SyrensSong's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:142
- Reviews Submitted:10
- First Review:March 7, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 18, 2013
- Featured reviews0
SyrensSong's Review History
Save the kingdom and reunite Princess Isabella with her prince in the exciting conclusion to the Princess Isabella trilogy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 16 found this review helpful
A Conundrum to Rate - But how could I not give it 5 stars?
PostedMay 18, 2013
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First let me say that if you haven't played the two previous games in this series - go play them before you play this one - It's not at all necessary but you will be VERY glad you did - trust me
--- Like I said - Difficult to rate - Here's why ---
I couldn't give this game anything lower than 5 stars - despite challenge level being what it is - which is actually relative but the sparkle, sparkle, sparkle.... why? - but still it's truthfully a very good game for almost every other reason
I couldn't give this game anything lower than 5 stars - despite challenge level being what it is - which is actually relative but the sparkle, sparkle, sparkle.... why? - but still it's truthfully a very good game for almost every other reason
I think the series of games as a whole absolutely rock - but does this game - on it's own - without a player's knowledge of previous games deserve a perfect score? Maybe.
It's a tough one to rate - And although I prefer much harder games I love this one for it's story and fun factor.
Most important to me is the first two games have always stuck out in my mind amongst the 100's of HOA games I've played - They were fun whimsical and cool when the adventure element of HOGs started to get so popular - At times I've even used them a standard when looking for a game of the like to purchase.
I've learned that it's best if most often when I play the next game in a series where the first had that special "magical" factor that made it great I start playing with very low expectations - 'cos I'm usually let down - and hard
In this case - Surprise!! - this game - the third in the series has not let me down and still has that "magic" that the first and second games had that made them so memorable.
So -
In General
* If you're a fan of the series you're gonna LOVE this game - "I guarantee it" - as they say :)
* For beginners of the HOA genre game will be awesome
* If you don't like plain HOS and need the interactive ones - sorry - this game doesn't have that for you
* Important: If you want/need a challenge - find another game - really - an advanced/intermediate player who expects a challenge will definitely be disappointed.
In General
* If you're a fan of the series you're gonna LOVE this game - "I guarantee it" - as they say :)
* For beginners of the HOA genre game will be awesome
* If you don't like plain HOS and need the interactive ones - sorry - this game doesn't have that for you
* Important: If you want/need a challenge - find another game - really - an advanced/intermediate player who expects a challenge will definitely be disappointed.
TRUTH Be Told
*If I wasn't such a fan of the story itself - or the series - I probably would have not been happy with the game and regretted my purchase for a few reasons I will explain below - despite its better qualities
*If I wasn't such a fan of the story itself - or the series - I probably would have not been happy with the game and regretted my purchase for a few reasons I will explain below - despite its better qualities
The Good
* the relaxing yet interesting story and gameplay
* Love that with the "special powers" I don't have to worry about collecting multiple items throughout the game to smash things etc - don't wanna give it all away - but I bet you know what I mean
* the superb graphic quality - and I mean superb - clean - beautifully drawn scenes - no blur but no hard lines either
* very nice voice acting
* cool characters even the witch 'cos it's not dark and dreary and doom like a lot of other games
* no weird unwieldy bulky controls - as I have seem to run across a lot lately - that sometimes do things you don't want it to do like go back to last location or accidentally hitting "skip" instead of the strategy guide 'cos of placement and sluggish pointers - just for example -
* ability to customize hint and skip charge time if you want is awesome - i like a hard game without hints - which is why it's funny I'm giving this one all 5 stars - but when i want to skip a puzzle I just hate and don't want to wait
*game lives up to its predecessors which is awesome on the writers/devs part - Way to Go!!
* the relaxing yet interesting story and gameplay
* Love that with the "special powers" I don't have to worry about collecting multiple items throughout the game to smash things etc - don't wanna give it all away - but I bet you know what I mean
* the superb graphic quality - and I mean superb - clean - beautifully drawn scenes - no blur but no hard lines either
* very nice voice acting
* cool characters even the witch 'cos it's not dark and dreary and doom like a lot of other games
* no weird unwieldy bulky controls - as I have seem to run across a lot lately - that sometimes do things you don't want it to do like go back to last location or accidentally hitting "skip" instead of the strategy guide 'cos of placement and sluggish pointers - just for example -
* ability to customize hint and skip charge time if you want is awesome - i like a hard game without hints - which is why it's funny I'm giving this one all 5 stars - but when i want to skip a puzzle I just hate and don't want to wait
*game lives up to its predecessors which is awesome on the writers/devs part - Way to Go!!
