JustTheFacts's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,148
- Reviews Submitted:681
- First Review:December 7, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After overcoming the Dreamless Castle and Moonfell Wood, you have come to the rugged, mountainous snow-peaked Goblin Kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 56 found this review helpful
Little Sophia Grows Up
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME PLAYED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: Having found out all she can about her people in Moonfell Wood, Princess Sophia flies off – on a griffin no less – to the Goblin Kingdom, where she hopes to meet with King Crookshank and learn where her kind have gone. But from the start things don’t look good...
Developer: BoomZap
Release Date: Sep 2011
Extras: Achievements, Game Timer, Tangram, Pocket Dragon and Ran the Owl
Release Date: Sep 2011
Extras: Achievements, Game Timer, Tangram, Pocket Dragon and Ran the Owl
Playing The Awakening series back to back, you notice something not otherwise immediately obvious: that with The Goblin Kingdom, the series suddenly became more sophisticated on several levels simultaneously.
The always beautiful art suddenly becomes stunning, with better definition and animation, and more “liveliness”. I noticed too that some of the close up scenes resemble concept art in their broad-strokes style. Interesting.
With this new art comes a graver, darker story, with an actual bad guy, and the introduction of politics. Less cozy fairy tale atmosphere and just a sprinkle of the Brothers Grimm. To the betterment of the story, I point out, as it has lost a little of its schmalz, and adults can now play it without excuses.
Finally, the game play is dramatically more difficult. I skipped more than half the puzzles – but maybe I was just tired. But Tangrams are tougher than Solitaire and Mahjong, right?
Discover the fate of your exiled kingdom, save your people, and end the ancient evil that started it all!
Overall rating
4
/
5
57 of 60 found this review helpful
Beautiful Of Course, But Not A True HOPA
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME COMPLETED TWICE
Story: Finally Princess Sophia discovers the refuge of her people and sets off on a winged unicorn to the Skyward Castle to be reunited with her parents. But is she too late? Some horrible evil has left only a handful of survivors, petrified in stone. You must save these people in order to find out what has happened to your family.
Developer: BoomZap
Release Date: Sep 2012
Extras: Pocket Dragon and Ran the Owl, Jump Map
Release Date: Sep 2012
Extras: Pocket Dragon and Ran the Owl, Jump Map
Yes, this latest in the Awakening series is all you could ask for in visuals, music and originality. Something I’ve not mentioned before in my reviews of other games in this series – there is always a large number of original and creative variations of both hidden object games and puzzles. And this is true in particular of Skyward Castle. But the emphasis has finally shifted so far away from common HOs that it’s no longer a game I would recommend to HO fans. This is a puzzle adventure.
It is also very difficult to play. The puzzles and mini-games have become so hard there were some I had to skip simply because I couldn’t understand the instructions. In fact, I skipped more than I completed. That detracts greatly from my enjoyment of the game.
So, while again this is oh so much more than its predecessors, I actually prefer the earlier Awakenings.
Take on the role of a lowly stagehand in an opera company tasked with solving a deadly mystery in an isolated village!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 53 found this review helpful
Good Relaxing Game for HO Fans
PostedFebruary 9, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
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
If you're not so much into the adventure side of HOPA games but like some meaning to what you're searching for, this is an excellent game for you.
The story is loose and not meant to be believable and, really, just for fun. The ending, unlike what other reviewers have said, didn't seem too off-the-wall to me - but then how many games have stories that are believable and endings that make total sense? I haven't seen one after playing a couple of hundred of these HOPAs. The games are fantasy, or we wouldn't play them.
At first it seemed a little difficult but past the first location, the game holds your hand throughout. Excellent map plus a journal plus a notebook for clues means you're never stranded wondering what to do or where to go. There are oodles of HO scenes and even HO scenes within others, and the hint button recharges quickly.
The graphics show up a tiny bit fuzzy on my extra wide large monitor, but nowhere enough to create a problem. The scenes are colourful for the most part, and though occasionally objects are on the small side, they're all findable. The scenes are static - a little animation would have improved the feel of the game.
Music is pleasant and unobtrusive.
