kateblue222's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:3,417
- Reviews Submitted:179
- First Review:May 6, 2014
- Most Recent Review:July 28, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Holiday Jigsaw: Valentine's Day 3! Enjoy the atmosphere of love, romance and the joy of those first few dates! It's the best gift for your loved one!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Pictures not as good as some
PostedFebruary 13, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I bought an Easter offering from this developer once because the pictures were so good. But here, as with the Thanksgiving 2015 version, many of the photographs were not very jigsaw-worthy.
Just because it's Valentine's day doesn't mean I want to look at pictures of couples. I think I am not alone when I say that doing jigsaw puzzle pictures of people I don't even know is not what I consider fun.
But see for yourself. If you like the pictures, it seems to work ok.
I don't recommend this game.
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
Fun and beautiful, I want more!
PostedFebruary 13, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Many people have already written great reviews for this game, so I just want to say--The main problem I have with this game is that I can't see where there are any instructions for the minigames. So I do not know what it is I am supposed to be doing. Discussions of the first two minigames follow.
On the first one, I didn't know what I was supposed to be moving and nothing seemed to. Also I could not figure out how to tell the guy to move the lever. Then I after I skipped it, it became somewhat obvious, but when I went back and started the game over, I still could not figure out how to get through the maze.
On second one, even the strategy guide did not help because I was apparently supposed to slide the puzzle pieces. I just clicked on them. So when I would go on to the next group listed in the strategy guide, I'd get a message that what I had clicked on was inactive. Because I had no idea what the goal of the game was, I could not proceed. Finally, when I skipped the game, it played itself and became obvious.
Because I'm going to get to play all the minigames over from the extras menu, I'm not going to grade the game down for this.
--It's got great art and music.
--The HOPs have some great twists.
--Progressing through the game is really fun.
--All the CE bells and whistles seem to be there.
But hey, some idea of what I'm trying to do in the minigames would be nice, guys. Usually they're my favorite puzzles!
--It's got great art and music.
--The HOPs have some great twists.
--Progressing through the game is really fun.
--All the CE bells and whistles seem to be there.
But hey, some idea of what I'm trying to do in the minigames would be nice, guys. Usually they're my favorite puzzles!
I recommend this game!
Terror strikes deep into the heart of this family's cursed estate!
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 30 found this review helpful
It's a good thing the hint recharge can be set at zero seconds!
PostedFebruary 13, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You are with your father and a photographer visiting a haunted house. Your father is a ghost debunker, and you don't believe either . . . at first.
I wanted to like this game because it was pretty and I liked the audio. But it just is agonizingly slow and also makes little sense, requiring constant use of the hint. I also went to the strategy guide twice, unusual for me.
There seem to be a bunch of unconnected bits--baby dolls and mechanical bugs--that don't seem to fit in with debunking ghosts theme. I do want to get to that interesting garden, though.
Basically, I am just clicking around and hoping that something will do something. It's the progress through the game that is tedious and requires constant hint use, which is too bad because wandering around and looking at the pretty worlds that developers create is my favorite part, but it is too hard to wander.
Some examples: I never would have found that phonograph crank. And somehow, I pick up a knife or letter opener and don't know where. Also, I found the magic detector hard to use. I was pointing it where I was supposed to, but it didn't work the first couple of times.
And how is there electricity in an house that has been abandoned since 1904?
Good points are the HOPs and minigames.
The HOPs are fun even though you return to them, at least you return to the first one. They are of the type "find something, then figure out where to use it." They can be either word lists or shapes.
The minigames are of usual types--complete the picture or match items and are reasonably fun.
About the CE bling -- I have as yet found none of the morphing objects or hearts. Art and music extras are good, and there is some sort of a HOP that you get access to later, but apparently there is no ability to replay minigames and HOPs. And although there is a bonus chapter, I may not want to play it.
So sorry, but I cannot recommend this game. I quit with 12 minutes left on the demo because I just wasn't having any fun.
I don't recommend this game.
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
CE or SE? CE bells and whistles abound, so CE if you love it, SE you just like it.
