jasmin4's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:569
- Reviews Submitted:43
- First Review:November 13, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 26, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help Mary save her friend Lora’s wedding! Lora’s inheritance has been stolen, and now Mary must crack the case and catch the crook!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Simple, Easy, Straight forward HOG!
PostedJanuary 6, 2012
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
If you are looking for a very linear, beautiful, girly type HOG, that is easy, relaxing, and has lots of simple, doable puzzles, this is for you! I demoed this game, and decided to purchase it for the DD.
The graphics are ok, but a bit outdated. There is quite a bit to read, as there are no voice overs. The storyline is interesting, as you are the maid of honor, and have to collect the bride's (your best friend's) stolen inheritance, to put back into the collection, which you can view at any time. There is no roaming around exploring. The HOS are beautiful, but a few of the HO are small/blended into the scene. The music is a beautiful piano melody, and unobtrusive.
This is a great game for beginners, all the way to experienced gamers who like a nice, easy, not gory, beautiful little game for a change.
I recommend this game!
End a centuries-old war between the Guardians and the Clan of the Nine in 9: The Dark Side!
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 54 found this review helpful
Great game, lots of Puzzles!
PostedJanuary 5, 2012
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have only played the demo on casual mode, and did not finish the demo in the hour trial. That tells me that this game will probably be worth the credit for the SE. I had very few issues with this game. The only thing that sort of bothered me was that it would freeze for a few seconds here and there transitioning between scenes. A couple of the puzzles are impossible for me, as rotating puzzles are not my strong suit, but they are all skippable, and have very clear instructions.
The graphics and scenes are beautifully drawn, crisp, clear, and well done. The music reminds me of Enya...calming chants and the like, but not intrusive. The ambiance sounds are alright, sinister laughter here and there, dripping water, etc. The voice overs are done well, enough to be believable for the most part. The notebook records all info you find throughout the game, and you will need to refer to it for some of the puzzles.
There are more puzzles than HOS. The puzzles are a good mix of different types. Some are easy classics with a twist that is relevant to the game, some are unique and more challenging. All are logical, designed to make you think, and can be a challenge, but not to the point of frustration. The hint is helpful, should you get stuck, but tells you in words what to do next in casual mode. Game play is mostly smooth, and linear, but there is a lot of toing and froing. Lots to do and explore. The HOS are interactive...also clear, crisp, and the majority of the HO are not too tiny, nor too blended in to the scene, but the scenes can be a bit dark.
The storyline is intriguing, mixing dark mythical history, dragons, ghosts, and magic...ala Lord of the Rings. There are 3 modes of play, which will suit all skill levels of players. You really do have to explore the different scenes, or you will end up missing something...So players with attention to detail will enjoy this! I recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
Help Detective Angelina track down an elusive jewel thief in the Hidden Object game, Cruise Clues: Caribbean Adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Had a headache after only 40 mins of demo.
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Holy TINY/blended in HO! And I mean TINY, and blended in so well, they are nothing more than a light shadow in the scene. Sometimes when you use a hint, the sparkles even blend into the scene! You will need the hint, and it's sometimes not helpful. I tried to like this game, but got a headache from squinting for 40 mins of the demo. To me, it's not even worth the DD price.
If you get stuck, like I did in the beginning, trying to find a HO (with no hint for some reason), there is NO WALKTHROUGH ANYWHERE! I googled it, and searched everywhere to find one, to no avail. You also MUST click SPECIFICALLY on the tiny object, in order for it to take, and it may take a couple of clicks to get it...that is if you are sure it is the item you are trying to find. There are multiple items in a scene that fit the description of the item you are supposed to find. Say you are looking for a camera. There are all different types of cameras in the scenes, so it's a matter of finding which type of camera they want.
The graphics look a bit outdated, and the scenes are crisp and beautifully colorful, if not a bit bright in some areas. The music is nice, and unobtrusive. The story line is okay, but nothing great. There are no voice overs, so there is a lot of reading. This is definitely a girly game.
