einiespal's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.1
- Helpful Votes:1,653
- Reviews Submitted:234
- First Review:November 24, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 1, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Disappointing
PostedOctober 9, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The previous Surface games were good; this one is barely OK. The story line is interesting, but it is so poorly told that one just wishes it was over. Which it is with a big bang making no sense at all - terrible ending. The bonus chapter is just as bad. The journal is the bare minimum and useless.
Game play is average. I hate the way these developers use inventory items in the HOS. The HINT button tells one exactly what to do, another bad idea. There is a good jump map showing areas needing action.
The artwork is good, and live actors are used. Too bad they usually just stand there like dummies. Their lips don't move for the VOs.
As in the other Surface game, the collectibles are flowers - no new thinking here. Get enough of them and you can go to some room for "extra" fun. Ho, hum. The other "extras" are the same old wallpapers, etc. Double ho, hum.
I don't recommend spending the extra for the CE for sure. This is not a very good game. Maybe the SE.
Game play is average. I hate the way these developers use inventory items in the HOS. The HINT button tells one exactly what to do, another bad idea. There is a good jump map showing areas needing action.
The artwork is good, and live actors are used. Too bad they usually just stand there like dummies. Their lips don't move for the VOs.
As in the other Surface game, the collectibles are flowers - no new thinking here. Get enough of them and you can go to some room for "extra" fun. Ho, hum. The other "extras" are the same old wallpapers, etc. Double ho, hum.
I don't recommend spending the extra for the CE for sure. This is not a very good game. Maybe the SE.
I don't recommend this game.
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Top Notch Game
PostedOctober 2, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
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
This is a great game in every way. Its a good detective story that is well told. (Thank goodness its not a fairy tale with an evil witch!) You search for clues and discuss them with a strange captive person who also tells you the background story. The main game has an ending with the bonus chapter giving some background. Very well done. The artwork and VOs are good.
Game play is very good. The HINT button leads you in the right direction and there is a jump map. HOS vary, but are all more than just an old HOS. Puzzles range from easy to difficult with some arcade type mini games. You don't really need the SG. I think there are collectibles, but I never pay any attention to those things.
This is one of the best games around. My only negative comment is one that applies to all CE games - they aren't worth the extra money. They throw in some "extras" and charge double.
Game play is very good. The HINT button leads you in the right direction and there is a jump map. HOS vary, but are all more than just an old HOS. Puzzles range from easy to difficult with some arcade type mini games. You don't really need the SG. I think there are collectibles, but I never pay any attention to those things.
This is one of the best games around. My only negative comment is one that applies to all CE games - they aren't worth the extra money. They throw in some "extras" and charge double.
I recommend this game!
One night the ghost of President Lincoln appears, asking for your help. Can you find the hidden Confederate treasure?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 9 found this review helpful
Dumb Game
PostedSeptember 30, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am not a big fan of this series, and this one is the worst of the bunch. The story is totally nonsensical - really, really bad. Game play doesn't help this disaster; its very easy. There is absolutely nothing that would make one recommend this game. I wish I hadn't even botherd with the demo.
I don't recommend this game.
Help detective Ashley Clark uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious kidnappings, and reveal the secrets of the ruby pendant!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Bad game
PostedSeptember 25, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is a long and involved game. Too bad it was so poorly designed. There are a number of "technical" issues. Many times the characters stop talking mid-stream, and you have to just read the dialog. The wrong dialog box pops up at times. The jump map didn't always work and only one time showed where action was needed.
You have limited hints and must collect roses to get them, but the hint button does point in the right direction. The HOS are varied and OK except the silhouette ones are poor - a stick looking thing that could be 100's of things for example. I thought the puzzles were difficult, but the skip charges fairly fast. There are some really annoying things you have to do that aren't obvious what is required. In one case, you have to keep on and on clicking on a pile of dust seemingly forever. Really poor design.
There is a lot of back and forth, and objects needed are not available all the time. You have to go back and get them later.
The story started out like it might be a detective story, but it quickly degenerated into a fairy tale and a poor one at that. The characters are dumb and seem to be there just to give you something to do. There is a journal that goes with the story and provided clues in some cases.
I found that I just wanted this game to end - please!
You have limited hints and must collect roses to get them, but the hint button does point in the right direction. The HOS are varied and OK except the silhouette ones are poor - a stick looking thing that could be 100's of things for example. I thought the puzzles were difficult, but the skip charges fairly fast. There are some really annoying things you have to do that aren't obvious what is required. In one case, you have to keep on and on clicking on a pile of dust seemingly forever. Really poor design.
There is a lot of back and forth, and objects needed are not available all the time. You have to go back and get them later.
The story started out like it might be a detective story, but it quickly degenerated into a fairy tale and a poor one at that. The characters are dumb and seem to be there just to give you something to do. There is a journal that goes with the story and provided clues in some cases.
I found that I just wanted this game to end - please!
I don't recommend this game.
Discover what connects the ship’s disappearance with Devil’s Island and a family’s unsolved murder!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Enjoyable game
PostedSeptember 20, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed playing this game. It's a good, old mystery and is such a relief from the same-old fairy tale with an evil witch that is the story in so many games now. The story is well told, too, and flows along with the action and a dairy. It also has an end and a wrap up.
Unfortunately, the detective is female as is the standard these days. Maybe the developers all use female heroes so they can continue to use the broom/brush to remove cobwebs requirement.
The characters are good with good VO. Artwork is well done.
Game play is good with regular (no IA) HOS that are well presented. The puzzles are good.
There is a jump map that shows action areas, and the HINT button points in the right direction (casual mode).
