Tikatoy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:1,359
- Reviews Submitted:111
- First Review:November 15, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 30, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Escape an underground vault of clockwork wonders with the help of its mysterious and eccentric inventor in Fantastic Creations: House of Brass!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Great for steampunk fans
PostedAugust 14, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The game setting is a mysterious, long-lost house full of fantastic mechanical, steam-powered contraptions, and it's brought beautifully to life by the gorgeous artwork and intricately designed machines. The puzzles are designed with this theme in mind and often involve fixing circuits, untangling electrical cables or fixing pipes, gears, etc. The voice overs are very good, and modulated well so that they sound like a robot, or a voice coming through a primitive intercom.
The hidden object scenes are different from the norm; instead of getting a list of objects, you have to find a certain number of objects that match a description, e.g. containers, square objects or textiles. I enjoyed this as it required some thinking in addition to scouring the scene.
I really enjoyed the puzzles, partly because they fit the steampunk theme well, and also there was a good variety and provided a decent level of challenge. I especially enjoyed the one where you have a puppet show and a number of actions/events that can take place and you have to figure out the correct order (a puzzle type that is rapidly becoming one of my favourites).
What really makes this a five star game for me though is the way the story and atmosphere tie everything together. There is a feeling of tension and urgency throughout as you try to escape from the house, as well as dread when the android appears to block your progress. The story unfolds gradually, revealing the reality of what is actually going on.
I recommend this game!
The Secrets of Arcelia Island
Unravel The Secrets of Arcelia Island as you, your father, and a small crew set off on this dangerous expedition!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Light on the HOG, heavy on adventure
PostedAugust 11, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The game is set on a mysterious, fantastic island and the artwork is beautiful and does an amazing job of conveying the wonder of the locations.
The storyline has many compelling elements: save your father, restore the island and deal with an evil villain. There are also interesting characters that you meet along the way, with pretty good dialogue (no voiceovers though). The journal entries are lengthy (perhaps TOO lengthy) but they do a good job of recording your journey and adding flavour to the game.
There are slightly fewer hidden object scenes than in a typical HOG, but it feels like much less because the word lists are very short, typically only 10-12 objects per scene. I felt that the adventure and puzzle elements were well-integrated. Nothing too challenging, but you do have to do a bit of thinking.
There is quite a bit of backtracking which is manageable as there aren't a huge number of locations in the game, but sometimes I found it hard to remember where I'd seen something that I could use a newly-found object on. Not a problem though as I could just use a hint. (The hint system is good, like an in-game strategy guide)
You can collect journal pages scattered throughout the island that you can put together like a jigsaw puzzle to reveal the story of what happened to the island. This is optional, but I love this type of thing. :)
Overall a pretty game with a good story and enjoyable gameplay, though not especially challenging.
I recommend this game!
The Heart of the Kingdom has been destroyed and now it’s up to Munchausen to save the day in this fun Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A great game, but a short one
PostedAugust 10, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game was delightful! The story is whimsical and humorous, and I loved the art style; it was like something from a children's book. The transitions between locations were unique, with one scene morphing/melting into another.
The hidden object scenes are different from the norm; you get a list of images of objects, and you have to drag each to a corresponding object in the scene. E.g. dragging a sun onto a moon, or dirt onto a shovel. I enjoyed this variation.
The best part of the game for me was the logic puzzles, where you had a scene and you had to set everything up in it just right then press a button to "start" the scene to achieve a given objective.
I recommend this game!
Stop a mechanical monster before it destroys an entire town in Depths of Betrayal! Uncover the truth and stop the terrifying machine!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun gameplay, good storyline
PostedJuly 15, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Not sure what you'd call this type of game; perhaps a bit like a FROG, except that instead of finding object fragments, you find the pictured items (which could be at a different angle and thus look different) in a list and when you get them all, you're rewarded with an inventory item.
My favourite part of the game was the story. It was an interesting sci-fi cautionary tale with some depth to it and was told well. The Golem was quite menacing, and the ominous music theme whenever he appeared or was nearby contributed to the feeling of dread.
