swissuz's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:236
- Reviews Submitted:39
- First Review:January 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 18, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Hop aboard to cross the border between life and death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Had high hopes....
PostedSeptember 23, 2013
swissuz
fromNear the Alamo!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Not sure where to start. Being very familiar with the traditional Hispanic highly respected "Day of the Dead", I was hoping for a different presentation with the color, and creativeness that comes with this celebration.
For those that are not familiar, I'm curious to how this came across. It's sort of seemed like Looney Tunes and Beetle Juice go to Mexico.
The game play was not fluid...and certain elements were introduced into the story a little late (ie the talking tip book of the dead that was truly Looney)....and then the map that was very hard to read.
The game starts out with "Catalina" being engaged and wanting to go to Mexico to get her father's permission. Her fiance (name?) travels with her. The are let off in a deserted "diner" from the 50-60's. Catalina forgets how hot Mexico was and faints so her fiance goes looking for water in a diner! This ended up being WAY too complicated as he had to perform quite a few things to repair a vending machine that had ONE bottle of water in it. While there were other glasses around....or maybe he didn't think of jumping the counter to find water....the Looney Book of the Dead kept flapping in his face that she was in trouble. Yes...she was passed out for 30 minutes trying to find a bottle of water in a diner.
Ok...enough of the frustration....I know this is fiction, but some games are not fun because the scenes often have more plausible solutions right on the screen.
The artwork....gosh...could have been incredible if one has seen the intricate art that goes into Day of the Dead decorations. I was not motivated to even finish the demo after the fiance climbed a Looney Tune church.
I don't recommend this storyline or the artwork, because it does not do "the Day of the Dead" justice, and for those not familiar, will be left confused and associate this with the recent interest in zombies and walking dead....which is not the same.
I apologize.....REALLY good idea....but fell flat...fast!
I don't recommend this game.
Return to the House of 1,000 Doors to save mankind from annihilation!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Didn't catch my interest.
PostedSeptember 19, 2013
swissuz
fromNear the Alamo!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game is part of a series. I loved the first in the series with one objection....way too many scenes going back and fourth. For that reason, I wanted to give this game the benefit of the doubt and try to count the things I liked and didn't like.
When they say 1000 doors...they mean it. This theme was not interesting to me. It starts with a usual cut scene to set the mood....so if you like demons and flames erupting through the streets and seeing buildings crumble not just in your town....but over the whole world, then jump on in. The level of darkness started like a black eye.
Kate...the ever "only" heroine that can save the planet finds herself in a floating room in a morphing house similar to past games. After two easy steps to get out of the room, a new part of the house appears with a young woman calmly telling her the world in coming to an end "Isn't it awful?"
She tells Kate a few things and tells her someone is waiting outside in the "garden"??? A man is sitting in the pouring rain on a bench on the a precipice overlooking the edge of fire and destruction. Happily next to him are three bunnies munching on whatever is left to eat on the landscape.
There seems like nothing to do but go see a stranger that saved Kates life but is lying unconscious in a morphed "room".
I counted about 14 actions that I needed to do and find objects in order to complete them. I had about four items in my inventory and none of them were helpful.
So...the journey begins.....up and down and back and fourth. This is the part where a game loses me. I want to move and jump into solving something or find information that will catch my interest right away. Being faced with the destruction of the whole world was just more than a leap I was interested in taking. I felt exhausted and I had not even unlocked the gate to the next level.
For those that like trophies and morphing objects, this game has it.
Hopefully the game gets better after the demo ends....but for this gamer, the subject turned me off more than anything.
The challenge was hard, I felt it was just tedious. I would score it lower if I was scoring for my own benefit, but I know this will be appealing to quite a few game players.
The challenge was hard, I felt it was just tedious. I would score it lower if I was scoring for my own benefit, but I know this will be appealing to quite a few game players.