I thought the length of the game was about right. All in all, this is a very enjoyable game.
Unfortunately, the detective is female as is the standard these days. Maybe the developers all use female heroes so they can continue to use the broom/brush to remove cobwebs requirement.
The characters are good with good VO. Artwork is well done.
Game play is good with regular (no IA) HOS that are well presented. The puzzles are good.
There is a jump map that shows action areas, and the HINT button points in the right direction (casual mode).
I thought the length of the game was about right. All in all, this is a very enjoyable game.
I recommend this game!
The fate of the magical world is in your hands – free it from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Beautiful game
PostedSeptember 16, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
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
This is a beautifully rendered game. The opening scene going down the river is awesome. I wanted to be there. Well, maybe not going over the falls. The whole game is awesome.
The story is a fairytale, which I get tired of, but this story is well told and not so cutesy-pie as most. The SE does have an end unlike some games.
Game play is good. The HOS are all fragmented objects, but there aren't too many of them. The puzzles are well done. There is a lot of back-and-forth, but there is a jump map, and the HINT button points in the right direction. It's a fairly long game and is enjoyable to play the whole time.
I really didn't think I'd like this game, but I sure am glad I bought it. It's one of the best around now.
The story is a fairytale, which I get tired of, but this story is well told and not so cutesy-pie as most. The SE does have an end unlike some games.
Game play is good. The HOS are all fragmented objects, but there aren't too many of them. The puzzles are well done. There is a lot of back-and-forth, but there is a jump map, and the HINT button points in the right direction. It's a fairly long game and is enjoyable to play the whole time.
I really didn't think I'd like this game, but I sure am glad I bought it. It's one of the best around now.
I recommend this game!
Someone has stolen two powerful magic doves from your kingdom, and the consequences could be disastrous. Embark on an extraordinary journey to stop the thief.
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 27 found this review helpful
Good production, sickening game
PostedSeptember 13, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is a well-produced game. Too bad all that effort was wasted on cutesy-pie, sickening trash like this game. Anybody who is not an adolescent female or wants to be one will feel the same.
The developers go one-up on the requisite cute critter to help you; there is a fairy AND an elf AND assorted other critters. Gag time, for sure.
On the surface, the story is OK albeit the same-old. But it is poorly told with characters popping up seemingly at random with poor dialog.
The rest seems to be pretty standard - HOS and puzzles.
There is really nothing to recommend this game, especially at the CE price.
The developers go one-up on the requisite cute critter to help you; there is a fairy AND an elf AND assorted other critters. Gag time, for sure.
On the surface, the story is OK albeit the same-old. But it is poorly told with characters popping up seemingly at random with poor dialog.
The rest seems to be pretty standard - HOS and puzzles.
There is really nothing to recommend this game, especially at the CE price.
I don't recommend this game.
Through the creaking gates, you’d best beware. A spooky mansion awaits, enter if you dare! Explore the inside of a scary house.
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 49 found this review helpful
Dumbest game ever
PostedSeptember 11, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Hands down, this is the dumbest game I have ever seen! I can't even believe that young children would like it. I could only stand to play about 10 minutes. The HOS are terrible - well hidden objects that I would think a child would find difficult and the HINT is slow charging. The story - what story? There really isn't one. Artwork? This is artwork? There is an awful voice talking to you virtually constantly like you are a child. Grates on the nerves! This game is an absolute disaster in every way. One ought to be paid to play it.
I don't recommend this game.
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 35 found this review helpful
Barely OK Game
PostedAugust 22, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game has some good points:
- Player adjustable hint and skip refresh (down to 10 sec.)
- Hint during game play points in right direction
- HOS and puzzles are OK
The story is the same-old for this series, as is the artwork. There is what I guess is considered a requirement now - a critter or two to help you. Gets old, in my opinion. There are lots of collectibles, but who cares. Game play is rather simple and straightforward. There are some totally bizarre use of objects - pick a lock with a cactus needle for example.
I only played the demo, but it for sure isn't a buy as a CE for me. Maybe the SE.
- Player adjustable hint and skip refresh (down to 10 sec.)
- Hint during game play points in right direction
- HOS and puzzles are OK
The story is the same-old for this series, as is the artwork. There is what I guess is considered a requirement now - a critter or two to help you. Gets old, in my opinion. There are lots of collectibles, but who cares. Game play is rather simple and straightforward. There are some totally bizarre use of objects - pick a lock with a cactus needle for example.
I only played the demo, but it for sure isn't a buy as a CE for me. Maybe the SE.
I don't recommend this game.
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Overrated
PostedAugust 14, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I don't know why this game is getting such good reviews. It is poorly designed, very simple, a poorly told dumb story and average artwork. The characters are awful as are the VOs. There is the requisite little creature to help you - a chipmunk? Come on! The HOS are junk piles with some IA. The puzzles are mostly childishly simple. The diary is poorly designed and useless. There is a jump map, but there are usually so many places that need action that it is not so useful as it could have been. The hint button tells you exactly what to do instead of just pointing in the right direction. Surprisingly, the bonus chapter was better than the main game.
There are collectibles which some go crazy over. There is an extra kind of game where you just repeat some of the same HOS and puzzles that you played in the main game. There are the usual achievements - who cares?
I bought this game based on the rave reviews. I suggest you don't make the same mistake.
There are collectibles which some go crazy over. There is an extra kind of game where you just repeat some of the same HOS and puzzles that you played in the main game. There are the usual achievements - who cares?
I bought this game based on the rave reviews. I suggest you don't make the same mistake.
I don't recommend this game.