sandebeach's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,821
- Reviews Submitted:57
- First Review:November 11, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 30, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After discovering that the queen has been having a secret relationship you are sent away to Roanoke Island!
Overall rating
4
/
5
201 of 210 found this review helpful
Another Fun Game in the Hidden Mysteries Series
PostedMarch 30, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
PLUS SIDE: Just spent three hours having fun playing this game. I have enjoyed other games in this series (Salem Secrets, Buckingham Palace, Notre Dame, Forbidden City), but I think this one is the best of them all. The story was interesting, the puzzles were fairly easy-to-do, and I played most of the game without having to refer to the walkthrough. The game stretched to fill my widescreen monitor, and can be played in Casual or Advanced mode (I played in casual mode). I enjoyed playing in the role of a handmaiden unjustly sent to the Tower of London. A former friend has told the Queen that it was I who stole the Queen’s brooch and unleashed some evil spirits. As the heroine, I had to help appease the spirits in order to save myself from being beheaded by the Queen. The music was appropriate (although not spectacular) and the graphics were colorful, although definitely not as sophisticated as some other recent games I love. The Hint button was helpful when I got stuck exploring several locales, including the “Towers” in the Tower of London, Whitehall Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the surrounding town. The Hidden Object scenes usually had at least one interactive object; had fairly easy-to-find objects; and most scenes were visited twice. There is a map (although not interactive) which shows you where you are and what areas have tasks to complete.
MINUS SIDE: I enjoyed the game, so wish it had been longer. It is not a CE, so there is no bonus chapter. If you are looking for spectacular graphics and music, an intense playing experience, and hard puzzles, you may not enjoy this game. However, this was great fun for me; sometimes my brain needs some easier-to-play games!
MINUS SIDE: I enjoyed the game, so wish it had been longer. It is not a CE, so there is no bonus chapter. If you are looking for spectacular graphics and music, an intense playing experience, and hard puzzles, you may not enjoy this game. However, this was great fun for me; sometimes my brain needs some easier-to-play games!
I recommend this game!
Help Christine explore the spooky Ashburg Asylum and find her missing grandfather in this dark Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
54 of 58 found this review helpful
Multi-Room Asylum For Hidden Object Game Lovers
PostedJanuary 12, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
PLUS SIDE: It took me four hours to complete this game.Thank goodness for the map or I would never have gotten out of that asylum! If you like searching Hidden Object scenes (there are LOTS in this game) and enjoy exploring the grounds and many rooms of a multi-level asylum, I recommend this game. The storyline is engaging, and provides the background for another game (Nightfall Mysteries: Curse of the Opera). There are a few puzzles, and most are easy to solve, although the last one took me a while to complete. You will have a journal to help you, which includes a map; a task list; your clues; and a place for the 15 audiotapes that you will collect. If you find all the tapes, there is a bonus tape to play at the end. The graphics are bright and clear, and there are voiceovers for all the characters. The dialogue is also in text, which you can click on to skip. Take a few moments while playing to read the comments on the walls or comments when you click on items in rooms/hallways, some great humor, such as the Tooth Fairy comment "The fairy is a lie" written on the wall in the dentist office. Overall, a good game.
MINUS SIDE: Just a few for the minus side. Some of the Hidden Object scenes were very cluttered, although well drawn. Also, it took at least a minute or more for the Hint button to refill, also the Skip button, so I wish that had been a little faster.
MINUS SIDE: Just a few for the minus side. Some of the Hidden Object scenes were very cluttered, although well drawn. Also, it took at least a minute or more for the Hint button to refill, also the Skip button, so I wish that had been a little faster.
I recommend this game!
The Brooks family boarded the Neptune hoping for a relaxing family vacation, but what they got was an incredible adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 25 found this review helpful
Adrenalin Rush - Quite An Adventure!
PostedJanuary 12, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
PLUS SIDE: I really enjoyed this game, although I will now think twice about going on a cruise ship during hurricane season! This is a Hidden Object game, where you will pick up items for your inventory, search a lot of Hidden object scenes, and solve a few easy-to-do puzzles. The story is about a family who is trapped in the midst of a hurricane storm on a cruise ship that is sinking and has turned upside down (think "Poseidon Adventure" in a PC game). From the opening cutscenes, which were like a movie, I was engaged in the story as the mother who is trying to rescue her family and get them off the ship. Although the game only lasted about two-and-a-half hours, there was constant action in every scene. There are also voiceovers for all characters. The graphics were great, and the background sounds of a creaking ship and breaking/crashing items really added to the game experience. But I almost felt a little tired from climbing up ladders and then down hatches and elevator shafts to get around the ship! I cheered for the brave folks who served as rescue staff, especially in the opening scenes when the rescue helicopters are being dispatched. Other features in this game include a helpful map (although not interactive it helped me figure out my way around the ship) and you can earn achievement rankings in this game. You will search for 13 items to get the ranking of expert collector. Other achievements are for solving all puzzles.
