catbag8717's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:8,793
- Reviews Submitted:584
- First Review:April 27, 2012
- Most Recent Review:September 23, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The family saga continues when your nephew Brandon encounters the mysterious Stone Queen in a lonely mountain town.
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Not The Best From Elephant, But Still An Alright Game
PostedJanuary 5, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As the title says, this wasn't the best game ever, but I did enjoy it all the same.
Good Parts:
Storyline is good. The Stone Queen has turned evil for some reason and has turned everyone to statues. It was your average storyline, with a few twists, but wasn't the thriller that I was used to.
Great graphics, scenes looked very realistic. Animations are done well.
I liked the HOS, which included "extra step" objects. They weren't too hard, but were a good challenge for those of us who dislike easy games.
Hint and skip rechage fast.
You can free the statues by placing flowers or something simillar on their backs. This was an extra thing we had to do and I really enjoyed it.
The map is very useful and you can jump from location to location.
There is a goblin that you aquire. This goblin is really useful to you in the game, kind of like the dog in The Four Aces.
Storyline is good. The Stone Queen has turned evil for some reason and has turned everyone to statues. It was your average storyline, with a few twists, but wasn't the thriller that I was used to.
Great graphics, scenes looked very realistic. Animations are done well.
I liked the HOS, which included "extra step" objects. They weren't too hard, but were a good challenge for those of us who dislike easy games.
Hint and skip rechage fast.
You can free the statues by placing flowers or something simillar on their backs. This was an extra thing we had to do and I really enjoyed it.
The map is very useful and you can jump from location to location.
There is a goblin that you aquire. This goblin is really useful to you in the game, kind of like the dog in The Four Aces.
OK Parts:
I didn't like most of the puzzles, but there were one or two that I liked. Most of the puzzles were too complex, or I didn't understand what was meant by the instructions.
There was a bit of going back and forth
I didn't like most of the puzzles, but there were one or two that I liked. Most of the puzzles were too complex, or I didn't understand what was meant by the instructions.
There was a bit of going back and forth
Bad Parts:
Minimal voice-overs compared to most ganes by this developer.
There were a couple of annoying sounds in the game
No achievements or collectables. These usually feature in Elephant's games, but sadly there were none here.
Some things in the game were overly-complex, for example starting the jackhammer, which required the player having to find 2 items to place in some holes, then completing a puzzle to start the hammer. As well as that, you had to replace the drill bit. I found this part of the game to be very time consuming.
Minimal voice-overs compared to most ganes by this developer.
There were a couple of annoying sounds in the game
No achievements or collectables. These usually feature in Elephant's games, but sadly there were none here.
Some things in the game were overly-complex, for example starting the jackhammer, which required the player having to find 2 items to place in some holes, then completing a puzzle to start the hammer. As well as that, you had to replace the drill bit. I found this part of the game to be very time consuming.
While I did enjoy The Snow Queen, there's nothing in the demo that stood out enough for me to purchase the game. To those wondering, I would say wait for the Standard Edition unless you want to play a bonus chapter. Pretty much all that comes with the CE is a strategy guide, screensavers and the bonus chapter.
I recommend this game!
Push your detective skills to the limit in a fantastical faraway land and find a prince's lost love.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not Your Average Fairy Tale!
PostedJanuary 2, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
My favourite developer Elephant games returns with another series, Detective Quest. While this is not as good as previous games, this was still a good demo.
(based off demo)
(based off demo)
Good Parts:
Ok, I hate fairytale storylines, but this one was great! Massive twist towards the end of the demo, almost made me want to buy!
Great graphics as usual. Everything was clear, didn't have to move my screen or squint to see things.
I loved the use of animals in the game.
Great voice-overs.
Map lets you jump between spaces, so I didn't have to spend ages going back and forth between places.
Hint recharges fast and is helpful.
Strategy guide was useful.
I really liked the use of the camera and flashlight. This was a new feature to games and I hope it stays.
Ok, I hate fairytale storylines, but this one was great! Massive twist towards the end of the demo, almost made me want to buy!
Great graphics as usual. Everything was clear, didn't have to move my screen or squint to see things.
