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:
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
Albert's worst nightmare becomes reality when a creature from his grim paintings kidnaps his family. What does she want?
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 38 found this review helpful
One of the most bizarre games ever, I think a house painter made it, not an artist
PostedJuly 11, 2015
LogieBaby
fromA masterpiece this is not....more like paint by numbers!!
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
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
On occasion, a truly weird game fills the bill but not this wreck. Albert has seemingly painted his masterpiece which by the way looked to me worse than a velvet Elvis. Mannequins within the painting abduct his wife and daughter ( Elizabeth & Iris ) A sinister being introduced during the initial cutscene is responsible for the kidnapping. Early on in the game we are forced to endure yet another helper, this time an Anubis wanna be which Albert names Smudge. This aspect alone foretold gaming disaster. Via a portal within the painting Albert enters a realm way beyond the twilight zone. This otherworld is extremely cartoonish and at the same time sinister. At the opposite end of the spectrum are much more realistic hidden object scenes. This was the only part of the game I somewhat enjoyed. Some items sought are hidden in plain sight which I always enjoy while others require some interaction. Albert acquires various colored paint brushes during his quest. He uses them to complete unfinished works, when done either rooms are opened or an item is gathered to be used elsewhere. None of the puzzles are noteworthy. There are collectible slides whose purpose lends nothing to the game as I can see. I generally use up all of demo time available even in games I won't buy. I could not force myself to go that far in this unfortunate mess. A masterpiece this is not. It will not be seen in the Louvre or MOMA. I doubt anyone would want it for cheap money in a yard sale. Avoid this one by all means.
I don't recommend this game.
Follow the penguin through the portal in this colorful mosaics adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 28 found this review helpful
Another great example of how grid games should be made
PostedJuly 8, 2015
LogieBaby
fromThe penguins need an assist in getting home
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
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A couple days ago we were given a rather dismal nonogram called Sherlock 2. It certainly pales in comparison to Match Gems offering of Fantasy Mosaics 9. The former uses one color, an army green while FM provides vibrancy with its tri-color motifs. Sherlock has no story to tell while we learn at the beginning that the penguin family needs to get through a portal to find their way home. Granted from then on there isn't much of a story, but at least we are given the task at hand. As is always the case in MG's, no hand holding. The second grid is a 15 x 15 and there are some challenging grids early on. In FM9 we also know what the completed picture is by verbal identification, something Sherlock fails to do.
I do wish that Match Gems would slow down a bit with their production and consider a different story. The penguins are cute but for me I want a new story. MG still is the best in the business with grid games and anybody considering a purchase within the genre shouldn't look any further than the Fantasy series starting with game 4 which is the initial offering featuring 3 color grids.
I do wish that Match Gems would slow down a bit with their production and consider a different story. The penguins are cute but for me I want a new story. MG still is the best in the business with grid games and anybody considering a purchase within the genre shouldn't look any further than the Fantasy series starting with game 4 which is the initial offering featuring 3 color grids.
I recommend this game!
A unique detective world and new villainous riddles await you! Solve 120 unique griddlers in Detective Riddles 2!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 25 found this review helpful
This nonogram fails in comparison to most Fantasy Mosaics
PostedJuly 6, 2015
LogieBaby
fromOne need to look no further than Fantasy Mosaics for quality grid games.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I occasionally enjoy grid puzzles as an alternative to my preferred HOPAs. In recent months, the Fantasy Mosaics have become the cream of the crop. This installment of Detective Riddles only measures up in one aspect. It is that there are some challenging grids. In all other comparable areas Sherlock's Heritage 2 fails miserably. For starters, there is zero story. In the FM series, we have our little penguin which needs our assistance to reach his goal, whatever that may be. In this series, nothing seems to happen. Sherlock games do not offer multiple color grids, they are all the same monotone green. There is no accounting of what the completed grid is unless the grid is so overtly obvious, such as a candle in group one.
If any player just wants tough grids and nothing more, this game probably satisfies. I never use hints so I did need to restart a few of the tougher grids. Overall, this game fails to measure up to my preferred Fantasy Mosaics. I gave 3 stars only for the grid challenge, in all other aspects the game is exceedingly poor.
