MatildaRabbit's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:118
- Reviews Submitted:44
- First Review:July 1, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 5, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Expose the fate of Jessalyn Thornton and unveil the truth about a family ghost in Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Nancy Drew Is Not for Wimps
PostedSeptember 9, 2014
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is my first Nancy Drew game, and it was different from most other games I've played. I didn't see a walkthrough/strategy guide like your typical games, but I did find one online, but not like what you might expect from typical Big Fish Games. There is no hint button. Some tasks have a question mark and will give you limited hints to help you along. This is a very challenging game! There were many things I simply would not have had a clue about were it not for the strategy guide I found online. Now that I know what to expect, I'm looking forward to playing another Nancy Drew game.
Since the game is so challenging, you really have to think about how things are related. There were details about history and even science scattered around. I'm totally going to try using a potato or orange to power a light bulb as soon as I get my hands on some of those insulated wires with alligator clips. I left the sound playing throughout the game. Sometimes a sound was a clue that something had changed, and I'm not sure I would have noticed otherwise, and if you were trying to read the dialogue, it went pretty fast and did not wait for you to catch up before switching screens. So, the sound was helpful.
The mini games were in place for locks and hidden compartments. I got the clocks to work the first time, but on the second go, I could not get them to be consistent. I set them all for 11:00 and watched how fast they went. Then I backed them up from 12:00 by that much. Seems like it would have worked, but it wasn't, and we were about to burn to death. I had to use all of the hints until the game finally revealed the solution.
Now, the graphics seemed a bit "old school" in that they were heavy on the computer generated graphics as opposed to the artistically painted graphics seen in other games. However, because of this fact, the scenes were much more interactive, and some locations offered 360 degree views.
Now, with that said, the game was not in as strict a sequence as most games. You could go back and revisit places and talk to people. You could even ask more questions. It was more about you putting the clues together and discovering the truth.
The mood and the music was very suitable. The southern accents were extremely overdone, but some of the dialogue was funny. Nancy did make a remark to a character as if the way he dressed was an appropriate measure of intellect. I'm from the south, and I realize we can be talking about genetic engineering using proper grammar, and we sound dumber than people from the Midwest talking about fishing. I watch TV, and I know there are dumb people in every state, so I wish people wouldn't do that and make such an ignorant assumption. It's not worth the chuckle you get out of a select group.
The game was very entertaining, and I'll be looking to play more Nancy Drew games from now on.
I recommend this game!
When his sister is murdered, you must prove your nephew's innocence!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
Eye candy graphics!
PostedSeptember 8, 2014
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Over the past year, I think I've bought more games than I've played. I was working long hours and didn't have enough free time, so I'm just getting around to this game. I had forgotten I had even downloaded it and almost rebought it! I played a couple of other games before I got to this one, and I'm glad I did. The quality in the graphics is just amazing. Having just played a game where I was wondering if the screen was stretched or if my graphics card was acting up, I got to see the clear difference with this one. The art is very detailed with lots of nice layers that make it all shiny eye candy! Plus, they used my favorite color scheme. :-)
In the story, you take the role of an aunt with touch sight who is present at her nephew's trial after being accused of murdering his sister. At first glance, all evidence points to him being guilty, but the aunt uses her abilities to examine the evidence and determine the truth. I honestly can't remember if previous grim tales were similar. In touching each object, the aunt is thrown into a memory connected to that object. Each memory has several scenes. The help button was very... um, helpful. When I had overlooked something, it helped me find it right away, and I believe there's a map to help you locate areas where something is not found yet.
I like to play on casual mode on all of my games as my purpose is to relax, and I am often interrupted, making timed games rather annoying.
If I could name any drawbacks, it would be that it seemed brief to me, but maybe it was the same length since time flies while you're having fun.
I recommend this game!
Something wicked has taken over Fate’s Carnival!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Nothing Like MCF!