Try both demos and see which is a better fit. Neither did it for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Your father was murdered while he was investigating a crime. Travel back through time to save him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 20 found this review helpful
Excellent in every way! Based on Full Game
PostedSeptember 18, 2013
swissuz
fromNear the Alamo!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I will remember Boolat Games after this one. I am not familiar with this developer and hope they can keep up this level of interest and gameplay.
Most everyone has summed up the plot.....so I'll skip to more of the fun. This was not gory or violent or dark in the sense that some games are so demonic and sickening with rotting corpses and bones and evil everywhere.
THIS was a THRILLER! YAY! Just what I've been waiting for. There are still several murder scenes, but they are hardly violent and even the bones are not gory. They get the point across that this Blood Ruby is a source to be reckoned with.
There are a lot of twists in the plot that leave you guessing who might be the real antagonist.
One thing that I have to mention and hope they can change, is that the screen shots with this game title above have NOTHING to do with the full version of this game. They are shots from the Bonus game that is set in an entirely different part of the world. I have no idea why they did that. It is very misleading and not in a good way..
This game really captured my interest from the very beginning. I played it on and off for over five days ....like a good book you don't want to put down.
The CE had the SG which I never used. The map is interactive and gives you several choices of places you can return for an active area. I personally loath the "collectables animals, or trophies etc" and HAPPILY this does not have any. I don't understand that attraction, but each to their own interest.
The hint button does not recharge very quickly so this is a bit more challenging to find other ways to move along. It does at least point a direction when no action is needed in the current scene.....but the map is more useful.
There are just enough HOS which have a little turn where you must find three outlined items that interact with the HO inventory. This was a little confusing, but the developer added in a two step tutorial just on the first HOS. It helped and I appreciated it, even though I did not opt for the full tutorial.
One reviewer objected to this, as they said "no tutorials means no tutorial." Which I would agree if they forced you through a full series of "help", but this was more of a starter tip on a creative NEW change in game play. Don't be put off by it. You'll understand when you see it.
The graphics are fabulous.....and the MUSIC was outstanding. This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time.....when you play a game and the music just loops throughout the game and you want to go bonkers or just mute it. This developer has been listening to customers and thought out the music to adapt to the mood of EACH setting. It was VERY helpful and entertaining to hear a soft tune in a calm setting, or hear tension in escalating violins playing an eery off beat sound that added excitement.
The Extras have a nice Bonus Game that gives you a hint to the origin of the Blood Ruby and how it got into Lady Campbell's hands. There were also repeats of some of the strategy games that were challenging. It's nice to go back and test my brain teaser skills on the ones I chose to skip.
I HIGHLY recommend this game. More please!! It has bumped up to the top as my newest favorite game!
I recommend this game!
Release the characters from the witch's curse and find the portal home!
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Aw.....darn!
PostedSeptember 17, 2013
swissuz
fromNear the Alamo!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I LOVE the first Echoes of the Past games. But as other have said.....for some reason this fell short. I have purchased the Collectors Editions of all the others because they tend to be long and at times you need the extra help to get through tedious back and forth play.
This one started off very interestingly, but in the first two minutes I was confused. As one other reviewer said, the witch is back, and quite beautiful and young.....but her voice over is of a crabby mean old witch. They either needed to stay consistent with the past games, or just made her over completely.
Keep in mind, this review is for the demos....one for the CE version and the other for the regular version. There really wasn't that much difference.
Some of the characters were very unpleasant.....right off the bat you are stopped by a skeleton with a Peter Lorre voice asking for bracelets ???? to let you pass. You are allowed to go in one passage and you meet a jello type jelly bean man who is guarding a niche with a HOS.
You find some things and pass into a kingdom where the kindly queen has been disfigured and has turned bitter. It's very frustrating because you search all these places that require action, but very little can be accomplished for a good while.
The hint would just circle and area where you already know you need something.
The HOS were beautiful, but a few had items that were torn pieces of a painting and some of the pieces were not discernible because you had no idea what to look for.