PostedFebruary 12, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I write to advise whether to buy the CE or the SE, that being what I want to know when both are out and I have bought neither.
This is not a five-star game for me as I find the story a little confusing. I'm not really sure what I am supposed to be doing. For me, this lack of clarity in the story damages the ability of the game to be immersive. Getting sucked in and not realizing it's past my bedtime is the immersive quality that the true five star game should offer. Of course, this is subjective, so you will have to decide for yourself.
Still, I was having fun, so I bought the CE, though I have played little beyond the demo period.
==This game has nice art, nice music.
==I'm having fun looking around and progressing through the game. There's not too much back and forth. For example, you find the last of the blue crystals right near where you use them. I always forget where I saw something if it is too many locations away.
==HOPs are not anything special, but there are a few short ones that pop up in windows, a nice touch.
==I'm really liking the minigames. Many are "assemble the picture" types, which is one of my favorite types.
==This game has nice art, nice music.
==I'm having fun looking around and progressing through the game. There's not too much back and forth. For example, you find the last of the blue crystals right near where you use them. I always forget where I saw something if it is too many locations away.
==HOPs are not anything special, but there are a few short ones that pop up in windows, a nice touch.
==I'm really liking the minigames. Many are "assemble the picture" types, which is one of my favorite types.
One question is unanswered--I am not sure how long this game really is. I was already in the 2nd chapter, "the Mansion," before the CE demo ran out. Though I have not played much more, it makes me wonder--will I be disappointed that the game is short once I am done with it?
CE features are excellent. There's a bonus game, an extra pop-up book game (sounds interesting), and replayable HOPs and mini-games, plus some extra things to find. And there's the usual art and music.
Because the CE features are all there, you should buy the CE if you love it. Otherwise, buy the SE because, though this game is not as good as some recent ones, it's definitely fun and worth playing.
I recommend this game!
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 37 found this review helpful
CE or SE? Great game with great features--so CE for me!
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is written in order to advise whether you should buy this, game, the SE, or the CE. That's the question I always want answered if both versions are out and I have bought neither. It's based upon playing the demo plus about an hour of the CE.
This game is terrific. I got sucked into the world and almost ran the CE demo out. It's immersive, the mark of a great game.
Progress through the game makes sense. The objects that you find are actually identifiable as having something to do with an action you are trying to fulfill.
Art and music are both great. The minigames are some of the best I have seen lately.
All the CE bells and whistles are present. Therefore, my advice is that buying the CE is probably worth it. It should be in the list of best games of 2016. But if you don't buy the CE, you should definitely buy this game, the SE, because you will definitely have lots of fun.
I recommend this game!
The past isn't set in stone. Now's your chance to change it!
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 30 found this review helpful
CE or SE? Which to buy of this fun, yet somewhat nonsensical, game?
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I write to suggest whether you should buy the CE or the SE, which is the information I always want if I have bought neither and both are out.
You are chasing after your friend who has turned evil. He is supposed to be trying to save his supposedly dying fiancé, traveling though time and collecting objects to do so. And in the process, apparently, changing history.
This review is based upon playing all of the first and most of the second chapter of the CE.
The art is really great, in my opinion, and that is one of my favorite things. The music is ok. I didn't turn it off.
The main problem with the game is that, to me, it doesn't make much sense. Some examples:
1) The story doesn't make much sense. Why is your friend evil now? Is his fiancé really sick?
2) The things you collect to use in the actions that you must take to progress through the game don't make much sense, Hence, pretty constant use of the hint button
3) One puzzle was so mystifying that I took a computer snapshot of the strategy guide, fired up my second monitor (a retired TV too small for the living room but without the proper number of pixels to be a great computer monitor) and read the solution off as I clicked.
4) And in one maze, the skip wouldn't work even though it appeared in the lower right hand corner.
1) The story doesn't make much sense. Why is your friend evil now? Is his fiancé really sick?
2) The things you collect to use in the actions that you must take to progress through the game don't make much sense, Hence, pretty constant use of the hint button
3) One puzzle was so mystifying that I took a computer snapshot of the strategy guide, fired up my second monitor (a retired TV too small for the living room but without the proper number of pixels to be a great computer monitor) and read the solution off as I clicked.
