Kay_Erin's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,627
- Reviews Submitted:237
- First Review:January 15, 2014
- Most Recent Review:December 25, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you defeat the mist and find your lost brother?
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Good for replaying!
PostedJanuary 13, 2021
Kay_Erin
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just finished replaying this game in the series and found that even though it is over four years old it stands up well. The only thing I didn't care for was the art work - too sketchy. I find I prefer the finer renditions with not so rough a finish. However that is a quibble compared to the fine quality and replayability of this game.
In a time when we are being offered very short, ill conceived games with very little imagination or well thought out story lines, this game series stands out.
Yes, you are still trying to out do the evil guys that are trying to over take all the worlds: after all that is what all really good stories are about: good vs evil, the triumph of the small over the great; winning against the odds. But the depictions here are well done, and one fights for the little guy and rejoices over conquering evil, something we don't get to do often in the real world. There were various moments that emphasized this: finding the weak little dragon and helping it to help us; searching through the HOS which were often very challenging; when the evil witch turns into a half spider was a particularly chilling moment and "upped the ante" as it were.
In a time when we are being offered very short, ill conceived games with very little imagination or well thought out story lines, this game series stands out.
Yes, you are still trying to out do the evil guys that are trying to over take all the worlds: after all that is what all really good stories are about: good vs evil, the triumph of the small over the great; winning against the odds. But the depictions here are well done, and one fights for the little guy and rejoices over conquering evil, something we don't get to do often in the real world. There were various moments that emphasized this: finding the weak little dragon and helping it to help us; searching through the HOS which were often very challenging; when the evil witch turns into a half spider was a particularly chilling moment and "upped the ante" as it were.
The pace of the game was brisk, and although you did have to go back and forth, the map was very helpful with that.
The bonus game rounded off the tale very well and tied up the lose ends.
Check it out. This is a great series so far!
The bonus game rounded off the tale very well and tied up the lose ends.
Check it out. This is a great series so far!
I recommend this game!
The most perfect town in the world hides a terrible secret!
Overall rating
1
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Another ho hum game
PostedJanuary 3, 2021
Kay_Erin
fromHooray for 2021~ Hopefully a much better year:)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
in this very contrived spin off series. Honestly with the lack of animation and life of the characters – their faces are truly DEAD calm. There is no warmth or likeability of any kind – I partly hope they all get killed off. The story line is so very cliched and trite as well as the list of searchables, A _very_ short game, not to mention a wrong hint that got my game stalled and required a restart.
I will not be getting another in this series unless it is an SE for free, and probably not then.
Considering the quality of the Anna Gray series, this is seriously just a grab for money. Paired with the sloppy programming and hackneyed plot? Yuck. Not recommended.
I will not be getting another in this series unless it is an SE for free, and probably not then.
Considering the quality of the Anna Gray series, this is seriously just a grab for money. Paired with the sloppy programming and hackneyed plot? Yuck. Not recommended.
I don't recommend this game.
A paranormal festival is held hostage by a mystery man demanding the truth!
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Not impressed.
PostedDecember 18, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromEnjoy the egg nog and the crackling fire, whether real or virtual!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
From a dev of this history this is a poor example. For some reason, although I play lots of huge games, this game played poorly/slowly starting about 1/2 way through the game, so I had to play it in smaller windowed mode and turn off extras like the pointer and enhancement.
The story was a retread of old themes. Actually the bonus game was more fun than the main game, with a brisker pace: the main game tended to go on and on until I forgot why I was there.
The best in this series, imho, is # 1, Fellow Traveler and #5 Trials of Truth. # 3 (Enjoy the shopping) was a walking cliché and junk pile game, which I didn't buy at all.
There you go four reviews for the price of one!
The story was a retread of old themes. Actually the bonus game was more fun than the main game, with a brisker pace: the main game tended to go on and on until I forgot why I was there.
The best in this series, imho, is # 1, Fellow Traveler and #5 Trials of Truth. # 3 (Enjoy the shopping) was a walking cliché and junk pile game, which I didn't buy at all.
There you go four reviews for the price of one!
As always, Caveat Emptor! Play the demo and decide whether you want to take a chance.
I recommend this game!
Can you survive the island and save your brother?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Well done villain and a good bonus game!
PostedOctober 17, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromNot all "progress" is progress!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
An SF adventure with bright clean colors, minimal collectables (just the usual jagged spiral Mad Head logo and a morphing logo in the HOS. The (w)itchy head boss/villainess was well done! Toward the end the devs were mostly looking for busy work, but overall a good game. Bonus game well done and good length.
I recommend this game!
