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 Agency: Visions of Time
After going to a remote cabin, Isabel stumbles upon an old lab that contains a serum that lets her see Visions of Time!
Overall rating
2
/
5
60 of 67 found this review helpful
Don't bother !
PostedMarch 12, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Apart from the artwork which isn't too bad, I didn't find anything in this game that could fuel my interest.
In fact I got so bored and frustrated after only a 20 mns of the demo that I exited without regret.
The storyline didn't impress me at all and the seemingly never-ending succession of HO Scenes filled with useless items soon got to my nerves.
The minigames are also perfectly lame, there is no voice-over only scripts, and the adventure side is virtually non-existant.
This game should have been called "A Waste of Time".
In fact I got so bored and frustrated after only a 20 mns of the demo that I exited without regret.
The storyline didn't impress me at all and the seemingly never-ending succession of HO Scenes filled with useless items soon got to my nerves.
The minigames are also perfectly lame, there is no voice-over only scripts, and the adventure side is virtually non-existant.
This game should have been called "A Waste of Time".
I don't recommend this game.
Ghost Towns: The Cats of Ulthar
Upon arriving in a strange city, you find the citizens ready to burn Menes at the stake in Ghost Towns: The Cats of Ulthar!
Overall rating
3
/
5
72 of 93 found this review helpful
Not exactly enthralling
PostedMarch 10, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: FBI Confidential
(13)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The story is somewhat original, based on hordes of cats turning into bloodthirsty beasts, except that the only cat you see is the one that meows every 10 seconds and is in charge of the hints.
Most of the game revolves around two components:
- many HO Scenes, which are the usual mess
- a lot of backtracking
A few puzzles here and there, pretty simple and totally standard.
And a few basic and boring tasks that make up the adventure... always the same stuff: find a key, use a crowbar, an axe, etc...
The visuals are not great; the locations are satisfactorily drawn and colored though often blurry, but the intro and the custscenes are terrible.
The music is soft, you have 3 Modes of difficulty, and plenty of hints on Casual which help you find the hidden objects and direct you through the different locales.
On the basis of the demo, it is hardly worth more than 3 stars due to some of the graphics, the absence of challenge, the too many HO Scenes and the overall lack of originality.
Definitely not a game for my collection.
Most of the game revolves around two components:
- many HO Scenes, which are the usual mess
- a lot of backtracking
A few puzzles here and there, pretty simple and totally standard.
And a few basic and boring tasks that make up the adventure... always the same stuff: find a key, use a crowbar, an axe, etc...
The visuals are not great; the locations are satisfactorily drawn and colored though often blurry, but the intro and the custscenes are terrible.
The music is soft, you have 3 Modes of difficulty, and plenty of hints on Casual which help you find the hidden objects and direct you through the different locales.
On the basis of the demo, it is hardly worth more than 3 stars due to some of the graphics, the absence of challenge, the too many HO Scenes and the overall lack of originality.
Definitely not a game for my collection.
I don't recommend this game.
Agency of Anomalies: Cinderstone Orphanage
Save the souls of prodigy children and their caretaker who disappeared during the fire in The Agency of Anomalies: Cinderstone Orphanage!
Overall rating
3
/
5
47 of 68 found this review helpful
Just about average
PostedMarch 9, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I haven't tried the previous one in the series but this sequel seems okay.
- good graphics and great cutscenes
- professional voice-overs
- easy minigames though neither new nor extraordinary
- some adventure but emphasis is placed on HO Scenes
- HO Scenes are the usual pile of junk, but are interactive
- tasks present no novelty either
- you earn achievements and collect some of the character's abilities
Considering the point I got to in the demo, the game is probably fairly short.
An okay game if you have nothing better
- good graphics and great cutscenes
- professional voice-overs
- easy minigames though neither new nor extraordinary
- some adventure but emphasis is placed on HO Scenes
- HO Scenes are the usual pile of junk, but are interactive
- tasks present no novelty either
- you earn achievements and collect some of the character's abilities
Considering the point I got to in the demo, the game is probably fairly short.
