siladan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:605
- Reviews Submitted:34
- First Review:September 7, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 16, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Investigate a virtual reality program that’s turning some players comatose.
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Virtual Reality? More Like Virtual Boredom
PostedJanuary 16, 2018
siladan
fromBack in NM, The Land of Enchantment
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I bought this game on sale without a trial. What a mistake. I was expecting a great sci-fi game with futuristic overtones and what i got was a mash-up of the same old stuff that populates the BF website lately. I'm not going to regale you with the gameplay or the story line, but rather explain why this game is indicative of the reason I've gone from purchasing 15-20 games a month to less than 5 or 6.
Why, oh why, is it that every HOPA game has to have a demonic entity, regardless of the genre? Love and romance? Gotta have a demon/witch/spirit. Fantasy? Gotta have one. Murder mystery? Yep. Sci-fi? Yep, yep, and triple yep. There seems to be a pattern here. Until this changes, I'm keeping my money in my pocket.
Don't get me wrong. I've been a gamer a long time and I've played and enjoyed my share of spooky, creepy, demon-filled games. But the games are all starting to feel the same, each one a carbon copy of the other. I. Am. Bored. To. Bits.
I've come to the conclusion that if I want to play the same game, why not play one I've already purchased? I'm just as entertained, maybe more so.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you restore balance to the world tree in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
One of the few series that merits a CE purchase
PostedDecember 18, 2017
siladan
fromBack in NM, The Land of Enchantment
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is an exciting, innovative series based on Norse mythology. The graphics are crisp, clear, and beautifully done. The music is haunting and thematically appropriate, and there were no technical issues when downloading or playing. Game-play is interactive and immersive. Hidden object scenes are somewhat different and unique at times. The puzzles are playable, even for a puzzle hater like me. This game is all about the story and the story remains fairly true to the subject matter. The few small variances didn't detract from my enjoyment, and I'm a Norse mythology enthusiast. Google Yggdrasil and the White Stags for information on how the stags groom the tree and any other questions related to the mythology in the game.
The Four Stags deserves a CE purchase, as does the previous game in the series. I finished the SE demo and decided to purchase the CE version, like another reviewer did. This has only happened a few times in the years I've been with BF, with the Vermillion Watch series, The Dead Reckoning series, Paranormal Pursuit, and the new Dark City series. Quality construction, imaginative story-telling, and attention to detail will get my money every time. That's why I purchase so few games anymore. Most of the offerings are rehashed versions of the same, tired ghost/ghoul/witch/demon stories that have been done to death. Fortunately, this game soars above the dross and is worth my time and money.
I recommend this game!
Act as Adam Wolfe, an investigator of the paranormal. Discover an occult world hidden in modern San Francisco!
Overall rating
5
/
5
93 of 101 found this review helpful
Casual + Hard-Core= Cas-Core! The Birth of a New Genre
PostedNovember 28, 2016
siladan
fromMoved to the land of peaches and peanuts :-)
Skill Level:Intermediate
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You can get the nuts and bolts in other reviews. so I won't repeat the details. Rather, I want to encourage timid gamers to take a chance on something different and at least play the demo. You may not like it and that's okay, but you'll have experienced a tiny bit in the birth of a new genre!
If you're like me, a hard-core gamer who has stepped down into casual gaming as you've gotten older, you will appreciate the brilliance of this game. 'Adam Wolfe: Flames of Time' reminds me of some of the best games in the hard-core genre: Alan Wake, Heavy Rain, Max Payne, and L A Noire, to name a few. True, you don't have quite the stellar production of those games, but you don't have the hefty price tag either. Compared to the price of premium titles (if you buy them when they come out), this game is a true bargain.
The game is divided into 4 parts. Each two-part set is sold as a game for $6.99 US (for Big Fish members), making a total of $13.98 for all 4 chapters. Popular pc/console games can go up to $80. Yes, there are more hours involved in the more expensive games, but it's a lot more affordable to buy a 4 hour game for $6.99, than an 80 hour game for $80. Plus, Big Fish always has specials that help the wallet. Personally, I love the idea of a truly serialized game and hope we get chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10!
This game is what I have been longing for, a true blending of the casual and hard-core genres. I'm in full 143 mode for its sleek graphic design, modern adult story line, elegant and intriguing game play, and excellent audio quality. It's a sumptuous feast after a diet of cheap take-out.
I totally and enthusiastically recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
Can you escape Silent Waters before it's too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
Haunted Hotel: Sunk Beneath Silent Waters
PostedNovember 2, 2016
siladan
fromMoved to the land of peaches and peanuts :-)
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Like several other reviewers of both the CE and SE editions, I also wonder what has happened to this series. It's like the developers texted it in... they didn't even bother to phone. I played the dreary demo, shelved it for a bit, then purchased it anyway during the lastest BOGO. I'd hoped in vain that it would get better. It didn't. The only saving grace was that it was short. How sad.
