This contributor's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4730
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 3, 2025
- Featured reviews1
Status:
Can you and your sister escape the deadly history of Reed Valley?
Overall rating
4
/
5
64 of 78 found this review helpful
ONE OF THE FEW GAMES THAT HELD MY INTEREST TO THE END
PostedAugust 5, 2018
Anonymous
fromCongrats to Natasa Dzambic, a PHantastic PHantasmat Producer with a growing PHamily!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Although I liked the Collector's Edition version better, I still stand behind Deja Vu because it's a really interesting game that held my interest to the end. I finished the game in one sitting, not because it was a short game, but because I was completely focused and I didn't become bored. It's not the best Phantasmat game in the series, but it's certainly better than most of the games offered lately. In the Bonus Chapter, you return to the beginning nightmare that haunts Faith, where she is helped by a character revealed at the end of the main game, to face her fears and end the nightmare that haunts her, hopefully for good. You will pick up the remaining 7 Brains in a jar as well as 5 Morphing Characters. After completing the main game, you can access the Character bios from the Morphing Characters you have found. In the Souvenir Room after completing the entire game, you search 15 scenes to find a butterfly or moth in each one.
It's no secret that the original Phantasmat is my all-time favorite HOPA games, no other storyline has even come close, but then again, it was created by Codeminion. I wish this dev would offer a Phantasmat game or two that had some old-school features and some of the features offered in the original. I'd love to see more of the "Phantasmat Visions" I'd love to see games that didn't wrap-up all the tasks within two locations (like having to remember where all the rooms or scenes were, how to get there w/o a jump-map, and where an item you just found belonged too?, remember those days?) I'd love the original plot's themes of "am I dead?" to return, w/o truly knowing till the end of the game. But most of all, I'd love for the devs to offer Morphing Objects in EVERY SCENE, and to make them far more challenging than they are in not only this game but all of their games, because the collectibles and morphs offered nowadays have no challenge whatsoever...make me work for it (or make the game designers work for it!) Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Recurring nightmares of that fateful accident have driven your sister nearly insane. Doctors have exhausted every orthodox treatment available with no signs of improvement. Faith had lost faith in conventional treatment options, which is why Matt has chosen Dr. Zachary Ryan's questionable method of treatment for Faith, mind control. Has something gone horribly wrong with the session? Are you still in control of the situation? Are you alive? Are you dead? Or have you just entered the world of Phantasmat, somewhere in between?
Overall, this is the kind of game I love, creepy graphics, a plot that makes me wonder if I'm dead or alive, and a game that doesn't require me to find a million keys, emblems, and constant back and forth tasks. The first chapter is rather dull and somewhat weird, but it picks up towards the end of the first chapter and becomes very intriguing by the second chapter, so stick with it, the demo doesn't do it justice (and the weirdness dissipates)
I'm sure most of you know that the original Phantasmat is my number 1 all-time favorite HOPA game. I have searched high and low on my neverending quest to find a game that had a storyline as PHantastic as the first one, unfortunately, I haven't found one that even comes close! In the first game, instead of filling in the blanks of the plot with the usual Hidden Object Keyword Sentence PHinds, you would have creepy "visions" to find out what had happened in the past, which correlated to how you got in the situation in the first place. Although some of the Phantasmat games include a variation of the visions (especially in Curse of the Mist) they are missing a PHenomenal opportunity by not taking advantage of this feature. Another reason I have always loved this series is because I can always count on there to be Morphing Objects in each scene, however, Deja Vu doesn't include Morphs in every scene, just some of the scenes, so whats up with that???
The Hidden Object Scenes are typical Phantasmat HOS which are varied with Keywords in Sentence PHinds, Silhouetted Shape PHinds, Multiple Object PHinds, Matching Pair PHinds, and scenes to PHind all Morphing Objects. There is an alternate Match 3 game available, and if you want to earn all of the Achievements, you'll have to play at least 1 Match 3 game in place of the Hidden Object Scene. There's nothing that really stands out here, but I did enjoy the matching pair HOP with beetles and plants.
The Mini-games I will admit, aren't as creative as they usually are in most Phantasmat games and a little too simplistic at times, but that seems to be the norm for this dev lately. I love the puzzles that you tinker with mechanics, such as setting valve levels, connecting specific amounts of wires etc. and that's one of the reasons I love this series because they are usually featured in Phantasmat games. They aren't necessarily bad, but lately, this dev has been adding mini-games that don't require a whole lot of thinking and a ton of the fight scenario games that simply can't be lost. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Use directional arrows to move the dot to the correct letters.
2-Swap & resize vertical puzzle sections to complete the picture.