If any player just wants tough grids and nothing more, this game probably satisfies. I never use hints so I did need to restart a few of the tougher grids. Overall, this game fails to measure up to my preferred Fantasy Mosaics. I gave 3 stars only for the grid challenge, in all other aspects the game is exceedingly poor.
I don't recommend this game.
Prepare yourself for a perilous journey across the world in order to save your niece from imminent danger.
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Tibetan Quest is beyond disbelief...unfortunately
PostedJuly 4, 2015
LogieBaby
fromThis game does not make me yearn for a Himalayan vacation
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
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I generally enjoy the games with Asian settings so in seeing this offering I was initially enthused. Unfortunately, the game started. The story is quite lame and that is a compliment of sorts. We begin in what appears to be a Victorian era British estate and learn that an explorer Larisa has disappeared somewhere in Tibet. A relative boards a sailing ship that also seems to be well over one hundred years old. Then all of a sudden, the uncle, father, brother or cousin ( whoever he was ) is piloting an airplane whose vintage is definitely 1930's. Not a good writing job there at all. Upon arrival in Tibet our hero is greeted by a novice monk who has an affinity for lollipops. The player learns Larisa has been secreted away in an even more remote area that the pilot arrives at. After meeting a Tibetan and another Englishman who offer some clue as to Larisa's whereabouts, the pilot boards another aircraft only to have it crash land with an assist from a fire breathing dragon who is straight out of claymation in some of the worst animation seen in a long time. The story can best be described in 2 words: it stinks!!
There are the usual hidden object sections ( word list and silhouettes ) . Some are a bit interactive and others are HO morphing items. The puzzles offer no challenge at all during the demo. There are 4 groups of collectibles including discs, apples, swords and stars. None seem to be of any use in enhancing game play and unless some only appear later in the game, I only found a few discs and none of the others. So they are probably nicely obscured which is one of the few good things I can say about the game.
If anyone wants a fine game with an Oriental theme, look no further than Mythic Wonders, a terrific SE that came out 2 or 3 weeks ago. That is a terrific offering. I'll pass on Tibetan Quest which just doesn't cut the mustard.
There are the usual hidden object sections ( word list and silhouettes ) . Some are a bit interactive and others are HO morphing items. The puzzles offer no challenge at all during the demo. There are 4 groups of collectibles including discs, apples, swords and stars. None seem to be of any use in enhancing game play and unless some only appear later in the game, I only found a few discs and none of the others. So they are probably nicely obscured which is one of the few good things I can say about the game.
If anyone wants a fine game with an Oriental theme, look no further than Mythic Wonders, a terrific SE that came out 2 or 3 weeks ago. That is a terrific offering. I'll pass on Tibetan Quest which just doesn't cut the mustard.
I don't recommend this game.
A masked vigilante has the town of Coldstone in a death grip!
Overall rating
4
/
5
57 of 85 found this review helpful
It could have been great but it does have flaws
PostedJune 18, 2015
LogieBaby
fromRated R for graphic violence
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lots of the Grim Facade games are very well done and this edition certainly does not suffer the tiredness that has become apparent in recent installments of other serial games. The story line is nothing new. Isaac Merel has asked the detective ( that's us ) to investigate the taking of his wife by a very sinister character. As well as the abduction there is a " blacklist " naming 5 others destined for execution by the evil being. On the plus side, ERS has once again drawn the game nicely. Most ERS games are set in bygone days as is the case here. I'd venture the era to be no later than the mid 19th century. The hidden object sections are nicely planned out and feature a variety of elements including silhouettes, arranging items in certain places, etc. The puzzles are not ground breaking but some of them require a greater degree of thought than is generally needed. I skipped a couple during the demo in order to complete the demo. The demo time for me suggests decent length to the game. There are collectible masks and coins picked up here and there in order to purchase necessary items from a street vendor. We also get another assistant in the form of a rather cool alley cat. I usually detest the helpers in games, but this kitty has a certain panache about him and he is not constantly affecting the progress of the game.