PostedJune 28, 2014
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There are some other game series that I like, but no other game has puzzles like MCF. This game had hours and hours of game play, and I don't think I actually finished every possible puzzle that was available. Even the clue book included puzzles. I tend to be an if-all-else-fails-read-the-instructions person, so I didn't realize there were puzzles there until I'd been at it for a while. When I first started playing MCF games, I found the mini puzzles to be so difficult that I would just skip them all, but I find that I really enjoy them now, even though I do have to use the hint button quite frequently. Now I look forward to the mini puzzles and trying to figure them out. The hidden object scenes aren't so frequent that I get tired of them. There's a lot of variety here. There are different things to collect, even within the hidden object scenes; I didn't catch on to this immediately, so I think I missed some cards. I'm looking forward to the next MCF!
I recommend this game!
Investigating her parents’ deaths, Edwina rekindles a centuries old tale of love and revenge. End the curse of the severed heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Very Imaginative Other World
PostedJune 11, 2014
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There were two things I enjoyed the most about this game. One was what I was already hoping for: a mystery that involves a creepy old house we have to explore. The other was what I didn't expect: the unique world around the house and devices that the character had to figure out. It was unlike any other game I had ever played. I really enjoyed taking my time and lingering over the game rather just rushing through and getting it over with.
I recommend this game!
Uncover your grandfather’s secret in Youda Mystery: The Stanwick Legacy, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Why Don't They Make More of These?
PostedJune 11, 2014
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the only Youda Mystery, and I really can't understand why they don't have more of this series. I liked the house and the visuals. The graphics were a combination of realistic and cartoon, but it was nice and detailed. I remember enjoying the game and wishing I could find more in the series.
I recommend this game!
Dracula: Love Kills Collector's Edition
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
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
More Than I Expected
PostedMay 30, 2013
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I don't know exactly how old this game is, and I downloaded it months ago and just got around to working on it. I think my first impression was that it was a bit cheesy, like a humorous version of Dracula. It's not like a horror story. So, if you are looking for something with a fear factor, that's not what this is.
The cut scenes include voices all the way through. The graphics are pretty good, and although I had to look closely, I didn't find the objects too difficult to recognize like some games. I always play in relaxed mode, so I don't know how different it would be in expert mode. In fact, I don't know if I used a single hint this time during a HOS, but I did have to look hard for a couple. I just didn't give up easily. The images were pretty nice to look at, and the CG rendered people only showed up here and there. I prefer them drawn over the fake people, so that's good.
I did enjoy most of the puzzles. I usually lose patience with those where you have to click on a block and it rotates others, or press a button to turn on all the lights. Yep, I usually end up skipping those after a few minutes. But most of them were good. The ones in the Extra gameplay were harder, and I skipped most of those because they fell into the above category. I do like the ones where you have to move a piece around a board in a straight line to get it to the desired location. That last one took a while, but I got it. :). I learned that I really suck at tic-tac-toe, so I won't be signing up for any tournaments anytime soon.
The game lasted a lot longer than I expected. I have had some games that I was really disappointed in because after a couple of hours, it said I was halfway finished. This was not the case this time! I was going to finish it last night, but it was getting too late. Then I started working on it again tonight, thinking I was almost finished, and played for several hours. As far as time goes, it was excellent quality.
You'll get a couple of chances to make decisions in the game whether to turn someone into a vampire or not. I only played as letting them live, but I'd like to see what happens if I change my decision. That is something that encourages repeat playing.
The CE comes with an integrated strategy guide, which I had to consult a couple of times because I didn't understand the instructions to the puzzles (click the ? for instructions) since some of them were different from anything I'd seen before.
After you finish the extra chapter, another section of extras unlocks with mini games and HOSs. I do not know if these are the same as in the game or not. I kind of assume they are.
The game also features a map that allows you to easily go to other locations. In addition, when you have found everything in a location, it tells you that the location has been completed, so you aren't left wondering.
All in all, I thought it was one of the better games I've played in a while. Definitely more game for the buck than I've seen elsewhere. I was pleased.
I recommend this game!
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
A Good Concept
PostedApril 28, 2013
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Mystery Case Files and the developers at Big Fish. They try new things and push the limits, and this game is no exception.
I really liked the ghost hunter idea but would have liked to have seen more of them interacting during the game. Maybe ghost patrol files could be a new offshoot for BFG???!! Hint hint!!!
I tend to favor classic haunted house type games like Return to Ravenhearst and 13th Skull, and while it's a popular concept among developers, it's not easy finding one that's well-executed. I like the way BGF don't use those poser people. I really don't like those. I like the combination of film and CG.
