spenny1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:454
- Reviews Submitted:40
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 17, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Travel with Ben in his journey through dreams and unravel the mystery of his late wife Elizabeth.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Really nice game
PostedMarch 17, 2018
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The first thing I did when I finished this game was to look up the developer and see what other games they have done, I want more! Luckily, there are more Specialbit games here on Big Fish.
It's a lovely story, told through photos that you pick up and live action cut scenes. We also have a helper, not an intrusive or annoying one, but a very cute cat just like my own. Most achievements are just story progression, but the collected photos and items for the cat are others, which you can miss. You can play with the cat in the achievements screen, very well observed behaviour!
The puzzles are all really nice and some thought has obviously gone into them to put a slightly different spin on the norm. A few take a bit of thought but all are logical, and fit in with the story. I did take out a pen and paper for the number puzzle, but I always tend to do that with them. Then we have FROGs, which I usually really don't care for, but these are so well done and lovely to look at, I actually really enjoyed them too.
The music is relaxing, and the graphics suit the story, changing style a little depending on where you are in the story.
I played on the hardest setting, and it was challenging enough for me whilst still being a great way to while away a Saturday afternoon.
For SE price, this is a real bargain.
I recommend this game!
When Julia reaches an abandoned laboratory to rescue her sister, she discovers there is more to this mystery than a mere abduction.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Not as good as the first
PostedMarch 16, 2018
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This has been sat in my library for some time, I bought it with doing the demo as I enjoyed the first so much, Unfortunately, I feel a bit let down by this sequel. It seems to have "dumbed down" somewhat. There are constant objectives popping up on screen telling you the most obvious of things (eg, you get to a locked door and a big notification intructs you to find a way to open it). Also on the puzzles, the instructions cover the entire puzzle at first until you dismiss them, not giving you any option to figure it out by yourself. I replayed Mad Scientist before this to refresh my memory, and several of the actions and puzzles are almost identical, such as the one where you find a clue then move something to match. I know it's a hidden object game but this one seems to be overly flooded with them, and they are old school eye strainers and often repeated.The storyline is lost a bit as you wander around doing what seem like tasks for the sake of doing something, and I've found myself in one area wondering if I'd jumped to another game.
Such a shame, the graphics are still great, and they have fixed the bug which seemed to put you on the easiest difficulty regardless of what you picked in the first one, but I'll definitely demo the latest installment before I buy.
Take a journey through an isolated research facility in the Antarctic and discover the secrets of its past.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Pure adventure sci-fi
PostedFebruary 15, 2018
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's been an age since I've submitted a review, but having just finished this after having it sat in my library for some time, I think it's warrants a big thumbs up. There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this one.
As others have said, it's not a hidden object game, there's no hand holding (although there is a great hint system if you really get stuck), you don't even get a changing cursor. This is ideal for the slightly bleak and mysterious situation in which you find yourself.
The puzzles are a decent standard of challenge, but nothing a little logic won't solve, and all completely story related. The graphics suit the mood, and I even felt a little chilly at times looking at scenes. No bells and whistles, but that just means you can get absorbed into the story more without being distracted by achievements and collectables that can work well in other games.
If you enjoyed Nighmare Adventures The Turning Thorn and The Witch's Prison, then you'll certainly enjoy this. Conversely, if you enjoyed this and haven't played those two, I'd suggest you give them a try. I particularly liked the optional mini game on one of the computers in game, very clever devs!
What a great game this is, and great value for an SE. Perfect for these dark winter evenings.
I recommend this game!
Beyond the sky lies a thrilling adventure... and a deadly threat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Sunning sci-fi
PostedJuly 4, 2016
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's been so long since I've done a review, but I had to for this. I nearly didn't buy it after a brief demo, as I thought there were too many cut scenes which interrupted play, how wrong I was! They are all stunning and far from getting in the way of game play, they definitely add to a great gaming experience. Thanks to other certain reviewers who seem to share my taste, and a sale, I didn't miss out on this stellar game.
The graphics are amazing, and the music is perfect for the ambience and really adds to the feel of the game. The characters are also very good, and it doesn't hurt to have one who bears a resemblance to a certain Irish actor called Cillian!
