rosekaufmann's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:18,036
- Reviews Submitted:831
- First Review:April 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 27, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After a long journey, Queen Sophia faces her enemy for the last time - but will she succeed in saving her parents?
Overall rating
5
/
5
64 of 79 found this review helpful
DELIGHTFUL AND ENTERTAINING
PostedJune 29, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
SUMMARY: A delightful and entertaining game. Graphics, voice overs, sounds, artistry, story, animation, HOS and puzzles are awesome. Only downside is that it appears the series is ending. Love all the BoomZap series - I have every one. I can never find much that needs improvement in their games. This is a wonderful addition to your games.
IF YOU WANT A LONGER AND MORE DETAILED REVIEW REVIEW, READ ON. IF NOT, YOU CAN STOP HERE.
STORY: Queen Sophia still hasn't saved her parents from their endless sleep. She must find Argenius, a centaur in the Redleaf Forest; he's the only blacksmith who can fashion a Sword of Courage to help Sophia defeat Dreadmyre. But just after she find Argenius, he is stolen by an Ogre. She must rescue him before she can save her parents.
GAMEPLAY: is meticulous. In case you can't determine what the next major task is, you objectives are shown. To help you along the way, Ran the owl is back. From him, you can hear Sophia's and her friends thoughts and he will direct you to where to head next. The adorable pocket dragon is back to provide fire when needed. I hope he is moved to a new series because I'll just miss him.
EFFECTS: Superb animation, use of color palettes, graphics, artistry and pleasant voice overs. Sound effects and voice overs are realistic (though it's a little hot to be listening to crackling fires right now).
HOS, PUZZLES AND MINI-GAMES: The interactive HOS (including silhouettes) are moderately crowded and very detailed. The rich hues make finding objects a pleasure. Puzzles are interesting and objects needed to complete them are found nearby (usually within 2 or 3 screens). You will be looking to solve many at the same time. Mini-games are unique and creative. The difficulty level varies and one I ended up skipping because I couldn't figure it out.
OTHER STUFF: Music is the same as with the previous Awakening games. Three modes of difficulty. I bought the CE instead of the CE because of the Collectibles and achievements and to meet the little princess (can't bear not finding out about her) and sow my seeds in the garden (what fun)!
I recommend this game!
After a suspicious accident, you find yourself stranded at a run-down motel. But you soon realize the area hides a terrifying secret...
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 75 found this review helpful
DELIVERS THE SCARY ELEMENTS FOR THE CHARACTERS
PostedJune 28, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is very frightful. Usually, they promise scary, but seldom deliver. This game does - at least for the characters in it. Awful things keep happening. Everything seems to have stopped in purgatory for 10 years and looks like it. (Takes place in the 60s, and graphics depict the neglect and the era.) Very interactive HOS and puzzles are engaging and fun. Lots of things to happen in this adventure. More interesting puzzles and mini-games than HOS. Hint system is very helpful, though you can figure out the navigation pretty good. Let the fun begin at the unwelcome hotel.
I recommend this game!
A strange and deadly pollen is spreading around the world, and you’ve been hired to track down its source. But the secrets you discover in the fabled kingdom of Floralia are much darker than you imagined...
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 23 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BLUE TEA GLORY
PostedJune 26, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Same as the other Dark Parable games, there is a lot to love with this game. The frags are gorgeously done and the interactions required to complete the mini-game take a little thought at times. Movies are brilliantly done to tell the story. It would be hard to find a negative to the Blue Tea games. The artistry is superb and very elaborate. Smooth and flawless movement in the gameplay. Fun to play and plenty of action abounds.
I recommend this game!
A dragon has awoken after a hundred years - and it's after your son.
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
ANOTHER WINNER
PostedJune 25, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Locations were beautiful. Interesting story as you try to save your son from the dark forest after he was abducted by a dragon and it has its twists and turns. Good proportion of HOS to mini-games, both of which were nicely done. Mini-games were moderately challenging but you could figure them out with enough thought. Good production values and thoughtful, well-written story.
I recommend this game!
A dragon has awoken after a hundred years - and it's after your son.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BOOMZAP WINNER
PostedJune 25, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Locations were beautiful. Interesting story as you try to save your son from the dark forest after he was abducted by a dragon and it has its twists and turns. Good proportion of HOS to mini-games, both of which were nicely done. Mini-games were moderately challenging but you could figure them out with enough thought. Good production values and thoughtful, well-written story.
I recommend this game!
Kathleen’s beloved Danny has been arrested under strange circumstances and accused of murder. It’s up to Kathleen to hold her own investigation and find out what really happened.
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 33 found this review helpful
COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY GOOD
PostedJune 22, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
WARNING: VIOLENCE PORTRAYING A KILLING
Basically I liked the game. The HOS and puzzles were nicely done; the artistry was very good; challenging gameplay. You get a map with many locations. Music was pleasant enough but I'd chose it differently for this topic in a game.
