sfr8rfan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:5,257
- Reviews Submitted:171
- First Review:July 20, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
You thought this would be just like any other investigation. But now you find yourself lost in a mysterious mansion brimming with strange creatures, comatose colleagues, and mysterious tentacles around every corner…
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
I've dreamt this dream before. Time for a new one.
PostedNovember 23, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Thanks to BFG for removing my original review, at my request, so I could write another one and tell you what I really think.
Nightmare Dwellers CE is an excellent game, brought to us by the same team that produced Green Hills Sanitarium, Escape from GHS, Fears From Childhood and more.
As per usual, in the great tradition of this series, Nightmare Dwellers is technically superior and fun to play. These halls are not really haunted, though. And the dreams aren't nightmares unless you're 5 years old.
In the main section of the game you get what you can reliably count on from this developer: first class visuals and sound with a fun story line and puzzles and HOGs that you're sure to enjoy.
Because it's a CE you also get:
Bonus Chapter
Achievements and Collections
Re-playable Mini-Games and Hidden-Object Puzzles
Exciting Screensavers, Wallpapers and Concept Art
Integrated Strategy Guide
Bonus Chapter
Achievements and Collections
Re-playable Mini-Games and Hidden-Object Puzzles
Exciting Screensavers, Wallpapers and Concept Art
Integrated Strategy Guide
That's it. There's really nothing more to say about the game. Like a novelist who's figured out the winning formula and has re-written the first book 25 times over with different characters' names and backgrounds and a slightly different crime and an oh-so-minor shift in thrilling outcome, the substance of Nightmare Dwellers is the same as everything that came before it.
If this is among the first games you are playing, you are sure to love it. If this is exactly the style of game you prefer with lots of fun and little intensity, it is a five star game. So I heartily recommend it to you. I enjoyed the game. It was a lot of fun.
If, however, you find what thrilled you before is no longer thrilling, this is definitely NOT the game for you:
There is neither the unique approach to storytelling nor the incredible creativity of the puzzles and HOS found in Nevertales (is there anything else out there like it today?). There is not the amazing depth of storyline and incomparable attention to detail as in Portal of Evil: Stolen Runes (Talk about haunting! Down to the background music of what sounds like chanting monks and special effects that give new meaning to the word special Stolen Runes is in a class by itself!!).
In all fairness, this is a review of what Nightmare Dwellers is, not what it isn't. There is nothing wrong with it at all and a lot that's great. As a break from some of the intensity of other games, this is a welcome relief and a good bit of fun.
It's simply not how I like my arsenic served anymore.
I recommend this game!
The gates to another world will open soon! You can stop the impending disaster - if you track down the stolen runes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 21 found this review helpful
WOW
PostedNovember 23, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just reviewed a game which I said is the best I'd ever played. This has supplanted that. Playing this game is like reading a novel by Dan Brown.
Here's what you need to know to decide if you'll like the game or not:
1. Did you read and enjoy The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is something like 30:18 Puzzles/Mini-games to HOS.
3. While the puzzles and HOS are plentiful, do you enjoy games which are heavy on the "story?"
4. Are you OK playing a CE that is not about "collections" or "achievements" or "morphing objects?" (Yes, there is a bonus chapter).
1. Did you read and enjoy The DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons?
2. Do you like a game that is weighted more toward puzzles than HOS? The ratio is something like 30:18 Puzzles/Mini-games to HOS.
3. While the puzzles and HOS are plentiful, do you enjoy games which are heavy on the "story?"
4. Are you OK playing a CE that is not about "collections" or "achievements" or "morphing objects?" (Yes, there is a bonus chapter).
If you answered yes to those questions, you will, without a doubt, LOVE Portal of Evil.
I have never seen a game with such an engrossing story line and such unbelievable attention to detail. By now you've read reviews that have told you the story line, so I won't belabor that. But I will talk about what I think sets this game apart from EVERY OTHER GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED:
1. Visual/Sound quality:
a. When I first started the game I said to myself "this is seriously HD." It is. I also said to myself that the items were a little difficult to see because they are small. This is true, but not long into the game I got used to the size and the visibility problem had more to do with background lighting in the first couple of scenes than anything else.
a. When I first started the game I said to myself "this is seriously HD." It is. I also said to myself that the items were a little difficult to see because they are small. This is true, but not long into the game I got used to the size and the visibility problem had more to do with background lighting in the first couple of scenes than anything else.
b. The game is brilliantly designed. Visually it's like watching a movie. One example of detail (it may seem insignificant, but it's indicative of the whole game): you're riding in an elevator. You can see a grate at the top of the elevator you're in. As you're riding up and down you see the background behind the grating as if you're watching the elevator shaft. It's completely REAL. Another example: there is a scene with live suits of armor. The suits of armor cast shadows which are completely correct in terms of visual perspective.
c. I always say that background music is important because it drives the game and sets the tone. That has never been more true than with this game. At certain points the music sounds like monks chanting...totally appropriate for the storyline of this game. At other points the music is orchestral and creates an environment of "spookiness" and urgency that I've never heard in a game before.
d. The sound effects are incomparable: listen to the water in a fountain early on and you'd swear you were in Italy at one of the many flowing fountains.
