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:
This just might be the best Clutter yet! Explore 12 mines filled with clutter, sliders, box quotes and more!
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 22 found this review helpful
If junkpile after junkpile is your thing, it's OK.....otherwise stay away
PostedSeptember 16, 2015
LogieBaby
fromI am trying constantly to declutter my life so this game adds nothing to the equation
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Years ago when these games we so enjoy were initially devised all of them were of the junkpile variety with a bit of a story attached. Recall Mysteryville and Huntsville and others of that ilk. We all were delighted by them. Then developers got more and more sophisticated with stories, live action characters
( were we not all enthralled by Return to Ravenhearst... still one of the best games ever ), collectibles, morphs, etc. Personally, since games started to be fleshed out there is only one other junkpile HOG that I ever relished. That game is Pure Hidden yet I have not revisited it in years. For those who can abide these throwback entries, I guess the Clutters are acceptable. For those players such as me who want some meat on the bone, these journeys back to simpler fare just does not cut the mustard.
( were we not all enthralled by Return to Ravenhearst... still one of the best games ever ), collectibles, morphs, etc. Personally, since games started to be fleshed out there is only one other junkpile HOG that I ever relished. That game is Pure Hidden yet I have not revisited it in years. For those who can abide these throwback entries, I guess the Clutters are acceptable. For those players such as me who want some meat on the bone, these journeys back to simpler fare just does not cut the mustard.
I don't recommend this game.
Solve the mysteries of Stoneville and escape with your life!
Overall rating
4
/
5
38 of 69 found this review helpful
not the best this year and far from the worst
PostedSeptember 10, 2015
LogieBaby
fromThere have been some fine offerings recently, this is another
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
For those who enjoy the fantasy themed HOPAs this installment of the League of Light series will entice. I do like the fantasy games ( the best still are the Awakenings and the Dark Parables )and Silent Mountain is a welcome addition. Since Pennmom issued a very well detailed review of the game, I won't go into specifics. Her review is sufficient to gather nuts and bolts for the game. I will say the HO segments and the puzzles are top-notch. Not the usual fare as well. Mariaglorum is one of the better developers and it has created a well thought out game. If I have a minor issue and it is minor indeed, it is that in the opening of the game we are told the setting is Stoneville, Belgium. I doubt that country would have a town with such a name and the mayor's name is too Anglicized. For me this is a small distraction. Overall, the game is very good but not outstanding. It is one that I may purchase or wait to use a free game code as a means of obtaining it. I'd grade it a solid A- effort.
I recommend this game!
The twinkling lights in the marsh look pretty, but they hold a mysterious power. Whatever you do... do not follow them!
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 51 found this review helpful
It's no myth, this series is outstanding !!
PostedSeptember 3, 2015
LogieBaby
fromAfter yesterday's Bathory fiasco, this Myth installment is welcome indeed
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have enjoyed all of the previous Myths of the World. Whispering Marsh ( having only completed the demo ) is a terrific addition to the group and one that Eipix can be proud of.
People are disappearing in the town of Kaltdorf and our intrepid heroine who is called a Bounder is summoned to the town to investigate what is occurring and hopefully put a stop to a mythical being causing the disruption of townfolk lives. She meets Hilda Brandt and her beau and gathers some information from the pair. She is directed to seek out the counsel and aid from Hilda's father, Professor Brandt. During her quest, Miss Bounder as is the case in HOPA, acquires various items to further her adventure. These are gained by completion of hidden object segments and completion of puzzles typical of the genre. As is generally the case with Eipix games, they are well done. The developer likes to combine finding certain shapes, such as keys and birds, which then open the scene to traditional word lists. I always enjoy it when these games combine the furtherance of the story with seek and find elements. She has at her disposal a magical lantern used to dispel flaming obstacles by alternating connections between 2 variant flames. Some are quite easy and a couple require a bit of thought and/or trial and error to vanquish the flames. Most of the puzzles are routine to the HOPA world, yet all are satisfying. For those who enjoy them, morphs are scattered about as are collectible acorns. We are not breaking new ground here, not by any stretch. Eipix is a personal favorite of mine as their hits far outnumber the misses ( and there have been a few ). For me Whispering Marsh is a home run !!
