Lao_Zi's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:1,882
- Reviews Submitted:86
- First Review:May 24, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 28, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Defeat the witch for the last time with the help of your trusty Fairy sidekick and a brand new friend you recently met!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
It's a fairy tale... and a very good game
PostedAugust 10, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Frankly speaking, I don't understand why some people just play the demo and then send in a "review" based on nothing but that demo.
Return of the curse is a wonderful fairy tale, with lots and lots of interesting gameplay. Please, go back to the years of wonderment and immerse yourself in this story, full of creativity and inventiveness.
Of course, nothing is perfect and everybody will find something negative, a game should have the "merit of imperfection".
As for the rest: the graphics are superb, the puzzles are very challenging, the HOS are quite doable, the map comes in quite handy and helps you painlessly through the game.
There are lots and lots of scenes to discover and explore, lots and lots of things to do... no, this is definitely one of the better games I played lately, and it makes me want to replay the first installment.
Return of the curse is a wonderful fairy tale, with lots and lots of interesting gameplay. Please, go back to the years of wonderment and immerse yourself in this story, full of creativity and inventiveness.
Of course, nothing is perfect and everybody will find something negative, a game should have the "merit of imperfection".
As for the rest: the graphics are superb, the puzzles are very challenging, the HOS are quite doable, the map comes in quite handy and helps you painlessly through the game.
There are lots and lots of scenes to discover and explore, lots and lots of things to do... no, this is definitely one of the better games I played lately, and it makes me want to replay the first installment.
I recommend this game!
Be careful what you wish for... A deadly bargain has been made, and it's up to you to set things right before your nephew pays the terrible price!
Overall rating
4
/
5
107 of 119 found this review helpful
A very well made HOAG
PostedAugust 9, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I had enjoyed the two previous installments of Grim Tales, so I had no hesitation in tackling The Wishes, and I don't regret it.
The game is very well made. As always with Elephant, the graphics are very good; moreover, you don't get burdened with a tedious or overpowering soundtrack.
The game is itself has many turns, twists and levels, so you get hours and hours of spellbound gameplay. The dev's really made a big effort in being creative to keep the interest of the gamer going. There's a lot of fantasy and inventiveness with new elements in the game.
HOS are few and never repeated, which I appreciate. On the other hand, there are too few puzzles to my liking. Instead of these, you get to play a number of board games against the computer... and believe me, the computer is hard to beat.
With all the different places, scenes and levels to explore, the map comes in quite handy... but... sadly enough, you cannot totally rely on the map to guide you through the game. Places where something remains to be found or done are not always indicated. Thus, you can assume that everything has been done in a certain location, whereas this is not the case.
Luckily, the hint button comes to your rescue. When you are at your wit's end, a hint will put you back on track.
So, a lot of appraisal for this Grim Tales installment: good graphics, good storyline, interesting, long and varied gameplay, balanced mix of HOS and puzzles/games, good hint button...
Minus: incomplete map; too few puzzles.
The game is very well made. As always with Elephant, the graphics are very good; moreover, you don't get burdened with a tedious or overpowering soundtrack.
The game is itself has many turns, twists and levels, so you get hours and hours of spellbound gameplay. The dev's really made a big effort in being creative to keep the interest of the gamer going. There's a lot of fantasy and inventiveness with new elements in the game.
HOS are few and never repeated, which I appreciate. On the other hand, there are too few puzzles to my liking. Instead of these, you get to play a number of board games against the computer... and believe me, the computer is hard to beat.
With all the different places, scenes and levels to explore, the map comes in quite handy... but... sadly enough, you cannot totally rely on the map to guide you through the game. Places where something remains to be found or done are not always indicated. Thus, you can assume that everything has been done in a certain location, whereas this is not the case.
Luckily, the hint button comes to your rescue. When you are at your wit's end, a hint will put you back on track.
So, a lot of appraisal for this Grim Tales installment: good graphics, good storyline, interesting, long and varied gameplay, balanced mix of HOS and puzzles/games, good hint button...
Minus: incomplete map; too few puzzles.
I recommend this game!