3-Select 9 eyes to duplicate the pattern shown.
4-Select the correct paths using the dolls eye directions as clues.
5-Place stained glass shards correctly to reconstruct the picture.
6-Select the matching symbol shown before it disappears.
7-Enter the combination lock code shown on the clue.
8-Push tokens out of each column to match the clue shown.
9-Select the pulsating line when it turns green to defend yourself.
10-Select 2 key segments to match the pattern when combined.
11-Rotate portions of 3 uniquely shaped sections of the scene.
12-Stop the strength meter according to the size of branches.
2-Swap & resize vertical puzzle sections to complete the picture.
3-Select 9 eyes to duplicate the pattern shown.
4-Select the correct paths using the dolls eye directions as clues.
5-Place stained glass shards correctly to reconstruct the picture.
6-Select the matching symbol shown before it disappears.
7-Enter the combination lock code shown on the clue.
8-Push tokens out of each column to match the clue shown.
9-Select the pulsating line when it turns green to defend yourself.
10-Select 2 key segments to match the pattern when combined.
11-Rotate portions of 3 uniquely shaped sections of the scene.
12-Stop the strength meter according to the size of branches.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Character pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 11 Movie Video cutscenes, 15 Achievements to earn, 19 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 21 re-playable mini-games, 36 Hidden Brains in a jar, 16 Morphing Objects, 15 Butterfly/Moths in the Souvenir Room, 4 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
PHANTASMAT SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Phantasmat (February 8-2011) 4.6
2-Crucible Peak (January 4-2013) 4.0
3-The Endless Night (February 8-2015) 4.4
4-The Dread of Oakville (August 7-2015) 3.9
5-Behind The Mask (January 15-2016) 4.3
6-Town of Lost Hope (May 6-2016) 3.9
7-Reign of Shadows (November 4-2016) 3.7
8-Mournful Loche (May 12-2017) 3.9
9-Insidious Dreams (October 13-2017) 3.8
10-Curse of the Mist (January 21-2018) 3.7
11-Deja Vu (August 5-2018)
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Phantasmat (February 8-2011) 4.6
2-Crucible Peak (January 4-2013) 4.0
3-The Endless Night (February 8-2015) 4.4
4-The Dread of Oakville (August 7-2015) 3.9
5-Behind The Mask (January 15-2016) 4.3
6-Town of Lost Hope (May 6-2016) 3.9
7-Reign of Shadows (November 4-2016) 3.7
8-Mournful Loche (May 12-2017) 3.9
9-Insidious Dreams (October 13-2017) 3.8
10-Curse of the Mist (January 21-2018) 3.7
11-Deja Vu (August 5-2018)
by: Eipix Entertainment
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a malevolent force from stealing souls in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
124 of 151 found this review helpful
THE WORLD OF THE LIVING MAY BE CONSUMED BY THE WORLD OF THE DEAD
PostedAugust 4, 2018
Anonymous
fromShibalba (Xibalba) which translates to "Place of Fright" for the Maya, there was no escaping this underworld which was entered through a cave at the Earths surface, and had 9 different levels. Only those who died a violent death avoided Xibalba
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Santa Muerte had a dream that only you could save the world of the Living from becoming the world of the Dead. If 12 innocent souls are gathered before the stroke of Midnight on The Day of the Dead, Shibalba will rise from the Underworld, and the world of the Living will kneel before him. You have given Redemption to countless souls over the years, but this time, everyone's soul's are at stake when the Dead Arise and the Living Fall!
As with all Redemption Cemetery games, the goal is to open portals and right the wrongs made in the past to redeem their souls and create a happier future outcome. You will need to redeem the souls of Aurellia, Bernardo, and Marie, but you aren't flying solo on this Myth-Debunking paranormal, soul-redeeming investigation, because once again you get a nameless Crow to soar to great heights to retrieve those items that have mysteriously ended up in places you can't reach. As far as being CE worthy, in my opinion, this one is not very CE worthy, only offering 11 Collectible Tokens and no other bling. It does have 5 main Chapters, but on one hand, I finished the demo with 27 minutes to spare which basically covers the first 2 chapters, on the other hand, there are a ton of mini-games, many of which are back-to-back, vs a game that is crammed full of video cutscenes, so at least you're actively playing not watching the game.
