MaggieMaze's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:1,813
- Reviews Submitted:47
- First Review:January 20, 2013
- Most Recent Review:May 28, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Journey to the mythical Nine Worlds to save the Earth!
Overall rating
1
/
5
18 of 40 found this review helpful
New Game Series. Yay! Norse Mythology. Boo!
PostedMay 28, 2017
MaggieMaze
fromA place where we get ENOUGH winter and grey skies!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Happy to see new game series from my favorite developer, as well as some varied game play. Sincerely hope this series will visit nine DIFFERENT cultures. I hate Norse mythology and am sick of dull scenery and grey skies. Visit the mythology of Egypt or Greece! Anywhere sunny and bright! Please get some color and visual beauty into your games. Snow storms, rain, fog, grey skies and warlike cultures have been done to death!
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Dimensions: City of Ash
A dark dimension has fallen over Phoenix Hill, turning its residents into volcanic ash. Help them rise from the ashes.
Overall rating
4
/
5
37 of 42 found this review helpful
Great SE! This Dark Dimension is Not So Dark!
PostedJune 30, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Not being a fan of the first two, I found this game an improvement and the demo left me wondering what Dark Dimension is at work in Phoenix Hills. The previous games were too drab and dreary for me, so the bright colours this time were a pleasant surprise. A definite purchase for me.
With protester Audrey Owen pitted against her father (the Mayor) attempting to stop mining operations threatening the town, something goes wrong, a volcano erupts, and a mystery begs to be solved.
Straightforward HOPA gameplay with the usual features, including interactive map, directional hint, and diary that provides insight into Dark Dimension history. The HOS are a bit cluttered and confusing, an attempt at interactivity and challenge that doesn’t quite work. The puzzles are familiar but fun, and the game is easy to navigate.
For me visuals and sound are always important for gaming pleasure. While the graphics are a bit unusual in terms of style, they are detailed and clear with vibrant colour. This makes a tragic and abandoned town unexpectedly beautiful to behold. The music will appeal to individual taste, as will the cutscenes and voice overs. For me, these were positive features that enhance the mood, move the story along, and contribute a sense of urgency and realism. This is important as the game is not overly challenging.
There are unexpected moments that are odd but pleasing, like clicking on a poster that triggers a cutscene of the riot depicted, instead of just an article to read. With fewer HOS and a bit more of a wow factor, this game could have been a winner. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it.
While missing the mark totally as a CE, I liked the game enough to recommend the SE.
Whether you are a fan of the series or come to this game with fresh eyes, it’s definitely worth a look!
I recommend this game!
The evil Alura is back, and this time she’s attacking your homeland!
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 44 found this review helpful
Much better as an SE! Still a Fun Game with a Silly Name!
PostedJune 23, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Usually I would never touch a game called “Love Chronicles” but, being in mood for fairy tale fare and a relaxing quest, I bought the CE and found it surprisingly enjoyable. A great game for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Tried the others in the series. This one is a definite upgrade. Voice overs, improved animation, cutscenes, character interaction and a more immersive storyline. Time travel changes it up a bit as you search for the four amulets necessary to protect Alura from the evil Zander. Now we know how the "wicked witch" got that way!
The graphics are great, with lots of colour and beautiful artwork. Very light adventure, a variety of iHOS, familiar puzzles, hint, journal, transporter map, task markers. In other words, the usual. The music is relaxing and the gameplay subdued.
However, the game does have some nice moments, and I had to laugh at the Lucio’s guard cat. Without a doubt, the strangest feline I have ever seen!
There is really nothing spectacular about this game, but it is strangely appealing. As a CE it had little to offer. As an SE, it’s worth the price.
If you need to zone out, de-stress or just have some fun with the kids, consider giving it a try!
I recommend this game!
Become the fabled detective and rescue the Final Cinderella from the evil Godmother's clutches!
Overall rating
5
/
5
66 of 76 found this review helpful
Excellent SE! You Can't Improve on Perfection!
PostedJune 21, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Love this game! For those who have been waiting for the 5th instalment of the Dark Parable Series, you will not be disappointed. I bought the CE sight unseen and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just tried the demo of the SE and have to give it five stars as well.
Unlike many SEs, you do not lose your collectibles in this version. There are morphing objects to find, four sets of clothing to collect for the four former cinderellas, and all of the items needed to unlock the parables are also included.
Yes, its' a FROG, which some players dislike. I love them, and Blue Tea does them to perfection. The stunning graphics and intricately drawn artwork make the game, and especially the fragmented object scenes, an absolute delight.
I won't go into the details of the gameplay as they have been covered by other reviewers. I do want to say that this is the only series I have encountered where the term "same-old-same-old" is actually a compliment!
If you watch the credits at the end of the game, a sequel is confirmed with the words "as your journey continues . . . ."
