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:
Can you restore balance to the world tree in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 65 found this review helpful
A continuing story is good as long as originality is the key element
PostedNovember 25, 2017
LogieBaby
fromI consider this game an early Christmas present. Thanks Eipix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The initial Saga of the Nine Worlds is IMO one of the 5 best games of 2017. The drawing is phenomenal, the characters compelling and best of all the story is completely original. I would surmise that most people are seriously unfamiliar with Norse mythology so to provide us with this folk tale is brand spanking new to an overwhelming majority of HOPA fanatics.
In continuing the story with Four Stags Eipix furthers the saga in a most enlightening manner. I am sure there is significant " poetic license " involved. I for one do not care because the story holds my interest from start to finish. Combine this with a strong game and I am in HOPA heaven.
In continuing the story with Four Stags Eipix furthers the saga in a most enlightening manner. I am sure there is significant " poetic license " involved. I for one do not care because the story holds my interest from start to finish. Combine this with a strong game and I am in HOPA heaven.
Another review laments this aspect yet we have seen it oh so many times, some more successful than others. Lots of gamers were thrilled having 5 Ravenhearst games with each succeeding installment delineating the Dalimar intrigue. We have had many more games about the Gray family ghosts , vampires and werewolves. There must be at least 8-10 games including the devilish imp St. Germain and lots of mysteries featuring the great detective Monsieur Dupin. As long as the story remains strong the more the merrier.
I am pleased to see the return of the Seer, Huntress and Skald not only because this Scandinavian epic continues but because the game itself holds my interest. My take is the game is not for beginners as there is significant challenge as the player progresses. The fact that we get to instill ourselves into each primary character is fun. After being reintroduced to the 3 primary assistants the player gets a long chapter as the Huntress and her work is not done as the demo ends.
How many of us are bored to death with games constantly featuring a mother protagonist who has her child abducted into an otherworldly realm and must defeat a sinister enemy by being helped by a ferret, or a mouse or some sort of bird.
How many of us are bored to death with games constantly featuring a mother protagonist who has her child abducted into an otherworldly realm and must defeat a sinister enemy by being helped by a ferret, or a mouse or some sort of bird.
As long as Saga entries keep player interest foremost I say KEEP THEM COMING !! Based merely on the demo my guess this is another fantastic Eipix effort.
I recommend this game!
The city is being taken over by dark forces!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 24 found this review helpful
This could be a good game for youngsters except..........................
PostedNovember 18, 2017
LogieBaby
fromIt is unfortunate that one glaring fault ruins what may have been a decent game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
...................for the violence within. I'll explain during my synopsis of the story. An apprentice wizard is brought to Regis a wizard of broad powers. The beginner will be tasked with healing the king who has come down with an affliction that renders him incapable of making solid decisions. The king has egregiously ordered the destruction of magic trees which are otherwise beneficial to the kingdom.
It is obvious that the king has fallen victim to an evil wizard.
Regis is arrested and the king due to his diminished capabilities orders the execution of Regis. As an example of the unnecessary violence Regis' head is on the chopping block, the executioners axe is being wielded but Regis miraculously disappears in a puff of smoke. This beheading scene surely is too scary for any younger player. A bit later in the demo a gal named Dana is shot by an arrow in attempting to assist the apprentice. Another overly violent scene. Fortunately the young wizard has learned healing powers to cure Dana.
It is obvious that the king has fallen victim to an evil wizard.
Regis is arrested and the king due to his diminished capabilities orders the execution of Regis. As an example of the unnecessary violence Regis' head is on the chopping block, the executioners axe is being wielded but Regis miraculously disappears in a puff of smoke. This beheading scene surely is too scary for any younger player. A bit later in the demo a gal named Dana is shot by an arrow in attempting to assist the apprentice. Another overly violent scene. Fortunately the young wizard has learned healing powers to cure Dana.