Emerald City Confidential
Help Petra explore the seedy underbelly of Emerald City, and find Dee Gale’s missing fiancé. Mysteries abound in this dark tale.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 5 found this review helpful
Wonderful story... but slow gameplay
PostedAugust 9, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Let's be honest... this IS a wonderful story; playing the game is like reading a book... and it HAS this noirish detective novel atmosphere, the same I found in the Discworld game.
But ECC has one major flaw: there are way too much dialogues. All you do throughout the game is talk, talk, talk... asking and answering questions... and in between, you get some things to do. In fact, there is very little action and this saps a lot of the fun from this game.
Anyway, I played the game twice, but there will be no more next time. On the other hand, I WOULD like to have a sequel, especially if the dev's come up with another good story AND if they let the gamer do more things instead of being a mere spectator.
But ECC has one major flaw: there are way too much dialogues. All you do throughout the game is talk, talk, talk... asking and answering questions... and in between, you get some things to do. In fact, there is very little action and this saps a lot of the fun from this game.
Anyway, I played the game twice, but there will be no more next time. On the other hand, I WOULD like to have a sequel, especially if the dev's come up with another good story AND if they let the gamer do more things instead of being a mere spectator.
I recommend this game!
Help Diamon Jones return the Amulet of the World to the sacred temples of Egypt. Can you help Diamon Jones save the world?
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 20 found this review helpful
You're my man, Diamon Jones
PostedAugust 8, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Let's be honest, this is a difficult game, hard to beat, but mainly because of the fact that some objects are really hard to find and because the hotspots are too small.
Otherwise, nothing but praise for this authentic adventure game, and I don't understand why it doesn't get more attention. Maybe because there is no trial version? I am under the impression that most of the reviewers only play trial versions, which I never do... sorry folks.
Otherwise, nothing but praise for this authentic adventure game, and I don't understand why it doesn't get more attention. Maybe because there is no trial version? I am under the impression that most of the reviewers only play trial versions, which I never do... sorry folks.
Here are my impressions of this game.
Pro's:
- the storyline is very funny and the graphics are superb cartoons.
- lots and lots of humour
- challenging puzzles, mixed with arcade games that take some time to beat, especially if you play with the touchpad
- a long game, with lots of scenes, events, and a plot which develops on and on
Con's:
- objects are small and difficult to find; this, combined with the tiny hotspots, can make it frustrating. I advise to use a large screen.
- the smoothness of the gameplay could be better; reactions of the cursor to clicking is sometimes slow. I advise the use of a mouse instead of the touchpad.
- It is not always clear what to do next... some help in this would have been most welcome. In my opinion, it is almost impossible to finish the game without using the BF walkthrough.
Pro's:
- the storyline is very funny and the graphics are superb cartoons.
- lots and lots of humour
- challenging puzzles, mixed with arcade games that take some time to beat, especially if you play with the touchpad
- a long game, with lots of scenes, events, and a plot which develops on and on
Con's:
- objects are small and difficult to find; this, combined with the tiny hotspots, can make it frustrating. I advise to use a large screen.
- the smoothness of the gameplay could be better; reactions of the cursor to clicking is sometimes slow. I advise the use of a mouse instead of the touchpad.
- It is not always clear what to do next... some help in this would have been most welcome. In my opinion, it is almost impossible to finish the game without using the BF walkthrough.
In spite of these shortcomings, I thorougly enjoyed playing this game (twice already).
It has a most welcome freshness in the junkpile of HOG's about cemetaries, loony asylums, haunted mansions, etc.
It has a most welcome freshness in the junkpile of HOG's about cemetaries, loony asylums, haunted mansions, etc.
I recommend this game!
Go on an adventure with Diamon Jones! After retiring from his crazy life, Diamon is thrust into another journey around the globe!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
The bell tolls for Diamon Jones
PostedAugust 7, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I liked the two previous installments of Diamon Jones very much with their zany humour, funny comments, amusing cartoons, whacky storyline ... but this is a big disappointment, a very weak decoction.
Just find some objects, do some interactive things with them and in a matter of a few hours, you will have finished the game.
Definitely no buy and I have the impression that with this episode the bell tolls for Diamon Jones. Pity.
Just find some objects, do some interactive things with them and in a matter of a few hours, you will have finished the game.
Definitely no buy and I have the impression that with this episode the bell tolls for Diamon Jones. Pity.