People are disappearing in the town of Kaltdorf and our intrepid heroine who is called a Bounder is summoned to the town to investigate what is occurring and hopefully put a stop to a mythical being causing the disruption of townfolk lives. She meets Hilda Brandt and her beau and gathers some information from the pair. She is directed to seek out the counsel and aid from Hilda's father, Professor Brandt. During her quest, Miss Bounder as is the case in HOPA, acquires various items to further her adventure. These are gained by completion of hidden object segments and completion of puzzles typical of the genre. As is generally the case with Eipix games, they are well done. The developer likes to combine finding certain shapes, such as keys and birds, which then open the scene to traditional word lists. I always enjoy it when these games combine the furtherance of the story with seek and find elements. She has at her disposal a magical lantern used to dispel flaming obstacles by alternating connections between 2 variant flames. Some are quite easy and a couple require a bit of thought and/or trial and error to vanquish the flames. Most of the puzzles are routine to the HOPA world, yet all are satisfying. For those who enjoy them, morphs are scattered about as are collectible acorns. We are not breaking new ground here, not by any stretch. Eipix is a personal favorite of mine as their hits far outnumber the misses ( and there have been a few ). For me Whispering Marsh is a home run !!
I recommend this game!
A mountain observatory is hiding a big secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 74 found this review helpful
Hidden Expedition scores once again !!
PostedAugust 27, 2015
LogieBaby
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
With the exception of one installment offered a few years ago, all of the HE series games have delivered with a substantial degree of excellence. Dawn of Prosperity is a terrific addition to the series. Our intrepid investigator is sent to an isolated section of Montana to gather information concerning a bout of seismic activity that has perplexed scientists. She finds herself at a top secret installation and must use certain means ( via HO segments and puzzle solving ) to gain access to the facility and discover just what is going on. We learn soon enough that a key figure in this escapade is a woman named Clara who has an off the charts IQ of 280!!. It is apparent that something sinister is going on at this development. The demo ends when the investigator is greeted by Nina and is welcomed to OPTIMUS, a place where mind power is held in high regard.
One of the best elements in the story line is the player is kept in the dark during the demo as to just what is happening. Too many games let us know what needs to be done from the outset, but not this one. It's like reading a good mystery novel. As is generally the case, Eipix has produced a game that is very easy on the eyes. The Ho segments and puzzles are not new yet they provide significant entertainment since they offer nice variations of familiar themes. For the collectible fans there are globes to gather and as is the case in many HE games, fact finding cards are to be found which offer educational information. I have become more and more discerning about game purchases because there is a significant degree of repetitious games. Kudos to Eipix for creating a story that rises above the usual fare offered these days.
One of the best elements in the story line is the player is kept in the dark during the demo as to just what is happening. Too many games let us know what needs to be done from the outset, but not this one. It's like reading a good mystery novel. As is generally the case, Eipix has produced a game that is very easy on the eyes. The Ho segments and puzzles are not new yet they provide significant entertainment since they offer nice variations of familiar themes. For the collectible fans there are globes to gather and as is the case in many HE games, fact finding cards are to be found which offer educational information. I have become more and more discerning about game purchases because there is a significant degree of repetitious games. Kudos to Eipix for creating a story that rises above the usual fare offered these days.
I recommend this game!
A man has gone missing in the town of Rockshire, but the townspeople deny he was ever there. What dark secret are they hiding?