After your sister vanishes on her wedding day no one has any idea what happened to her, so it’s up to you to find the truth!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Another great oldie the new fishies should try
PostedOctober 12, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromRain and wind today, knocking off the leaves, but the air smells like wine!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just finished replaying "The Bride" the first in this wonderful series.
Firstly, even I, a die hard HOG fan, _almost_ had too many HOS! They were great though, and I was able to spin through them quickly. At one point I noticed even the game makers called these "junk piles";)
The puzzles were basic but good brain work and they made you play them long enough to give it a good try before they let you skip if you needed to. I surprised myself by getting a few of them I didn't think I could.
The Hint button recharged pretty quickly and was helpful when I didn't know where to go next.
The story is excellent and lays the groundwork for Anna's relationship with her father. You can certainly see how the series has grown and blossomed over the years.
I actually didn't miss the map so much; I did have to do what we used to have to do with the really old games (late '90;s early 2000's); had to keep a notepad close by to remember where I found what and where I needed what.
And not being able to lock the inventory in place really didn't matter; I only needed it when I wanted to see if I had an object that I wanted for a puzzle.
And not being able to lock the inventory in place really didn't matter; I only needed it when I wanted to see if I had an object that I wanted for a puzzle.
This is a _really_ long game, even the bonus chapter is rather long, although short in comparison. I easily spent about 10 hours playing this game. It's very atmospheric and doesn't get too gross, just spooky enough
Check it out - you won't be sorry.
Check it out - you won't be sorry.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your daughter save your loved one's life in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Another great game about our Aunt Anna!
PostedOctober 7, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromJust had a great self distancing walk outside in the Fall weather. Really upped my mood:)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love this series. The stories are interesting the adventure and hos are good, and there's always some new little thing, like this time with some of the unusual hops.
BUT: I gave it only 4 stars in the Overall Rating because of two long time pet peeves of mine. I've mentioned them before, but here they are again.
1. Not being able to go back and find the collectables I missed. I paid for the CE game, so they're not getting any more out of me; it just seems mean spirited not to allow one to go back; many games do.
2. The "secret room" of increasing number of hidden objects to find in four different scenes from the game. SOOOoooo boring and irritating. I lose interest by the time I'm up to 6 things in the same four scenes, over and over and over again!!! I'd rather play some new one scene hops as a reward.
2. The "secret room" of increasing number of hidden objects to find in four different scenes from the game. SOOOoooo boring and irritating. I lose interest by the time I'm up to 6 things in the same four scenes, over and over and over again!!! I'd rather play some new one scene hops as a reward.
So check this game out, I think the stories both main and bonus are excellent.
Save the souls of prodigy children and their caretaker who disappeared during the fire in The Agency of Anomalies: Cinderstone Orphanage!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A. Of A.: Cinderstone Orphanage CE Another oldie but goodie review!
PostedOctober 4, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromThank goodness for games during this stressful time!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Very old game, (came out in 2012?) but quite good. [NB: The Strategy Guide is hidden in the lower left hand corner behind the brown book. I missed it for the first 2 hours or so!]
But, even without the Guide, if you just go through each “room” and back up and use the hint (which will say something like “no anomalies found here” if there isn’t anything to do, or it gives you this strange little picture of what the solution is.)
But, even without the Guide, if you just go through each “room” and back up and use the hint (which will say something like “no anomalies found here” if there isn’t anything to do, or it gives you this strange little picture of what the solution is.)
The Story line was excellent, and kept me hooked, The Bonus chapter was also good, which isn't always the case.
You really do have to click around to find things as they are pretty well hidden and/or small. This is definitely a HOAG, (hidden object adventure game) with puzzles playing a smaller part, although they were well done. Two fiendishly hard ones were in the bonus chapter ( collect fireflies 3 times, and each time is harder, and the end game puzzle twisting interlocking lights to get all of them green) . But mostly you can either skip them or the Guide can help.
This game is _seriously_ long! It took me a couple of weeks, playing once a day for about 2 hours. The bonus game is good, somewhat easier (except for the last puzzle as mentioned above).
I didn’t find all the cards, which are the only collectables, probably because I got distracted by the game. There were around 33 and I got 30. There is a new card in each new scene, so you have to pay attention.
I really enjoyed this game and it was well worth the price. But I don’t think I’ll be replaying anytime soon, it’s so intense;)
Check it out for yourself. I found it by accident a month or so ago and am so glad I did!
I didn’t find all the cards, which are the only collectables, probably because I got distracted by the game. There were around 33 and I got 30. There is a new card in each new scene, so you have to pay attention.
I really enjoyed this game and it was well worth the price. But I don’t think I’ll be replaying anytime soon, it’s so intense;)
Check it out for yourself. I found it by accident a month or so ago and am so glad I did!
I recommend this game!
