FORTUNATUS's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:7,278
- Reviews Submitted:310
- First Review:November 14, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 9, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Enter the enchanted realm of the Snow Kingdom!
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 47 found this review helpful
Cutesiest "dark" game I've ever tried to play
PostedApril 5, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Lynx's and phantoms and bears, oh my! Hmmm, where do I begin. Dark Strokes Legend of the Snow Kingdom is supposedly based on Grimm's Fairy Tales, yet even with close scrutiny, based on the Demo, I would say that is a VERY large stretch to any imagination [IMHO the said Grimm Bros may just be turning in their graves at the thought].
Anyway, the graphics were fine.... the game had a nice enough initial cut scene, yet, overall, the portrayals just did not appeal to me at all due to the strange mixture of way too cute-sy side to side with the premise of "dark" venturing. It COULD work, yet it was like oil and water the way it is presented and I just couldn't get 'into' the game at all without squirming just a bit. It made me feel like I was watching a very bad adaptation of Dysney [intentional mispell] but with no real plot or engrossing storyline. Also, though, it may seem a miniscule point, at the very beginning of the game, I didn't appreciate the main character's presumptuous nature in shooting the 'villain' to death with an arrow without any preempting or apparent knowledge of his status or motives other than assumptions based on the scenario [rescue the 'poor' little damsel in distress?].
The voice acting was not good at all to my ear, especially the first adult female character we encounter. WHY do they hire talent that sound as though they are reading from a script word by word while chewing on an olive?
So, bottom line, there was very little that appealed to me or that inspired me to actually desire to continue playing this game, or purchase it as a CE or SE.
This game, like the hot air balloon depicted in the first scenes, will have to float bye this gamer...
...for those happy with the game, enjoy! : )
I don't recommend this game.
Ghostly warnings in the water are terrifying a grieving family. What's causing them, and what really happened to Julia White?
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 29 found this review helpful
Fear for Sale: Phantom Tide~ storyline FLOWS nicely! :}
PostedApril 4, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Phantom Tide plays as a H0PA, somewhat heavy on the adventure I would say, partly due to the solid flow of the game [no pun intended this time] as well as the basis of unanswered questions the Demo leaves us with, lending itself to mystery as well. The H0G scenes were nice with an option to play a puzzle or other and speaking of puzzles, there were a few very unique ones to appreciate in this game.
Despite that I initially believed 'paranormal water activity' as the premise of a spooky adventure game would be totally ridiculous and hokey [and held that thought through the first few scenes], I actually ended up enjoying the DEMO to the point of it ending before I did. Which, in of itself, is new for a change based on the recent track record of games offered us here.
Overall, the graphics were excellent [!], the voice overs good and the storyline, [as mentioned] though quite far-fetched, actually held it's own and was very consistent in carrying the player along with intuitive gameplay.
All this, plus there weren't any [of the usual] silly smog creatures or phantoms from the dark side maligning our every move, I actually enjoyed the time I spent with "Fear For Sale: Phantom Tide and will probably purchase it at some point if not immediately.
I am thinking the plot has somewhat realistic connotations intertwined in the story [my assumption] at least in terms of the possibility that the victim/character's employer/mine owner perhaps has something to do with her demise. To what extent this comes into play and how it plays out will determine my final decision on how 'good' Fear for Sale: Phantom Tide actually is, of course.
For the time being, based on both what I've played so far as well as the fact that I've thoroughly enjoyed most all the developer's other games, I am giving it a solid.... pretty darn good [!] 4.5 bumped up to 5 for good measure, based on the Demo play.
As a side note, the game could have lost all the extras and been better for it; and IMHO I'm guessing developers are feeling pressed to add these things due to customer demand [unfortunately, some of us don't particularly care for these blingy additions]. For me, it just gets in the way of my following the story and they are a nuisance with the exception of inventory/other bar enhancers which I sort of enjoy!
So, I have to think about this one a bit more and perhaps see reviews of the finalized game; my two credits are anxiously standing by to purchase; in the meantime, definitely check it out and...
Have fun gaming. :)
I recommend this game!
Help Sandra travel around the world in a competition to win a million dollars! Win the cash and unravel Sandra’s mysterious past!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
Million dollars to developers for creativity
PostedApril 3, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was a very pleasant, fun game to polish off in between all the 'other' glum games we've been bombarded with of late.
