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:
Dark Dimensions: Somber Song Collector's Edition
Townspeople flee as the black smoke covers their town. Can you close the dark dimension, before it’s too late?
Overall rating
1
/
5
36 of 49 found this review helpful
Dark Dimensions: Somber Song ~ The familiar dark serenade
PostedMarch 15, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
....Somber song, indeed.
Personally, I'm with some of the minority here and was amazed at so many high stars.... what a sad song being played in games that imitate each other continuously and gamers relish in participating in such horrific experiences as children being burnt to death in the guise of 'fun'. Granted, you are playing the supposed part of "rescue"!!?? Hmmm.. really?? That, is beyond dark and somber IMHO as it is beyond reason and, therefore, how does one immerse themselves in this setting, hmmm, I couldn't.
The beginning was promising to me, despite the 'plot', which obviously, I didn't care for and was immediately taken aback... yet I gave it a try. Well, right from the beginning it irked me further.
As just a few examples: Anyone that lives in the cold and snow would know that in such a condition, one does NOT, under any circumstances [emergency or not] leave doors and windows open or not have winter protection... it was SILLY! I was SO distracted by that, I had a hard time concentrating on the game immediately. THEN, after being told to stay INDOORS, you go OUT and witness others running for protection.... huh? So, anyway, right off the bat, I'm thinking.... geesh, the main character [which I am playing!] would have expired from exposure [and here I am hunting for a mitten, commenting on the kitty's fur coat, etc reaching for a doll for some inexplicable reason I have NO idea in the middle of this huge traumatic disaster in the making!?... etc etc]. Everything was just TOO OFF THE WALL, CRAZY MAKING REDICULOUS to feel like I wanted to actually participate in playing this game... so, anyway... no buy for me! :\
In addition to the above, besides that the whole premise of the game was just off for me, overall it truly offered nothing original.... I know I'm not the only one that is uninspired and tired of the old settings mixed with new, same type of puzzles, same dark foggy 'things', games that are muddled and all over the place because they're based on such loose and/or morbid plots [don't get me wrong, I play ALL types of games, yet the substance of this game was just not GOOD!]
NOT WORTHY OF 5 STARS WHATSOEVER IMHO, sorry!!
For those enjoying this 'dark dimension'... have fun[?]!
I don't recommend this game.
Magic Tea
A delightful color-matching marble-popper game set in a beautifully rendered 3D world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
WHAT type of 'tea' was this developer drinking!? : }
PostedMarch 14, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
: P I purchased this game after having played a similar bubble popper game that was part of very recent HOG and then did a search for a similar one.
Magic Tea comes closest to the graphics and effects of the bubble popper that was a part of the HOG so in that respect, it is actually up to date. What is NOT up to date is the background and music, lol.
So, the background and music and voiceover cues are very dated... I'm talking maybe 70's-ish; yet, as mentioned, the actual movement and 'bubbles' themselves are relatively identical to today's choices here on BFG [though not 3D by any means].
So, I am thoroughly enjoying Magic Tea, finding it to be quite addictive and fun... requiring skill and patience as the game progresses through various level.... it gets quite difficult later on and levels have to be mastered before you can continue further. It's a great game to play in between more sophisticated, serious gameplay.
**~~POP~~**!!
Give it a try and have fun!!
I recommend this game!
After Alice's car careens into a river, she wakes to find herself in a strange world. To escape, Alice will have to overcome her fears.
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 26 found this review helpful
Alice's journey becomes unappealing quite quickly....
PostedMarch 13, 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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
My initial reaction to this game was 'immediate buy'. Here we had a very divergent storyline that most reflective adults would readily be able to relate to at some level. There was a definite chill factor and the lure and pull of involving one's family as well.
Unfortunately, 'Mind Snares', Alice's Journey, quickly becomes a mindless one... with disconnected puzzles and storyline that somehow just don't/doesn't pull together and/or leads us running in too many directions for too little reward.