Level of Challenge
a. The HOG are the best I've ever played. They are hard. There are regular "seek and find" items from a list. There is the far more interesting "Place items where they are used" style. Brilliantly executed.
a. The HOG are the best I've ever played. They are hard. There are regular "seek and find" items from a list. There is the far more interesting "Place items where they are used" style. Brilliantly executed.
b. Some of the puzzles are regular, some are brand new. The challenge is to read the directions EXACTLY. One example: you are told that you must use every "item" in the game. At first I assumed that that meant I had to use every item and could use each item only once. WRONG. I made what I thought was a mis-click and that showed me the "error of my ways." Again, BRILLIANT.
One last time: I've never played a game like this before. I am so appreciative of the amazing dedication and attention to detail that these developers gave to this game. I'm a slow player. I'm glad. I'm enjoying every little detail of this game.
Do yourself a favor. If you answered yes to the questions at the beginning of this review, buy this game. I PROMISE YOU you will love it.
I recommend this game!
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
111 of 121 found this review helpful
Nothing like this game EVER BEFORE!!!
PostedNovember 22, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Nothing I've played before compares to this game, in my opinion.
As you learn from the description, the game begins with a baby being dropped off, present day, at the doorstep of an attorney who's done for the night. Ok...now, on to the good stuff:
Overall rating: It's a five only because there is no higher rating.
Fun Factor: Off the charts fun for me. Everything about this game is DIFFERENT and because these different things are so well done, it's also great. Some developers go for different and end up giving us something that's not very good. Not the case here.
Visual Sound Quality: The visuals are much more important that the sound in this game. Typically, sound effects/background music is very important to me. It's not a big part of this game and it doesn't matter.
Visually, the game is a stunner. The colors are bright and exciting and that provides the "feel" for the game. The visuals create the challenge!!
Overall rating: It's a five only because there is no higher rating.
Fun Factor: Off the charts fun for me. Everything about this game is DIFFERENT and because these different things are so well done, it's also great. Some developers go for different and end up giving us something that's not very good. Not the case here.
Visual Sound Quality: The visuals are much more important that the sound in this game. Typically, sound effects/background music is very important to me. It's not a big part of this game and it doesn't matter.
Visually, the game is a stunner. The colors are bright and exciting and that provides the "feel" for the game. The visuals create the challenge!!
Level of Challenge:
Hidden Objects: The very best I've seen. The first is close to standard. Find an object that's described for you. In most games, when you complete the HOG, you either have to find one final item which you'll use to progress in the game, or an item is awarded to you. In Nevertales, with each hidden object you find, you're given a section of the bonus item. When you find all of the hidden objects, you've also constructed an item which you'll use to later on. This is much more interesting that the standard HOG.
A second hidden object is the silhouette style. Much more intricate in this game, however, and FAR MORE CHALLENGING. In Nevertales you must find what a silhouette suggests. But it's not just sitting there,,,it's well-hidden in the background. Basically, you're looking at a mosaic trying to find smaller items hidden within the big picture. It's incredibly well done.
Hidden Objects: The very best I've seen. The first is close to standard. Find an object that's described for you. In most games, when you complete the HOG, you either have to find one final item which you'll use to progress in the game, or an item is awarded to you. In Nevertales, with each hidden object you find, you're given a section of the bonus item. When you find all of the hidden objects, you've also constructed an item which you'll use to later on. This is much more interesting that the standard HOG.
A second hidden object is the silhouette style. Much more intricate in this game, however, and FAR MORE CHALLENGING. In Nevertales you must find what a silhouette suggests. But it's not just sitting there,,,it's well-hidden in the background. Basically, you're looking at a mosaic trying to find smaller items hidden within the big picture. It's incredibly well done.
Storyline: This is a case where I don't think the storyline is central...if that makes any sense. I'm just so amazed by the "skills" required to finish this game that the background narrative isn't that important.
The puzzles, which are abundant,, are also DIFFERENT. It's not just more of the same. One example: You're given a palette and you must arrange the blocks to resemble a figure you've seen earlier in the game. It's not difficult, it's just different and VERY FUN.