The puzzles are plentiful and very well suited to the game and enjoyable, not the mind bending challenge I sometimes crave but kept me perfectly entertained. The hidden object scenes are also well done and quite varied and innovative, although those morphing objects became a personal challenge at times. As is usual with Mad Head, you also have a chance to replay them for an achievement, and the rest of achievements are for doing things well rather than just passing a point in the game, also rockets to collect for another. Extras inlude character profiles, the usual wallpapers, collectibles hunt which I can take or leave, and the eye straining bonus hidden object, extra mini game and jigsaw puzzle upon completion of bonus chapter. The 'making of' is nice to see back too.
Sometimes in games I feel that I'm doing things for no real reason other than as a filler, but all tasks and found objects made sense. I also liked the diary in the form of the bracelet memory. The map was also very pleasing on the eye. The game a good length too, I've played so many now I can often run through them all to quickly. Also, the bonus is a good length and adds to the story and doesn't feel like a tacked on bit at the end just to upgrade it to a CE.
It's so nice to have another decent sci-fi game, and from one of my all time favourite developers to boot. It's such a beautiful and immersive game, one which I was sorry to come to the end of, but I will definitely be revisiting after a suitable period of time has passed.
I definitly recommend this game, and I'd say that the CE is completely worth it in this case if you can afford it.
I recommend this game!
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A joy to play
PostedSeptember 5, 2015
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've just come back to games after a break of about a year, and this was the perfect start. Everything positive has already been said, so I will just concur that it is a well crafted game, beautiful graphics and music, nice puzzles at a decent level of challenge, and no hidden object scenes as such, they are more like mini games too. Also no twee and pointlessly annoying helpers, or equally annoying 'hand holding' telling you what to do every few seconds! I have really enjoyed it and I'm now looking forward to playing the preceding game, Dark Overlord.
My only gripe is that, unless I'm mistaken, you are unable to assemble the magic machine once you have completed the main game. You collect all the parts and then miss out. So be warned and do it as soon as you have all the bits.
Other than than, as the title says, this game really is a joy to play.
I recommend this game!
You’re about to uncover the secret that’s been haunting Blackrow!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
What has happened to the challenge?
PostedSeptember 26, 2014
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Let me start by saying that I have always been a big fan of the pachyderms, but I have been somewhat disappointed by their last few games. Visually, they are pretty much as impressive as ever, but what has happened to the challenge? The hidden object scenes are so easy that I have found myself completing them without even needing to look at the list, and the puzzles are so easy that many of them don't even deserve to be called puzzles at all. Both of these points also mean that you can't help but get all of the achievements, no effort required. The constant objectives popping up are somewhat annoying, although not quite as much as when the notification pops up to inform you that you have achieved one, I mean, it's pretty obvious when you have gained access to some room. As for the 'Secret room', eye strain and boredom are not my idea of fun, and the other extras are bog standard. I think I'd recommend people not to bother with the CE version at all and go for the SE that came out today, the bonus chapter is something and nothing.
I hate to say it, but I think that these games are being churned out too thick and fast, with far more emphasis on the look and effects rather than the game play. These must be great for newer players, but the more experienced of us seem to have been left by the wayside.
After Alice's car careens into a river, she wakes to find herself in a strange world. To escape, Alice will have to overcome her fears.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Unfinished version
PostedJuly 28, 2014
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a great game with a good level of challenge and a good balance of puzzles and HOS. It's such a shame that we have only been offered the SE version, as the ending is non existent. Such a disappointment.
I recommend this game!
Reveal the secret of an ancient prophecy! Fascinating tasks and exciting puzzles await you behind the breathtaking scenery of a mysterious island!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 9 found this review helpful
Pretty game, but pretty simple (demo)
PostedOctober 14, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The first thing that struck me was the truly appalling music, the sound on this game is very quiet anyway, but I had to kill the music, a first for me. The next thing was the opening sequence, no voice over for the text, and it just seemed a bit confused and tenuous. You have to go on a balloon ride with a friend, "for no apparent reason", and he says you have to take your grandmother's mirror with you.
I have to say that when the game itself started, I was pleasantly surprised by the graphics, really detailed and beautifully done. Unfortunately, I soon found this game to be all looks and no brains. After rescuing the talking raccoon, who talked far too much for my liking, again no voice over, and no animation just a flat picture of the character, I was allowed to investigate the first scene. I found one of the most tedious puzzles I have even played. I have to say that the mini games are available to re play once you have completed them, but I had absolutely no desire to revisit that first one or any of the following, as they offered absolutely no challenge at all.