Once again, they have included Conversation Choices, but they are a meaningless waste of time. I played the demo first, then took advantage of today's sale to purchase this game, at which point I created a new profile to start from the beginning. I discovered that once again, the conversation choices DON"T impact the outcome because I chose the opposite responses on purpose the second go-round, and the questions are so vague that the answer is always the same. I had the choice to ask something to the effect of Who are you vs how did you find me or something similar, the answer was the same both times "it doesn't matter, time is of the essence" response. The Rock, Paper, Scissors game with a pair of skeleton hands is the same scenario, the first time I chose rock which was wrong, then paper which was also wrong. The second profile I chose the Scissors because that was the correct answer the first time, again it was wrong, so it doesn't matter what you choose, it will always be the third try wins. My point is, why bother to include multiple choices if it doesn't affect the outcome, therefore, doesn't matter? If you want smash-hit game devs, why not create a game that actually has features that will change the outcome of the game like in Bad Dreams Coma?
The Hidden Object Scenes could be more interesting and definitely more challenging. For example, on one of the HOS, silhouetted shapes are shown on both sides of a purse that requires you to place items from the purse into the silhouetted shapes, but the cursor not only changes to a hand, but it selects the items in a specific order so all you have to do is click anywhere because you're going to pick up what the game was programmed to be picked up, not the item you want to choose. There are Keywords in Sentence finds to progress the story, Finding & Replacing HO's where they belong on book pages, Multiples of the same Object finds, Multiple Symbol Shapes finds, and several smaller Zoom-Zone Hidden Object Scenes (more zoom-zones than regular HOS) to find 8 broken buttons, 8 silhouetted shapes or a handful of Listed items. None of the HOS have many items to find, in fact, the first HOS only required you to find 1, sometimes 2 items per sentence in the Keyword finds, but then again, this is a game who's targeted audience is puzzle-lovers, and not so much hidden object fans.
The Mini-Games are in abundance, everytime you blink, there's a new puzzle so if you don't like puzzle-heavy games you'll probably hate this one. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Play a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors with skeleton hands.
2-Arrange the gems according to color & then numerically.
3-Swap pie sections of the button to complete the design.
4-Select the needle when it's in the green zone x4.
5-Select and drag the skull through the shape w/o touching sides.
6-Light all candles, one affects others. (Casual/Hard)
7-Drag rows horizontally and vertically to recreate the image.
8-Use a lens to find symbols in order from simple to complex.
9-Move tokens in an L formation to their matching colored slots.
10-Swap puzzle pieces from the same ring section to complete.
11-Slide puzzle pieces to form a hole around the parrot shape.
12-Rotate 4 sections until they all fit together in the center.
13-Click to change column section images to match themes.
14-Select & drag all rows to create a path for the water to flow.
15-Select matching pairs of symbols under clouds that move.
2-Arrange the gems according to color & then numerically.
3-Swap pie sections of the button to complete the design.
4-Select the needle when it's in the green zone x4.
5-Select and drag the skull through the shape w/o touching sides.
6-Light all candles, one affects others. (Casual/Hard)
7-Drag rows horizontally and vertically to recreate the image.
8-Use a lens to find symbols in order from simple to complex.
9-Move tokens in an L formation to their matching colored slots.
10-Swap puzzle pieces from the same ring section to complete.
11-Slide puzzle pieces to form a hole around the parrot shape.
12-Rotate 4 sections until they all fit together in the center.
13-Click to change column section images to match themes.
14-Select & drag all rows to create a path for the water to flow.
15-Select matching pairs of symbols under clouds that move.
This Collector's Edition version has 12 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art pictures, 7 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 19 Movie Cutscenes, 13 Achievements to earn, 13 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 18 re-playable Mini-Games, 11 Collectible Tokens that give ancient Underworld descriptions from Aztec, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Tibet, Inca, Babylonia, India, Scandinavia, Europe and Maya) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy, it's Almost the Day of the Dead!
REDEMPTION CEMETERY SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Curse of the Raven (July 30-2010) 4.5
2-Children's Plight (August 11-2011) 4.5
3-Grave Testimony (August 12-2012) 4.3
4-Salvation of the Lost (April 18-2013) 3.8
5-Bitter Frost (December 26-2013) 3.4
6-The Island of the Lost (March 15-2015) 3.6
7-Clock of Fate (September 24-2015) 3.6
8-At Death's Door (May 5-2016) 3.8
9-Night Terrors (February 9-2017) 3.4
10-Embodiment of Evil (May 11-2017) 4.0
11-One Foot in the Grave (November 16-2017) 3.4
12-Day of the Almost Dead (August 4-2018) n/a
2-Children's Plight (August 11-2011) 4.5
3-Grave Testimony (August 12-2012) 4.3
4-Salvation of the Lost (April 18-2013) 3.8
5-Bitter Frost (December 26-2013) 3.4
6-The Island of the Lost (March 15-2015) 3.6
7-Clock of Fate (September 24-2015) 3.6
8-At Death's Door (May 5-2016) 3.8
9-Night Terrors (February 9-2017) 3.4
10-Embodiment of Evil (May 11-2017) 4.0
11-One Foot in the Grave (November 16-2017) 3.4
12-Day of the Almost Dead (August 4-2018) n/a
by: Amax Interactive
I recommend this game!