As to the overall gameplay this edition of Dreampath is OK but nothing spectacular. In the fantasy genre it never measures up to the excellence found in the Dark Parables games that are the best of the lot. Like the Dark Parables this game uses fractured objects in HO segments and some of the parts are well hidden. A couple of the puzzles in the demo are challenging as well. In this CE version we find morphs and collectible gems.
There is too much violence in the real world and it gets hard to shield kids from observing such acts. Were I reviewing Guardian of the Forest strictly for adults I'd give it a slightly more than tepid thumbs up. I have an 11 year old grandson who otherwise might enjoy this game. Because of the aforementioned violent scenes I cannot recommend the game at all for kids.
There is too much violence in the real world and it gets hard to shield kids from observing such acts. Were I reviewing Guardian of the Forest strictly for adults I'd give it a slightly more than tepid thumbs up. I have an 11 year old grandson who otherwise might enjoy this game. Because of the aforementioned violent scenes I cannot recommend the game at all for kids.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save yourself and your daughter in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 107 found this review helpful
This Elephant production is " mammoth "
PostedNovember 9, 2017
LogieBaby
fromDarren is just a kid but he is a mega brat !!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Elephant and Eipix are two of the most prolific contributors to the HOPA world of gaming. Many players feel that quality is sometimes overshadowed by quantity resulting in stunted games, particularly in the series developments.
Surface is but one of the series that has suffered in recent installments. My thought is that developers are churning out new games at such a rapid pace that inevitably style outpaces substance.
With Project Dawn Elephant has returned to its former glory days and I for one hopes this becomes a trend for all series developers.
The story line is nothing new. A mom driving with her daughter crashes the vehicle and the daughter ( Mindy ) immediately disappears. She has become the new "friend " of Darren, a sinister youngster with paranormal powers.
In seeking to rescue her daughter the mother enters an otherworldly realm gathering items either to project herself further in this nether area or to amass things which will be of assistance in the rescue effort.
We meet a nurse who becomes entrapped in Project Dawn as a means to fund a cure to save her dying mother. The nurse is unsuccessful in her quest but eventually aids Mindy's mom in the rescue attempt. The demo ends with Darren killing a policewoman introduced at the start of the game.
I heartily appreciate the novelty inherent in the HO segments and the game puzzles. New ground is not broken here yet the manner in which they are presented is different enough to add some new appeal to the process. My favorite is using a sequence of rings on a nurse mannequin to then select tattoos on her arms to gain a useful item. I also got a chuckle in that facially this nurse reminded me of Nurse Ratched in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
As is always the case in Surface games we have red and white flowers to collect and character figurines are to be found.
There have been a few terrific new games in recent weeks and this Surface is certainly one of them. This is a game I can wholeheartedly endorse. Now I can only hope that with the American Thanksgiving holiday but 2 weeks away a new MCF will be in the offing. We did get somewhat of a hint recently this may occur. In the meantime Project Dawn certainly rises to the top of the gaming mountain. ENJOY!!
I recommend this game!
They received an invitation to spend their honeymoon at the Creek Falls mountain resort. If only they had done their research…
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 28 found this review helpful
The only fear here is the game itself....as in awful!!
PostedNovember 8, 2017
LogieBaby
fromMy FEAR is that this game will be HIDDEN from most player portfolios
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Whenever a new developer's game appears I approach it with both anticipation and also a sense of dread since at first glance the player knows nothing of what is to come.
With its opening cut scene Rosen Studio starts with dread. We are given nothing more than a story board view of a couple being invited to a resort for their honeymoon. Adding to the dread is that as the characters ( Tony & Faith ) converse it takes much longer than necessary to get to the next cut scene. Come on Rosen Studio, we all can read fast enough so don't bog down the game at the get go.
Upon arrival at the resort Faith is immediately abducted by Eric and Helen and they warn Tony that Faith will die unless Tony can save her. On the originality scale Hidden Fears earns a fat ZERO. I also did not like that Tony is so nonchalant on finding his bride being in mortal danger.
We then meet the spectral Dr. Schtolze who reminds Tony that he also faces death unless the not so good doctor can be beaten in a game of cards.
