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:
Mystery Case Files®: Escape from Ravenhearst™ Collector's Edition
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
Not as awful as Hannibal.... but....
PostedDecember 31, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Syberia
(55)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Oh dear, oh dear, what happened to the Ravenhearst series ? I loved the first two so much ! Yes, this one is a thriller alright, but with several disturbing scenes that are borderline to being unhealthy.
You need to be a fan of horror movies, derelict hospitals, sinister morgues and 19th C asylums to really appreciate this third installment....I do not fall into this category.
Technically speaking, the game is brilliant. The intro and cutscenes are worthy of a professional movie, the voice-overs are flawless, the graphics perfect. This deserves 5 stars.
Unfortunately:
- I quit the demo after 31 mns due to the too many Morphing Objects Scenes I had to play. This is a new trend that consists in replacing the traditional HOS by one in which objects change shapes. I am not too keen on HO Scenes already, a MOS even less...in fact not at all.
- I did not have a single chance to try one of the puzzles, so I cannot bear an accurate judgement on the challenge level, but knowing the other MCF games, I take it is very high, at least quite good.
- I feel frustrated because I will never get to play an adventure that could otherwise been a great experience had it been less shocking
Perfect technique is not sufficient to take my fun up to high levels, and excessive horror brings it down to nil.
And this deserves 1 star.
Recommended to only a minority of players. Not recommended to younger players, hypersensitive persons and those who are horrified.... by horror.
Note: Hannibal - the movie by Ridley Scott with Anthony Hopkins and Judie Foster
You need to be a fan of horror movies, derelict hospitals, sinister morgues and 19th C asylums to really appreciate this third installment....I do not fall into this category.
Technically speaking, the game is brilliant. The intro and cutscenes are worthy of a professional movie, the voice-overs are flawless, the graphics perfect. This deserves 5 stars.
Unfortunately:
- I quit the demo after 31 mns due to the too many Morphing Objects Scenes I had to play. This is a new trend that consists in replacing the traditional HOS by one in which objects change shapes. I am not too keen on HO Scenes already, a MOS even less...in fact not at all.
- I did not have a single chance to try one of the puzzles, so I cannot bear an accurate judgement on the challenge level, but knowing the other MCF games, I take it is very high, at least quite good.
- I feel frustrated because I will never get to play an adventure that could otherwise been a great experience had it been less shocking
Perfect technique is not sufficient to take my fun up to high levels, and excessive horror brings it down to nil.
And this deserves 1 star.
Recommended to only a minority of players. Not recommended to younger players, hypersensitive persons and those who are horrified.... by horror.
Note: Hannibal - the movie by Ridley Scott with Anthony Hopkins and Judie Foster
I don't recommend this game.
Lost Lagoon 2: Cursed & Forgotten
After waking up on a mysterious island you find yourself cursed by powers beyond your understanding. Escape from the island before it’s too late!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 48 found this review helpful
Back in the Tropics
PostedDecember 31, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a second installment of the same vein as Lost Lagoon 1.
The heroine on her sailing boat discovers an island. Suddenly something mysterious happens to her and she wakes up on a beach before being thrown into a pit by the natives, who, apparently, want to either sacrifice her or turn her into a juicy stew, well we don't know...either way the idea is to just get out and probably solve the mystery.
The tropical scenery is well rendered, simply but with neat hand drawn and highly colorful graphics.
The intro is simple too but not bad at all and backed up by tribal music. Later the in-game soundtrack is quite nice and appropriate to the idylllic atmosphere of a place by Latitude 10 Degrees (or so).
The cutscenes are of similar quality.
The voice-over is quite natural, the comments well-worded and the heroine's voice very feminine and most pleasant.
As the game is partly an adventure, you have useful items to find and tasks to perform. No difficulty here, everything is starighforward and linear.
Puzzles come up every now and then, not all devoid of originality, and on the whole not difficult. Some are bit more interesting and challenging than others.
All this could have been the premise to a captivating adventure had it not been spoiled by the HO Scenes.