But here's why I would have been totally disappointed in the game if I were not such a fan of the series - the story - and the wanting to know what happens to Bella and if that stupid witch will ever be finally vanquished!!!
The Bad
* no interactive or fancy HOS - all plain lists - Although the scenes themselves are pretty nice - they fit the story and don't seem like junk piles
* sparkles and other blatant unnecessary hand-holding despite difficulty level set to most difficult - where there should be no sparkles at all they're all over the place - but like I said - easy game
* no interactive or fancy HOS - all plain lists - Although the scenes themselves are pretty nice - they fit the story and don't seem like junk piles
* sparkles and other blatant unnecessary hand-holding despite difficulty level set to most difficult - where there should be no sparkles at all they're all over the place - but like I said - easy game
So the "Bad" list is short. HOS are boring but luckily they're not over abundant - the sparkle, sparkle, sparkle make an already easy game half played for you - on the bright side you won't miss anything :)
All-in-all how could I not buy it right away and relax and enjoy it as a fan of the first two?
If you haven't played them - go play them - you'll definitely wanna check this one out after that - imho
If you haven't played them - go play them - you'll definitely wanna check this one out after that - imho
I recommend this game!
Unearth your forgotten childhood memories to reveal the secret of the ancient labyrinth.
Overall rating
1
/
5
10 of 22 found this review helpful
Used a free game coupon and still feel buyer's remorse.
PostedDecember 11, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It's extremely rare that I play a game that I find so bad I feel the need to complain about it. And actually feel annoyed by it. I stopped playing and I won't be finishing it.
The whole thing seems extremely juvenile, yes, it's about kids at a summer camp. But playing as a grown person revisiting bad memories should not play out like you're 12.
No fun factor. Here's why...
The graphics while not entirely awful, were below mediocre. Cut scenes were a total blur. A poor rating is actually quite generous here. And I really don't understand all the horror scenery. Really.
I just don't understand how this story is working here. So you go back to summer camp as an adult to work out your reoccurring nightmares. The place you arrive at is straight out of a horror story and yet your pondering the relationship between your camp director and the nurse as you are being attacked by trees. I don't get it. So, "awful" is an understatement as far as storyline goes.
Challenge,.. hmm, well, good for a beginner in the genre I guess. But for me a poor rating is again generous.
I haven't played any trials before I buy in quite some time now. Sometimes I'm not all that thrilled, and sometimes I love the surprise of a great game. But never have I felt this let down. And the game was a freebie.
No, for the first time I believe, I do NOT recommend.
I don't recommend this game.
A disastrous avalanche... an evacuation... did anyone survive? The ski trip you've dreamed of for so long turns into a nightmare.
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
My expectations were too high
PostedDecember 8, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
It plays like a great classic novel that does not translate well on the big screen.... Crucible Peak in comparison to the first Phantasmat.
I had looked forward to this game release for what felt like forever and bought it straight away without any trial. I was so excited I just wanted to get on with it. Now that it's all over I just don't know how I feel about it. I really don't want to think it was so bad.
This game is very hard to rate fairly. It really depends on whether or not you've played the first Phantasmat and whether or not you cared for it and so on. So I've decided that my rating reflects my situation... A huge fan of the first Phantasmat and have played it multiple times. From this point of view Crucible Peak fails on many levels if not all.
First off: The story. Exactly the same as the first except for fact that this lacked the mystery the first carried throughout the entire game along with the second and third time you play it. Crucible Peak just does not have that mysterious element that made the first one so great.
Then when you factor in characters without any depth, scenery that bores, and a conclusion to the game you could see coming from a mile away.... this game just isn't all that great, or even good. I hate to say it, I wish it wasn't so, but it is.
The HOS were run of the mill, mini-games average to a little better than average, game length, seemed long enough, graphics are good, it's just the story's setting that isn't good. Voice overs were good, interesting accents. Everything is just good/okay.
The bonus chapter was weird. Once again, no creativity.
Here's the thing. If you're a fan of Phantasmat you'll most likely find this game not so great. Three stars when you inevitably compare the two.
If you are new to Phantasmat then I would guess that you'd most likely enjoy this game very much. May even be a five star game for you.
So yeah, I recommend the game. Just don't get too excited if you're a Phantasmat fan.
I recommend this game!
Use your botany skills to survive the strange new planet of Botanica. Can you find your way back to Earth in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 50 found this review helpful
LOVE the Creativity of this game
PostedNovember 24, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
>>>> If you're interested --- thoughts on the CE below <<<<
But here is what I thought of the game ---
Four stars for doing something different with the story!
