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:
Use a mystical locket to explore a magical world and save a young girl in Other world: Spring of Shadows!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
ONE TERRIFIC GAME FROM THE MAKERS OF THE AWAKENING SERIES
PostedJuly 22, 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
5
/
5
Based on complete game, casual mode. Very lengthy game from the same developers of the Awakening series, which are also very good. Six chapters - each is a distinct location and subplot. Each is also a good length by itself and make a convenient place for a break without becoming confused as to where you left off when you return.
PROS:
Visual Effects: Beautiful graphics. Misty without obscuring scenery; gardens and lakes hazy and colorful like a Monet landscape; room and altar dreary and those puffs of black soot when the story and scenes call for an atmosphere.
Visual Effects: Beautiful graphics. Misty without obscuring scenery; gardens and lakes hazy and colorful like a Monet landscape; room and altar dreary and those puffs of black soot when the story and scenes call for an atmosphere.
Sound Effects and Voice-overs: Very good; realistic.
Animation: top-notch, natural looking
Interactive map. Locations are permanently locked when entering into the next chapter. Locations can be assessed only via the map. Very limited wandering in each location.
Animation: top-notch, natural looking
Interactive map. Locations are permanently locked when entering into the next chapter. Locations can be assessed only via the map. Very limited wandering in each location.
Fairies and achievements: Each location has at least one fairy to collect. There are several achievements attainable only in hard mode. You even get an achievement for not skipping mini-puzzles, reading all the cutscenes (which provide background for the story) and completing the game.
Storyline: Great story, flows at a natural cadence. You are trying to rescue Fiona from a character named “Shade” who is from the otherworld. Despair takes over when Fiona’s locket is opened on this side of the world; and teacher has to get her back. Sometimes slightly spooky scenes and characters, black mists appearing and disappearing frequently add to the ambience. Interesting characters met along the way. Read the cutscenes.
Mini-puzzles: Varied. Not so difficult that you can’t figure them out with a little thought, except for the last 2 in Chapter 5, which had rather obtuse instructions, but I finally figured them out.
HOS: Don’t recall any traditional HOS, although there could have been one or two before the last 2 chapters. There were several HOS where you have to find X number of something, as well as an occasional FROG. There was one where you had to collect whatever the answer to a riddle was.
Ending: Provided closure, but there could well be several encores, as suggested in the last cutscene. Can’t wait.
CONS:
(1) Must have all items needed before they can be used. (Ex. can’t put 3 rays into a sun when it takes more). I prefer to use inventory as collected to keep my tray reasonably organized.
(2) Well, there are no other Cons.
(1) Must have all items needed before they can be used. (Ex. can’t put 3 rays into a sun when it takes more). I prefer to use inventory as collected to keep my tray reasonably organized.
(2) Well, there are no other Cons.
I recommend this game!
After your student goes missing alongside several other children, it is up to you to solve the mystery of Everlake.
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 71 found this review helpful
A Perfect Show and a Perfect Game
PostedJuly 19, 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
Based on entire game. I almost didn’t buy this game. Some reviews seemed to indicate that the game was so short that it could be almost completed during the demo. I don’t know what they were reviewing. Thankfully, I liked the demo so much that I decided I would buy it if it was on sale, no matter how short. Fact is: it is not that short. I played for more than 5 hours (I like to stop and smell the lilacs).
Game was put together very well and has many different interesting locations, with each chapter concentrating on a limited number of locations, until near the end. Read the journal (which also lists your tasks); otherwise, the story won’t make complete sense. Adult’s VOs were good and the music was appropriate to the storyline and scenes. With a little thought (and a helpful hint system if needed), you should be able to complete the game without using the walkthrough. Hints recharge quickly.
Graphics: colorful, crisp and gorgeous. HOS: clear and nicely sized. Puzzles: very wide variety of puzzles with no repetition—some were unique or with a twist. A few could not be skipped. Favorite puzzle: the mechanized puppet theater where you place the objects but with a twist and which is spread over the last 6 chapters (shown 2 or 3 scenes at a time). It’s like watching acts of a actual play. Really cool! There is a bubbly musical sound when you pick up or find items during the play, which I liked.
Ending: Without giving it away, you had to do additional preparations when you thought you reached the end. I could have done without the villian’s laughter.
I recommend this game!
