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:
The ghostly figure of Amadeus still graces Godesberg - solve riddles and find hidden objects in the Opera House.
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Out of the Ordinary
PostedAugust 25, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Intriguing story about a fictional composer (Francis von Amadeus), and his patron’s (Johann) household in the 19th century. The house later became an abandoned opera house. Neighbors talk about a ghostly figure making appearances and mysterious music playing from the opera house and you are investigating.
Visual effects are beautiful, very detailed and most are true to the period. Music is relaxing, accompanied by good sound effects of thunder and lightning for atmosphere. 10 chapters, each with a varying number of locations to investigate. There are two endings for the story, depending on whether you play the Apprentice or Archaeologist mode (a reason to play at least twice).
A refreshing and unique play on HOS. Instead of a list, you must solve riddles in order to determine what you must find. You also encounter secret room puzzles, in which you must put items back into the picture, causing a change in the scenery. The next time you are investigating the secret room, you will have to switch back and forth between the initial scene and the new scenery to solve the riddles. I found this quite fun. Caveat: If you leave the game without having placed all the items back in the secret room puzzles, you will need to restart that puzzle.
I recommend this game!
Travel from the deepest trenches of the Atlantic Ocean to the awe-inspiring wonders of Mars as you solve the greatest archeological puzzle known to man: the origin of Atlantis.
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 73 found this review helpful
Exceptional Sci-Fi Adventure
PostedAugust 25, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
A lengthy sci-fi adventure game.
Pros:
-carefully constructed and unique story with good 3D cutscenes (if you love sci-fi, it can really suck you in)
-interactive map, showing where things could be done
-good ratio of HOS to adventure play
-good sound effects and better-than-average voice acting maintained the atmosphere
-beautifully conceived graphics from the stark Mars landscape to very detailed space station to underground train
-Marcy, the companion cat gained about midway through game
Pros:
-carefully constructed and unique story with good 3D cutscenes (if you love sci-fi, it can really suck you in)
-interactive map, showing where things could be done
-good ratio of HOS to adventure play
-good sound effects and better-than-average voice acting maintained the atmosphere
-beautifully conceived graphics from the stark Mars landscape to very detailed space station to underground train
-Marcy, the companion cat gained about midway through game
Cons:
-popups
-may have too many HOS for some people
-puzzles were usually too easy
-popups
-may have too many HOS for some people
-puzzles were usually too easy
Excellent and enjoyable story and gameplay throughout.
I recommend this game!
Delve deeper into the secret world of a time traveling family trying to fulfill the prophecies in the Book of Oracles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Another Winner
PostedAugust 24, 2012
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
5
/
5
Overview of gameplay: Only about 20% of the game bears a resemblance to the gameplay of the Rabbit Hole and the Ripple Effect. More than half of this game is adventure and, instead of helping historical figures affected by time ripples (although they do make cameo appearances), the emphasis is on helping Jesse save her family. Whereas Rabbit Hole and Ripple Effect had about 3 scenes open at one time, Oracles has quite a few portals open at once, each with several scenes. Gameplay is not linear. An interactive map would be very helpful because you are going from portal to portal and it is easy to get lost, even though there are only a few scenes in each portal. If you must consult a W/T, I strongly recommend BF's - it gives better directions and is more specific for those occasions you are hopelessly lost. Game was lengthy - over 6 hours at a very relaxed pace..
There are a few HOS and silhouette HOS, both outnumbered by FRAGS. You also find inventory items right in the scene, in addition to those found through HOS or FRAGS. Once an object is put together, you have to remember which portal is the most likely to make use of it. Each of the portals does have an image depicting what the time period and place is; however, many look the same when the majority of the image is bushes, a gate or outside of a brick building.
There is a variety of puzzles, but some had poor instructions. Example, a couple puzzles had clock hands that moved clockwise and counterclockwise a specified number of spaces, depending on what color symbol you selected. If you hit a completed symbol, you had to start over. But the instructions don’t say how you know a symbol is completed and you had to figure it out through trial and error (it turns black, so don’t land on a black symbol). Otherwise, the puzzles were interesting, fun and fresh.