Summer Adventure
Join Mary’s family and visit lovely places such as nearby beaches and landmarks in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
57 of 60 found this review helpful
VACATION STYLE HO JUST NOT AS FUN
PostedAugust 3, 2018
Anonymous
fromA snack? The banana is a snack, the breadsticks were a snack, papaya is a snack, what was actually a snack didn't look like much of a snack
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a simple Hidden Object Game, that mirrors the popular Vacation Adv. games, but it's now where near as fun. The items are very tiny and some are hard to recognize what they actually are, even when you use the Zoom Magnifying Glass feature!
There are 60 Hidden Object Scenes that can be played in a Timed or Relaxed Mode, and you can earn up to 3 Stars, according to the amount of time, if you use a hint, that will subtract a star as well. This is an old-fashioned Listed item find HO style that takes place in an entire room vs. a zoom zone, and the items to find are not proportionate, a tie may be normally sized sitting next to garlic the size of a basketball, and some items are ridiculously hidden such as a "woman's sign" that if I hadn't used a hint, I doubt I'd have found it on my own.
After each Hidden Object Scene, there is a simplistic mini-game available, such as a Jigsaw Puzzle, a game of Pipes where you click to rotate square tiles to connect a path of pipes, a group of 2 or more identical image Match 3 game or a word search variation with fruit images instead of actual words.
This game may have been more interesting if the items weren't so small, but then again, the locations of the HO scenes aren't that appealing either. The puzzles are far too easy and the game becomes repetitive very quickly, I'll stick to my Cruise or Park Vacation and pass on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
This original adventure game explores a love story between two beautiful souls through ingenious humor and a bizarre, hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation style.
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 37 found this review helpful
CAUSE AND EFFECT, THAT'S KARMA
PostedAugust 2, 2018
Anonymous
fromGood deeds=good karma. Bad deeds=bad karma
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love a good adventure, especially one that requires me to figure out what to do instead of just blindly clicking on a game that practically plays itself. Karma refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect)
What an appropriate name for this beautiful love story! This is a game about cause and effect, actions, and reactions. Karma is one of the strangest games I've ever played, and it's not an easy game at that. If you are looking for a game that challenges you every step of the way, look no further, there's no hand-holding here, no hints (sort of) and only basic, minimal instructions provided such as how to move, zoom in and out or search around.
When I first started playing this game, I thought it was going to be bizarre and boring, I was right about the bizarre part, wrong about the boring part, and after finishing the demo, I knew this was going to be a game I had to see through.
The only advice I can give you is to pay attention to details, pay attention to the images shown, pay attention to what happens when you interact with objects, it's probably going to help you progress, and sometimes you have to go backward to move forward. On the bottom of the screen, there will either be an hourglass or a lightbulb, the hourglass turns over during cutscenes as your "soulblob" moves to the next scene or destination, the light bulb allows you further insight, replays hint solutions etc. but in no way shape or form gives you the entire solution, just enough of a nudge to make the lightbulb above your own head light up for an "aha" moment.
Inventory items are added automatically and are usually shown above the object or creature that they can be used on, but again, you'll still probably need to figure out some aspect of the where's, why's and how's. Play around, click on just about anything and everything, it's a weird game, but quite beautiful at the same time.
Thanks, Felix! You're finally spreading your wings to bring us genres that out of your comfort zone. These adventure/puzzle games have been sorely missed by a lot of gamers, it may take a while, but if you build it, they will come...it's Karma!
I recommend this game!
Can you save escaped magical creatures before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
121 of 145 found this review helpful
PROTECTOR OF ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
PostedAugust 2, 2018
Anonymous
fromEgypt's Pharos of Alexandria, 3rd century BC was the 1st lighthouse. US has more lighthouses than any other country. Michigan has over 115 lighthouses along the Great Lakes. Lighthouse keeping was one of the first US government jobs available to women!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Abe was the last man standing in the Hanson family lineage. His brothers Eliot and Rick both passed away under mysterious circumstances, and now Abe has joined his brothers, resting in peace for eternity. Julia inherited the Hanson Family Lighthouse from Uncle Abe, a decision she thought was rather curious, but nonetheless, she knew her Uncle was quite fond of the lighthouse. Sometimes the gift itself isn't what's important, and Julia soon learns that her inheritance was actually a lifelong journey, a lifetime commitment, a responsibility that had nothing to do with the lighthouse itself!