Edmond is on a quest to discover Mercedes' killer, and bring them to justice, in The Return of Monte Cristo, a Hidden Object game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
PRETTY MUCH A STRAIGHT HOG
PostedJuly 16, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on entire game. The best thing about straight HOGs is that you can leave the game for several days and very easily pick up right where you left off without losing a beat. Moderate length if you're under 40.
Music: I’d rather listen to a funeral march. Sound effects: There were some weird noises going on. Graphics: Good – what you’d expect.
Storyline: OK, as long as you completely dismiss the fact that the story is supposedly taking place in 1854, but the Count is only now investigating the 1814 death of his fiancee. The gendarme (French police) is still around and still recalls details of the murder and some obscure details, which should have helped solve the case in 1814. (Seems our gendarme, the villians and hero have to be near 60 years old – did many people live that long in the early 1800s?) And you have to open all new locations, including closets, with a key.
HOS: One after another. Some objects hard to see when in a dull shaded area, but the silhouette of objects, including the direction they are facing, helps a lot. The HOS is usually a normal, albeit untidy, room; but there are more moderately crowded searches like a closet and coffin. No inventory to maintain. Repeat same HOS with no movement of objects. Not much found in the HOS helped solve the mystery.
Puzzles: Many and no repetition. Found them a pleasurable break from the HOS, raising the fun factor. Not very difficult. Instructions provided.
Ending: There was closure, but really??? Recommended for straight HOG lovers who still have great eyesight or who have a very large magnifying glass which I have and used. Game could have used a built-in magnifier.
I recommend this game!
Travel back to the 18th century and uncover the secrets of bygone days with Golden Trails 2: The Lost Legacy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 18 found this review helpful
HOG HEAVEN
PostedJuly 14, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on complete game. If you like games with HOGS and little else, this game is made for you. There is a plethora of HOS, one after another. Objects are not small, so there’s no problem finding them. You can sometimes pick which location to visit from a map. An unlimited mode opens when the game is finished. Graphics are fair; music is okay; voice overs adequate. Storyline flows easily. Moderate length. Ending did not have closure, so there will be a sequel. I recommend this game to pure HOG lovers but not to those needing adventure in their game.
I recommend this game!
Join Alabama Smith as he quests for the time-bending Amulet of Ages in this action-packed Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
NEW HOGGERS SHOULD LOOK AT THIS GAME
PostedJuly 13, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on complete game. This is a fairly easy game and would be very short for an experienced hogger. I would recommend it for a beginner, which I was when I bought and played it the first time. It would be a bit more challenging for an inexperienced hogger (but they won't be tearing their hair out).
Storyline: Not the greatest. Gameplay is straightforward. Specific tasks are shown In the lower right corner and it is easiest to do the tasks in order. Puzzles and mini-games are varied and relatively easy; graphics are good. Hint system recharges very quickly. Text labels items you scroll over. The biggest “challenge” in gameplay is the last chapter when you must alternate present day with olden days. The scene is the same, but adjusted for time. You will do actions in either time period which will directly have an effect on the other. Ending: satisfactory.
I recommend this game!
The demons of the Seven Deadly Sins have broken free of their fiery prison and taken up residence in Sacra Terra!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
LONG TERRIFIC GAME WORTH FULL PRICE
PostedJuly 13, 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
5
/
5
Based on entire game. Very, very lengthy. So much to do. You get a map with the journal which will help you remain orientated, because there is a lot of travel. There are spooky cutscenes which you can re-watch after completing the game, provided you find all 42 morphing objects (there is one in every scene). There are 14 runes to find throughout the game; you should them in the cathedral as soon as you find them because you will get something needed to go further in the game.
HOS were typical junk piles with some small objects but not as small as in a lot of other games. Mini-games were varied in type and difficulty. You make potions and perform a interesting rituals to rid the world of the 7 deadly sins. It’s cool when they are defeated. You can rewatch their defeat when you get the cut scene reward. Hints recharge quickly. If stuck outside of the HOS, you can just go back through the rooms and you’ll run into a HOS and see what scenes still need some action and easily figure out what to do. Hints work in and outside of the HOS.
Music: sound anxious; not my cup of tea. Graphics: terrific – crisp and clear. Animation : also terrific, especially when it contributes to the haunting atmosphere. Ending: beautiful.
I recommend this game!
Dive to the bottom of the sea, collect hidden items to earn cash and create your very own dream aquarium! Get hooked!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 25 found this review helpful
Colorful Game to Test Artistic Talents
PostedJuly 12, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on complete game. Timed or casual. You have 3 tanks and deep-sea dive to collect funds to purchase different fish, comfort items and beauty objects for the tank until your rating is 100% in each category. Then you earn a star. The deep-sea dives are searching for objects in a variety of hidden object scenes. Objects can be small.