Overall rating
3
/
5
118 of 176 found this review helpful
another case of a trite and overdone story line combined with routine game play
PostedAugust 6, 2015
LogieBaby
fromSome day a developer will create a game with all of the well known cliches and call it : Deja Vu All Over Again
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I knew this game would be another in a long line of been there, done that from the very beginning. A man, Bill, goes missing and his distraught wife hires a female detective ( come on developer, it's 1910 and women just didn't have that occupation in the era !! ) to travel to Rockville in order to find him. Also at the game start we get yet again a dreaded animal assistant, this time a red panda way out of its element given the species is indigenous to the Far East such as China. Rockville is a mining town with a rather sinister reputation given that it is reputedly cursed after a prior group of miners found a treasure trove and all sorts of evil ensued. If that is the case, why would Bill want to go there, imperil himself and leave a wife and son to fend for themselves??
Upon arrival to Rockville, the detective is accosted by a knife wielding bartender and overcomes him in what can only be described by completing the lamest combo of HO/draw a series of lines I have seen in a long time. We learn the barman is missing his son and having the detective retrieve a favorite toy will make things alright for the grieving man. Haven't we seen enough of this scenario? The game gives us a litany of minor tasks performed way too many times in prior games. Examples are finding a mailbox flag, procuring keys to unlock doors, cutting or burning away a jumble of overgrown wood, repairing a ladder, etc, etc, etc. Need I go on!! There is absolutely nothing original in Whispered Secrets: Golden Silence.
When the mayor of Rockville is introduced, I knew immediately he would be a major villain in the story. I thought some of the hidden object segments were nicely done and one puzzle requiring transposing mining helmets and pickaxes to their rightful locations was clever. Unfortunately there are not enough of these to whet the appetite. For the collectible enthusiasts, 72 glass minerals are there for the taking. The game includes a decent jump map and it is nicely drawn. Unfortunately the total lack of originality renders this game a no sale for me.
Upon arrival to Rockville, the detective is accosted by a knife wielding bartender and overcomes him in what can only be described by completing the lamest combo of HO/draw a series of lines I have seen in a long time. We learn the barman is missing his son and having the detective retrieve a favorite toy will make things alright for the grieving man. Haven't we seen enough of this scenario? The game gives us a litany of minor tasks performed way too many times in prior games. Examples are finding a mailbox flag, procuring keys to unlock doors, cutting or burning away a jumble of overgrown wood, repairing a ladder, etc, etc, etc. Need I go on!! There is absolutely nothing original in Whispered Secrets: Golden Silence.
When the mayor of Rockville is introduced, I knew immediately he would be a major villain in the story. I thought some of the hidden object segments were nicely done and one puzzle requiring transposing mining helmets and pickaxes to their rightful locations was clever. Unfortunately there are not enough of these to whet the appetite. For the collectible enthusiasts, 72 glass minerals are there for the taking. The game includes a decent jump map and it is nicely drawn. Unfortunately the total lack of originality renders this game a no sale for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find and catch the notorious Sea Ripper?
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
If taken on its own merit the game is good, unfortunately it is so much like too many other games
PostedJuly 31, 2015
LogieBaby
fromI recommend the game but with some serious reservations.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I guess we have reached the time where all developers have reached a saturation point regarding story lines. There are literally thousands of HO and HOPA games for our enjoyment. Were this installment in the Sea of Lies series to stand on its own I'd consider it a very fine game. The problem is I have played similar games way too many times to count. As the story begins, a woman is wanted for being complicit in the sinking of a sailing ship that doomed the Duke of Reddington. My first problem with the story is that a woman is assigned the task of solving the mystery. I have nothing against women detectives but I certainly have doubts that a female would have such an occupation somewhere in the middle to latter 19th century which is an appropriate setting for the game. During that era, it was most assuredly a man's world. Then the story and the game play itself offers absolutely nothing genuine. I realize that developers routinely revert back to systems that made them leaders in the field. I am getting bored with the same old same old. Case in point, a hidden object segment where the player must find 5 each of knives and feathers. Those items are then used to uncover 2 word lists and then we get to select an item to be used elsewhere. Please give us something new to chew on. As is often the case when I personally find a game tedious, the story line is the culprit. I already own games quite similar to Tide of Treachery. Why would I pay again for something that I already own?
The game is ideal for players who are relatively new to "HOPAville" There is a good jump map, the puzzles and HO segments are fine. Snow globes are in abundance for the lovers of collectibles.