The puzzles were pretty good, although nothing outstanding, and the difficulty was above average. There was quite a bit of backtracking as you run around using inventory items to complete other inventory items or to open paths to new locations. The hint system is very good though and will always lead you to where you need to take an action, so you won't really need to refer to the walkthrough.
I enjoy this type of HOG a lot. Usually the graphics aren't that great, but they're actually quite good in this one and the animations and cut scenes are very good. The game was also satisfyingly long.
I recommend this game!
A warlock's curse has trapped you in an otherworldly cemetery! Explore Hidden Object scenes and save the warlock's victims!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Better than average HOG, but not exceptional
PostedJuly 15, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a well-made HOG with nice graphics, very good animations and cut scenes, good gameplay design and pretty good puzzles. This is generally true of games by this developer.
The first game in this series happens to be the only game by this developer that I don't like, and I'm pleased to report that what I disliked about the first game isn't a problem in this one. My issue had been that the three stories were disconnected and in uninteresting settings. In this game, the three stories are connected and even take place in the same realm, making for a more cohesive story as well as one goal that drives the action.
In fact, with the running theme of having to rescue children from perilous situations, it seemed more like a sequel to Haunted Halls: Fears From Childhood (also by the same developer), which is a good thing as that was a very good game.
Nothing truly original as far as the puzzles go, but some interesting twists on the recurring puzzles for this genre. Graphics are nice, but of the junk pile style. (I have no issues with these, but I know some people don't like them.)
I recommend this game!
After waking up in a mysterious temple, you realize you have lost your memory, and must find a way out! Find your way home!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Puzzles that require a little more thought
PostedJuly 11, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
The most distinctive aspect of this game is the ability to look all around you--not just 360 degrees, but also up and down. I usually dislike 3D environments because I feel they aren't as pretty as 2D art, but in this case they did a good job with the lush jungle temple setting.
In some ways this is a short game as there aren't that many total locations to explore. However each of the puzzles, while not having anything that stood out as unique, were more complex than most puzzles in this genre and thus took longer to complete than average. I appreciated this added challenge, and I ended up taking a decent amount of time to complete the game.
You have to enjoy puzzles to like this game as other than "Find X of an item" scenes where you have to make use of the full freedom of movement to find everything, it's just puzzles. If you do like them, check this game out.
I recommend this game!
Help Scarlet Frost outwit evil itself in a dark and mysterious theatre to save an innocent girl’s soul from the most sinister of perils.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Demonic possession ahoy!
PostedJuly 10, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was intrigued by this game from the beginning because of the demonic possession theme and the demonic imagery in all the scenes. Combined with the sound effects and smoke and coloured lighting, it made for a fairly creepy atmosphere.
An interesting new feature of this game is that you can "use" your arm in the game; you extend it to cast spells to progress through the game (not that exciting, would have been nice to have an associated minigame for each spell) and also instructions for the next step appear written IN your skin on your forearm. Most original in-game strategy guide I've ever seen.
While the artwork tended to the monochromatic side, it really appealed to me. The creepy castle setting is a cliche but it's done well here, to the point I would feel a little nervous about exploring new locations for fear of what I would find! Smoke and other hardware acceleration effects are put into good use.
The gameplay itself is fairly average. Hidden object scenes were okay at the beginning but became more like junk piles towards the end with nonsensical placement of items, i.e. more like the early days of HOGs. Puzzles were of average, i.e. easy, difficulty with a decent variety but I did like a recurring puzzle type where you have a series of small images, and you have to find their location on the main scene.
What I liked best about the game was the race against time to thwart the demon; every time it appeared it added to the sense of urgency and danger.
I recommend this game!
Hotel Dash: Suite Success
Flo’s helping Quinn get into the hotel business! Deliver luggage and provide guests with everything they need to stay happy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
Surprisingly fun Dash theme
PostedJune 11, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I'm generally attracted to food-themed Dash games, but I ended up liking this one anyway. It has many of the same principles for getting bonuses: assign customers to rooms with a matching colour, chain actions of the same type (picking up laundry, checking out, etc.), deal with different customer types with varying patience levels, different behaviours and generosity when giving tips, keep people happy (represented by having more hearts above their heads) with fast service or music or giving them a treat (in this case, ice chips). You also get to upgrade your hotel between levels.
