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:
What happens when the heart turns against itself?
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 88 found this review helpful
SWASHBUCKLING FUN
PostedAugust 31, 2013
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
I had so much fun with this game that time just flew by. And it was stress-free fun!
WHAT YOU GET:
Journal with objectives
Automatic widescreen
3 volume levels
Very well done voice overs
Realistic sounds
3 levels of difficulty
Match 3 instead of HOS
Jaunty music added to the atmosphere
Interactive map showing objectives (and locations with available actions if playing casual), which can be changed during gameplay
Journal with objectives
Automatic widescreen
3 volume levels
Very well done voice overs
Realistic sounds
3 levels of difficulty
Match 3 instead of HOS
Jaunty music added to the atmosphere
Interactive map showing objectives (and locations with available actions if playing casual), which can be changed during gameplay
GAMEPLAY:
The graphics were hand-drawn and beautiful. Lots of attention to detail in the environments. Story took place when pirates roamed the earth and the interaction between the characters keep your interest throughout. There seemed to be quite a bit of underlying humor in the drawings and dialogues.
The graphics were hand-drawn and beautiful. Lots of attention to detail in the environments. Story took place when pirates roamed the earth and the interaction between the characters keep your interest throughout. There seemed to be quite a bit of underlying humor in the drawings and dialogues.
The HOS were incredibly fun. Everything was easy to find, but within each HOS was a silhouette mini-HOS. I think it was the mix of the two HOS types that contributed to the enjoyment. You could play Match 3 if you wanted, but I was having such a good time playing the HOS that I didn't even bother to try the Match 3s. I don't recall when I had such fun playing HOS.
Puzzles seemed to be in an equal ratio to the HOS. They were easy but were also a lot of fun. Objects sometimes had to be combined to get a needed item to progress the game. There wasn't any wandering around trying to figure out what to do next. Very logical gameplay.
CE extras include achievements, movies, making of, bonus play, pictures, HOS, puzzles, and music. The enjoyment and entertaining value of this game makes it a definite buy for me.
I recommend this game!
There are screams heard in Silent Hollow... Trouble at the Mystery Trackers headquarters means you're called in to help.
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 84 found this review helpful
OUTSTANDING AGAIN
PostedAugust 30, 2013
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
I love the Mystery Tracker games and this one seems the best so far. The story is fantastic; the dazzling graphics, terrific sounds, and voice overs and gameplay are outstanding. A beautifully conceived and polished production that is a real pleasure to play. Agency pets have been seen around the planet, but without their agents, which is quite disturbing. Agents are found indisposed or worse. Your pet Elf is entertaining as well as helpful in exploring those out-of-the-way places. The developers again did a fantastic job of putting together an outstanding game and they're just getting better and better if that's possible. Puzzles are very well done and interesting; nothing too difficult. 4 difficulty modes; graphics gamma, turn special effects on or off, and control 4 volumes. Can't find a single negative. Everything is simply positive to the nth degree.
I recommend this game!
Sable Maze: Norwich Caves Collector's Edition
Your students have gone missing during an expedition under the university. Can you track them down before the water rises?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
VERY REALISTIC UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS & SOUNDS
PostedAugust 29, 2013
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
4
/
5
The first Sable Maze was amazing. Norwich Caves isn't quite up there, but it's still a terrific game. Logical gameplay and refreshingly unique story. Sounds are very realistic and make you feel that you are right in the scene. Voice overs are natural sounding (like real actors) and appropriate to the scenes.
Ratio of HOS to puzzles is just right. The HOS are uncrowded and very nicely detailed. I like that everything requires some sort of interaction to cross objects off your list. There are even puzzles within some of the HOS. Puzzles are greatly varied; none are too difficult - you mostly have to figure out how and where to get the missing pieces. Puzzles are nicely tied to the story.
The environments are carefully crafted for the right atmosphere, with a lot of attention to detail. Caverns can be quite somber and the graphics bring that out without being drab and dull. Sounds can be individually adjusted. CE has a lot of achievements (you can even earn 2 on some puzzles/HOS) and collectibles. Others have gone into more detail, so I won't repeat all of them.
