Rescue_helo's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.2
- Helpful Votes:10,878
- Reviews Submitted:226
- First Review:December 8, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 25, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The hunt for Corwin’s treasure in on and your wife is caught in the middle! Can you save her?
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
A fairly decent, yet simple, easy game
PostedJune 25, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Setting this adventure in the "rustic wild west" might lead you to believe you will encounter cowboys, Apaches or Sioux or Kiowas... and the action would be reminiscent of a John Wayne movie.
Well, none of that ! It's modern time, not 1865.
However, this Corwin's Treasure doesn't shine by its originality.
The tasks you have to perform, like in most games of same genre, are pretty mundane, and one cannot but wonder what on earth they have to do with saving your wife who has been kidnapped and later find a treasure.
Here are a few examples:
- scare a raven by shooting him with a slingshot using a lemon as projectile, so as to force him to drop a tile that you need to solve a puzzle (the bird is high up on a branch)
- use a fishing rod to pick up a nut in a minefield, then use this nut to fix a loose cart wheel
Naturally, more traditional actions are also part of the festivities, like oiling a rusty lever, cleaning a rusty kind of box then using a screwdriver to open it... etc...
For some reason, the devs couldn't resist putting in a little magic in the form of a mayan talisman that opens practically everything, and, at the end of the demo, a kind of shaman with flames coming out of his hands who abruptly vanishes into thin air.
Those of you who are not too fond of HOs will be happy to see there are only a few of them, that they are neat and uncluttered, and that all items are visible.
However, as usual, these items bear no connection with the story or the tasks you have to perform. They are given as shopping lists or silhouettes.
The game is not a puzzle galore; those that are included present no special difficulty hence no particular challenge; one of them, with chess pieces, is a bit more interesting than the others.
Still, I will not detail the others so as not to spoil the element of surprise.
Each location is set in a nice, neat scenery exhibiting a realistic palette of colours, very pleasant, that seems to be slightly altered photos.
A map prevents you from getting lost, but there is no excessive backtracking.
You can choose between four modes of gameplay. If you select "Easy" or "Custom" you can rely upon a generous hint system that recharges fast and guides you effectively.
Although you are given 90 minutes to play the demo, it stops pretty early; I completed it in 30 minutes flat on "Medium" (because I am lazy). This tends to suggest it's probably a short-lived game, even if you play in "Hard" mode.
Not a bad game by any means and kind of refreshing due to the welcomed absence of the too often hashed and re-hashed monsters, ghosts, goblins, skeletons and other merry creatures.
But, it is always a good idea to play the demo. Who knows, you might find it excellent.
Well, none of that ! It's modern time, not 1865.
However, this Corwin's Treasure doesn't shine by its originality.
The tasks you have to perform, like in most games of same genre, are pretty mundane, and one cannot but wonder what on earth they have to do with saving your wife who has been kidnapped and later find a treasure.
Here are a few examples:
- scare a raven by shooting him with a slingshot using a lemon as projectile, so as to force him to drop a tile that you need to solve a puzzle (the bird is high up on a branch)
- use a fishing rod to pick up a nut in a minefield, then use this nut to fix a loose cart wheel
Naturally, more traditional actions are also part of the festivities, like oiling a rusty lever, cleaning a rusty kind of box then using a screwdriver to open it... etc...
For some reason, the devs couldn't resist putting in a little magic in the form of a mayan talisman that opens practically everything, and, at the end of the demo, a kind of shaman with flames coming out of his hands who abruptly vanishes into thin air.
Those of you who are not too fond of HOs will be happy to see there are only a few of them, that they are neat and uncluttered, and that all items are visible.
However, as usual, these items bear no connection with the story or the tasks you have to perform. They are given as shopping lists or silhouettes.
The game is not a puzzle galore; those that are included present no special difficulty hence no particular challenge; one of them, with chess pieces, is a bit more interesting than the others.
Still, I will not detail the others so as not to spoil the element of surprise.
Each location is set in a nice, neat scenery exhibiting a realistic palette of colours, very pleasant, that seems to be slightly altered photos.
