LogieBaby's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:12,354
- Reviews Submitted:375
- First Review:December 24, 2011
- Most Recent Review:July 5, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Yuletide Legends: The Brothers Claus Collector's Edition
Can you save the holidays before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 29 found this review helpful
This is quite nearly a total BAH HUMBUG !!
PostedDecember 15, 2016
LogieBaby
fromIn a troubled world where we all need some sweetness and light, this game fails to deliver on many fronts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
At my age, nearly 70, Christmas is not my favorite holiday. The gift giving is for the grand kids as my wife and I do not need a special day anymore to obtain any item we might want be it ordinary or very special. Give me Thanksgiving for a great day.
What I enjoy about Christmas is the gathering of family and friends which would be enhanced if it were not accompanied by the need to purchase lots of stuff.
This game suffers from the lack of joy that other Christmas themed games have dwelt on. In this version Santa has a twin brother Varyk who becomes evil when the woman who becomes Mrs. Claus chooses Santa over Varyk. Mr. and Mrs. Claus need to enprison Varyk so the latter cannot ruin the holiday season.Varyk escapes and unleashes his warped senses on the holiday. Of course as this HOPA progresses and reaches its conclusion GOOD will win out over EVIL. It's the journey to that end that leaves me very cold.
The game does have its strong points. I find the game extremely well drawn for starters. I really enjoyed a good amount of the HO segments and the puzzles. There are some collectibles and morphs which I was not compelled to locate.
I have opined in lots of reviews that for me personally the story must whet my appetite since there is so much repetition in actual game play. The story in Yuletide Legends is way to much of a downer ( even with the acknowledged happy ending ) for me to want this game or to recommend it.
Players , answer this question: Would you want to introduce the Brothers Claus to a youngster? I think not.
What I enjoy about Christmas is the gathering of family and friends which would be enhanced if it were not accompanied by the need to purchase lots of stuff.
This game suffers from the lack of joy that other Christmas themed games have dwelt on. In this version Santa has a twin brother Varyk who becomes evil when the woman who becomes Mrs. Claus chooses Santa over Varyk. Mr. and Mrs. Claus need to enprison Varyk so the latter cannot ruin the holiday season.Varyk escapes and unleashes his warped senses on the holiday. Of course as this HOPA progresses and reaches its conclusion GOOD will win out over EVIL. It's the journey to that end that leaves me very cold.
The game does have its strong points. I find the game extremely well drawn for starters. I really enjoyed a good amount of the HO segments and the puzzles. There are some collectibles and morphs which I was not compelled to locate.
I have opined in lots of reviews that for me personally the story must whet my appetite since there is so much repetition in actual game play. The story in Yuletide Legends is way to much of a downer ( even with the acknowledged happy ending ) for me to want this game or to recommend it.
Players , answer this question: Would you want to introduce the Brothers Claus to a youngster? I think not.
I don't recommend this game.
A quest filled with more than 100 mosaic nonograms to find Arcanesium. Gather clues and crack codes to solve the mystery.
Overall rating
3
/
5
27 of 29 found this review helpful
There is lots of good and bad in this mosaic game
PostedDecember 14, 2016
LogieBaby
fromNo one yet has managed to come close to the quality of Fantasy Mosaics
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
When I started this new offering my initial thought was I'd find a mystery to be unraveled withing the framework of a grid puzzle. This proved to be true. So far so good.
Now let's get to the pluses and minuses of The Secret of Arcanesium. On the plus side, we find multiple colors ( 3 each in the time I spent on the demo. Even better is the challenge
within many of the grids . I hate using hints in this sort of games so I was forced to restart at least half of the grids that I bombed on.
On the minus side we have many objects once deciphered that look nothing like it should. The most egregious of these is a DONUT that appears nothing like one. Another is a BUTTERFLY. This bothered me no end. I also did not appreciate some of the colors used. There is a dark grey sometimes used and with a black background in all grids it made my old eyes squint way to much. When each grid is completed the finished product is then reproduced line by line horizontally and I found this time consuming and boring.
within many of the grids . I hate using hints in this sort of games so I was forced to restart at least half of the grids that I bombed on.
On the minus side we have many objects once deciphered that look nothing like it should. The most egregious of these is a DONUT that appears nothing like one. Another is a BUTTERFLY. This bothered me no end. I also did not appreciate some of the colors used. There is a dark grey sometimes used and with a black background in all grids it made my old eyes squint way to much. When each grid is completed the finished product is then reproduced line by line horizontally and I found this time consuming and boring.