As to the flaws, there are a couple minor ones and 2 more egregious elements. Given the era in which the game is set, I doubt the term blacklist has been coined and using nicknames such as Tom and Lou probably weren't used. Like I said these are minor goofs. The biggest no-no's for me are the graphic violence even though I am not at all squeamish. Since some folks are though, seeing a hanging death and having the mayor graphically shot in the head by an arrow is too much. Some players surely will be put off by such scenes. I also hated the use of the boxed questions and answers used by the detective when engaging in conversation with characters met during the game. Some recent games actually give voice to the detective or whoever the main character is. More games need to adopt this method. Overall the good outweighs the bad in Hidden Sins so I'll probably acquire this Grim Facade ( emphasis on the Grim ) which this game surely is.
As to the flaws, there are a couple minor ones and 2 more egregious elements. Given the era in which the game is set, I doubt the term blacklist has been coined and using nicknames such as Tom and Lou probably weren't used. Like I said these are minor goofs. The biggest no-no's for me are the graphic violence even though I am not at all squeamish. Since some folks are though, seeing a hanging death and having the mayor graphically shot in the head by an arrow is too much. Some players surely will be put off by such scenes. I also hated the use of the boxed questions and answers used by the detective when engaging in conversation with characters met during the game. Some recent games actually give voice to the detective or whoever the main character is. More games need to adopt this method. Overall the good outweighs the bad in Hidden Sins so I'll probably acquire this Grim Facade ( emphasis on the Grim ) which this game surely is.
I recommend this game!
Can you help the City of Artists find their lost inspiration?
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 30 found this review helpful
Forbidden Muse is not very a-MUSE-ing
PostedJune 13, 2015
LogieBaby
fromThe developer should have invoked the Muse of History before giving us this mess
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
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Review based on demo which by the way is quite short my having completed it in 34 minutes. The opening cut scene was terrific if only that it abstained from old cars, 1940's vintage autos etc. In this one the detective used a state of the art Android and then flew to her destination in a jet liner. I had high hopes for the game. Unfortunately the game started. Had the premise of the story been set in a fantasy world, I could have lived with it. Given the inhabitants of the town are people endowed with cultural talents such as acting, painting, etc. I could understand that in their minds these folks have a Muse to inspire them. Muses were Greek myths so to have them embodied in fact in a modern day setting: NOPE !! Therefore the story line is a jumbled mess. On top of that we are subjected with another in a lengthening line of ridiculous helpers. This time it's a harlequin figurine that needs various costume changes in order to lend a hand. More absurdity !! The hidden object segments are the only aspect I found somewhat compelling, otherwise the game gets 2 stars. The puzzles were childishly easy. There are coins and what appeared to be olive branches to collect. They serve to take us to a location where items can be bought to enhance a room that has no bearing on the game itself. I think it's safe to say that most HOPA players could care less about these extras. Doing these things does not a CE version make. Another in a diminished area of plusses is the game is nicely drawn. This game possibly can be entertaining to novice players. For me, a grizzled veteran of the genre, a resounding no. Too bad, with a nice sale this weekend I am disappointed today's offering falls SPLAT!!
I don't recommend this game.
You stop a crazy fan, but when he dies, who’s responsible?
Overall rating
3
/
5
80 of 107 found this review helpful
It's far from being a triple axel !!
PostedJune 11, 2015
LogieBaby
fromUnfortunately, the series has lost it's flair and the ice has broken
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
There are so many HOPAs now, literally thousands available just from BFG, that it has become extremely difficult for developers to reach the highest levels of excellence. With 2015 nearly half over only 2 games so far have reached that level, Brassfield Manor and Equilibrium. Of course, this is my opinion only. Eipix puts out games with such rapidity in each of its series that the newest of the group falls flat on a number of levels. Using the Danse Macabre episodes as an example, the 2 opening games are very good. The last 2 are so-so at best. For starters the story lines generally overlap. In Thin Ice we have Ruth Fisher, a figure skater on the verge of greatness. She is about to make a performance that will elevate her to stardom. Ruth has a rabid fan ( Donald ) who appears to be a stalker. It turns out when he dies suddenly in a mysterious murder that he was trying to warn Ruth that someone is about to attempt a sabotage of her career. This in an of itself is a decent story line. Think back on past Danse Macabres. The story is a case of deja vu all over again. Only the character names and the settings are altered. I for one and becoming tiresome of the almost identical stories. The rest of the game ( demo version only ) is up to Eipix's usual standards. It is well drawn, has fine voice overs in cutscenes,
and the HO segments and puzzles are well done although nothing here breaks new ground. For those players who appreciate them, Thin Ice has morphs and 42 collectible snow globes to gather. Were this the initial Danse Macabre I probably would consider a purchase. It being the 4th of the series and being so repetitive of its predecessors means no sale for me. Great TV series may have the same overall theme such as a murder mystery or courtroom drama or shows set in a hospital. What makes them outstanding is continuing fine scripts that beckon audiences to keep watching. Sadly, this isn't happening with Danse Macabre.