4) And in one maze, the skip wouldn't work even though it appeared in the lower right hand corner.
Despite these problems, I bought the CE. The game played seamlessly other than the "skip" issue mentioned above. I had a good time because the HOPs are decent and the minigames fun.
Another reason I bought the CE is that the Extras are excellent. There are collectibles, achievements, puzzle pieces, a bonus chapter, and the usual art and music. Also, it includes my favorite feature, replayable HOPS and mini-games.
Try it and see if you agree . . . beautiful but nonsensical, yet still fun.
So if you really like the game, buy the CE, but al least buy the SE. It's worth playing.
I recommend this game!
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 65 found this review helpful
A CE game at SE prices. And what fun!
PostedJanuary 31, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Current Favorite:
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
(44)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
During World War II, you are sent on a quest to recover an ancient, magical weapon which was disassembled and hidden centuries ago. The action starts right in and is quite immersive. I did not want to quit to write this review.
The art is bright and clear. I think this is an artist we haven't seen before, and I like it. The music is appropriately minor but seems more like it would fit with a spooky mansion game rather than this one. Still, it's pretty good music and I did not turn it off, so full marks.
The minigames are OK, though the first one I didn't understand why I beat it. The first HOP has a great twist to it, you'll see. Sometimes itt's not clear when a puzzle is a HOP and when it's a mingame, which makes everything even more fun. When the extras are unlocked, it will be interesting to see how the games are classified.
This is really a CE at an SE price. There's no Strategy Guide or Bonus Chapter. But the music and art extras are there, and there are replayable puzzles, which is my favorite thing.
Note that
===if you pick up an object that you cannot use, you have to actually put it back in inventory, which made me go "grr" a couple of times and pulled me out of an otherwise immersive experience.
===The inventory seems overly sensitive to the location of the cursor and pops up when I don't want it to, so I will probably have to lock it open.
===I could not figure out the alternative match game to the HOP. The tiles would not move no matter what I did. But that's ok because I was only checking it out so I could write this review. I wanted to play the HOP anyway.
===if you pick up an object that you cannot use, you have to actually put it back in inventory, which made me go "grr" a couple of times and pulled me out of an otherwise immersive experience.
===The inventory seems overly sensitive to the location of the cursor and pops up when I don't want it to, so I will probably have to lock it open.
===I could not figure out the alternative match game to the HOP. The tiles would not move no matter what I did. But that's ok because I was only checking it out so I could write this review. I wanted to play the HOP anyway.
And these are petty annoyances. I gotta go buy right now so I can play some more. Try it, I bet you will really like it, too. And even better, I feel as if I am getting a bargain!
I recommend this game!
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 18 found this review helpful
Pretty but too annoying for me. Also no replayable HOPs and minigames, apparently.
PostedJanuary 31, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Others have already written great reviews of the features of this game, so I will just say that after playing it for 45 minutes, I quit because I found it annoying.
And not just the music, which I turned off.
Here's some examples (SPOILERS):
===Why would a fire extinguisher be bolted down? When you need a fire extinguisher, you need it now.
===The minigames were either too easy or I couldn't do them. For example, the puzzle where you moved the balls on the strings of the musical instrument made absolutely no sense and I had to skip it.
===There were a few other places where I said to myself, "Now how was I supposed to know that?" Once I even said it out loud.
===Why would a fire extinguisher be bolted down? When you need a fire extinguisher, you need it now.
===The minigames were either too easy or I couldn't do them. For example, the puzzle where you moved the balls on the strings of the musical instrument made absolutely no sense and I had to skip it.
===There were a few other places where I said to myself, "Now how was I supposed to know that?" Once I even said it out loud.
I did like that first HOP with the musical instruments.
The Extras seem OK--collectables, achievements, art and music--but there appears to be no ability to play minigames and HOPs over, so that's an additional downgrade for me.
So the art is pretty and the game plays seamlessly on my Mac, but otherwise . . . . It's not for me. Maybe it's because I have not much of a history with Mystery Trackers games. I will probably buy the SE with a free coupon at some time. Sorry.