The HOS are different, and the way they are set up make it more frustrating than fun. You have a regular HOS, but within that HOS are subscenes...drawer scenes, cabinet scenes, bar scenes, etc...and you have to search all of these subscenes within the main scene to find the TINY HO. You also have to use some of the items that you find in the scenes, but it doesn't tell you in the HO list that you need to find...for instance, a battery charger somewhere in one of the many subscenes.
All in all, this was not my cup of tea. It seems like a straight forward HOG, with some find the differences, and interactives thrown in. If you can get past the tiny/blended HO, then you may like this game. If your eyes aren't so great, or if squinting for a while gives you headaches, I'd pass on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
After being summoned to a mysterious manor, you must unravel the story of an ancient evil and discover your destiny before it’s too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Fun, Challenging FROG, IHOG, with some twists!!
PostedJanuary 2, 2012
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I have only demoed this game, but I do like it very much. It took some getting used to, though. Some of the HO/FROGS are very TINY and blend in so well that you need to use a hint to find them. That's why I knocked off a star. I had to go to the SG and use hints. Until I figured out how to use them correctly, they weren't very helpful. The key is to have the item you are trying to find the fragments for open, BEFORE using a hint. Thankfully the hints recharge fairly quickly!
The graphics and sound are just gorgeous! Some scenes can be a bit dark, but you can change that right in the game, without having to quit to do it. Even the voice overs are very well done, and believable. The music is very nice, and unobtrusive.
The devs mix up the HO scenes, which is wonderful. For instance, some are normal list HOS, some are IHOS, some give a description in words at the bottom, and you have to figure out which item you are to find, some are FROGS, etc. I really like that about this game. It makes it more interesting and fun, not monotonous like other games can be.
The puzzles are of logical type, and a wonderful mix as well. They make you think...it may take people a bit to figure out how to do them, but they are not at all frustrating. There may be some wording errors in them, and you can skip them if you can't figure it out. All info you find throughout the game is recorded in your notebook, and that helps! So does the SG!
The storyline is well thought out, the game play is smooth, and it will take you some time to play...figuring out what to do. The inventory items need to be used/placed specifically in the scene. It's challenging, without being frustrating.
In each scene you have to collect gold coins in order to unlock another area on the map. But, don't worry, it tells you at the top of the screen how many gold coins are in the scene, as well as how many you have already found. Also, at the top of the screen, it tells you how many objectives there are for the scene, and how many you have completed. Another neat twist in the CE, is that you have areas that you can only access with the CE keys that you find throughout the game. Lot's to do and explore in the beautiful scenes! This game was lovingly made with care.
I definitely recommend the CE of this game (as you will most likely need the SG) to all gamers, though it may be a challenge and difficult for beginners and kids. Plus the CE has additional areas of play in the main game, and CE keys to find, which makes it more fun! Remember, try before you buy!!
I recommend this game!
Mystery of Mortlake Mansion
Explore the dark halls of Mortlake Mansion and discover its secrets! Break the evil spells and become the owner of the mansion!
Overall rating
3
/
5
48 of 62 found this review helpful
I really thought I would like this game, and I wanted to, but...
PostedJanuary 1, 2012
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
There are way too many flaws, and the story line is not interesting enough to overlook all the flaws. I have only played the demo. From what I have seen, this game was more frustrating and irritating than fun.
I don't really like comic book style graphics for starters. To have the HOS in comic book style, while the rest of the scenes are a mix of comic book style and beautifully drawn graphics, just makes me feel this game was not well thought out, and is having an identity crisis. It appears that the developers were arguing over which style to use, and came up with this mess as a compromise. Had this game been beautifully drawn throughout, as clearly the devs have the ability to do, I may have been able to overlook other flaws.
The voice overs are not done well, at all. I have no idea why the devs would use the voices they did, when they are obviously awful....especially the raven. It is SO not believable, obviously fake, whiny, high pitched, annoying, and grates on the nerves...like nails on a chalk board. I don't want to listen to that all the time, and the raven is the one who helps you throughout the game. The human character's voice overs are too slow, and seem to slow the game down. I really like games with voice overs, but these detract from the game, in a major way...this game would have been better entirely without voice overs.
