izuru's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:456
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:November 22, 2012
- Most Recent Review:June 23, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Embark on a high-altitude adventure with Mia Faircroft!
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 66 found this review helpful
I love this series!
PostedJune 23, 2022
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love this series, the characters are cute, their little problems are fun to solve (or watch Mia solve haha) and the challenge level is pretty decent. I kinda wish this series and "I love finding [cute animals]" would combine, then we could have Mia's storylines and then just add some cute animals in addition to the regular HO scenes. I like the music, too.
There is an option in Settings for "skip dialog" so hopefully the people who usually say this game is fun but too much dialog will also enjoy it more this time?
I recommend this game!
Who is the mysterious ally supporting the Roman soldiers?
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 43 found this review helpful
Doesn't live up to the predecessors
PostedMay 19, 2022
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I loved the Roads of Rome series, but these Portal titles, while fun, do not live up to the enjoyment of the previous Rome games. I miss cutting trees and finding the hidden caches that might just be a bump in the snow. That felt like a challenge. This just feels like a simpler version of the earlier games. And that might be what people really want, and that's fine. But for me, I'm going to save my 2 credits and go re-play Roads of Rome New Generation 1-3.
I don't recommend this game.
Follow an up-and-coming agrarian on the adventure of a lifetime!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
Great Levels but...
PostedSeptember 17, 2021
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
First off, the gameplay is super fun, the levels are unique and challenging and honestly I don't know how people play these in timed mode! Some of the levels require real planning and if you make a mistake, you can't finish the level. As a "relaxed mode" player, I love that. There were also levels that could be done in a non-optimal way, but it would take a lot longer or require more build/rebuild actions.
There's timed and relaxed (no time) mode, you can toggle between them at any time, also in the CE there is a guide but it's not super comprehensive. It'll help you if you get stuck.
Each level has a hidden puzzle piece and they are sometimes VERY well hidden. The puzzle pieces will unlock bonus levels (5 in total).
Each level has a hidden puzzle piece and they are sometimes VERY well hidden. The puzzle pieces will unlock bonus levels (5 in total).
As far as gameplay, I rate this game a solid A. But when it comes to story, art, and sounds, sorry it's a big fat F.
The storyline is non-existent. Between each "chapter" a one-page maybe even one-line of text from the main character. The character art is cartoony (in a bad way) and tired. (the level art was fine for me)
The "plot" is basically collect things for a bake-off. There are no side-twists or new characters or surprises.
The music was not bad, for me, but some of the sounds of the buildings were really grating. There's a sound that I think is supposed to be of fruit being squeezed for juice, but it sounds like walking through muck in galoshes.
The storyline is non-existent. Between each "chapter" a one-page maybe even one-line of text from the main character. The character art is cartoony (in a bad way) and tired. (the level art was fine for me)
The "plot" is basically collect things for a bake-off. There are no side-twists or new characters or surprises.
The music was not bad, for me, but some of the sounds of the buildings were really grating. There's a sound that I think is supposed to be of fruit being squeezed for juice, but it sounds like walking through muck in galoshes.
So, put your tunes on, or an audiobook, and enjoy the fun and challenging levels!
I recommend this game!
A routine flight becomes a perilous adventure as you struggle to survive the dangerous way of life inside the Bermuda Triangle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
GOTY? in Feb?
PostedFebruary 23, 2021
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the best HOA I've played in so long! The hidden object scenes are so unique, the situations are unique, and one of my favorite things - you find a really useful item at the beginning and you get to KEEP it!! Then, you get another really useful item, and you get to KEEP IT, TOO!
There were a couple of mini-games I wasn't keen on, but that's what the skip button is for.
The game is a little bit irreverent which I know isn't for everybody, but I found it amusing and fun. The bonus chapter is exactly what you want the bonus chapter to be after playing the main game, and it also has a fun ending.
There were a couple of mini-games I wasn't keen on, but that's what the skip button is for.
