Penhip's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:496
- Reviews Submitted:63
- First Review:March 31, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 16, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Track down the truth about your grandfather's death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
A PUZZLING WHO-DUN-IT!
PostedMarch 5, 2015
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is definitely a fun game and I enjoyed it. It has all the bells and whistles of the latest game releases and it's also falls in the mystery genre which I really enjoy. The only "huh" moments I had were in the storyline itself as some things just didn't add up or were a stretch... but hey folks 'it's a game'. The premise is based on suspended reality.
Thank you for a great time... Keep them coming!!
I recommend this game!
The legacy of the witches continues when Lynn and her husband are lured into a trap by a mysterious sorcerer…
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
GREAT SERIES!!!
PostedMarch 5, 2015
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Witches' Legacy is definitely a classic in the adventure HO/game genre. Lynn, her adopted Mom, the Imp (who I love), and Edward (who in this game becomes "Pocket Handyman Edward" and somewhat of a permanent fixture in your items list, are all great. The cut scenes are wonderful as always and the interactions with the imp are quite entertaining.
If you're a fan of this series... don't miss this one. It's a keeper!!
Thank you develpers for all your hard work. It's much appreciated!!!
I recommend this game!
Discover the secrets that lie buried in the eerie, crooked halls of Mnemosyne Asylum!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
AN UNEXPECTED KEEPER!!!
PostedFebruary 16, 2015
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I was looking for an SE to cash in one of my free games and Clues came up on my list of recommendations... and it was spot on! What a indie find!
Clues is a great game!! The graphics were wonderful and clear (which is always appreciated), the mini and HO games were fun, but the real standout for me was the storyline... no question.
This was such a welcome departure from the typical paranormal and fairy tale themed games that I found myself wondering why there aren't more psychological thrillers and classic who-dun-its in adventure gaming.
Recent releases such as Elizabeth Bathory and True Fear (talk about compelling, edge of your seat entertainment!), are clear indications of strong fan base for the more grittier mysteries.
THANK YOU! for actually taking the time to actually write a smart engaging storyline for fans of psychological mystery and adventure gaming. This is a trend I can really get behind!!
I recommend this game!
In this scarier-than-ever story, find out what really happened on prom night, 1964...
Overall rating
5
/
5
WHO YOU GONNA CALL?.... WHY EIPEX OF COURSE!!
PostedFebruary 8, 2015
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
if you have not played the first Phantsmat, you are missing out on what may be the best game of the series, although Endless Night comes closest to capturing the original spirit (cough) of this series.
Combining creative innovation and technical savy, EIPEX utilizes their resources to great effect in Endless Night. What struck me almost immediately were the stylistic choices such as the vivid colors of EN which amplified the surreal elements of the storyline. The surprise ending was also a very effective element of the storyline and series at large. I would have loved the bonus chapter to explore this further but alas it took us in a whole other direction.
Endless Night offers an array of mini-games, plus objects (which become yet another vehicle of play and creativity) and fantastic HOS's that combine old with new to create a great alchemy of fore and gameplay.
Thank you EIPEX! and Congratulations on a sequel well done!!!
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Holy Mountain Hotel, where all criminals are punished.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
A FANTASTIC SERIES THAT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!!!
PostedDecember 25, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
HAUNTED HOTEL IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A SERIES THAT HAS MANAGED TO PRODUCE EXTRAORDINARY SEQUELS... and ELEPHANT GAMES OUTDID THEMSELVES WITH THIS RELEASE!
The game starts off with an unexpected twist as we learn that our own trusted Detective James is... nah I won't spoil it, but let's just say that there is a resounding NO!!!!!... THEY DIDN'T... THEY WOULDN'T!!! going on in my head ... so while we're at it I want to say thank you very much for not going with the Alternative Ending. Whew... that would have been a huge Bummer!... Not to mention a bit anti-climactic given the driving goal of the game. It did, however, make me aware of just how attached you can grow to characters in any medium when done artfully leaving no doubt that Haunted Hotel and Detective James definitely go well together. By the way... Was it me or did James look very different in the opening cut scene?
Technically supurb graphics, creative mini-games, HOS, a seriously twisted storyline (in all the good ways, of course) and disturbed villian (the best kind), topped with one of the best musical scores I've ever heard in the adventure game genre easily make HH one of the Best Games of 2014.