A map prevents you from getting lost, but there is no excessive backtracking.
You can choose between four modes of gameplay. If you select "Easy" or "Custom" you can rely upon a generous hint system that recharges fast and guides you effectively.
Although you are given 90 minutes to play the demo, it stops pretty early; I completed it in 30 minutes flat on "Medium" (because I am lazy). This tends to suggest it's probably a short-lived game, even if you play in "Hard" mode.
Not a bad game by any means and kind of refreshing due to the welcomed absence of the too often hashed and re-hashed monsters, ghosts, goblins, skeletons and other merry creatures.
But, it is always a good idea to play the demo. Who knows, you might find it excellent.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the world from an ancient magic?
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Is "weird" becoming the norm ?
PostedJune 24, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Eipix being responsible for developing this game, I believed it would be interesting, and even quite good.
Hard luck, it isn't.
The only two features that stand out are the artwork, well designed, elaborate, professional, and the puzzles, some of which are the result of an effort to innovate.
The rest is not much different from what you have seen in dozens of other games of like genre:
- use a log to ram a closed door
- repair a chair
- fix a candle trimmer with a screw (without a screwdriver)
- clean a jar
etc...
Add to that a number of weird items that you need to find, items that of course do not exist in reality.
And of course, there is always something missing somewhere, or broken, like the pontoon you have to fix, or things that are stuck shut, like the drawer that you have to pry open.
The story seems to be about a lake monster (Nessie ?), but it deviates in unexpected directions with mushrooms, potions, and quite frankly I don't know what else because at that point I quit and uninstalled the game.
You do have HO scenes, naturally; the first one is a shopping list of disparate items that have no connection with the story; the second is a bunch of fragmented objects... that, you guessed it, bear no link with the story either. To make things worse, most items are tiny and hardly visible. Luckily, the hint system is generous if you choose "custom" mode.
And to crown it all, you see a flying woman, and use a pan flute to communicate with animals; at one point you thus "charm" a little mouse into fetching an object that you cannot reach.
What other outlandish inventions has the game in store in subsequent chapters ? I'll never know because, as far as I am concerned, that Under the Surface Myth will remain... under the surface for ever.
I don't mind a bit of fantasy even if that involves a stretch of imagination. But in such heavy doses ? No thanks.
However, you might like this Myth, so don't take my word for it, do play the demo.
Hard luck, it isn't.
The only two features that stand out are the artwork, well designed, elaborate, professional, and the puzzles, some of which are the result of an effort to innovate.
The rest is not much different from what you have seen in dozens of other games of like genre:
- use a log to ram a closed door
- repair a chair
- fix a candle trimmer with a screw (without a screwdriver)
- clean a jar
etc...
Add to that a number of weird items that you need to find, items that of course do not exist in reality.
And of course, there is always something missing somewhere, or broken, like the pontoon you have to fix, or things that are stuck shut, like the drawer that you have to pry open.
The story seems to be about a lake monster (Nessie ?), but it deviates in unexpected directions with mushrooms, potions, and quite frankly I don't know what else because at that point I quit and uninstalled the game.
You do have HO scenes, naturally; the first one is a shopping list of disparate items that have no connection with the story; the second is a bunch of fragmented objects... that, you guessed it, bear no link with the story either. To make things worse, most items are tiny and hardly visible. Luckily, the hint system is generous if you choose "custom" mode.
And to crown it all, you see a flying woman, and use a pan flute to communicate with animals; at one point you thus "charm" a little mouse into fetching an object that you cannot reach.
What other outlandish inventions has the game in store in subsequent chapters ? I'll never know because, as far as I am concerned, that Under the Surface Myth will remain... under the surface for ever.
I don't mind a bit of fantasy even if that involves a stretch of imagination. But in such heavy doses ? No thanks.
However, you might like this Myth, so don't take my word for it, do play the demo.
I don't recommend this game.
It's time to jump back into campsite development. Bart has gotten himself in a predicament and needs your help out of it.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
Interesting little game
PostedJune 24, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Having discovered the Weather Lord series not long ago, I have, surprisingly enough, begun taking interest in TM games and thus decided to try the demo of several new releases.