I loved the use of animals in the game.
Great voice-overs.
Map lets you jump between spaces, so I didn't have to spend ages going back and forth between places.
Hint recharges fast and is helpful.
Strategy guide was useful.
I really liked the use of the camera and flashlight. This was a new feature to games and I hope it stays.
OK Parts:
Puzzles. Some bored me, others didn't. They were a little bit too challenging for me,
Puzzles. Some bored me, others didn't. They were a little bit too challenging for me,
Bad Parts:
One thing that annoyed me right from the start- The hint makes a really annoying sound when you use it. AAARGH. Adding to my frustrations, I needed to use the hint a lot.
I didn't like the HOS very much, Elephant have changed from the classic junkpile, to one where you had to place the objects in the scenes. This one was a bit too challenging for me.
For most of the demo, I struggled to figure out what to do next.
One thing that annoyed me right from the start- The hint makes a really annoying sound when you use it. AAARGH. Adding to my frustrations, I needed to use the hint a lot.
I didn't like the HOS very much, Elephant have changed from the classic junkpile, to one where you had to place the objects in the scenes. This one was a bit too challenging for me.
For most of the demo, I struggled to figure out what to do next.
This series looks promising, but needs a few things fixed before the next installment. I wont buy, but I'll happily recommend the trial.
I recommend this game!
Find out who stole your magic animals, and reveal the secret of the Dark Minotaur.
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Not The Usual ERS Game
PostedJanuary 2, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Reality Show: Fatal Shot, Haunted Legends: The Undertaker, Redemption Cemetary: Grave Testimony. What do all these games have in common? They were all the best games of 2012 and were developed by ERS. While it was developed by ERS, this game sadly was one to forget.
(based off demo)
Good Parts:
I liked the HOS. They were probably the best thing of the game. There were 2 kinds; the classic junkpile, and shillouette. In shillouette, you had to switch between 2 scenes to find a few objects. Junkpile contained some objects that required an extra step to find. They were challenging and great fun to play.
Great graphics. Very modern, great animations.
Good voice-overs.
Hint/skip recharge fast.
Puzzles were great. Not too challenging, but then again not too easy.
Good Parts:
I liked the HOS. They were probably the best thing of the game. There were 2 kinds; the classic junkpile, and shillouette. In shillouette, you had to switch between 2 scenes to find a few objects. Junkpile contained some objects that required an extra step to find. They were challenging and great fun to play.
Great graphics. Very modern, great animations.
Good voice-overs.
Hint/skip recharge fast.
Puzzles were great. Not too challenging, but then again not too easy.
OK Parts:
A fair bit of going back and forth.
A fair bit of going back and forth.
Bad Parts:
Okay, my main problem with this game is that the fairy tale storyline has been DONE TO DEATH. Unless it's gonna be great, don't bother. This certainly was NOT great. The start just bored me, and even the introduction of the animals wasn't good. As I progressed, story got slightly better, but overall it was a fail.
I had to rely on the hint a lot.
Most of the time I found it hard to figure out what to do next.
Okay, my main problem with this game is that the fairy tale storyline has been DONE TO DEATH. Unless it's gonna be great, don't bother. This certainly was NOT great. The start just bored me, and even the introduction of the animals wasn't good. As I progressed, story got slightly better, but overall it was a fail.
I had to rely on the hint a lot.
Most of the time I found it hard to figure out what to do next.
I didn't like the first Spirits of Mystery, but I went in to this game intending to play without being biased. I did so, but this is just as bad as the first. This is one of ERS' worst games, and I won't be recommending, nor will I be buying.
I don't recommend this game.
Luna’s friend calls her to a remote island after unearthing ancient mystery. Now together they face the cult of the Wolf Man.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Where Has This Gem Been Hiding All This Time?
PostedJanuary 2, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Amazing! This is totally unlike any game I've played before, and I enjoyed it very much
(based on entire demo)
Good Parts:
Storyline is great, so many twists. Really made me want to play on once I'd reached the end of the demo.
Loved the HOS, not many things to find, but still really good.