There was absolutely nothing new here. Sibling squabble over an inheritance turned into a ghostly (ghastly) conflict? Done. Teens lost and trapped in a haunted venue? Done. Escape from room after decrepit room? Done. Rats, spiders, ghosts, bats, etc., as a lame and unimaginative scare tactic as you fix one obstacle to unlock another? Done, done, and overdone.
The hidden objects were the usual mix of styles and mostly ugly, the puzzles were mediocre and mostly lame, the sound and graphics were good but not great, and the jump map was adequate at best. In short, the game was dull and uninspiring.
Please, developers. Go back to your usual high standards for this series or let it remain sunken forever beneath the Silent, but oh so murky, Waters of this game.
I don't recommend this game.
The head of the Maybard family has been murdered!
Overall rating
5
/
5
108 of 111 found this review helpful
That Little Something...
PostedAugust 17, 2016
siladan
fromIn the beautiful Land of Enchantment
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't usually review games anymore, unless they are incredibly amazing or amazingly awful. There are several top notch reviewers on BF that give all the minutiae a prospective buyer could possibly want to know. If I need to know what kind of puzzles, how many of them, and if they are skippable or not, I turn to one of those fine reviewers and I'm enlightened. However, occasionally there is a game that has a little something that is undefinable and doesn't translate well in a regular review. This is such a game.
Murder at the Maybard Estate does not have the "Wow!" factor. It has nothing new to recommend it. The puzzles are easy and skippable, yet bland; the hidden object scenes are varied, but not particularly inventive; the sound and the graphics are average at best. And yet the story line engaged me from the start. It had that little something that kept me interested in spite of the shortcomings. I confess. I enjoyed digging for clues as I moved around the mansion. I didn't even mind the "Aura" thingy.
I don't know. Maybe I play too many hardcore games, but I appreciated the laid-back feel of MATME. I didn't have to tax my brain too much, I felt no anxiety or urgency as I navigated through the various tasks, and it was a good game for the mellow mood I was in. In other words, I had fun... and isn't that what playing a game is all about?
I recommend this game!
The past isn't set in stone. Now's your chance to change it!
Overall rating
5
/
5
72 of 78 found this review helpful
Most Exciting Casual Game I've Played In A While
PostedFebruary 15, 2016
siladan
fromAre we tired of the cutesy stuff posted here yet? Apparently not. Cheers!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't usually review games unless they are stellar or real duds, and I only review duds because I want to point out the issues I had with them. Consequently, I haven't reviewed a game in a while, as most of the casual games I've played lately have been pretty solid in the average category... until now.
Heart of the Storm (HOTS) really delivers for me. It has all the elements that make a game fun, exciting, and compelling. HOTS has stunning graphics, excellent audio, interactive (and fun!) hidden object scenes, plus puzzles that aren't the same, lame game. Fuse all of those elements with a super compelling story and it's a sure winner in my book.
There is so much interactive fun, so many twists and turns, so many "Wow!" moments, that when the demo ended, I groaned "Nooooo" aloud. I didn't want to stop!
The sad part is, I almost didn't download it based on the sole review (a 2 star). But having enjoyed the Rites of Passage series before, and Mad Head developers in particular, I decided to chance it. I am thrilled that I did. It just goes to show that although reviews are meant to be an informative tool for game purchases, you definitely should try before you buy. One reviewer's trash might be another reviewer's treasure... and may become a new favorite!
I recommend this game!
Help Meredith retrieve the ancient tomes and stop the Wizard’s wrath in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Fantasy Lovers Rejoice
PostedDecember 10, 2014
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love this game. It hits all of the high points for me: great graphics, solid audio, challenging quests, and an excellent storyline. (I'm puzzled at the review that said it had no storyline- it was all about the story).
With over twenty years of hardcore MMORPG gaming under my belt, this game feels delightfully familiar with its quests for the orcs. elves, and humans, while still maintaining the casual style of HOs and puzzles. These developers are drawing ever closer to the crossover/blended game I crave and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
As Meredith, you travel to different realms via magic portals. In each realm, you receive a task/quest that you must carry out in order to aid the realm. Each major quest has minor side tasks that advance your efforts. After completing the quest, you have to defeat the evil minion in a "boss" fight of sorts- culminating in a major "boss" fight with the wizard. Instead of a shooter or slasher fight, it is a fight with casual game components (match 3, etc.).