MINUS SIDE: Although the story ending in this version is satisfactory, I wish more time had been spent in the latter chapters rescuing the daughter and the father. Also, at times the voiceovers became a little strident, but I would probably sound just as stressed and out of breath if I was on a sinking ship!
MINUS SIDE: Although the story ending in this version is satisfactory, I wish more time had been spent in the latter chapters rescuing the daughter and the father. Also, at times the voiceovers became a little strident, but I would probably sound just as stressed and out of breath if I was on a sinking ship!
I recommend this game!
Stop a mysterious illness that is causing an entire village to rapidly age! Find the cause and find a missing young girl!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 35 found this review helpful
Skulls'n'Roses - Awesome Game!
PostedJanuary 10, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
PLUS SIDE: I just replayed this game, and I enjoyed it as much as when I originally played it several months ago. The replay took me about 3 hours for the main game, and about 50 minutes for the bonus chapter. I did use the integrated Strategy Guide because I got stuck a few times. You play as a detective who is called to a town where a mysterious illness is killing the inhabitants, and you are asked by a mother to help find her missing daughter. From the opening moments of the game I was immersed in the storyline, the game play, and the eerie but beautiful music which is part of the theme of the story. There are lots of Hidden Object scenes, which you will visit twice. There are many interactive items in the Hidden Object scenes, which were fun to figure out. I liked the fact that there were more Hidden Object scenes than mini-games. However, this is one of the few games that I have been able to play all the mini-games without tearing my hair out (I am not a big puzzle fan). There are also lots of inventory items to find and use, although they are not always immediately available when needed. The graphics are wonderful, as are the cutscenes, and I really liked the music in this game. You will visit five major areas in the town, and you will revisit these areas in the bonus game, along with some new areas. The bonus content includes a chapter that introduces the sequel game, along with the usual extra bonus content - wallpapers/screensavers, concept art and music. I have liked almost all of the games from this developer (such as the PuppetShow series, Shadow Wolf series, and Grim Facade: Mystery of Venice, among others) and I am looking forward to the sequel for this game.
MINUS SIDE: The only minus for me was that as the game progressed, some of the Hidden Object scenes became darker in color and cluttered, so it took patience to find all the items.
I recommend this game!
Travel back in time and experience the mysterious life of your grandfather! Explore eerie Victorian locations and find the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
Quite A Story, Quite a Game
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
PLUS SIDE: This was a long game for me, took over 4 hours to play. This game is the first game in the Vampire Saga series. The story starts in 1950 in Boston's North End, where a young man is summoned to his grandfather’s house. The grandfather begins to tell the grandson a story about a boat, a young woman, and a mysterious adventure. The game was very interactive. The HOG scenes took me a bit of time to complete, and the game had multiple locales to explore, with a lot to do, and a lot of going back and forth for items. I had to use the walkthrough several times because I was totally stuck. As for the story, all I can say is Wow, it was really good and I am not a big vampire fan. Will just say the story had twists that I did not see coming. I was surprised at the ending, and now I am eager to play the sequel.
MINUS SIDE: Some of the Hidden Object scenes were very dark, I struggled and ended up using a lot of hints, which do refill fairly fast ( the cursor does a little loop de loop with too many misclicks).
MINUS SIDE: Some of the Hidden Object scenes were very dark, I struggled and ended up using a lot of hints, which do refill fairly fast ( the cursor does a little loop de loop with too many misclicks).
I recommend this game!
Help Santa deliver presents! Can you help Santa find all the toys scattered around Wonderland? Deliver his presents in time!
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 65 found this review helpful
Non-stress Game Perfect For Holiday Mood Lift
PostedJanuary 2, 2012
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
After playing many dark and intense games I needed something to put me in the holiday mood. Although this game is great for kids, it is also great for adults who are looking for a cheerful and fun little Hidden Object game to play. Based on the 12 Days of Christmas, you will help Santa find a variety of Christmas items in delightful and colorful Christmas-themed Hidden Object scenes. Whenever you find one of the items from the 12 Days of Christmas, you will get a little burst of the song. The mini-games are very easy to complete (some Spot the Difference, with big enough differences so that they were not really hard to do). The game can be finished in about an hour, but it was so delightful and cheery that I have replayed it several times. This is not a brain-taxing, sophisticated adventure game but it is just right for getting and staying in the holiday mood!
I recommend this game!