Puzzles were great, not too challenging.This is what I like to see in a game.
Great voice-overs.
Great graphics. Animation is done really well and great detail.
Hint/skip recharges really fast.
Strategy guide is really useful.
Once I got going, it was easy to figure out what to do next.
(based on entire demo)
Good Parts:
Storyline is great, so many twists. Really made me want to play on once I'd reached the end of the demo.
Loved the HOS, not many things to find, but still really good.
Puzzles were great, not too challenging.This is what I like to see in a game.
Great voice-overs.
Great graphics. Animation is done really well and great detail.
Hint/skip recharges really fast.
Strategy guide is really useful.
Once I got going, it was easy to figure out what to do next.
OK Parts:
A bit of going back and forth.
A bit of going back and forth.
Bad Parts:
Unable to jump between locations on the map, which means you had to go all the way back to where you needed to go. In some instances, I had to go from the lady's house to the inn.
Hint isn't useful in some parts. I originally downloaded the SE, but found I needed to switch to the CE because of this.
Unable to jump between locations on the map, which means you had to go all the way back to where you needed to go. In some instances, I had to go from the lady's house to the inn.
Hint isn't useful in some parts. I originally downloaded the SE, but found I needed to switch to the CE because of this.
This is one brilliant game. I enjoyed my demo thoroughly and am seriously considering purchasing the full version. Try this- you won't regret it!
I recommend this game!
Charles Dexter Ward summons you to the island of Pawtuxet to stop a revenant from murdering the townspeople.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Nothing Too Special
PostedJanuary 1, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The title and bright colours attracted me, but I was a little disappointed after I played the demo.
Good Parts:
Best thing about the game was the HOS. They were great and a breeze to play. Also included extra step objects.
Graphics were good, but a little work is required.
Hint and skip recharge fast.
It was easy to figure out what to do.
Objectives were great. You could click on a picture to get a hint and it would tell you exactly what to do. A unique feature to this game that I hope to see in a lot more.
Extra content is great. Ranges from bonus chapter to an e-book of the novel which the game is based on. Great value for money.
Best thing about the game was the HOS. They were great and a breeze to play. Also included extra step objects.
Graphics were good, but a little work is required.
Hint and skip recharge fast.
It was easy to figure out what to do.
Objectives were great. You could click on a picture to get a hint and it would tell you exactly what to do. A unique feature to this game that I hope to see in a lot more.
Extra content is great. Ranges from bonus chapter to an e-book of the novel which the game is based on. Great value for money.
OK Parts:
Puzzles. Some were ok, but some were annoying.
Puzzles. Some were ok, but some were annoying.
Bad Parts:
Storyline was kind of boring. Same old ghost story, nothing new. Intro was boring and the rest of the story wasn't much better.
The whole character of CD Ward was terrible. Bad voice-over and just odd. Character wasn't protrayed very well
Demo only lasted me 29 minutes..
Storyline was kind of boring. Same old ghost story, nothing new. Intro was boring and the rest of the story wasn't much better.
The whole character of CD Ward was terrible. Bad voice-over and just odd. Character wasn't protrayed very well
Demo only lasted me 29 minutes..
Nothing really special. I was happy with just the trial. This game will either be loved or hated, so take your pick.
I recommend this game!
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
After a man is murdered on a hit reality TV show, you are called in to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Don't Know Why This Is Getting Bad Reviews- I LOVED IT!
PostedJanuary 1, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Reality Show: Fatal Shot Collector's Edition
(73)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Probably one of the best games I've ever played BUT, I completed the demo real quick, so I might wait for the SE.
(based on demo)
(based on demo)
Good Parts:
Brilliant storyline, takes an unexpected twist near the end of the demo.
Great puzzles. Yeah they're easy, so what? That's what I loved about them. I hate puzzles that are challenging, so this was a win for me.
Great graphics. Very new, and the intro scene looked like it was filmed in real-life.
Hint and skip recharge very fast and the hint is very helpful.
The game was such a delight to play. The demo went by in a breeze.
Great voice-overs.
Brilliant storyline, takes an unexpected twist near the end of the demo.