The HOs are varied and interesting, with a nice mix of styles. I skipped most of the puzzles, as I'm not a puzzle fan, but they also were varied. The ones I tried were moderately challenging and fun. The game had an awesome map that showed available tasks and your location. It transported you immediately. The hint system was wonderful, too, pointing you in the right direction and not just saying something lame like, "There is nothing to do here." Argh, I hate that. There was some back and forth, but mostly within each realm, which was not vast, but small and manageable.
Like another reviewer, I loved the fact that every time you tried something, it didn't always pan out and you had to seek another way. It added a bit of realism to the game. In the fantasy genre, you already have to suspend belief in the norm, so any realistic touches help ground the game.
If you are a LOTR, D&D, WOW, and EQ lover like I am, yet are tired of FPS and hack/slash, then this is the game for you. It has all of the elements of the fantasy realm without the blood and gore. I just wish it had been longer and had more characters to interact with. I truly didn't want it to end.
I recommend this game!
People have been disappearing in the town of Ridleton for the past 15 years... Can you weather the storm and solve the case?
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
Whispered Secrets: Disappearing Plot and Characters
PostedDecember 7, 2014
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Having enjoyed the first two installments of the Whispered Secrets franchise, I was excited to get this game and continue the story of Clarice, her son Tim, and Tim's best friend, Rudy. Alas, this was not to be. It was nothing like the first two games and I was sorely disappointed.
Part of the charm of the prior games was seeing the interaction between mother and son, friend and friend, and how those relationships changed over time. I loved the way Clarice cared for Tim and showed her love for him. It was cool to see how Tim lovingly did the same for his mom, when it was his turn to be the protector. I thought it was awesome to have Rudy grow up and become a cop. He fought alongside Tim's bride-to-be as they rescued Tim from the clutches of the evil scientist. After two excellent games along that line, I expected more of the same.
Instead, we are jerked to a town called Ridleton to investigate the disappearances of creative townspeople. What?!? Where are Clarice and Tim? Where is the stalwart childhood best friend, Rudy? Why, oh why, is the scientific leaning of the story changed to a demonic one? What the heck does the "Huntress" have to do with anything? Why do we have a red panda foisted upon us?
The only disappearances I cared about were the plot line and the characters. Together, they made the first two games so compelling. As far as the disappearances in Ridleton? Pah! Who cares? Save yourself some money. Play the first two games and ignore this one. The plot is worn and thin, the mechanics just average, as are the graphics and audio.
I won't be finishing Into the Wind, as I can't bring myself to get past the mediocrity and disappointment of this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
Weird Park = Weird Fun
PostedNovember 29, 2014
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am a lover of all things quirky and unusual, so it comes as no surprise that I love the Weird Park series. Weird Park: The Final Show is the best of the trilogy with awesome graphics. great sound, unusual characters/locations, and a creepy, surreal storyline.
For someone who does not like puzzles, I found them strangely compelling. Each puzzle had an element of something different which made you think, without it becoming too taxing. No lame simple sliders or mind-boggling brain drains here. Most were interactive and fun.
The hidden objects scenes had a modicum of interactivity, making them feel a bit like a puzzle, but still keeping it a seek-and-find.
There was a mild curse word that might be offensive to some, though much worse is heard on just about any tv show and many "family" movies. I don't think the Weird Park series is particularly geared toward children, so it shouldn't be a problem for most teens and adults. If mild cursing is an issue for you, this one might be one you need to skip. But, if you are up for some weird and freaky fun, this is the game for you.
I recommend this game!
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Great FROG for Dark Parable Lovers
PostedNovember 25, 2014
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am not a big fan of Big Tea Games, primarily because I don't like FROGs, the maps are barely adequate, and I hate back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.doing the same thing over and over. You get my drift. The hidden object scenes are repetitive and the puzzles are even more so. Unfortunately, I bought all the Dark Parables when they were on sale, not realizing they were BTG. Now I feel obligated to finish them. But if you like Dark Parables, you will like this.
Cursery is the same style as the DP series You travel multiple times to the same area to do the same FROG or puzzle scene, doing much the same thing over and over, and getting slightly different objects each time to place in a random area. So if you enjoy a particular puzzle, rejoice! You will probably get to do a similar one 3, 4, 5, or 6 times. If you hate puzzles, like I do, it is a real groan fest as you wait for the skip button to fill. The nasty thing about Blue Tea is they penalize you for this. The regular hint button is disabled for five, yes five, minutes. A real bummer.
The story barely moves along, but when it does, it's in hops and skips. This makes the story feel more fragmented than the dreaded HOs (and I like HOs!).
The scenery is beautiful, though, and the audio is not annoying. There is some muted background noise of screaming (?) in one of the scenes that almost had me silence the game, but I moved through it pretty quickly each and every time.
A lot of people love Blue Tea Games and I respect that. Others who feel the way I do will want to know what they are getting into. All I can say is try it before you buy it. I wish I had.