IMHO, you can't improve upon perfection so please, Blue Tea, don't even try!
I recommend this game!
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 66 found this review helpful
Great SE! Rite of Passage is Still Just Right!
PostedJune 14, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Pure entertainment! Played the CE and loved every minute. The demo of this version left me wanting to start the adventure all over again. Join the quest and save the Town of Willow Ridge from an ancient curse. Using a family amulet, you alone can dispel the darkness that holds the town captive!
The storyline is compelling and there is a strong sense of urgency. The more you play, the more immersed you become. The dangers of the dark forest and your encounters with haunted trees wreaking havoc everywhere will keep you on your toes. This is no ordinary HOPA.
Excellent graphics and sound. A good balance of HOS, puzzles and adventure, with some unique gameplay that requires more than just point and click activity. In some spots, you actually battle the enemy, a real hand-on experience. I usually just plod through the HOS to get back to the adventure but the HOS in this game are a departure from standard fare, with enough variety to please even the heart of an adventurer. There are also interesting puzzles and challenging minigames. Have you ever managed to win a game of tic-tac-toe in a video game?
A great SE that provides something for everyone. With a transporter map, task list, directional hint and four levels of difficulty, including the option to customize, the degree of challenge is entirely the choice of the player. For those who like animal companions, you will find help from Felix the cat (no kidding) and a cute little hamster who is yours to name. Finally, to my great delight, the devs have retained the collectible acorns for an added bit of fun.
This game is totally engaging! Whether you choose the CE or the SE, don’t miss this one. It’s a keeper!
I recommend this game!
The Queen has chosen your sister as her successor.
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 48 found this review helpful
Snow White Revisited
PostedJune 13, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If you liked Living Legends Ice Rose, you will not be disappointed in this game. The devs have changed it up by adding more animation, cutscenes, and voice overs. The story begins with a flash back to Snow White eating a poison apple. Instead of falling asleep, she is frozen by the evil Queen who steals her beauty. Guess the magic mirror just isn't doing the trick for her anymore! This sets the scene for the adventure to come.
Your quest is to rescue your sister who was tricked into believing she had been chosen to succeed the Queen and was instead taken captive. Aided by the ghost of Snow White herself, you will journey throughout a lovely but frozen landscape. You can almost feel the chill in the air. Seems like apples and mirrors figure prominently in the gameplay. Interesting . . . .
The graphics are clear and well-drawn, the music is unobtrusive, and the ambient sound enhances the atmosphere. The game features include standard HOPA with transporter map, task markers, and diary with re-playable cutscenes. The iHOS (lists) are few, to my great delight, as the scenes are a bit cluttered and the items hard to spot. The puzzle content is relevant to the game, but probably too simple for the experts to enjoy. Since both the hint and skip are slow to recharge, there is no rushing through either.
This CE includes the usual extras, along with achievements and collectibles, which are always fun. Your pet squirrel's home needs upgrading, so you need to keep an eye out for little coins scattered about that you will use for this purpose.
An enjoyable game, but not overly challenging and lacking the wow factor needed for a CE. Since Ice Rose was my introduction to the genre, this game has special significance for me and it’s on my purchase list.
As always, I have to recommend that you give it a try and hope that you enjoy it too!
I recommend this game!
Solve this maritime mystery to reunite a pirate with his lost love.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 28 found this review helpful
Relaxed Game for Pirate Enthusiasts
PostedJune 9, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
(107)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Great game for a rainy day! Based on my experience of the CE and the demo of this version, being a fan of pirate stories will be an asset to your enjoyment level. Captain William and his wife Isabelle vanish from their castle on the sea. The Captain washes up on shore in pirate gear. Your quest is to find out what why. A beautiful castle to explore, a mystery to solve. Sounds intriguing. The premise entices.
The graphics are clear and well-drawn, a bit dark but with an option to change brightness. The gameplay is standard HOPA with iHOS (mostly lists), familiar puzzles, notebook, transporter map with task markers, and hint that is both directional and instructional. Coins must be collected to open chests to obtain needed items, and the transporter map indicates whether you have found them all. This is important as a keen eye is required to spot them and they are integral to the gameplay.
There is little animation and the story is revealed with the unfurling of scrolls upon which the details are written before your eyes. Here, there are voice-overs, and the dialogue can be clicked and skipped. Unfortunately the British accents are not authentic, which detracts from overall enjoyment for me. The dreary and rainy atmosphere outside is offset inside the castle. Sadly, it is in ruins.
I found the game mechanics slow, with sluggish scene changes, and items obtained are held on the screen for second or two before being added to inventory. Just too much plodding and frustration for my taste. The music and ambient sound effects evoke more a sense of poignancy than urgency, and I found myself feeling lulled to sleepiness rather than urged on to solve the mystery.
While the game might appeal to a broader audience than just pirate enthusiasts, you really need to be in the mood to just relax and distress for this game to fit the bill.
