Kay_Erin's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,627
- Reviews Submitted:239
- First Review:January 15, 2014
- Most Recent Review:April 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A locked room murder awaits you! Was the killer human or something else?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Sprout's Excellent Adventure
PostedMarch 8, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromGreat game, but wait for the SE.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I want to write this review while it is still fresh in my mind as unlike usual I did not keep notes. This time I'm going to give you my pros and cons list. First the Pros.
1. Well drawn. I particularly liked Sprout! (the little wooden sprite in the game. What a cutie!
2. And speaking of Sprout it was well done to be able to choose if you want a little helpful critter to companion you in the game. This has long been a contention in games, some people loving the helpers, other hating them. So getting to choose put that problem to rest. Well done dev!
3. For once no finicky pieces of goodness knows what to put together in the HOSs. There were variations like shadows of objects, and they were challenging but not frustrating.
4. The hidden objects (four leaf clovers and statuettes) were challenging but doable.
5. All in all a fun adventure game, except for the cons...
4. The hidden objects (four leaf clovers and statuettes) were challenging but doable.
5. All in all a fun adventure game, except for the cons...
CONS And the reason this game was only given a 3.
1. The necessity to totally pause the game every time you achieved some level or point. This happened far too many times and seriously jeopardized the flow of the game. EVERY time you finished a challenge the game stopped while they posted (usually more than one) a dialog box with your achievement on it, and they took their time. Very annoying
2. On the other hand sometimes an action was so quick one didn't even get to see a piece of writing or a scene. And more than once if I got near the edge of an inset it flipped me out to someplace else. What is with that?
3. And finally and extra game that you had to play a popper game to win the puzzle pieces. Not only that you had to play it 6 times! Extremely annoying and unnecessary. Considering you were able to let gamers choose or not a companion, why force them to play one particular type of game which had NOTHING to do with the game or the jigsaw puzzle?? Bad.
1. The necessity to totally pause the game every time you achieved some level or point. This happened far too many times and seriously jeopardized the flow of the game. EVERY time you finished a challenge the game stopped while they posted (usually more than one) a dialog box with your achievement on it, and they took their time. Very annoying
2. On the other hand sometimes an action was so quick one didn't even get to see a piece of writing or a scene. And more than once if I got near the edge of an inset it flipped me out to someplace else. What is with that?
3. And finally and extra game that you had to play a popper game to win the puzzle pieces. Not only that you had to play it 6 times! Extremely annoying and unnecessary. Considering you were able to let gamers choose or not a companion, why force them to play one particular type of game which had NOTHING to do with the game or the jigsaw puzzle?? Bad.
My recommendation unless you are totally hooked on collectibles, is to pass the collectors edition and get the SE. This is a fun adventure/HO game and well worth playing, but not in my estimation worth the price of a CE.
I recommend this game!
Open a puzzle box to unlock four extraordinary worlds!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Some good imaginative alien worlds
PostedFebruary 24, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromFun little game! Great for HOG lovers.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After the many disappointments over the holidays, February has given me a couple of winners.
I have the previous games in this series but don't remember them too well. I found this one well done and a good solid choice for beginning and intermediate HOG fans.
The colors are great and bright. The collectibles (90!!) and morphing masks are not too easy and kudos to the devs who let you go back and find the ones you missed. I only missed about 5 of the collectibles and 3 masks, which I consider pretty good. As always with these extra collectible thingies, one can get distracted by the game and miss them! So sometimes it is fun just to not try too hard and then play the game again, just focusing on these hidden object.
The colors are great and bright. The collectibles (90!!) and morphing masks are not too easy and kudos to the devs who let you go back and find the ones you missed. I only missed about 5 of the collectibles and 3 masks, which I consider pretty good. As always with these extra collectible thingies, one can get distracted by the game and miss them! So sometimes it is fun just to not try too hard and then play the game again, just focusing on these hidden object.
The story line certainly wasn't its strong point but served as a link between HOSs; however the creation and rendering of alien type worlds was well done and served almost as well.