First there are too many of them. Then, they are all junkpiles. The funny thing is that the developers had enough sense of humor to admit it indirectly: as HO Scene #1 starts off, you hear the heroine say, I quote: "What a mess ! I hope there's something useful in all this trash". End of quote.
Consequently, and naturally, many HOs are hard to spot and all are irrelevant to the story.
I noted a few weird and funny things as I played the demo. One relates to the useful items and artifacts and how you obtain a few of them. The other concerns the HO Scenes: for instance, you see artist's paintbrushes.... on an island inhabited by primitive tribes. LOL They probably ate more than one tourist before...
That said all HO Scenes are interactive; HOs are given in the form of lists when the scene is full screen, as black silhouettes in a pop up window, the size of which doesn't make the search any easier.
Hints are generous with HO Scenes on the easier of the two Modes, recharge fast, and also show you what to do next if there's something to do, else they just indicate that...."there is nothing to do in this location".
Misclicking too often causes a temporary deconnection of the cursor. That doesn't last long though.
I am not sure of how enthralling the storyline is, nor how long the game lasts; if it has as many chapters as it predecessor gamelength should be decent.
To conclude, I would say that this game is perfect for younger players and HO lovers who want a bit of adventure. For gamers like me, who prefer true adventures and a good level of challenge, this Lost Lagoon #2 is basically fine for a rainy day if there is nothing on TV and belongs to the 3 or 3.2 star category.
The heroine on her sailing boat discovers an island. Suddenly something mysterious happens to her and she wakes up on a beach before being thrown into a pit by the natives, who, apparently, want to either sacrifice her or turn her into a juicy stew, well we don't know...either way the idea is to just get out and probably solve the mystery.
The tropical scenery is well rendered, simply but with neat hand drawn and highly colorful graphics.
The intro is simple too but not bad at all and backed up by tribal music. Later the in-game soundtrack is quite nice and appropriate to the idylllic atmosphere of a place by Latitude 10 Degrees (or so).
The cutscenes are of similar quality.
The voice-over is quite natural, the comments well-worded and the heroine's voice very feminine and most pleasant.
As the game is partly an adventure, you have useful items to find and tasks to perform. No difficulty here, everything is starighforward and linear.
Puzzles come up every now and then, not all devoid of originality, and on the whole not difficult. Some are bit more interesting and challenging than others.
All this could have been the premise to a captivating adventure had it not been spoiled by the HO Scenes.
First there are too many of them. Then, they are all junkpiles. The funny thing is that the developers had enough sense of humor to admit it indirectly: as HO Scene #1 starts off, you hear the heroine say, I quote: "What a mess ! I hope there's something useful in all this trash". End of quote.
Consequently, and naturally, many HOs are hard to spot and all are irrelevant to the story.
I noted a few weird and funny things as I played the demo. One relates to the useful items and artifacts and how you obtain a few of them. The other concerns the HO Scenes: for instance, you see artist's paintbrushes.... on an island inhabited by primitive tribes. LOL They probably ate more than one tourist before...
That said all HO Scenes are interactive; HOs are given in the form of lists when the scene is full screen, as black silhouettes in a pop up window, the size of which doesn't make the search any easier.
Hints are generous with HO Scenes on the easier of the two Modes, recharge fast, and also show you what to do next if there's something to do, else they just indicate that...."there is nothing to do in this location".
Misclicking too often causes a temporary deconnection of the cursor. That doesn't last long though.
I am not sure of how enthralling the storyline is, nor how long the game lasts; if it has as many chapters as it predecessor gamelength should be decent.
To conclude, I would say that this game is perfect for younger players and HO lovers who want a bit of adventure. For gamers like me, who prefer true adventures and a good level of challenge, this Lost Lagoon #2 is basically fine for a rainy day if there is nothing on TV and belongs to the 3 or 3.2 star category.
I recommend this game!