Graphics were detailed, colorful and gorgeous, as they were with the first 2 Family Flux games. Production values were more than terrific. The developers certainly put a lot of thought and creativity into designing this spectacular game.
Storyline: You could not call this a run-of-the-mill game. The storyline is complicated, but you do not need to play Time Ripple and Rabbit Hole first to understand the premise. In addition to the time ripples of the prior two games, we now have a wormhole to contend with. That being said, it is easy to become confused about what the entire storyline is. At one point, even Jesse said she was confused (I hear you Jesse). There is an effort to put the 3 intertwined games and bits and pieces of family background and time ripples together into a cohesive story. But I still felt something was missing. Almost to the very end of the gameplay, it seemed that this would be the end of the series. Not to spoil it for you, it is not, but you'll have to play to find out why.
I recommend this game!
Discover the fate of your exiled kingdom, save your people and end the ancient evil that started it all!
Overall rating
5
/
5
136 of 155 found this review helpful
Lovely Conclusion
PostedAugust 23, 2012
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
We have Princess Sofia, our adorable Pocket Dragon, our most helpful owl, an interactive map, and an adventure with lots of things to do, plenty of HOS and fun puzzles (some quite unique) to solve - and, unfortunately, a conclusion to this lovely series. What's not to like! The artwork again is picturesque and beautifully drawn, the narrator pleasant to listen to, the story appealing and the music relaxing. This is a polished, creative and enchanting series and this final journey measures up to the first three.
I recommend this game!
Fix the errors in time in this Hidden Object game! Explore historical sites and find misplaced objects scattered through time.
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Good Game, Partly Historical
PostedAugust 20, 2012
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
Storyline: Very well developed. Although the story is not entirely new, it is creatively presented to remain fresh. As Jesse, you’ll travel through time to find and replace some of the most important discoveries and treasures of some of history’s significant historical figures in 10 subjects such as literature, science, pioneers and music in various time periods. For each subject, 3 historical figures will need your help in recovering some of their important work. As a bonus, you’ll learn some interesting facts about each of the 10 characters.
Artwork is gorgeous, colorful and very detailed. Instead of the traditional HOS, you’ll find parts of objects and place them in their proper places. An object completed for the first character may be used in the third characters location. But since you only get 3 locations per subject, there is very limited backtracking. You’ll also encounter a few circles into which objects must be placed. There is a built-in magnifying glass for the HOS to help find those “long skinny sticks." About half-way through, you’ll start looking for pieces of a “Delphi.” Not to spoil it, you’ll use the Delphi at the end.
Each location has several puzzles and mini-games: a few were challenging but most were rather easy. The developers made an effort to try to give them a fresh look. A helpful hint system – it may hint what to do next or just show you where something is and recharges speedily. The game tracks your time playing. If you choose to skip a mini-game, 20 minutes will be added to your time. Fairly lengthy game - took me about 6 hours (which I think is close to what it took the first time I played it). Replayable since you’ll get different objects the 2nd time playing.
Overall, the Flux family Secrets games are fun to play and this is the game that got me hooked.
I recommend this game!
Jesse is back at Flux mansion after thwarting the efforts of her nemesis, Veronica, but this time 30 years in the past!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Good Sequel
PostedAugust 20, 2012
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
Storyline: Continues where Time Ripple left off. Jesse encounters herself at a much younger age in the 1980’s. Together, they find her grandfather who helps her get back to the present day. But first she has to correct a few mistakes she made in Time Ripple. She interacts with a few historical figures, enabling them to have the historical significance which actually happened.
Gameplay follows the same structure as The Time Ripple – HOS, IHOS, Fragments and puzzles and mini-games with a little adventure thrown in. The HOS do contain a few small objects, especially long thin ones, so the magnifying glass comes in handy. The hint system is also helpful and recharges swiftly. The FRAGs produce objects that are used in the scenes to enable Jesse to move forward. Puzzles are varied; ranging from easy to slightly challenging. Although the usual suspects are included, there are a few unique and clever forays into new arenas. Puzzles and mini-games are skippable.