Another example of very different: a memory skill, but none like you've played before. To gain access to a room you have a convo with two talking door sentries. They'll argue between themselves about some item in another room...its color or how many of them there are, for instance. You must agree with one of the two. If you're right, you unlock one of the bolts. This is FUN!!!
The puzzles, which are abundant,, are also DIFFERENT. It's not just more of the same. One example: You're given a palette and you must arrange the blocks to resemble a figure you've seen earlier in the game. It's not difficult, it's just different and VERY FUN.
Another example of very different: a memory skill, but none like you've played before. To gain access to a room you have a convo with two talking door sentries. They'll argue between themselves about some item in another room...its color or how many of them there are, for instance. You must agree with one of the two. If you're right, you unlock one of the bolts. This is FUN!!!
I don't want to give the impression that you must be expert to play this game. I don't think so. It's not easy. It's takes a lot of work (FUN WORK) and it's not fast (but I'm a pretty slow player anyway. I like to take my time and enjoy a great game). Don't be scared away from this. You will find it challenging but it's worth the time and energy. And you'll have a real sense of accomplishment when you're done with it.
There's absolutely NO DOUBT that this game is a winner and a must buy!!! The question is, DO YOU SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY FOR THE COLLECTOR'S EDITION.
From my perspective the answer is an easy YES!!
You don't just get ONE bonus chapter. Not TWO. BUT THREE bonus chapters.
You don't just get ONE bonus chapter. Not TWO. BUT THREE bonus chapters.
In addition to this there are morphing objects within HOGs! There are multiple collectibles, achievements, an integrated strategy guide. Typically, I don't think these things really mean much, but I ate up everything this game had to offer andI wish I were still playing it. All the extras are incredible and make the CE worth it. But even if you don't care about those extras, I assure you, you will love the additional game time with the bonus chapters.
That said, SE, CE...whatever it is you choose, just GET IT!! I Promise you'll love it.
I recommend this game!
Residents of Happy Orchard Farm are disappearing at night. Is there an innocent explanation, or could the farm be at the mercy of supernatural forces?
Overall rating
1
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Well, There's a Mystery. And, this IS a Nightmare.
PostedNovember 22, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
First off, the game is terrible. Period.
The mystery: I believe these developers also gave us Committed: Mystery at Shady Pines which received a solid, if not spectacular, 4.0 rating from reviewers at BFG.
Another mystery: From what I can tell, this game was released in late 2012. By then there were strides made in gaming which render Farm Mystery: Happy Orchard Nightmare so anachronistic as to be an embarrassment.
Overall Rating: You can't give less than a one, so, a one it is.
Fun Factor: I did get a few laughs out of this, I promise you.
Visual/Sound Quality: Overall, Poor.
Level of Challenge: the 5 I gave it is tongue in cheek. The real challenge here was completing just an hour of the game. It's that bad.
Storyline: Somebody in the story disappeared, then I did.
There are no voiceovers: you can read text. I'm a slow game player but a very fast reader. The text here didn't ask you to click "continue" to move on. The game decided for you how much time you needed to read the text. It wasn't long enough. The characters just stood there, motionless, while you read the text.
The HOGs were very poor.They were poorly drawn and poorly colored. The descriptions were OK. I played one puzzle/mini-game. The instructions were puzzling. The game was forgettable. In fact, I've forgotten already.
I'm sorry, but under no circumstances should you spend your money OR WASTE A FREE GAME CHIT on this nightmare of a game. It's the worst game I've played on here and it has zero redeeming qualities.
You didn't really need one more review to tell you what everyone else has told you already. I guess I just wanted to reinforce that information, and, in case I ever wonder about this game, have my own review to look back on. Thanks for indulging me.
I don't recommend this game.
This was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. But instead of walking down the aisle, you're in another dimension, battling a mad inventor to save your family!
Overall rating
3
/
5
55 of 76 found this review helpful
Secrets? No. The truth is this is a Fast, fun, easy Game.
PostedNovember 14, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is an interesting little game. Quirky, even. I'll explain.
Fun factor: I rated this a four and mainly it's because the last few games I've played really have take some work and a lot of thought. I wanted something straightforward and easy and I found it in this game and I'm having fun! So there!!
Visual/Sound Quality: The word that crept into my mind when I was playing this was primitive. The drawings.animation seem very primitive, as in early on in the art. There's not a tremendous amount of detail. Objects aren't poorly drawn, they just aren't really exquisitely, richly detailed as in some other games. The colors aren't very vibrant.
As for the sound: I've often written that I think sound is very important because it sets the tone for a game. This game is all about urgent and the soundtrack really supports that. The voice overs are very well done, but the lip synching is terrible. So, listen, don't look! Though it's the same music throughout, it did not get boring.