Charlaine Harris: Dying for Daylight
Enter a vampire world as Dahlia, a vampire with a fantastic sense of fashion and a razor-sharp wit! Find the legendary sun potion!
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 105 found this review helpful
One of the Best Games I've Come Across
PostedDecember 30, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This game is good, very good, this game is fun, lots of fun, this game is permanent enjoyment from the very first scene. So, a vampire story ? Again ? Yes, but this one doesn't really take itself seriously.
The characters, starting with Dahlia, are colorful, picturesque, witty. There is an overall and omnipresent sense of humor that keeps spicing up the adventure, either overtly or transpiring through small details here and there. The dialogues, well worded, pertinent, incisive and funny, are worth not being skipped.
Quite a bit of imagination, too, from the developers, even though the substructure is fairly classical.
The minigames are original and fun to play, the puzzles entertaining and not difficult, even though the game is not loaded with them, but this is largely compensated by the rest.
Each HOS is manageable without getting a headache (unlike in some other games) and they, too, are fun in spite of a hint system which, I agree, is a bit vague.
With a pretty solid storyline based on a very original idea, the game takes you on a quest for a sun lotion amidst a war between vampires.
But rest assured, although blood comes up often there is nothing gory about it all.
Spooky ? Yes. In the right amount. Morbid ? No, and that's a performance nowadays.
Bouncing back and forth from location to location is no hassle thanks to the map; just click where you need to go, another nice feature that you don't find in many HOGs; they all force you to backtrack anyway but not often the easy way.
The song in the intro is surprisingly good for a game.
You don't have to be a fan of Charlaine Harris to enjoy Dying for Daylight, you only need to like good games. As for me not only am I going to start probing her books, but I am also definitely buying the game - as this review is based on the demo.
Needless to say that I am already looking forward to Chapter 2 as soon as it is released, since this first installment contains only the first 4 Episodes [which, by the way explains why the game is shorter than one would expect].
A well deserved 5 star rating from me.
The characters, starting with Dahlia, are colorful, picturesque, witty. There is an overall and omnipresent sense of humor that keeps spicing up the adventure, either overtly or transpiring through small details here and there. The dialogues, well worded, pertinent, incisive and funny, are worth not being skipped.
Quite a bit of imagination, too, from the developers, even though the substructure is fairly classical.
The minigames are original and fun to play, the puzzles entertaining and not difficult, even though the game is not loaded with them, but this is largely compensated by the rest.
Each HOS is manageable without getting a headache (unlike in some other games) and they, too, are fun in spite of a hint system which, I agree, is a bit vague.
With a pretty solid storyline based on a very original idea, the game takes you on a quest for a sun lotion amidst a war between vampires.
But rest assured, although blood comes up often there is nothing gory about it all.
Spooky ? Yes. In the right amount. Morbid ? No, and that's a performance nowadays.
Bouncing back and forth from location to location is no hassle thanks to the map; just click where you need to go, another nice feature that you don't find in many HOGs; they all force you to backtrack anyway but not often the easy way.
The song in the intro is surprisingly good for a game.
You don't have to be a fan of Charlaine Harris to enjoy Dying for Daylight, you only need to like good games. As for me not only am I going to start probing her books, but I am also definitely buying the game - as this review is based on the demo.
Needless to say that I am already looking forward to Chapter 2 as soon as it is released, since this first installment contains only the first 4 Episodes [which, by the way explains why the game is shorter than one would expect].
A well deserved 5 star rating from me.
I recommend this game!
The Missing: A Search and Rescue Mystery Collector's Edition
A group of college students have gone missing from a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. You are called in to rescue them, but nothing is as it seems.
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Immersive and Different
PostedDecember 29, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Quickly summed up:
Great intro movie, very good music, surprisingly clear and realistic locales, neat HO Scenes, HOs easy to find, friendly Hint System, many tasks to accomplish, not much backtracking, good puzzles, clear objectives, map showing your current location, heavy atmosphere rendered successfully, several features different from those we find in other games.