This truly could have been an exceptional game, it just didn't pan out with enough substance to really 'snare' [this] gamer's mind for the duration.
You're a top reporter in search of a missing toymaker – but this isn't child's play. Is something otherworldly responsible?
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 15 found this review helpful
Not like "the others"
PostedMarch 13, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well, I was happy to see a game offered based on a theme that is a little 'different' than most and especially so that it was adventure based [mixed with a sprinkling of H0P]. The graphics were very nicely done for the most part and some of the cutscenes and puzzles were imaginatively done in a way to create excitement and fun.
There was appropriate theme SFX, music and voiceovers yet to me, the female voice in "The Others" is incredibly annoying [think repetitious and monotonous done in a determined, confident manner... huh?] and, due to her constant and annoying coaching, there was WAY to much handholding for this gamer to appreciate!
So, unfortunately, my happiness faded more and more as I continued into the game.... the voice and overt hint prompts were just too much for me to take and some of the character models were 'iffy' [rather cliché and unappealing to my eye].
Overall, the concept of "The Others" held promise... unfortunately, it ended up on the 'not so good' shelf with some of the "the others" I've been disappointed with.
Worth a credit for a day when/if you have NOTHING else to do [are there such days?]; but otherwise thumbs [reluctantly] down on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
Elizabeth and her friend Steve are in serious danger on a faraway planet. Can you help them find their way home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 110 found this review helpful
The best of all worlds....
PostedMarch 12, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yay! No ghosts, no skeletons [perhaps a bone here or there appropriately placed], no witches or black fog... no creepy music, no hand holding, and no gaggy cute green helpers. : }
It's unfortunate some reviews give such low stars based on the Demo and/or there personal limitations [hmmm, get glasses].
This is an adventure-heavy H0P... yes, there are translation faux pas here and there [I thought they were a bit charming and certainly not as 'off' as some other games!] and yes, the initial space camp scene is a bit tedious [especially so if one is not familiar with adventure], and yes, there are 'bars' on the side [just use hints and change your resolution!]:
YET.... HOLD ONTO YOUR SPACE SEAT!..... : }
....once you land on the next planet, the story really takes off and I do believe the next setting will be very appealing to many more gamers here at BFG then based on demo alone!
SO, here are some of the most positive details for those on the proverbial fence:
The background music is very appropriate to the game and appealing to the ear: it's rather soothing and nice; environmental sounds are good and appropriate to the settings you are in as well
Thus far, the story is a combination of fantasy, sci-fi, romance, hi-tech, middle ages.
As for the graphics? They are some of THE BEST I've seen here. The cut scenes are phenomenal and as the game progresses, [w/o giving too much away], there are touching and realistic little details here and there which really pull one into the game. [as an example.. look in front of the inn when you first go into town... a momma kitten is nursing her kittens... very subtle and just 'there' in the background which makes it charming and NOT CUTESY, lol.. I do not like cutesy in my gaming ~gag].
At the same time, there is contrast of the drama setting of needing to overcome [via puzzles and HOP] obstacles in order to accomplish tasks to resolve your dire situation. The puzzles are unique requiring you to utilize your inventory bar along with the usual 'items find' bar.
So, all in all, this is truly an EXCELLENT game and I urge you to strap in your patience seatbelt and take off on a really great adventure.... one that is very different and new and, therefore, exciting and fun to venture through.
Thank you developers and BFG for an exceptionally good gaming experience!! ; )
I recommend this game!
Plunge into new adventures of the Viking king and his friends.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Viking Saga: New World... not all that 'new' yet lots of fun
PostedMarch 8, 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
4
/
5
I enjoyed playing this new version of Viking Saga... "New World"... it played almost exactly as the original yet the story takes place with a new generation growing into their prime. Other reviews and the Demo can give you an in depth view of the story. I'd like to make a few comments based on purchased and played game [both episodes].
