Sheerija's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:8,740
- Reviews Submitted:102
- First Review:April 24, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 4, 2016
- Featured reviews0
Status:
When your daughter, Emily, is taken over by a mysterious force, you must travel to the Nightmare Realm to search for a cure. But nothing could have prepared you for what you find there…
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 31, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I had a love/hate relationship with this game. It is so vastly different from the first one that I failed to make any connection. I did not like the first one, but this one is simply outstanding in all respects, bar one, because the cut scenes are programmed to run so painfully slowly, they were excruciating. I am not alone either, though I read that the majority did not comment on this, so I assume it either did not bother them or they did not experience it. How this could be will ever remain a mystery to me. I have just recently done a huge amount of clean-up and up-dates on my laptop and Norton told me "Your computer is running great" so I am at a loss. I suspect this was done deliberately to make the game longer, but if so, it is a terrible ruse, failed miserably to give that impression, and is rather offensive. But honestly, I just do not know. I got to the point where I could no longer sit through them, and there are a LOT of them. I had to leave the room for 5 minutes and let them play through, because there was no option for clicking through them or skipping them, they just had to be endured. Also, they were completely out of synch with the spoken dialogue, which was in turn out of synch with the written dialogue. Sometimes 5 minutes was not enough time and they were still doing their slow motion, jerky, stop/start thing when I came back. During the demo I did notice that they played at a rather relaxed pace, but I thought nothing of it. Little did I know how much worse they were to become. My frustration level was through the roof.
If not for that I could quite easily have given this game top marks for everything about it. It was truly one of the most beautiful, artistic and creative games I have ever played. The music was superb. I think I counted at least 10 tracks, all of them hauntingly lovely. The story was amazing - so original and wonderfully told, the way it unfolded with all the surprises and innovations. The characters were so delicately drawn and so life-like. These devs have some outstanding artists on their payroll. There were small creatures as well, cute and helpful.
It did remind me of Drawn a little bit because of the paintings. It was when I went into my first painting during the demo that I was hooked, lined and sinkered. It was a thing of beauty to behold and all thoughts of cut scenes left my mind. I just had to have this game.
There is only a standard map but it shows where to go next and because the game plays out in segments which close down after you move on and are no longer shown on the map, I never got lost or confused. It was extremely easy to find my way around and because the navigation was well done, it was no problem getting around.
The SG was really good - it follows the game so I was always on the page I needed, which was a reall boon. I hate having to flick through pages and pages to find what I need.
There were demons, one giant snake and a small spider, maybe two, for those who wish to avoid these.
There were only a handful of iHOS, unfortunately for some, but they were wildly interactive, to a degree I cannot remember before. Like games within games, sort of. Loved them.
I really feel sorry for people when I read some only played for 10 mins or 15 mins and got bored. All games start off slowly, with cut scenes and introductions to the stories and characters. Yes, this game also did not leap out at me at first, giving no indication of the wonders to come. That is why we are given a 1 hr demo. It is a well established fact that demos can be and often are, very misleading, either way and sometimes even the 1 hr does not give an accurate impression. But 10 minutes is really doing oneself a disservice.
There were collectibles and mini games, a lot of which were a-maz-ing! No run of the mill, seen it before puzzles for these guys. Terrific. The hint button gives written instructions at the top of the screen that are very clear and concise. And strangly polite, somehow. Rather amusing. The skip button was either a little too slow or too long, about 75% of the width of the screen. Unnecessary.
The main game took me 7 hrs because of the cut scenes, but if people do not experience this, probably is only about 6 hrs. It ends conclusively. The BC took me 1hr 45 mins but there are no cut scenes in it, it is just simply long, beautiful, fun and has a marvellous story behind it that I adored.
Anyway devs, I think your game is tremendously good, but something about your programming needs to be seen to. Should I see your name again I will be especially attentive to the cut scenes and if they are still like this, I simply cannot buy your games. The cut scenes were like watching lava flow down a mountainside. Actually, they lava would be a lot faster. Once was enough, despite the excellence of your game. Too, too, too annoying.
I recommend this game!
The Missing: Island of Lost Ships
After setting out to search for your missing friend, you find yourself trapped on the mysterious Island of Lost Ships.
Overall rating
4
/
5
67 of 80 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 29, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
We are not permitted to mention the name of these devs, but it rymes with clueless and after their recent Whitehall joke of a CE, that's what I thought they were.
But, what a nice surprise. They have given us a really fun, funny and interesting game with great graphics, music and iHOS. There were some new and quite creative puzzles. There was a jump map (hooray!# There was a very low-life villain, greedy and calous, who it was such a pleausre to thwart. Him and his grubby henchmen all got their just desserts.