However, no voice-over and a storyline that unfolds well but seems to have a weirdish ending; but I only played the demo.
Perhaps the Bonus Chapter offers a better conclusion.
4.5 stars [rounded up to 5]
Great intro movie, very good music, surprisingly clear and realistic locales, neat HO Scenes, HOs easy to find, friendly Hint System, many tasks to accomplish, not much backtracking, good puzzles, clear objectives, map showing your current location, heavy atmosphere rendered successfully, several features different from those we find in other games.
However, no voice-over and a storyline that unfolds well but seems to have a weirdish ending; but I only played the demo.
Perhaps the Bonus Chapter offers a better conclusion.
4.5 stars [rounded up to 5]
I recommend this game!
The Missing: A Search and Rescue Mystery
A group of college students have gone missing from a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. You are called in to rescue them, but nothing is as it seems.
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 54 found this review helpful
Off the Beaten Tracks, very Immersive
PostedDecember 29, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
There isn't one single thing I didn't like while playing the demo.
After a great intro movie backed up by a very good music score, I was surprised by the scenery. So clear, so neat, so realistic. I believe they are actual photos. They convey a heavy, mysterious atmosphere very successfully.
A nice change from hand-drawn graphics because photos give you a different overall impression, closer to a FPS than the casual games we are used to.
The HO Scenes are neat enough for you to find the items without difficulty, misclicking entails no penalty and Hints refill fast on the easier of the 2 Modes.
What I saw of the puzzles seemed to me quite interesting with a good level of challenge.
Tasks are not difficult to accomplish, useful items easy to find, there isn't to much bouncing from location to location, you have a map, and the objectives are clearly stated in the journal.
Unfortunately there is no voice-over.
I can guess what the storyline is about and if I am right then it is a bit weird. But that, too, can be easily overlooked because this blend of adventure/HOS is quite interesting with several features that I didn't find in the other games I played [and I play a lot]
Playtime should be long with 9 chapters for the main game plus a Bonus Chapter in the CE.
It seems to me, in view of the little response it has received so far, that this game has been overlooked to the benefit of several -often overrated- latest releases. The Missing deserves a better chance and a good rating. 4.5 stars [rounded up to 5]
After a great intro movie backed up by a very good music score, I was surprised by the scenery. So clear, so neat, so realistic. I believe they are actual photos. They convey a heavy, mysterious atmosphere very successfully.
A nice change from hand-drawn graphics because photos give you a different overall impression, closer to a FPS than the casual games we are used to.
The HO Scenes are neat enough for you to find the items without difficulty, misclicking entails no penalty and Hints refill fast on the easier of the 2 Modes.
What I saw of the puzzles seemed to me quite interesting with a good level of challenge.
Tasks are not difficult to accomplish, useful items easy to find, there isn't to much bouncing from location to location, you have a map, and the objectives are clearly stated in the journal.
Unfortunately there is no voice-over.
I can guess what the storyline is about and if I am right then it is a bit weird. But that, too, can be easily overlooked because this blend of adventure/HOS is quite interesting with several features that I didn't find in the other games I played [and I play a lot]
Playtime should be long with 9 chapters for the main game plus a Bonus Chapter in the CE.
It seems to me, in view of the little response it has received so far, that this game has been overlooked to the benefit of several -often overrated- latest releases. The Missing deserves a better chance and a good rating. 4.5 stars [rounded up to 5]
I recommend this game!
The Dragon Dance
In a quest to fulfill his father’s wish, Edward has started an incredible journey to discover the Dragon Dance treasure.
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
A game that pins you down
PostedDecember 29, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I am extremely interested in the History of Ancient China, its legends, its philosophy and chinese characters [writing] fascinate me. No wonder then if I jumped on the demo of Dragon Dance as it was offered on the Daily Deal.
Much to my disappointment.
The game has potential and could have certainly been a better one had it been developed differently and polished.
I liked the locations, though; for once they are very neat - I take it they are actual photos - and tidy, which makes HO finding easier on the whole, except when the scene is very dark and you have a Bed Bug to find !