The settings were excellent and the gameplay terrific.... one new addition is the hot air balloons, which are well presented graphically and a nice feature.
One thing I find very difficult to tolerate is the Richard Dryfus-y sound-alike [?] voice that continually shouts out during the entire game even with "voice off" setting checked. :\ It's very annoying and obtrusive, sound inappropriately angry and/or annoyed at times, too. I could see if it were used in the tutorial and/or an option, otherwise.... errr! My only other complaint is the hyper-active manner of the characters. I would love to see more TM of this type utilizing the lower keyed yet highly efficient manner of the recent TM game with Dwarves. : )
Most importantly, again... I would highly recommend if [and I hope we do] we are offered a third episode of Viking Saga, the devs lose the voice prompts throughout the game... and if so, I'd definitely give it a 5 star plus rating!
So, bottom line on the positives, "Viking Saga: New World" is a cleverly designed, fun game with lots to do offering multiple and varied levels... a must try for all TM lovers.
I recommend this game!
Dark Manor: A Hidden Object Mystery
The bayou. The roaring 1920’s. A supernatural secret. Step into Dark Manor, where ghostly hosts will help you find your way! Beautify your manor today!
Overall rating
1
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Dark Manor: Nope..... not in the 'manner' I enjoy playing....
PostedMarch 3, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
My immediate and first impression of this game was that the load times between screens were appallingly slooooow [not my internet connection; I have fiber optics wired and it is oober fast].
As far as the game itself? To put it bluntly, I didn't enjoy it at all; in fact, it annoyed me utterly and completely and it basically felt like a complete neon nightmare. Even at Halloween Dark Manor: A Hidden Object Mystery would give me bothersome nightmares during the day (!) and not because of any type of creepy appeal because it didn't have that. I say this because to me, it was just plain incredibly garish and grungy in it's combined effort... it's colors, characters, mode of play, and storyline [can one really call this a storyline?]
In addition, I certainly wouldn't want to do any social networking via "Dark Manor..." I believe the name itself rather holds the answer to the statement as to why, along with all the other lack of quality I've mentioned.
All in all, I have had more gratification paying bills than I had playing "Dark Manor: A Hidden Object Mystery".. which is to say I disliked the experience in every respect and it held no sense of satisfaction or reward whatsoever, something I can at least say I have after paying bills. :] Speaking of bills, this game I have no way of knowing up front just how much it's going to cost; I don't appreciate that whatsoever.
Bottom line, this game is a total NOPE, no way, no how for me and I truly can not see any appeal to continue playing this mix mash of annoyance; it's certainly not my idea of a 'game'.
No offense meant to anyone enjoying it.... please continue doing so and I advise you keep an eye on your wallet, and, uh, don't look for my name, 'cause it won't be in 'this' manor.
Cheers.
I don't recommend this game.
An eccentric artist's creations have sprung to life, and they're terrorizing a small town.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
"Fatal Passion..." made a few fatal errors overall:
PostedMarch 2, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Many other reviews covered gameplay and storyline. I'd like to make a few comments regarding my review score.
I'm being a bit generous, actually as I am leaning more to 3 or 3.5, yet in appreciation for a 'different' and 'lighter' effort, I'm pushing it up. : #
So, to me, gameplay was a mixed bag but overall, I so wish this game/games would not be as specific with the bar cues, especially when a player chooses hard mode. Preferably, I'd choose NO cues, but, if anything, please don't say "Oh now I will light the candles so I can see... bla bla, etc."... suffice it that a hint is all that is required, ie. "all I need is a little light now", etc. We CAN figure out there are candles on the wall and matches in our inventory and, in addition, if there are hard core #or any# players that need more than THAT much, well there IS a strategy guide and walkthroughs [if only on the internet]. Otherwise, this spoon feeding of cues really kills the gameplay for those of us used to gaming and truly not needing too much detail on what to do.