Level of Challenge: It's not a challenging game at all. I know we comment, often, about how quickly we use a "found" item or the bonus prize from an HOS. In this game it's immediate. When the story line dictates that you need something in order to move forward in the game, you can rest assured that you'll get what you need in the very next scene.
HOGs: Just the right amount. Not too many, not too few. And an interesting departure from the norm: while hunting for hidden objects, occasionally you can change the "venue." That is, you're looking at one room with certain objects, and you can flick a switch and be looking at the same room with a different set of objects. I liked this. It wasn't deceptive at all. What you're looking for is what you'll find: descriptions are well done and the items are neither cramped nor deceptively hidden. Some may prefer more of a challenge, For me, right now, it was perfect.
As the music is urgent so is everything else about this game: as I said, using found objects; moving on to the next challenge, resolving unknowns. No a lot is left to the imagination in this game. Nothing, in fact, is left to the imagination.
The story line is a little odd, but the way it's played out is FUN. I'm not going to ruin it for you, but it has to do with science, this world and beyond. Along the way you'll encounter chemistry, physics, astronomy, and, well, police sciences.
It's a CE so it has the standard array of "who cares" stuff: wallpaper, music, an integrated guide and a bonus chapter.
There are achievements and collectibles. If you're into this,you'll love this game. There are 20+ achievements and you'll be excited out of the gate because you can get 5-6 achievements in the first couple of minutes. They slow down as you progress because the achievements become harder to accomplish.
There are also collectibles: this is kind of annoying and I don't know what it really has to do with anything. You collect "observers." These are rodent/insect/alien-ish little creatures which are hidden around each scene. There are 164 in all, if memory serves. They annoyance is because they have nothing to do with the game but because you're constantly reminded how many you've gotten, how many there are in a scene and how many you have left to find, you can't ignore them.
As a regular part of the game there is one more collectible. As it is central to the game and directly related, I'll let you find it on your own.
One really ODD quirk about this game: when you take something from your inventory and want to return it because it's the wrong thing, you have to take it back to the very position it had on the inventory bar in order to let go of it.
I don't think there's a SE yet for this game. Though I don't think there's a compelling reason to rush to action for this game, I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. You will find it simple and straightforward and as games are getting more and more convoluted and difficult (a great result of a maturing craft) an easy throwback isn't such a bad thing.
Try it. You'll like it!
I recommend this game!
The Torment of Mont Triste
No one dares fall asleep in the village of Mont Triste... for when sleep arrives, so does the mysterious Lord of Nightmares.
Overall rating
1
/
5
44 of 52 found this review helpful
This game TORMENTS me!
PostedNovember 11, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In case you wonder if I'm capable of loving a game, check out my reviews of The Pantheon and of Nevertales. Each received a Five-Star rating from me.
This game is fraught with technical issues. Several times I have reviewed a game and the Overall Rating is higher than the total of the individual category ratings. This is because sometimes a game is greater than the sum of its parts. Because of a) technical issues and b) poor directions, this game is less than the sum of its parts. I will explain.
I realize I do so at my own peril. I KNOW that negative reviews are almost always found unhelpful by those who review the reviewers. So I do not expect you to find this review helpful, but please accept it as a cautionary tale and realize I'm not being negative because I'm a jerk. I take reviewing games very seriously and do my best to be fair and accurate.
My problems with the game go well beyond the technical issues. But, technical issues cannot be ignored when judging the fun factor. Because the game became less and less playable as time went on, I had to give a grade of "Awful" for Fun Factor.
At the start I thought that this game was going to be fun. My first thought was that this was a VERY SIMPLE throwback game hearkening back to an era that predated the beginnings of my playing days. I really enjoyed the beginnings of this game. I thought the concept for the story line was very creative. I thought the execution and design of games, while very simple and not very nuanced, was so straightforward, so clear, that this was a VERY FUN game. And, on that note, it got bonus points from me because there are very few HOS in this HOG/Puzzle/Adventure offering. As time went on, the FUN turned into TORMENT.
Visual/Sound Quality: The visual quality is OK. Nothing special, but nothing bad either. It's very bare bones in design. There are not a lot of flourishes. That was fine, because the overall game play and the story line were the important features. The sound quality was OK as well. I noted in a review of the CE that someone complained of monotonous background music. This was not my experience. I thought the music was a good fit for the story.
Level of Challenge: The game was not particularly challenging The few HOGs there are are all very simple. The descriptions were clear and accurate and the objects were easy to find. It would have been better if the they were more difficult.