Campground 3 is my latest exploration in that field, and I must admit quite a positive one.
It's a nice, cute, little game which I played in relax mode, as I hate timers.
Even though Campground does not innovate in any way, being fairly old school and setting tasks that are the mainstay of other games of same genre, it's nevertheless good fun to build tents, trailers, gardens, shrubs, clear paths, upgrades, etc... as well as collecting rent, all of that amidst an artwork environment that is colorful, neat, pleasant to the eye and well conceived.
Of course, reaching all the objectives whithin the time limit (counted in days) requires some kind of strategy that is not necessary in relax mode. So, if you value being in first place on every level, then you'll have to select "timed" mode, a feature that makes TM games more challenging....and even impossible for some.
My exploration was limited to the one hour demo, which means I didn't go that far into the game nor could I evaluate the features that are only available on later levels.
But, based on the little I saw and anticipated, I believe the game becomes more complex as you advance, and hence much more interesting.
I am not enough of a fan of TM games to buy the CE, so I will settle for the SE. Yet, if you fancy 20 bonus levels plus earning trophies and having a strategy guide at hand, you might indeed consider the CE.
But, as always, it's a good idea to play the demo first, so you get a rough idea of what to expect.
Campground 3 is my latest exploration in that field, and I must admit quite a positive one.
It's a nice, cute, little game which I played in relax mode, as I hate timers.
Even though Campground does not innovate in any way, being fairly old school and setting tasks that are the mainstay of other games of same genre, it's nevertheless good fun to build tents, trailers, gardens, shrubs, clear paths, upgrades, etc... as well as collecting rent, all of that amidst an artwork environment that is colorful, neat, pleasant to the eye and well conceived.
Of course, reaching all the objectives whithin the time limit (counted in days) requires some kind of strategy that is not necessary in relax mode. So, if you value being in first place on every level, then you'll have to select "timed" mode, a feature that makes TM games more challenging....and even impossible for some.
My exploration was limited to the one hour demo, which means I didn't go that far into the game nor could I evaluate the features that are only available on later levels.
But, based on the little I saw and anticipated, I believe the game becomes more complex as you advance, and hence much more interesting.
I am not enough of a fan of TM games to buy the CE, so I will settle for the SE. Yet, if you fancy 20 bonus levels plus earning trophies and having a strategy guide at hand, you might indeed consider the CE.
But, as always, it's a good idea to play the demo first, so you get a rough idea of what to expect.
I recommend this game!
Summer Adventure 3
Join Mary and her family on their next puzzle solving summer adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A "great" game that won't wreck your brain...
PostedJune 24, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
And that is an understatement.
I'll be honest: I tried the demo out of pure curiosity.... and fell asleep after twenty minutes.
Not only is this "vacation" utterly simplistic, but it also acts like a sleeping tablet.
Instead of challenging your neurons, it lulls them into a slumber. Some will call it "relaxing", "boring" is a more appropriate term.
First I made the mistake of leaving the music on. In the opening screen, it's a funeral march, then it turns into a very basic, highly repetitive tune that quickly becomes irritating. Nothing joyful that would befit that merry time of the year as it should have.
Although quite neat, the artwork is awfully bland; the background to each HOG never stands out as out of the ordinary, looking more like a juxaposition of amateurish photos.
It's an old school game, very old school; the hidden objects are given as a shopping list of disparate items: feather, safety pin, sea horse....., totally estranged from a summer vacation theme. A few are not even correctly named.
Some are easy to find, others not so much, but the zooming magnifier and hint button will rescue you if you get stuck.
Once a HOG has been completed, you're invited to a Puzzle, so ludicrously easy you can solve it with your eyes closed.
And all of them are also basic and as old as the hills:
- a jigsaw puzzle (about 20 pieces) that you don't even have to rotate
- pipes to be connected to form a path
- identical images, Match 3.... etc...
As for the theme itself, it neither follows the slightest storyline, nor offers some kind of logic: the HOGs turn up without rhyme or reason, and so do the Puzzles.
