circumstances leaving you to be raised by your Aunt. Following her death you learn of the secret that your family has hidden from you for all these years. The fate of a magical world is in your hands and you are the key to freeing Nearwood from an evil magic.
4 CHAPTERS (it only showed the 1st one in the strategy guide in the CE version)
WIDESCREEN: I had to deselect the "wide monitor" in the options section.
VOICE OVERS: YES
3 PLAY MODES: Casual, Normal, Expert. Casual has sparkles and black bar tips. Normal no sparkles but has black bar tips. Expert mode did state hint and map not available. Says nothing about the skip for the puzzles. I played Normal mode. I didn't need the hint but just clicked on it to see what it would do and it is directional and charges up quick along with the skip.
Shortly into the game you get a little helper pointy eared little guy to help you along.
MAP: This is transporter. It does show where you are as the location will "glow" on the map. Red circles are "areas of interest" you can transport back/forth. Blue circles you have to wait for the "teleport" to charge up.
HOS: I only came across one scene find 10 turtles and 10 snails. Also a frog scene (find pieces of items). I had no problems here locating anything.
PUZZLES: I did 3 during the demo. Nothing hard or new here.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
This started off with promise the opening scene of this game but quickly became just way too "cutesy" for my taste. The voice overs I found downright annoying and the little pointy eared guy way too helpful and talked way too much for me. Oh and having to wait for the map to charge up? Are you kidding me? The CE extras nothing to write home about. Finding Snoop-Sees didn't cut it for me as there was really nothing to "find" there as they are in plain site . This was and still is a definite no go for me as I won't be purchasing the SE version here and I definitely won't be buying at the DD price or COTW for $2.99. Oh and if I had a PCC that was about ready to expire well that would just have to expire. I couldn't get away from Nearwood fast enough. Sorry but a definite no go for me. This would definitely cure insomnia. The demo time on this game couldn't end fast enough for me. The most fun I had with it was uninstalling it off my computer. Enough said.
I don't recommend this game.