At the beginning, the puzzles were embarrassingly easy. It seems like the majority of puzzles were based on making the order of items correct. That is, the parts of the puzzle were jumbled and they needed to placed in the right order. Doing so successfully meant that the puzzle was solved. As time went on the puzzles became more and more difficult. This is not because the puzzles were, in themselves, hard, but because the directions were so poor. (Remember, I'm not even dealing with technical issues yet).
Examples of poor directions:
a. In the Fish Token puzzle the instructions indicated that each column must be unique. No two items could be in each column, nor could a single column have the same colors. It's not clear what was meant by this because you can't change the color of the items or "disk" that the item is sitting on. I tried over and over again thinking I was doing something wrong but I wasn't. The colors just couldn't be moved. So despite the directions saying that no color could be repeated in a column, there was no choice but to repeat. When I successfully completed the puzzle, each column had multiples of the same color.
a. In the Fish Token puzzle the instructions indicated that each column must be unique. No two items could be in each column, nor could a single column have the same colors. It's not clear what was meant by this because you can't change the color of the items or "disk" that the item is sitting on. I tried over and over again thinking I was doing something wrong but I wasn't. The colors just couldn't be moved. So despite the directions saying that no color could be repeated in a column, there was no choice but to repeat. When I successfully completed the puzzle, each column had multiples of the same color.
b. The Missing Box Puzzle: There are three different "mini-puzzles" in this puzzle, all visible at the beginning and each i to be completed by placing geometric shapes in them (triangles, trapezoids and rhombuses) until the area is completely filled. According to the directions you are first to change the position of all of the individual shapes and only then place them onto the puzzle platform. You change the positioning of the piece by right-clicking. First, the directions didn't say which puzzle to complete first. As it turns out, it was not just left to right, but started with the center. Also, I could not change the attitude of the puzzle pieces by right clicking. Nothing I did would make them change position. First I thought the pieces were already in place and I had to find the right puzzle to apply them to. No. Finally, I figured out that I couldn't change the position and gave up, gave in, and hit the SKIP it button. After finding more puzzle pieces later on it finally became clear that the order of the puzzles was determined by the color of the puzzle piece. There are three of these puzzles and in no case could I change the position of the pieces. Three times I skipped.
c. The Pump Puzzle: Standard game wherein you properly position pipes so that a continuous connection can be made from point A to point B. That's what the directions say. The problem: there are two starting points. So, what does a single unbroken connection mean? I didn't know what was meant and I spent 45 minutes arranging a bizillion pipes, unclear if I was to "meet" them up, conjoin them or forget about one in favor of the other. I had to "Skip."
d. The Mouse Puzzle: It's still not clear to me what I was supposed to do. There are three mice. The instructions were to see which could fastest get from point A to point B while going through a few obstacles. First you point the mouse in the right direction. Next you preset the obstacles to act as guides for the mouse. Because the directions talk about finding which mouse could best and fastest accomplish the tasks I figured there was either a clock or that all three mice performed their tasks at the same time. Neither was true. The mice went in serial order and there was no clock that I saw. But it didn't matter. The control buttons for the obstacles didn't work so I couldn't run the races anyway. I had to "Skip."
There are more puzzles, but the Mouse puzzle was the last one I attempted before shutting this game down.
The Storyline: I don't know why, but I thought it was brilliant. The idea is that an evil man inhabits your dreams and turns them into nightmares. This is not the same as the "Fears from Childhood" game. Maybe it's a variation on the theme, but I think it's different. Also, the general feel of the game is more adult than the "Fears from Childhood" was. I thought the general "atmosphere" of the game was appropriate for this dark topic. I love backstories and this has a great backstory (at least as far as I went with the game). There may have been more twists and turns as the game went on which would only serve to make the game better.
In the end, I don't know if my issues were more technical or more about bad directions: clearly there were instructions to do things that could not be done, like arranging the position of puzzle parts before placing them; or not repeating colors or items in one puzzle. So which was it? A technical problem or bad directions? I suspect it was a LOT of both.
And I think that: Overall, BFG does so much that is right, every once in a while something goes wrong. This is that one time, as far as I'm concerned. BUT, I really hope that BFG staff reads these reviews and follows up on issues...and not just the stuff we can find in the blogs. There is a problem with this game. It may be intermittent, but it's a problem, nonetheless. They need to figure out the cause and the developers need to fix it or take it off the site, IMHO.
I don't recommend this game.
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Crooked? Straight Up FUN!
PostedNovember 10, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is very fun game. I wasn't so sure at the very beginning. In the first 45 minutes it was challenging in a way that wasn't fun. Everything seemed very crowded and difficult to identify. As I played on I realized that the game is challenging and it is difficult and that's because it's good.
