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:
Follow the trail of the mysterious woman in white and discover the secret behind her terrible task!
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 35 found this review helpful
Chilling HOPA - No bones about it!
PostedFebruary 21, 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
Really Creepy! If you liked the first two in the Hallowed Legends series (Templar is my favourite), this one might be for you.
When your plane crashes near the City of Erlenbourg, a raven called Hamlet warns that a woman in white will take your soul if you are not careful. He will be with you for appropriate guidance along the way. I found the gameplay and graphics similar to Samhaim, but did not find myself drawn into the story as I usually do with games from this developer. Not sure why. Kind of a been-there-done-that feeling.
There is a transporter map. The hint recharges quickly and tells you what to do next. Without a journal or task list, this is helpful. Didn't find any need to consult the SG. The HOS are interactive. (Find the valve to turn off the steam to get to the handcuffs, then use a key from the scene to open them before they can be ticked off your list.# I found this fun. The puzzles encountered in the demo are familiar and not difficult.
The cutscenes advance the story, the music #or lack of it# suits the moment, and the sound effects enhance the atmosphere – an occasional clap of thunder and the haunting sound of a ghostly wind. This, along with the abundance of skulls and skeletons, fits well with an abandoned and cursed city. #I had to laugh, in spite of myself, at the beggar skeleton in front of the Museum who asks for alms.) There are 22 goblins to collect, achievements and a bonus chapter.
I have to admit that I found this game less compelling than its predecessors and, for me, the creepy factor was a little over the top. However, since my dislikes are based on personal preference, I do recommend that you give it a try!
I recommend this game!
Rescue teenagers from the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 55 found this review helpful
Excellent SE – Elephant + Shakespeare = Success!
PostedFebruary 20, 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
There is nothing standard about this SE! If you like HOPA games by this developer, you will not be disappointed. The storyline is engaging, and the visuals and sound are extraordinary.
The gameplay provides a good balance of adventure, HOS and puzzles. Three students go to the library and disappear into a book - Romeo and Juliet. Not spooky, in spite of game title. Interactive HOS where you place items into the scene. Interesting puzzles. Not too easy or too hard. Both HOS and puzzle content are relevant to game.
Excellent graphics, with gorgeous and colourful artwork. Great transporter map with task markers and a task list for each site, so travelling does not become a chore. Hint is useful outside of HOS. Since gameplay covers a large area, the extra help comes in handy for those of us without perfect memories. You will not likely miss the SG.
Music is varied and appropriate to moment. Cutscenes and dialogue are not too long or intrusive. Both enhance the adventure experience. I can’t comment on how the story ends or how it differs from the CE as I have not yet finished it.
Based on the demo and my enjoyment of the CE, I highly recommend that you give it a try and see for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Experience a story about love so strong, it can overcome the most powerful evil! Explore visually stunning mystical dimensions and rescue your fiance!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 26 found this review helpful
Fabulous HOPA! Superior Sequel!
PostedFebruary 17, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game has everything I love. The visuals and sound are outstanding. The story is compelling and immersive. The cutscenes are vivid and engaging. The gameplay moves quickly. The characters are realistic and appealing. The animation is superior. The voices are excellent. There is magic and evil, intrigue and suspense. What’s not to like!
The opening cutscene is superb! About to propose, Mark picks up a book of spells, reads aloud and unwittingly summons a succubus who takes him captive to Sacra Terra. As his girlfriend, your rescue mission frantically begins. While the plot is hardly original, the game is completely engaging.
There are a couple of things I really enjoyed. The transporter map is especially helpful. It confirms locations where morphing objects (“beyond objects”) are still to be found. No wandering around clicking everywhere to ensure that you have them all. Since I love books and dusty old libraries (okay, so I’m a geek), the book theme pleased me too. The story begins with one, and there are more involved as the story plays out.
The music also impressed me. Intense and dramatic to highlight a significant event or action. Soft and melodic elsewhere. Not repetitious or intrusive. I found the voices appropriate to the characters and totally believable. I had to smile at the gruff and crusty fisherman on the dock. To me, the graphics are amazingly colourful in spite of the dark setting, with gorgeous and detailed artwork.
There is plenty to do in each location, and inventory is used quickly. The IHOS are a bit cluttered, and I didn’t like finding a beach ball in a fantasy supernatural setting! The puzzles are fun, not frustrating. The hint recharges quickly and is directional outside of the HOS. You don’t really need the SG and, with no collectibles or achievements, some will not find this game to be CE worthy.
Based on the demo, I will add it to my collection without hesitation. See what you think!
I recommend this game!
Halloween decorations aren’t the only things hanging around spooky Stone Farm when a group of students unwittingly open a portal to the underworld.
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
You might have to pay the price for this one!