Spruce up your Christmas with this charming, seasonal Match 3 game. Help a little pine tree become the perfect Christmas tree!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 21 found this review helpful
Addictive Christmas Match-3 Fun
PostedDecember 31, 2011
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
What a fun little holiday gem! I don't usually play Match-3 games but got this during a holiday sale, and I have been playing it daily. I tried the timed version, not fun, but discovered the untimed version and that was perfect for me. There are over 100 levels to this game. As you clear the board you earn points which are used to buy a variety of items to decorate your tree, from light bulbs to ornaments and garland swags. There are also items for under and around the tree, such as snowmen, presents and Santas. I liked the holiday music (although repetitive so could be irksome for some), the cheery tunes put me in a holiday mood. The BEST thing about this game is that whenever I got stuck and couldn't clear a row, I learned to just wait a bit and a power-up type of item would suddenly appear to help me clear the row, loved that feature!
I recommend this game!
Agatha Christie - Death on the Nile
Hercule Poirot investigates a thrilling murder mystery and must find hidden clues, interrogate suspects, and much more.
Overall rating
5
/
5
225 of 247 found this review helpful
Loved the movie, Love this Hidden Object game
PostedDecember 29, 2011
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
PLUS SIDE = If you enjoyed watching the original Hercule Poirot movies, you may just love this game. However, it is only for those who really love playing Hidden Object scenes (and I am one of those gamers). The game follows the story of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. Poirot is traveling down the Nile in the SS Karnak along with a small group of passengers. A murder is committed and Poirot is asked to investigate. The story unfolds through the use of cutscenes, which are like silent movies. You will help Poirot conduct his investigation, and collect clues by examining each passenger's cabin and areas of the ship. The visuals are lushly detailed in each area. I love the detail in the graphics, each cabin has been wonderfully designed with a different theme/look. The Hidden Object scenes are tough, because the items are beautifully hidden within the detail of the room. I also liked the music, very appropriate to the setting, and it made me feel like I was back in time, traveling down the Nile on that luxury ship. I replay this game every two-three months because it is non-stressful and a visual delight for me.
MINUS SIDE: The items can be small and are appropriately sized, which makes them hard to find among the many accessories in each area. The area/room scenes are also timed (20 minutes for 3-5 areas) but I usually finished them within the time period. You are limited to 5 hints per area scenes, so use them with prudence. Lastly, if you are looking for a sophisticated, intense adventure game, dislike Hidden Object scenes or don't like Agatha Christie mysteries, this is probably not the game for you. This is not a dark and scary game, and there are no supernatural or occult themes.
I recommend this game!
Step into the shoes of a detective who has been approached by the FBI to take over a terrifying case and stop a Dark Ritual!
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 114 found this review helpful
For Lovers of Lengthy Hidden Object Adventure Games
PostedDecember 29, 2011
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
PLUS SIDE: Pleasantly surprised by this game, it was lengthy, fun, had LOTS of Hidden Object scenes, and the story kept my attention to the very end. I am now awaiting a sequel! You play as a FBI agent. With your partner, you are assigned to investigate a government-funded scientist who may have gone astray with his paranormal experiments, and may also be involved with your sister's disappearance. The story has some twists and turns at the start that surprised me. The graphics are very well drawn, and the Hidden Object scenes were plentiful. The Hint Button can be used like a Strategy Guide and helped me out when I was stuck. There is a bit of back-and-forth trekking to do within the chapters, but the use of the elevator and the metro train made the trekking more fum for me.
MINUS SIDE: Some of the Hidden Object scenes are very cluttered. However, with patience, you can find all of the items. There were some puzzles, but they were not hard to figure out. The game does involve supernatural elements, as implied by the game title, so players who do not like occult themes may not like this game.
I recommend this game!
Help Sam rescue his love Anna in Brink of Consciousness: Dorian Gray Syndrome, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 44 found this review helpful
Fascinating Game
PostedDecember 28, 2011
sandebeach
fromSouth Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
PLUS SIDE = This is one of the longest Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure games that I have recently played, took me over 4 hours for the main game and that included skipping some of the puzzles and looking at the Strategy Guide twice when I was really stuck. You play as a journalist covering a story about missing young people. You are summoned to a well-maintained, spacious mansion to rescue your kidnapped girlfriend. As the story unfolds you realize that the kidnapper is a seriously deranged serial murderer. You will search over 30 locales in the house and surrounding area, aided by a helpful map and journal. The graphics are visually pleasing (although disturbing) and the voiceover for the villain is extremely well done (you can go back and listen to recordings of his speeches). The cat-and-mouse game that the killer has set up is eerie and creepy, and the killer's mind is frighteningly bizarre. However, I really enjoyed the beauty of the setting because it was not dark, dirty and ugly. The game is not linear, meaning that needed items for a scene are not immediately available. There is a good ratio of Hidden Object scenes to mini-games/puzzles. The bonus game is well done, and took me over an hour to complete. Extra content for the CE includes an interesting taped video interview with members of the game development team.
MINUS SIDE = The game theme might be too disturbing for children. The game is not based on a supernatural theme. Although it is based on the concept of love and love lost, this is not a typical romance story.
I recommend this game!