I don't recommend this game.
When an age spell drains your vitality, will you save your family?
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 27 found this review helpful
A great game, but which to buy, the CE or the SE?
PostedJanuary 26, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Current Favorite:
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
(44)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well, the CE version of this game was so immersive I ran out the demo. So I bought the CE. I do not regret it. But which should you buy now that the SE is also out, if you have bought neither?
You are Jack, and you come home to find that your mom and sister are victims of an evil witch who has been trapped for centuries until just before you arrived for dinner. You, of course, must save them. You get a couple of helpers along the way.
The background is shown at first by a movie notable for its absence of yak-yak-yak. It's then explained gradually as you play, often through minigames. Much more interesting and fun than a bunch of exposition.
The game plays seamlessly with no hesitations, with no extraneous, distracting icons, and with no clumsy actions required. For example, if you are holding an object and you need to zoom in on something to use it, you don’t have to drop the object, then zoom in, then pick the object back out of your inventory, then place it. All those petty annoyances that make you go, "Grr," are absent. Yay!
The art is beautifully colored, though dark.
The minigames are fun. Sometimes they seem easy, other times tricky. Sometimes they are in more than one stage and you can skip that instead of the whole puzzle, a nice touch.
The HOPs are of two types. One type is simple matching to allow you to continue to the next puzzle. The others are full blown HOP scenes with several levels. For example, you find bottles to reveal lists and eventually put an item together. I am not a HOP person, but I know that all the HOP people will love them.
The hint and skip are blessedly short, but they are not often needed.
I fell in love with the game and had to buy the CE so I could keep playing. But since the CE is now out, you don't have that problem.
The extras are ok, but one important one is missing--there is no ability to play minigames and HOPs over--a downgrade for me. But all the other features are there, including:
-bonus chapter,
-a puzzle that you find pieces for during the game,
-morphing objects,
-the usual music and art.
-bonus chapter,
-a puzzle that you find pieces for during the game,
-morphing objects,
-the usual music and art.
So, if you really like the game and want to continue with the bonus chapter, or if you like the other special features, buy the CE. But at least buy the SE because you will have fun.
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity Collector's Edition
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
I fear this game might be short, but otherwise, I’m having an OK time.
PostedJanuary 24, 2016
kateblue222
fromSecond star to the right and straight on 'til morning
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word
Current Favorite:
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
(44)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The mayor has contacted you, a detective, to find his daughter who has disappeared. When you finally reach his town, he is not around, and all kinds of obstacles are put in your way as you try to do your job.
I fear this game is short. I still have 13 minutes left on the demo, and I am halfway through the 2nd chapter. This might be because I am using the hint pretty constantly as I am often unsure what to do. Some of the places where things to do can be found are not obvious. Therefore, I may be proceeding through the game more quickly than average.
But even so, there are only 33 pages of strategy guide for the entire game, including one page of general tips at the beginning. The rest is collectables and bonus chapter. I am on page 10, right above the last entry where it says "Play the HOP." So I think this game is going to be very short.
Besides that, I’m having an OK time, though this is not the immersive kind of game where I got sucked into the world and ran out the demo. I quit to write this review and was surprised that I had 13 minutes left. Maybe this means the demo is not counting down properly so I was getting more free time (I didn’t look at the clock), or maybe it just means that I wasn’t that interested, so it SEEMED long.
Otherwise, the art is clear and creepy. The music is certainly also creepy. They both nicely reinforce the theme of missing child under creepy circumstances.
The HOPs are not hard. The mini puzzles are from easy to very hard, I thought. I skipped the tram line puzzle.
Once again, I complain that I had an item that would have worked fine to do a task, but it disappeared by being used in another task. I wish they would just let you keep the one thing and use it for both tasks, or else think out something different enough that I wouldn’t be annoyed.
All the CE bells and whistles are present though, so if you like the game, the CE is the one to buy.
All in all, I do recommend this game. It’s just not my favorite. Maybe 3.5 stars, really. I’ll buy it on the next 2fer.
I recommend this game!