Loved bumbling old Herbert, he was a real hoot. That voice was so familiar to me but I just couldn't put my finger on it.
There was also a cat that played a small part a couple of times and a bunch of cheeky monkeys, just to make you smile and figure out how to get what you want from them. And I smiled, widely.
Although it was only 3.5 hrs long, I will not hold that against it. I have come to expect that now #or should that be accept that# and I think that with the quality and terrific game play of this game, that lack of an extra half hour or so was not a point of contention.
Nice work, devs. Now that we have seen what you can do, you are never again allowed to make games as crummy as Whitehall, you hear. It's ok if you must make them short, but keep up this high calibre. #Told you sticking to SEs was better for you.)
I recommend this game!
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
5
/
5
144 of 160 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 27, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ERS has stepped everything up in this game. It is enchanting and delightful in every way - graphics, animals, story, music, iHOS (there are different types) and characters.
Even though there is no wide screen (for me), no map, collectibles or achievements, it is definitely worthy of it's CE status. It is a very artistic and beautifully designed game that just stole my heart. My download was quick and the game played smoothly and easily.
Everything is beautiful, even the puzzles are gorgeous to look at.
The Princess's magical animals have been petnapped and she off to get them back, come what may. She meets fantastical creatures, some good, some not, but all amazing. Some help her, some she helps, some she must defeat. There are a couple of spiders and one humongous snake, unfortunantely for those with phobias. But if you can just get past them with gritted teeth, there are not any more.
The main game took me 4.5 hrs and the BC 1.5 hrs. When the SE comes, the game will end conclusively, leaving it apparent that there will be a sequel. But the BC was wonderful. The Princess has a different quest and also gets to do something I was dying to do during the main game. I loved it.
Thanks ERS. Excellent game. And ta to BF.
I recommend this game!
Save a loving couple from the clutches of a powerful alchemist in Break the Curse: The Crimson Gems!
Overall rating
5
/
5
172 of 175 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 24, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a must have for addicted puzzle fans and a no-no for HOG lovers, there aren't any, just puzzles. At first I wondered how to categorize it, as there are some things to find, but they appear in small boxes about 3x3" and are all the same object. They were rare, though. So, I have decided it is a Puzzle Adventure Game only.
But what a cracker. BF says the graphics are hand painted. I do not know how that works in a computer game, but whoever did them is a gifted artist. They are gorgeous, surreal and sumptuous, a veritable visual banquet.
The majority of the puzzles are extremely complex and intricately designed and they take some doing. I could not do them justice and regrettably spend much time waiting for the skip to fill. But I still would not have missed out on this.
At first the story was just the usual make-believe supernatural fare that we see all the time. But there came a point when I was jolted out of that by a particularly disturbing turn of events and it became apparent that the villain of the piece was one of the most unpleasant I have ever encountered in a game. Not just in her deed, but moreso in her motives. It took on a very dark and sinister aspect, one that is prevalent in this world and one of the most dangerous and destructive. This game is not one I would want my underagers anywhere near. There is no visual explicitness, but it is obvious from what the main character writes, exactly what kind of thing he has been subjected to, and I found it very nasty indeed. Definitely adults only.
The voice overs are good, as is the music. The navigation leaves a little to be desired, but I do stress the word little. Also some of the cut scenes are little sticky.
It took me 5.5 hrs and I skipped about 25% of the puzzles, so for those dedicated "must and will solve it" players, look at about 6 hrs.
Lovely piece of work, devs. A real delight to navigate through. Just brush up a little on the mechanics next time. But, thank you and thank you, BF too.
I recommend this game!
Long-forgotten memories bubble to the surface when the past invades the present in the Collector's Edition of Lake House: Children of Silence!
Overall rating
5
/
5
289 of 314 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 23, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
An A for the A team for this game. Beautiful graphics on wide screen. I do not know how they pulled it off, because it is set in a virtually abandoned town where all the structures are run down and derelict, and yet it is lovely to look at. Some feat, that.
The story is very sad. A family tragedy during childhood. It really touched me. The music is melancholy, to suite the story. The SG has no text, but pictorial step by step instructions that I had no trouble with at all. The iHOS are a little cluttered, but they are all sharp and clear and very well done. The puzzles are par for the course, but that did not bother me. The cut scenes and voice overs are excellent and all the characters are exceptionally good.
This is one of the most technically perfect games I have ever played. It is a pleasure to navigate through it and completely removes the irritation usually caused by backtracking. It also downloaded in about 20 mins and took me totally by surprise as most games lately are taking a whole lot longer.