I would very much enjoy new games based on historical events or those derived from great works of fiction. The Midnight Mysteries are terrific examples even though there is significant " poetic license " in those games. I recommend this game for those players who are new to the genre or to those who find the story itself not that important. I shall pass on it due to its redundancy.
The game is ideal for players who are relatively new to "HOPAville" There is a good jump map, the puzzles and HO segments are fine. Snow globes are in abundance for the lovers of collectibles.
I would very much enjoy new games based on historical events or those derived from great works of fiction. The Midnight Mysteries are terrific examples even though there is significant " poetic license " in those games. I recommend this game for those players who are new to the genre or to those who find the story itself not that important. I shall pass on it due to its redundancy.
I recommend this game!
Help Aiden save the Magic Kingdom and his friend from a dark sorcerer that has enslaved a magical realm.
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 56 found this review helpful
This has been done before and in much better fashion
PostedJuly 28, 2015
LogieBaby
fromThis game bored me rather quickly
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Amulet of Dreams is a venture into the fantasy realm of HOPA.
We have a young lady Alison who is being transformed into something other than a young lady ( we don't know what the change is during the demo ) Only a friend, in this case Aiden, can save her. Aiden must perform a series of tasks both in the real world and in a fantasy world in order to protect Alison. This is done via a series of puzzles, a gathering of objects to assist Aiden in his quest and the use of various items to make something new or to open a door or any and all of the tasks typical to the genre. Aiden frees a goblin who becomes an assistant. Fortunately for the game player, the goblin is fairly unobtrusive, at least during the demo. We learn from wise old tree that someone named Ashton is the villain.
This is all stuff seen many times in games with a similar story line. The difference is most of the prior games are done much better than this one. My major problem with Amulet of Dreams is it's too busy. There are way too many things to do. My thought is the developer feels it necessary to employ every device available to the genre. The result is boredom caused by overkill. I guess new players in the fantasy realm of games might enjoy this one. For me I'd rather revisit any of the Dark Parables or the Awakening series games. Given this is not a collector edition with a higher cost, Amulet of Dreams which by the way is well drawn, should entice some folks to take the plunge. It's just not my cup of tea.
We have a young lady Alison who is being transformed into something other than a young lady ( we don't know what the change is during the demo ) Only a friend, in this case Aiden, can save her. Aiden must perform a series of tasks both in the real world and in a fantasy world in order to protect Alison. This is done via a series of puzzles, a gathering of objects to assist Aiden in his quest and the use of various items to make something new or to open a door or any and all of the tasks typical to the genre. Aiden frees a goblin who becomes an assistant. Fortunately for the game player, the goblin is fairly unobtrusive, at least during the demo. We learn from wise old tree that someone named Ashton is the villain.
This is all stuff seen many times in games with a similar story line. The difference is most of the prior games are done much better than this one. My major problem with Amulet of Dreams is it's too busy. There are way too many things to do. My thought is the developer feels it necessary to employ every device available to the genre. The result is boredom caused by overkill. I guess new players in the fantasy realm of games might enjoy this one. For me I'd rather revisit any of the Dark Parables or the Awakening series games. Given this is not a collector edition with a higher cost, Amulet of Dreams which by the way is well drawn, should entice some folks to take the plunge. It's just not my cup of tea.
I don't recommend this game.
A carnival is no laughing matter when a murderer strikes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 11 found this review helpful
Eipix certainly has done much better
PostedJuly 23, 2015
LogieBaby
fromNot a carnival I choose to visit
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I beta tested the game a few weeks ago and found it to be rather ordinary and indicated so in my assessment of the test. The demo of the finished product has not changed my thinking at all. The demo is exactly the same as the beta. The detective is assigned to investigate a murder at the Crescent carnival. Upon arrival he examines the body using a provided forensics kit and determines the cause of death is poisoning. He meets Edward Griswell the carnival manager who is not entirely forthcoming in his conversation with the detective. Soon thereafter Griswell is killed during a malfunction of the magician's Disappearing Man routine. The detective ( gender non-specific...thank you Eipix ) now searches for Giovani the magician. He finds him hiding in his trailer after solving a Rube Goldberg style puzzle which is the only puzzle and or hidden object scene I found at all enticing.