The puzzles were quite unusual and the skip is a long time coming, but again nothing to write this game off for.
I loved being anything other than a detective or hysterical relative.
The characters you meet are all funny and melodramatic and that's the fun of it. The voice overs are ham actors, just as it should be in an opera company being killed off one by one. Methods of dying are tongue in cheek as well.
While not awe inspiring, this is a solid game, very relaxing, great for the times you don't feel like thinking too hard. The sequel is also a great way to relax and is a continuation of the story, in an entirely different atmosphere.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
93 of 131 found this review helpful
Wish I Could Like This One...
PostedFebruary 4, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Based on 30 mins of trial.
From other reviews you know this gameis pretty, sounds good and is not your traditional HOG. But it is also not anything new either. There are plenty of games where, instead of combing through HO scenes, you must comb through your location for teensy weensy unidentifiable bits of stuff you may need, although how and why is not always clear. I mean, collect bits of a gem to light the fire? Gimme a break!
The puzzles I encountered came without any form of instruction even in casual mode. And the very first one Needed instructions, because the note that allegedly provided you with a clue was too obscure for me. And it just kept happening that way for the half hour I tried to like this game.
For those of you who are into pieces of objects, this is probably lovely, though not outstanding in any way, which is why I gave it 2 stars - to compensate for my personal objection to these sort of games.
I don't recommend this game.
Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items around the historic sites of jolly old London in Big City Adventure: London Classic!
Overall rating
2
/
5
32 of 43 found this review helpful
I Hated It But My 83 Yr Old Mum Loved It
PostedFebruary 3, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
If you're 83 you're entitled to keep things simple if you want to, and Mum is just not interested in story or adventure or mind bending puzzles. For her, the game was perfect - easy, pretty, and with many small levels. So this is a game for those people who enjoy that.
For me, the game was awful, boring and not even all that professionally done. I would never buy or play this for myself, but I did do it with Mum, so here's what I saw.
The graphics are good enough, no real complaints, they were clear and brightly lit, but are irrelevant junk piles with no sense of place. You didn't get the feeling you were visiting London at all. There was no attempt at coordinate your scenes into any coherent itinerary.
The hint coins were redundant because the HOs were easy, but you only got a skip coin every now and then, and if I hadn't been there, Mum would have been stuck on a level early on, feeling frustrated and inadequate. Even with me, it was touch and go a couple of times.
But THE worst thing about this game is the fact that each scene of 25 is visited 3 times one after the other after the other ad nauseum, for a total of 75 mind numbing levels. It would have actually been more enjoyable if there had been less of it - and who thought we'd ever say that about a HO game!!!
I've played the London Story version's trial and while it's obviously better, quite frankly it's those same boring scenes with some story patched into it.
I don't recommend this game.
The Brooks family boarded the Neptune hoping for a relaxing family vacation, but what they got was an incredible adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
31 of 33 found this review helpful
Interactive Poseidon Adventure. Exceptionally Cinematic.
PostedJanuary 30, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
What makes this game extraordinary is the atmosphere. A very strong feeling of impending doom is created by using excellent ambient noise (realistic sounds of a ship falling apart), parts of the ship falling around you and characters' voices crying for help. Right from the beginning you feel an urgency to get on with it as fast as you possibly can. This game draws you into story as none other I've ever played.
If you're old enough to recognize the movie you know exactly what to expect, and you'll enjoy this very cinematic game. You play the wife in a family stranded on a rapidly and noisily disintegrating ocean liner. You're separated from the others, so your task is obvious. Rescue the others and get off the ship.
I found the graphics great, and the map essential - there are a lot of locations. Though others complained about its length it took me several hours to complete. I did have to use the walkthrough more than I'd have liked, but thank goodness it was there. The gameplay was logical enough, although at times you do have to think outside the box.
I'd say that trying would be a great idea, if only for the unusual experience.
I recommend this game!
Miranda Calomy and her robot Sprocket are setting off on an adventure! Help find Miranda’s parents who mysteriously disappeared!
Overall rating
2
/
5
46 of 59 found this review helpful
What A Shame!