This is a must buy for HO/Adventure and Haunted Hotel fans. My recommendation is to go with the CE for the bonus chapter alone. ENJOY!!
I recommend this game!
The Smithsonian Castle’s secrets lie in a Civil War past.
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 63 found this review helpful
EXCEPTIONAL IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE!!
PostedDecember 25, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After seeing the lone 3 star review of the Smithsonian Castle, I did what I never do with EIPEX games (much less a Smithsonian installment) ... I played the demo rather then just buying the game outright...
Approximately 5 minutes into the demo... I COULDN'T BUY THE GAME FAST ENOUGH...
HIDDEN EXPEDITION: THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE IS EVERYTHING (and more) THAT WE HAVE GROWN TO LOVE AND EXPECT FROM THE SMITHSONIAN SERIES... incrediblly spectacular graphics, smart storyline with tons of facinating bits of information, amazingly creative HOS amd mini-games, and exceptional quality that seen only in the "BEST OF 2014" game category on the BIG FISH website.
THANK YOU FOR MY ONE (and perhaps favorite) X-MAS GIFT TO MYSELF... YOU'VE OUTDONE YOURSELVES!!
THANK YOU FOR MY ONE (and perhaps favorite) X-MAS GIFT TO MYSELF... YOU'VE OUTDONE YOURSELVES!!
Don't you love it when they save the best for last?
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
MCF is one of the best series ever made... hands down!
PostedNovember 26, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
... which is why I was both riveted and frustrated by some of the choices made by the developer in Sacred Grove, the second installment of the "Grove" series. But then again, it had a LOT to live up to as both a MCF game AND a sequel to Dire Grove; a HO classic with cut scenes that have been virtually unsurpassed to this day.
Will we ever forget the VCR tapes found all over the Grove revealing bits and pieces of a brilliant plot about an eery Celtic legend come to life (a wonderful play on cultural superstition) repleat with our characters journey to DG. Or, the chilling moments when our characters were finally found by the Master Detective. What about the ritual ending (always a good choice in a thriller). And let's hear it for our portable video player, one of my favorite special features of all time.
The nostalgia for Dire Grove was overwhelming... but this is about Sacred Grove; which for the exception of the familiar sets felt like an entirely new series.
So let's start with the the game's positives:
1) Visually flawless - you will not see find or see better animation in an adventure/HO game. Basically, the excellence we expect from a MCF games remains intact.
2) Addition of gender choice (historically, MCF games are trend setters and I imagine other games under the "Big Fish" umbrella will soon follow suit
3) Morphing objects that replicate the town of Dire Grove which can be accessed throughout the game and bonus features
4) Collectable puzzle pieces which make for visually stunning scenes depicting characters within the storyline
5) Great Evidence collection and deduction feature which introduces us to our characters, expains their role in the storyline, and sets the stage for a cut scenes driving and summarizing the plot
6) Interactive dialogue with the characters (you get to pick the sequence of questions asked... so while you choose the order, ALL will be asked and answered at times redundantly.
7) Great location devise given to you by the only female mistwalker in the game (unfortunately used in a very small portion of the game)
8) Fantastic navigational map with connections to achievements, puzzles and found evidence
9) Amazing HO scenes that were creative, varied and most importantly beautiful and clear
2) Addition of gender choice (historically, MCF games are trend setters and I imagine other games under the "Big Fish" umbrella will soon follow suit
3) Morphing objects that replicate the town of Dire Grove which can be accessed throughout the game and bonus features
4) Collectable puzzle pieces which make for visually stunning scenes depicting characters within the storyline
5) Great Evidence collection and deduction feature which introduces us to our characters, expains their role in the storyline, and sets the stage for a cut scenes driving and summarizing the plot
6) Interactive dialogue with the characters (you get to pick the sequence of questions asked... so while you choose the order, ALL will be asked and answered at times redundantly.
7) Great location devise given to you by the only female mistwalker in the game (unfortunately used in a very small portion of the game)
8) Fantastic navigational map with connections to achievements, puzzles and found evidence
9) Amazing HO scenes that were creative, varied and most importantly beautiful and clear
All in all, a stunningly beautiful 5 star worthy game if not for the nagging frustrations which plagued me throughout this game (which needless to say are subjective):
So without further adieu...