An okay game if you have nothing better
I recommend this game!
Amerzone: Part 2
Dive into an amazing Adventure game and return the White Bird egg to the Amerzone!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 43 found this review helpful
Think out of the box !
PostedMarch 8, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Like in the first instalment, traditional directions and help are totally absent except for arrows that show you where you can go and little wheels what you can do. It's an adventure game in which you are on your own with your wits and creativity as sole tools to solve the enigma.
Interacting with the characters is part of your tasks and I must say that the voice acting is quite natural and convincing, but there is no dialogue possibility.
The intro movie is quite good too and interactive. But strangely enough the pics are clear when the movies are running and awful when they turn into stills.
You can pan the camera 360 degrees around you and that is done with fluidity.
The story is engaging, though not as great as Syberia's.
I recommend this game to those who, like me, enjoy finding their own way around without assistance, and read all the material provided in order to get clues as what you can do next.
If you like Nancy Drew and/or Syberia, you'll probably enjoy this one too. For adventure-lovers only, but it's a good idea to play Amerzone #1 first.
Interacting with the characters is part of your tasks and I must say that the voice acting is quite natural and convincing, but there is no dialogue possibility.
The intro movie is quite good too and interactive. But strangely enough the pics are clear when the movies are running and awful when they turn into stills.
You can pan the camera 360 degrees around you and that is done with fluidity.
The story is engaging, though not as great as Syberia's.
I recommend this game to those who, like me, enjoy finding their own way around without assistance, and read all the material provided in order to get clues as what you can do next.
If you like Nancy Drew and/or Syberia, you'll probably enjoy this one too. For adventure-lovers only, but it's a good idea to play Amerzone #1 first.
I recommend this game!
Dark Strokes: Sins of the Father Collector's Edition
Guide Ethan Black as he attempts to rescue his bride-to-be from a terrifying menace known as the Faceless Ones!
Overall rating
4
/
5
95 of 119 found this review helpful
Good standard mix of HOS and adventure
PostedMarch 8, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The originality of this game lies mainly in its length: 14 chapters for the core game plus 4 Bonus chapters with 2 play Modes.
Other than that it is designed on the usual pattern common to most games of this type, that is many HO Scenes, some adventure and a few minigames.
The artwork is good though not exceptional, the intro simple and the voice acting okay.
HO Scenes are clear and interactive, but misclicks freeze the cursor for a while.
The tasks are more or less the usual kind, but they are fun to go through.
Minigames are not difficult and the overall level of challenge is medium.
The SG lets you peek at the first 4 chapters
I enjoyed playing the demo for 1 hour, but I think I will wait for the SE, although I will recommend the CE to HOG fans who want replayability and/or simply to prolong their pleasure in added gameplay
Other than that it is designed on the usual pattern common to most games of this type, that is many HO Scenes, some adventure and a few minigames.
The artwork is good though not exceptional, the intro simple and the voice acting okay.
HO Scenes are clear and interactive, but misclicks freeze the cursor for a while.
The tasks are more or less the usual kind, but they are fun to go through.
Minigames are not difficult and the overall level of challenge is medium.
The SG lets you peek at the first 4 chapters
I enjoyed playing the demo for 1 hour, but I think I will wait for the SE, although I will recommend the CE to HOG fans who want replayability and/or simply to prolong their pleasure in added gameplay
I recommend this game!
Pahelika: Revelations
Return to the world of Pahelika as there is trouble brewing in the land of Dhara! Go on a whole new Adventure in Pahelika: Revelations!
Overall rating
4
/
5
33 of 41 found this review helpful
Adventure and puzzles
PostedMarch 4, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you enjoyed Pahelika #1, you will also like this second instalment. The level of difficulty is roughly the same, with plenty of puzzles to solve and lots to do. The one hour demo took me almost to Chapter 3 out of 7.