The initial and only HO segment I ran into is of the fractured object variety. This was good since the parts are nicely hidden and a venture to another room in the resort is needed to find a knife to open a suitcase where the last 2 pieces of a fractured door knob are situated.
We then obtain a special flashlight that lets us see ghostly apparitions. The player is told to use said flashlight in the lobby. I did so but unless I did something wrong, nothing resulted. At this point frustration really set in and I left the demo.
Might this have been a sound game? Perhaps. Yet lots of the game play for me was too clunky. Combine this with the overly clichéd story and the result is a certain pass for me.
I am of the opinion that Rosen Studio game is either a really older game taken out of mothballs or a new game from a developer who lacks enough basic knowledge to produce a compelling game. SKIP THIS ONE
We then meet the spectral Dr. Schtolze who reminds Tony that he also faces death unless the not so good doctor can be beaten in a game of cards.
The initial and only HO segment I ran into is of the fractured object variety. This was good since the parts are nicely hidden and a venture to another room in the resort is needed to find a knife to open a suitcase where the last 2 pieces of a fractured door knob are situated.
We then obtain a special flashlight that lets us see ghostly apparitions. The player is told to use said flashlight in the lobby. I did so but unless I did something wrong, nothing resulted. At this point frustration really set in and I left the demo.
Might this have been a sound game? Perhaps. Yet lots of the game play for me was too clunky. Combine this with the overly clichéd story and the result is a certain pass for me.
I am of the opinion that Rosen Studio game is either a really older game taken out of mothballs or a new game from a developer who lacks enough basic knowledge to produce a compelling game. SKIP THIS ONE
I don't recommend this game.
It was a dark and stormy night... for Solitaire! Jewel Match gets spooky in this new Solitaire adventure! Play 200 levels and build 5 eerie castles!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
5 stars if it were funnier or more sinister
PostedOctober 31, 2017
LogieBaby
fromA nice thematic addition on Halloween. BOO !!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I generally avoid these one up or one down solitaire games as they quickly bore me. The Zombie solitaires are a cut above primarily due to the humor in them and there is a good deal of challenge.
This Jewel Match Twilight is very good yet as I stated in the review title it would be improved had there been either an element of humor or better yet something lots spookier.
The length of the game is really long with hundreds of individual card scenes. Oodles of helpers can be bought by accumulating coins available in each card section. Acquired rubies enable the building of a town which doesn't seem to enhance the game.
For those who enjoy mahjong the game provides bonuses utilizing that genre. I skipped them during the demo.
This Jewel Match Twilight is very good yet as I stated in the review title it would be improved had there been either an element of humor or better yet something lots spookier.
The length of the game is really long with hundreds of individual card scenes. Oodles of helpers can be bought by accumulating coins available in each card section. Acquired rubies enable the building of a town which doesn't seem to enhance the game.
For those who enjoy mahjong the game provides bonuses utilizing that genre. I skipped them during the demo.
This is not a game that I'd spend money on. More than likely a free game code might be used . Time will tell.
I recommend this game!
An earthquake reveals a hidden palace full of deadly secrets!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 49 found this review helpful
Not the best of the series yet far better than the 2 most recent issues
PostedOctober 28, 2017
LogieBaby
fromAACHH!! I think I've been poisoned !! HELP !!
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
4
/
5
Hidden Expeditions going back to its early days was one of the better series in HOPA land. Unfortunately HE suffered from overexposure in the same fashion as lots of other serialized games. The Curse of Mithridates while not a cure-all is a step above some of the most recent HE ventures.
In this tale the archeologists venture to the ruins of the ancient ruler Mithridates where they discover another part of their crew has been poisoned. Mithridates according to legend devised potions and slowly poisoned himself to eventually garner immunities to lots of poisons.
Our heroine eventually meets up with her gang members only to find them afflicted by poisons. Her task as the demo ends is to formulate an antidote and save the group.
