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:
You’re on a train in the middle of nowhere, and a band of dangerous thieves demand you tell them where to find the Hope Diamond’s shards. As the newest Hidden Expedition recruit, you’ve got to find the shards before they do…
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Much MORE than I'd ever have HOPED for :}
PostedDecember 21, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on Demo on most difficult setting:
Wow, I can not think of one criticism whatsoever...
Kudos x 100,000* (*the amount of $ McLean purchased the Hope diamond for) to Big Fish Games and the Developer on this fantastic adventure/H0G.
The graphics are outstanding, storyline interesting, and captivating and puzzles are great!! There is just SO much to do... one of the nicer features is while you or the family are having fun with this great game, there are valuable educational opportunities at hand as well.
Lots to collect: Smithsonian Suns (toward hints); fact cards... and many other items along the way in a multitude of fun and often unique games within the game.
This is an absolute must buy!! Don't overlook it.
I recommend this game!
Stop a madman from taking over a city using a mind control device!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 39 found this review helpful
Reeaaallly good (based on Demo only)
PostedDecember 17, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
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
The graphics great, cut scenes EXCELLENT, storyline consistent and interesting, puzzles good and I believe both genders will enjoy (a lot of pneumatics/science/science fiction/sleuthing).
For $6.99 (!?) or a coupon code it's a great deal for this game, it's truly enjoyable in every way.
I recommend this game!
Play as both Ellie and Ian, two scientists stranded on Botanica. Can you save your friends and find your way home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 42 found this review helpful
BUY NOW button will be pushed momentarily....
PostedDecember 16, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
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
In the meantime.... just want to say YAY!: FINALLY! A casual game that grabbed my interest and held it.
SO much to do here and very adventure heavy... most of the excellent 5 STAR reviews covered the technical aspects of the game in detail, all I wish to add is KUDOS to BFG and DEV... this was a long time coming.
And add. this game is definitely an interesting, fun, unique adventurous game that is not creepy, yet has enough intensity to be exciting and inspiring enough you want to continue on...
Graphics are great, puzzles are great (no spoon feeding), storyline.... EVERYTHING about this game= GREAT!
Check it out!!
PS: Oh... see if you can find the DEV logo while in DEMO... (fun) :}
I recommend this game!
Jo's Dream Organic Coffee 2
Help Jo open a new coffee shop and win the grand prize at the prestigious Coffee Festival!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
Love love love... bring on the java and desserts :)
PostedDecember 16, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
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
Loved the first installment and love this one as well... in fact, it's THE game I've been playing lately and I'm on my second round to try and beat my last transition to full shop & win the
"contest".
"contest".
As for those giving it one star.... there IS a trash can and it is absolutely very possible to evolve in the game.... I've succeeded, had fun, all satisfied customers and wish there were MORE games like this one. It is a delight to play.
Yay~ bring on #3 #just kidding... I'll give you a little more time for the third installation, lol#.
Give it a try... hope you have as much enjoyment as I have had playing this wonderful TM with great replay value. :)
I recommend this game!
Do you want to build, design and decorate your perfect dream home? Now you can in Design This Home™!
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Design This Home "Free Download"
PostedDecember 13, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Yes, it is a free download and cute, but, nope... not free actually. Design This Home could be very expensive in the long run and it is not worth it IMO to venture into this game and not know how much it really costs. For all I know, it could pay for a designer consultation for my own home in real time, lol
Buying ongoing cash packages, tokens, whatever, to play a free download is a no go for this gamer; it was not 'that!' cute, sorry.
I don't recommend this game.
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
I accepted the second invitation to tea ; ) (Second Edition)
PostedDecember 10, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Please note my review in the CE [Collector's Edition] section of this site...
So, I did purchase the SE with a credit, yet can't help but feel a little disappointed when speculating how great this game COULD have been.
The beginning cut scene was fantastic... gorgeous! I wish it had continued from there in it's coherency.