I recommend this game!
Discover what connects the ship’s disappearance with Devil’s Island and a family’s unsolved murder!
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 58 found this review helpful
NOTHING NEW BUT WHAT'S THERE IS ACCEPTABLE
PostedAugust 28, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Nothing was outstanding, but neither was anything dreadful in this adventure. You play a 19th century detective, called to investigate a disappearing crew from a now-abandoned ship. You learn that crew have gone missing for decades. The story of ghosts, ghost ships, spooky villages and inhabitants is familiar. By its nature, the story is an entertaining adventure.
The visual effects are moderately okay; but definitely not spectacular. Voice-overs are okay. Standard HOS are also run-of-the-mill acceptable, but you search for the same things over and over, so the searches do become somewhat boring. Puzzles are okay, just not exciting or difficult.
So I guess a good summary is that game is moderately acceptable, being neither exceptional nor clunky. It fails to be as suspenseful as it could be, considering the story. A newbie to HOGs-adventure might be more inclined to like than a very experienced gamer.
I recommend this game!
Help detective Ashley Clark uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious kidnappings, and reveal the secrets of the ruby pendant!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 36 found this review helpful
GREAT GAME IS YOU DON'T LIKE TO BE HAND-HELD
PostedAugust 26, 2013
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
I really liked this game. Intriguing story and the gameplay developments kept me interested throughout. 4 modes of difficulty - I played on the 2nd. There were few directions on what to do or where to go next, so I really felt smart when I figured it out. Since I play so many HOG/adventure games, it wasn't that difficult to determine what might work. Although game is not linear, there are some activities that must be completed before progressing to other tasks.
Not too many HOS, but that's okay. I did not find them dark or too shadowy, nor where they too busy. Objects were nicely detailed and not too small to see. Plenty of unique, fun and interesting puzzles - had to search for the answers or additional pieces for the puzzles (usually elsewhere). Takes some problem solving to find the clues or missing pieces of the puzzle. Challenge was moderate to high - but all were quite enjoyable.
Don't know if there was a tutorial on the casual mode, but there wasn't any in the 2nd mode. Start with 3 hints - was down to my last and became concerned that I might be permanently stuck when I used it. But I found out (accidentally) there are roses hidden in some of the scenes and collecting them adds a hint. Sure hope there are enough roses.
Conversations with characters were interesting. They usually needed help with something. Voice overs were generally good. Liked how the characters disappeared when done with their story. One thing that I didn't like was having to actually close the dialogue box before I could continue. I think it should close automatically.
If you don't like a game to constantly point you in the right direction, you might well like this game. I you like direction, try it on the easiest mode. 4 1/2 stars.
I recommend this game!
The mysterious League of Light has chosen you as their newest member. Are you up to your first assignment?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 32 found this review helpful
REALLY NICE GAME
PostedAugust 23, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Beautifully constructed game with terrific graphics and very pleasant music. 3 modes of play. Your diary includes the story and clues, as well as information on the various creatures you meet. Your map includes notations of where tasks remain to be performed and provides a means of fast travel.
Interesting and well-written story with lots to do - you join the League of Light and are charged with investigating the possible appearance of the Dark Lord. As you arrive, the daughter of your host is stolen by a winged creature and off you go to the castle. [But why is she sitting outside of the castle shivering, until the winged creature reappears and takes her inside? - That made no sense.]
You learn that previous League of Light investigators have met an untimely death. Will you meet the same fate? Interactive HOS are uncrowded and very distinct. Puzzles are not too difficult. Inventory is used near where it was discovered. A very good production and a pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon.
I recommend this game!
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
LOVELY AND PLEASANT PLAY
PostedAugust 23, 2013
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
Love the imagery. Some of ERS' developers certainly have a great imagination. Smooth gameplay and outrageously gorgeous graphics. Puzzles vary in complexity and HOS are unusually colorful and pleasant to do (no dull drab fall-asleep HOS here). You can do mini-games if you don't care for HOS.