The game is a little bit irreverent which I know isn't for everybody, but I found it amusing and fun. The bonus chapter is exactly what you want the bonus chapter to be after playing the main game, and it also has a fun ending.
I hope the devs keep making this kind of unique game, I mean I guess if they made like 100 games like this it would be less unique but also? The challenge level was so good, I would play 100 more games like this!
I recommend this game!
Discover a sweet and magical world in this fantastic point and click adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Just short of great..
PostedAugust 25, 2019
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
.. or maybe "Just short"... I finished the whole game in about 4 hours. Maybe that's why the storyline didn't really pay off what it promised at the beginning. The ending felt rushed, and I felt like there were some things to collect that never became collect-able.
As far as gameplay, it's go to various locations and unlock how to get to the next location using various objects you can find in the scenes. All of the mini-games are skip-able, and I skipped some just because the control was a little finicky for my PC.
The art and music are beautiful. The scenes are unique and fantastical, in a "Brother Rabbit" or "The Inner World" kind of way.
But it really just felt like the ending was rushed. I felt like the main character was just getting to the good stuff when whoops, it ended. I tried just clicking "Play" again to see if there was extra content or an alternate ending but it just started at the beginning again. I think I would have been OK with it being so short if the story felt complete.
Well, at least it was fun and interesting while it lasted?
I recommend this game!
Experience the beauties of Italy in this uplifting hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
67 of 70 found this review helpful
Just Find Things
PostedFebruary 4, 2019
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This game has no real storyline, just a framing story (like Big City Adventure games) and is pretty much just finding things. Which is really all I want sometimes in a casual game!
Each location needs to be unlocked using stars you earn by doing HOs in a previous location. There is only one scene per location but the objects change and there are different modes: list, silhouette, and jumbled list. All of the objects are clearly visible in the scene, but not necessarily simple to find.
The mini-games must also be unlocked using stars, and they are listed at the very end of the locations list.
There is a "timer" but it's counting up, and there's no penalty for taking a long time. I let it sit for 10 minutes just to make sure (I hate timed games). I have no idea what the timer is for.
Overall if you like finding things, this is a nice game!
I recommend this game!
Margaret needs your help once again! You must repair the railway across 50 time management levels and manage an enormous budget!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Best Next Stop yet!
PostedDecember 3, 2018
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the best one in the series, I think! I love the gameplay which is similar to previous games, and the extras (building a train yard and the clicker game) just add to the fun. There is a relaxed mode so you don't have to rush if you don't want to, and it's still challenging.
I hope there will be a Next Stop 4!
I hope there will be a Next Stop 4!
I recommend this game!
Mosaics Galore is back with new brain teaser puzzles set in a fairytale world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Disappointing sequel
PostedDecember 2, 2018
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I usually love the Mosaics Galore type of games, so I bought without trying this one, and I regret it. The pictures are not fun fantasy-type images, but instead pretty bland photos. Also the mosaic pieces don't have much correlation to the picture. I know other reviewers have already said this but man, the more I play, the more disappointed I am.
There is a relaxed mode with no time limit, and you can get 3 stars in relaxed mode, so you can still progress normally without having to worry about time. The challenge is still quality, but it's hard to give 5 stars even on that aspect since the photos are so boring.
There is a relaxed mode with no time limit, and you can get 3 stars in relaxed mode, so you can still progress normally without having to worry about time. The challenge is still quality, but it's hard to give 5 stars even on that aspect since the photos are so boring.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel the world as a Cruise Director, in charge of the super luxurious S.S. Liberty of the Waves!
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 159 found this review helpful
Great addition to the series!
PostedSeptember 15, 2014
izuru
fromPlano, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is from Casual Arts, who makes Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger series and Christmas Wonderland series. One of my favorite developers.
This game is very similar to the Park Ranger series, with a few upgrades. It still has Lost & Found and Recycling non-essential things to find, this is one of my favorite things about these games. The recycling bin has a lid that goes on when you have found all the recycling, so you don't have to guess. Points you collect on hidden object levels can be used to purchase "souvenirs" which you can view on your own little souvenir shelves.