PostedFebruary 16, 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
Turn out the lights! It’s Halloween again, and it’s time to be scared! This game is deceptively simple. Before you realize it, you are drawn into the eerie atmosphere and find yourself wrapped up in a frightening pursuit. What on earth (or not?) has happened to the partygoers? Played the demo and will buy the game. I have to find out!
The opening cutscene begins with an ordinary car ride. (Insert yawn now, or so I thought.) A girl goes to a party on Halloween at a creepy old house. To enter she needs an invitation and a jack-o-lantern. She has to find the former and create the latter. Task completed, she enters the party. Suddenly, her host is enveloped in a cloud of black mist and disappears, along with everyone else. Fun turns to fear and the adventure begins!
The gameplay is standard HOPA, with decent graphics, moving cutscenes and haunting music. Sound effects add a touch of realism – the laughter of party guests, the sound of a crying child, the anxious barking of a dog. Sympathetic characters appeal for help. A sense of desperation and urgency steadily grows.
There’s a transporter map and task markers for each location. A diary records clues, the hint recharges quickly, and the puzzles are fun and frustration free. (The first one actually has a solution available with the click of a question mark.) The IHOS include lists with a twist. Find a code, put together a broken picture, complete a puzzle. Nothing innovative here . . . and yet . . . .
Just another typical SE? A filler for BFG’s release calendar? I started the game expecting nothing and finished the demo wanting more. See what you think. You might be surprised!
I recommend this game!
Orphaned Lunna can see and speak with spirits, but when a mysterious spirit asks for her help, she must face a challenge she never expected.
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
Average HOPA – Game has potential but misses the mark.
PostedFebruary 13, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The storyline is compelling, and I immediately wanted to help Lunna. I found it interesting that the credits are included in the opening cutscene, like the beginning of a movie. A promising start. Based on the demo, I liked it.
Both visuals and sound effectively create a haunting atmosphere, which is entirely appealing, and the music enhances the mood. The cutscenes use superimposed characters with little animation. Not what we have become used to, but nevertheless well drawn.
There have been many comments on the dark graphics with which I agree, but I did find the scenes colourful and the artwork well done. A significant contribution to an overall eerie experience. There are many detailed and attractive locations, with very little activity required in any of them. You just pass through them on your way from one place to another. Have to wonder why.
The HOS are disappointing. Some items are difficult to see and others are out of proportion. Didn't encounter any puzzles, but didn't play long either. Hint locates items in HOS and, other than indicating direction, provides no further help. Tasks can be viewed only one at a time. The map is not helpful, with no jumping and no task markers. Basically, you have to think, remember and work things out on your own. Some find this challenging, others frustrating.
Will use a coupon on this game. I have to find out how the story ends!
I recommend this game!
Soul and machine are one in Motor Town, where a stunning mystery awaits!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
Average HOPA - Liked the premise of the game!
PostedFebruary 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
The storyline is interesting. Cars with souls! Based on the demo only, the game has strengths and weaknesses.
The graphics were not perfect but they were colourful and the artwork was beautifully drawn. Liked the characters. The HOS were mostly lists with a degree of interactivity. The puzzles and minigames were fun and relatively easy, which made them entertaining rather than frustrating (to quote another reviewer).
The journal records clues needed, but I didn't find a map. Since inventory is used quickly, this is probably not an issue for most players. Didn't play long enough to know for sure. The hint button recharged in about 30 second and provided directional help. If you like to explore, you might like this one. I like spooky, and the music enhances this aspect of the game.
Two things bothered me. I enjoy the cutscenes in most games. They are often powerful and draw me into the story. In this game, the cutscenes played in a choppy manner. They made me dizzy. In some places, they were left hanging on the screen, moving slowly, with no music or sound effects. (Maybe it was my computer?) The second thing is the dilapidated and rundown house scenes, the beaten-up cars, the junky streets and the garbage.
I definitely recommend that you give it a try. Most of my dislikes are based purely on personal taste. The storyline makes it worth checking out. See what you think!
I recommend this game!
Dupin needs your help solving the mystery of the gold bug. Crack the codes and follow the clues to one man's obsession with an old legend.
Overall rating
4
/
5
65 of 81 found this review helpful
Interesting Adventure Game – An unexpected surprise!
PostedFebruary 8, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Intriguing! Not being a Poe fan, I might have passed on this one but am glad I didn’t. The game is entertaining without the grim and gory atmosphere that I was expecting. Are you willing to assist Dupin as he follows the trail of a masked stranger, villain or victim unknown? Will Legrand actually find the lost treasure of Captain Kidd?
The opening cutscene is fabulous and draws you into the story. A rousing sense of urgency is evoked by the exhilarating music. The graphics are well done and I was amazed at the degree of colour in the scenes, the close-ups and especially the minigames. I found the characters convincing and the voices realistic. Dupin and Legrand are both appealing. You will want to help them.