Boring, unimaginative, overly simplistic are just a few adjectives that characterize this endeavor that seems to have been put together in a rush by a team who is either unable to produce some sort of originality or simply opted for the least possible effort by launching an installment identical to the first two.
Some players will say it is a good game for beginners and children; that may be so, but BFG has plenty of much more interesting, yet simple, similar games like the Park Ranger series, which at least follows a definite and pleasant theme and is not entirely devoid of logic.
I'll be honest: I tried the demo out of pure curiosity.... and fell asleep after twenty minutes.
Not only is this "vacation" utterly simplistic, but it also acts like a sleeping tablet.
Instead of challenging your neurons, it lulls them into a slumber. Some will call it "relaxing", "boring" is a more appropriate term.
First I made the mistake of leaving the music on. In the opening screen, it's a funeral march, then it turns into a very basic, highly repetitive tune that quickly becomes irritating. Nothing joyful that would befit that merry time of the year as it should have.
Although quite neat, the artwork is awfully bland; the background to each HOG never stands out as out of the ordinary, looking more like a juxaposition of amateurish photos.
It's an old school game, very old school; the hidden objects are given as a shopping list of disparate items: feather, safety pin, sea horse....., totally estranged from a summer vacation theme. A few are not even correctly named.
Some are easy to find, others not so much, but the zooming magnifier and hint button will rescue you if you get stuck.
Once a HOG has been completed, you're invited to a Puzzle, so ludicrously easy you can solve it with your eyes closed.
And all of them are also basic and as old as the hills:
- a jigsaw puzzle (about 20 pieces) that you don't even have to rotate
- pipes to be connected to form a path
- identical images, Match 3.... etc...
As for the theme itself, it neither follows the slightest storyline, nor offers some kind of logic: the HOGs turn up without rhyme or reason, and so do the Puzzles.
Boring, unimaginative, overly simplistic are just a few adjectives that characterize this endeavor that seems to have been put together in a rush by a team who is either unable to produce some sort of originality or simply opted for the least possible effort by launching an installment identical to the first two.
Some players will say it is a good game for beginners and children; that may be so, but BFG has plenty of much more interesting, yet simple, similar games like the Park Ranger series, which at least follows a definite and pleasant theme and is not entirely devoid of logic.
I don't recommend this game.
The epic conclusion of an amazing trilogy in Adelantado Trilogy: Book Three, a thrilling Time Management game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A trilogy that should be a "more-logy"
PostedJune 21, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I practically never howl with the wolves, reluctant as I am to award, as some reviewers do, 5 stars to 95% of games, simply because 5 stars mean perfection and no game is perfect.
But I'll make an exception this time and will join the many reviewers who gave the maximum to that Trilogy... although I will in fact restrict it to 4.7 stars...
I completed all three instalments in Relax mode and had a real blast. Now I'll try the other modes.
Being a difficult customer, I can assure you that if I replay a game, that means it is good, very good.
So, like so many other players, I wish the dev team started working on a 4th episode, then a 5th and a 6th.....
However, a few things could be modified, hence my 5 star rating minus 0.3.
Should the devs decide to add an extension, it might be a good idea not to have so many bushes to chop down in every chapter.
Also, setting aside that they are totally anachronistic, the cavemen and the dinosaurs don't make the adventure more interesting. Their only purpose is to slow you down if you play with the timer. Couldn't they be replaced by hostile (indian) tribes attacking the settlements, thus making the spanish undertaking more realistic ?
Each mission follows the same pattern: rescue "n" survivors, send "n" amount of gold, discover territory. I think there is room for improvement here, such as:
- build baracks and have soldiers
- defeat the hostile tribe(s) and convince them to join up (you don't have to kill anyone, just route them)
- diversify the way gold and treasure are found
- explore wilderness step by step, removing the fog as the party advances, in addition to the use of watch towers, totems or altars.
Well, just a few ideas.