As stated earlier this is not the best of the HE series. I did find lots to admire about the game. As is always the case finding the clue cards to learn facts about the bygone era is excellent from a historical perspective. The game is well drawn and the hidden object segments and puzzles are appealing. A couple of the puzzles in the demo are very challenging. As is often the case in CE versions there are collectibles to amass.
One detail in the story line is an improvement over its predecessors is that no character introduced during the demo turns out to be a turncoat villain. That overused element in prior HEs had become BORING !!
This is not a game I'd rush out to purchase but might use a soon to expire free game code if nothing else suits my fancy.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve an old murder case and save your sister?
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 52 found this review helpful
the best "creep factor" game in quite some time
PostedOctober 26, 2017
LogieBaby
fromOur protagonist ( Rick ) has his work cut out for him and that's a good thing for game players
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game has lots going for it. As mentioned in my review title the creepiness is outstanding without being overly gruesome as is often the case in some of the most bizarre games. As a man I really enjoyed having Rick as the main character. The HOPA world of gamers knows full well that we are certainly oversaturated with female leads. One of the best aspects of Harrowed Halls is the story and I am pleased that the demo ended without knowing much of what the tale will unfold.
As to game play itself we have a mixed bag of easy tasks and challengers. I can appreciate not having everything handed to me but also not pulling my hair out if most of the puzzlers are mind-numbingly hard. I fully enjoyed the hidden object segments in HT since the level of required interactivity involved being on one's toes to complete the hidden object parts.
The only downside ( and I played using the custom settings )
was seeing small sparks guiding me to various areas on each screen yet this aid is not so glaringly a mistake as to ruin the game.
Being a CE version there are morphs and collectibles. When I find a game to be of superior quality I generally fail to even look for these items. Such is the case with Harrowed Halls.
As to game play itself we have a mixed bag of easy tasks and challengers. I can appreciate not having everything handed to me but also not pulling my hair out if most of the puzzlers are mind-numbingly hard. I fully enjoyed the hidden object segments in HT since the level of required interactivity involved being on one's toes to complete the hidden object parts.
The only downside ( and I played using the custom settings )
was seeing small sparks guiding me to various areas on each screen yet this aid is not so glaringly a mistake as to ruin the game.
Being a CE version there are morphs and collectibles. When I find a game to be of superior quality I generally fail to even look for these items. Such is the case with Harrowed Halls.
With 10/31 just around the corner gamers have been subjected to a couple of really good thematic entries. The Halloween inspired game a couple weeks ago is terrific and HT absolutely knocks the ball out of the park. This is a grand slam winner.
I recommend this game!
A solitaire adventure game chockfull of fun surprises and pesky zombies.
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 52 found this review helpful
A remarkable game ( for me ) in a usually boring format
PostedOctober 16, 2017
LogieBaby
fromThe Walking Dead returns to TV on 10/22/17 and this game is an appetite whetter
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Card games that require moving up or down one card at a time ( 3-4-5 etc, ) generally bore me to tears. I may complete a demo if I have time to kill and then move on to something I consider more appealing and more challenging.
When Zombie Solitaire 2 : Chapter 1 came along about one year ago surprisingly I got HOOKED!!. Now that chapter 2 is available I will acquire it since this installment is as compelling as the first.
For starters the game is fun to play and that is good enough in and of itself. Then there is challenge to complete each segment along the journey to salvation. As is the case with all of these card games the player accrues aids such as zombie blasters, machetes, wild cards, keys to unlock blocked cards, etc.
While I generally avoid match 3's, the occasional insertion of an M3 is good to break up the repetition of just playing cards.
Solitaire aficionados will relish ZS2 and those like me who shun these games should appreciate this outrageously entertaining installment.
I recommend this game!
Join the penguins on a mosaic filled journey to a deserted island! Help them explore the island and solve new challenges.
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 28 found this review helpful
# 24 is just too easy
PostedSeptember 18, 2017
LogieBaby
fromMost Fantasy Mosaics have been superb. Alas, this one is sub par.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
All of these Match Gems have some appeal, more so for some folks than others. I own so many of these grid games that for me to add another to my collection, the individual game must hold some interest and more so offer a decent challenge.