As far as hidden object scenes, objects are sometimes hidden cleverly or partially obscured, but I can always see enough of it to determine what object it is.
There's relaxed and challenge modes that you have to choose at the beginning of the adventure - I don't see a way to switch after character selection.
I gave a 4 on visual/sound just because the beauty wasn't overwhelming, but the scenes and objects are very crisp and the music is unobtrusive, and the reward sound is pleasant. Generally there's not much of a storyline in these games, just a general direction your'e going, obviously in this case you are on a cruise throughout the Americas.
(I hope they make another Park Ranger game, I really like that theme!!)
This game is very similar to the Park Ranger series, with a few upgrades. It still has Lost & Found and Recycling non-essential things to find, this is one of my favorite things about these games. The recycling bin has a lid that goes on when you have found all the recycling, so you don't have to guess. Points you collect on hidden object levels can be used to purchase "souvenirs" which you can view on your own little souvenir shelves.
As far as hidden object scenes, objects are sometimes hidden cleverly or partially obscured, but I can always see enough of it to determine what object it is.
There's relaxed and challenge modes that you have to choose at the beginning of the adventure - I don't see a way to switch after character selection.
I gave a 4 on visual/sound just because the beauty wasn't overwhelming, but the scenes and objects are very crisp and the music is unobtrusive, and the reward sound is pleasant. Generally there's not much of a storyline in these games, just a general direction your'e going, obviously in this case you are on a cruise throughout the Americas.
(I hope they make another Park Ranger game, I really like that theme!!)
I recommend this game!
HO HO HO! Unforgettable adventure awaits you in Holiday Jigsaw! Start your journey with a Merry Christmas!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 23 found this review helpful
Not for Jigsaw game lovers
PostedDecember 21, 2013
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
If you've played and enjoyed other jigsaw games from BF, like Jigsaws Galore or Jigs@w Puzzle, you'll just be disheartened by this one. The only plus is that the pictures are holiday themed.
There's only one piece style - classic - and while there is an option for skewing the shapes a bit, even at the highest setting the pieces are still pretty uniform. There's no option for using square or round or "pointy" pieces.
There's only 4 options for background colors on the solving board.
There is only one storage "box" for putting pieces aside while you work, and I can't move it from the top left corner, and there's no option to create another one. So, if the pieces you wanted to set aside for now are in the top left area? You have to move them to the right so they are not covered by the storage box/tray/whatever it's called.
I did not see any options for importing our own pictures, but you might have to earn a trophy or something for that, and I didn't play this game for very long before I had to put it down.
Gameplay is standard, move with left mouse, rotate with right mouse, and there's a quite intrusive "bling!" when you fit a piece into the puzzle. Personally I prefer a subtle "click" just to let you know it's right. I don't need to celebrate every match.
If you really want a great jigsaw game with holiday themes, grab some cool holiday photos from your own camera or from the internet and use them as imports in one of the better games like the ones I mentioned above!
There's only one piece style - classic - and while there is an option for skewing the shapes a bit, even at the highest setting the pieces are still pretty uniform. There's no option for using square or round or "pointy" pieces.
There's only 4 options for background colors on the solving board.
There is only one storage "box" for putting pieces aside while you work, and I can't move it from the top left corner, and there's no option to create another one. So, if the pieces you wanted to set aside for now are in the top left area? You have to move them to the right so they are not covered by the storage box/tray/whatever it's called.
I did not see any options for importing our own pictures, but you might have to earn a trophy or something for that, and I didn't play this game for very long before I had to put it down.
Gameplay is standard, move with left mouse, rotate with right mouse, and there's a quite intrusive "bling!" when you fit a piece into the puzzle. Personally I prefer a subtle "click" just to let you know it's right. I don't need to celebrate every match.
If you really want a great jigsaw game with holiday themes, grab some cool holiday photos from your own camera or from the internet and use them as imports in one of the better games like the ones I mentioned above!
I don't recommend this game.