I am recommending to play both demos and decide for yourself. If you are a fan of Echoes of the Past....expect the same music and the same great visual quality.
I rated the level of challenge with four stars but it was not a fun challenge in my opinion.
I personally felt this was going to end up being a tedious game, rather than challenging.
Have fun!
I recommend this game!
Investigate a mysterious and deadly curse! Save a town from the grip of supernatural hysteria!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
The MOST tedious game ever!
PostedSeptember 14, 2013
swissuz
fromNear the Alamo!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I just finished this game while it's fresh in my mind because there is a LOT to say about this VERY long game.
I will be honest, and admit that I played this demo and accidentally purchased it thinking it was another version.
The credits are dated 2012, but the artwork, gameplay, type of hints and HOS and games all seem dated by computer gaming standards from new games coming out.
The story is not bad....and while the scenes were dark and some so much alike, they were still interesting. The characters are very stiff...like paper dolls sliding into the scene....and this supposed witch (ancient ancestor) was actually pretty and then has a creepy scary clown face. Nothing intense in this game other than the back and forth FOREVER!
There is no map and if a game ever needed one, this one does. The storyline is confusing because you are supposed to be investigating mishaps at this "estate"....but there are at least seven buildings/locations that all look the same. When resorting to a hint, there is an owl that only hints at an action at the scene. One scene had so many directions, I had to back out of the game and find a walkthrough.
There is also a diary that is not all that helpful.
I would love to see the developer take this game and update it with some better characters and more helpful tools to get through it.
I rated the level of challenge with four stars because you needed to be psychic to play this. Now that's a challenge!
While giving it a poor score, that reflects the basic game only. If you consider this game, play the CE version and see if it is more enjoyable. This was torture!
I recommend this game!
Strange Cases: The Faces of Vengeance
Agent Claire Ellery must rescue her young ward, but this masked kidnapper has set deadly traps in the abandoned mall!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 45 found this review helpful
Outstanding and original setting
PostedSeptember 13, 2013
swissuz
fromI'd live in Paris for fun, but love home in Texas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I realize no game is perfect, and each player has different taste in gaming themes, but this was right up my alley. A good story line....a thriller that was mysterious not "demonic creepy".
The setting is brilliant. Set in an abandoned mall from an earthquake in maybe the 50's. The setting was a retro mix, but the artwork was very contemporary and genius! I'm really surprised there are any comments about the visual quality being grainy or boring.....not on my computer. It was clear, crisp and original.
Lots of HO's for hidden object fans...which I am...with a clever twist that you have to find a tarot card before you start digging. Some are shadow images, but they are still good....most are not. Just when you think they are easy, they tighten it up a little with those few items that bring you to a challenge.
The antagonist is out to get the main character, you ie Claire. He's rigged the mall with hidden cameras and speaks in a grainy voice that is reminiscent of Hannibal Lector without the gory story that goes with Dr Lector.
The map is a great tool if you get lost.....very easy to interact with....and you can jump to locations from the map.
The playground is ingenious, and has shades of creepy toys....but the artwork is so meticulous and professional it's still a delight to the game play.
My only wish for this game would be to add some intriguing music that fits the areas of game play. Much of it is silent which is interrupted by the kidnappers voice....it's irritating, but that is part of the plot.....he's taunting Claire Ellery.
I also thought it was short.....but I did not want to take breaks with this game. I was sorry that it was over, but now I can replay it on different levels just to see the fabulous settings again!
Don't pass up the demo! My bet is you will buy this one!
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
4
/
5
3 of 8 found this review helpful
Elves and Fairies and Magic, Oh MY!
PostedSeptember 12, 2013
swissuz
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OK....being objective here....I was hoping ERS was maybe going to grow this up a little. That's not meant to be critical, but there is soooooo much talent and expertise with this developer, that a mature theme (not demonic or evil) might be a nice change.