Hint is helpful outside of the iHOS and quick to refill. There are no collectibles or achievements, but they were not missed by me in this game. It is more of a psychological based tale than an occult one, though there is a strange inexplicable item in it that causes all the trouble. When I first saw it I thought I was looking at Mike Myers.
The main game took me 4 hrs and ended conclusively. The BC was very good though - a little extra by way of explaining how all this came about. It took me 1 hr 30mins. There are some quite interesting trivia and media facts in the Extras that I enjoyed reading.
Couple of things, though. First, no parent in their right mind would put a swing there, let alone let their child play on it. They would have to be certifiable. Second, judging from the unfolding of the dialogue, the devs seem quite convinced that the plot will keep us guessing, but they made a mistake quite early on by not disguising one of the voices, and gave the whole thing away.
I am thoroughly impressed and satisfied nevertheless. It is undoubtedly a very good game, made with care and not a little love I think. So, thank you A, you did a super job. Thanks BF.
I recommend this game!
To save her father, Bella vowed to stay with the beast, but is he truly evil? Help Bella follow her heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 22, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Like so many others, from reading the Tech thread, I thought I was going to have to pass on this game. The severrity of the lagging in the demo was dire. I shelved it but kept checking every day to see if there was a fix. No. Players were told to check their cards and drivers etc and it was apparent that the game was going to stand as was. The inevitable day came when I had nothing to play and a bunch of pccs I needed to start using. I bought it, thinking even if I can only tolerate playing in short bursts, at least it is something to fall back on in time of drought. About 15 mins later it was like the game suddenly decided it had had enough fun messing with my head, sorted itself out, and, hey presto! Near perfect game play. Go figure that one out.
I am so glad I got to play it. It was really good. Wide screen graphics, beautifully done. Especially the interior decors of the mansion and castle. Quite lovely. A very well done adaptation of the classic Fairy Tale, well written and executed. The IHOS were clear and sharp and no junk piles. The puzzles were doable for the most part. I met a host of interesting characters. The music was sweet.
I counted at least 60 locations so having a jump map was a must, though the WT was also necessary as the map did not indicate areas of interest. The hint button gave directions and filled super quick.
Some of the cut scenes were a little off. Out of sync and very slow, but on the whole I really liked it.
Nice long game for a SE. Took me 5 hrs. Even if I had paid for it, I would still be satisfied with this game.
Nice one Devs.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a family manor and lift the mysterious Curse of the Werewolves in this blood-chilling and enthralling Hidden Object Adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 20 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 20, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This poor little game has nothing at all to recommend it. The story is lame, almost non-existent. The graphics are flat and way too dark. It could, however, easily take 1st prize for the most HOS ridden game this year, possibly even last year and beyond.
It is a constant schlepp backwards and forwards, again and again, between the house, the lighthouse the cellar, the shrine, and that's it. That is all. No more locations till the end, when you get one more.
The HOS are so dark and 50% of the items are virtually invisible, that it just became a case of random clicking, hoping for the best and waiting for the hint to refill.
There is a standard map that shows what is where, but if it had not been for the walkthrough, I would have given up.
The puzzles are unimaginative and not worth doing and the music is just so-so.
It is well made though, and plays very smoothly, if that can be deemed a recommendation. If I had not had a pcc I would have passed on it.
At 3hrs 20 mins, I suppose the length is not too bad, but in this case I would have been quite happy for it to end at 3 hrs.
I am sorry devs, but this is just plain and simply uninteresting.
I don't recommend this game.
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
After a man is murdered on a hit reality TV show, you are called in to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Overall rating
4
/
5
192 of 202 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 20, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Some are saying this game is too easy. For me, it is not about hard or easy but how much fun and enjoyment I experience when playing and I really had a great time with this. ERS are know for their easy puzzles. All their games are like that. I do not consider that a negative thing. Besides, not all the puzzles are THAT easy. Some require a lot of thought and quite a bit of work. But all of them were fun. I particularly love the puppet based action puzzles.
For dedicated HOG lovers, this is a Puzzle Adventure, so no HOS. Again, that for me is not a negative. I do not even notice the lack of them. Rather have none than one after the other of eye straining junk piles, where devs just throw them in willy nilly to pad the games out. That is tedious.
The story is a true died-in-the-wool crime story, very well planned and told, with a few unexpected twists and turns, that made it extremely interesting and kept me intrigued. There are no supernatural elements, just hard reality. I thought it was excellent. There is one spider only and it is quickly dealt with. No snakes.
While we still have no wide screen, we do however, have no more black bars either, and that is an improvement, albeit it a little one.