It stands out from the rest with it's plot. Although I didn't exactly find it very exciting --- Yes, some conflicting feelings about this game --- Don't get me wrong, It is a nice story, and family friendly. Just wasn't exactly my cup of tea. But I had fun playing something different for a change.
Instead of playing the investigator or the family member of a missing person, you're a botanist who stumbled into a very strange, but beautiful world. You meet interesting people and animals on your quest to make it back home.
I very much enjoyed the creativity and thoughtful design that went into not only the nice scenery, but also the fun and unique plants and animals in this story. I loved it!
As far as gameplay goes you can expect well done graphics, and a game that is much more adventure --- lots of mini-games --- than HO from Boomzap. And I can't tell you exactly how long it took me to play, but I definitely didn't feel shortchanged. I'm let down with anything less than 5 hours. Although easy to do, I didn't zip through this game. And I'm not accounting for the bonus chapter from the CE.
It was a pretty easy game, but entertaining nonetheless. Again, family friendly. It's a very good game for when you just wanna kick back and relax for a quiet afternoon. Just the right amount of challenge for the average player wanting a break from the kidnap victim and hair-pulling puzzles.
About the CE
I bought --- with some regret --- and played the CE. So some thoughts on that. If you're like me you're wondering if you're gonna miss anything with the SE. In my opinion --- NO --- I didn't actually bother to finish the bonus chapter in the CE. I got bored. I don't know if it would have tied in to the main game eventually, but what I did play seemed like an odd choice for a bonus chapter. And unless you must have the SG --- not necessary for this game in my opinion --- or are big on wallpapers, concept art, etc. I recommend the SE. It's what I wish I had waited and done.
I bought --- with some regret --- and played the CE. So some thoughts on that. If you're like me you're wondering if you're gonna miss anything with the SE. In my opinion --- NO --- I didn't actually bother to finish the bonus chapter in the CE. I got bored. I don't know if it would have tied in to the main game eventually, but what I did play seemed like an odd choice for a bonus chapter. And unless you must have the SG --- not necessary for this game in my opinion --- or are big on wallpapers, concept art, etc. I recommend the SE. It's what I wish I had waited and done.
Try out the trial. It is a beautiful and relaxing trip into a different world.
Happy Gaming!
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery of the ghostly violinist?
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Really?... What happened?...
PostedNovember 22, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I can hardly believe how much I disliked like this game. A huge disappointment. What's going on Boomzap? Writer's block?
To the point. The storyline.
If you can even call it a storyline, plot, what have you, well, it was absolutely awful! Boring is almost to generous a word. It was practically nonexistent. There wasn't any substance to it.
So much so that... Death Upon an Austrian Sonata?... The title hardly makes sense.
So much so that... Death Upon an Austrian Sonata?... The title hardly makes sense.
Admittedly I have only played demos of the first two Dana Knightstone games, and while interesting I found them a bit dated. But loved the more adventure geared gameplay.
My problem is mostly because one of my all time favorite games, Otherworld, combined with the Awakening series have kept me on a constant lookout for more from Boomzap.
This game played much like the others from the games mentioned above. Pleasant, relaxing gameplay, wonderful graphics, lots of puzzles, new and old, but always fun, and leaned more toward the adventure/puzzle side rather than an HO game.
But this game lacked a story. Big Time. I was so bored with it that I lost interest within the first quarter of the game and had to push my way through the rest.
I was looking forward to a rather easy adventure/puzzle game with an immersive story with interesting/friendly characters to relax too. Didn't get it. I can't even remember what the bonus chapter was about. So it probably isn't meaningful enough alone to go for the CE unless you like wallpapers etc.
An easy game is nothing without story and characters you enjoy.
While it may appeal to younger players, it's definitely not for me.
For those who like to know like me, game length was decent enough I guess. It timed me at a little over 5 hours, but I also let it sit unpaused on a number of occasions, and the extra chapter put it all at a total a bit over 7 hours.
Try the demo (I didn't), if story is important to you. See if it catches your attention. I recommend this game only to those who can deal with a weak story and charactors you probably won't connect with.
I recommend this game!
When a young woman is found comatose by the side of the road with a bloody knife beside her, it’s up to you to unravel her story!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Excellent Story, gorgeous graphics & everything else you want.
PostedJuly 28, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First off, imho this was leaps and bounds better than Surface Mystery of Another World (which really was quite good itself).
I loved playing this game. Limited HOS that are beautiful and easy, with more story & adventure which I love. Mini games I've never seen before or creatively reinvented.
Graphics that were simply amazing. So much so I'm actually using one of the wallpapers in the CE version for once on my notebook.