Something new to this game is that you can buy up to 3 stars per room. The more stars there are, the more stars that customers staying in that room will give you to furnish a special room in that hotel. So you have to make a decision balancing upgrades to your hotel versus upgrades to generate stars to buy these furnishings.
As others have mentioned, this is an easier game compared to the other Dash games. As long as you don't lose customers and chain actions consistently, you'll get the gold score. Despite being easier, it's still fun and addictive. Graphics are cute and cartoony but on the low res side.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Sweet dreams
PostedJune 11, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
The first time I tried this game I had only ever played the Dash-style games and am really into getting expert scores, so when I couldn't achieve on on an early level despite pretty "optimal" play, I deleted it. I hadn't played any of the Sally's Salon type games before and didn't understand that what you're supposed to do is go back and replay those levels AFTER you've gotten all your upgrades in the later levels.
Knowing this, when it came up as a DD I gave it another shot and quite enjoyed it!
The basic gameplay is simple; you're running a resort that offers different services and customers show up with requests for these services. You simply drag the customers to the appropriate location and then click on them to perform the service, or click on items they desire, then on them. Occasionally hazards appear and yet again, you just click to get rid of them.
The fun comes from the cute animations and fun graphics, and the variety of different resorts and activities for the customers; there are five resorts with different themes: ski, beach, forest/mountain, amusement park, and casino. (That means a different set of treatments for each resort, unlike other games in this genre that have the same set of treatments throughout the game.) Each customer also has a satisfaction level, represented by hearts, and your goal is to keep them at full satisfaction so you get higher tips from them. And if a customer loses all their hearts, they get angry and leave and you get no money from them!
You can also upgrade your resort between levels with the money you earn. Occasionally you get mini-games that let you add more "stations", i.e. more capacity for a type of service. There are three types: looking out for specific parts as they're "thrown" into the air and clicking on them before they disappear, a matching game, and a slot game which involves clicking at the right time to freeze items in the slots to get three in a row. These games aren't too challenging, but they're pretty fun and are a nice break in the regular gameplay.
There is usually enough going on to keep you busy and constantly taking care of customers or dealing with hazards, but it's not so overwhelming that you're losing a steady stream of customers. Not the frenetic pace of some of the Dash games or the Frenzy series. I would have preferred a higher level of difficulty as it seemed quite easy to get the expert scores on the levels, but the difficulty level might be good for those of you who just like to relax and play. :)
I recommend this game!
Become the hero of the hit reality show TV Farm! Grow plants, sell products, and improve your farm in this Time Management game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 55 found this review helpful
The best parts of Farm Frenzy, minus the annoying parts
PostedJune 3, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a cute little time management game where you get to grow crops, build factories/production buildings to process them into more valuable commodities like milk, flour, sugar or - with the addition of imported goods - yet more valuable products like candy and ice cream. Then you can sell these products for a tidy profit.
Even thought the basic gameplay is the same throughout the game, it kept my interest the whole way because you kept getting new crops and/or production buildings and were always making different goods. You have a few set goals per level, either producing a certain quantity of a product or earning enough gold, but you have a lot of freedom as to how to achieve them. You get to decide what crops to plant, as well as if/when to upgrade your buildings in order to process more products at the same time.
In order to achieve the gold time for each level (past the introductory ones) you generally do have to do a little bit of planning so that you can figure out which upgrades are worth getting, what you should plant first, etc. (Or you can be like me and just play the level without much thought, then adjust on the second attempt to get gold :P)
If you've played Farm Frenzy before, this game is VERY similar. To me, it's even better for a couple of reasons. The biggest one is NO MEAN ANIMALS that come and eat your chickens or grass, etc. There was an annoying random element where they could fall on your chicken and there's nothing you could do about it but replay the level (to get a gold time). The other is that you don't get to choose upgrades. At first this may seem like a negative for TV Farm, but in Farm Frenzy if you chose the wrong upgrade, it made it difficult to get a gold score and I don't think you could reverse your choices. In TV Farm, your upgrades are automatically picked for you, so the game is balanced for that and you know gold scores will be possible.
Story/premise was pretty funny. You're supposedly the star of a reality TV show and being obviously exploited by the hosts. (Although it does end well for you!)
I recommend this game!