TabithaMoon's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.9
- Helpful Votes:127
- Reviews Submitted:20
- First Review:January 19, 2013
- Most Recent Review:September 11, 2019
- Featured reviews0
A haunting new addition to the highly rated match 3 puzzle series!
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
I miss the original so much!
PostedSeptember 11, 2019
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Every once in a while, I go back to Cursed House 1 and 2 just to enjoy how the game USED to be. The only reason I ever try out the new ones is in the hopes that one day, they will return to the original gameplay.
Why did they ever change it? It's an entirely different game from 1 and 2. Why not just start a new series? CH 4 was so bad, I didn't even let it stay in my computer. The only think I can think is that the devs listened to the whining of a few people who thought 1 and 2 were "too dark."
Every one since 3 has been a child's game. 7 has a bit more of a challenge, but they throw in so much to be challenging that it's monotonous and boring.
If anyone can give an answer, PLEASE let me know if the devs ever intend on giving us a sequel that is like 1 and 2. Until then, I will not be giving these games anything higher than a 2 because from 3-7, this is "Cursed House" in name only.
I don't recommend this game.
This once magnificent mansion has been a haven of evil spirits. Banish the evil spirits in this match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Direct copy of Spellarium
PostedDecember 6, 2017
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm sorry but I want my Cursed House back! Anyone who was as big a fan as me of CH 1&2 gets what I'm saying. This is nothing like it.
The gameplay is identical to Spellarium, except for building a temple. I like Spellarium when I'm bored and just want to relax, but if I want to play Cursed House, I want to play Cursed House!
I thought there was a new Dev. team and they were afraid of the darker tone of CH, but no, it's the same team. I don't know what happened to them, why they changed so drastically.
Unless CH 5 brings back the challenge and style of CH 1&2, I won't be buying it.
I can't figure out the people who love this one, to be honest. I feel like they weren't fans of the tone of 1&2 and are just happy it was changed. Well, that really isn't fair for actual fans of this game. We want our REAL Cursed House back.
Play CH 1&2, then play Spellarium, then go play CH 4. You'll see what I mean. I finished CH 4 in one day. It took me weeks to complete CH 1&2. I feel deceived and robbed of my money.
Clean up the Clutter in this amazing Hidden Object game! Take on minigames and put everything in order again!
Overall rating
1
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Boring, Someone's high school computer project
PostedJuly 27, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I don't even know what to say. It's like a mix between a self-help infomercial and a high school computer graphics project. No. Just no.
I don't recommend this game.
Use the power of your mind to place scales on the board and form clever combinations. Experience this unique twist on the match-3 genre!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Fairly short but a lot of fun
PostedMarch 17, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Family, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
First and foremost: This is NOT the typical Match 3. You are basically creating the Match 3 board, yourself, and eliminated 3 to 5 scales as you do it.
Secondly: This is a fairly short game. I was finished in a couple of hours. I used a free game code, though, so it was no loss. My main disappointment is that it ended. I wanted it to keep going on and on.
This game was a lot of fun. It was challenging getting used to this backwards way of making a Match 3 (sometimes, Match 4 or 5), but that was part of the fun.
It was so relaxing! The music was soft and serene and sounded like a zen garden soundtrack. The sound effects were well done and not intrusive .. unless you used an explosion feature haha.
The artwork was good for its purpose. The game area, itself, was well designed and brightly colored in comforting tones.
Would I have liked to see more? Yes, because I think they missed out on some potential to make this game be one of those you have to set aside for a while and return to over and over.
I would recommend this but with caution that it is a short game. It is very entertaining for its purpose and the length of time you get.
I recommend this game!
Descend into the Egyptian sands to find an oasis of puzzles, treasures, and mysteries in this Match 3 dazzler.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Best Match 3 / Mixed Puzzle Game
PostedFebruary 24, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have had this game since 2012 and I am STILL playing it! And STILL loving it!
So there are several major Egyptian god/goddess temples to restore, which is done as you win each level. There are 3 levels of difficulty that you graduate to as you pass all 12 stages within each difficulty level. I am finally on the 3rd and final difficulty level for all temples.