It is what many would correctly deem a rather 'corny' H0G consisting of cut out as well as realistic graphics combined in such a way that games, puzzles and H0Ps are intertwined to tell a rather infathomable, romanticized story. Basically, it's about a girl with amnesia and her opportunity to move forward. The mini games as well as H0Ps were simple and there was a sense of humor throughout and includes an opportunity to very lightly explore/enjoy themes of various cultures.
Well, despite all the potential criticism I could have due to some of the downside of the game [mainly the simplicity], I actually thoroughly enjoyed most every single minute playing "Million Dollar Quest". I would say it appeals to 'tweens', teens and up... mainly females, yet I'm sure there are plenty of males that may enjoy the game as well.
In view of the nature of it's very light content, you definitely have to be in the right frame of mind [mood] to play it.... and when so, I do not think it could possibly disappoint! Check it out and see if the charming story doesn't appeal to you....
Overall, it was very unique, well thought out and extremely pleasant in every way.... I hope the developers use this concept and give us a more mature game with the same style of fantasized realism.
Happy gaming! : )
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat the mist and find your lost brother?
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 35 found this review helpful
Bridge to another World Burnt Dreams: I didn't buy, so my dreams weren't burnt
PostedMarch 30, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Oh my... how many ways can one spell 'bad', lol.
Initially [based on the trailer video] I truly thought this game looked promising and was glad to see something other than in-your-face ghosts and demons, yet the anticipation for a good game didn't last long!
Not only does this appear to be a repeat of most every other game [including another shadow 'thingy'], even some of the music is recycled from another series. The graphics were ok in a few areas, yet were quite bleak overall and generally not consistent. To my eye the characters were very odd and unappealing as they were presented us. Again, as did the music sound familiar, so too did the style of graphics and really.. we have had just too much of this era/style to last a lifetime of gaming.
So, truthfully I didn't get very far with this game after all because around the time I got to the part with the the creepy little creature in a backpack [turns out to be a small dragon>?! ] that apparently has lost it's 'keychain' [!?], I had lost the will to continue playing!!! Oh my... I hadn't known that these creatures even needed keychains, lol. Hmmm, was that supposed to be CUTE?!!!
I'm beginning to believe some developers must be laughing in jest behind the scenes when they write some of these recent games [tongue in cheek]!!
The only positive aspects I thought were truly good and unique were in a few of the scenes with the baby fairies and I thought the light feature added to the paper drawings in the mini games were cool... other than that? Uh uh.
Well suffice it to say another weekend I won't be buying a CE.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you and Detective Dupin uncover the dark secrets of this mysterious estate?
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 29 found this review helpful
If the House of Usher didn't fall then, it certainly has now :[
PostedMarch 30, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I own all the other Dark Tales... and having trialed Edgar Allan Poe's: The Fall of the House of Usher I am left with a huge question.... yikes, what happened!?
Detective Dupin is his 'usual' handsome self #with his understated yet distinctly slender and exotic look# and the graphics are great, yet there were aspects that were just not coherent to the theme/era/style of the storyline.... for example.... why the huge Asian art statues thrown in [and out of proportion at that!?] in the garden. This otherwise would have been a great part of the intro, with the male's singing seemingly luring us in and then, WAM... those statues [huh!?]. So, though the graphics are good, it's the content of the graphics that are not complimentary to the game IMO.
As far as the storyline itself: Whaaat?! As soon as I enter into the mansion there is a tree growing in the entry way [a glowing tree at that?!]... it immediately becomes a metaphoric obstacle not allowing the storyline to become immersive. Not much further along we are presented with, [huh!?] the 'life giver or reinstate-er' or whatever-er! OMGosh, at that point, I was still trying to figure out WHY there was a rat on on the inventory bar?! WHAT does that have to do with ANYTHING going on as we are being introduced to the game, let alone with Edgar Allan Poe's great work or the story at hand.
It appears to have become a trend [a bad one at that] for developers to spin off wildly nilly tilly into such ridiculously unbelievable/playable #for me# themes.
Poe's writings and the Fall of the House of Usher in itself #the true novel# would have been a great basis for a game... why mess with perfection?!
Sorry.... it will not be a purchase even as a SE... I simply could not get immersed in this crazy, mixed up schematically incoherent game. Ever the optimist, my fingers will be crossed for the next game.
I don't recommend this game.
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
This designer has not FORSAKEN us... it is a 'new' pscych horror classic....
PostedMarch 30, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...and a keeper!
The initial screens in the game may take one aback at first as they are sketchy at best and there is little of interest to really get excited about when you first come onto the scene.
Yet, HOLD ON... you are about to embark on a slowly evolving, insidiously excitingly creepy and inexplicable journey through some frightening and questionable areas of your characters life as she reaches out in an attempt to find her long lost sister.
