Libby_3's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:36
- Reviews Submitted:15
- First Review:October 12, 2018
- Most Recent Review:December 11, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Help Sara find her missing husband and stop an evil pirate's ancient curse in Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Ahoy, maties!
PostedDecember 11, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After playing the trial a couple of months ago, I wasn't interested in buying this game. But recently I start playing MCF: Black Crown and the origins of that storyline goes all the way back to what happened in 13th skull. I got a bit bummed when starting to play Black Crown: "Thanks for spoiling what happens in 13th skull". Me being bummed about it was silly because at that time I was not even planning to play 13th skull since I didn’t like the trial that much. But I became increasingly curious, decided to take a little break from continuing Black Crown (I’m still at the beginning of that game), bought 13th skull on sale and even though Black Crown had give some information away about what happened in that game, I was still pleasantly surprised about what happened.
The scenery and atmosphere of 13th skull is amazing. I have played most of MCF games and I think the locations of this game are among the most beautiful locations of the whole series. The live actors, who annoyed me in the trail, now grew on me. I even started to appreciate them. The music I thought was a bit intense and by times a little too much but even that was fine with me. It fitted the game and story.
By now, I have over 100 BF games and this is the first game I have played by following the objectives, for the most part. Following those objectives helped me continuing. The famous map, which got some players puzzled, was also confusing to me. I didn’t even try to make sense out of it: to discover its logic which, I’m sure, it has. I managed to solve the canons puzzles without the map, with trial and error (and writing down what worked). I enjoyed all the puzzles of the game. Although the HO-scenes where a little bit too much for my taste (and challenging). I always like puzzles more than HO-scenes but that is personal preference.
I’m glad I give this game another chance. I enjoyed playing it very much. The storyline did leave me with some questions, which I cannot say here without giving away spoilers, but it’s a game so I will get over it. Overall the whole storyline was satisfactory to me. I think it’s fun (and fitting) to note that September 19th is Talk like a pirate day.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a Klondike Gold Rush town to solve a murder!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
This game has a fitting name for my review: a reckoning
PostedOctober 25, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have several Dead Reckoning games and this is the first one I don’t like that much. Even though the graphics are beautiful and the story line seems OK and sufficient, I have a hard time finishing this game. On more than one occasion I got annoyed and so I have to continue another time. Normally when I like a game, I tend to finish it in one, maybe two, gaming sessions. But this one, I can’t bring myself to finish it. Maybe I need to stop trying because, like I once read, “Life it too short for crappy juice.” I’m not even curious anymore about whodunit. Because it takes me so long to finish, I also forgot who is who and what is who doing in the story.
At the moment of writing this review I still haven’t finished it: the back and forth, some puzzles, the items you collect and have to use to proceed in the game and the music, it all annoys me. I even used a couple of hints and the skip button, both of which I don’t use often in games if I use it at all. But again, I got annoyed and couldn’t be bothered to try.
Especially the music worked on my nerves, literally, in this context not just a figure of speech. It was a violin which normally I find a beautiful instrument but how it was used in this game, it really spoiled it for me. The melody builds up and goes faster and faster and then it starts over again. Over and over again. The sense of urgency of that music was also misplaced. You would expect something to happen but nothing happens, it’s just used as background music to some locations.
I’m glad I got this game as daily deal and didn’t pay full price for it.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel through the history of industry, creating colorful mosaics and watching them come to life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
Enjoy a fun challenging, yet not so relaxing, puzzle adventure
PostedOctober 18, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After playing and purchasing Time Twins Mosaics Haunted Images, I bought this game. I had never played such games before and I absolutely love them. I also enjoy the mini puzzles you unlock when you have earned a certain amount of points. Kudos to the developers for making clear and recognizable (cool) pictures with those squares. The game also makes me laugh every time I close it (especially the first time I closed it).
I only got one problem with this type of game. Due to the max of 5 mistakes each level, my stress level is pretty high every time I play. You see, when I first started playing this game, I made mistakes because I was learning how to play. But now, I'm pretty good at it and the mistakes I do make, most of them is not because I don't know the right solution or because I lack concentration. Most mistakes I make is because:
- I overlook the color/squares that are already filled in.