As a CE this game offered little. As an SE, it’s worth a look. Give it a try and see for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Something’s driven everyone away from Linden Shades.
Overall rating
3
/
5
68 of 86 found this review helpful
Wanted to love it, but just got bored!
PostedJune 8, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
(107)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The game starts off with a bang, drawing you in and urging you on to find out what happened at the now abandoned farm that was once home to the children of the Linden Shades Orphanage. Was there really a red bogeyman? Is he still there?
The achievements, collectibles and extras offered on the menu page also spur you on to get involved. Anticipation starts the ball rolling, but the gameplay fails to deliver any challenge.
Good game for those who love HOGs, rather than adventure games, and might be great for beginners, or those who just want to relax and distress. A poignant story that just does not excite.
It’s an abandoned farm with a dilapidated and cluttered look appropriate to the storyline. Surprisingly colourful scenery. In spite of the past hauntings and the continuing presence of the bogeyman, the atmosphere is not spooky. The music relaxes to the point of sleepiness, and the lack of animation and cutscenes leave you without any sense of urgency.
Usual game features are included. Transporter map, task markers, diary, objectives, tape recorder to play snippets of moments with the kids (nice touch), directional hint and skip button. Hint recharges quickly, for which I was grateful as I couldn't get through the iHOS (lists) fast enough.
TOO MANY HOS!
Three modes of play labeled regular, expert and insane, with the option to change during play. Given the lack of challenge, I had to smile at the “insane” mode designation.
Not CE worthy. Can’t even imagine it as an SE. Definitely a pass for me.
I don't 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
4
/
5
28 of 34 found this review helpful
Not bad for another secret society scenario!
PostedJune 7, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
(107)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed the CE and the demo of the SE. When I first tried the game, it reminded me of a recently popular movie and book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I found the ultra violet light used to reveal a secret message on a piece of art, I was hooked, and bought the game. Unfortunately, the original theme did not deliver and I was disappointed.
The graphics, sound, animation, cutscenes and music are all excellent and suit the game well. With the standard features of a HOPA, the gameplay need not be described again, except to mention a function of the hint system that makes an already useful transporter map even more effective.
As you search for your missing grandfather, a member of a religious order set in a beautiful Cathedral in southern Italy, it turns out only you can restore the stolen Seals critical to prevent the forces of the Underworld from taking over this one. A strong sense of urgency is evoked. Darkness and fear prevail. A good game for a dark and stormy night.
It’s another secret society scenario, so you wonder who is really behind it all. Kindly Archbishop Benedict, the helpful Gordon Mills, the hunchback ghost? Could it even be Grandfather Abraham himself? This keeps you guessing and I liked that too.
However, as the game progresses, the theme suggested in the demo disappears and the adventure devolves into what I can only call supernatural slop. Four portals take you to four evil realms. You battle frightful beasts and encounter every type of evil creature imaginable, including vampires. Seems to me that the devs couldn’t decide so they just threw in everything.
Is a sequel intended? Can’t comment on the ending from the demo but, if it ends as did the main game of the CE, there almost needs to be in order to wrap up the story.
I enjoyed the game itself, but did not find the storyline cohesive enough to hold my interest. It was just not what I was expecting. Would have given it 3.5 if it were possible.
Some will love this game, others not so much. My enjoyment is always story driven, and personal taste is a major factor in this review. So, as always, I do recommend that you give it a try and decide for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Track down a missing detective and fight an evil curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
84 of 92 found this review helpful
Great SE! Shadows continue to give you shivers!
PostedJune 2, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is what gaming is all about. Excellent adventure! I played through the CE in one sitting and it’s on my current list of favourites. Just had to comment on the SE as well.
The storyline is compelling and completely immersive. When your boss acquires a mystical map and needs your help to defend against supernatural forces, a quest that begins in a suburban mansion leads you deep into a Mayan jungle.
Stunning graphics and artwork are always a plus for me. I am also pleased that the gameplay provides plenty to do in each scene, with lots of challenge. The map (not interactive) and task list assist, but you have to think outside the box and that is the most fun of all!
Engaging cutscenes, unobtrusive music and ambient sound enhance the atmosphere. I have become dreadfully tired of HOS, being and adventurer at heart, but the HOS in this game surprised me. I was expecting the usual (ho…hum) lists, but discovered it was necessary in some cases to manipulate the elements in sequence to obtain the item needed. (I actually enjoyed these ones.) A nice change!
I can’t comment on the ending of this version as I have only played the demo, but I can say that the collectibles and achievements add significantly to the challenge factor in the CE and the bonus chapter is worth every minute. Honestly, I do prefer the CE. However, even without the extras, this game still has so much to offer that I have to give it five stars anyway.
Whatever version you choose, do not miss this game. It is a keeper!
I recommend this game!