Great puzzles. Yeah they're easy, so what? That's what I loved about them. I hate puzzles that are challenging, so this was a win for me.
Great graphics. Very new, and the intro scene looked like it was filmed in real-life.
Hint and skip recharge very fast and the hint is very helpful.
The game was such a delight to play. The demo went by in a breeze.
Great voice-overs.
OK Parts:
I thought this was listed under HO, but I didn't find any scenes.
I thought this was listed under HO, but I didn't find any scenes.
Bad Parts:
Because the hint recharges so quickly, there is no need for a strategy guide, so I don't see this being worth a CE price, even with the bonus chapter.
Because the hint recharges so quickly, there is no need for a strategy guide, so I don't see this being worth a CE price, even with the bonus chapter.
Have to say this is probably my new favourite. I loved every second of it and you will too!
I recommend this game!
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
A Bit Over-Rated But Still Good
PostedDecember 31, 2012
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
(based on demo)
I love Elephant Games and have purchased many of their titles. This was a good game, but not great, I'd probably go for the SE.
Good Parts:
Once you freed a creature, they were placed in the inventory. I loved this part of the game, as they were such a help. The Nutcracker helped me a lot.
Items in inventory had multiple uses.
Characters were great, especially the rat king.
Storyline was good, but unlike other games, didn't hook me. The story was a classic good vs evil love story, with a twist of fairytale.
Great graphics, clearly a 2012 game.
Loved the HOS, even if they were a little challenging. There were some objects that required an "extra step". One example was joining an object together.
I actually loved the puzzles! There were one or two I skipped, but all round they were good.
Hint and skip recharge fast.
Achievements and collectables- throughout the game you had to collect 25 dollhouses. I really enjoyed having to find these.
Once you freed a creature, they were placed in the inventory. I loved this part of the game, as they were such a help. The Nutcracker helped me a lot.
Items in inventory had multiple uses.
Characters were great, especially the rat king.
Storyline was good, but unlike other games, didn't hook me. The story was a classic good vs evil love story, with a twist of fairytale.
Great graphics, clearly a 2012 game.
Loved the HOS, even if they were a little challenging. There were some objects that required an "extra step". One example was joining an object together.
I actually loved the puzzles! There were one or two I skipped, but all round they were good.
Hint and skip recharge fast.
Achievements and collectables- throughout the game you had to collect 25 dollhouses. I really enjoyed having to find these.
OK Parts:
The start of the game was a little boring, but once I got in to it, it was alright.
The start of the game was a little boring, but once I got in to it, it was alright.
Bad Parts;
I'll say this as the only bad thing- 35-40 minutes of play is NOT a demo! The demo is way too short, ending with meeting the rat king. Pretty much once I opened the gate I knew the demo would end.
I'll say this as the only bad thing- 35-40 minutes of play is NOT a demo! The demo is way too short, ending with meeting the rat king. Pretty much once I opened the gate I knew the demo would end.
Pretty much, this was one of those games that was too over-rated. It's alright, I'd say most people would like it, but I won't spend $20 on an "alright" game.
I recommend this game!
Murder, She Wrote 2: Return to Cabot Cove
Take on the role of beloved murder-mystery writer Jessica Fletcher and return to lovely (but lethal) Cabot Cove!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 14 found this review helpful
I Won't Be Returning Any Time Soon!
PostedNovember 23, 2012
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I wasn't a fan of the original MSW, and this is no different.
(based on 30 mins free trial)
(based on 30 mins free trial)
Good Parts:
Great graphics.
Good voice-overs.
Able to walk around a little this time.
HOS were good, great challenge, but I didn't get the typewriter keys.
Great graphics.
Good voice-overs.
Able to walk around a little this time.
HOS were good, great challenge, but I didn't get the typewriter keys.
OK Parts:
Case storylines are worse than last time, a little boring.
Some puzzles were good, but others were bad
Hint takes a little too long to recharge,
Case storylines are worse than last time, a little boring.
Some puzzles were good, but others were bad
Hint takes a little too long to recharge,
Bad Parts:
Only 3 cases, compared to 5 last time.