The cursor is another problem. It is touchy. The areas of interest are not identified in some instances. Also, there are items you need to pick up, that are very TINY, dark, and blend into the background. For these reasons, you need to move the cursor over the entire screen, inch by inch, so that you don't miss anything, or use the hint A LOT. The cursor changes to a hand, etc., but blink and you'll miss it. You need to use tiny movements with the cursor in order to get it to change in the right area. That wouldn't be so much of a problem if the cursor didn't LAG after every click.
Most of the HOS are greyish, or the whole scene is of the same color. The HO are, for the most part, TINY and therefore difficult to see, when all the same color. Some are not drawn well, nor identifiable, as they are drawn in the comic book style. Also, there are multiples of the same type of object in a HOS, and you have to find one in particular, so it's a matter of finding which tiny object they want. For example, a watch. There are a couple of different types of watches in the HOS - Pocket watches, wrist watches, clocks, etc. You have to click on all of them, or use a hint to find which specific ONE item they want you to find.
The puzzles at least, were creative, easy, and fun, once you figured out what you needed to do. If you can't figure it out on your own, you MUST us a hint. There is no other way of getting info on how to complete a puzzle, unless you end the game and find a walkthrough. The way this game is designed, it seems to assume that you know info, when you haven't found the info yet...like you are supposed to be able to read the devs minds. It's just not well designed, and can be confusing.
I got a slight feel for the story line, however, after playing the demo, I'm not hooked. The story comes too slowly for me to understand anything in an hour trial. I'm still lost and confused about it. I know it involves magic, crystals, demons, and portals, but beyond that, there's no real purpose. I have no idea the whos, whys, whats, or hows of this story line...not even a little bit, to keep my interest. I do know there is a lot of busy work, and running to and fro.
I didn't care for this game at all, and I don't believe that it is even worth the DD price. It has potential, though. If it were refined, and better developed, it would probably be a really good game. As always, try before you buy!!
I don't recommend this game.
When a medical consultation goes terribly wrong, it's up to you to realize the full potential of your ability and save the day!
Overall rating
4
/
5
58 of 62 found this review helpful
Beautiful game, with an intriguing story!
PostedDecember 31, 2011
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I wasn't sure what to make of this game at first. It takes some getting used to. I have only played the demo in casual mode, and could have, if I had chosen a different path, not finished the demo in an hour. This is usually a pretty good indicator, for me anyway, that this game will be of sufficient length, as I usually finish a demo with time to spare. I was sort of lost, in the beginning, but the hints were helpful, and I got through it, to the "meat" of the game. I'm really glad I did! Toward the end of the demo you find out more about the characters, and their abilities...I found it to be a captivating story, once I got a feel for what exactly was going on. Lots to explore and do.
The graphics are beautifully done, crisp, and clear, in a weird and creepy (but good) way, and the music is okay...it can get a bit obtrusive at times. There are no voice overs, which is a shame, as if they had been done well, it would have added to the game. Most of the puzzles are of moderate difficulty, at least for me. The first one was tricky, and confusing, though. Game play is smooth, and, for the most part, linear. Once I got used to the game, I knew what I had to do.
Lots of relevant HOS, and the sparkles are quite subtle...not overpoweringly obvious, as I see many complaints about in other games. They don't reach out and grab you right away like most games do. A few of the HO are small/VERY well hidden/blended, and you'll probably need a hint to find.
Now, for the story line...I really like paranormal type games, and this is one of them...involving "angels", for lack of a better term, so those that won't play games that involve anything to do with occult, will like this game. There is evil in the game, however, no demons or the like. Just evil people. There are rats, creepy eyes that move, syringes, dr.s, and all manner of hospital related creepiness, so for some this may not be their cup of tea. I personally find the "angels" aspect to be refreshing, after having played many a "demon/ghost" game.