A couple of things I thought could have been done better here... The HOS scenes were hard to see. There were objects that were simply too small and vague to make out without the hint, and that's with reading glasses. The walkthrough didn't list all objects, and I had to consult a forum to find the location of the teddy bear. A list of hidden objects might span multiple locations, which really threw me at first. Also, some objects could not be picked up, even though you knew you needed them, until other actions had been completed. As for the puzzles, I did most of the picture puzzles myself, but skipped one when the objects wouldn't rotate, and I couldn't pull the pieces where I needed them to go. I skipped the path game on the cross in the church because it threw me out every time I closed a shape although I wasn't retracing a path. And I skipped the relic puzzle because the translation and the solution were not in the same order, and I felt there weren't enough instructions as to what was needed. I had to use the hint button a lot.
I think the weakest point was the downsized HOS that I just couldn't see. It was maybe 1/4 the size of my screen, and that's just not big enough, guys.
I always look forward to a new MCF, and it would be good to see Ghost Patrol play a bigger role with their own game series. Looking forward to the next one.
I recommend this game!
Investigate the dastardly deeds of a wealthy socialite and prove your fiance is not a thief in Snark Busters: High Society!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Good Fun with Steampunk Flair
PostedApril 18, 2013
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The thing I liked about this game that was different from the previous two (which I have not played yet) is how the Hidden objects are organized. You click on an object that seems out of place, and the thing it relates to opens and shows about five or six missing parts. You place the thing you found in there, and when all parts have been recovered, it may reveal a part you couldn't find for another object. It's the first game I've seen like this, and it doesn't have typical HOSs.
The storyline is very whimsical with a blend of robots and Victorian elements and ghosts. There is humor throughout the story with characters talking, and the MC obsessing over her upcoming honeymoon while trying to solve a mystery.
The third thing I liked was the mirror element. You stepped through mirrors to see rooms like the one you were in but different. It added a depth and complexity to the existing map that was pretty neat.
I found the mini games to be fairly easy, but I usually play games in relaxed mode. I did use the hint button a few times when I, apparently, wasn't looking hard enough and hadn't figured out whether to expect to find all objects in one location. I wish the game had been longer, but I enjoyed it.
There was some mild language in one part in particular that parents should know about, but otherwise it seemed like good clean fun. I have played MANY games, and I find myself usually drawn to the eerie games for their storyline and find myself bored with other games, but this was intriguing and had excellent graphics.
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart Collector's Edition
Dive into an epic journey as a museum owner in pursuit of an undead pirate who has kidnapped your daughter in Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
If Only He'd Been Prettier...
PostedJuly 8, 2012
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What starts out as an exhibit of artifacts from the most ruthless pirate in the Caribbean turns into a ghostly adventure and rescue mission. The pirates haven't lost their sense of humor, and the atmosphere and details on the boat were both very nice. The island had its graphic high points, such as the crypt. Some of the areas seemed a bit "flat" in that they weren't very interactive, one example being the ball room. Nice big room. Only one area of interest.
As you collected coins to the chest, a dwarf told the story of the pirate's romance. Then you got to hear both sides from both the pirate and his lover's ghost, a paranormal "he said, she said".
All in all, it was a fun game.
I recommend this game!
After a group of young students go missing, the Mystery Trackers are called in to search the city of Raincliff!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Pretty Good Game
PostedJuly 8, 2012
MatildaRabbit
fromMS
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
On the plus side, I thought it was a good story with some nice features... Such as, if you collect over fifty "secret frogs", you get a special achievement icon. The atmosphere was nice with snow constantly falling and interesting details. The hint button was so specific, it was great... You didn't have to guess what they meant. It specifically said, "You need to return to X and get the Y behind the Z.". You can't get any more helpful than that!
I didn't play with the option settings, but the theme music got a little loud after long moments of silence. I actually thought the silence was nice where you could only hear the snow or the wind or footsteps. Sometimes the graphics seemed incomplete in areas (like there was the impression of a wheel but not the whole wheel--perhaps intentionally stylized this way?), but I don't think I had to use the hint button to find an item more than once or twice.
It took a few hours and was really relaxing and entertaining, great for casual gaming. Over all, a good game.
I recommend this game!