Graphics are decent, but colorful. Start with 5 hints; find hidden seahorses for additional hints - no so easy. Short game, but can be stretched by going for a second trophy or buying all the fish, comfort and beauty items. I don’t know what happens once you buy everything. Good colorful game to keep your children and grandchildren occupied as they exercise their artistic nature. I've tried to evaluate on their level.
I recommend this game!
Jane and Dr. Herzle have made a breakthrough in reincarnation studies but their hard work is compromised when Jane is kidnapped!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
Another Russian Wonderpiece
PostedJuly 10, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on complete game. Several hours long. Probably not for newbies to HOGS. As with other VOGAT games (I never realized until today just how many I had), the game was enjoyable, great graphics, good background music, terrific story and gameplay. There are two reincarnated lives to visit (each of good length and is a story in its own right) plus the short prologue and the asylum.
The artwork for Venice was particularly gorgeous, bright and colorful. As seems to be the pattern, the artwork for the asylum is gloomy – everything looks old and decrepit even though the main character is supposedly there currently. Couldn’t help but laugh, while in the asylum, over the trading of chocolate for a button and the panda rocking on the too-small rocking horse. And I must say that the termites sure do work fast in the first reincarnation.
There are quite a few puzzles (none repeated) ranging from easy to somewhat difficult and plenty of typical HOS; the objects are not too small and there is some interaction required. There is a moderate amount of traveling back and forth in the stories. 4.5 stars deserving to be rounded upward. Ending: more to come. They will be on my buy list.
I recommend this game!
Help Autumn find her grandfather’s treasures in this Hidden Object Adventure game! Follow his clues across the globe!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 27 found this review helpful
A Well-traveled Game
PostedJuly 9, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on complete game, casual mode. Lengthy. Storyline is interesting, logical and flows smoothly as Autumn travels from Seattle to Boston, with 7 countries in between. Each country is a separate chapter, with a few locations in each. Travel is minimal between locations - no traveling back to a country already visited. A progress bar advises how far you are in the chapter. The graphics are beautiful, bright and colorful, with a lot of attention paid to detail. There are only a few “darkish” scenes in Egypt and Paris.
HOS are in the form of finding pieces of silhouettes. Hovering over a silhouette shows what pieces must still be found. They are then used in one of the locations. Objects are well defined and easy to find. There are a wide variety of mini-games and puzzles. There is a skip option, but time will be added to your total game time for skipping any. Nothing terribly difficult. Music is fine. Hints show the area in which the item you are seeking is located. Hints take a while to recharge and time is added to your total game time for each hint used. Overall, an pleasant game to play. Because of the chapters, it is easy to take a break and not lose track of where you were.
I recommend this game!
Agatha Christie: 4:50 from Paddington
Pack your bags . . . for murder. Join Agatha Christie’s famed sleuth, Miss Marple, in this classic whodunit Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 43 found this review helpful
ONE OF THE BEST AGATHA GAMES
PostedJuly 8, 2012
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on complete game. Game is very similar to the other Agatha games, except an untimed mode is available. Story is from one of her books and the dialogue is logical and provides essential clues to solving the case. Gameplay is straightforward for 11 chapters. Many of the characters are found in her books and, if you aren’t familiar with them, a synopsis of each character is given and kept in a gallery. The dialogue between the characters at the beginning of each scene and at the top of the screen while seeking objects tells the story and gives clues to the murderer. You have 3 chances to guess who the murderer is. The locations to be visited in each chapter are to be found on an interactive map by following clues – i.e., you have to determine what those locations are. Locations are repetitious (as is the soothing music).
There are no HOS per se; instead the items to be found are in the actual scene. Most of the items can logically be found in the locations (so no junkpiles), but some are quite small. The graphics make it easier to find them because the artwork is lovely, crisp and clear as well as true to the time period. After finding a list of items at each location, there is a mini-game which provides more clues. Mini-games and puzzles are not difficult, but they and the list of objects to find do become repetitious. However, they do provide pertinent clues. Miss Marple and you find the murderer, of course.
Quite lengthy - not likely to be completed in one sitting. Good for a break from the more intensive games (easy to pick up where you left off) or even for beginners to get their feet wet.
I recommend this game!