As is, the game still has a lot of unexploited potential, and if the devs do set their minds to making it better, more comprehensive, they would most certainly come up with a much stronger adventure much alike non-casual games that have proved themselves many times in the past, as well as a huge hit and even the Game of the Year.
Other than that, the rest is just fine. The two quests in # 2 make a good addition as well as implementing an interesting diversion from constructing the various buildings necessary to complete each mission.
Even with its minor imperfections, the Trilogy remains one of the best casual games ever produced, and I can only heartily recommend it.
PS: As we don't have ratings between 4 and 5, I am giving it 5 stars.
But I'll make an exception this time and will join the many reviewers who gave the maximum to that Trilogy... although I will in fact restrict it to 4.7 stars...
I completed all three instalments in Relax mode and had a real blast. Now I'll try the other modes.
Being a difficult customer, I can assure you that if I replay a game, that means it is good, very good.
So, like so many other players, I wish the dev team started working on a 4th episode, then a 5th and a 6th.....
However, a few things could be modified, hence my 5 star rating minus 0.3.
Should the devs decide to add an extension, it might be a good idea not to have so many bushes to chop down in every chapter.
Also, setting aside that they are totally anachronistic, the cavemen and the dinosaurs don't make the adventure more interesting. Their only purpose is to slow you down if you play with the timer. Couldn't they be replaced by hostile (indian) tribes attacking the settlements, thus making the spanish undertaking more realistic ?
Each mission follows the same pattern: rescue "n" survivors, send "n" amount of gold, discover territory. I think there is room for improvement here, such as:
- build baracks and have soldiers
- defeat the hostile tribe(s) and convince them to join up (you don't have to kill anyone, just route them)
- diversify the way gold and treasure are found
- explore wilderness step by step, removing the fog as the party advances, in addition to the use of watch towers, totems or altars.
Well, just a few ideas.
As is, the game still has a lot of unexploited potential, and if the devs do set their minds to making it better, more comprehensive, they would most certainly come up with a much stronger adventure much alike non-casual games that have proved themselves many times in the past, as well as a huge hit and even the Game of the Year.
Other than that, the rest is just fine. The two quests in # 2 make a good addition as well as implementing an interesting diversion from constructing the various buildings necessary to complete each mission.
Even with its minor imperfections, the Trilogy remains one of the best casual games ever produced, and I can only heartily recommend it.
PS: As we don't have ratings between 4 and 5, I am giving it 5 stars.
I recommend this game!
Jason and his friend Hercules are tasked with finding the Golden Fleece, but their adventure is becoming more and more dangerous.
Overall rating
1
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Is this a game or a joke ?
PostedJune 21, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Putting into practice my new philosophy of probing genres that I neglected in the past, I discovered some really nice games like the Adelantado Trilogy and the Weather Lord series, which I bought, enjoyed and recommend.
But not all games are that good, and the 12 Labors or Hercules is one of the worst I have tried.
My first impression was that of a huge surprise when I looked at the artwork in total disbelief: it's positively ghastly. It resembles nothing. As if some desperate 12 year old had been burdened by an art project that he could not tackle succesfully.
The environment is some kind of convoluted and outlandish underground with dead trees that look like cinnamon sticks, giant mushrooms, hanging wooden boards and huge baskets (also hanging).
You would have expected some greek theme, since, after all, it's the 12 Labors of Hercules, but no: in addition to the settings that are as far from Greek mythology as the Andromeda galaxy is from Earth, the workers are dressed as US modern sailors, and food (which you need to collect) looks like swiss cheese.
Tasks are simple, unchallenging, uninteresting, boring and devoid of the slightest originality. In fact they are the exact replica of what you get in most other TM games: pick berries, collect wood, fix this, fix that..... one level after another.
And while the sailors/workers are busy running all over the place, our Hercules is twiddling his thumbs with a huge smile on his face.
I realize that some reviewers who generously award 4 or 5 stars to 90 % of the games they try or play will no doubt find this account of mine quite harsh.
But when you are used to much better games and are ready to fork out $ 6.99 or more (multipled by the number of games you really want to have) for your entertainment, you are entitled to not only single out those that don't meet reasonable standards but also warn potential buyers that some of them, which are far below such standards, are best avoided.