WHY NOT 5 STARS: I never got the story. If I didn't read the summary of the story on the gamepage, I'd be lost. There is a lot of written dialogue, BUT is is very small and it flashes by, making it impossible to read. There were no sounds except for the music (well maybe one or two sounds every 10 minutes). With uninspired music and no sounds, it got a little boring, and it shouldn't have. I'm on the fence over buying or recommending it, but I'll give it benefit of the doubt.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties
A peaceful day at the park becomes a journey into the surreal when you become the latest victim of a troubled artist's deal with Death!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 58 found this review helpful
FIND THE MISSING PIECES
PostedJune 22, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Very well-developed and written story. A wicked artist painted ladies who disappeared as far back as 100 years ago and captured their souls. You have to find the missing pieces of their portraits to allow them to return to their lives and, in your spare time, find the missing pieces from your own portrait.
Graphics, special effects and voice overs are very good. Well put together and thought out. Hint system is exceptionally helpful. Good production values. Lots to do and many little things to solve. Good ratio of HOS, puzzles and adventure. Moderately challenging.
I recommend this game!
For 25 years, you thought you had no family. But one night, a man steps through a mirror from another world, claiming to be your uncle... changing your life forever.
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 79 found this review helpful
GET THOSE MONSTERS
PostedJune 21, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Great animation and special effects.
Beautiful artistry and use of color.
Very nice voice overs.
Interesting mini-games that are on the easy side.
Well-done HOS; not difficult to find objects.
Helper owl with those out-of-reach objects.
Smooth gameplay.
CE has 2 bonus chapters, one unlocked by collecting leaves.
Beautiful artistry and use of color.
Very nice voice overs.
Interesting mini-games that are on the easy side.
Well-done HOS; not difficult to find objects.
Helper owl with those out-of-reach objects.
Smooth gameplay.
CE has 2 bonus chapters, one unlocked by collecting leaves.
A well-done and carefully thought-out game. You might say that some of the scenes look regurgitated. That's because the game continues from the 2 Whispered Secrets games, but you needn't play them first as the cutscenes and game flow bring you up-to-date in the story.
I recommend this game!
A series of unexplained deaths baffle authorities, and you’re called in to investigate.
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 136 found this review helpful
FRESH GAMEPLAY TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL
PostedJune 19, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
SUMMARY: Fresh and unique HOS and mini-games with fantastic color palettes and artistry in the graphics. HOS are done in sections and mini-games have a new approach. Graphics are gorgeous and cutscenes are terrific. VERY VERY CREATIVE. Takes it to a new level. So wonderful to look at.
OUTSTANDING:
1. Very long HOS, with a mini-HOS (silhouette) within a HOS (list-based, interactive) and move over next to the scenes for additional close-ups of HOS. Artistically created HOS so things are easy to see (but not necessarily to find).
2. Grabbing cutscenes, and not just the opening scenes. Much thought went into doing these.
3. Even puzzles have sound effects.
4. Sometimes need to open an inventory item to get new inventory items (such as open a coin purse to get the pipe ends for a mini-games).
1. Very long HOS, with a mini-HOS (silhouette) within a HOS (list-based, interactive) and move over next to the scenes for additional close-ups of HOS. Artistically created HOS so things are easy to see (but not necessarily to find).
2. Grabbing cutscenes, and not just the opening scenes. Much thought went into doing these.
3. Even puzzles have sound effects.
4. Sometimes need to open an inventory item to get new inventory items (such as open a coin purse to get the pipe ends for a mini-games).
GOOD:
1. Use of animation and special effects.
2. Music is apropros for the scenes. Very lively.
3. Sound effects.
4. Four difficulties, including custom.
5. Beautiful graphics and use of color palettes.
6. Voice overs (with lip sync for those who insist on it).
7. Good ratio of mini-games and HOS.
8. Play match-3 instead of HOS.
1. Use of animation and special effects.
2. Music is apropros for the scenes. Very lively.
3. Sound effects.
4. Four difficulties, including custom.
5. Beautiful graphics and use of color palettes.
6. Voice overs (with lip sync for those who insist on it).
7. Good ratio of mini-games and HOS.
8. Play match-3 instead of HOS.
I recommend this game!
Stop a magician’s ghost and free the trapped souls haunting the Black Woods in Mystic Diary: Haunted Island!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
CHALLENGING ADVENTURE HOG
PostedJune 16, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
LENGTH ON CASUAL PLAY: 4 hours
Challenging gameplay. [If you don't know what to do next, hint is pretty useless. Just shows you a picture of where to use an inventory item, even if it's in an as yet undiscovered location.] HOS are crowded, somewhat dark with faded colors and indistinct objects. Hint does work well in the HOS. Sometimes you need to cast spells to progress (I think there were 4 spells).
Nice game except for the indistinct HOS and the unhelpful hint system.
I recommend this game!