Good news and bad news! This game has a Gadget AND a Helper! That's the bad news, the good news is that Ash the Corgi is adorable and not annoying. The Magic Cube Gadget isn't as horrible as I had anticipated it to be. The Magic Cube actually has two different features associated with it. The main feature of the cube is to capture magical Creatures that have unique powers allowing them to control elements such as Lightning, Fire, and Ice. To capture the creatures, you'll have to challenge them to a Match 3 game and of course, beat them. (this was one of my criteria factors for deducting a star, not the helper, not the cube, not even the repetitive Match 3 game, but because challenging a griffin or ice wolf to a match 3 game was kind of lame) Supposedly, the Cube is a Sanctuary for these animals, if that's true, why would I need to beat them at a Match 3 game to coax them back into the Cube? They are intelligent enough to play a Match 3 challenge, but not smart enough to return to a safe sanctuary? Once captured, you will acquire their magical ability, such as flying, but you only get one shot to use that ability.
The Hidden Object Scenes are basically all the same, Interactive List Finds, but in all fairness, they did throw in a Keywords in Sentence finds here and there which helps to progress the storyline. The lack of creativity within the HO Scenes was the other deciding factor for deducting a star from my rating. There's no alternative puzzle offered, which surprises me given the fact tact that there's a repetitive Match 3 game during the game whenever the Cube is used to capture a creature (who knew these creatures were capable of a Match 3 challenge!)
The Mini-Games I will admit are rather simplistic and easily solved. That isn't necessarily a bad thing if puzzles are enjoyable and relaxing that's just as beneficial as a complicated, mind-boggling puzzle, you don't always need to be challenged, and this is a fantasy-themed game, so relaxing is okay too. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Drag the dog token along the tracks to every circle point.
2-Swap papers until they form the family motto.
3-Swap figurine accessories to match the motif clues shown.
4-Swap and rotate tokens to restore the image.
5-Make the number of connections between stars with limited moves.
6-Flip records to find all matching pairs.
7-Drag a line through at least 3 specific matching gems shown.
8-Navigate through the maze using items you find to overcome obstacles.
9-Flip clouds to find matching pairs of tracks.
10-Flip clouds to find matching pairs, clouds shuffle after each turn.
2-Swap papers until they form the family motto.
3-Swap figurine accessories to match the motif clues shown.
4-Swap and rotate tokens to restore the image.
5-Make the number of connections between stars with limited moves.
6-Flip records to find all matching pairs.
7-Drag a line through at least 3 specific matching gems shown.
8-Navigate through the maze using items you find to overcome obstacles.
9-Flip clouds to find matching pairs of tracks.
10-Flip clouds to find matching pairs, clouds shuffle after each turn.
Collector's Edition has 6 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art pictures, 5 Screensavers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 19 re-playable Mini-Games, 11 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 27 re-playable Movie Cutscenes, 15 Achievements to earn, 64 Collectible Opaque Eggs (allows you to hatch 5 eggs with collection totals of 22, 30, 38, 44 and 64) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
EDGE OF REALITY SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Ring of Destiny (April 28-2016) 3.8
2-Lethal Predictions (February 4-2017) 3.6
3-Fatal Luck (April 19-2018) 4.5
4-Hunter's Legacy (August 2-2018) n/a
2-Lethal Predictions (February 4-2017) 3.6
3-Fatal Luck (April 19-2018) 4.5
4-Hunter's Legacy (August 2-2018) n/a
by 4Friends Games
I recommend this game!
The great Archimedes’ latest invention has destroyed the beautiful town of Syracuse! Guide Archimedes and help rebuild the beautiful city!
Overall rating
1
/
5
60 of 68 found this review helpful
I CAN'T EVEN FINISH THE DEMO MUCH LESS CONSIDER BUYING IT!
PostedAugust 1, 2018
Anonymous
fromDid I mention the music was dreadful?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I hate being negative so I always try to find a redeeming quality in every game that I play, but this is one of the few Time Management games that I just hated playing. It didn't just become boring after a few levels, it was boring from level one and just went downhill from there. I love a good TM game, and a good TM game can be replayed several times, in fact, a good TM game can be played in a Relaxed Mode, a Normal Mode and then a Hardcore Mode and still hold your interest, because that's what a TM game is all about! Archimedes doesn't even offer different difficulty modes which throw up a big red flag warning that it's probably not going to be interesting enough to replay!