Playing this is very much like reading a William Faulkner story. If you've not read one, it's dense with description. Those who like them would say they are rich with description and you can see the seen in your mind's eye because the detail is so great. That's the case with Crooked Man: the visuals are very rich with detail and full of color and depth. Because of this incredible detailing, the view seems crowded. I thought it was...but once I established a rhythm and got comfortable with the feel of the game the detail was a treat. I think you have to play the game for awhile to get used to it...and once you do, you'll think it's really a piece of art.
The sounds visuals, as I just described, are great. The sound quality is as well, but not a very important part of the equation.
The challenge is great, and in large part because of the amount of detail. There are very few HOS but they are were very difficult to me. It's hard to explain that they were hard because there was lots of "stuff" but still it didn't seem like a mess...just really well-drawn objects that also fit in well and disappeared into the background as should happen in a good HOS.
There are a lot of games. This presented a problem for me at first also: the very first game was/is to me, incomprehensible. I have NO IDEA what was supposed to happen but I kept doing things and eventually succeeded defeating the game and moved forward. After this the games got easier to understand. The quality of the games, though, left a little to be desired.
So: now I've told you that there aren't many HOS and that the puzzles/games aren't so great, but that the game is. My conclusion is this: I think this is a great story and if you enjoy a great story/storyline, with beautiful visuals, you will love this game. The lack of HOS and good puzzles will be a big negative for many gamers.
I recommend this game but strongly urge you to take advantage of the free hour of play to see if you'll like it as well.
The typical "who cares" assortment of extras is included in the CE...wallpaper, music, etc. There is a bonus chapter, there are collectibles and morphing items. The morphing items speed up the recharge of the hint button, so they really do mean something. (I'm not embarrassed to say that at the beginning, when I was kind of lost, I needed the hint button quite a bit).
I hope this review helps you. If you like the standard HOS and will be disappointed with VERY FEW HOS, then you will NOT like this game. Bear that in mind when you make a decision to buy or not to buy.
I recommend this game!
Unlock the mystery of the Sculptor’s tragic fate!
Overall rating
1
/
5
79 of 124 found this review helpful
This Mediterranean Adventure Sank like heavy Stone
PostedOctober 26, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm so sorry to do this, but...
Setting the record straight, I did not complete the game. In fact, I only played for an hour and I am quite sure I didn't make a lot of progress. I could not continue.
Setting the record straight, I did not complete the game. In fact, I only played for an hour and I am quite sure I didn't make a lot of progress. I could not continue.
First off: AVOID THIS GAME.
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
Here's why:
1. The premise is preposterous. You're an investigative journalist who's come to a beautiful Greek City on the Mediterranean to report on the murder of a sculptor and his wife who were killed when they were both encased in fast-drying plaster.
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
Here's why:
1. The premise is preposterous. You're an investigative journalist who's come to a beautiful Greek City on the Mediterranean to report on the murder of a sculptor and his wife who were killed when they were both encased in fast-drying plaster.
2. Throughout the game you collect stone coins. The third one I found was in an up-till-then unopened can of sardines. Really?!?!?
3. When you go to the office of the Doctor who tended to the murdered sculptor and his wife you find him dead! and run into a man whom you assume has just killed him...in the same manner that the sculptor and the Mrs. were killed: encased in plaster.
4. The doctor apparently knew you were coming an that he was going to die because he, very thoughtfully, left instructions for you, explaining how to make powdered milk for his cat.
5. Though you are shocked to find the murdered doctor, you proceed to make and warm the milk for the cat rather than call the police or do something productive (oh yeah, you make a mental note that you want to follow the would-be murderer, but only after you make the cat's milk). When you do finally chase after him, he's not made much progress. To discourage you from following him he throws a giant sharp trident at you that he's stolen from the statue in the middle of town.
Please note: This game is NOT meant to be a comedy, or tongue-in-cheek. It's meant to be serious and scary...haunting, I believe, is the word used in the description.
The Good:
a. The "set design," and scenery is absolutely beautiful. It's like looking at a well-drawn watercolor of a Greek Isle. Seriously: these are some beautiful scenes.
b. The background music is very well done and is beautiful. It perfectly accents the scene and you absolutely feel like you're in the Mediterranean.
a. The "set design," and scenery is absolutely beautiful. It's like looking at a well-drawn watercolor of a Greek Isle. Seriously: these are some beautiful scenes.
b. The background music is very well done and is beautiful. It perfectly accents the scene and you absolutely feel like you're in the Mediterranean.