I don't recommend this game.
Strange Cases: The Secrets of Grey Mist Lake Collector's Edition
Discover the Secrets of Grey Mist Lake! FBI Agent Claire Ellery has discovered another Strange Case and she needs your help!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A tedious game in shades of grey (... and brown)
PostedAugust 6, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Sorry, but where is the fun? I keep falling asleep whilst pacing back and forth, going through the same HOS again and again... and with no map or a decent hint function to help you, the days at Grey Mist Lake are very long and boring indeed. This is what living in the fog is all about: no fun, no vision, no nothing.
Moreover, even if the graphics of the game are well made, the "colours" - or better, the absence of them - make everything even more dull... I know, I know, this is supposed to add to the "atmosphere", but when I am looking for a tomato and finally the hint button encircles for me a brownish blop half hidden somewhere in a HOS, then I say to myself: "OK, dev's, this is it. I have had it. My students in game development class can do better than you."
Moreover, even if the graphics of the game are well made, the "colours" - or better, the absence of them - make everything even more dull... I know, I know, this is supposed to add to the "atmosphere", but when I am looking for a tomato and finally the hint button encircles for me a brownish blop half hidden somewhere in a HOS, then I say to myself: "OK, dev's, this is it. I have had it. My students in game development class can do better than you."
There is absolutely nothing novel or exciting to this "game".
Maybe it really is time for the dev's to rethink the adventure game, to whip up their imagination, to go back to the fantasy of a child and to come up with something really fresh instead of reburping up time and time again the same old chew of spellbound ghosts and evil witches, lurking behind doors and gates with stupid locks and nothing but tiresome HOS to find the keys to those locks.
Even television is more exciting than this.
Maybe it really is time for the dev's to rethink the adventure game, to whip up their imagination, to go back to the fantasy of a child and to come up with something really fresh instead of reburping up time and time again the same old chew of spellbound ghosts and evil witches, lurking behind doors and gates with stupid locks and nothing but tiresome HOS to find the keys to those locks.
Even television is more exciting than this.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Angel figure out what is real and what is in her head as she attempts to escape from a Mental Hospital!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Very much mainstream, in all respects
PostedAugust 5, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Not bad, but too much mainstream to my liking. There is nothing new or surprising, not in the storyline, not in the puzzles, not in the graphics...
Moreover, HOS get repeated, puzzles are quite easy ... I finished the whole of the game - CE - main game and bonus game in a matter of hours, which I find way too short for a CE.
Anyway, I cannot say that it's a complete waste of money or time, because the graphics, sound and gameplay are OK after all, but I would advise to buy the SE, or to wait for a sales offer before purchasing this game.
And for the tender hearted: don't worry; there is absolutely nothing nightmarish about the entire game.
Moreover, HOS get repeated, puzzles are quite easy ... I finished the whole of the game - CE - main game and bonus game in a matter of hours, which I find way too short for a CE.
Anyway, I cannot say that it's a complete waste of money or time, because the graphics, sound and gameplay are OK after all, but I would advise to buy the SE, or to wait for a sales offer before purchasing this game.
And for the tender hearted: don't worry; there is absolutely nothing nightmarish about the entire game.
I recommend this game!
Find the Lost Regalia that will help Grandpa Scruff prove that he is the true Duke of Scrufford in The Scruffs 2: Return of the Duke!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Nice and funny
PostedAugust 4, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In spite of the overdose of HOS, this game is nice and funny, very enjoyable. I understand why HOG lovers get ecstatic about this one.
Nevertheless, there are enough challenging puzzles and interactive conundrums to be solved to spice it all up and to make this game an interesting passtime, even for people who are not that much into HOS.
Good graphics, a nice soundtrack, funny characters and voiceovers complete the picture.
Yes, I may be inclined to try the first installment of The Scruffs... and those to follow.
Nevertheless, there are enough challenging puzzles and interactive conundrums to be solved to spice it all up and to make this game an interesting passtime, even for people who are not that much into HOS.
Good graphics, a nice soundtrack, funny characters and voiceovers complete the picture.
Yes, I may be inclined to try the first installment of The Scruffs... and those to follow.
I recommend this game!