An expedition to an Aztec temple awakens a true force of nature!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Disapointing in a major way
PostedJuly 6, 2020
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Some newer not so nice changes in this latest game. The fact cards, which before had been woven in the game, now are hidden as coin types that you collect and only at the end of the game can you click on (about 50!!! of) these and read the “facts” Not going to happen and it really took away from the game. Not only that but you can’t go back and get them, you have to play the whole bloody game over again. Also the “souvenirs” are now part of the game and those too you can’t find after you complete the bonus game. Seems to me these companies are getting cheaper and lazier. In fact I disliked this manipulation so much I deducted 2 stars from both fun factor and overall rating.
The story itself was good, if average. I especially appreciated the message in the bonus game (which is a prequel) which our villain evidently didn’t get : “Crime doesn’t pay”
There is much to like about this game, including beautifully rendered scenes and a lot of information about the South American native culture; but the manipulation of players to have to replay a game and spend many _more_ hours playing a game they’ve already purchased leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Now both of these aspects only apply to the CE version; but we shouldn't have to choose between good game play (SE) and bigger game play (CE) especially when we would prefer the CE.
Not all of us are compulsive competitors who want the “perfect” score; we'd like an informative, enjoyable experience to just relax and play, especially in these stressful times.
The story itself was good, if average. I especially appreciated the message in the bonus game (which is a prequel) which our villain evidently didn’t get : “Crime doesn’t pay”
There is much to like about this game, including beautifully rendered scenes and a lot of information about the South American native culture; but the manipulation of players to have to replay a game and spend many _more_ hours playing a game they’ve already purchased leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Now both of these aspects only apply to the CE version; but we shouldn't have to choose between good game play (SE) and bigger game play (CE) especially when we would prefer the CE.
Not all of us are compulsive competitors who want the “perfect” score; we'd like an informative, enjoyable experience to just relax and play, especially in these stressful times.
I'm not as excited about the Hidden Expedition Series as I used to be. My advice? "Caveat emptor" (Let the buyer beware). Choose your game carefully.
I don't recommend this game.
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
4
/
5
It was neither the worst of times Nor the best of times...
PostedJune 9, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromThere are lots of excellent old games to replay! Check this series out!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Just replayed this game after 5 years. It actually holds up well, with a well plotted story and good HOS layouts. The puzzles are a mixed bag, and the one where you have to figure out how to put the gears in a box of about 50 different objects is fiendish! I finally gave up, but puzzle lovers will like it;)
I did take points off for a few things - much of the game was too dark in my opinion. As usual in this series there are a bunch of morphs and collectibles. No reward for getting the morphs and only a table full of statues with no story about them for the collectibles, which I did manage to find all of them and they were very well hidden.
The bonus game here is worth the CE price, but all the rest of the "perks" are pretty worthless to me. Again, I hate the secret room where you need to find hidden objects in increasing multiples, going back over about 4 of the same scenes; over and over and over...really boring and it so irritated me I took a star off the total points.
Still, as I said for an old game this has held up well, so I'm going to replay as many of them as I can in the series, which is quite lengthy, since it started in 2014 and has pretty much given us a game or two a year since then.
I did take points off for a few things - much of the game was too dark in my opinion. As usual in this series there are a bunch of morphs and collectibles. No reward for getting the morphs and only a table full of statues with no story about them for the collectibles, which I did manage to find all of them and they were very well hidden.
The bonus game here is worth the CE price, but all the rest of the "perks" are pretty worthless to me. Again, I hate the secret room where you need to find hidden objects in increasing multiples, going back over about 4 of the same scenes; over and over and over...really boring and it so irritated me I took a star off the total points.
Still, as I said for an old game this has held up well, so I'm going to replay as many of them as I can in the series, which is quite lengthy, since it started in 2014 and has pretty much given us a game or two a year since then.
I recommend this game!
Join Ellia on a magical match 3 quest to find the Astral Crystal and restore the fairy village!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
So close
PostedMay 6, 2020
Kay_Erin
fromThere are lots of excellent old games to replay. Choose them rather than this one.
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is an ok match game, with a good story at the outset.
BUT it is very slow going; I played about 3 or 4 sets, but then.
I wanted to stop the game and come back to it later. But no, if I quit I was going to lose all my progress. Who does that nowadays?
So this is not a buy for me. Too bad, I might have liked it long term, but not if I have to play by their time rules and lose my progress because they can't install a save game mode.
I do NOT recommend this game.
BUT it is very slow going; I played about 3 or 4 sets, but then.
I wanted to stop the game and come back to it later. But no, if I quit I was going to lose all my progress. Who does that nowadays?
So this is not a buy for me. Too bad, I might have liked it long term, but not if I have to play by their time rules and lose my progress because they can't install a save game mode.
I do NOT recommend this game.