The Bad:
a. The HOGs are poorly constructed. Admittedly, I only got through three of them, but they are piles of junk. Items are hard to find only because they are in piles and indistinguishable. The objects are not well-hidden.
b. The puzzles are lame-o. Nothing new. And the graphics were so small, I was unable to really see what I was doing in the first, standard-issue puzzle of moving a disc to its proper location without being able to jump another disc.
c. Once I knew I wasn't going to continue with the game, I used the hint system just so I could report on it in my review. The first few times I pressed the hint button nothing happened. If I was being given a hint, I didn't know it.
d. Glitches: Early on I got stuck in a scene of a wall hanging and couldn't get out of the scene. I couldn't hit an "X" to get out, I couldn't back out, I sat and stared at the item hung on the wall for a minute and then quit...just so I could restart and continue playing.
a. The HOGs are poorly constructed. Admittedly, I only got through three of them, but they are piles of junk. Items are hard to find only because they are in piles and indistinguishable. The objects are not well-hidden.
b. The puzzles are lame-o. Nothing new. And the graphics were so small, I was unable to really see what I was doing in the first, standard-issue puzzle of moving a disc to its proper location without being able to jump another disc.
c. Once I knew I wasn't going to continue with the game, I used the hint system just so I could report on it in my review. The first few times I pressed the hint button nothing happened. If I was being given a hint, I didn't know it.
d. Glitches: Early on I got stuck in a scene of a wall hanging and couldn't get out of the scene. I couldn't hit an "X" to get out, I couldn't back out, I sat and stared at the item hung on the wall for a minute and then quit...just so I could restart and continue playing.
According to the description, there are collectibles and there is a bonus chapter. There is an integrated map. I didn't get far enough into the game to vouch that it's well done, but the description sounds right.
The UGLY: When I bought this game I accidentally forgot to enter the discount code for 40% off. YIKES. I sure hope BFG is feeling generous. Even $8.99 is too much for this clunker.
Although the scenery really is well done, we all know that's not enough reason to buy a game. I know this is very harsh and I'm truly sorry. The problem is this: there is NO reason to buy this game. The developers have done a real disservice to gaming in an era when we are seeing such amazing entries as "Nevertales," and "Pantheon," and home-grown games created by BFG.
This one is terrible. Save your Money.
I don't recommend this game.
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
121 of 141 found this review helpful
NEVER Played a game quite like this before. It's AMAZING.
PostedOctober 24, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Nothing I've played before compares to this game, in my opinion. (It's from the developers of the Rite of Passage series. I reviewed one of those games very highly, so I must have really liked it, but to be honest, I don't remember it. Anyway, this game stands on it's own merits and your level of trust in my reviews...)
As you learn from the description, the game begins with a baby being dropped off, present day, at the doorstep of an attorney who's done for the night. Ok...now, on to the good stuff:
Overall rating: It's a five only because there is no higher rating.
Fun Factor: Off the charts fun for me. In the description it says "lots of collectibles." That's not usually a big deal to me: you collect items in the normal course of playing a game. In this case it means more. Everything about this game is DIFFERENT and because these different things are so well done, it's also great. Some developers go for different and end up giving us something that's not very good. Not the case here.
Visual Sound Quality: The visuals are much more important that the sound in this game. Typically, sound effects/background music is very important to me. It's not a big part of this game and it doesn't matter.
Visually, the game is a stunner. The colors are bright and exciting and that provides the "feel" for the game. The visuals create the challenge!!
Level of Challenge:
a. Collectibles: throughout the game you are looking for jewels that will complete a locket that's been in your family for ages. You'll find them scattered anywhere and you must be diligent. There aren't many to find and they are VERY WELL blended into the rest of the scenery.
a. Collectibles: throughout the game you are looking for jewels that will complete a locket that's been in your family for ages. You'll find them scattered anywhere and you must be diligent. There aren't many to find and they are VERY WELL blended into the rest of the scenery.
Another collectible, more standard in approach, is a rose, one of which is to be found in each scene/room. This is as close to the style you've seen before in other games.
A third collectible is half hidden object-half collectible: you're reading a book, a fairy tale. As you read, in order to progress to the next scene in the book, you must find objects which are located in the books illustrations. Sometimes you have to move objects to get to what you want. This collectible hunt doesn't last the whole game. When you've finished the fairy tale book, you've finished the collectible.
b. Hidden Objects: The very best I've seen. The first is close to standard. Find an object that's described for you. In most games, when you complete the HOG, you either have to find one final item which you'll use to progress in the game, or an item is awarded to you. In Nevertales, with each hidden object you find, you're given a section of the bonus item. When you find all of the hidden objects, you've also constructed an item which you'll use to later on. This is much more interesting that the standard HOG.
A second hidden object is the silhouette style. Much more intricate in this game, however, and FAR MORE CHALLENGING. In Nevertales you must find what a silhouette suggests. But it's not just sitting there,,,it's well-hidden in the background. Basically, you're looking at a mosaic trying to find smaller items hidden within the big picture. It's incredibly well done.
