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:
Who is the Crimson Thief? Can Mortimer piece together the clues to finding all the stolen items? There is much more to this new mystery than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Aha! I, Mortimer Beckett will outwit you, foul villain!
PostedMay 30, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromAround the World with Mortimer!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
A great Adventure/HOS game, with some new twists.
You go around the world, stopping in various ports to find the missing art items. In each place you must also find the pieces of your ticket to leave for the next stop.
The different cities were well done and interesting, not the usual same old/same old.
This is not for those who do these games for the puzzles. It does have a few, but this is a ADV/HOG and that is it. A solid exercise in clue hunting, and if you get stuck the hint button was fairly quick. I didn't need it much, but I DID need it a couple of times:) Having said this, the puzzles were varied and went from shooter type, matching doubles, puzzles, etc, and they didn't repeat! It felt better put together than the 2 previous games, although I remember them as good too.
One of the best things is that the music was good. I've noticed a couple of games lately where they are finally listening to us and making the music less distracting and more appropriate for the subject, and the level is more cinematic.
I recommend this game!
The dastardly Pirate King is out for blood... and you're his next target!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
I wanna be a Pirate Queen!
PostedMay 18, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromMidwest Great Auntie
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I can only add my "amen" to all the great reviews of this truly stupendous game.
Art: Very well done, and much humor included; I had to stop and look around all the time so it took me way more than 6 hours to finish the game.
Puzzles: Couldn't do all of them, but a plus is that they showed you, albeit quickly, how it was solved so you get a better clue for solving these types in future.
HOS: Lots of these and very well done, with humorous bits added in. Also there are 8 re-playables for time after the bonus game.
Intro: True to the game. I especially loved the hiccuping pirate skeleton in the "be sure you have sound on" segment before the game begins!
Things to find: Notes in bottles and they were *not* easy peasy! But you get a chance to find those you missed after you play the bonus game. Also treasure chests, supposedly giving you new HOS after the bonus game. There were certainly a lot of HOS in the extras, but the one I tried was a repeat of one in the game. Also I may not have gotten all the treasure chests; there is no way to tell if you did. Note to devs: if you are going to put extras in it would be nice to know if you met the goal!
Bonus Game: As fun as the main game, and not just a repeat of it.
Characters: Realistic and likable. I would love a game with the Pirate King's Arms expert. She was awesome.
My character: didn't automatically do every bitty thing for you; and I got to use a horse whip!
Sound: Speaking of sound the music to this game was beyond good, more like a movie score. I loved it and kept it on during the whole game, which I *never* do. The music was used to enhance the game and they didn't pump up the sound just to make you jump. It was so good they made it look effortless and natural, not intruding into the game but enhancing it.
Art: Very well done, and much humor included; I had to stop and look around all the time so it took me way more than 6 hours to finish the game.
Puzzles: Couldn't do all of them, but a plus is that they showed you, albeit quickly, how it was solved so you get a better clue for solving these types in future.
HOS: Lots of these and very well done, with humorous bits added in. Also there are 8 re-playables for time after the bonus game.
Intro: True to the game. I especially loved the hiccuping pirate skeleton in the "be sure you have sound on" segment before the game begins!
Things to find: Notes in bottles and they were *not* easy peasy! But you get a chance to find those you missed after you play the bonus game. Also treasure chests, supposedly giving you new HOS after the bonus game. There were certainly a lot of HOS in the extras, but the one I tried was a repeat of one in the game. Also I may not have gotten all the treasure chests; there is no way to tell if you did. Note to devs: if you are going to put extras in it would be nice to know if you met the goal!
Bonus Game: As fun as the main game, and not just a repeat of it.
Characters: Realistic and likable. I would love a game with the Pirate King's Arms expert. She was awesome.
My character: didn't automatically do every bitty thing for you; and I got to use a horse whip!