Whether it's evil sorcerers or princess fairies, the best artists are drawn to the fantasies.
I personally did not care for anything about this game....because of the fairy tale theme. But....I can see this being a GREAT online game for young tweens or even younger to play WITH parents together.....and there is nothing wrong with that.
The HOGs were a bit odd with shadow pieces that were not really anything....just broken things....and not too challenging. This is the first time I've seen inventory used in a HOG, so that was an interesting twist.
The hints recharge immediately on casual mode, but there is a little elf that shoots an arrow at the clue. You may need to act on it, or you may need inventory to react. Some of the hints were a little illogical but try anything in this game.
I did not even finish the demo version, so I did not know what the purpose of the fairy helper was. She uses magic, but I really was not up to looking for it.
This artwork was truly fantastic.....that is the absolute best part of this game. The story is a re-run of an antagonist with evil powers...but not too scary....and the protagonist seems to be a socialite in the fairy kingdom.
I recommend this game for those who are hooked on sugar coated fantasy and fairies....and for parents who might like to play online games with their kids. This is great for problem solving skills and hand eye coordination.
I recommend this game!
Crack codes, pick locks, comb crime scenes for clues and solve clever puzzles in this thrilling retro detective drama!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Where were the snakes?
PostedSeptember 9, 2013
swissuz
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Haha! Not that I was wanting to see snakes, I played this demo bracing myself for the plethora of serpents as other posters had warned. After 45 it cut off and thanked me for playing. I counted three actual snakes that were not even frightening.
This game is definitely rated PG if there were such a rating. The storyline was weak and the artwork was almost cartoon-ish. Nothing wrong with that if you are prepared for that kind of visual art.
To be honest, this game seemed to be about five years behind the times. The games AND story lines across the board have been getting more and more sophisticated to the delight of us gamers! This one was not. Great beginner game for the tame images, slower story and lessened intensity.
It's billed as being "retro"...and the time period is set around 1960?? But that does not mean the game play and artwork has to be "retro" by gaming standards.
The scariest character in the demo was the mayor of Serpent Creek (shown on the cover). Meek mannered but creepy looking and acting awkward.
Have fun with this one knowing that it's good fun and not intense. I'm certain more snakes will show up, but they are not my kind of house pet.
I recommend it for a starter game!
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat the Four Horsemen and save the city?
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Wild Ride in just the demo
PostedSeptember 8, 2013
swissuz
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I personally am very tired with the witches, goblins, demonic entities and general dark and tired themes that many of the popular games have. But, that being said, if that's your thing, then this game is for you.
The artwork and visual display is superb, if you like demonic dragons and Apocalypic images. It's definitely eye candy.
My low score on fun and storyline is strictly based on the dark themed quest. Even the so called "goodguys" are demonically depicted.
Gee....developers with such talent need to go on a quest for a good thriller/mystery without the gothic demons and witches and evil.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Dimensions: City of Ash
A dark dimension has fallen over Phoenix Hill, turning its residents into volcanic ash. Help them rise from the ashes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
No splashes for ashes
PostedSeptember 7, 2013
swissuz
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I truly wanted to like this game. The story seemed unusual, but it was the typical "save us from evil"....only done poorly. I cannot remember if I have played Dark Dimension games before, but if this was an improvement as some have said.....enjoy the demo.
The story line kept going over and over with childish scrawls from Audrey (SUPER VOLUNTEER of the town) to her mother begging her misguided father to stop mining. This was done exactly the same at least three times. It seemed to be a misconnect as if she was a child, but other times a responsible adult???? I still don't know.
The mini games were glitchy....no direction or clues. Some of the wording in the game was as if it were lost in translation.
I finished the game and I cannot even remember how it ended. That should speak volumes. Oh...the lady in the picture above?.....never saw her unless she was a ghost!
Sorry to say this one wasn't for me.
I don't recommend this game.