and the HO segments and puzzles are well done although nothing here breaks new ground. For those players who appreciate them, Thin Ice has morphs and 42 collectible snow globes to gather. Were this the initial Danse Macabre I probably would consider a purchase. It being the 4th of the series and being so repetitive of its predecessors means no sale for me. Great TV series may have the same overall theme such as a murder mystery or courtroom drama or shows set in a hospital. What makes them outstanding is continuing fine scripts that beckon audiences to keep watching. Sadly, this isn't happening with Danse Macabre.
I don't recommend this game.
Your journey around the world continues! The Eternal City of Rome awaits you with riddles and challenging puzzles. Can you collect all the artifacts!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 38 found this review helpful
It's good but I won't buy it
PostedJune 8, 2015
LogieBaby
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
Let me begin by saying that M3's are far from being my game of choice. I own close to 300 games and not one is a Match 3. I prefer games with a story so HOPA's are those which fill the bill for me. Granted there is much repetitiveness is all games regardless of genre; however M3's have the highest percentage of repetition and for me this becomes tedious and it doesn't take long for the ennui to begin. Having said that, my take on this Trip to Italy should be a winner for those game players who really like match games. The best feature for me is that in lots of the grids there are a given number of like items ( wreaths, tridents, helmets, coins, etc. ) that must be matched up. Each has a mini jigsaw that must be completed by lowering a segment of the puzzle to the bottom of the grid. There are powerups to be obtained, bombs can be had during the demo version. There are the usual obstacles and tiles that need removing. This Italian trip does not have any sort of story line. The game merely uses as a sort of theme things associated with the country. The initial group is about Rome. One grid is labeled Coliseum but only the jigsaw portion is a reminder of that relic and nothing else. Were I an M3 fan, I'd obtain it so for a game player who only sees this sort of game from a distance I can recommend it for those who relish them.
I recommend this game!
A series of shocking – and otherworldly – murders has struck New York City, and you're the only one who can solve them!
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 39 found this review helpful
High Voltage is shockingly mediocre
PostedJune 6, 2015
LogieBaby
fromHigh Voltage is an electrifyingly poor effort
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This could have been a good game, one bordering on excellent. Alas the developer dropped the ball in a number of areas starting with the story line and going on from there. In the opening cutscene a condemned convict is led to " Old Sparky", an electric chair. When the guard flips the switch, the prisoner mysteriously disappears and all that is left is his clothing. Fast forward 5 years and Laura, who is employed by some nondescript fact finding organization is sent by her boss ( Luther Bishop ) to investigate a string of deaths involving electricity. The game is set in the late 1950's or early 60's. For starters. I doubt women were doing that sort of work as it surely was a man's world in that era. Another problem is the use of items that were not even invented yet.
A couple of things are a key card and a solar powered battery. Much of the action in the demo takes place in Sing Sing prison. The place appears to be abandoned, however Sing Sing was in use then and it still is now. Someone is not doing their homework, Mr. Developers.
The character drawing and their movement is straight out of claymation and reminded me of a TV show from the 50's called Gumby. All this is rather sad because a better grasp of historical facts surely would have improved the game. While I realize lots of HOPAs involve fantasy, the paranormal or other such devices; if the setting is a given known era then a large degree of realism is essential. As to the game play itself, it's really fine. There were no traditional lists in the HO sections. Rather the items sought are silhouettes and each one is interactive is some fashion. There were a couple of interesting puzzles and there are lots of things which Laura needs to merely pick up as tools in her quest. For the lover of collectibles and morphs they are aplenty. Statues of Liberty and ball & chains are among them. Overall New York Mysteries is a game that fails in the development of the story something which is essential for my enjoyment. The clumsiness of the drawing is another factor preventing me from liking the game. The game is put together in a manner similar to that which was prevalent 5-6 years ago. Lots of players will like High Voltage and for those do, have a ball.
