Kintalis's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:54
- Reviews Submitted:5
- First Review:May 18, 2017
- Most Recent Review:February 8, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Kintalis's Review History
A relaxing color-linking puzzle game. Complete a variety of adorable pixel art puzzles and expand your knowledge with trivia and fun facts!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 23 found this review helpful
Perfect for a rainy afternoon
PostedFebruary 8, 2022
Kintalis
fromJubilife Village, Hisui
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Oh, it is a relief to escape the drama of the current hopa games landscape. I play those games when they come out but I can't bring myself to review them because I don't want to repeat the words "cookie-cutter", "emblem" or "glitch" in every review. Thankfully, the puzzle side of Big Fish Games is still very much present and as comfortable as ever.
This is quite a simple puzzle game where you drag lines that have to be a set number of squares long. Easy, but it's also easy to make a wrong connection and get in your way. Threaded is split between 10 boards with 8 puzzles each. Puzzles range from the easy 15 x 15 grid to the slightly more tricky 40 x 40. It supports zooming in with a scroll wheel. Each puzzle starts with a riddle to what the final picture will be and ends with a trivia question. I'm absolutely rubbish at the latter, the scope of them is a bit broad, but I enjoyed the distraction. It's a fun way to keep players engaged.
The yarn aesthetic is a nice touch and gave me fond memories of Kirby's Epic Yarn, Yoshi's Wooly World and even Patchworkz. More of this, please!
The soundtrack is mainly acoustic guitar pieces. I don't think I'd listen to them on their own, it's not quite Balmorhea, but they're pleasant enough in the game and aid concentration.
When I bought this, I was expecting this to be a bit like Tappingo for 3DS where you start a line from a square and it will continue until it hits an edge or another line. I'm happy with the game as it is, but I do think that format would work for another mode if there is a sequel. It offers a bit more of a challenge for those who want one.
All in all, this game is one I will come back to in the future and one I am happy to keep installed. Thank you to Tiny Little Lion! I look forward to your next game.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 18 found this review helpful
You need to be a detective to find this
PostedApril 4, 2021
Kintalis
fromHateno Village, Hyrule
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Mystery Case Files: Detective Training is a tricky game to find. Until today, I didn't know it even existed. It is a version of Huntsville with fewer missions and areas to explore, and more time to complete them. Now I've finished it, the mystery of why it exists persists. Is it a Huntsville demo? Was it made to make the first entry in the series more accessible to newcomers? I suppose this will remain a cold case for a while yet.
The original version of Huntsville could be rather hard on the eyes. The set aspect ratio and occasionally grainy graphics meant that I played it less than the other games in the series. Happily, Detective Training features widescreen support which alleviates some of my main issues with the original game. Some objects can still blend into the background, but if you're strategic with your hint uses, you should be able to get through this without any problems.
The soundtrack in this is the same as the other version. After all these years, it still brings to mind those daytime TV mystery shows my parents used to watch when I was a kid. It's a classic with good reason, and it gave us the best main theme in the history of hidden object games.
I was rather amused by the addition of supernatural elements this early on. They aren't relevant to the plot, but they are there. Huntsville cemetery has its fair share of ghosts as items to find. Eagle-eyed fans might notice the raven that has made its home in this sinister place. Both of these themes will feature far more prominently in two games time.
My playtime clocked in at two hours and a half. If you want a more forgiving trip down memory lane or you're yet to give Huntsville a try, I think Detective Training will be right up your alley. For those willing to take the plunge, you might discover a few easter eggs. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do some snooping and see if there's a similar hidden game for Prime Suspects.
I recommend this game!
An expedition to an Aztec temple awakens a true force of nature!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Thoughts on completed game and extras
PostedJune 27, 2020
Kintalis
fromNook's Deserted Island
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've been a fan of Hidden Expedition for many years now. They're reliable and predictable Indiana Jones styled romps. This is the first HE game made by Domini Games. As I've only played one of their games before, I won't be able to recognize their tropes. On its own merits, this is a good game but the sequels do need to recapture some elements of the earlier Hidden Expedition games.
Welcome, new HELP agent! For your first mission, you're going to the jungles of Teotihuacan. Be prepared to fend off jaguars, goons, and prevent an ancient power from being misused. And you thought the job interview was the scary part!
Domini's version of Hidden Expedition is more rooted in fantasy. There are potions, deities, and even artifacts that control the weather. Personally, I didn't mind this too much, but I can see why some people are disappointed at the change in tone. Storywise, this is still Hidden Expedition. Your end goal is to stop a catastrophe caused by an ancient power. It's the nature of the threat that has changed.
