ThePartingShot's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.5
- Helpful Votes:142
- Reviews Submitted:12
- First Review:December 2, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 24, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Discover the Red Riding Hood Sisters and defeat the nefarious Wolf Queen!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A sequel that can hold its own
PostedSeptember 24, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is based on completing the CE version, not the free trial version. I did not find the storyline as good as the Snow Queen or Blriar Rose, but it is as good as the Exiled Prince. I give this sequel a "Two Thumbs" Up. The storyline remains the same: you come along and save the world from utter destruction. But the graphics are superb. The FROGs #fragmented hidden objects games are plentiful. For me too many, but for my wife you couldn't have too many. I find this a marriage saver. I do the puzzles and she works the FROGs. Speaking of the puzzles, they are not too difficult and require a little thought.
I play the game on the Hardcore mode and have found you can complete the game without the use of the startegy guide. Some things take a stretch to follow the logic when using an object.
Again there are those pesky Morphing Objects to locate. They can be fun. We found ourselves holding off the final victory just to go back and locate the last Morphing Object. They did a good job with a couple of these.
The music was the best part. It was off the charts and annoying. In fact, I actually left the speakers on. The conversation aspect of the game is a little cartoonish considering where some of the better games are today. But it didn't detract from the overall playing of the game.
My issues wre not that great. I would have liked a interactive map that allowed me to jump from one point to another rather than having to back track all the time. I did find the map informative in locating where the palces of interest are. I must admit, I did not use the map for the basic game. I looked at it during the bonus game so I could comment on it.
I am bad about not looking at the tutorial or maps. I just charge ahead and figure it out as I go. That is one reason I was back traking to get the Morphing Objects. I didn't realize they were part of the game until I stumbled across one later into the game. That is one of the liabilities of the "Darn (PC folks corrected the language#the torpedos, full stream ahead" approach to game playing.
The bonus game is different that most in that it has its own storyline and is not dependent on the main game.
Not to reveal too much, I am going out on a limb here. It was good to see Briar Rose. As it helped in a way to tie this game to the series since there is no Frog Prince.
Bottom line: I would recommend this game and I enjoyed playing it.
I recommend this game!
The story continues on a train headed east, as Kate Walker and Hans Voralberg search for a mysterious island known as Syberia.
Overall rating
5
/
5
If you want fluff time, look again
PostedApril 24, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have changed my favorite game. This was one of the most challenging games. It reminds me of those old computer games where you had to think of solutions from a myriad of possibilities with no idea of what you really needed to do next. But only one solution would work. This game has it! And there is no little "Hint" button to edge you along.
It is difficult to say the least. And there are times you will throw your hands up in the air and say, "Why did I buy this silly game in the first place." But when you get finish it, it will all have been worth it. Except for one thing....
I do wish there had been a map or a quick movement method. I bet I log thousands of miles running from one spot to another over and over again. Maybe that was the diabolical mind behind this game's intent. But it got on my nerves.
The graphics were awesome. The storyline, though hard to follow at times#the surprise stow away#, was great.
This is one game I would not only recommend, but I would pay to play it again. It is both fun and challenging
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
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Confusing at times, but worth it !!!
PostedJanuary 21, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is one game that I regret not getting the CE version. If for nothing else than going down the stairs. There are surprises and fun interactive creatures to mess with. The first game to give me an expected startling moment.
The HOGs are well placed and gave just enough of a challenge that I found them to be enjoyable and not boring. The lighting and detail make them visible unlike some games where you have to stare at the shadows until you grow cross-eyed to find the object.
The puzzles are some of the best I have seen in a long time. refreshing to find new puzzles and not re-hashes of the same old thing. I will admidt you go into some of them blindly and it takes a bit to figure out what it is you are to do. I guess the Hint feature would help, but I refrain from using it. So I stagger around a bit. But I can tell you this, they can be solved.
The music does get old. However, every so often there are sounds that break it up.
The graphics are really good. The voice overs could be better. But I do not buy games for the speaking parts. Here is my downfal when comes to the following the game. If I am bored with the story line, I skip all the conversations and just find the items. I found the conversation parts to be a bit drawn out. So I would read a little and press on. So I may have missed the storyline. But what I did sit through followed along with the plot.
Moving about from place to place could have been made easier with a map. But half of my fun is trying to remember where that puzzle was that I now have the item needed. It is good for our memories to have to use them now and then. So it doesn't bother me that there is no map. The objectives are clear if you need reminding.
Overall my experience with the game was a good one. I enjoyed it. Like I said in the beginning, this is one game that I wished I had purchased the CE version. For my first PFG game, this is going to be another good company to follow.
I recommend this game!
After a terrible traffic accident, Amy Walters finds herself trapped in dark, mysterious world that seems to have a mind of its own!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
I loved the owl, played over and over again
PostedJanuary 4, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is one game with several vingettes that will keep you involved in the game and the story. Some are there to startle you, but some are just hillarious to watch over and over again. The poor owl reminded me of the Windex commercial. I had to go out and enter the room over and over again just to watch the poor owl. That is the kind of game it is. One where you can enjoy the puzzles and HOGs, but you can also just enjoy playing it.
The HOGs are a strain at times. They seem to get more difficult as you progress through the game. The puzzles in and of themselves were not difficult. So you weren't frustrated by mini-games that frustrate more than they add to the game. These added to the game.
The music and sounds added to the game. Each area had its unique music and sounds. And you get the soundtrack as part of the CE version. Not that you will be using as your ringtone anytime soon.
This is one game that you have not been shorted on. Even the bonus game was better than a lot of the other games. The best part is that it added to the story line of the game.