These so called 12 Labors is one of them.
But not all games are that good, and the 12 Labors or Hercules is one of the worst I have tried.
My first impression was that of a huge surprise when I looked at the artwork in total disbelief: it's positively ghastly. It resembles nothing. As if some desperate 12 year old had been burdened by an art project that he could not tackle succesfully.
The environment is some kind of convoluted and outlandish underground with dead trees that look like cinnamon sticks, giant mushrooms, hanging wooden boards and huge baskets (also hanging).
You would have expected some greek theme, since, after all, it's the 12 Labors of Hercules, but no: in addition to the settings that are as far from Greek mythology as the Andromeda galaxy is from Earth, the workers are dressed as US modern sailors, and food (which you need to collect) looks like swiss cheese.
Tasks are simple, unchallenging, uninteresting, boring and devoid of the slightest originality. In fact they are the exact replica of what you get in most other TM games: pick berries, collect wood, fix this, fix that..... one level after another.
And while the sailors/workers are busy running all over the place, our Hercules is twiddling his thumbs with a huge smile on his face.
I realize that some reviewers who generously award 4 or 5 stars to 90 % of the games they try or play will no doubt find this account of mine quite harsh.
But when you are used to much better games and are ready to fork out $ 6.99 or more (multipled by the number of games you really want to have) for your entertainment, you are entitled to not only single out those that don't meet reasonable standards but also warn potential buyers that some of them, which are far below such standards, are best avoided.
These so called 12 Labors is one of them.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you help people escape their magical prisons in time?
Overall rating
1
/
5
16 of 28 found this review helpful
What...was...that ?
PostedJune 20, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I played part of the demo and gave up half way through to get an aspirin.
The game, if you can call it that, is all over the place, with frequent interruptions by cutscenes that don't make much sense, since it is based on the weirdest and most uninteresting story given to man and which I am still trying to figure out.
The classic gameplay tasks you to find items you need to advance, you know... like keys, tweezers. But as it is supposed to be a fairy tale you also get objects just as weird as the story itself.
In the absence of any logic, you scratch your head wandering what to do next and why you should do what the hint (which you called to your rescue) tells you to do.
And did I use those hints !!! Oh boy !
What about the puzzles ? Could they be a redeeming factor ? Not quite. First off you don't have many. Second they are ridiculously easy. And third, the consequence: boring, unchallenging.
The linearity of the requested actions, as well as their downright bizarre nature, simply adds to the general boredom and dismay. The majority of the game is a succession of HO scenes, which, although not cluttered, do not shine by their brilliance.
In spite of a colorful artwork, everything that is depicted makes you feel you have fallen into a world of total discontinuity (after indulging in too many hallucinogenic mushrooms), an imaginary place that is neither friendly nor pleasant.
I know it is difficult to make new games full of originality, but this one misses the mark by a few light years.
Needless to say that my sole recommendation is that you try the demo.
The game, if you can call it that, is all over the place, with frequent interruptions by cutscenes that don't make much sense, since it is based on the weirdest and most uninteresting story given to man and which I am still trying to figure out.
The classic gameplay tasks you to find items you need to advance, you know... like keys, tweezers. But as it is supposed to be a fairy tale you also get objects just as weird as the story itself.
In the absence of any logic, you scratch your head wandering what to do next and why you should do what the hint (which you called to your rescue) tells you to do.
And did I use those hints !!! Oh boy !
What about the puzzles ? Could they be a redeeming factor ? Not quite. First off you don't have many. Second they are ridiculously easy. And third, the consequence: boring, unchallenging.
The linearity of the requested actions, as well as their downright bizarre nature, simply adds to the general boredom and dismay. The majority of the game is a succession of HO scenes, which, although not cluttered, do not shine by their brilliance.
In spite of a colorful artwork, everything that is depicted makes you feel you have fallen into a world of total discontinuity (after indulging in too many hallucinogenic mushrooms), an imaginary place that is neither friendly nor pleasant.