Sound: Speaking of sound the music to this game was beyond good, more like a movie score. I loved it and kept it on during the whole game, which I *never* do. The music was used to enhance the game and they didn't pump up the sound just to make you jump. It was so good they made it look effortless and natural, not intruding into the game but enhancing it.
This is an exceptional game made for true adventure/hog lovers and was rollicking fun. A must have!
I recommend this game!
Journey: The Heart of Gaia
After being kidnapped, Liz must free the Underworld from the tyranny of Scartaris Umbra.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Gaia wins!
PostedMay 15, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Current Favorite:
The Missing: Island of Lost Ships
(45)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
An excellent game with charming graphics, great story line to follow and plenty of h.o.s to find. Just right for those days you don't want anything tough, but just comforting and lovely to look at!
The "full screen" adaption on my screen made it look stretched out horizontally, but I got used to it, as it was easier to find things than when it was a more "normal" view.
The "full screen" adaption on my screen made it look stretched out horizontally, but I got used to it, as it was easier to find things than when it was a more "normal" view.
It took me 6 hours over several days to complete and it was a joy. look forward to playing it again in a year or so!
I recommend this game!
The Missing: Island of Lost Ships
After setting out to search for your missing friend, you find yourself trapped on the mysterious Island of Lost Ships.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Ahoy there, Maties!
PostedMay 14, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Just finished this splended HO/Adventure game. Lots and lots of very well done HOS, I was, er hem, in HOG heaven. The HOS were well done and not too easy; I actually had to use the hint to find a couple of them, highly unusual for me.
There is a sense of humor in the art and layout of the game.
The art work was so exceptional, and the characters created were memorable and unique, that I look forward to playing this game again! The animation, not so much, pretty jerky, but it fit the characters;) I swear the bad guy was spastic in one of the end scenes, just jerking back and forth! But it was funny too:)
The art work was so exceptional, and the characters created were memorable and unique, that I look forward to playing this game again! The animation, not so much, pretty jerky, but it fit the characters;) I swear the bad guy was spastic in one of the end scenes, just jerking back and forth! But it was funny too:)
This is a solid great HOG/Adventure for thos who love these genre's. Some puzzles, but you could skip pretty quickly. I actually figured out some of them in the time taken to run the timer for the skip!
Highly recommended for all levels of HOG fanatics:)
I recommend this game!
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family... or are they?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
A Word to newbies and intermediate players
PostedJanuary 30, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Current Favorite:
The Silent Age
(73)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I so totally agree with all the great reviews. This is an awesome game. Some of the best artwork, and placement of items I've ever seen. I'll need to play it again to see all the stuff.
BUT It can be overwhelming at first. It takes a while to get your bearing in this game. So if you are a newbie or an intermediate , USE THE MAP. It really helps point you along the right path. And don't be afraid to use the hint system. It will help you learn faster. (You can set the difficulty to custom and then slide the times so that it only takes about 10 seconds to reload, just at first, until you are up and running, then you can change it back if you like. Great feature!)
Also take your time and really look all around. Sometimes I clicked to quickly and missed a conversation or a good look at the other strange and wonderful things.
Also take your time and really look all around. Sometimes I clicked to quickly and missed a conversation or a good look at the other strange and wonderful things.
As mentioned by other fishies, you can go back and get the rocking horses you miss, but I don't think you can do that with the little figurines and pictures. There is a fresh bonus of looking up souvenirs I found when I fished the bonus game which was quite good. Whatever, don't worry about getting all the extras the first time through; this is a game you will definitely want to play again!
I know I have played the other Phantasmat games, but I don't believe they were this good. I'll have to go back and replay to see:)
I recommend this game!
Puss in Boots just showed up at my office with a request. Help investigate the kidnapping of his beloved and delve into a world full of secrets!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
A charming tale, an unusual look, and an intriguing mystery!