Unfortunately the game mechanics are awkward, the hint system unfriendly, the inventory items have no label, the linearity is very high, and you cannot exit a HOS.
I have no idea whether it's due to a glitch but I never managed to locate the solvent needed to decypher the writings on the back of a carpet. It's nowhere to be found. I got stranded in China, stuck for the first time in my life as a gamer. Amusing.
The story - involving a dragon...of course, we are in China - doesn't seem particularly gripping and the tasks are not exactly exciting.
Difficult to give the game more than 2 stars as it is.
Much to my disappointment.
The game has potential and could have certainly been a better one had it been developed differently and polished.
I liked the locations, though; for once they are very neat - I take it they are actual photos - and tidy, which makes HO finding easier on the whole, except when the scene is very dark and you have a Bed Bug to find !
Unfortunately the game mechanics are awkward, the hint system unfriendly, the inventory items have no label, the linearity is very high, and you cannot exit a HOS.
I have no idea whether it's due to a glitch but I never managed to locate the solvent needed to decypher the writings on the back of a carpet. It's nowhere to be found. I got stranded in China, stuck for the first time in my life as a gamer. Amusing.
The story - involving a dragon...of course, we are in China - doesn't seem particularly gripping and the tasks are not exactly exciting.
Difficult to give the game more than 2 stars as it is.
I don't recommend this game.
Shadow Wolf Mysteries: Bane of the Family Collector's Edition
Return to the De la Fer estate to help the count unravel the curse that has been passed down through his family!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 24 found this review helpful
Just a nice little game....
PostedDecember 29, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
When you have wolves and a curse you can be sure you automatically have... werewolves. That's what this game is all about, or so it seems.
After a brief intro movie that is sort of creepy and an eery music, a simple cutscene introduces you to the story which, like the rest of the game, is rather simple. An effort has been made to offer us voice-overs that sound natural.
The artwork is splendid, neatly drawn, nicely colored, very artistic.
The in-game music, though not disturbing, is repetitive and boring. Besides, one of the tracks has already been used elsewhere.
The HO Scenes are a bit of a clutter but they're neat enough to find most HOs without despair. Some are interactive, others not.
Hints do not recharge very fast, but you can click as much as you like without being penalized.
It's easy to hunt the useful items in this game, and putting them to use doesn't require a genius's IQ either.
Same thing for the puzzles; no difficulty. But there are not many of them as the emphasis has been placed on item-hunting
No map necessary as navigation is straightforward, the linearity being high.
Add to that 3 Difficulty Modes and a widescreen option.
Strangely enough I didn't see a Bonus Chapter in the Extras. The SG gives access to the first 4 chapters which can be completed fairly quickly, judging by the point where I got to at the end of the demo.
There is no indication as to whether the game has more than just 4 chapters.
Overall, a straightforward search-and-find "adventure", not much different from Curse of the Full Moon, lacking originality and minigames but pleasant to play. It will probably seduce many werewolf fans, younger players or anyone looking for something simple.
I am not sure the CE is worth the extra money; just wait for the SE....and see. [what a bad pun ! LOL]
After a brief intro movie that is sort of creepy and an eery music, a simple cutscene introduces you to the story which, like the rest of the game, is rather simple. An effort has been made to offer us voice-overs that sound natural.
The artwork is splendid, neatly drawn, nicely colored, very artistic.
The in-game music, though not disturbing, is repetitive and boring. Besides, one of the tracks has already been used elsewhere.
The HO Scenes are a bit of a clutter but they're neat enough to find most HOs without despair. Some are interactive, others not.
Hints do not recharge very fast, but you can click as much as you like without being penalized.
It's easy to hunt the useful items in this game, and putting them to use doesn't require a genius's IQ either.
Same thing for the puzzles; no difficulty. But there are not many of them as the emphasis has been placed on item-hunting
No map necessary as navigation is straightforward, the linearity being high.