I know it is difficult to make new games full of originality, but this one misses the mark by a few light years.
Needless to say that my sole recommendation is that you try the demo.
I don't recommend this game.
Team up with fantastic characters and complete challenging solitaire puzzles.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Nothing wrong with this game !
PostedJune 16, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Yes, it's not an easy solitaire.
Yes, it's challenging, more so than a few I have played.
Yes, power-ups are limited and costly. You will have to replay a particular level two or three times to get a "perfect". But how interesting would the game be if you could just breeze your way along with a huge number of cheap aids and get to the end in a jiffy ?
Yes, the music is very, very nice. Whoever composed it came up with a score that beats the boring melodies you usually get in most games, and which I always simply mute not to be disturbed. This time I didn't, and I enjoyed it.
Yes, the artwork tends to be a bit confused, albeit colorful and well conceived, but it doesn't take long to get used to it.
Any fan of good solitaires will tell you this Snow White is not only charming, it's also among the best.
Do play the demo, regardless of the negative reviews, if only to enjoy the beautiful music for a whole hour.
You might be pleasantly surprised.
Yes, it's challenging, more so than a few I have played.
Yes, power-ups are limited and costly. You will have to replay a particular level two or three times to get a "perfect". But how interesting would the game be if you could just breeze your way along with a huge number of cheap aids and get to the end in a jiffy ?
Yes, the music is very, very nice. Whoever composed it came up with a score that beats the boring melodies you usually get in most games, and which I always simply mute not to be disturbed. This time I didn't, and I enjoyed it.
Yes, the artwork tends to be a bit confused, albeit colorful and well conceived, but it doesn't take long to get used to it.
Any fan of good solitaires will tell you this Snow White is not only charming, it's also among the best.
Do play the demo, regardless of the negative reviews, if only to enjoy the beautiful music for a whole hour.
You might be pleasantly surprised.
I recommend this game!
There is a shadow hanging over New York City and time is running out.
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Another enjoyable NY Mystery
PostedJune 9, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have just completed The Outbreak (CE) and even though I haven't been in the least disappointed I found it a bit inferior to "High Voltage" and "Secrets of the Mafia".
Yet, it is good enough to warrant a solid 4 star rating.
So what's my beef ?
First, everything is under lock and key. That means.... a lot of keys.
Second, the development of the story is predictable, thus eliminating the element of suspense that keeps you on your toes and adds to the quality of the plot. It also based on the old theme of a disease that has to be stopped; not exactly a novelty.
Third, even though you do find more logic in the New York series than in most other games, there still come a couple of moments when you stop and ask yourself "does that really add up ?"
But we all know we live in an imperfect world...
Other than that, the rest is fine.
No stupid junk pile as HOGs (thank you devs); they are interactive, and pleasant to tackle even for someone like me who doesn't like HOGs.
My priority is to always focus on puzzles. The Outbreak has a lot of clever ones, that do require some thinking without ever driving you to such despair that you decide to throw in the towel. They range from easy to moderate.
Tasks are clear, hopping from scene to scene is fairly straightforward and you shouldn't get lost nor will you scratch you head trying to figure out what to do next. Hints are there to help anyway.
The artwork is great, nicely on the retro side, very clear, well drafted.
The pleasant animations and cutscenes reinforce the story very nicely with a satisfactory dose of realism.
I am not much into morphing thinggies or collectibles; I bought the CE for the bonus chapter (highly enjoyable) and to replay some of the puzzles.
All in all, a very nice game to add to your collection; getting the CE is not a waste of money, but if you're on a budget, the SE will be a good alternative, as the game is not tough enough to justify continuously having to refer to the Strategy Guide, save maybe in the unlikely event one of the puzzles stumps you.
And of course.... do play the demo.
Yet, it is good enough to warrant a solid 4 star rating.
So what's my beef ?
First, everything is under lock and key. That means.... a lot of keys.
Second, the development of the story is predictable, thus eliminating the element of suspense that keeps you on your toes and adds to the quality of the plot. It also based on the old theme of a disease that has to be stopped; not exactly a novelty.