The demo ends when the detective locates the carnival clown who certainly has something to hide. Dead Reckoning is not among the better Eipix series ( IMO ) The game play itself offers nothing new as to story line or performance of necessary tasks. When I beta tested the game my young grandson( who played with me )'s opinion was the same as my own : Ho Hum !!
Crescent Case should have some appeal to circus lovers and probably to neophytes to the genre. I'll pass on this one. For circus related games, I prefer and endorse the much more sinister Weird Tales series.
The demo ends when the detective locates the carnival clown who certainly has something to hide. Dead Reckoning is not among the better Eipix series ( IMO ) The game play itself offers nothing new as to story line or performance of necessary tasks. When I beta tested the game my young grandson( who played with me )'s opinion was the same as my own : Ho Hum !!
Crescent Case should have some appeal to circus lovers and probably to neophytes to the genre. I'll pass on this one. For circus related games, I prefer and endorse the much more sinister Weird Tales series.
I don't recommend this game.
Return to a mesmerizing match-three wonderland with this remaster of Jewel Match 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
I don't like M3's but this one is really fine
PostedJuly 21, 2015
LogieBaby
fromShrouded Tales is an A+ fantasy offering
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Match 3 games generally bore me no end and usually I avoid to even play the demo. For some reason I decided to give this one a shot based on one review that I read. I'm glad I did. While I doubt that I would buy it, I found the game quite soothing. In typical M3 fashion, grouping 3 or more gems of similar type advances the game. As levels increase obstacles are inserted and there are power ups that can be bought with obtained gold. There are limits to the number of moves available in each round but gold can be spent to receive a limited number of additional moves. There are the usual bombs, hammers etc. that enable the player to more rapidly reach a goal. I endorse Jewel Match 2 for all of you who relish the genre.
I recommend this game!
Adventure into the unknown to save a city from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 58 found this review helpful
This started slow but after a bit : Major WOW factor !!
PostedJuly 18, 2015
LogieBaby
fromShrouded Tales is an A+ fantasy offering
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
During the initial cut scene, my impression was of another in a lengthy group of fantasy games where our heroine, Elizabeth in this case, would use a magical amulet and save the day. In doing so she needs to vanquish the bad guy in this case a shadow figure. In continuing the demo my interest grew exponentially and then peaked at the demo's end. Why? There are a number of reasons. The amulet starts out void of its power and the player must find sources for its power including a charger, a repairer, a grower, a heat source and one other. Elizabeth must use these power sources to generate activity within objects that are otherwise nonfunctional. The hidden object segments are clever with some items cleverly placed and there is a level of interactivity in each. There was also a FROG segment which created the empty amulet. I hope there are more fractured items during the rest of the game. What makes Shrouded Tales outstanding ( IMO ) are some very clever puzzles, none unique in the world of HOPA, but nevertheless requiring considerable thought to solve them. I really enjoyed one where a group of objects, some blue and others red, needed to be situated on the proper side of a board using levers to guide them. At one portion of the game the amulet is rendered powerless. A key must be found to activate a regenerative power source and a tough but not impossible puzzle changing the color of objects needs completion to restore each of the amulet powers and all done one at a time. A hard puzzle involved using magnets to place diamonds, circles and squares in slots. It's harder than it looks. The story line is one we have read too many times. If not for the terrific use of HO's and puzzles, Revenge of Shadows would have sunk into the realm of mediocrity and boredom. It would have been a case of been there done that. Kudos to the developer for making Shrouded Tales a refreshing entry in what is otherwise an often repetitive use of the genre. Beginners to the world of fantasy HOPA might find this game too challenging. For the rest of us who relish these games this is a breath of fresh air. HIGHLY recommened.
I recommend this game!