Speaking of cue bars, a nice feature if you wish to use the bar is to add comments when clicking on various parts of the scene in the game... it always adds to gameplay feel ie. clicking on background [that amazing dragon as an example] helps pull the game together and adds depth to the experience.
Another comment I'd like to make is the sound. Please, developers, key your music and sound to the atmosphere of gameplay. It will involve the player and make it a more immersive experience. Dramatic music does not necessarily make for an intense gaming experience... the music plays an important part and needs to coincide with the feel of the scenes. In the case of Fatal Passion, the music was just annoying and obtrusive. As far as general and atmosphere sound, there was not atmosphere in the game settings... it's nice to here sound as one travels from place to place. Sound that we would experience if actually in a place [even a room, for example, versus an alleyway or woods]. Again, this helps with becoming immersed and involved in the game and wanting to continue on to succeed with the goals of the player.
Storyline.... stick to the theme on hand. While a "human jelly mold" is rather creative, it just was over the top and not even quirky considering the game was about an artist that could create living art with a PALETTE. While I appreciate the imaginative thought that may have gone behind it, [and it is just one example]... the off- the- wall scenarios make the game feel very disjointed and, again, less immersive for the player.
Kudos aspects of the game that I enjoyed:
It was nice to be able to use an inventory item more than once [ie crowbar]... in this way, you allowed the player to utilize realistic actions and this makes gameplay more fun.
The overall graphics were very nice and consistent [as far as I played anyway]. The cut scenes were excellent and pulled the player into wanting to move forward in the game.
Obviously there is a lot of talent that went into making the game... there just needs to be a consolidation of effort so it doesn't feel as though separate artistic components from various people on the team are 'stuck' here and there to make a whole. Rather, use separate efforts and combine them in a way that is more consistent so gameplay flows nicely and the story evolves smoothly.
Thanks for giving us a 'different' game with a little whimsical light feel to it... it was very nice for a change from total doom and gloom. Kudos on that, too, and hope to see more! : )
I recommend this game!
The King of the Dwarves is relying on you to lead a building expedition! An exciting adventure awaits you in Fable of Dwarfs!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 43 found this review helpful
FABLE OF DWARVES... All other TM are DWARVED in comparison!!! :)
PostedMarch 2, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ANYONE that only tried this TM and gave up quickly and/or is among the prevalent to compare it with Royal Envoy or ANY of the other TM's, or is afraid to retry their challenges to move ahead is just jumping the ship too quickly and/or way underestimating Fable of Dwarves and just missing the bill IMHO. So, perhaps SOME of the general mechanics are similar to others, yet the overall experience is WAY, WAY, WAY better.
Fable of Dwarves, IMO, is a WONDERFUL, addictive, fun, endearing (!), truly quality little TM ... it has a huge amount of creative originality, is absolutely charming [w/o being stupid] and OMGosh... a true sense of subtle humor.
If you doubt me, as a quick example, level 35... ~ so adorable... I had to chuckle and I wasn't even in a particularly good mood [just the opposite] :}
Give this one whirl and expect it to not only maintain it's playability and appeal but TO KEEP GETTING BETTER through the levels [and there are MANY levels]!!!
I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!! Hope there is a sequel that equals or surpasses [IF possible] this one.... I'll be first in line to buy!!
Thanks SO much developers for not caving in to the cookie cutter mentality so prevalent today and thanks BFG for allowing us to enjoy such a GREAT TM GAME!!
:)
I recommend this game!
After the wizard began his mission of wrath and destruction, you, a mere alchemist, have been sent to stop him.
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Definite buy for any adventure lover [ie. me!] : )
PostedMarch 1, 2014
FORTUNATUS
fromThis side of the moon (USA) :)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Fantastic adventure-heavy game with absolutely gorgeous graphics... I was shocked and disappointed at the low overall review rating in the 'official' reviews; hoping that will not influence the potential to great to see this developer's creations again on BFG!
Voice acting was top notch also.... a definite buy for me [surprised I missed it when it was first released].
I recommend this game!