There is no HOS, but you have to find useful items nonetheless, as Pahelika is an adventure game. The challenge level is set high and many will grumble at the absence of a hint system. You're on your own in this, but fortunately there is a complete walkthrough in case you get stuck. Still, patience and logic should keep you on tracks.
The graphics are okay, some are a bit dark, the storyline is pretty standard and I didn't pay attention to the music.
Since Pahelika is different in style from the HOGs many gamers are used to, I suggest trying the demo and see if you like it.
There is no HOS, but you have to find useful items nonetheless, as Pahelika is an adventure game. The challenge level is set high and many will grumble at the absence of a hint system. You're on your own in this, but fortunately there is a complete walkthrough in case you get stuck. Still, patience and logic should keep you on tracks.
The graphics are okay, some are a bit dark, the storyline is pretty standard and I didn't pay attention to the music.
Since Pahelika is different in style from the HOGs many gamers are used to, I suggest trying the demo and see if you like it.
I recommend this game!
Between the Worlds II: The Pyramid
Explore a world ruled by both technology and magic and unveil the pyramid’s power in Between the Worlds II: The Pyramid!
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 23 found this review helpful
I give up, too !!!
PostedMarch 3, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Secret Files
(18)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Having to find 16 pieces of torn paper to get a jigsaw puzzle was bad enough, but applying the blank note to...which vial in the lab, exactly ?... was the last straw for me... after only 15 mns of trying to play the demo !
The game mechanics are terribly awkard, the storyline is not really engaging, and the tasks utterly uninteresting. Add to that mediocre graphics, a hint systen that takes ages to re-up, an "assistant" that's supposed to help but in fact makes you turn in circles, totally foggy objectives, no challenge whatsoever and you have a game that's not even worth 2 stars.
The Pyramid is a sheer waste of time.
The game mechanics are terribly awkard, the storyline is not really engaging, and the tasks utterly uninteresting. Add to that mediocre graphics, a hint systen that takes ages to re-up, an "assistant" that's supposed to help but in fact makes you turn in circles, totally foggy objectives, no challenge whatsoever and you have a game that's not even worth 2 stars.
The Pyramid is a sheer waste of time.
I don't recommend this game.
Nightfall Mysteries: Black Heart
Stop the evil Vansig family before they point their vengeful wrath at your friend Christine in Nightfall Mysteries: Black Heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
155 of 179 found this review helpful
Good, Relaxing, Challenging and not really scary
PostedMarch 2, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny
(17)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I must say I rather liked 90 % of what I saw and played during the 1 hour demo of this new release from the canadian developers [in Ontario} who made Masquerade [which I enjoyed very much], Asylum Conspiracy, Agony Creek [which I also liked], Curse of the Opera and Nightmare at Sea.
Masquerade remains their best work so far, while Black Heart is a definite improvement on the others. It would seem the developers took into account the opinion of their audience via the various reviews on BFG and elsewhere.
The structure of the game is identical to that of all new latest releases, which has now become a standard.
It's a blend of HOG and Adventure, with Puzzles and minigames. I suggest we call this type of game "HOPAG".... LOL...
The graphics are fair, pleasant, well designed, nicely colored, though not sumptuous, the HO Scenes rather tidy and interactive, the HOs and useful items easy to spot, the adventure straightforward without too much bouncing from one location to another and the puzzles quite interesting, some being the usual classics, others a bit different and a few challenging enough to require good use of one's brain cells and logic. Puzzles and minigames can be skipped.
Of course, the HO Scenes still contain items irrelevant to the context, like a shark or galoshes but, on the one hand they are visible [quite an improvement], on the other, Hints, like the Skip button, re-up at warp speed on Casual.
In addition you pick up Collectibles that unlock extra bonuses.
5 chapters for the main game should ensure long playtime and the extras in the CE replayability of the puzzles.
3 modes of gameplay, ranging from easy to hard.
The 10 % I didn't like concern the music which is soft but boring and the voice-over which tends to narrate the text too fast and doesn't sound very natural.