There are only a few things that really took getting used to, and I didn't exactly like. One is how touchy the cursor is. You have to move the cursor over the entire screen, so you don't miss anything, but even when you do, you'll still miss something. The cursor changes to an eye, or a hand, etc in areas of interest, however the areas of interest are small. So, you can put the cursor over an area of interest, and it will change, but blink, and you'll miss it. You must use tiny movements of the cursor to get it to change in the right area. It's nice that you have the option of locking your inventory bar, just for this reason. The blinding white light of the the "angels" departure could have been toned down a bit, and the cut scenes are a tad blurry. There are also multiples of a HO in a scene, so it can be confusing at times. For instance, Ball. Well there are a couple of different types of balls in the HOS, so it's a matter of finding which one they are looking for.
All in all, I really like the storyline, enough to overlook the minor flaws. I would recommend this game to intermediate or expert adult gamers...probably not a game for kids or beginners.
I recommend this game!
Emma Roberts has been tasked with writing a story about an old haunted manor. Help her explore the McInroy Estate!
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 34 found this review helpful
It was ok, but...
PostedDecember 31, 2011
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I have only played the demo, in regular mode. From what I have seen thus far, this game is sort of tedious. A LOT of toing and froing, a lot of inventory items, and a lot to figure out...not only what to do, but how to do it, as items need to be placed pretty specifically. However, once completed, the Interactive HOS become scenes in the game. Once you complete an area of interest, it is no longer accessible, so that cuts down on the tedium a bit.
The hint button takes a while to recharge in regular mode, but if you only use the hint to tell you which direction to go, it recharges in seconds. This game is not at all linear, so experienced players who like a challenging adventure type game, that requires you to think and wander around, will probably enjoy it. For anyone else, you will probably need the walkthrough constantly, or use the hint a lot, both of which are time consuming. It seems to interrupt the flow of the game, and can be frustrating. Maybe it was designed this way to make the game seem longer or more of a challenge?
The graphics IMHO are kind of grainy. Like everything has rough edges to it. Perhaps it was designed that way to give an unsettled/creepy type feel, but I think this game could use some refining. The HOS are dark...most of the screen is the same shade of grey and items blend together, so you need to look very carefully for the shapes of the HO, not the colors of them. IF the graphics and scenes were beautiful, crisp, and clear - even in the shades of grey, I don't think this game would be so tedious. You could enjoy wandering around, taking in the beauty and appreciating the artwork.
The music can get on your nerves. Much of it is the type of chords you would hear during tense, suspenseful, or rushed scenes in a movie. It doesn't seem to fit, as the the game progress is so slow. It almost makes it more frustrating, because the music makes you feel like you need to hurry up, but the game play itself makes hurrying impossible.
The story line isn't really that captivating...at least not enough to overlook the flaws. The story itself seems to be an afterthought. Only there to hang the HOS, and Puzzles on. Most of the game is running around doing busy work, but rarely is the story presented. I almost think the developers rushed this game. It has so much potential that was not utilized....too bad.
I would recommend this game to Experienced Adventure gamers, who enjoy games that require you to think, and are a challenge. For anyone else, this may not be your cup of tea. I'm still not sure if I will buy this game, even though it is the DD...I'm not sure I like it enough to spend even $2.99 on it. As always, try before you buy!!
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
Relaxing, Peaceful Fairytale
PostedDecember 30, 2011
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have only played the demo on casual mode, and finished with time to spare. This game is very linear and easy to follow, including the HOS, and the puzzles. I like games that have a good story, and are not very challenging...this is one of them. Experienced gamers, who like a challenge may not. This game will not frustrate you at all, and it's likely that you will never be lost. Even if you do get a bit lost, it's not so bad, as the scenes are beautiful. It's very calming, peaceful, and relaxing!
The hints are very helpful, and recharge quickly. The notebook records all puzzle codes, etc. The voice overs are done well enough to be believable. The sound effects of the water, birds, and such are lovely. The music is soothing and unobtrusive. The puzzles are on the easier side, fun, and are completely doable. The graphics, cut scenes, and artwork are just gorgeous! The HOS are not really junk piles, the objects are identifiable, and big enough to see without a microscope. The storyline is interesting to an extent...if you like fairy tales, you'll most likely enjoy this. Definitely worth the $2.99 DD or WD!