There is some interactivity required after grid completion an example being using a key to open a door. Another is using clippers to trim a hedge. Overall I found this to be rather amateurish. I think lots of players will relish this mosaic style game and that's OK with me. Unfortunately the product does not move me enough to consider it worthy of purchase. I'll stick to the penguin in Fantasy Mosaics until such time that another developer creates a griddler that appeals to me.
I don't recommend this game.
Travel beyond our galaxy to bring your lost son back home.
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 33 found this review helpful
Star Descendant is BEYOND my expectations
PostedDecember 11, 2016
LogieBaby
fromAnother superb product from the folks at Mad Head
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
For some reason sci-fi games are not my cup of tea which is strange to me since I enjoy movies, TV shows and novels of that ilk. I bought the CE version and find this game to be one of the better offerings during 2016.
A lad named Thomas is opening birthday presents while his mom Sara is baking cookies. One gift has strange powers and leads Thomas to leave home where he is suddenly transported to a weird amusement park called Kosmos and subsequently to the planet Nenshe where he is abducted by Kaine who claims to be the lads father. The mom of course follows her son in order to rescue and return home and this is where the fun starts.
The game is gorgeous to look at and characters are extremely life like. As Saras quest evolves there is an element of fantasy in some of the creatures she meets along the way.
As is a must in any HOPA I purchase the story line must hold my interest and this saga does that. The HO segments and puzzles are extremely well done. At the start of moms adventure she embarks on a roller coaster ride that is so realistic that some players might get dizzy.
I thoroughly enjoyed that some of the puzzles have some originality and not just being variations on often used puzzles. Mad Head games have become some of the best developments and Beyond Star Descendant is fantastic.
My recommendation is to acquire the CE version for a couple of reasons. The bonus chapter predates Thomas and gives players a needed insight into why Kaine became who he is. The collectibles ( rockets of various shapes ) are nicely interspersed within each screen setting and some hard to locate.
There is also a second bonus consisting of an extra HO segment where more than 50 items must be found.
Those players who did not buy the CE should get this SE and also consider the higher priced version because it offers so much more, particularly to the story. This is to me a top 5 game of this year.
A lad named Thomas is opening birthday presents while his mom Sara is baking cookies. One gift has strange powers and leads Thomas to leave home where he is suddenly transported to a weird amusement park called Kosmos and subsequently to the planet Nenshe where he is abducted by Kaine who claims to be the lads father. The mom of course follows her son in order to rescue and return home and this is where the fun starts.
The game is gorgeous to look at and characters are extremely life like. As Saras quest evolves there is an element of fantasy in some of the creatures she meets along the way.
As is a must in any HOPA I purchase the story line must hold my interest and this saga does that. The HO segments and puzzles are extremely well done. At the start of moms adventure she embarks on a roller coaster ride that is so realistic that some players might get dizzy.
I thoroughly enjoyed that some of the puzzles have some originality and not just being variations on often used puzzles. Mad Head games have become some of the best developments and Beyond Star Descendant is fantastic.
My recommendation is to acquire the CE version for a couple of reasons. The bonus chapter predates Thomas and gives players a needed insight into why Kaine became who he is. The collectibles ( rockets of various shapes ) are nicely interspersed within each screen setting and some hard to locate.
There is also a second bonus consisting of an extra HO segment where more than 50 items must be found.
Those players who did not buy the CE should get this SE and also consider the higher priced version because it offers so much more, particularly to the story. This is to me a top 5 game of this year.
I recommend this game!
The town of Brightfield is under attack by a mysterious infection!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 31 found this review helpful
Doctor Cyanide should meet Charles Dalimar
PostedDecember 10, 2016
LogieBaby
fromHooray for me!! I just got my alltime high score in Banana Bugs, 9,993,760. This is such a great game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The last few weeks have been an exercise in bizarre games.
I thought Broken Hours, which is a fine game, set new standards of weirdness. This installment of Mystery Trackers though not as good as the MCF game surely gives Broken Hours a run for its money.
I thought Broken Hours, which is a fine game, set new standards of weirdness. This installment of Mystery Trackers though not as good as the MCF game surely gives Broken Hours a run for its money.
In this tale Dr. Cyanide apparently works for an equally evil woman I guess she is the Queen of Hearts mentioned in the game title. The queen has abducted a young woman vital to the goings on and the doctor has devised a gas which inhaled transforms ordinary people into hideous monsters.