Finally, within the HOGs there are also morphing objects. 28 HOGs and each has a morph. They've found a way to add even more fun!!
Storyline: This is a case where I don't think the storyline is central...if that makes any sense. I'm just so amazed by the "skills" required to finish this game that the background narrative isn't that important.
The puzzles, which are abundant,, are also DIFFERENT. It's not just more of the same. One example: You're given a palette and you must arrange the blocks to resemble a figure you've seen earlier in the game. It's not difficult, it's just different and VERY FUN.
Another example of very different: a memory skill, but none like you've played before. To gain access to a room you have a convo with two talking door sentries. They'll argue between themselves about some item in another room...its color or how many of them there are, for instance. You must agree with one of the two. If you're right, you unlock one of the bolts. This is FUN!!!
Along with these HOGs, puzzles and collectibles, there are also achievements. Most of these are time-based or accuracy based. I'm so favorably impressed by this game, I even think the achievements are on a higher level than what we've seen from other games.
What I'm sure of is this: You will absolutely not be disappointed with this game. You can decide how much help, if any, you want to play it. You may customize the level of difficulty. AND, when you're done, you don't get one bonus chapter. You don't get two. You get THREE...but you have to earn them with your proficient play.
In re-reading this review I see I've used "fun" too many times. Well, sorry about that. The game is FUN!! Also, I'm afraid I've given an impression that you must be expert to play this game. I don't think so. It's not easy. It's takes a lot of work (FUN WORK) and it's not fast (but I'm a pretty slow player anyway. I like to take my time and enjoy a great game). Don't be scared away from this. You will find it challenging but it's worth the time and energy. And you'll have a deep sense of accomplishment.
Please get this game. Dreams DO come true!
I recommend this game!
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 39 found this review helpful
Pantheon BELONGS in the Pantheon of Great Games!!
PostedOctober 18, 2013
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is exceptional. I want to start, finish and reinforce throughout this review that Surface: The Pantheon is absolutely amazing!
At first I wasn't so sure this game was fun. It was late, I was tired and the game seemed more difficult than fun. Well, the game is difficult...but that doesn't make it un-fun.
Visual/Sound Quality: Sound/Music is very important to me. I think it really sets the tone for a game, adds to the drama and can make a good game great. This would absolutely be the case here because the music is the best accompanying music I've ever heard with a game. It is rich and beautiful. It creates a mood of anxiety when that's called for; urgency when matters are urgent; excitement when a pivotal event is happening. Still, I'm only rating the quality 3 stars, or "OK." The reason is this: After the first 45 minutes of playing the game the music stopped. It shouldn't have stopped and when I shut the game down and restarted it, the music returned. It's gone away again. I think this is a system/programming issue which should be solved in a revision. I hope the problem is resolved because, truly, the music is the BEST I've heard in a game...when I can hear it.
As for the visuals: the colors are rich and deep. The quality of the HOGs is exceptional. These are not junk piles: everything is very clear. But the items are very, very well hidden. Is it hard? Yes.
Level of Challenge: This game is Very challenging. And a twist I've never experienced is added: In HOGs there are second level items which require some interaction to find. In this game there is a third level: you have to back out from the HOG completely and search even more for items required to complete an object in the HOG.
Additionally, the puzzles are not just the same old puzzles..there are new puzzle types. Some are difficult, some not so difficult. It's exciting just to have a new puzzle type to work with.
Storyline: It's unusual. Family members disappear and mom is trying to find her child and husband. They've disappeared into a nether world and her quest is the crux of the story. While this is not new, the presentation is. There are elements of the "dark side," elements of criminality and, better than I've ever seen, elements of personal relationship and relational instinct.
There are MANY cutscenes in this game. It's because this is less a standalone game than a story. I'm enjoying this aspect immensely and I think you will as well. There are plenty of puzzles. There's not a huge amount of HOG and for me that's fine as an overabundance of HOG is a typical complaint of mine.
I mistakenly purchased the SE after I'd already bought the CE. I have yet to play the CE so I'm not sure what the extras are. I recommend that BFG start to inform us NOT JUST IF we've purchased the very same game before, but if we've purchased any iteration of a game (i.e., SE or CE) so we can decide if we want to add more or, for some strange reason, do what I did and buy the SE after buying the CE. In the meantime, please check carefully to make sure you purchase what you want, not more, not less.
Whatever route you choose, I absolutely recommend you get this game...but, if you're unsure about the "story" aspects to which I referred, check out the free 1 hour of play to make sure this game is for you.
I recommend this game!