All in all a solid 4 for me and I recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
For many years, locals have avoided the manor by the woodside. Solve the manor’s mystery and save the journalist before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
A little Sleeper
PostedJanuary 15, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromFun little game! Good use of a credit game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a nice little Adventure/HOS game. (There are some puzzles but they are in line with the story and not difficult.)It obviously doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but I think it a great game for newbies, and anyone who wants a relaxing hour or two.
Pros: Excellent story line, not new, but well presented. The focus was on finding things and following clues, which is much more adventure, and what I prefer.
Lots of nice HOS, with lots of things to find, and I didn't find any repeats.
Drawings/art work painterly and fun to browse. The rooms and gardens were very different from what I've seen before, which was refreshing.
Cons: The game only has stretched and small for the screen sizes. I had to click to small screen (with the distraction of my own wallpaper) in order to solve one puzzle, because it stretched too much.
The music was mostly just distracting as if it was trying to add suspense, which wasn't needed. I turned it off after about 20 minutes. (Which to be fair I do with most game music)
The other thing is that it didn't allow you to examine things more than once. If you click on some papers, they immediately disappeared with the next click, causing me to miss some information about the case.
The last thing is the spelling. I believe this was due to the writer being more of a speaker than reader/writer of English. A good English writer could have fixed the misspellings and words that sound similar but are very different. However with a little thought, I could tell what the author meant, and speaking a foreign language as a second language myself, I know how hard it is to get it right.
But otherwise a very nice little game, and the authors and artists are to be commended for this excellent first effort. I'm looking forward to playing it again. I highly recommend this fun adventure/hos game.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
What hoppened????
PostedDecember 10, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromGood grief! Get on with it already!!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Current Favorite:
Christmas Stories: Nutcracker Collector's Edition
(323)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I generally like MCF games a lot, but this offering never got going. And it spent a good deal of time getting there. I mean this is a loooong game (or felt like it) Good puzzles not too many HOS, and after the initial getting into the house, it just seemed to get stuck in a loop of games, grisly scenes/happenings and confusing doors.
I thought I would never get to the end, but I plugged along, being a compulsive completest (is that a word? I don't like not finishing things, so I sometimes stick with games far beyond what is reasonable.)
Then I thought maybe the bonus game would be better, but it is just a prequel showing how the whole sick thing came to be, so more of boring and long. I feel as another viewer said; unless something changes I'm done with MCF. So sad, as it used to be a highlight when their games came up, all the way back to Dire Grove, which was just as grim but was also fascinating, had some tension and a decent story line. This guy just goes along wiping out HOS and Puzzles in a futile attempt to get anywhere much. Nothing to break the monotony.
Just be warned MCF fans, this is NOT your usual great offering, but all the left over puzzles and HOS's left over they didn't use before. And did I mention it went on forever?
And a special warning for those who don't like mentally sick themes, this just crosses the line of unbearable. A better story line would have saved it though. Unfortunately imagination and inventiveness fails completely here.
I don't recommend this game.
Help your little sister get a second chance this Christmas after she gets on the naughty list.
Overall rating
1
/
5
24 of 32 found this review helpful
It is Time to Take A Stand
PostedDecember 8, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromSorry to have to post this dismal review:(
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Family, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I always look forward to Elephant's yearly offering, ever since the classic “Nutcracker” several years ago. In the face of this year's appalling offering, I strongly suggest you replay that wonderful game (or buy it if you haven't yet) and give this a miss.
The opening scenes find two orphan children in the process of (presumably) continuing a life of stealing, by entering a house where they are interrupted by a malevolent spirit and cursed. A bit later they inexplicably encounter Jack Frost, who offers to let the children help others in need, to escape the malevolent spirits revenge.
There is no excuse made for their thieving; it is taken as a matter of course, which in itself should raise a red flag for parents or older more discerning players. This unbelievable story of their behavior being rewarded before even being condemned is beyond belief.