PostedJanuary 21, 2016
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Title: Weeping Skies
Publisher: Big Fish
Maker: Mystery Tag/ Sommer Games
Publisher: Big Fish
Maker: Mystery Tag/ Sommer Games
A young person is trying to save her father from death and is caught up in a mysterious stranger in a mask who is out to steal all the magic of their world.
A unique game with a distinctive voice. One has to be alert with clues, as the translation is sometimes poor and inaccurate, (adding an unexpected puzzle to the mix!) but the dialog has the simplicity of the middle European fairy tales, which are not as well known here in the west.
The illustrations are simplistic, but very effective. The help (in the form of a weasel like person) was very good and the map extremely helpful showing exactly where there was something to be found or done. No collections, but the fun was in finding all the things you needed for the game, not looking for pieces of unrelated bling. I look forward to playing this game again:)
I give this 4 ½ stars. Really this is a must have for all intermediate players!
I recommend this game!
Turn back time to save your true love!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Bride # 21
PostedDecember 18, 2015
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
TITLE: LETTER FROM THE PAST: IMMORTAL LOVE
CE
CE
DEVELOPER: Friends 4 Games
HOW MANY SETTINGS? 4
GRAPHICS: Drawn and painted with more mood emphasized rather than crispness and clarity.
MAP: Yes, and interactive, although sometimes not quite correct.
COLLECTIBLES: 20 pictures of the wives and I can’t remember how many hidden collectables. I found all the pictures, but had found but 4 of the collectables. Then you are allowed a chance to go back over the map and find the ones you missed; with no help! It took me awhile but I did it. That is so much better than making you play the whole game over again!
HOS: Lots of Hidden Object Scenes, and generally well done, but not terribly difficult.
MUSIC: Turned off
PUZZLES: Average
PUZZLES: Average
STORY LINE: Another take on Bluebeard. First the hero must rescue his fiance. Then in the bonus, she must rescue him from the consequences. The Bonus game was quite long.
MY TAKE: A good solid HOG. The story lacked spark, emphasized by the bland colors. The story was so obvious and gave feeling of just checking off the tasks. No twists and surprises. Still I give it a solid 3. Try and find it on sale, is my recommendation.
I recommend this game!
Why would anyone want to stop Christmas from coming?
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Where is Rat King when you need him?
PostedDecember 17, 2015
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This will be a very short review, as it has been covered very well by others. As one reviewer said I "wanted" to like this as I was enchanted with previous Christmas games.
But there is no "spark"! There is really no villain to fight against (where was the equivalent of the Rat King and his cronies?) so there wasn't a hero I was pushing for. With no real villains or heroes, there were no exciting scenes like in the previous games.
So I'm sad to say this game disappoints, not because it is particularly bad, but because I believe it could have been done much better.
Get it in a 2 for 1 offer is my best suggestion!
But there is no "spark"! There is really no villain to fight against (where was the equivalent of the Rat King and his cronies?) so there wasn't a hero I was pushing for. With no real villains or heroes, there were no exciting scenes like in the previous games.
So I'm sad to say this game disappoints, not because it is particularly bad, but because I believe it could have been done much better.
Get it in a 2 for 1 offer is my best suggestion!
I recommend this game!
Lisa is helping Santa Claus deliver presents to a small town when her car transforms into candies! Help her fix her car and save Christmas!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A delightful Christmas story!
PostedDecember 17, 2015
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE: Christmas Adventure, Candy Storm
DEVELOPER: Big Fish/
HOW MANY SETTINGS? Only one. You can choose to not have the tutorial if you like.
GRAPHICS: Actually well done, and suits the sort of Christmas Card atmosphere of the game. Colorful and shaded well.
MAP: No, you don’t really need one
PUZZLES: A few puzzles, pretty simple, but mostly hunting around for items you need to complete your chores.
HOS: Lots of Hidden Object scenes, and mostly easy, but charming, especially when you are playing with the relaxing MUSIC in the background. Tchaikovsky's breathtaking themes make a wonderful background!