Add to that 3 Difficulty Modes and a widescreen option.
Strangely enough I didn't see a Bonus Chapter in the Extras. The SG gives access to the first 4 chapters which can be completed fairly quickly, judging by the point where I got to at the end of the demo.
There is no indication as to whether the game has more than just 4 chapters.
Overall, a straightforward search-and-find "adventure", not much different from Curse of the Full Moon, lacking originality and minigames but pleasant to play. It will probably seduce many werewolf fans, younger players or anyone looking for something simple.
I am not sure the CE is worth the extra money; just wait for the SE....and see. [what a bad pun ! LOL]
I recommend this game!
Vampires Vs Zombies
Control vampire forces to fight back a zombie invasion in Vampires vs. Zombies, a zany Time Management game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
145 of 191 found this review helpful
Hilarious, Unusual and yes.. Totally Zany
PostedDecember 28, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I've never liked TMG's very much, having tried more than a few and found them all extremely boring., Until today. Vampires vs Zombies is the exception.
At last, a game that presents novelty although based on a classical concept.
Don't skip the Intro. It's zany, yes, and hilarious. So are the cutscenes and the graphics.
The characters are so well thought out ! Take a good look at the horse...too funny.
The game mechanics are such that in spite of the dexterity you will need in your clicking, the frenzy is well balanced and the actions you will have to perform well timed.
The objectives are not too difficult to achieve although the difficulty increases with each level. The timer is not as strict as in other games of like genre, but you'll still need to be snappy if you want the highest rewards.
Visit the Lab, go see the Secretary, buy buildings and upgrades, have a peek at the Awards Section, they're all funny and addictive.
The developers' high sense of humor is omnipresent and not without connection with Plants vs Zombies.
Difficult to say more without spoiling your fun. Try the demo, I am sure you'll be seduced.
Probably the only TMG I will ever buy, by the way.
Highly recommended !
At last, a game that presents novelty although based on a classical concept.
Don't skip the Intro. It's zany, yes, and hilarious. So are the cutscenes and the graphics.
The characters are so well thought out ! Take a good look at the horse...too funny.
The game mechanics are such that in spite of the dexterity you will need in your clicking, the frenzy is well balanced and the actions you will have to perform well timed.
The objectives are not too difficult to achieve although the difficulty increases with each level. The timer is not as strict as in other games of like genre, but you'll still need to be snappy if you want the highest rewards.
Visit the Lab, go see the Secretary, buy buildings and upgrades, have a peek at the Awards Section, they're all funny and addictive.
The developers' high sense of humor is omnipresent and not without connection with Plants vs Zombies.
Difficult to say more without spoiling your fun. Try the demo, I am sure you'll be seduced.
Probably the only TMG I will ever buy, by the way.
Highly recommended !
I recommend this game!
Shattered Minds: Masquerade
Stop the villainous Visage from ruining Mardi Gras in Shattered Minds: Masquerade, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 104 found this review helpful
Mildly Horrifying, Highly Enjoyable
PostedDecember 28, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew - Curse of Blackmoor Manor
(23)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
A well balanced blend of HOG/Adventure with challenging puzzles of various levels of difficulty, with a few of them very innovative, and the whole lot all nicely wrapped up in a pleasant package made of a good intro, good jazzy music, good voice-overs and superb, detailed graphics, quite colorful on a dark background and all immersive.
There are two Difficulty Modes.
The HO Scenes are neat, though a bit of a junkpile, yet straightforward, and the HOs not too difficult to find.
The Hint System refills quickly, is helpful but up to a point only as it tells you "Nothing to do here"
Although most tasks are similar to those we see in other games they are good fun nevertheless.
There are many locations to explore but navigation is easy and not much backtracking to do, except towards the end.
However some scenes and cutscenes might a little disturbing for highly sensitive players; I will not explain why here as that would be a spoiler.
The plot is pretty solid, intriguing and complex enough to make you wonder who the true bad guys are as most of the characters you encounter and interact with will try to stop you in your investigation, though many will not respond as they have fallen victims of the villain.