Had fun with the little side task of collecting flowers that turns into currency used to shop and decorate "my office". Probably much more a girl thing though.
On sort of negative, game length was a little on the short side for me, took me a 1/2 day on and off to play, but I'm still extremely satisfied and don't regret getting the CE version.
Bonus game was fun and as well developed and original as the rest of the game including mini games. It was a nice tie in, but not crucial to the main story for those of you wondering if you should wait for the SE.
I think this is the best interactive map I've come across.
Overall, game was a bit easy. But the story was really interesting, so it was a very relaxing and fun few hours or so for me. It's become of my favorites for this genre and I've played some excellent HOA games lately.
Have fun with this one!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the truth before you become the next page in the killer’s diary?
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Really Disapointing
PostedJuly 13, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart Collector's Edition
(237)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I was really excited about this game after the trial hour. But a little farther into the game I realized I regretted my purchase. One good thing, game play was a little innovative. But it seems there was too much time spent on how to make this game different and none on what it was about. By the end of the game I had no idea what had happened. Literally, I don't know who was dying or why or who the killer was. Cut scenes are ambiguous to the point they shouldn't have even bothered. And in my opinion the bonus play should be part of the regular game. Otherwise it's a really abrupt ending. All in all it's just an ok game. And imho not worth the CE price. And I think a lot of people will be very disappointed when the SE is released. They'll be lost with such an abrupt ending and lack of any good story telling.
I don't recommend this game.
Reunite the Dragon and Phoenix Kingdoms to stop the evil witch!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Excellent game
PostedApril 25, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really enjoyed playing this game. Usually I'm rather disappointed with CE games. But in this case, I had a lot of fun with the extra gameplay. New quest and places to explore, integrated in smoothly with scenes from the main game.
Some fun and unique features added into this adventure/HOG really made it special. The interactive HO scenes were really a lot of fun. Some regular HO scenes still sprinkled throughout the game. And the story was really great. It wasn't a really dark themed game, yay!
It reminded me a lot of Otherworld: Spring of Shadows which is one of my favorite games. I'd like to see a lot more like these.
I was satisfied with the length of the game, I think it took me around 5 hours for the main game and maybe another hour for the extra gameplay. If it's in your budget, I'd recommend the CE version, but the if not, when the SE becomes available don't miss out on this one!
Some fun and unique features added into this adventure/HOG really made it special. The interactive HO scenes were really a lot of fun. Some regular HO scenes still sprinkled throughout the game. And the story was really great. It wasn't a really dark themed game, yay!
It reminded me a lot of Otherworld: Spring of Shadows which is one of my favorite games. I'd like to see a lot more like these.
I was satisfied with the length of the game, I think it took me around 5 hours for the main game and maybe another hour for the extra gameplay. If it's in your budget, I'd recommend the CE version, but the if not, when the SE becomes available don't miss out on this one!
I recommend this game!
Help Mina and her monkey, Jep, flee a Mysterious Island! Escape from the wreckage of a helicopter and return to civilization!
Overall rating
5
/
5
72 of 73 found this review helpful
Just... WOW.
PostedMarch 30, 2012
SyrensSong
fromNorthern California
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What an adventure! I was hooked non-stop for 3 days. I played the first game and liked it a lot, but this one was just FANTASTIC! (Not necessary imo to play the first game to understand what's happening and get into this game)
If you like adventure and a good story you should play this! I am so glad I put my reservations aside about purchasing a game without a trial and went for it. It's also a very long game and I mean long, so you definitely get your money's worth.
Graphics, controls, voiceovers, story, etc... were wonderful. Got to play as both Mina and her little monkey friend which was fun. It was definitely a challenge at times and I did have to look up a strategy guide a few times, but it was still an extremely enjoyable and relaxing game.
This game is most definitely in my personal top 5 favorite games of all time. Right up there with Syberia (if you are a fan of Syberia then this is a must play game, even gameplay imo is smoother as far as moving around, using inventory etc)
I want more games like this one for sure. And it's family friendly, my toddler enjoyed watching the monkeys interact :)
I recommend this game!
The story continues on a train headed east, as Kate Walker and Hans Voralberg search for a mysterious island known as Syberia.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Simply the best adventure ever
PostedMarch 7, 2012
SyrensSong
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have yet to come across any game that can compare on any level to the Syberia series.
The story is absolutely wonderful. This game is like a good book you just can't put down. I became attached to the characters and their plight.
It's about 6 months since I played I and II back to back and I'm ready to jump in and play them again.
This is a must have game for any adventure game lover.
I recommend this game!