The gameplay in Price of Paradise is easier than I expected. If you have a tree to cut, you're never far from an axe. Plus items combine together with no assembly required. Puzzles are a mixed bag. Some are quite poor but the majority are fun enough and fly by. Everything is very clear-cut and I wasn't stuck for long at any point in my playthrough.
This game looks gorgeous if a little colour saturated. However, the locations leave a lot to be desired. In past titles, you'd move around the world multiple times per game. It felt like an adventure and kept the game fresh. Price of Paradise relied on the Aztec theme for the majority of the game.
On the sound front, the game was very pleasant. It's exactly what you'd think of when you think "tropical jungle", but it's a departure from the style that plagued the last dozen games. Eipix always went for their signature epic adventure ost. It was time for a change.
One main gripe I have with this game is the character you play as. They're quite dull. Their dialogue merely serves as a function. They will say "An emblem is missing" or if they see a fire they might say "I could light a torch here". There wasn't any humour or any details to infer about them as a character. I don't feel like I'm playing as a person; I feel I'm playing as a cutout. That's a shame as the Eipix HE protagonist could be snarky, fed up, or self-aware (see the Japan level in The Pearl of Discord). That extra character work can bring the game to life that little bit more. I really hope this is rectified in further sequels.
As for the collector's edition content, I wouldn't say it's worth the extra price. The bonus chapter is the weakest aspect of the game. It's another trek through an Aztec jungle. By the time I got round to it, I wanted to see anything else. It seems the developers shared my sentiments about this, as they didn't even bother to animate the waterfalls in the bonus chapter.
Collectibles in this might well be the usual fare for Domini. I wouldn't know either way. You can find souvenirs and calendar pieces in most rooms and some zoom-in scenes. They were quite fun to collect and an improvement over one symbol per location in the Eipix HE entries. Surprisingly, there are no morphing objects in the HO scenes.
Price of Paradise is, for the most part, a well-made game. However, for everything I prefer in this over previous titles (soundtrack, collectibles), there's something else worse (varied locations, good characterization). At the end of the day, I like it but I'm not sure if it's a good Hidden Expedition game. It certainly doesn't compare to Eipix's first entry in the series.
For the next game, Domini, please consider the following: Firstly, please bring back the fact cards. They're a staple of the series. Secondly, give us new places to explore within the game. Don't keep us confined to one theme. Finally, please change Dave Brannan's outfit for the next game. Seriously, the green shirt and orange waistcoat are hideous. It's making me miss Sam's shirts. That is a very bad sign!
I recommend this game!
Can you right the wrongs of the past to save your world?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Thoughts on completed game and extras
PostedJanuary 10, 2020
Kintalis
fromDreadmond, Scotland
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Trackers: Black Isle Collector's Edition
(150)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
After the rather disappointing Embodiment of Evil, I decided to avoid its sequels until something more interesting came along. This is not that game. There's potential here, but most of it hasn't been realised.
I feel very conflicted about the gameplay in The Stolen Time. I can say for certain that I did enjoy it, however, I must add that at times it felt like the game was playing itself. This is not going to be a difficult experience, even if you're a newcomer to the genre. If I'm honest with myself, it's probably far too easy for its own good. Despite that, it made for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon (save for the occasional obnoxious puzzle). On the whole, the puzzles are quite well done and there's a nice variety on offer. Nothing stellar, nothing too annoying either.
There are a few splashes of creativity here and there. This is the second hopa I've come across to feature a cameo from Indiana Jones (for the other, see Ravenhearst Unlocked). I love it when developers throw in little easter eggs like that! It's also a surprisingly vibrant game at times. This series isn't really known for sunsets, tigers and lava-filled temples, but it made for a welcome change. The jungle in India was a particular highlight.
If you are considering buying the collector's edition, I'd advise otherwise. The bonus chapter is entirely forgettable. Not bad, just not memorable. It's a small extra story where a new character has to change their fate and do Chronos' job for him. For a guardian of the timelines, you'd think he'd be of slightly more use. Why is he in charge again? It ends with the choice to work alongside him. No, thank you, I'll pass.
As for the collectables, on the whole, they do improve the experience. There are hourglasses filled with coloured sand which can be used to fill in a sand painting. This is purely decorative and, when completed, doesn't unlock a wallpaper or screensaver. Additionally, you can collect the usual morphing objects though again, these do not unlock anything. They provide a welcome distraction from the oversimplified gameplay, but they're not reason enough to buy the collector's edition.
On the sound front, the music works well at drawing you into this world. I like the new tracks. Saying that you'll still hear the words "Demon" and "Evil" whispered far too frequently (not at all would be ideal).
Finally, I need to address the elephant in the room: the plot. Yes, it's completely predictable. If you watch the trailer, you'll get the gist of things and probably be able to correctly guess what happens. While other series change and add new chapters to their lore, AMAX has made sure that Redemption Cemetery has barely changed from its conception. This shouldn't be the status quo.