1) I may actually be in the minority here, but I can't tell you how much I dislike the "rubic" games (there's nothing mini about them). Introduced in an earlier installment of MCF, I hoped to never see one again and I found myself groaning every time I came across another one in this game.
Reasons? HUGE disruption of game flow (they take a VERY long time to figure out, if you can do it at all). I personally do not use hints or strategy guides but you almost need step by step instructions to get throught these monstrosities. It was difficult to understand the logic behind some of the games and how they were interconnected. Personally, I find them very frustrating and demotivating which does not fare well in these kind of games where engagement is everything.
SUGGESTION: Please add this to the "gender" category and give us a choice of whether we want the "rubic" or mini-game option where instructions are clearly stated.
I'm an avid gamer and purchase nearly every new HO/Adventure release, but you guys lost me here. When a game starts feeling like a chore, I pick up a good book and boy did I ever catch up on my reading.
2) What happened to the eery, suspenseful tradition set by the original Dire Grove? I bought this long awaited sequel the second it was released, sans demo or reviews. My thoughts were, Wow, if they produced Dire Grove with just the minimum of the special features, think about the potential and possibilities for this game given all the innovations and special effects available in today's game world.
I wanted a super duper thriller in the Dire Grove tradition and got an environmentally correct storyline between the "Hunters" and "Mistwalkers" who protect the Sacred land in the Grove... but here's the question: Is it Dire Grove material? As an environmentalist, I KNOW the importance of sustaining and preserving our environment and ensuring the protection of animal species. This is a really serious and significant issue in today's world. But this is Dire Grove... and I was just looking for a romping good time. I couldn't help but think that this was a missed opportunity to take suspense in gaming to an entirely new level. I'm just sorry it was not realized in Sacred Grove.
3) Dire Grove is notorious for it's cinematic realism. This was achieved by good acting and cinema verite or hand held camera ("Blair Witch") style which created a feeling of suspense, urgency and at times terror. While, I appreciate the virtues of character animation, it felt like the wrong choice for a Dire Grove installment. Actually, if it weren't for the very familiar sets, it could be any new (well produced) game.
4) Likewise, the storyline did not feel like it was MCF, Master Detective, ... not to mention Dire Grove material (I know... sore spot).
Come to think of it, none of the MCF sequels have had the WOW factor found in the originals... and Sacred Grove is no exception.
But see for yourself... The virtues in this game are many... If not for the sylistic choices and storyline, this is undoubtedly a 5 star game in terms of game quality alone. You can see the attention, time and artistry put into this game. But is it a Dire Grove installment? For me, the answer was a resounding no. But I can always hope there will be a true and worthy successor in the future. (!!!)
I recommend this game!
Find out who framed your fiancé for murder and clear his name
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 34 found this review helpful
A PLOT WITHIN A PLOT....and just plain EXCELLENT!!!
PostedNovember 24, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Once again the Final Cut series pays homage to old Hollywood with The True Escapade. With it's unique art deco sets, a design style asssociated with the 1930s, FC continues it's fabulous tradition of highlighting this glamorous era, it's iconic films and birth of film traditions still known today... seen a movie poster lately??
In this installment, we are cut away from Morton Wolfe and his rather interesting children for the first time in the series and into Wolfe Studios doomed productions of The True Escapade. Like all of the classic Hollywood films of that era, it all starts at the beginning with a bit actress named Jane and her father the screenwriter.of The True Escapade. Little did he know, however, that Jane would become the first victim of the film's "curse".
Perhaps the most striking tribute to the golden era of Hollywood comes from the game's self-referential plot in that it is a "who-dun-it" storyline about an old Hollywood script and the mysterious and "accidental" deaths that plague the film's multiple production.
To this end, we have a special feature by way of a fixed plus item; the original script of True Escapade and the pages you will find within the game where changes have been made. This feature drives the storyline as you start putting the mystery and the murder'ers together (yes, of course there's a twist).
The mini-games were equally wonderful and "cinematic". My favorite was the "take cover" game from the bullets being shot at you fthat actually gives you the feeling of going head to head with one of the resident sociopaths. The HOS were absolutely brilliant combining a great variety of HO styles seen the best rated games list on Big Fish (and that's good because there's a lot of them),... morphing objects included. . My favorite was the task of finding hidden objects within the HOS in order to open the hidden object list... (see what I mean by the self-referential theme) and to my delight the opening of each list just kept getting more and more creative. An alternative method to collect items is also offered by way of a match 3 game with icons endemic to the film industry such as film reels, projectors, clap-boards, etc...