In the challenge area, # 24 falls way short. During the 1 hour demo, I completed 23 of the grids. That is way too many for me to consider a buy. I won't even use a free game code.
In the challenge area, # 24 falls way short. During the 1 hour demo, I completed 23 of the grids. That is way too many for me to consider a buy. I won't even use a free game code.
As usual, the multi-colored grids are easy on the eye and all of the completed grids look as they are said to be.
All in all, this is not a Deserted Island I care to be stranded on.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you uncover the truth behind a string of strange thefts?
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 107 found this review helpful
It's been a long wait for this one and the wait is worth it !!
PostedAugust 5, 2017
LogieBaby
fromThe Red Queen is like the Energizer Bunny or a Timex watch. It seems nothing can keep her down.
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
Having beta tested Order Zero 2 or 3 months ago, I awaited the release of the 3rd Vermillion Watch with much anticipation. Now that OZ is here my enjoyment from the beta is confirmed. We are playing as Hawkes, a detective, who has the benefit of being more than ably assisted by none other than Phileas Fogg of Around the World in 80 Days fame, along with Fogg's ally Rufus.
In this edition of the series Hawkes must do what is necessary to prevent thefts of precious Egyptian artifacts.
I do admit the inclusion of new characters with monikers such as Nemo ( a villainess in this piece ) Ahab ( looks to be a good guy ) and folks straight out the Wizard of Oz seems way too hokey. Upon reflection since the game title Order Zero is a given, the use of OZ-named personnel seems apt.
Borrowing the other names such as Nemo does not detract from the game for me. IMO Eipix is using them as an honor to characters found in some of the world's most honored literature.
Visually Order Zero is stunning. All of the human renditions are extremely life-like which is a feature I feel most players appreciate. The background scenery in these VM games is also graphically spot on. I can abide with cartoonish graphics in some games but the realism here is a much needed element.
I do admit the inclusion of new characters with monikers such as Nemo ( a villainess in this piece ) Ahab ( looks to be a good guy ) and folks straight out the Wizard of Oz seems way too hokey. Upon reflection since the game title Order Zero is a given, the use of OZ-named personnel seems apt.
Borrowing the other names such as Nemo does not detract from the game for me. IMO Eipix is using them as an honor to characters found in some of the world's most honored literature.
Visually Order Zero is stunning. All of the human renditions are extremely life-like which is a feature I feel most players appreciate. The background scenery in these VM games is also graphically spot on. I can abide with cartoonish graphics in some games but the realism here is a much needed element.
The game play itself is what propels Order Zero to lofty heights. We do start out with an HO segment requiring finding 5 keys and this is rather old hat. Yet ( at least in the demo ) the game avoids the clichéd items so prevalent in way too many other games. We do not need a bottle of oil, a ladder, a torch etc. to further the game. Instead we are tasked with locating items specific to an Egyptian setting such as Anubis jars, scepters and weapons for a mummy case and so on.
As to puzzles we get a scavenger hunt, donning a specific disguise, an intricate locksmith maze and others the completion of which involves some degree of thought. This being a CE version, the game includes stars as collectibles and morphing items scattered throughout.
Is this game for everyone? NO. No game fits that bill. I have yet to see one HOPA that has been universally acclaimed.
What I particularly enjoy in Order Zero are the look and feel of the game. It satisfies me on every level. I suppose that with time Vermillion Watch could devolve as so many other series have suffered. But for now the 3rd installment is a precious jewel. As we are in the second half of 2017 and there have been but a couple handfuls of excellent games, I personally relish Order Zero. As some reviewers often say:
judge for yourself.
What I particularly enjoy in Order Zero are the look and feel of the game. It satisfies me on every level. I suppose that with time Vermillion Watch could devolve as so many other series have suffered. But for now the 3rd installment is a precious jewel. As we are in the second half of 2017 and there have been but a couple handfuls of excellent games, I personally relish Order Zero. As some reviewers often say:
judge for yourself.
I recommend this game!