At this point it had lost all believable coherence for me. As another reviewer said, there is no “rhyme nor reason” found in the actions and the succession of puzzles/hos for the children. I was angry and frustrated by the use of O. Henry to give credence to this schlocky and vulgar offering, not to mention showing children that thieving might be rewarded by an appearance from Jack Frost or a cute elf and invited to go on magical adventures! Hansel and Gretel's witch had nothing on these folks for deception. In fact, in addition to the usual “caveat emptor” one might caution the buyer to remember those unfortunate children and their predicament after they entered the candy house.
That the creator of such delightful treats as “Nutcracker” should be involved in this travesty of Christmas spirit is shocking and sad.
I definitely do NOT recommend this game. Do yourself a favor and as I said above, replay or purchase “Christmas Stories: The Nutcracker” for a true spirit of delight at this season.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop the fiery witch before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
A Disappointment
PostedSeptember 30, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromHooray for fall! Good time to curl up with a good game:)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is an interesting concept. For once the witch is the bad character! Good review of history from the victims viewpoint. There are collectibles in each scene. The morphing ones were a challenge for me. The puzzles were quite challenging, and allowed you to choose difficulty right at the spot with a push of either an easy or hard button.
There were special areas, that you had to look at with special glasses were supposed, I think to be in another time continuum, and in order to get things there one must wear the glasses.
There were special areas, that you had to look at with special glasses were supposed, I think to be in another time continuum, and in order to get things there one must wear the glasses.
But the game breaker for me was the appalling graphics. Not at all crisp, poorly drawn and fuzzy. I could hardly finish the demo. It is a shame because it could have drawn you in completely with the unusual viewpoint and good puzzles.
I won't be buying this game!
I don't recommend this game.
After an explosion at Stonehenge, fiery and icy portals appear!
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 71 found this review helpful
Ancient Druids!
PostedAugust 6, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromChk out the new Alice in Shadowland too, perfect for Alice fans
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I loved the preview of this game and am downloading it right now. It has all the things I like:
1. A good story and likable characters. You are a detective called in to investigate a mysterious accident at Stonehenge by MI6 (I'm assuming that is like MI5, sort of a high level investigative group like the CIA) where your sister was the only survivor after a team of investigators of magnetic anomalies are all killed after an explosion at the famous site.
2. Lots of hidden things to find, little swamp lights (easy, they are every where and you need to find 85! of them) morphing objects, character statues and collectibles.
3. Well drawn and imaginative scenes
4. The music is creative too, although I had to turn it down at one point. Fits the story
5. Delightful little furry creatures. I'm one of those, who, if you don't over-do find these little guys charming and fun.
So check it out! There is also a sale this w/e! :)
I recommend this game!
Can you save the Metzengerstein line before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
Oh, dear!
PostedJuly 25, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromVery Hot Wisconsin!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Haunted Legends: The Iron Mask Collector's Edition
(38)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The Poe mysteries are among my favorites, and I am sooo disappointed that I can only give this game 3 stars!
Firstly, the voice of Dupin has either markedly deteriorated or it is not the same actor. They don't give the voice credit so it's impossible to know. But I cringed every time I heard that softer midwest American accent, and the poor French accent. And he didn't have that sexy edge that we've all come to love!
Secondly the pace was too slow for me, and in the running around and going back and forth I often forgot what the current goal was. I was often confused by the characters, mostly because they weren't really well defined. One female antagonist is in the first part of the game, and suddenly appears right at the end...I couldn't figure out at first who she was!
And there were places that were just lazy; lighting a fire with just blocks of wood and a lighter? Not even any kerosene thrown on it, and it bursts in to flame. Seriously?
This is a game that could be played piece meal, just for the fun of finding things, but it is definitely not story driven. Not a bad game but definitely not up to EAP Mystery standards. And things just weren't consistent. In the middle of this melodramatic story, we have a funny little owl with one of his cute little wings missing. What has that to do with this story??? Talk about distracting.
I recommend this game but only as an SE. I really wanted to give it 4 stars, but with all the above problems, it really didn't earn them.
If you haven't checked out my current favorite yet, (see over on the left of this review) do so. It is well worth the money!
Return to Blake's Mountain to save an innocent family!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Shorted
PostedJuly 18, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromIMHO opt for the SE version!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Haunted Legends: The Iron Mask Collector's Edition
(38)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I really liked this game, inspite of it's flaws, but the numbers add up to a game I would have rather gotten in an SE version for a free coupon.