Each map scene also has film strips that must be found for an achievement. And keeping with the self-referential theme, you will come across the EIPEX name in a variety of settings as well as old movie posters of other EIPEX games (smile) which was very cool as well as a great advertising strategy in film tradition. The CE has a great bonus game, "the making" of FC, collectables in each scene, an opportunity to improve your score on all the HOS, and play the match 3 option that you may not have gotten to if your preference is to stick to the HOS (like me). You can also replay any of your favorite mini-games as well.
Each map scene also has film strips that must be found for an achievement. And keeping with the self-referential theme, you will come across the EIPEX name in a variety of settings as well as old movie posters of other EIPEX games (smile) which was very cool as well as a great advertising strategy in film tradition. The CE has a great bonus game, "the making" of FC, collectables in each scene, an opportunity to improve your score on all the HOS, and play the match 3 option that you may not have gotten to if your preference is to stick to the HOS (like me). You can also replay any of your favorite mini-games as well.
But honesty compels also compels me to add that as a film buff and fan of EIPEX productions, I bought the game sight unseen before reviews were available because I KNEW it would be good... and I was very glad for it.
Congratulations to the EIPEX team and Big Fish games on the latest fabulous installment of the Final Cut Series.
I recommend this game!
Paranormal activity has turned Smalltown upside-down! As the newest initiate of the Order of the Light, you must investigate why.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Ready, set.... SCORE!!!!
PostedNovember 23, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Everytime you do something right in this game you will get undoubedly get an achievement or up your running score. Talk about positive reinforcement!!
Order of the Light has a sinister storyline with a welcome twist at the end and although the plot is something we've seen in other games, The Deathly Artisan does a good job thinking out of the box with great featuresvlike a ghoast catcher (an integral feature at the end of the game) as well as TONS of collectables that give you bonus points when found good for those with a competitive spirit. HOS and mini-games were fun and creative. I played the CE and enjoyed both the main and bonus game playing as "the detective" trying to decifer a paranomal mystery.
Definitely an enjoyable game that I would recommend to adventure fans!
I recommend this game!
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
"ALL WE NEED... IS A CHAMPION"
PostedNovember 23, 2014
Penhip
fromBrooklyn, NY
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As with all Surface games' storylines the themes seem to delve beyond the superficial at times exploring the human subconscious in the "Noise She Couldn't Make" to the most recent release; Game of the Gods whereby "Alice" is recruited by her friend to participate in a study that becomes a living nightmare for her 3 friends who she sets out to rescue when her avatar suddenly turns into the White Queen in a chess-board game that turns into a battle with the gods for your very life.
If you've read "Through the Looking Glass" and "What Alice Found There" by Lewis Carroll or using a more contemporary reference, seen Tim Burton's body of work, you will be delighted with this latest installment of Surface as you capture the subtle themes that GOG brilliantly brings to life in this fabuous game. Don't know any of these references? it really doesn't matter. Elephant has knocked it out of the park giving us a fabulous game that you will undoubtedly enjoy regardless of your level of reference.
Creatively the game is a dream. Surface has probably one of the best HOS hands down in the adventure genre in terms of stunning visual imagery, imagination and clarity, which I love in HOS. The mini-games are equally fun with a combination of the "tried and true" challenges and a "new spin on the old". The best adventure games now allow the player to choose their own level of challenge which allows for a more catered experience depending on your mood or skill level. You will find a running theme of Surface "flowers: of red, silver and gold scattered throughout the game. The flowers have a numerical equivalent to help you furnish an apartment that hopefully Alice or "The White Queen will go to rest when she is done wiping the board and the game clean of evil gods and their villionous minions. To this end, the "collectable" items are comprised of figures that aide, impede or require saving from the god's wrath.
I liked the CE simply because you find out about the chess games inception and the "Order" that governs it. It also clarifies the role of Evan; The Game Master, whose aims and goals are absolutely beyond the surface.
Thank you Elephant and Big Fish for another wonderful addition to the Surface series!!!
I recommend this game!