- I count wrong (this doesn’t happen often).
- When marking squares in one column/row, I accidentally look in the column/row next to it as reference to which squares to mark (this doesn’t happen often).
- You constantly need to switch between clicking on the right mouse button (to mark it’s not a colored square) and the left mouse button (to mark it’s a colored square). So when I click to fast or when I just had to click a lot of times on the right button, I accidentally click right, when I mean to click left or vice versa.
- I’m almost done with the level and have not made any mistakes so I’m thinking on repeat: “Please don’t make mistakes, you’re almost done”. And guess what often happens ..
- I count wrong (this doesn’t happen often).
- When marking squares in one column/row, I accidentally look in the column/row next to it as reference to which squares to mark (this doesn’t happen often).
- You constantly need to switch between clicking on the right mouse button (to mark it’s not a colored square) and the left mouse button (to mark it’s a colored square). So when I click to fast or when I just had to click a lot of times on the right button, I accidentally click right, when I mean to click left or vice versa.
- I’m almost done with the level and have not made any mistakes so I’m thinking on repeat: “Please don’t make mistakes, you’re almost done”. And guess what often happens ..
Still love the game but for perfectionist players like I am this can be really frustrating. A lot of times I have started over because I want to finish the level with three stars. But after a couple of times, you need a break from the same level so I just finish it, with mistakes and all. It is what it is. Now I try to be more relaxed about it so at least the last point doesn’t bother me anymore. And besides that, it’s just a game. It shouldn't be a big deal. It's a learning moment for me: just BE CHILL!
I recommend this game!
Explore haunted realms, creating spooky mosaics and watching them come to life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 8 found this review helpful
A spooky puzzle adventure indeed
PostedOctober 14, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I was looking for a good game to spent the code I had collected with the BF scavenger hunt to get a big discount. So I decided to give this game a chance. I have never played such games before. Not really. Some adventure/hop games do have similar mini-puzzles as seen in this game, a more simple version but the idea is the same. I always like those mini-puzzles but most times they are very easy and over before you have started.
This game is a treat. I couldn’t wait to buy it after the trial was over. I find this game fun and challenging. The only thing I don't like is the limit of making just 5 mistakes each level. Make any more and you have to start over. Luckily I'm already getting better in it. Which means fewer to no mistakes.
As a bonus I just unlocked a mahjong game with different lay-outs to choose from. There are more bonus games to unlock, achievements to earn and goofy avatars. If you like this type of game, you get your money’s worth, especially on sale.
I recommend this game!
A Halloween party becomes a spine-tingling fight for survival!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Mirror mirror on the wall
PostedOctober 13, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After I played the demo for about 10 minutes, I knew I wanted to buy this game. When I decide to purchase that quickly, there is always a chance I will regret that. Luckily that doesn't happen often and certainly not this time. What an awesome game. The voices, atmosphere, visuals, special effects and so on are all great. For me the game was also long enough, a couple of hours.
The hops and puzzles are excellent. Some easy, some more challenging. I liked them all except one puzzle I didn’t get until I saw the solution (arrange each element on the bag to match the hint). There was also one puzzle that seemed frustrating to me until I tried it. In this puzzle you have to complete the portrait by moving each column or row by placing the extra tile in an empty space on the top, bottom, right or left side of the picture. I’m glad I didn’t skipped because, to my own surprise, I liked it.
A couple of things that I thought could use some improvement. From the moment Jane and Joe enter the house, it's clear monsters occupy it who want to trap Jane. Why reveal that so soon? Why not lure the guests in first, have a chat, celebrate Halloween, have a cookie, mislead the quests a bit, set the mood, create some anticipation where you just know and feel something is going to happen (the game does have great special effects). Another thing, those monsters where just OK. There are so many different kind of supernatural monsters that are already created and are still waiting to be created by those who think them up. So I was a bit disappointed by the appearance of the monsters in this game. There is also a twist that I thought was not necessary. Apparently the game is not that forgiving. Lastly, one character has a change of heart quickly. In the context of this game, that didn’t make any sense to me. It was so abruptly without any build up. She didn’t change her mind about something minor, it was pretty big.