Pros: Pretty scenery, nice little companion, findable owls and character figures.
Cons: When you are given a choice of male or female, it is rude to have the "female" character speak in a male voice, and imply that the shadow figure of a male in a fedora and overcoat is you. Seriously????
The plot took one all over the place.
The Game has VERY short chapters and the overall game is not compelling: nothing new here, nothing to capture the interest
I recommend this game only as an SE and preferably use a free coupon!
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Iron Mask Collector's Edition
Explore 17th-century France as you track down a masked killer.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Woooah! An Epoch ERS!
PostedJuly 8, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromA HOPA for the Adventure Fan!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game has my vote for the game of the year. It satisfies my HOPA loves down to my toes. Not only HOS, but the whole game is spent looking for things directly needed in the game, and adventuring round from the palaces of Louis XIV, and posh receptions halls, to the filth encrusted streets of 17th century Paris, which includes the Bastille.
There were a decent number of puzzles, but they are not the focus of the game; the story and the characters take center stage, which I really appreciated. There were a few that were sort of mindless puzzles (like jigsaws with multiple tiny squares you had to switch round to make into a picture) which I will enjoy more when I replay the game. And replay ability is one of this games' strong suits! (Speaking of strong suits, a little more than 1/2 way through the game, they changed gears with the puzzles, and led you on a trek through Paris, having to solve puzzles along the way to get to your destination. It was a refreshing change of pace and kept it from getting stale...)
And I will be playing again. There is so much here. One of the most brilliant things they did was not to immediately close you out of a scene once you had finished the task; They allow you time to look around and see all the details, which were fascinating and sometimes funny; I noticed a couple of "Easter Egg" type things, and a few made me laugh out loud. Won't spoil it for you though.
The history seems pretty accurate, although it has been many years since my college history classes; Cardinal Richelieu, (aka Armand Jean du Plessis) is not named, but the character of the Kings right hand man is him to a T, red cardinal robes and all. I especially liked the snarling mean cat he kept as a pet, and the many small snarling black cats throughout the city, constantly watching you. A neat way of showing the power du Plessis wielded. There is also a Musketeer who is your occasional ally. The incidental characters were few but well drawn, like the sarcastic hardened Pub keeper, and the shrewd but overworked manager of the Bastille.
One of the most important people to reappear is our old friend St. Germaine, a wickedly funny anti hero. While abhorring his morals, one sympathizes with his plight.
This game took me a couple of days to complete; I took my time and had a ball. Now I'm going to turn around and replay it from the beginning, to get the few horseshoes I missed, and to see what else I might have not noticed.
One thing I did notice, is that the art work was rougher, not so polished as in other ERS games. But this gave the game a more authentic feel. Life was messy and harsh during those "best of times and worst of times" in France, before the Revolution.
The history seems pretty accurate, although it has been many years since my college history classes; Cardinal Richelieu, (aka Armand Jean du Plessis) is not named, but the character of the Kings right hand man is him to a T, red cardinal robes and all. I especially liked the snarling mean cat he kept as a pet, and the many small snarling black cats throughout the city, constantly watching you. A neat way of showing the power du Plessis wielded. There is also a Musketeer who is your occasional ally. The incidental characters were few but well drawn, like the sarcastic hardened Pub keeper, and the shrewd but overworked manager of the Bastille.
One of the most important people to reappear is our old friend St. Germaine, a wickedly funny anti hero. While abhorring his morals, one sympathizes with his plight.
This game took me a couple of days to complete; I took my time and had a ball. Now I'm going to turn around and replay it from the beginning, to get the few horseshoes I missed, and to see what else I might have not noticed.
One thing I did notice, is that the art work was rougher, not so polished as in other ERS games. But this gave the game a more authentic feel. Life was messy and harsh during those "best of times and worst of times" in France, before the Revolution.
Very well done, ERS! HOPA's forever. (For new Fishies, HOPA is Hidden Object and Adventure game combined)
I recommend this game!