Lots to do and locations to explore. The story is cohesive and skillfully told. A lot of attention to details and every aspect has been well thought out. Especially like the racoon helper - love that he keeps overeating whenever there's anything edible in sight and you can buy his personalized wardrobe. It's a hoot! This is one of the best games to come out in the recent weeks. A real pleasure to play.
I recommend this game!
Save your cousin from an evil magician and find the treasure of Cherai! Explore a mysterious palace in the Dark Hills of Cherai!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
A DIFFERENT AND COMPLEX TYPE OF GAME
PostedAugust 22, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
STORY: Grandmother tells a tale of a magician and lost treasure to her 3 grandchildren. Rahul takes off to search for the treasure and is instead captured by the magician. Maya and Tara are then off to save him. Since you will be changing characters frequently, some may find it difficult to follow the story.
GAMEPLAY: Nonlinear and inventive. Unique adventure-HOG game is much more complex than usually encountered. You take turns playing the 3 characters (click character at top of page to change), each following their own path of lovely Indian locations and encountering puzzles they can’t complete, because they lack the necessary objects. So consider this if you get stuck with one of the characters. They also find objects that they can’t use themselves and they there exchange objects at the Meeting Place. HOS are not too crowded and objects are clearly defined. There is a wide variety of very interesting puzzles; mostly unique, with difficulty ranging from easy to very challenging. But directions are not always clear. Hints recharge slowly.
OTHER STUFF: What is a lot of fun is the complexity of swapping. You need (1) a terrific memory or (2) pen and paper or (3) W/T to keep track of which character needs what to complete their tasks because it isn’t always obvious who needs what. Otherwise, you’ll be playing for days swapping objects, characters and revisiting locations at random because you haven’t swapped the right objects. Location graphics are absolutely gorgeous, with great animation and visual effects. MAP tells which locations have been completed and which have pending actions. LENGTH: Over 5 hours at very casual mode.
I recommend this game!
The time has come for Nelly and Tom to stop a potential catastrophe and save the world in Treasure Seekers: The Time has Come!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
SOLID AND NOT FRUSTRATING
PostedAugust 22, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
4th game in the series. If you liked any of them, you will like this one as they are very similar in style. The first 3 games take place in the 1930s. It is now 2012 (the year that Mayan hieroglyphs predicted the end of the world, as deciphered by Nelly); Nelly and Tom have hardly aged, unlike me. Usually, it’s Tom who needs rescuing; this time, it’s Nelly. Although the premise is the same as the earlier games (searching for the Holy Grail), it is a very good and enjoyable game.
Visit Jerusalem, Paris, Scotland and Mexico as Tom chases after the time traveler Totenkraft and the captured Nelly. Hint system is very good, but gameplay isn’t that frustrating to begin with. There is a built-in detailed strategy guide if needed. You will find inventory either through HOS or as stand-alone findings. Nice ratio of HOS and puzzles. Music was appropriate to the scenes. Gorgeous graphical displays of different scenes. LENGTH: Average – 3 to 4 hours at a casual pace.
I recommend this game!
The time has come for Nelly and Tom to stop a potential catastrophe and save the world in Treasure Seekers: The Time has Come!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
SOLID, NOT FRUSTRATING
PostedAugust 22, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
4th game in the series. If you liked any of them, you will like this one as they are very similar in style. The first 3 games take place in the 1930s. It is now 2012 (the year that Mayan hieroglyphs predicted the end of the world, as deciphered by Nelly); Nelly and Tom have hardly aged, unlike me. Usually, it’s Tom who needs rescuing; this time, it’s Nelly. Although the premise is the same as the earlier games (searching for the Holy Grail), it is a very good and enjoyable game.
Visit Jerusalem, Paris, Scotland and Mexico as Tom chases after the time traveler Totenkraft and the captured Nelly. Hint system is very good, but gameplay isn’t that frustrating to begin with. There is a built-in detailed strategy guide if needed. You will find inventory either through HOS or as stand-alone findings. Nice ratio of HOS and puzzles. Music was appropriate to the scenes. Gorgeous graphical displays of different scenes. LENGTH: Average – 3 to 4 hours at a casual pace.
I recommend this game!