Nothing is as it should be [or is it?].... people have reached out to help [but did they?]. Your sister must have died [yet did she]... how or why were your parents involved with all of this??....
True Fear Forsaken Souls begins in this game with the first of at least two sequels and in this episode the further you venture forward, the more you become enmeshed in the webs of potential deceit from those who were supposed to be the most trusted to you and yours.
For me, I appreciated that the game warmed up little by little before it really took a hold of me [honestly, I didn't think I cared for it at first try] and by the end? I truly wanted MORE. Well, again, evidently there WILL be more [slated for a Fall reveal] and this is one little fishy that will definitely be purchasing [hopefully they do not venture off into any hands- on- occult or anything of that nature [I find it much scarier when things are implied and not straight up action driven].
So for the next sequel, I'm hoping the developers will keep us guessing and give us something very unique and powerful to round out what began as an incredible game that just kept getting better right up to the end as did this one [though it ended quite abruptly, it felt rather 'ok' and actually 'right' the way it did so.
So, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, True Fear: Forsaken Souls is the one we've all hoped for IMHO and been waiting for after wading through so many not so good games of late... yay! this did not disappoint! The only criticism I may have had with the game were the little extras thrown in to an otherwise perfectly playable w/o story... [yet it was fine and ie. the character statuettes/dolls were rather interesting on their own] It's just that IMHO, it appeared to me that the developers may have felt a need to add some of the 'extras' to please those gamers expecting them to justify CE prices.... those additions [only] seemed to me as though they were rather an after thought, yet nonetheless they serve the purpose.
So.... definitely check out the demo and realize that there is a lot more depth to the game than is presented in the short demo playing time. This game simply gets better and better as you can't help becoming immersed in the quest of mystery and horror in the search for your sis.
Have patience and try items with items as you explore areas to find clues that will give you answers and lead you to places that will assist you in discovering what happened [or what IS happening] surrounding the lives of your sister and family in general.
Have patience and try items with items as you explore areas to find clues that will give you answers and lead you to places that will assist you in discovering what happened [or what IS happening] surrounding the lives of your sister and family in general.
Thanks BFG and SUPER HIGH FIVE Kudos to the developer [I remember Beta-ing this game quite a while ago and wasn't as impressed with it at that time [very short snippet] ....now having finished the entire CE game... WOW....it's FANTASTIC!
I recommend this game!
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 91 found this review helpful
This designer has not FORSAKEN us... it is a 'new' pscych horror classic....
PostedMarch 30, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...and a keeper!
The initial screens in the game may take one aback at first as they are sketchy at best and there is little of interest to really get excited about when you first come onto the scene.
Yet, HOLD ON... you are about to embark on a slowly evolving, insidiously excitingly creepy and inexplicable journey through some frightening and questionable areas of your characters life as she reaches out in an attempt to find her long lost sister.
Nothing is as it should be [or is it?].... people have reached out to help [but did they?]. Your sister must have died [yet did she]... how or why were your parents involved with all of this??....
True Fear Forsaken Souls begins in this game with the first of at least two sequels and in this episode the further you venture forward, the more you become enmeshed in the webs of potential deceit from those who were supposed to be the most trusted to you and yours.
For me, I appreciated that the game warmed up little by little before it really took a hold of me [honestly, I didn't think I cared for it at first try] and by the end? I truly wanted MORE. Well, again, evidently there WILL be more [slated for a Fall reveal] and this is one little fishy that will definitely be purchasing [hopefully they do not venture off into any hands- on- occult or anything of that nature [I find it much scarier when things are implied and not straight up action driven].
So for the next sequel, I'm hoping the developers will keep us guessing and give us something very unique and powerful to round out what began as an incredible game that just kept getting better right up to the end as did this one [though it ended quite abruptly, it felt rather 'ok' and actually 'right' the way it did so.
So, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, True Fear: Forsaken Souls is the one we've all hoped for IMHO and been waiting for after wading through so many not so good games of late... yay! this did not disappoint! The only criticism I may have had with the game were the little extras thrown in to an otherwise perfectly playable w/o story... [yet it was fine and ie. the character statuettes/dolls were rather interesting on their own] It's just that IMHO, it appeared to me that the developers may have felt a need to add some of the 'extras' to please those gamers expecting them to justify CE prices.... those additions [only] seemed to me as though they were rather an after thought, yet nonetheless they serve the purpose.