To me the flaws result in no sale!!
A couple of things are a key card and a solar powered battery. Much of the action in the demo takes place in Sing Sing prison. The place appears to be abandoned, however Sing Sing was in use then and it still is now. Someone is not doing their homework, Mr. Developers.
The character drawing and their movement is straight out of claymation and reminded me of a TV show from the 50's called Gumby. All this is rather sad because a better grasp of historical facts surely would have improved the game. While I realize lots of HOPAs involve fantasy, the paranormal or other such devices; if the setting is a given known era then a large degree of realism is essential. As to the game play itself, it's really fine. There were no traditional lists in the HO sections. Rather the items sought are silhouettes and each one is interactive is some fashion. There were a couple of interesting puzzles and there are lots of things which Laura needs to merely pick up as tools in her quest. For the lover of collectibles and morphs they are aplenty. Statues of Liberty and ball & chains are among them. Overall New York Mysteries is a game that fails in the development of the story something which is essential for my enjoyment. The clumsiness of the drawing is another factor preventing me from liking the game. The game is put together in a manner similar to that which was prevalent 5-6 years ago. Lots of players will like High Voltage and for those do, have a ball.
To me the flaws result in no sale!!
I don't recommend this game.
All the adults have vanished. Is this a child's dream, or nightmare?
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 31 found this review helpful
there are some potholes within the Surface
PostedJune 4, 2015
LogieBaby
fromI guess Alice is a rather naughty girl !!
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
4
/
5
The Surface series when it started was among the better groups of HOPAs. However the last 2 Surfaces for me are lacking the substance that I appreciated in the earlier installments. One of the features I miss in the most recent Surfaces is the use of live actors portraying game characters. When Return to Ravenhearst broke that ground game players everywhere were enthralled and then lots of developers adopted the same style. It is rare indeed to see live action figures in games now. Is it a matter of cost?
The story line is one told too many times. Carol is celebrating her 16th birthday and her parents have devised a series of puzzles she must solve to acquire her present. Events start to go haywire early on when Carol cannot locate mom or dad. Then her friend Mary comes to Carol's door with the alarming announcement that all the town adults have vanished. Carol explores her mom's cafe and the police station where dad works for clues to the disappearances. We soon learn that an orphanage is a key element and an apparently sinister child named Alice is involved in the goings on. I for one am tiring of the orphanage scenarios.
Most of the HO segments and puzzles are routine to the genre. There is one involving placing certain items within a group of pictures in the correct scene that was decent but the rest are all of the been there done that variety. As is the case in all Surfaces, variously colored flowers are collected but they serve no real purpose as a game advancement.
I'd imagine players new to Surface might find this a really good effort. I would probably feel the same were it not for the experience of playing the earlier versions, most of which are far superior. Surface has gotten stale with the last 2 editions.
Elephant Games should either revert to what made the series very good or abandon it altogether. I can only offer a lukewarm recommendation.
The story line is one told too many times. Carol is celebrating her 16th birthday and her parents have devised a series of puzzles she must solve to acquire her present. Events start to go haywire early on when Carol cannot locate mom or dad. Then her friend Mary comes to Carol's door with the alarming announcement that all the town adults have vanished. Carol explores her mom's cafe and the police station where dad works for clues to the disappearances. We soon learn that an orphanage is a key element and an apparently sinister child named Alice is involved in the goings on. I for one am tiring of the orphanage scenarios.
Most of the HO segments and puzzles are routine to the genre. There is one involving placing certain items within a group of pictures in the correct scene that was decent but the rest are all of the been there done that variety. As is the case in all Surfaces, variously colored flowers are collected but they serve no real purpose as a game advancement.
I'd imagine players new to Surface might find this a really good effort. I would probably feel the same were it not for the experience of playing the earlier versions, most of which are far superior. Surface has gotten stale with the last 2 editions.
Elephant Games should either revert to what made the series very good or abandon it altogether. I can only offer a lukewarm recommendation.
I recommend this game!