Normally, I like TM games by this dev, but Archimedes is really a snooze-fest! The music was so loud when I first opened it up, that I couldn't get to the setting page quick enough. I turned the music way down, only to discover a horrible twangy banjo, slapstick tune between levels that was so irritating I finally had to turn the music completely off, which is something I've never had to do in all my game-playing years!
The TM levels were bland with the same yellow-ish hues, it was an immediate turn-off with nothing colorful to look at. The yellow is so bright it's practically blinding. Level after level seemed to present nothing exciting and they are extremely repetitive, build 5 houses, chop down 18 trees, remove all rocks, repair all bridges. Earn a specific amount of gold (I'll get to that gripe soon) It seemed like I was doing the same thing over and over.
When you construct a building you must click on the plot of land, then choose Hut or Facility, then you have to click again on the pop-up or it won't be queued, which seemed like an unnecessary extra step. When you select a tree to chop down, it shows an X, which to me says that it hasn't been queued or there aren't enough workers or resources to do that particular task, so it was confusing. There aren't any food sources, either along the paths or via a farm etc. you have to build a Market to buy the food required.
The whole time you're playing the level, a woman is narrating, you need more "servants" " you don't have enough food", or "you need more gold", which just annoyed me after a while, but at least her voice was more appealing than that dreadful music! I'd prefer to just see a pop-up window that shows me the resources I still need, a voice narration is not needed in a TM game that constantly needs more resources.
Several of the levels required me to build a specific number of Huts and Earn a specific amount of Gold. I was able to build the Huts one after the other, without wasting any time, then I had to sit there with nothing to do while I waited and waited for my huts to earn Gold, and because it took so long to earn the gold, I lost a Star! I replayed the level, built the huts quickly, then upgraded the huts to make more money faster, and I was STILL having to wait. Who wants to watch the huts make money with nothing to do?
As far as the differences between the Collector's Edition version and this Standard Edition version, the CE version offers a built-in Strategy Guide and 9 Wallpapers. Both versions offer 23 Trophy Achievements to earn, and both versions allow you to replay the Movie Cutscenes. I have read a lot of reviews for the CE version, and many reviewers stated that they followed the Strategy Guide step-by-step and still couldn't earn expert status, so if you like this game, I'd have to say that this is the better version option. For me personally, I have no desire to purchase either version, even with a PCC.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Odin’s messenger Munin navigate 9 worlds and lead her to the golden throne of Asgard in this unique puzzle platformer!
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 51 found this review helpful
STRANGE PUZZLE GAME BUT I KINDA DIG IT
PostedJuly 31, 2018
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've always been a puzzle geek and I love puzzles that I have to think about or tinker with until I get it right. Although this is a strange kind of game, it really grows on you, and you definitely have to tinker with the scenes to solve them.
The instructions are very basic but the game itself is fairly basic so there's not much to figure out other than how to solve the puzzle. There's only one goal and it's the same goal on every level, collect all the feathers. A simple goal, but not so simple to figure out how to get to the feathers!
There are square sections of the scenes that can be rotated by left-clicking the mouse, but the square that the characters is in, can't be rotated until you move him to the next square section. You can move the character forward, backward, up or down ladders, using the arrow keys. You may need to jump him over obstacles, which can be achieved by right-clicking the mouse while using the directional arrows. You may need to go back and forth on a lower level and then change the square section selection to reach other areas.
The puzzle levels don't end until you get all the feathers, there's no 1-2 or 3 stars to earn, you just keep playing until you figure out a way to collect all the feathers. So far, it doesn't seem to limit you on how many attempts you get if you run the character into a pit or whatever and he dies, it just starts over at the point you died.
This isn't going to be a game for everyone, especially if you don't like games that require you to use the arrow buttons. You can play the game in 9 different languages, and you can set the resolution, so it's not too archaic, and if you enjoy problem-solving puzzles, this fits the bill, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Discover your inner Chef and open the restaurant of your dreams with this fun time-management game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
63 of 71 found this review helpful
JUST AN AVERAGE TM WITH CLICK & DRAG FEATURESAND NOT REALLY CE WORTHY
PostedJuly 31, 2018
Anonymous
fromAt least I didn't have to make a Green Bean Pizza like I did in Happy Chef 2!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Haunted Domains
(48)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've never been a fan of Click & Drag types of Time Management games, so for me, this was just an okay game, neither bad nor good. You can play in a Relaxed or Normal Mode of Difficulty, and there are 100 Achievements to earn. Every time you earn an Achievement you will also earn a Golden Ladle which can be used to purchase various Kitchen Improvements.