Redemption Cemetery has always been a hit or miss series. For every Clock of Fate, there's an At Death's Door. This doesn't need to be the case but will be so long as AMAX is content to tell the same story. In my opinion, there's a lot of potential with the central themes of redemption and change, but AMAX doesn't want to try doing anything new with them. You're there to save three souls, perhaps your own and beat a demon. Rinse, repeat. A character is either good or evil and there's no room for moral ambiguity or character development.
Please understand that I'm not saying these are bad games: merely that I, like many others, am disappointed with the story that AMAX is intent on retelling.
AMAX, it's time to do something new. We know you are capable of better. As this series is about redeeming the dead, how about you do a slight twist on the formula? Perhaps you can do a story where a character dies of natural causes and gets the chance to see how their family will get on in the future. Instead of making three novellas about characters unrelated to the plot, make it about characters who are important to our protagonist. Give us some depth to work with. Respect your fans and give them a product that they haven't played a dozen times before.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop the cemetery’s dark keeper in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Thoughts on completed game and extras
PostedMay 18, 2017
Kintalis
fromEn route to the superior horror locale of Tormente
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Twisted Lands: Insomniac Collector's Edition
(32)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Redemption Cemetery has always been a series I've had a love/hate relationship with. I feel like it could be doing more than it does. It's had some crackers (Clock of Fate) and some games I'd rather forget (At Death's Door). Having skipped the ninth game in the series, I decided to come back to it to see how Embodiment of Evil fared
Now, this can be a fun game. It's clear ERS took criticism of At Death's Door's gameplay on board, at least (more on what they didn't later). I feel they tried to give the player more to do, but that isn't to say they made it more difficult. If anything, Embodiment of Evil is one of the easiest hopas I've played for a long time. It's perhaps overly clear what items you're meant to use, and where. If I've disabled sparkles in a game, I don't wish the gameplay to be so obvious that I feel the devs are still guiding me through it.
The bonus chapter is a bit mediocre, and at the time of playing, I was flicking through it and Grave Testimony, and then I realised that was because the bonus chapter was boring me a bit. It's nothing to write home about.
The puzzles in the screenshots look more complex than they actually are to play. I found that if you fiddle with them for up to a max of five minutes, you'll be able to solve them all. They were diverse; I hadn't seen a pinball puzzle for ages. The maze puzzles in the bonus content for some reason reminded me of Haunted Halls, and though simplistic, they were fun. This is one area of the game in which they genuinely tried to present some different puzzles to the ones commonly seen in these games. It's a pity they were all quite short.
The collectables are interesting. They're a collection of mythic monsters that you can refute the existence off. The portraits of the monsters are beasts that have appeared throughout ERS games in the past.
I forgot how grating I found the demonic whispers in these games. They haven't changed since Curse of the Raven. I would greatly appreciate it if ERS got rid of them for the next instalment. I'm not going to download the soundtrack if there's someone whispering "Evil" every couple of seconds.
The locations in the game are well drawn, though I'd argue earlier entries in the series (3, 7) looked better than this. It's as if ERS don't put as much care and attention into their games these days, which is a shame. One of the problems I noticed is how similar the layout of the graveyard is to Children's Plight and At Death's Door. The entrance halls of the churches in those games feel like the same room. In each of them, there's a long hallway in which you'll meet either a villain or a side character and be given your objective for the game. To me, this speaks volumes of how much ERS are trying to remake the same game.
And here we come to my main criticism of Embodiment of Evil; it feels like a remake of At Death's Door because it's practically the same plot with better gameplay. Now I know the plots in these games (except for Clock of Fate) are very similar, but this follows the format of At Death's Door right down to the "From the beginning of time, souls have come here to find peace" line in a hidden object scene. This was a mistake. That plot wasn't original in the first place, and I know this series can do better. At one point it seemed this series was going to tackle the time travel ideas more head on. I'd hoped the series might focus on more moral dilemmas (choosing who to save and who not to save), or perhaps a protagonist who would grow attached to someone they saved to the point where they would try to protect them throughout the rest of their lives via time travel. Or it could ditch the cemetery and talk about tragedies in war zones. Any variety would be an improvement.
ERS, we have had fun playing Redemption Cemetery games over the years. Sometimes they've been hits, sometimes they've missed their mark...but you seem to forget that we have played them before. We're familiar with the "Go to an evil cemetery, save three souls, stop the ancient evil" plot. It's like you're unable to let this series go. Please, we know you can do other games. You are capable of writing good plots when you want to. Don't be content writing all good or all evil characters. Write complex plots, and then I think you might find it easier to come up with more challenging gameplay.
I don't recommend this game.