Each temple has a different type of Match 3 board and puzzle. Between each set of stages are quick hidden object scenes where you have to find the hidden hieroglyph on the wall of multiple hieroglyphs. This is timed but it isn't so hard that you'll run out of time. I never have.
The gods and goddesses speak to you as you enter their temple, as you pass a stage, and as you leave their temple. It's just a brief greeting or word of encouragement or goodbye. If you fail a stage, they offer words of encouragement. I love the voices! They are so appropriate to each god/goddess.
The blue monkey can be annoying at first but he grows on you. I don't like monkeys in real life, but I'm very fond of this one!
During game play, you earn points that enable Shuffle and get the monkey to strike the board to help you out. He adds power up gems and he even clears areas of the board that have been difficult. He has saved me from running out of time on numerous occasions!
There are trophies/awards that you earn and are displayed on the primary game board. They are beautiful and change according to the level up you just encountered.
In fact, the whole game is beautiful. The designers really went above and beyond on this one!
And now that I find myself on the final level for all temples, I am feeling a bit sad that it's almost over. This has always been my go-to game when I need to relax, when I just don't want to play a HOG, when something is bothering me in my daily life and I want to distract my mind.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND playing the demo to see if this is what you're into. If so, I would again HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying this game. If you are uncertain, use a free coupon code. You won't regret it!
One piece of advice: Don't give up! I used to think I would never complete Thot's temple, and I decided not to go back and even try. Well, I did, and once I was through with the easy level, I found it wasn't as hard as in the beginning. If you stick with learning the rules of each board, you really won't be sorry. Plus, there are videos and walkthrough's online if you really get stuck.
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
Overall rating
2
/
5
31 of 35 found this review helpful
Disappointing addition to a great series
PostedFebruary 22, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I won't waste too much more of my time on this review. I'm sadly finding myself writing more negative reviews than positive like I had in the past. It feels as though developers are losing their edge, and unfortunately, this series has suffered the same fate. I waited so long for a new DT Edgar Allan Poe to come out only to be given this travesty.
First problem I had with the game was the horrible butchering of French names -- some they couldn't spell properly, let alone even pronounce. If you are going to have a specific setting with a specific nationality, know how to spell and pronounce the names. What was worse is that one of those names is my maiden name and another was an old teacher of mine. Growing up in a largely French speaking area of the South with French heritage everywhere, I know the names and accents well.
Hearing names and words so horribly pronounced and seeing the bad misspellings already rubbed me the wrong way, then I got more into the game play ...
There was something lacking in this one. I'm not sure what it was but it felt so rushed. I didn't feel as though I was getting lost in the story like with the others. I felt like I was just clicking through and eventually, just ready for it to be over.
I didn't have to wait too long. 3 hours. That was it. All other Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe games have taken me days to complete because I would have to take a break from the numerous facets of entertainment. Sometimes you have to rest your mind, you know? Not with this one. In fact, I was ready for it to be over after the second hour.
The storyline was good but too short. I just finished playing and I can't believe it's over. I feel as though there should be hours, days left. I feel like I'm just in the middle of the game. I've never gotten through one of these Dark Tales so quickly, but to be honest, I'm glad I don't have to play this one anymore. I'm glad it's done.
Another thing that really infuriated me was going through this entire game meticulously trying to collect the collectibles only to come to the one that was supposed to be at the graveyard but wasn't. I have experienced this with other HOG CE's before but never this series. I referred to the strategy guide several times to be sure I was looking at the right place. I sat and stared and stared and stared some more, clicked and clicked and clicked some more at a plain grave top. Nothing. I left and came back. Nothing.
I haven't played the bonus game yet. I just don't think I care enough.
I don't think I'll be so quick to buy the next installment. I may play the trial. I don't know. I certainly am not wasting money on another one just because it's a Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe. That title no longer means a guarantee of enjoyment for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Help a detective explore a rampant briar growth in Scotland, and discover the true tale of the real Sleeping Beauty!
Overall rating
1
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
Don't Judge The Series By This Awful Beginning
PostedJanuary 24, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Family, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
WOW! That's not a good wow, either.
I am so glad I played the others before playing this one because if this had been the first, I never would have given the others a second thought. I LOVE the others, so just know that it isn't the series I have a problem with. It's just this one.