Regardless I enjoyed myself very much. I also think the game is a very inspiring setting if you want to have your own Halloween party. Everything was beautifully decorated. There was also an hop game (where you have to cross screens a couple of times) with a decorated table with food and treats all in Halloween style. It looked so nice. I kept thinking that would be a great inspiration and example if you want to cook up something appropriate for your own quests should you decide to celebrate Halloween. We don’t really have that in the Netherlands. We should have that. It sounds like so much fun. Maybe I will have one.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the townspeople from a maniacal specter in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Nasty little thing those bugs
PostedOctober 9, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Let me start by saying I do like this game: the story line, voices, music, atmosphere and so on. Most puzzles and hops I enjoyed and where more challenging and different then other games I have played. Which I like. I'm a big fan of puzzles and do not mind if they are a bit more challenging. There are not much puzzles and hops in it though. However not everything in this game made sense to me or was accurate. Some of those things are already pointed out by the reviewer Granny_Gruff. I could have looked past those irregularities if I hadn't encountered two bugs.
Possible spoiler: The first was after I collected the herbs in the green house of the psychic. All of the sudden my bag with herbs disappeared from the inventory. A moment later, it showed an empty slot in my inventory. Luckily restarting the game fixed this bug so I wouldn't had to start over.
Possible spoiler: The second bug was with three characters needing to move through a house with obstacles. Each character had three unique tools to overcome those obstacles. It’s up to you to figure out when to use which tool. One of my characters only had two tools. The third tool, a key which I needed, was not there. Instead of the key, it showed an empty slot. Restarting the game a couple of times didn't help this time. I had to skip the puzzle because I couldn't proceed.
When I don't manage a puzzle, this is one thing. When I can't manage a puzzle because of the game itself, I get annoyed and frustrated. I do NOT like using the skip button. This was not the only time I got annoyed throughout the game.
Maybe those bugs are not there anymore if I start over and play the game for a second time. I don’t know. Luckily I could work around those bugs without starting over because, for now, I don’t want to start over. By the time I was in the forest I was pretty much ready for the game to wrap up. I finished the main game and need a little break from it before I continue with the bonus chapter.
Due to my conflicting feelings about this game I don’t make a recommendation if you should buy it or not. Best is to play the demo and see for yourself If you like it. When I play a demo I usually know within 5 minutes if I like the game and want to buy it. Like I did with this game. Maybe play a bit longer when playing the demo (you got 90 minutes, use it).
Journey into your nephew’s mind to save him from a nightmare!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Don't you worry Timmy, auntie to the rescue
PostedOctober 4, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have “Subject 360” and “The Broken Tower”. Two games I enjoyed very much and this game within the Maze series is no exception to that. Great story line, graphics, music, atmosphere and voices. The HOs and mini games are excellent. I especially enjoyed the mini games although some could be a little bit more challenging (but they are more challenging than many other games I have played).
I played with these settings: no sparkles, no tutorial, no helpful text messages, plus-indicator, icon changes over active areas. With these settings, no idea how long it took me to finish the game. I tend to not pay much attention to this when enjoying a game but it felt like a descent amount, a couple of hours.
The story and the dream world of Timmy you enter made sense to me. The way I see it, technically this is not a supernatural story (although it could be seen as that). It is just Timmy subconscious dealing with experiences and emotions that happened in his waking life and giving it its own (somewhat twisted but logic) spin.
I thought aunt Christine was brave in her nephews nightmare and very focused on rescuing Timmy. You can become so strong and brave when it comes to people you love (you may even surprise yourself). So I liked that being reflected in the game. Well, that's my interpretation of it.
I recommend this game!
Decades ago, a brutal crime occurred at the Lexington Hotel. Are you brave enough to uncover the truth about what happened there?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
The nanny in this game is no Mary Poppins
PostedSeptember 15, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I got this game as weekly catch. And what a catch I got! It kept me engaged for a couple of hours. The story line, puzzles/mini games and HO scenes, all the creepy details, voices, graphics, music, atmosphere. Loved it all. I even got scared once or twice, just a little bit. If you’d like you can add to the creepy atmosphere and effects by playing with (most) lights off, when it's already dark outside. Just make sure you can stomach that. There is NO shame if you can’t: I get more easily scared nowadays then when I was younger but sometimes I still favor to set a scary mood when playing such games.