The detective must get to the bottom of this dilemma and foil the queen with the help of course of our intrepid chihuahua Elf. The pooch is decked out in his own hazmat suit so he doesn't breathe the poisonous gas. Poor Elf is ugly enough without being turned into something even more absurd.
As in all HOPA, the detective must gather items and perform tasks ( via puzzles and HO segments ) to further the quest.
A note to all developers: Is it not time to mothball certain chores such as picking up a broken piece of glass which then must be wrapped in a cloth so a rope can be cut. I have also had more than my share of lockpicks and oils to remove rust etc. These game designers need to provide new features since the same old same old has reached high levels of ennui.
While not among the best of the MT series, Queen of Hearts is far superior to its predecessor the Train to Hellwitch which is dreadful.
I am not blown away by this game and I did not care about the collectibles , heck I even forgot what they are!! Perhaps I might consider the SE version later on should I have a free game code soon to expire. As an aside, why does BFG subject us with expiration dates on the freebies?
I am a bit underwhelmed by this game so it gets a lukewarm recommendation.
The detective must get to the bottom of this dilemma and foil the queen with the help of course of our intrepid chihuahua Elf. The pooch is decked out in his own hazmat suit so he doesn't breathe the poisonous gas. Poor Elf is ugly enough without being turned into something even more absurd.
As in all HOPA, the detective must gather items and perform tasks ( via puzzles and HO segments ) to further the quest.
A note to all developers: Is it not time to mothball certain chores such as picking up a broken piece of glass which then must be wrapped in a cloth so a rope can be cut. I have also had more than my share of lockpicks and oils to remove rust etc. These game designers need to provide new features since the same old same old has reached high levels of ennui.
While not among the best of the MT series, Queen of Hearts is far superior to its predecessor the Train to Hellwitch which is dreadful.
I am not blown away by this game and I did not care about the collectibles , heck I even forgot what they are!! Perhaps I might consider the SE version later on should I have a free game code soon to expire. As an aside, why does BFG subject us with expiration dates on the freebies?
I am a bit underwhelmed by this game so it gets a lukewarm recommendation.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a destructive scientist before it's too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
25 of 34 found this review helpful
I panned the beta test, the finished product is no better
PostedDecember 6, 2016
LogieBaby
fromThis Curio Society does not whet my curiosity at all
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I was asked to beta this installment of the Curio Society series and I found it to be rather absurd. Now that the game is available to the masses it shows no improvement. While I realize lots of these games require a definite suspension from reality, the Thief of Life is so far over the top in being way too weird that the end result leaves me to stay away.
The story is another in a group that has a scientist, this time it's an over zealous chap named Jack, being relieved of his duties as part of a team creating yet another device that will change the world. Jack many years later seeks revenge on his former team so he has fashioned a weapon that looks like a bazooka and fires a sort of laser bomb. He starts by incapacitating another scientist ( Mary ) by having an upside down car falling on her. This should have killed Mary but these events don't occur in HOPA. Mary manages to tell the detective about a Professor Maxwell who was in command of the scientists and how he must be saved from the vengeful Jack. It is apparent that originality is not part of the story line.
To its credit, some of the puzzles are clever while the HO segments are rather ho hum. The player gets to collect outrageous inventions scattered in game scenery.
I don't mind bizarre games as long as the story is in keeping with events that take place. This game is IMO way to disjointed so I will pass on it. Judge for yourselves.
To its credit, some of the puzzles are clever while the HO segments are rather ho hum. The player gets to collect outrageous inventions scattered in game scenery.
I don't mind bizarre games as long as the story is in keeping with events that take place. This game is IMO way to disjointed so I will pass on it. Judge for yourselves.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore a new world of pixel art puzzles in more colors than ever in Fantasy Mosaics: Explore New Colors!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 18 found this review helpful
Vibrant new colors make the series seem new even at #18
PostedDecember 5, 2016
LogieBaby
fromWe must still be buying these in droves since FM is kind of like the Energizer Bunny, it never stops
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Match Gems knows how to keep on attracting players to its Fantasy Mosaic series. Is there any other group of games coming close to having 18 games? NOPE !!
In this version the upside is the addition of some new colors
and as it's been the case since four or more colors are used in each mosaic grid, this edition continues with the style. I wish FM had employed a more suitable name than Explore New Colors as this one is rather drab considering what is being offered.
and as it's been the case since four or more colors are used in each mosaic grid, this edition continues with the style. I wish FM had employed a more suitable name than Explore New Colors as this one is rather drab considering what is being offered.