So, now we have the SE.... definitely check out the demo and realize that there is a lot more depth to the game than is presented in the short demo playing time. This game simply gets better and better as you can't help becoming immersed in the quest of mystery and horror in the search for your sis.
Have patience and try items with items as you explore areas to find clues that will give you answers and lead you to places that will assist you in discovering what happened [or what IS happening] surrounding the lives of your sister and family in general.
Have patience and try items with items as you explore areas to find clues that will give you answers and lead you to places that will assist you in discovering what happened [or what IS happening] surrounding the lives of your sister and family in general.
Thanks BFG and SUPER HIGH FIVE Kudos to the developer [I remember Beta-ing this game quite a while ago and wasn't as impressed with it at that time [very short snippet] ....now having finished the entire CE game... WOW....it's FANTASTIC!
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
After inheriting an old antique shop, Emily discovers an odd diary that seems to contain a number of clues as to the book's origin. As she delves deeper into the mystery, what she uncovers will change her forever.
Overall rating
5
/
5
130 of 144 found this review helpful
Unfortunate so many low stars for such a GREAT GAME....
PostedMarch 26, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a H0G with a very heavy adventure game flow to it (love that!).
On my widescreen monitor, WOW!.... the graphics are HD and simply outstanding.... don't know why so many are complaining about that but perhaps you can change your resolution. Again, on my monitor the graphics are WAY above the norm!
Anyhoo, I love the storyline; it's engrossing and above average in the way it's presented. I enjoyed reading the journal, and normally that is something I consider a chore.... again, it is done with a flourish and prose that is not common in games lately.
The H0G scenes are so intricate and well thought out. I enjoyed the items being referred to as, for example, 'Siberian Thrush,' instead of "bird" [I believe this game is Russian based].
So, bottom line, despite all the bad reviews, IMHO this is truly a VERY good game and the storyline is detailed and believable [for a paranormal storyline that is]... I, [for one, lol!] am LOVING this very atmospheric and clever game.
A definite buy... thank you developers and BFG! : )
BTW> For those complaining in the main reviews, to activate the lantern and magnifying glass all you have to do is click and then right click w/mouse, as per the instructions.
I recommend this game!
Psych
Play as Shawn and Gus and solve the crime by using Shawn's heightened observational skills and Gus's eccentric expertise!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 56 found this review helpful
Don't get psyched out by the low reviews... it's cute & fun!
PostedMarch 26, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've never seen the show, yet I am all for a game that has some humor and realistic graphics and storyline [sans the psych part, lol, though I do believe intuition holds basis for same in true life as well.
So, as for me, I'm upping the ante with my rating mainly because it is so nice to see something other than 'the usual' offered to us here at BFG.
Oh, and the graphics are clear as well as bold and the game mechanics using a different angle, so playing is a bit interesting.
Check it out... you may, too, welcome a change of pace; this one is an easy and light alternative if only with a cc or dd.
Will you heed the director’s final casting call?
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 30 found this review helpful
Final Cut? I hope so. :\
PostedMarch 24, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I enjoyed some of the series by the developers, especially a more recent game designed by this team [Smithsonian/Hope diamond], yet if their new game 'Final Cut: Homage' is a new trend then, hopefully, the FINAL CUT is just that.
The beginning cutscene was fantastic and I appreciated the quality of graphics in general, though scenes were not consistent in their polished look.
As far as the story in general? [potential spoilers ahead].... I thought it was just too off the wall.... in addition, designers need to do a little homework before they do 'period' pieces to make it coherent and immersive. As a few examples: The beginning cutscene/location at the café/diner has a roaring twenties woman dressed to the nines [ok]. And immediately we see a cassette player from centuries later being applied to the scenario [ok, so one of the characters was supposedly going to be an inventor, it was just an awkward opening IMHO].
From there, we leave in a vehicle with an automatic transmission [they had not been introduced yet in the 20's]... along with the now side-kick "reporter" who was ridiculously immature, who made hysterical and inappropriate #for a professional# comments and outbursts; and then we arrive at a mansion. Upon entering, we are immediate 'projected' into an outlandish and inexplicable setting with so many disjointed 'things' to do and 'props' that were unappealing and overdone [been there, done that before]... that I could go on and on with many little annoyances and inconsistencies ultimately adding up to a storyline/game that was simply too tedious and unappealing.
So, if you enjoy a game that has taken bits and pieces from old games and embellished them in ridiculous sort of ways, stuck them together and added a few cutscenes for ineffective 'binder', then you will like this game; otherwise, like me, you will give it a pass!
I don't recommend this game.