I don't know what happened between this one and the development of the rest of the Dark Parables series, but I can't even believe this one is part of it. I usually write positive reviews. I think I've only written one bad one, and it was based solely upon my opinion and personal interest. This, however, is based upon comparison with the others in the series and judging mostly on its purpose rather than personal interest.
There was no dialogue. None. There was the opening scene when you're given the assignment, then there is the final closing scene where Briar Rose tells you that you have to go on another mission (another game). Honestly, that's it. You don't meet any other players, you don't even interact with the wicked godmother. You just play a matching game to defeat her.
There is no investigation ... and you're a detective!
There was no mystery, no adventure, no excitement what-so-ever. The other reviews saying there is have me flabbergasted. Play the free hour. See for yourself.
Every single part of this game was a hidden object scene. That's it. You collected what you needed to move on, but that meant playing a HOS to get an item, then playing another HOS after placing the item.
Hidden Object Scenes ... I know this is a HOG. I get that. The problem is that this is ALL this is. All of the other games in this series had adventures, puzzles to solve, tasks to figure out and complete, cut scenes that send you onto another adventure and get you to meet important characters in the story. This one had none of that. There were a few random puzzles but not many.
When I say the entire game was a HOS, I mean every step you take, every location you enter (new or old) is a HOS. If you turn around and have to go back, you're in another HOS. Even in the same room, you complete a HOS, collect a tool, and BAM! another HOS in the place you JUST had a HOS!
It got so bad that hidden objects were being hidden in the same places over and over. Some rooms had a HOS half a dozen times, so they ran out of places to hide things.
Then, to make it worse, the objects were incredibly small and were hidden among same shapes and same colors. I think the worst was having a scrap of firewood hidden near a pile of ... firewood. Seriously?!
I have never been so thrilled that I didn't spend money on a Collectors Edition. I feel so strongly about how horrible this game is that I can honestly say I hated every minute of it. That isn't over-exaggerating.
I did finish it. I don't know why. I guess because I started it and I hate quitting and I had already bought all the others in the series. I was so anxious to finish it, though, that I broke my own rule and used hints as often as possible. I NEVER use hints but this time, I couldn't stop using them just to get the stupid hidden object scenes done and over with. I continuously wished there were skips for the HOS.
The art was beautiful .. as long as it didn't have to move. The artwork came a long way from this first installation. The first scene in the chapter when Briar Rose speaks, I felt like I was watching an animation student's first day of class. Not exaggerating. You can see that by the free trial if you want to see for yourself.
I could go on and on and on. I could list specific details and things that really put me off. I would be here all day, though, and honestly, I can't stand to spend another minute even thinking of this horrible game!
I don't recommend this game.
When minotaurs attack, only you can save the day.
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
Excellent Addition To the series! Don't listen to bad reviews!
PostedJanuary 5, 2015
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Family, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The first thing I do before trying a game is read the negative reviews. I don't always trust 5 star reviews because developers rate their own games, so I look at "Lowest Ratings" first.
The first five or so negative reviews I read seemed way too harsh to believe. I have played all of the Awakening series before now, and I couldn't believe it could go so bad after being so good.
I was right not to listen to the negative reviews!
Honestly, "boring," "sexist," "no villians," ... These people did not play this game.
It was in no way boring. The entertainment was as fast paced as the others, with games inside of games. Even the bonus chapter was interesting and thought-provoking. It wasn't a quickly added segment.
I have no idea where one person gets the idea that the heroine is mindless or helpless. She is the hero of the story! She helps everyone! She even helps the strong minotaurs! All of the men look to her for help and wisdom. There was no male hero on a horse. That just didn't happen at all. This person clearly did not play this game.
No villains? Um, yeah, there certainly WAS a villain and who it is becomes a mystery to solve.
After this experience, I am going to reconsider taking negative reviews seriously. I wish we had to verify that we played the game before reviewing it because these people obviously lied about the game.
Having said all that, THE POSITIVES:
I am so thrilled with this addition to the awakening series!
1. The art is still gorgeous! The colors are vibrant and blended so well. The people are believable and the creatures are creatively rendered.
2. I always love the sound to this series, and this addition did not disappoint. This isn't the first time I wished there would be a soundtrack. Beautiful music and sound effects that did not intrude on game play.