The graphics are really good. The locations are many and the whole thing is spready out over an entire city, with bright city lights in the exterior scenes and lots of different buildings to travel to. There is not any backtracking in this game worth mentioning, it is so minimal, so the lack of a map is irrelevant. I loved the modern music and the voice overs are very good indeed, and I loved the addition of the special light to find clues. Hint is informative and fast to recharge, as is Skip. Yes, I did skip one or two here and there. I am not puzzled-minded. It's a lot to do with patience, which I am a little short on.
The SG is well done, with just a few instructions on each page, but not really needed, by me anyway.
Because this is a PA with no HOS, this games came in at 3.5 hrs for the main game and 45 mins for the BC, which admittedly is a little on the short side, but in this case, where there are no HOS to pad the game out, and because it is such a well done and enjoyable game, I totally forgive.
There are a huge amount of extras in this game, wallpapers, sets, replay puzzles, art, and music.
The main game ends conclusively for those awaiting the SE, but the BC lends an added twist with a furtherance to the story, in true crime story tradition. Who are really the villains and who the good guys? You just never know.
I think ERS did a very good job with this. Not jaw-dropping, not outstanding, not wonderful, but very, very enjoyable and a real pleasure to play. Thank you, guys, and thank you BF.
I recommend this game!
The Torment of Whitewall Collector's Edition
Only one girl has survived the mysterious attacks on Whitewall, but she’s not talking… So they’ve called you in to end the town’s terrible torment!
Overall rating
2
/
5
179 of 188 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 16, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
They say hindsight is a wonderful thing, but they say tongue-in-cheek because it is equally as useless. If I could have foreseen how short, simplistic, easy and just downright amateurish this was going to be, they would never have got my money.
But I was taken with the demo, which showed a lot of promise and really had my interest..
No widescreen, achievements or collectibles. A standard map. Fairly good graphics, if a little flat. Quite liked the music. The story was not original, but when are they ever. The hint button is fast and works in and out of the iHOS. But it is overflowing with iHOS, one after the other. The puzzles are laughably easy. I completely forgot about the SG, because I never got stuck or lost. After about 2 hrs it stopped running smoothly and started sticking constantly. Not for long, just a fews seconds, but so often that it was irritating.
I may be wrong here, but did they have elevators in the 1800s? I think not. There was a Sean Connery lookalike with the most appalling accent, neither fish nor fowl. There was a mixture of British and American accents, which struck me as odd for some reason.
The main game is only 3 hrs and the BC 1 hr and that, by anyone's standards is not good enough. I care nothing for wallpapers, art or music as extras. So, I have paid for something that sells itself as something it is not and I am annoyed.
I reprimand you, devs, for passing this off as a CE. You got my money this time, but I will never buy another CE from you.
If you continue to make CEs of this calibre your rep will soon be in tatters. Rather stick to SEs. That way no-one will get stung.
I don't recommend this game.
Push your detective skills to the limit in a fantastical faraway land and find a prince's lost love.
Overall rating
5
/
5
264 of 290 found this review helpful
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME
PostedDecember 13, 2012
Sheerija
fromEdinburgh, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Elephant Games should change their name to Elegant Games. This one is especially classy and stylish, with outstanding graphics on wide screen.
The story is a new take on the Cinderella Fairy Tale and extremely well done. There are a huge number of characters in it, all interesting to interact with. There are some of the most unique and fascinating beasts I have ever seen. Truly their creators are so talented. There are also exotic animals and birds which play their parts in the tasks and story. Then there are those of the furred and feathered kind we are used to, who are our helpers, or in some cases just there to make us go "OMG, that is so cute!" And I did, several times.
The iHOS are of the return the items variety and just the right amount. The music is a little sparse in places, but there are ambient sounds, which do lend to the atmosphere.
There are collectibles in the form of a camera you receive at the start of the game, with which you photograph all the wonderful creatures you encounter. The SG was a little slow to respond but I did not use it much because the internal directions and instructions are just superb.
No problems with navigation as there is a beautifully constructed jump map that transports you instantly. The puzzles were difficult for me, mostly, but those who love a challenge will be well pleased with them.
The main game took me 5 hrs and ends conclusively for those awaiting the SE. But I really loved the BC. It is about a new threat from a different enemy and is of a more mature nature, rather scary actually. It is so well done, I did not even notice it had taken me 1hr 45 mins, I was that engrossed in it
I lost count of the number of times I got a new surprise, or found myself smiling like a loon, or laughed out loud, or went all gaga. Just splendid..
A wonderful, marvellous and thoroughly intriguing piece of craftsmanship, polished to perfection. Nothing clumsy, awkward or lumbering about it. So, what ya think, devs? Elegant Games, yes?
I do not care what you call yourselves. Thank you so much for all the care, attention and creativity you lavished on this. Much appreciated.
I recommend this game!