Graphics are gorgeous. Very good production values. If your computer has the capability, you can play this game in HD. This was a fun lengthy game with no time pressures (about 6-7 hours at relaxed casual mode). 4 1/2 stars, but rounded down instead of up because it follows the gameplay of the first in the series too closely with nothing really new.
I recommend this game!
An old woman tricks Melissa into wearing a cursed ring that makes her go into an everlasting sleep. Use magical potions and spells to save her from the curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
LIKED WHAT I SAW
PostedAugust 19, 2012
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
HOS: Objects were well detailed and clear. Unlike others, I only had a couple dark spots in some of the HOS (perhaps it's the computer settings). Liked how the hint worked in the HOS, showing what the item looked like in its surroundings. However, since the picture shows the surroundings at the beginning of the HOS, some of the reference points may no longer be there. Did not find this a problem though.
Also liked how the hint system worked outside of the HOS. Since it shows all the steps to be taken to finish a task, I like having the choice of reading it entirely, only to the point at which I'm stuck, or figuring it out myself.
Artwork was colorful, but I cannot say it was great because I like characters to be more realistic looking. Animation was okay, but I also like people's lips moving in rhythm with their speech. Some voiceovers were good; others sounded forced like a high school actor would sound.
The demo was fun and will probably buy it for those days when I want a pleasant diversion but not a difficult challenge.
I recommend this game!
Experience the birth of the terror that gripped the island of Tormente! Every story has a beginning, but few are as horrifying as this!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
Origin of Twisted Land
PostedAugust 18, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The use of actors dressed in period costumes makes a good looking game. Voiceovers were pleasant and dialogue didn't seem as forced as in some games. Graphics are gorgeous with just the right amount of color. Animation is really nice and sometimes easy to miss it, especially in a HOS. The HOS are nicely sized and detailed. A travel book documents the open locations, where you are and where there are activities to perform, as well as your current tasks. Makes for somewhat easy gameplay - you can either use the hint (which recharges fast) or the map to see what is next. Still, an interactive map would have been a nice touch. Puzzles were not difficult. Game looks as promising as the other Twisted Lands.
I recommend this game!
Find your inner decorator with Dream Day First Home, a uniquely satisfying Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 53 found this review helpful
An Upbeat HOG
PostedAugust 17, 2012
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
When you feel like you want to play a straight HOG without all the bells and whistles, this is a good game to have on standby. The music is upbeat, yet very relaxing. [I'm tempted to let the game stop between chapters and just listen to the music.] Gameplay is straightforward. The HOS aren't exactly uncluttered and small, but they're certainly not the worst I've seen (clutter seems to be in spots in each HOS). And the artwork is so gorgeous and bright, it makes up for any clutter. Finding the nicely-sized golden eggs is an easy way to earn extra hints (very helpful for a timed game). There are puzzles at the end of each chapter that are each played 4 times. They are not only relevant to the game, but are easy and fun. Although timed, the amount of time given to complete each chapter is generous. This is my favorite of the Dream games.
I recommend this game!
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 46 found this review helpful
Another Winnter
PostedAugust 17, 2012
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
4
/
5
Love this game as much as the other Echoes of the Past. I've developed enough confidence in the developer to now buy the Echoes games without a trial; the quality is terrific and reliable. This time, a magician's staff has been taken by the witch and its gems scattered about. You need to undo curses and find the missing gems.
Lots to look at and do, plenty of interactive HOS and Put the Item Back scenes. There is quite a bit of backtracking. Although not excessive, an interactive map would be helpful. Has numerous puzzles that have been around awhile, but with a creative and refreshing twist. Gorgeous artwork and animation. Hints recharge swiftly, I've always found the Echoes games to be a good length for my casual play, but then I'm not one for 7+ hours for a game.
I recommend this game!