During the hour long demo I got through 17 grids using no hints so it appears ( at least in the demo ) that # 18 is not all that challenging.
I find these mosaics to be soothing and this one has nice background music. I always find these games to be a good use for free game codes and I will acquire # 18 via that method. Now I can only wonder what Match Gems has up its sleeve to enhance the series even further.
I recommend this game!
Travel beyond our galaxy to bring your lost son back home.
Overall rating
5
/
5
52 of 69 found this review helpful
BEYOND is beyond my expectations
PostedNovember 19, 2016
LogieBaby
fromJump on that roller coaster for an outstanding ride.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
For some reason the sci-fi style games have generally not appealed to me and it's not that I am anti sci-fi. When I saw that Star Descendant was of that ilk my first impression was this is a game I'd ultimately elect to pass on. Boy was I ever wrong !!
Mad Head has become one of the best developers in the HOPA world. MH hardly ever produces a dud. In this version a youngster ( Thomas ) is teleported from Earth to the planet Nenshe. The boy has extraordinary powers he was unaware of and the bad guy ( Kaine ) claims Thomas is his son and will do anything to keep the lad away from his mom
who got to the new planet via a portal opened by a robotic that needed to be fed a tin can, and iron bar and a couple of other items to power up.
There is a small section in a futuristic amusement park and a roller coaster ride that even on a PC looked way cool.
Initially mom is thwarted by a humanoid ( Seth ) who later on realizes that Kaine is evil and wants then to help mother. This is where the demo ends.
From the story alone, I want to go further. The game is beautifully drawn and the characters are life-like which is always a good thing. The HO segments are interesting and most of the puzzles offer little challenge. One good one involves locating various shaped objects to a landing site and there is only one way to do so.
During the demo I never even looked for any collection items or morphs since I became so engrossed in the story and the means to go further.
We are fortunate that October and November has produced some fine games and hopefully a new MCF will arrive in a few days. I will certainly acquire Beyond and give it my highest possible recommendation
Mad Head has become one of the best developers in the HOPA world. MH hardly ever produces a dud. In this version a youngster ( Thomas ) is teleported from Earth to the planet Nenshe. The boy has extraordinary powers he was unaware of and the bad guy ( Kaine ) claims Thomas is his son and will do anything to keep the lad away from his mom
who got to the new planet via a portal opened by a robotic that needed to be fed a tin can, and iron bar and a couple of other items to power up.
There is a small section in a futuristic amusement park and a roller coaster ride that even on a PC looked way cool.
Initially mom is thwarted by a humanoid ( Seth ) who later on realizes that Kaine is evil and wants then to help mother. This is where the demo ends.
From the story alone, I want to go further. The game is beautifully drawn and the characters are life-like which is always a good thing. The HO segments are interesting and most of the puzzles offer little challenge. One good one involves locating various shaped objects to a landing site and there is only one way to do so.
During the demo I never even looked for any collection items or morphs since I became so engrossed in the story and the means to go further.
We are fortunate that October and November has produced some fine games and hopefully a new MCF will arrive in a few days. I will certainly acquire Beyond and give it my highest possible recommendation
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery behind a local woman's death?
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 38 found this review helpful
With the most recent game I said the series should end, with this one I say: DITTO !!
PostedNovember 17, 2016
LogieBaby
fromBloody Rosie is very nearly a bloody mess
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
ERS creates many games under various series formats. Puppet Show originally was very creative and became quite popular among HOPA enthusiasts. Unfortunately after about 4 good games, Puppet Show devolved into a group of bizarre disjointed efforts. There was an innocence lost when more and more puppets became instruments of unbound evil. Bloody Rosie continues in that vein.
Here the detective, and in one nice move we get to select the gender, is summoned to investigate the apparent murder of Nina when everyone in Oldern Town is convinced she took her own life. Her widower is alone in the belief she was slain. As is the case in all games, strange occurrences are the norm.
As to game play itself, I found all the HO segments and the puzzles way too easy. The game lacks any challenge for experienced players. We get another ridiculous helper in the form of a puppet photographer who shoots pictures mostly in areas where the detective cannot see things for himself.
Some of the photos are clues to interactivity within the game. Collectible roses are strewn about. Ho HUM to that.