The hidden object scenes were extremely detailed, a whole other scene rather than just a little junk pile or cupboard of stuff. I found these a little tedious too, but I know that avid hidden object fans will love them, they just gave me eye strain. I played on expert, but still found huge and intrusive sparkles, and a rather annoying sparkly journal.
There are collectibles, and achievements, although most of the latter are just awarded for the progress you have to make going through the game.
If the graphics weren't so good, I'd say it has a rather dated feel to it, especially with the characters all being flat with no animation. I know many games don't have voice overs for the characters, but that combined with the dull speech box just felt really lacking.
I do think that this game might be very good for beginners, and the graphics are very pretty, but I think that most more experienced players will find it just too easy.
I don't recommend this game.
Deep in the heart of an enchanted forest, a forbidden love blooms. Guide the human Eveline as she sets out to rescue her beloved from the clutches of a tyrant.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Quickly became tiresome
PostedOctober 2, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have to start by saying that I can see a lot of work has gone into making this game, especially so with the detailed and layered artwork. The storyline is a relatively simple love story concept, but it didn't at all keep my interest. There are a LOT of notes and diary entries to try to keep you abreast of the story, all read out by the main character in a very annoying and sickly sweet voice. This is the first thing to become tiresome, and I found myself diving for the button to stop her reading out loud. If I had her voice on a sat nav, I would drive into a tree.
The second and main thing which quickly became tiresome, was the seemingly endless potions. I ended up not even reading the ingredients list as I knew that I would stumble across all the ingredients without much effort. The making of the potions was the same each time, so repetitive it became like groundhog day.
There are some good puzzles, but I did find myself keeping an eye on my progress in the jump map, waiting to finish the game. It only took a couple of hours. A bit like a book that falls below expectations, I'd started so I'd finish. I didn't even bother with the bonus chapter, which is something I've never done before.
So all in all, some good puzzles, visually impressive, but be prepared for repetition and simply roaming around for ingredients. Maybe good for younger players or beginners, but even then it might seem to just drag on.
I don't recommend this game.
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A great game, with knobs on
PostedOctober 1, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This would be a great game, even without all the bells and whistles that are on this CE. Many have been before me, so I won't bother going into the story, but I thoughi it definitely had originality, which is tricky with all the games that are being made now. It also kept my interest throughout the game, and kept the game moving at just the right pace. Also, the cut scene numbers are just right, not too many to interfere with the fluidity of the game, but enough to keep the tale rolling along.
The graphics are lovely hand drawn story book style, and along with the gentle music, makes for the perfect atmosphere for the story.The hidden object scenes are clear, I did find myself having to really look for a few items, but managed quite well without any hints.
The puzzles and mini games are innovative and fun, mainly of a middling difficulty for me, and again I managed without skipping any. There are instructions if you need them, and the strategy guide if you need more help. The strategy guide is thorough and well presented, and stays where you leave it during game play. Some of them have a definite 'end of level boss' feel about them, where you have to keep your wits about you and defeat some foe or another.
There are 2 difficulty levels, plus a custom level, which was the one I chose, and set to almost the hardest, but showing inventory items which needed something doing to them. You can access this through options during game play. Some inventory items need to be combined with others, some require looking at more closely. There is also a jump map, which shows areas which still require actions to be completed. I found this to be enough to keep me on track, without needing the guide.
There are plenty of collectibles of different types throughout the game, and you receive achievements for getting them all. The achievement list is extensive, and they have to be earned, rather than just appearing when you progress through the game. I managed to get only 70%, so the game has replay value just for that, although I would have come back to this game anyway, even if I had got them all.
The extras are a little different here, and much better in my eyes. The concept art actually talks you through the development of the game, and the reasons things were done as they were. I also really enjoyed the hidden object replay challenge available on the main menu, in which you need to have great speed and accuracy, this is another achievement. You can also replay the mini games, once you have passed them in the main game.
The bonus level was a great addition, not required to wrap the main story up, but a great addition and definitely worth the CE in my opinion. There is also another optional area to be revisited when you have completed the main game, which is an additional challenge.
This game is a very good length, as is the bonus, and I really do recommend that you give it a go. It's well balanced all round, offers decent challenge, and actually worthy of being a CE. There are nods to the previous game, and a nod to the next one, I just hope it comes out soon.
I recommend this game!