3. The Level of challenge was superb! It wasn't too difficult but not too easy, either. There was a degree of thought and problem solving with each game. The HO scenes were fun. They weren't annoying and illogical. They weren't just lists, either, which can make a HOG seem monotonous.
4. The storyline does a remarkable job of tying into the rest of the series. This is a prequel -- it takes place a century before the others in the series. It fits perfectly and lets you see how it ties into the others in the future. I absolutely loved the friendships made throughout the game and the teamwork between both sides.
Honestly, if you liked any of the Awakening series, you will love this game. It won't disappoint! It's exactly what you expect from the creators.
Also, I want to say that this was the first time I ever received ALL achievements! I'm so proud of myself!
I recommend this game!
Crack codes, pick locks, comb crime scenes for clues and solve clever puzzles in this thrilling retro detective drama!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Boring and poorly executed
PostedNovember 6, 2014
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I think there has only been one other game from BFG that I have found so boring and unfulfilling.
PRO:
The sound is the only good thing about it.
The sound is the only good thing about it.
CONS:
The artwork is atrocious - my 13 year old could do better.
The artwork is atrocious - my 13 year old could do better.
The story is boring. I can't explain it and I wish I could since this is a review.
Put it this way: 20 minutes into a 60 minute free trial was all I could take. I had to get out and trashcan it! I felt as though my brain cells were frying at the simplicity.
The HOS were fairly challenging if you don't care for them that much, but to a seasoned player of HOG, you'll get bored fast. You'll wonder what you just wasted a minute of your game time on. I'm suspicious of the good reviews those scenes received.
The mini-games were elementary school level.
The "mystery" became quite clear from the moment you enter the first location. Meeting the mayor within the next 10 minutes tells you the entire story.
This game held absolutely no interest for me once I figured out the mystery within 5 minutes of game play and with how painfully simple it all is.
I usually love Artifex Mundi games. I can't believe this travesty is from them. I am very suspicious about the 5 star reviews.
Play the demo. Everyone is different but speaking technically rather than opinion, it really is worthy of only 2 stars.
I don't recommend this game.
The wolf spirit still haunts… will you heed its call?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Nothing negative can be said! (almost)
PostedFebruary 3, 2014
TabithaMoon
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Family, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love these Myths of the World games! They are incredibly fun, challenging but not too challenging, and are different than any other HOG out there!
I'm not a huge fan of HOGs but the art and story lines keep bringing me back to them. These Myths of the World games are a great solution to people like me. When an HO scene comes up, you don't have to do them! You have an option of bubble shooter (or match 3 in the other versions). I was having so much fun not being forced to do the HO scenes that I enjoyed the HO scenes more when I did choose to do them.
The sound is beautiful, peaceful, and puts you in the perfect setting for the game's subject matter, just like all of these Myths of the World games.
The art is beautiful and clearly rendered so the artwork never gets in the way of completing a task.
The only negative thing I can say is that the scenes where the amulet has to find the symbols in a darkened room were technically unsound. I don't know if the problem was on my end or if it is in the game, but whenever those scenes came up (3 if I remember correctly), only a rectangular section at the right hand side of the screen was clear. The rest of the screen was jumbled with computer lines. I found that if I escaped the scene and exited to the Main menu, this somewhat fixed the problem but not completely. The strategy guide helped me locate the symbols that were not showing up because of the weird malfunctioning screen.
I am really looking forward to a 4th installment of Myths of the World! I hope they do Greek myths and Ancient Egyptian myths. Druids would be nice, too, and Viking! As a descendant of Eiric the Red, I only ask that if they make one for Norse mythology, they do NOT put horns on the helmets! That is a myth within a myth lol!
Anyway, great game! Try the hour trial but seriously, you won't regret buying this or any of the Myths of the World games. Not even if you splurge on the Collector's Editions. They are well worth it!
PS: Oh! I almost forgot! Do NOT exit this game at the end without reading the credits! This goes for all the Myths of the World games! The creators make funny notations beside each of their job descriptions. Some make you really laugh out loud. You get an achievement for watching through to the end, too. "Thanks" to the design team for that last bit of entertainment that shows you really enjoy your job and have fun bringing us quality games!
I recommend this game!