Skip takes WAY too long to recharge
Have to find typewriter keys to fill in the missing letters of objects you need to find.
Hard to figure out what to do next.
Only 3 cases, compared to 5 last time.
Skip takes WAY too long to recharge
Have to find typewriter keys to fill in the missing letters of objects you need to find.
Hard to figure out what to do next.
Well, MSW 2: Return to Cabot Cove cerainly has me wanting to leave. I don't recommend,
I don't recommend this game.
Find the clues, solve the mystery of November 1963.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
I'm On The Fence!
PostedNovember 23, 2012
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game is one of those average ones. It's one of those that are likely to have people on both sides (recommend, non recommend# and I don't know which side to pick!
Good Parts:
The HOS were great, hardly needed to use the hint button.
Great graphics.
The daydreams or flashbacks, whatever they called them, were great. A good, unique addition to this game, allowed me to travel between 1963 #to points before and after JFK was assasinated) and the present day.
The HOS were great, hardly needed to use the hint button.
Great graphics.
The daydreams or flashbacks, whatever they called them, were great. A good, unique addition to this game, allowed me to travel between 1963 #to points before and after JFK was assasinated) and the present day.
OK Parts:
The storyline. It's a unique idea and has potential, but no voice-overs and a little boring.
In my opinion, there weren't enough HOS.
The storyline. It's a unique idea and has potential, but no voice-overs and a little boring.
In my opinion, there weren't enough HOS.
Bad Parts:
Hint and skip took a little too long to recharge.
A lot of going back and forth.
Sometimes, I had no idea what to do next.
The demo ends quite abruptly. Nothing after playing really made me want to continue.
Hint and skip took a little too long to recharge.
A lot of going back and forth.
Sometimes, I had no idea what to do next.
The demo ends quite abruptly. Nothing after playing really made me want to continue.
Well, I think I'll have to recommend the trial... See what you make of it.
I recommend this game!
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
A Game Not Worthy Of The Mystery Case Files Name
PostedNovember 22, 2012
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I, like most people, looked forward to the next installment very much, but when I played it, it was not what I was expecting.
(based on demo)
(based on demo)
Good Parts:
Great voice-overs
Graphics were great. Very modern and well designed, and also looked very realistic.
Hint and skip recharged fast
Great tutorial option
Strategy guide included
Map is very useful
Great voice-overs
Graphics were great. Very modern and well designed, and also looked very realistic.
Hint and skip recharged fast
Great tutorial option
Strategy guide included
Map is very useful
OK Parts:
A couple More HOS would've been nice.
Sometimes it was really hard figuring out what to do.
A couple More HOS would've been nice.
Sometimes it was really hard figuring out what to do.
Bad Parts:
Compared to games like 13th Skull and Dire Grove, the storyline for this game is really, really weak. It bored me right from the start and could not get me in to the game. From the looks of it, the developers really could not be bothered.
The spiritual drawings just irritated me! I spent half the demo trying to place one, and then realised I was placing the wrong one! The spiritual drawings really were a bad idea.
The HOS have changed, and not for the better either. Instead of your classic junkpile, you now have to go looking through the scene for zoom-in areas which will contain some of your objects. Amount of objects you need to find is drastically shortened too.
The puzzles were really annoying. They were really hard, a waste of time, and very annoying. I had to use the skip button for every single one.
Compared to games like 13th Skull and Dire Grove, the storyline for this game is really, really weak. It bored me right from the start and could not get me in to the game. From the looks of it, the developers really could not be bothered.
The spiritual drawings just irritated me! I spent half the demo trying to place one, and then realised I was placing the wrong one! The spiritual drawings really were a bad idea.
The HOS have changed, and not for the better either. Instead of your classic junkpile, you now have to go looking through the scene for zoom-in areas which will contain some of your objects. Amount of objects you need to find is drastically shortened too.
The puzzles were really annoying. They were really hard, a waste of time, and very annoying. I had to use the skip button for every single one.
Well, like the general reviews of this game, I was really not impressed with this game, and certainly will not be buying. Bigfish, ditch this and give us another thriller like 13th Skull!
I don't recommend this game.