One of the better CE versions I have ran accross.
I recommend this game!
There's a terrible secret hidden deep within Lockwood Manor!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 41 found this review helpful
I would loved to have had a 4.5 Rating
PostedJanuary 2, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is one of the better games inspite of being tilted toward the darker side. But most of the good games tend that direction.
The HOGs are plentiful. A bit much for me as I like the puzzles more. My wife likes the HOGs and this game makes her fun list. The scenes are crisp. The graphics are superb.
The music compliments the overall feel for the game. But I have to agree with some, the storyline gets lost as you retrace your steps to find what you need to continue. Setting aside the story aspect, I didn't mind the long trips back and forth as much as I have in other games. This may be in part to the storyline or it may be due to the background sounds.
I like the achievemnt aspect of the CE. It allows others to compete later for trophies. I would have liked a best times feature. That sometimes is my real measure of the game--how fast can I complete it and get everything.
I recommend this game!
Guide Kate Reed as she solves four mind-bending mysteries that take her to worlds she's never imagined!
Overall rating
4
/
5
52 of 56 found this review helpful
After 68 reviews, I offer mine to the long list...
PostedJanuary 1, 2012
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Simply taken at its face value, this game is worth the price of admission. The bonus game carries the theme along even though its story has nothing to do with the house itself. Now saying that, it was one of the better bonus games that didn't continue the storyline.
The graphics were done well. But as for being startled, I didn't see what others did. Maybe I should have played it during Halloween or on a dark stormy night. Wait, I did play on a stormy night.
As for the claim by some concerning the use of usual boards, it was so minor and had such a little impact to the whole game that I am at odds with those reviews of the game.
The game is a good medium range game. Not to difficult and not too hard with regards to the puzzles and deciding how to use the items found.
The background music and sound effects are done well and compliment the game. HOGs are complex enough to give your eyes a little strain. And the map sure makes traveling to and from points a lot easier than would be iff you had to navigate back and forth.
Since this review is so far from the front, I doubt it will be used by anyone. But for that one person who looks long and hard for review, I offer mine. A solid FOUR STAR game. From a reviewer who rarely gives a FIVE STAR rating to any game.
This one is one of the better games overall
I recommend this game!
The entire town has been put into a deep sleep by an evil force. Now Lillian must find allies and uncover the secrets of voodoo!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 24 found this review helpful
A game worth the money
PostedDecember 30, 2011
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
My overall impression at the beginning was that this was going to be a non-player. I was delt a blow to my ego. The game has its challenging sequences. The HOG are well crafted. Even sometimes to a point that you go cross-eyed looking for things.
The communication scenes, music, and graphics pail in comparrison to other games and the puzzles are not challenging. When you finish an area, you don't go back. This limits the hunt for needed items. Don't let that fool you. You will still be confused. Sometimes the game will allow you to pick up items before they are needed. While other times you will have to go back at a later time.
The good part is that it is a long game and the story line carries through the game.
Since the graphics are kept to a less detail state, the dead bodies look a little cartoonish.
But since the game kept my interest, I gave it a high rating.
I recommend this game!
Travel from the Dark Middle Ages to the present to save the inhabitants of the Orion kingdom in Echoes of the Past - The Citadels of Time!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
The Trilogy Moves Forward
PostedDecember 29, 2011
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have enjoyed each of the Echos of the Past. The story line continues with visits to rooms of the previous versions. It was fun to remember the rooms as you move through them this time. The music and talking parts weren't stellar. But the overall graphics were top notch.
The HOG throughout the game were simple and required very little time to pass through. Then added to this was the constant moving between ages in order to complete a task got old. The first time warp was neat, but after the 20th it became old..
The puzzles were ones used on previous games. With little variation, they were solved with a little trial and error.
My overall feelings about this game are positive and I would recommend the game
I recommend this game!
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Drawn in, but not totally sold
PostedDecember 27, 2011
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Played the hard mode without any hints. In less than four hours, I was through the game and found all 20 morphing items without using the guide. The HOGs are simple and the puzzles less difficult than the Exlied Prince (previous game in the series). Aside from the ease of the game, the rest of the game is entertaining.
The graphics and background music has been done in a first class manner. However, the constant going back and forth to obtain the needed items gets on your nerves quickly. Maybe in the other two modes, one will be able to use the map and move about quicker.
I rated the fun factor down because I like challenging puzzles. This was my biggest drawback to the game. The puzzles were simple and repeated way too often. After the previous games, I expected more with this version.
I am not sure what added features this game has over the basic game aside from the bonus game. Speaking of the bonus game and other features, they were not worth the additional costs. The makers of the game would have added to the game with even one simple addition used by other game makers, such as: low time scale or hidden object awards, no hint awards, etc.
Saying all this, I will still give the game a 4 overall rating. If you are a beginner or intermediate, this is a great game. It was fun to play and the story line flowed throughout. Combine that with the graphics and you have a great game for those rainy days and late nights
I recommend this game!
Re-enter the enchanted world of Drawn in the highly anticipated third installment of the cinematic series!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Not as challenging as others in the series, but...
PostedDecember 4, 2011
ThePartingShot
fromUmpqua, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have enjoyed the Drawn series. So when this one came available, I had to have it. There are a lot of complaints of it being too short. Those complaints are justified. I too was wishing it had been longer. But I found the story to be compelling and the overall experience worth it.
I did find the same issues with this version that I had with the others--screen freezes and system bogging down. So there was a few trips out of the game and back in. The delays were frustrating. However, the game itself was very much worth it. I look forward to more in the series or additional games.
I recommend this game!