On the downside some puzzles are lacking adequate instructions thus forcing the player to resort to the trial-and-error method. But they can all be skipped.
There is no widescreen option
I actually purchased the CE on BFG's Christmas wonderful 3 day deal [hope you didn't miss that !] to complete my Punch Card. The end of the SE, though abrupt, is satisfactory but the extra chapter adds more information on unanswered questions thus providing a more complete ending. Either way, both endings leave the door open for a sequel.
Lengthwise, count about 5 to 6 hours for the SE, if you do not rush through it.
Notes: don't miss the morphing objects. Finding 10 of them [out of 20] will unlock the "Replay Puzzles" option. The CE lets you have a sneak peak at the developers' other games and their next release: Nightfall Mysteries: Black Heart.
My rating 4.5.
There are two Difficulty Modes.
The HO Scenes are neat, though a bit of a junkpile, yet straightforward, and the HOs not too difficult to find.
The Hint System refills quickly, is helpful but up to a point only as it tells you "Nothing to do here"
Although most tasks are similar to those we see in other games they are good fun nevertheless.
There are many locations to explore but navigation is easy and not much backtracking to do, except towards the end.
However some scenes and cutscenes might a little disturbing for highly sensitive players; I will not explain why here as that would be a spoiler.
The plot is pretty solid, intriguing and complex enough to make you wonder who the true bad guys are as most of the characters you encounter and interact with will try to stop you in your investigation, though many will not respond as they have fallen victims of the villain.
On the downside some puzzles are lacking adequate instructions thus forcing the player to resort to the trial-and-error method. But they can all be skipped.
There is no widescreen option
I actually purchased the CE on BFG's Christmas wonderful 3 day deal [hope you didn't miss that !] to complete my Punch Card. The end of the SE, though abrupt, is satisfactory but the extra chapter adds more information on unanswered questions thus providing a more complete ending. Either way, both endings leave the door open for a sequel.
Lengthwise, count about 5 to 6 hours for the SE, if you do not rush through it.
Notes: don't miss the morphing objects. Finding 10 of them [out of 20] will unlock the "Replay Puzzles" option. The CE lets you have a sneak peak at the developers' other games and their next release: Nightfall Mysteries: Black Heart.
My rating 4.5.
I recommend this game!
Dracula: Love Kills
The Queen of Vampires is back and is determined to destroy the world! Help Van Helsing and Dracula as they team up to stop her!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 57 found this review helpful
A not too gory HOG/Adventure
PostedDecember 27, 2011
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Nancy Drew: The Haunted Carousel
(16)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I already reviewed this game at length in the CE section and I am giving only a quick summary here.
Eerie atmosphere right from the start, but nothing horrible, nothing gory, even though Dracula feeds on blood to be able to use his powers.
Gorgeous graphics, nice soundtrack, well crafted locales; plenty of tasks to accomplish and items to find and use; HO Scenes a bit cluttered but OK; Hint system generous, recharging fast, telling you what to do next; a map; objectives clear.
A profusion of puzzles and minigames, not always that easy, but challenging, with a few novelties.
Very good voice-overs, one very British, the others with a Transylvannian accent, and quite a fair amount of humor.
6 Chapters, several hours of gameplay. Worth 4.8 stars and adding to your collection.
Eerie atmosphere right from the start, but nothing horrible, nothing gory, even though Dracula feeds on blood to be able to use his powers.
Gorgeous graphics, nice soundtrack, well crafted locales; plenty of tasks to accomplish and items to find and use; HO Scenes a bit cluttered but OK; Hint system generous, recharging fast, telling you what to do next; a map; objectives clear.
A profusion of puzzles and minigames, not always that easy, but challenging, with a few novelties.
Very good voice-overs, one very British, the others with a Transylvannian accent, and quite a fair amount of humor.
6 Chapters, several hours of gameplay. Worth 4.8 stars and adding to your collection.
I recommend this game!