Find Aaron’s missing father and discover the meaning behind his eerie paintings in Aaron Crane: Paintings Come Alive!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Easy, but entertaining
PostedAugust 4, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I really don't see why anyone would want to give this game a bad review, especially not for being "too difficult" or "impossible to understand". Those people should learn to use their brains and try to tackle Myst or Lighthouse to get an understanding of what "difficult" means.
In fact, I found this game to be very easy. Everything is straightforward and linear, the puzzles are on the easy side, objects are absolutely not hard to find and it is very clear what you should do with them. Moreover, some of the puzzles keep coming back, which is something I do not appreciate in a game. It shows a lack of creativity on the dev's side.
The graphics of the game are not elaborate, maybe even a bit too simple and naive, but still, they are crisp and sharp, with beautiful colour saturation. In some locations, real photographs have been mixed with the digital imagery.
The soundtrack is OK and doesn't get tiresome.
There is not much of a storyline: you enter an environment and have to execute a series of tasks in order to discover a code consisting of three zodiac symbols with which you can unlock a portal to the next environment. With every step, you receive a shard of a mirror which you have to piece together at the end of the game to free your father from the mirror. And that's it.
As I have said before, there is nothing extremely difficult to finding out what you have to do, and if you are really stuck, just hit the hint button, which will do what it is expected to do, namely to give you a hint... nothing more or less. It doesn't spoil the game by telling you what to do next or by showing you where to go to... no, you just get a suggestion - a hint - to help you back on track.
My conclusion: although it is an easy game, you are in for some hours of brainwork... no mindless clicking away in junkpiles searching for lists of hidden objects... just some logic thinking, which is what I expect to get from an adventure game.
I would have given the game three stars, but I give it four stars to counter the negative criticism it unjustly got from others.
In fact, I found this game to be very easy. Everything is straightforward and linear, the puzzles are on the easy side, objects are absolutely not hard to find and it is very clear what you should do with them. Moreover, some of the puzzles keep coming back, which is something I do not appreciate in a game. It shows a lack of creativity on the dev's side.
The graphics of the game are not elaborate, maybe even a bit too simple and naive, but still, they are crisp and sharp, with beautiful colour saturation. In some locations, real photographs have been mixed with the digital imagery.
The soundtrack is OK and doesn't get tiresome.
There is not much of a storyline: you enter an environment and have to execute a series of tasks in order to discover a code consisting of three zodiac symbols with which you can unlock a portal to the next environment. With every step, you receive a shard of a mirror which you have to piece together at the end of the game to free your father from the mirror. And that's it.
As I have said before, there is nothing extremely difficult to finding out what you have to do, and if you are really stuck, just hit the hint button, which will do what it is expected to do, namely to give you a hint... nothing more or less. It doesn't spoil the game by telling you what to do next or by showing you where to go to... no, you just get a suggestion - a hint - to help you back on track.
My conclusion: although it is an easy game, you are in for some hours of brainwork... no mindless clicking away in junkpiles searching for lists of hidden objects... just some logic thinking, which is what I expect to get from an adventure game.
I would have given the game three stars, but I give it four stars to counter the negative criticism it unjustly got from others.
I recommend this game!
An unseen prankster plagues the exclusive Redondo Spa! Now it’s up to you, as Nancy Drew, to stop them before the clients retreat!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Put your brains and finger agility at work
PostedAugust 3, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I must have played almost all of the ND games and I have to admit that sometimes, I got frustrated with the inevitable arcade parts especially seeing I use the touchpad instead of a mouse. But in this game, the arcade parts were doable, even with the touchpad.
I liked the interactive HO puzzles, the M3 games, the word puzzles... well yes, this game has all of these.
And the storyline is quite funny. I couldn't help smiling at the pranks of the pesty pomeranian and the arrogant accent of Ms. Montague.
Even if this game is nothing like the usual ND games, according to me it has a high fun and entertainment level
I liked the interactive HO puzzles, the M3 games, the word puzzles... well yes, this game has all of these.
And the storyline is quite funny. I couldn't help smiling at the pranks of the pesty pomeranian and the arrogant accent of Ms. Montague.
Even if this game is nothing like the usual ND games, according to me it has a high fun and entertainment level
I recommend this game!