Intro and cutscenes are simple. I didn't see a widescreen option.
And, naturally, you are greeted by the usual crow [the same one that haunts almost every game] at the start of the game. Don't be too surprised either to encounter also a couple of skeletons here and there [they probably are so bored that they migrate from one game to another].
Several scenes may be viewed as disturbing, however, as they include gargoyles, doll heads and references to demons.
The storyline is just as traditional as the rest, interesting and it seems to unfold well.
I am not sure the conclusion at the end of Chapter 5 will be entirely satisfactory; the Bonus Chapter provides a better and more natural close-off.
I think a 4.5 rating [rounded up to 5] is fair and I would also recommend the Collector's Edition, budget allowing.
Masquerade remains their best work so far, while Black Heart is a definite improvement on the others. It would seem the developers took into account the opinion of their audience via the various reviews on BFG and elsewhere.
The structure of the game is identical to that of all new latest releases, which has now become a standard.
It's a blend of HOG and Adventure, with Puzzles and minigames. I suggest we call this type of game "HOPAG".... LOL...
The graphics are fair, pleasant, well designed, nicely colored, though not sumptuous, the HO Scenes rather tidy and interactive, the HOs and useful items easy to spot, the adventure straightforward without too much bouncing from one location to another and the puzzles quite interesting, some being the usual classics, others a bit different and a few challenging enough to require good use of one's brain cells and logic. Puzzles and minigames can be skipped.
Of course, the HO Scenes still contain items irrelevant to the context, like a shark or galoshes but, on the one hand they are visible [quite an improvement], on the other, Hints, like the Skip button, re-up at warp speed on Casual.
In addition you pick up Collectibles that unlock extra bonuses.
5 chapters for the main game should ensure long playtime and the extras in the CE replayability of the puzzles.
3 modes of gameplay, ranging from easy to hard.
The 10 % I didn't like concern the music which is soft but boring and the voice-over which tends to narrate the text too fast and doesn't sound very natural.
Intro and cutscenes are simple. I didn't see a widescreen option.
And, naturally, you are greeted by the usual crow [the same one that haunts almost every game] at the start of the game. Don't be too surprised either to encounter also a couple of skeletons here and there [they probably are so bored that they migrate from one game to another].
Several scenes may be viewed as disturbing, however, as they include gargoyles, doll heads and references to demons.
The storyline is just as traditional as the rest, interesting and it seems to unfold well.
I am not sure the conclusion at the end of Chapter 5 will be entirely satisfactory; the Bonus Chapter provides a better and more natural close-off.
I think a 4.5 rating [rounded up to 5] is fair and I would also recommend the Collector's Edition, budget allowing.
I recommend this game!
Syberia - Part 1
Search a mysterious estate and find a brilliant and mysterious inventor in Syberia, Part 1! Experience the first part of this incredible trilogy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
104 of 143 found this review helpful
A must-have game
PostedFebruary 28, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Art of Murder: Deadly Secrets
(18)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's incredible how much inventiveness has been put into the designing of Syberia. It's totally unlike any other casual game.
The storyline is faultless and gripping. The graphics are awesome. Voice acting is truly professional and the adventure 100% compelling with challenging minigames.
It's indeed pure adventure, not one of those many HOGs with an addition of simple tasks, a lot of mileage to do and hints always ready to help. No, No. Syberia requires common sense, wits, logic and patience. Everything in it makes sense and unfolds smoothly along the lines set by the story.
To tell the truth, Syberia requires a great deal of mental effort. Those who lack this quality will find it confusing. But confusing the game is not. On the contrary. Difficult yes, confusing, no.
I own and have played Syberia 1 and 2 when it was offered as a Large File. As soon as I had completed # 1 I couldn't wait to start on the second part.
Describing what happens in the game and what it contains is virtually impossible in a short review because the game is that rich. The absence of hints shouldn't deter you from buying this masterpiece -you have a walkthrough anyway.