In this CE version, there is a Survival Mode feature that allows you to play an Endless Mode. You get 3 Lives in Survival Mode, and you continue to play non-stop for Points (not Coins) until you lose 3 customers. This CE version also has 3 Wallpapers available to download, which isn't really all that special when you consider that this version costs twice as much as the SE version!
Customers arrive at the counter with a thought bubble of food or beverages they desire. The kitchen is a food prep table located in front of the counter, and you need to prepare the food exactly as shown on their thought bubble including appropriate condiments and sides. After the food is correctly prepared, you click the item(s) and drag it to the correct customer, and click the coins they leave on the counter to allow room for other customers. You can replay any level to try for an expert status score, and in the Mini-Game section, you can earn extra coins, by moving the character to collect various food and bonuses before the timer runs out.
There is a Hot Plate for grilling certain meats and veggies, and if you leave the food on the grill too long, it will burn and you'll have to throw it away. In the Workshop prep area, food items need a two-step process. Omelets need to be flipped halfway through cooking, and omelets can also burn if left in the skillet too long or isn't flipped in time. After each level, you can use the coins you earned to buy food items that are more elaborate which customers are willing to pay more for. Each food item can be upgraded 3 times.
Upgrades can be made to the Kitchen's Interior, such as chairs, tables, lamps etc. that will improve customer's patience levels, which ultimately net larger tips. In the Kitchen Aids section, you can use the Ladles you earned with Achievements, to purchase automated features that will help with trivial tasks, such as preparing quick meals, automatically collecting the money, or removing burnt food automatically.
If you like the click-hold-drag type of Diner-Dash Time Management games, I think you will enjoy Happy Chef because it is a well-made game with good feathers otherwise. However, I just don't see a Collector's Edition value and would recommend the Standard Edition version over this Collector's Edition version, if you can wait a month or so for its release.
HAPPY CHEF SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's/Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's/Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Happy Chef 1 SE only (January 9-2012) 3.4
2-Happy Chef 2 SE only (August 6-2013) 3.4
3-Happy Chef 3 CE (July 31-2018) n/a
2-Happy Chef 2 SE only (August 6-2013) 3.4
3-Happy Chef 3 CE (July 31-2018) n/a
by: Nordcurrent LTD Games
Solve the mystery of the Werewolf Shadow in this exciting time management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 90 found this review helpful
ROSE RIDDLE ROCKS!
PostedJuly 30, 2018
Anonymous
fromOh noooo...not his gumdrop buttons!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Rose Riddle is a different kind of Time Management game, and I can't wait for the next installment! Not only is this a fantastic TM game that's incredibly fun, but it has a fantastical storyline to boot. I love the way they use the beloved fairy-tale characters of yesteryear as if they were real people. Although you don't have to play the first Rose Riddle to follow the storyline of this game, I highly recommend you do, because it tells how Rose Riddle became the detective in this magical mystery land, plus it's just as good as this edition!
The Gingerbread Man has been attacked! (it's possible they were just looking for a snack) have no fear, for Rose Riddle, is on the case, the problem is, her sidekick partner is quite the Beast (no really, he's a Beast) and it just so happens that he had a horrible nightmare about the attack last night. Did he have a premonition, or did the beast inside cut loose?
There are the usual TM tasks of repairing roads and bridges, clearing debris and puddles from the roads, building farms and cafe's to produce food, Banks to earn money etc. There are also unusual TM tasks like planting magic beans that grow to use as ladders to reach rooftops, magic carpets to fly to inaccessible places, moving cars parked in the way, chasing off flying monkeys and investigating crime scenes for evidence. Soda is a commodity in fairy-land, the more you collect the better everyone works, and by better, I mean faster because collecting soda recharges the bonus icon to speed up workers and make them more productive. There are several different machines available that produce construction materials, money etc, but they eventually run out of resources. There is a number icon above the machines that indicate how many times you can collect resources from each one.
I was really surprised that this second Rose Riddle wasn't offered as a Collector's Edition like the first Rose Riddle was. I suspect that the CE version wasn't as successful as the Standard Edition was, but honestly, I probably would have purchased this game even if it was a CE because I wouldn't have had the patience to wait a whole month to buy it! Don't be afraid of the big bad wolf, this is a must-have game for TM fans, enjoy!
ROSE RIDDLE SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Fairy Tale Detective CE (October 24-2017) 4.2
-The Fairy Tale Detective SE ((November 22-2017) 4.5
2-Werewolf Shadow SE only (July 30-2018) n/a
-The Fairy Tale Detective SE ((November 22-2017) 4.5
2-Werewolf Shadow SE only (July 30-2018) n/a
by: Yustas Games Studio
I recommend this game!
Can you escape a madman on the Island of Fog?