As mentioned in the CE review, this game was just too much, too much... things misplaced and cluttered in areas not appropriate to the setting and this was a major qualm for me as I enjoy immersive gaming where I can sort of get lost in the game and feel a part of it. As an example, in the very beginning we are introduced to Mary and her lamb... this was so disjointed as an intro to the theme of a different fairy tale [crooked man] that it interrupted the flow of the storyline. If, perhaps, presented later, and obviously not as the presentation of the map, it would have been an interesting contrast to the story. Speaking of which, the storyline was quite weak in general.
As another quick example of 'busy-ness", as we get past one of the first obstacles in the game, we come upon a house in the wood... WHY is there a WINE CELLAR practically ON the path!!?? A cabinet out on the walkway.. Whaa?? And now that I'm thinking of it, why are there cats interspersed throughout the game with, ie geese, bees, mice, dolls, boxes, skeletons, ghosts, who IS the wood cutter... we haven't been introduced, yet here are his child's toys; [and, errr! devs, enough of the puppets already].... agghh just too much too much too much jumbled mix of theme to be a coherent storyline here.
What I DID enjoy was the overall premise of the game; at least what it COULD have been and ONE detail that wasn't too cluttered was the fantastic idea of the pop down print narration with original and creative description of various areas within the game... that was superb, it created atmosphere.... and I would LOVE to see that duplicated in future games. I also enjoyed much of the music and yet at the same time, there was, again, a bit too much 'clutter' in the sound department!! I stepped out of the room at one point and became ANNOYED because the background was RESOUNDING from my computer room in an undying roar from the game even while it was in a 'holding' pattern! :}
Well, better luck next time Blue Tea... I will DEFINITELY look forward to upcoming games and hope a few straggled bits of tea are strained from the brew and perhaps a few new flavors added to the teapot.
I recommend, with specified reservations mentioned. : )
I recommend this game!
Everyone deserves a second chance – even the stingiest of them all.
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 37 found this review helpful
Kudos in keeping with "Christmans" yet, overall.... Bah Humbug
PostedDecember 6, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Fully expecting to buy this, I purchased an extra credit to apply prior to Demo-ing the game. I am not certain now that I will use those credits toward this game rather than wait for the SE.
The first cut scene was enjoyable. Yet, to me, the magic, along with the graphics and storyline were more than a tad too watered down and 'sketchy; versus vivid, well polished and enticing and most importantly,overall, the game just did not flow and the storyline did not portray the classic "oomph" of the original. Rather, it offered disjointed and unintuitive and frequently annoying little interruptions and roadblocks #common to everyday games and I'll add... partly due to the game not being intuitive in nature# so ultimately there just was not the substance there to make it a true Christmas treat IMO.
I believe in part the graphics are a huge part of my opinion as I just have not been able to warm up to the "artistic" style of "E" games and find them to be, frankly speaking, just a tad ugly-ish. I also do not appreciate the repetitive nature of the "E" game's puzzles overall #not enough originality#.
So, this one may have to wait for a winter SE for me... and despite my being in the minority, I believe there are others that echo my sentiments.
If you appreciate the graphics, the strange boxy things and doors constantly needing strange keys, the very 'typical' gameplay, etc. etc., please do enjoy and I do recommend with said reserve.
Lastly and very importantly:
A sincere and hearty Merry Christmas to all those swimming in the pond!
I recommend this game!
Something wicked has taken over Fate’s Carnival!
Overall rating
3
/
5
42 of 51 found this review helpful
A LOT of carnival, NOT enough MCF ...
PostedNovember 30, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Am I missing something? I clicked on the game page and was SO excited and when I saw a redundancy of 5 STAR REVIEWS I was ready to hit the 'BUY' button right then, yet I am glad I waited until I DEMO'd it for myself.
Bottom line... I was not 5 STAR impressed with this MCF/Elephant Hybrid.
Is it fun? It's ok. Definitely lots to do.
Is it scary? It's ok.
Original? It's ok
Challenging? It's ok? #and I never use strategy guide, etc#.
Meet the standard of the ORIGINAL MCFs? Not IMHO.
The screens are busy, sketchy, cartoony, the puzzles were all over the place and they stymied the flow of gameplay [just too many going in too many different directions] ... it played more like a three ring circus than a carnival.... and overall, the game is very in line with so many other games offered that it truly does not meet the infamous MCF threshold to be a 5 Star game.