PostedJanuary 27, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This game has so much going for it. The story is fun and easy to follow (although the time jumps make it more confusing than it ought to be), the graphics are delightful, the characters are lovable.
Your robot companion has three ways of helping you with different hint styles. All of which recharge separately. The voice over is good, ambient sound fine. The HO scenes are well put together, puzzles challenging. It also has one of my favourite features: scrollable screens.
Now for the reasons I don't like this game.
There really aren't that many HO scenes in this game. Most of the time is spent travelling between two or three scenes to pick up one item. This is not picking up after a HO scene or puzzle; this is literally going back to a scene to find one thing then having to move on. And I mean two or three scenes literally too. You never have access to more than that at once.
You’d think that would at least appeal to beginners, right? Nope! Despite the monotony it was annoyingly finicky monotony that I don’t think would help newcomers at all.
This boring and repetitious gameplay totally spoiled the game for me. I wish it were a better game – so much good work has obviously been put in.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel back to the 18th century and uncover the secrets of bygone days with Golden Trails 2: The Lost Legacy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
83 of 87 found this review helpful
A Joy For HO Fans
PostedJanuary 27, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
If you're into HO games rather than puzzle/adventure, this is for you. This is almost completely HO, with some interesting mini-puzzles found within them. There is no searching for anything, but there is purpose to your movements and a good story wrapped around the HOs. You'll love shooting the pirates - even I can get them - and they don't affect your game.
Even the story is fun and lighthearted. You must travel all over the world to try and find evidence of your grandfather's innocence after he is arrested for piracy. Expect plenty of twists and turns and a little romance, and some beautiful locations. Or you can skip it entirely if you just want HO.
The graphics are very professional, with clarity and colour to rival any of the gloomier HOGAs, the voice over is just so great I anticipated each chapter summary so I could listen to him.
If you've played Golden Trails 1 The New Western Rush, this is a similar format, but much more sophisticated.
As I say, absolutely perfect for HO fans, but with so much fun going on in each scene, even puzzle and adventure fans will probably enjoy it.
I recommend this game!
Explore a terrifying tale in Mystery Stories: Mountains of Madness! Find out what happened to an entire team of researchers!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 17 found this review helpful
Many Interesting Attractions
PostedJanuary 26, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
The story may be a familiar one - go find a missing colleague who disappeared in strange circumstances - but this one has a great new slant on it. It's set in what feels like Antarctica it's so unremittingly cold, and the bad guys are neither human nor ghosts.
There are two of you and a dog investigating, and a small amount of swapping to the other investigator occurs. There are quite a few scrollable scenes, but you have the option to turn them off. I didn't, they added to the immersive effect.
The HO scenes are many and vary with lists, 20x object X and pix of objects. I liked the fact that the HOs you find in one scene are still gone when you return (there's not a lot of that). Also, you get all you need from one scene, so if you need climbing gear, you'll find all of it in one scene and be ready to go. No traipsing from here to there getting them one at a time. The puzzles were also interesting.
The graphics are good but not astounding. The music is pleasant and unintrusive.
I liked the way you get assistance. In HO scenes, it's a hint, outside them, it's (useful) advice that gets more detailed and specific each time you click it. I did find I needed to use this function more than I like. The gameplay is not intuitive.
It's this and the fact that I'm still confused about exactly what happened with the previous expedition, that I don't give this a four.
I recommend this game!
Help solve an ancient mystery as you discover and capture Edgar Allan Poe`s murderer! Collect clues and crack the conspiracy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 100 found this review helpful
Another Excellent Midnight Mystery
PostedJanuary 24, 2012
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
All 3 Midnight Mysteries are great. I played this one about a fortnight ago, and have just replayed it. There was no sense of deja vu, I still had to work to find all the objects and solve puzzles, even though I had played it so recently.
Graphics and sounds are not as exciting as Devil on the Mississippi, but that's as it should be expected.
The story occasionally gets confusing, unless you really stay on top of the clues.
I particularly like being able to see a silhouette of an object before resorting to a hint.
Tips: Watch the colour of the "interact" cursor to get the exact spot to click on your tool. Otherwise it is easy to rule out a tool that works, because of inexact clicking.
I recommend this game!