STORY LINE: You are on your way to deliver Christmas gifts and your truck is suddenly be-spelled, turning into, of all things, candy! Apparently, 3 old ladies who live nearby have been “experimenting” – with magic. It backfired on them too, but they are willing to help you out with a spell to change your truck back; if you are willing to help them with some chores. There are tasks to help the birds, repair the cottage and even some cooking to do.
MY TAKE: This is a very charming simple Christmas tale that I very much enjoyed playing. A very relaxing game with pretty scenes. It is perfect for those who enjoy such, and for beginners in HOGs. (Hidden Object Games) True, it is not very challenging, but then sometimes a lovely relaxing game is just what we need!
LAST PLAYED: December 16, 2015
DEVELOPER: Big Fish/
HOW MANY SETTINGS? Only one. You can choose to not have the tutorial if you like.
GRAPHICS: Actually well done, and suits the sort of Christmas Card atmosphere of the game. Colorful and shaded well.
MAP: No, you don’t really need one
PUZZLES: A few puzzles, pretty simple, but mostly hunting around for items you need to complete your chores.
HOS: Lots of Hidden Object scenes, and mostly easy, but charming, especially when you are playing with the relaxing MUSIC in the background. Tchaikovsky's breathtaking themes make a wonderful background!
STORY LINE: You are on your way to deliver Christmas gifts and your truck is suddenly be-spelled, turning into, of all things, candy! Apparently, 3 old ladies who live nearby have been “experimenting” – with magic. It backfired on them too, but they are willing to help you out with a spell to change your truck back; if you are willing to help them with some chores. There are tasks to help the birds, repair the cottage and even some cooking to do.
MY TAKE: This is a very charming simple Christmas tale that I very much enjoyed playing. A very relaxing game with pretty scenes. It is perfect for those who enjoy such, and for beginners in HOGs. (Hidden Object Games) True, it is not very challenging, but then sometimes a lovely relaxing game is just what we need!
LAST PLAYED: December 16, 2015
I recommend this game!
Strange Cases: The Secrets of Grey Mist Lake Collector's Edition
Discover the Secrets of Grey Mist Lake! FBI Agent Claire Ellery has discovered another Strange Case and she needs your help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
An undiscovered treat!
PostedDecember 8, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Again, I'm here with a review of an older game you might have missed.
You are a Claire, a government agent, driving with your boyfriend Sam to his parents’ house, when an image on the road causes Sam to swerve and crash. You end up at Grey Mist Lake, known to be a haunted area, and are soon chasing a witch who has taken Sam to be another of her “prisoners”. Now you must free these other prisoners in order to find a way to save Sam
I grew to appreciate this game the more I played it. This game is carefully plotted and is very challenging without being overwhelming. the HOS (Hidden Object Scenes) are fantastic, with objects consistent with the time in which the town existed. There must have been a lot of research done. For instance the school house was very authentic, the medical tools in the hospital as well; it is as if each area got its own expert to make sure this is really believable as an early 20th century town. It does get a little depressing with all the grey-blue-black illustrations, but they are nicely drawn; and the story is brilliant as it introduces the characters.
There is a hint button but it takes quite a while, and I actually found I solved most of the puzzles while I waited; I might not have even tried if the hint timer was shorter.
I bought the regular version, not the CE and it was complete and satisfying. Took a long time to play, which was good. The lack of a map was annoying, because I think we have gotten lazy and want to speed through, but this game makes you walk around in real time and you get used to it.
I bought the regular version, not the CE and it was complete and satisfying. Took a long time to play, which was good. The lack of a map was annoying, because I think we have gotten lazy and want to speed through, but this game makes you walk around in real time and you get used to it.
I think beginner and intermediate players will enjoy this game very much, and it might just challenge experts. I played on easy and it was plenty hard enough. On expert I might have given up :)
I rated this game a 5 simply because it is the best of its kind, does everything right and gives good value.
I recommend this game!