I also know my opinion is in the minority; yet I believe the majority of opinion is actually 'mass hysteria'... ie. peeps jumping on the 5 STAR sway wagon in a barrage of STAR overload from other's opinions once the 5 star rating rage was in full swing.
It's truly not a 5 star game... it's an ok game to play and I may play it in it's entirety one day, but am in no rush.
I would never put it in the same league of the original MCFs.
Ever the optimist, I look forward, with enthusiasm to the anticipated next sequel to this amazing series.
I recommend this game!
Darkness has engulfed Grimville! Use your cunning and wits to unravel the evil intrigues and save the town!
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 48 found this review helpful
Yay!! A truly unique 'Dark' game that doesn't take itself too seriously! : }
PostedNovember 18, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON THE DEMO:
Why peeps give one star ratings is beyond me... seems quite unfair really. Even games I loath, I try and reflect on some of the positives because someone has put time and effort into these games and truly a one star is not justified. Notice there is an extreme [at the time of my review anyway] of one star and 5 stars... very telling, IMO.
Anyhoo, I bought this game before completing the demo... it's reminiscent of [as another reviewer mentioned] another game we were offered a way back which was PURE humor and was VERY POPULAR. This particular game mixes similar HUMOR ALONG WITH the MACABRE.
So, although the game's theme is that of playing a detective in solving a murder mystery surrounded in 'evil and darkness', there is definitely a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor running throughout the game reflective of the funnier side of human nature aka the 'real' world, even though the game is quite cartoony overall, which ends up being reflective of how we often may set out to attend to a given task and often end up in a scenario not quite as easy as we would like because of life's little 'interventions'. In this game, even playing the "serious" and "professional" part of a detective and a horrid crime, we run into quite a lot of quirky and funny personalities not necessarily wanting to help unless or until we offer them something in return as we are left to explore areas to determine who the culprit is that killed a member of the town.
A nice twist, is the ability to choose a moral action which [I am assuming] influences the outcome of the story. Thus far I have chosen the "moral" choice; therefore I am not certain what the alternate outcome may be [giving the game replay ability in that we will be able to go back and play to check out the second options??]!
So, yeah, this game may be just what you need with many game options being TOO over-the-top in terms of either completely dark or overly cutesy, etc. This game gives a nice reprieve... some comic relief along with a bit of a 'darker' plot overall.
YAY BFG and dev... A+ for a GREAT blend of creativity and originality... thank you! : )
I recommend this game!
The Torment of Mont Triste
No one dares fall asleep in the village of Mont Triste... for when sleep arrives, so does the mysterious Lord of Nightmares.
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 43 found this review helpful
Overall an excellent game that will not torment...
PostedNovember 13, 2013
FORTUNATUS
fromPower outage New England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Several reviews gave one star (1 STAR!!??) and they based it on TECHNICAL ISSUES.. That is just so unfair IMO.
Therefore, the game is under rated IMO. Not the best game out there, yet very high on the chart given it's attention to detail and interesting and different story.
This game grabbed me once I got into it (past the very first intro# and I ended up getting the CE I liked it so much. The story has enough substance without the usual wishy washy side deterrents inherent in many games of late.
I thought the graphics, though a bit scaled down to my liking #even with a wide screen monitor#, were absolutely one of the best in terms of original design and quality. The art work is excellent overall. The music is good and appropriate to the settings, I enjoyed the SFx #a big plus for me as I'm sort of picky about that) and voice overs are well done. Another huge PLUS with this game is some definitely unique creative aspects to keep the game flowing. Small additions such as little ghostly footprints or a silhouette mirror reminiscent of the haunted castle in Disney World.. added to the appeal.
There was a very generous settings menu allowing one to many choices for sound, music, environment, voice... excellent.
The games were somewhat different and I enjoy different. I seldom use strategy guides or hints and IMO the puzzles truly didn't need them, being rather easy on the advanced setting. I didn't have any problems figuring them out, yet I'm certain there are ample resources online should anyone get stuck.
Give this one a try... you may be pleasantly surprised as I was... it's an excellent game that should not be overlooked.
Enjoy!