I recommend this game!
Search for clues, solve puzzles, and unlock new areas as you visit spooky locations, master mini-games and locate Hidden Objects!
Overall rating
5
/
5
70 of 76 found this review helpful
WOW!! Creepy, Startling, Captivating FUN!!
PostedDecember 30, 2011
jasmin4
fromLas Vegas, NV
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
WOW!! I just demoed this game on casual mode, and all I can say is WOW! My first thought when I began playing was CREEEEEEPYYYYYY!!! In a good way!! The graphics are superb, even in HOS! I really like some of the puzzles, that make you search for, and figure out what items to use in the scene to unlock all of the different puzzle locks!! That was a GREAT, and really fun twist! Plus finding morphing objects, and dolls to put in the dollhouse. As you find the dolls the story unfolds! The story line is just captivating, and intriguing! The little things that make you jump are a nice touch too!
The game play is smooth, and linear. The music is okay, and the sound effects can be scary, obtrusive, and annoying at times. There are no voice overs, just text, and you'd better be able to read quickly! The HOS are clear and crisp, but some of the HO are small. Small...but not impossible to find. The map is wonderful! It distinctly shows where you are, where there are things to do, and scenes you will have to go back to later! The hints are very helpful as well, and recharge quickly. You won't get stuck for long, as long as you use the map!! The notebook records all pertinent info for puzzles and such that you find throughout the game.
This is NOT a game for kids, at all! It is however a very well thought out game, and created with care! The developers, artists, etc. should be commended!! If you don't like dolls, bugs, clowns, etc., you may not fully appreciate this game. I found the little handmade doll that helps you throughout the game to be creepy. All in all, I think all types and skill levels of adult players should at least give it a try! I'll be buying this one!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
I really like this beautiful game!!
PostedDecember 30, 2011
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have only played the demo in regular mode, and finished the demo in 47 mins, however I really enjoyed this game! The scenery, HOS, and cut scenes are absolutely beautiful, crisp, and clear, but a bit dark sometimes. Game play is, for the most part, smooth. It seemed to take a little bit for a couple of the new scenes to load...for a min there I thought the game had frozen up, but it came up after about 20 seconds. I think the story line is intriguing, but I really like period/historical games. I believe a lot of thought went into this game, and it was lovingly created!
The HOS are beautifully drawn and are interactive, but some areas can be a bit dark/grey. A few of the HO are tiny/blend in very well, which can be a challenge. Overall, most of the HO are easily recognizable. I really liked looking for the fans in the HOS, to add to my hints. Looking for the ducats to purchase inventory items that are needed is a fun twist!
I loved the music!! It is so "Venice"!! Some of the music almost reminds me of Irish folk, or Celtic type! It adds "flavor" to the story, creates emotion in a scene, yet is not obtrusive at all!! The voice overs I feel are authentic, and very well done!!
I also like that when you are finished with an area of interest, you can no longer click/zoom into it. The hints are helpful, without hand holding, and recharge quickly, even without finding fans.
From what I have seen, there are a limited number of areas per chapter, so it doesn't take very long to figure out what to do next when you are stuck. The game does have a minor flaw, in the flow department. There were a few times when I didn't know what to do next. Perhaps that is the design...to make you think. There is a lot of toing and froing, and you do have to visit a HOS at least twice, but the scenes are so beautiful, it doesn't bother me.
The puzzles are kind of odd though. Some were very difficult/impossible for me, and some were very easy. Again, perhaps that is the design...puzzles for all levels of gamers. All are skippable, which is very nice! There are directions for each puzzle, so you aren't going to get frustrated trying to figure out what to do, on top of how to do it.
All in all, I would highly recommend this game for all gamers!! I think it was designed with care, for all types and levels of gamers! A very beautiful game!
I recommend this game!