Overall rating
3
/
5
51 of 62 found this review helpful
NEVER TRUST FOGG
PostedJuly 30, 2018
Anonymous
fromIt's no house on the hill
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game is so easy you could complete it blindfolded! Not only is this a short game you can complete in about 2 hours or so (3 short chapters) but it also has every cliche HOPA world tasks imaginable. Jug of magical oil to remove 30 years of rust and decay, check. A rusty dull knife that gets discarded after one use once it's sharpened, check. A random item that's been sewn into a pillow, obvious check. A Broken lens that apparently is the standard size for every lens ever made, check, and another check because it's always just a single lens that's cracked. Cobwebs you just can't bring yourself to remove by hand even though you fear for your life, giant check. Wax from a candle to remove because nobody ever uses a candlestick to catch the dripping wax, check. (because the candlestick is always used in the HOS) Flint & Steel to light something just before finding a modern-day lighter, check (usually requiring oil, fuel, fluid and/or a wick). A flashlight with old batteries and/or bulb, check. Important and useful tools discarded only to realize you could have used it in the very next scene, double, check!
Have you ever noticed that when you use an item that gets discarded after it's maiden voyage, that the item just goes poof! and completely disappears into oblivion, even though you haven't moved? Where did it go? Did it join my sock in sock heaven? Did a random animal steal it while I wasn't looking only to hold it hostage until the next random, unsuspecting HOPA player comes along? Will I find the hammer that went, poof! buried in the dirt on the next game I play? Will the saw that just went, poof! show up in the bonus chapter entangled in vines with thorns the size of tyrannosaurus claws? Is there a HOPA cleptomaniac that has an entire shed filled with these discarded items, laughing hysterically as they watch me risk life and limb to find the correct, sturdy hand and footholds to climb my way up a cliffside after falling because I just had to have that backpack slightly out of reach? Would I have this much time to think of all these random thoughts if the game hadn't been so easy and predictable?...check!
The Hidden Object Scenes are downright boring and most of them are the same type. You'll find 4 items to place onto their Silhouetted Shapes that will open the List of items to find. The Silhouetted items are impossible to miss because the cursor turns into a hand when you scan across the items needed. The scenes are repeated shortly afterward with a Matching Pairs HOS. In the CE version, most of the HOS have a Morphing Object, I say most because when the scene is repeated, there aren't any morphs available, and there are no alternate puzzles offered.
The Mini-Games are rather easy for the most part, even though some are available in a Normal or Hard difficulty mode. One of the achievements available to earn is for completing 18 Super Puzzles. This intrigued my interest enough to purchase this game (on a sale of course) but I have completed 2 of the 3 chapters and have yet to see a "super" puzzle. The Hidden Signs claim that finding them will unlock Bonus Content, so hopefully, the super puzzles are still to come?? Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Unlock the handcuffs by dragging the hairpins.
2-Turn all of the tiles red in a limited amount of moves.
3-Use directional arrows to move tokens to their matching slots.
4-Light the correct tiles according to the clue, 1 may affect others.
5-Swap portraits to their matching silhouettes on the wall.
6-Swap adjacent disc portions to complete the image.
7-Move food items into the correct compartments.
8-Light the correct squares on the grid by selecting +,-,x
9-Drop all skeletons off the board in a swap type Match 3 game.
10-Draw a line between each matching gem without crossing the lines.
2-Turn all of the tiles red in a limited amount of moves.
3-Use directional arrows to move tokens to their matching slots.
4-Light the correct tiles according to the clue, 1 may affect others.
5-Swap portraits to their matching silhouettes on the wall.
6-Swap adjacent disc portions to complete the image.
7-Move food items into the correct compartments.
8-Light the correct squares on the grid by selecting +,-,x
9-Drop all skeletons off the board in a swap type Match 3 game.
10-Draw a line between each matching gem without crossing the lines.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 6 Music Soundtracks, 15 Achievements to earn, 32 Hidden Signs (which unlock Bonus Content), 14 Hidden Object Scene Morphing Objects, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
TALES OF TERROR SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Crimson Dawn SE ONLY (September 22-2012) 3.4
2-House On The Hill (June 15-2014) 3.8
3-Estate of the Heart (March 13-2016) 3.7
4-Art of Horror (April 28-2017) 3.9
5-The Fog of Madness (July 29-2018) n/a
2-House On The Hill (June 15-2014) 3.8
3-Estate of the Heart (March 13-2016) 3.7
4-Art of Horror (April 28-2017) 3.9
5-The Fog of Madness (July 29-2018) n/a
by: Deep Shadows
I don't recommend this game.