But I doubt 1 hour will suffice to even scratch the surface of a game that lasts for hours.
If you feel adventurous, simply buy it, and if you are keen on adventures that are off the beaten tracks, Syberia will not disappoint you.
Highly recommended
The storyline is faultless and gripping. The graphics are awesome. Voice acting is truly professional and the adventure 100% compelling with challenging minigames.
It's indeed pure adventure, not one of those many HOGs with an addition of simple tasks, a lot of mileage to do and hints always ready to help. No, No. Syberia requires common sense, wits, logic and patience. Everything in it makes sense and unfolds smoothly along the lines set by the story.
To tell the truth, Syberia requires a great deal of mental effort. Those who lack this quality will find it confusing. But confusing the game is not. On the contrary. Difficult yes, confusing, no.
I own and have played Syberia 1 and 2 when it was offered as a Large File. As soon as I had completed # 1 I couldn't wait to start on the second part.
Describing what happens in the game and what it contains is virtually impossible in a short review because the game is that rich. The absence of hints shouldn't deter you from buying this masterpiece -you have a walkthrough anyway.
But I doubt 1 hour will suffice to even scratch the surface of a game that lasts for hours.
If you feel adventurous, simply buy it, and if you are keen on adventures that are off the beaten tracks, Syberia will not disappoint you.
Highly recommended
I recommend this game!
Fantastic Creations: House of Brass Collector's Edition
Escape an underground vault of clockwork wonders with the help of its mysterious and eccentric inventor in Fantastic Creations: House of Brass!
Overall rating
4
/
5
73 of 86 found this review helpful
A game for wannabe engineers....
PostedFebruary 26, 2012
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Syberia II
(77)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Not that there is a lack of things that need to be fixed in other games, but, here, the focus is placed on machinery and devices, and that does make a nice change even though you won't need a Master Degree to solve everything.
The puzzles and minigames are very easy and skippable; unfortunately they are by no means original; for instance the first two are the pipe-line kind.
Hidden objects are given by categories: example: find n silvery objects or n objects that resemble 2 + 2. That, too, makes a bit of a change, considering that they are not out of context.
Objectives are clear, tasks are simple, useful items easy to find and hints help mainly in the HO Scenes and don't recharge fast.
I didn't see any minigame as such save catching 6 fireflies.... if that can be called a minigame.
The intro and cutscenes are simple, the voice-acting is quite good and the graphics crisp, neat, well crafted and colorful.
There is very little bouncing from scene to scene as the useful items are used almost immediately.
The SG, for demo puroposes, gives access to the first 2 chapters only which I completed easily within 1 hour. This tends to show the game may be short.
I have no idea why the devs want us to play with the sound on, there is nothing special about the music and the oral narrative and comments are subtitled anyway.
A simple game, rather relaxing and entertaining, but without much challenge and little originality.
I am skeptical as to the value of the CE. I am waiting for the SE
The puzzles and minigames are very easy and skippable; unfortunately they are by no means original; for instance the first two are the pipe-line kind.
Hidden objects are given by categories: example: find n silvery objects or n objects that resemble 2 + 2. That, too, makes a bit of a change, considering that they are not out of context.
Objectives are clear, tasks are simple, useful items easy to find and hints help mainly in the HO Scenes and don't recharge fast.
I didn't see any minigame as such save catching 6 fireflies.... if that can be called a minigame.
The intro and cutscenes are simple, the voice-acting is quite good and the graphics crisp, neat, well crafted and colorful.
There is very little bouncing from scene to scene as the useful items are used almost immediately.
The SG, for demo puroposes, gives access to the first 2 chapters only which I completed easily within 1 hour. This tends to show the game may be short.
I have no idea why the devs want us to play with the sound on, there is nothing special about the music and the oral narrative and comments are subtitled anyway.
A simple game, rather relaxing and entertaining, but without much challenge and little originality.
I am skeptical as to the value of the CE. I am waiting for the SE
I recommend this game!