Volauvent's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:3,336
- Reviews Submitted:177
- First Review:February 19, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A celebration turns dangerous when someone threatens to reveal the magical world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 102 found this review helpful
5 STARS FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIARY
PostedFebruary 3, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is wonderfully colorful with lovely images of the canals of Venice.
The storyline will keep you intrigued and captivated through the entire game and the bonus game.
There are lots of things to do and things to find, some fun new mini-games, and a variety of characters to amuse you with Italian accents.
OLD TIMERS: We have been given some real head scratchers, as in "Say what?!" and the same pre-coded tasks as usual; no need to list 'em.
FOR PUZZLED INTERMEDIARIES: The casual game studios have mostly turned to VR and mobile games. There is no big variety of studios for Big Fish to choose from.
Domini cranks games out as fast as it can to fill the gap, for which we should be grateful, and remaining casual game studios like Elephant Games, GrandMA Studios, and Friendly Fox Studios take their time to give us quality entertainment, so be patient, check the Hidden Object and Puzzle aisles to have fun while we're waiting - it's what I do and I'm wallowing in game enjoyment :D
I recommend this game!
The tenacious trio takes on a master of the occult!
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 83 found this review helpful
A LOT OF FUN... AND A BIT CONFUSING
PostedJanuary 22, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Full game + bonus chapter
Because of the negative reviews, I rushed to buy Deadly Debt. I mean, it's part of a fun series, I love Agent Brown, and it's from Elephant Games! How bad can it be? And I always buy the games in this series anyway.
Well, here you go -
1. I will no longer write reviews from the viewpoint of the exasperated long-time gamer. But we do need to inform our game developers in Eastern Europe that the engine in a VW is in the back. They keep getting it wrong, so gentle intervention is desperately needed.
3. Where's Richard Gray? Not sure, but I vaguely remember an episode in which Anna's dad became a nice guy, no more snappy snarky comments delivered in a satin voice for us to groan at. Dang.
4. For the Intermediaries and Experts - There are no segues between character changes, so you're here one second and at an unidentified somewhere else the next. It's a bit dizzying. Same with the bonus chapter, which begins with an unexplained premise. It's supposed to be a sequel to the main game, but again we're scratching our heads, wondering what the heck the detectives are talking about. Not good. On movie sets there is a job title called "Continuity Person" (old days - "script gal"). This is the person who ensures that a movie meshes together from scene to scene. Have yet to find a casual game dev team that has one.
5. The 5 star reviews show that a lot of people had a blast playing the demo and seem to have have headed for the checkout counter. Good. I love seeing happy gamers.
By the same token, starting with the last episode in the Haunted Hotel series, things have been a bit off at Elephant Games - a world class casual game developer - and I get the feeling, based on research and experience, that they may be focusing more on creating popular game apps for our phones. Normally, anything Elephant is pretty much an auto-buy for us old-timers. For a complete list of their games, search 'elephant games' and click on 'games'. Clicking on any of the games will take you to the game's page on Big Fish. They are all 4 and 5 star games.
The wrap up is that while sequencing may be in the toilet in this episode, and while there are a couple of same-old-same-old tasks, you won't need a fan/hat to wave away any smoke or steam, you won't need to feed the animals again and again, the laws of physics are upheld, and save for one instance, what you are supposed to find in the HO scenes is correct.
So make a fresh pot, grab your favorite creamer, and steam ahead.
I recommend this game!
Two people are in danger and are awaiting you to help them!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 25 found this review helpful
A FUN GAME FOR BEGINNERS AND OLD TIMERS
PostedJanuary 14, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on full game, bonus, and extras.
For the past several months or more, Domini has been spitting out formula games - pick one from Column A, one from Column B, etc., change the graphics, publish, rinse and repeat.
It's been driving some of us up the wall. BUT, it appears the studio is working hard to once again be creative and move back toward the top of the Hidden Object Adventure game leaderboard.
I thoroughly enjoyed this game and the Bonus game was no disappointment either. As a matter of fact, I had to double check that this is indeed a Domini game. Good show, guys!
For game details, see penmom or Sunnyglow's review.
I recommend this game!
Solve fun match-3 challenges and help restore an ancient temple of Athena to its former glory!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
SOMETIMES SAME OL' SAME OL' IS PERFECT :D
PostedJanuary 14, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I read the reviews that point out that there is no difference between this episode and the previous one.
However, unlike nothing-new Hidden Object Adventure games (HOPA's), I truly enjoy "building" Match3's that are repeats with a different theme.
The jewels are sparkly and very pretty, the little glass chime sounds are delightful, the colors are bright and chirpy, and the background for the tiles that have to be cleared is a good contrast - even if the sun is shining on your screen.
The challenges are just right to require your focus in a fun and relaxing way, even on the levels where they throw all sorts of requirements at you. (Love gathering the tiny diamonds)
As another reviewer pointed out, you don't have to wait through the display of an annoying bunch of bells and whistles and record of accumulated purchase power or point scores before moving to the next level - just click on the display to instantly move on.
This is one you can pull off the shelf and play again and again, so give it a test drive and enjoy!
I recommend this game!
An amazing starfaring narrative is revealed as you piece together these incredible jigsaw puzzles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
OKAY, I'M SOLD :D
PostedJanuary 11, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Written by a Jigsaws Galore fanatic:
I decided to give this a try, even though the last few jigsaw puzzle games have not offered big enough pieces for me to see.