I surmise developers read some of these reviews. Should this be the case, ERS needs to look back at the initial 3 editions and revert back to that brand. Otherwise the puppets deserve nothing more than to be taken to the landfill and scrapped.
Here the detective, and in one nice move we get to select the gender, is summoned to investigate the apparent murder of Nina when everyone in Oldern Town is convinced she took her own life. Her widower is alone in the belief she was slain. As is the case in all games, strange occurrences are the norm.
As to game play itself, I found all the HO segments and the puzzles way too easy. The game lacks any challenge for experienced players. We get another ridiculous helper in the form of a puppet photographer who shoots pictures mostly in areas where the detective cannot see things for himself.
Some of the photos are clues to interactivity within the game. Collectible roses are strewn about. Ho HUM to that.
I surmise developers read some of these reviews. Should this be the case, ERS needs to look back at the initial 3 editions and revert back to that brand. Otherwise the puppets deserve nothing more than to be taken to the landfill and scrapped.
I don't recommend this game.
Enjoy Pinecreek Hills at its best! Have a sensational summer vacation helping the Rangers run the park in its centennial year.
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 37 found this review helpful
very much a surprise for me
PostedNovember 15, 2016
LogieBaby
fromvisiting National Parks is a favorite activity of mine, so this game is a reminder that I need to plan another vacation
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Many years ago when these PC games came out all were of the junk pile variety and thousands of us players gravitated toward them. A couple years later games became a bit more sophisticated, a good example being the original Ravenhearst.
Now with HOPAs available and some being superb, it has been a long time since many players have ever considered a purchase of any game similar to this 5th installment of Vacation Adventures.
I rarely even go into the demo. Today I did so and was pleasantly surprised. Were it just hidden object scenes after another I'd surely pass. What appeals to me are finding the critters in each segment and the recycle symbol. These are the same as collectibles to a degree in newer HOPAs.
I also found the background guitar music a bit soothing although it would be an improvement if various ditties were employed. I also liked some of the post hidden object scenes with a good example being the one where certain varieties of trees need identifying . \
I have a bunch of free game codes so I just might acquire Park Ranger 5. For brand spanking new players and for those who generally feel the same as me about this sort of game, I suggest completing at least the trial.
Now with HOPAs available and some being superb, it has been a long time since many players have ever considered a purchase of any game similar to this 5th installment of Vacation Adventures.
I rarely even go into the demo. Today I did so and was pleasantly surprised. Were it just hidden object scenes after another I'd surely pass. What appeals to me are finding the critters in each segment and the recycle symbol. These are the same as collectibles to a degree in newer HOPAs.
I also found the background guitar music a bit soothing although it would be an improvement if various ditties were employed. I also liked some of the post hidden object scenes with a good example being the one where certain varieties of trees need identifying . \
I have a bunch of free game codes so I just might acquire Park Ranger 5. For brand spanking new players and for those who generally feel the same as me about this sort of game, I suggest completing at least the trial.
I recommend this game!
Your new dream home has become a deadly nightmare!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 16 found this review helpful
Mortal Medicine needs an elixir
PostedNovember 10, 2016
LogieBaby
fromthe game is somewhere between HOHUM and WHO CARES
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I haven't found previous Chimeras to be worthy of purchase.
The primary reason is a total lack of challenge and this version is way too easy. This is a very busy game in that lots of items need finding in one location and then used somewhere else. The hidden object segments and the puzzles offer little as far as forcing the player to use any effort. Perhaps this game is geared either to youngsters or to those adults new to HOPAs.
The primary reason is a total lack of challenge and this version is way too easy. This is a very busy game in that lots of items need finding in one location and then used somewhere else. The hidden object segments and the puzzles offer little as far as forcing the player to use any effort. Perhaps this game is geared either to youngsters or to those adults new to HOPAs.
The game premise is a variation of an oft used theme: Some strange and virulent disease has befallen children in the town of Ronas. The player as a detective is tasked with determining what will cure the kids. A doctor promised to secure the cure and gave it to his daughter who unfortunately died. The doctor was arrested, charged with murder and is awaiting execution.
As the demo ends another man is transmutated from a Chimera. Who this guy is remains to be seen, unfortunately I won't be one of those to find out as this game is not my cup of tea for reasons cited.
There are collectible umbrellas, jigsaw pieces and morphs to be gathered. I can endorse this game for the newbies and for kids but recommend a pass for any one else. This isn't a horrible game but it is far from being a really good one.
I don't recommend this game.