There are enough cutscenes and animation to move the story along and enhance the suspense. This is important as the gameplay itself is not overly challenging. The HOS are the usual type, shapes and lists, with some interactivity. If you like puzzles, you will find plenty of familiar ones. A journal records the clues you need and the usual hint feature is available. There is no map (in the demo anyway) but inventory is used within a location or two so there is not much backtracking.
I loved Arthur! When a whimpering bundle is tossed from the pier in the opening scene, I couldn’t wait to get the item I needed to free the puppy trapped inside. Soon after, you encounter an angry and wailing Newfoundlander who becomes a sweatheart when the two are united. Arthur and his keen sense of smell will help you in your quest. When he barks, he is ready to help. It is delightful!
You can just play the game, or you can allow yourself to be immersed in the adventure. The choice is yours. I played the demo, bought the game, and will be checking out the others in the Dark Tales series!
I recommend this game!
An organ grinder seeks revenge, marking his victims with cards. Can you stop him before he destroys the entire city?
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 50 found this review helpful
Love this HOPA! Elephant does it again!
PostedFebruary 7, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Captivating! The suspense begins with the opening cutscene. A masked organ grinder issues a warning, the clock strikes 12, a flaming Phoenix rises, and the adventure begins! I played 17 minutes of the demo and bought the game immediately. Can't comment on the depth of storyline, as I am not yet finished, but it starts off with a bang!
The gameplay is similar to other Elephant games, so you will know what to expect if you are a fan of this developer. The graphics are clear and colourful. A good combination of adventure, interactive HOS and familiar puzzles, but not overly challenging. The hint recharges quickly and can be used in HOS as well as during gameplay. There is a transporter map with tasks listed for each location. One added feature of the map that I just I love is the inclusion of a picture along with the location name. This is extremely helpful when there is a large area to cover. With three modes of play, the degree of assistance available is the player's choice.
Cutscenes and voice overs are well done and enhance the mood. The music is appropriate to moment. You collect "cursed" cards along the way, the meaning of which is revealed only as each is discovered. There is also one very special task – finding lost pets. As an animal lover, this made the game irresistible for me. Finally, when you crack open an egg to assist a little creature to hatch, your new buddy and helper enters the story. His name is Terrance.
There is darkness and there are strange creatures, but there is also humour. An enjoyable game! Check it out and see for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Dark magic threatens our world! Can you stop the Shade and his minions before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Good HOPA - Return to the Otherworld!
PostedFebruary 3, 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
Acquire the Sight! Explore the world beneath! Help Fiona find her missing teacher! This game delivers a fascinating combination of fairy tale charm and supernatural darkness. If you are a fan of Otherworld: Spring of Shadows, you will be happy to join the quest to battle the Shade again.
The graphics are stunning. The intricate and colourful artwork appears veiled by a thin misty layer, which contributes to the mood of the game. This will be appealing or not, depending on personal taste. The music is melancholy but not unpleasant. There are three modes of play. The casual option provides a great deal of help, with voice over instructions from Fiona herself, and the hint button recharges quickly. There is a lot of dialogue. Some players will find this annoying. Others will love it.
HOS content is varied, interactive and challenging. A nice change. There are lists, but with a twist. Items are used to locate as well as to create others. In some cases, puzzles form part of the HOS - Find the 15 hidden crows but rotate the discs in the scene to do so. Inventory items are also used. The mini-games are not unusual or difficult. All include instructions and a skip button. The journal records clues, character details and tasks for easy reference. There is also a transporter map. Collectibles and achievements complete the package.
The downside for me is that the gameplay seems slow at first. The adventure aspect takes a backseat to the HOS and puzzles popping up everywhere. This made it difficult to get caught up in the story. If you played the first game, you know what to expect. If you didn't, don't miss the chance to give this one a try!
A definite purchase for me!
I recommend this game!
Are a town’s superstitions justified? Follow the blood to find out!
Overall rating
2
/
5
28 of 32 found this review helpful
Not much of a hunt for anything!
PostedFebruary 2, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
A dark and spooky atmosphere! A thunderstorm, and a murder! That’s about it. The storyline amounts to finding the killer. However, with garlic, bats, holy water, neck wounds and “Vlad’s” castle, it doesn’t take a genius to figure this one out. If my assumption is incorrect, my apologies to the devs.
The gameplay offers little to no challenge. Every item you find is accompanied by instructions on where and why you need it. There’s a map that shows where a task is required, but little to do in each location. There are frequent cutscenes that are choppy to watch. (Migraine alert!) The music attempts to be haunting but manages instead to be repetitive and monotonous. The graphics seem old school, although the HOS are clear enough, and there are plenty of them, each being repeated at least twice in the demo. The characters lack any degree of realism, and the accents are so thick that the dialogue is almost unintelligible. The journal entries are actually more interesting than the game itself!
I played the whole hour, hoping for improvement, but the only positive thing that I can say is that the hint charges very quickly. I am really sorry, but I would even waste a free coupon on this one!
I don't recommend this game.