The 3X zoom for this game could be a little larger, but boy did I have fun anyway! Shoot, I even forgot I was on a demo.
I took a peek at the gallery and can't wait to see what the images are all about; the all look fascinating. I also can't resist a good story.
I'm still on the first puzzle, yet for me there's no need to go any further to make my decision: I'm headed to my cart.
For details about the game, see penmom's review.
I recommend this game!
Explore an entire world of wonderful art as you decide how to complete each masterpiece and become the painter!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 36 found this review helpful
MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED
PostedJanuary 5, 2022
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Awigor has been working on its programming with amazing results. It's hard to keep my review short of over-enthusiasm.
Note: If you've never indulged in one of Awigor's products before, they begin with a truly excellent tutorial pane that can be easily dismissed by clicking on the checkmark at the bottom.
Since this is an Awigor product, I bought it without looking. Opened the first page, first project: jaw dropped.
The new color blending is beautiful, lending a realistic look to each image (yeah, I skipped around to see how other images were handled).
We have been given sports images, portraits, animals that look so alive you want to reach out and pet them, and more.
Essentially, they have chosen very interesting photographs from all over the world and, using a great variety of subtle colors and shades, have rendered projects that are a pure joy to paint.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to that page 1, project 1 that I left to explore the game and write this review. :D
I recommend this game!
With over 150 Christmas Puzzles for the whole family to enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
5 STAR FUN!!
PostedDecember 23, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
(Based on full game)
Thank you, Casual Arts.
This is a game to help Casual Arts fans survive the gap between Pinecreek Hills in Winter (Christmas Wonderland series) and Pinecreek Hills in Summer (Vacation Adventure: Park Ranger series), and 150 puzzles are nowhere near enough! :D
There are 4 levels of play from easy to hard to even harder, and a different set of puzzles for each level.
We've been given regular jigsaws, swap jigsaws, rotating pieces jigsaws, word searches, and a slew of miscellaneous puzzles simply titled "Other", all of which are created in the styles you will recognize from playing around Pinecreek Hills and going on the cruise adventures in the Vacation Adventures: Cruise Director series.
Wanna have a ton of fun? Pick up this game and go for it!
I recommend this game!
Bring an end to the Swamp Witch’s terror!
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 93 found this review helpful
IS DOMINI RAISING ITS BAR? :O
PostedDecember 18, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the demo, custom setting (no sparkles, no task panel, no tutorial, no zoom).
I was prepared to skip this game entirely because it came from Domini's studio, but what can I say - I just had to give it a try in spite of the dreadful cookie cutter games that have come out of this studio lately.
Marshes Curse, even though the basic premise of vengeful witch has been done ad nauseam, is actually a good game!
The game play so far is elegant and nearly devoid of tedious play-worn tasks - the one or two present in the demo are not the main focus, as is so often the case; they are more of an aside.
The dialog is intelligent, and there have been no fantasy-breaking idiotic actions or mistakes.
The morphies and collectibles are not always in your face, but are not terribly hard to find; they are pleasantly hidden which is a plus for me because as much as I enjoy those little extras, I don't really have the time to endlessly hunt for them.
I was very surprised to see that at least one of the mini-games is one I've not played before. I even had to skip it. Blush.
So. I am buying this game for myself for Christmas, and for me to say I am buying another Domini game is a really big deal.
I recommend this game!
Pendle Tower was once a lavish high-rise hotel, but a new renovation has awakened a long-dormant secret within its foreboding halls.
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 45 found this review helpful
WHAT A WELCOME CHANGE!
PostedNovember 24, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BRAVO DEV TEAM!!
I've been waiting for this release for a few months, hoping against hope that the final release would be as good as the survey. As soon as I read penmom's review, I put on my dancing shoes and waltzed over to the cash register, confident that the game was all it appeared to be.
I almost never pay $13.99 for a game. I wait for a bogo or a substancial sale. Didn't care, had to have it.
I almost never play a game nonstop. Did this time.
Not once did I have to feed a pet, cut barbed wire with cuticle clippers, chop a tree when there is a ton of room to walk around it, or perform any of the other boring cookie cutter tasks save one - and because the game is so good, I only noted it in passing.
Read penmom's review and sunnyglow's review for more details.
All I can say is that it's been a long time since I enjoyed a HOPA this much, and I pray that the other studios pay heed to this latest MCF.
I recommend this game!
Piece together these beautiful photos and take some of the stress out of your day. Let the puzzle-solving begin!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
OH MY, THIS IS FUN! :D
PostedNovember 21, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
At first glance, the drawing of the fox on the "cover" put me off because I was confused. The title is Photo HD, but the cover picture says something else.
Confused or not, I had to see what was going on, and am I glad I went ahead and gave it a go. Buying the game was a no-brainer and at this point, I've lost count of how many puzzles I've completed and in what mode.
Other reviewers have listed all the plusses so here's my wish list of tweaks:
1. Make the "Large" option for the sample image a bit larger. It's a vision thing.
2. Glue split tile neighbor pieces together. No matter how careful I am, I run into instances where the puzzle is complete save for those 3 pieces on the right that belong way over on the far left. swapswapswapswap...
3. Add sliders. I love sliders. Lots of us do.
2. Glue split tile neighbor pieces together. No matter how careful I am, I run into instances where the puzzle is complete save for those 3 pieces on the right that belong way over on the far left. swapswapswapswap...
3. Add sliders. I love sliders. Lots of us do.
That's it. For me, other than the above, this game is perfect!
I recommend this game!