This game challenged me plenty. Overall I thought the HO scenes and mini games where not that difficult but some games where more time consuming and challenging, which I appreciate. With just enough HO scenes. I like puzzles/mini games more than HO scenes so when there are too much HO scenes I easily get bored and frustrated. Not with this game. The HO scenes are also varied: not only finding items from a list but for example also finding pairs and silhouettes.
I got stuck a couple of times figuring out which inventory item goes where but I didn't use the hint or skip button. One time, near the end, I thought I encountered a bug when the mouse turned into a grabbing hand but I couldn’t do anything with that rock. So I clicked, pressed and interacted with anything I could interact with till I got it right. Luckily it was NO bug. Pressing and trying to interact with anything is a great strategy – or better put: it is a strategy ;) - when you got stuck. Eventually something will work.
Even when you don’t get this game on sale, I think you get your money’s worth. Since BF has plenty of discount sales, you might as well wait till one comes along. That is, when you’re interested in this game. But be aware, levitating is the only thing this nanny has in common with Mary Poppins.
I recommend this game!
Step into the shoes of a Private investigator with short-term memory loss and uncover the shocking truth about his involvement with a serial killer called The Executioner.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
For once the butler didn't do it
PostedAugust 30, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game kept me entertained for a couple of hours. I enjoyed it very much. Like other reviewers already wrote, this is a good old fashion solid detective/whodunit (btw, there is no butler in it). The story/plot was not that difficult to figure out, I thought it was a bit predictable. However, that didn't diminish the story in any way. There was one plot twist that came as a surprise to me. The graphics are great, good atmosphere and I thought all voices where really good and fitting for the characters they where portraying.
The game has plenty of puzzles/mini games and HO scenes. Most of those where a bit different, sometimes even new, that I'm used to in other games. So that was fun. I like puzzles and mini games more than HO scenes. By the end of the game I was a bit tired of the many HO scenes.
My only regret with this game is not buying the standard edition. The collector’s edition is fine but nothing special (and I think I cannot collect the collectibles anymore I forgot afterwards). The bonus story was short and not something I was curious about after playing the main game (how did the detective end up in the place he is in when the main story is starting). But I had a coupon (thanks Big Fish) and just three stamps short for a free game. So yeah, pretty cool too.
I recommend this game!
Embark on an exciting expedition to crack the intriguing puzzles of the past, while developing new lands for the kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Lucky number 3
PostedAugust 28, 2019
Libby_3
fromNetherlands
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After playing the trial versions of royal envoy 1, 2 and 3 and after some deliberation with myself which one to buy, I decided to go with lucky number 3.
I like this game. It gets challenging quickly. Only the first island I managed to get 3 stars for each level. After that the levels are more challenging. Planning in how to proceed is advisable if you want to finish in time and even earn 3 stars. When I ran out of time the game asked me if I wanted to redo the level or wanted to finish the level in relax mode. Relax mode doesn’t have a time limit and is an option within the settings you can easily enable or disable. So that's pretty cool although I opt to try it again. This time I managed but just barely although that doesn't really matter because you can replay each level. And I expect to get better each time I try.
I also appreciate the many achievements. Most games I play only come with achievements when purchasing the collector’s edition. This one does not. Very cool.
I think it's already said in the review(s) but I say it again because I like it. In order to collect objects you don't have to click the many objects with the mouse anymore like you have to in part 2 which can become annoying after a while. Hovering over it with the mouse is enough to collect it.
Each level (the timer) starts from the moment you plan your first action. This gives you time to study the island first so you can plan how you're going to manage the tasks within the time limit. You can even select certain objects and read what it is or what to do in order to interact with the object. Just don't plan an action until you're good and ready to tackle the level.
This is a fun game. I’m enjoying it very much.
I recommend this game!