Third, even though you do find more logic in the New York series than in most other games, there still come a couple of moments when you stop and ask yourself "does that really add up ?"
But we all know we live in an imperfect world...
Other than that, the rest is fine.
No stupid junk pile as HOGs (thank you devs); they are interactive, and pleasant to tackle even for someone like me who doesn't like HOGs.
My priority is to always focus on puzzles. The Outbreak has a lot of clever ones, that do require some thinking without ever driving you to such despair that you decide to throw in the towel. They range from easy to moderate.
Tasks are clear, hopping from scene to scene is fairly straightforward and you shouldn't get lost nor will you scratch you head trying to figure out what to do next. Hints are there to help anyway.
The artwork is great, nicely on the retro side, very clear, well drafted.
The pleasant animations and cutscenes reinforce the story very nicely with a satisfactory dose of realism.
I am not much into morphing thinggies or collectibles; I bought the CE for the bonus chapter (highly enjoyable) and to replay some of the puzzles.
All in all, a very nice game to add to your collection; getting the CE is not a waste of money, but if you're on a budget, the SE will be a good alternative, as the game is not tough enough to justify continuously having to refer to the Strategy Guide, save maybe in the unlikely event one of the puzzles stumps you.
And of course.... do play the demo.
I recommend this game!
Can you protect the Buried Kingdom from a dangerous supernatural foe?
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 19 found this review helpful
Dragons, skeletons (yes, again) and trinkets
PostedJune 9, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The very first image that appears on screen tries to set the tone: a skeleton playing the harp... followed by dramatic music meant to chill your spine.
Amusing !
Then, aboard a sailing ship you fall into an abyss, come out unscathed and find yourself in a land of fantasy.
Nothing extraordinary in all that; we've seen this kind of thing in dozens of other games.
And the rest is on par, devoid of novelty, lacking originality, and without a spark of logic. But in a world that doesn't exist, anything goes.
Tasks are clearly defined and require the use of chimerical items that you have no problem finding, such as sharp dragon teeth, magical mirrors, a type of mushroom....well, trinkets everyone uses daily.... next to more modern ones: pliers, twizzers....
HOGs are few and far between, (that's a good thing), uncluttered, easy to solve.
Puzzles and minigames are also easy, so easy that it's unlikely you will skip any.
I didn't care much about the story or the cutscenes or the music or the voice-overs (I am more interested in good puzzles), so I will leave that to your appreciation.
But I rather liked the artwork, bright, colorful, cleverly drafted, even though some scenes tend to be somewhat overloaded.
Despite the obvious lack of imagination that went into the making of this game, its features will probably appeal to fantasy lovers, beginners and players who want something simple and relaxing
As seasoned players, however, might find this game rather disappointing, an unconditional recommendation would be misleading.
But wisdom dictates that you first play the demo.
Amusing !
Then, aboard a sailing ship you fall into an abyss, come out unscathed and find yourself in a land of fantasy.
Nothing extraordinary in all that; we've seen this kind of thing in dozens of other games.
And the rest is on par, devoid of novelty, lacking originality, and without a spark of logic. But in a world that doesn't exist, anything goes.
Tasks are clearly defined and require the use of chimerical items that you have no problem finding, such as sharp dragon teeth, magical mirrors, a type of mushroom....well, trinkets everyone uses daily.... next to more modern ones: pliers, twizzers....
HOGs are few and far between, (that's a good thing), uncluttered, easy to solve.
Puzzles and minigames are also easy, so easy that it's unlikely you will skip any.
I didn't care much about the story or the cutscenes or the music or the voice-overs (I am more interested in good puzzles), so I will leave that to your appreciation.
But I rather liked the artwork, bright, colorful, cleverly drafted, even though some scenes tend to be somewhat overloaded.
Despite the obvious lack of imagination that went into the making of this game, its features will probably appeal to fantasy lovers, beginners and players who want something simple and relaxing
As seasoned players, however, might find this game rather disappointing, an unconditional recommendation would be misleading.
But wisdom dictates that you first play the demo.
I don't recommend this game.