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:
Travel into the past to discover the mystery behind strange disappearances.
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 13 found this review helpful
Horrible
PostedNovember 14, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The title says it all. I played 15 minutes of the demo and had to trash it. I would have given it a minus 5 stars, if that option had been available. The HO scenes are mediocre at best, the puzzles have glitches, and the graphics are late 80s/early 90s (maybe). Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
I don't recommend this game.
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Could be considered offensive to some....
PostedNovember 14, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I came in rather late to the MCF franchise. I tried Huntsville many years ago, disliked the timed factor and passed on each new title. However, I recently bought a few MCF games when BF had a sale. I chose Dire Grove, 13th Skull, and Shadow Lake. Of the three, SL has the most annoying game play, the worst storyline, and the most pathetic acting. I don't know the actress used for the psychic, but if I hadn't already read that she was for real, I would have thought she was someone from the company's mother or aunt (a freebie). I actually laughed out loud whenever she delivered her lines. It was ludicrous.
As most reviewers have already outlined the game with exacting details, I won't bore you with more. I did want to mention something that might be offensive to some, as it certainly was to me. I don't mind games with the big Ds: demons, death, and darkness, but there is such a thing as too much realism. This was one of those times. There was a scene where a pastor, a doctor, and a police officer were using God's name to cast out a demon. I really felt this was in poor taste and it made me very uncomfortable. Sacred rites are not for sport and should not be used casually.
Big Fish, please go back to the format of 13th Skull, one of the best games on your site. Shadow Lake just didn't do it for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Sara find her missing husband and stop an evil pirate's ancient curse in Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Hold the Pickle and Mayo....
PostedNovember 13, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First of all, let me preface my review by saying that casual gaming is fast food for my mind- totally satisfying in a guilty pleasure kind of way. Therefore, I like games that let me enjoy the parts that I like and skip the parts that I don't.
Imagine going to your favorite fast food joint and not being able to 'have it your way'. What if you didn't like pickle and mayo on your burger, but McDairyKing said, "Tough, this is the way it comes. Take it or leave it." That's how I feel every time a developer leaves out the option to skip puzzles. I HATE puzzles and when the option to skip is not there, then I am stuck with either trying to find a walk-through to push me quickly past it or quitting altogether. It's like deciding whether to choke down that burger or toss it in the trash.
Alas, I thought I'd found my perfect soul food in this game and I loved it, loved it, loved it. I savored each sweet and salty morsel... until I came to the first puzzle that I could not skip. I had to look back through my case book and find dates to enter. Bummer, as the previous puzzles had skip options. No biggie, I swallowed that pickle and went merrily along. All was well, the munching resumed in earnest, and I chomped away until almost the end. Another dang puzzle appeared that could not be skipped, no matter how badly I wished it away. That map thing was a big blob of mayo in my last bite that almost ruined the game for me. Sigh.
It's not that I can't do them. I just don't want to be forced to do them. I want to choose and not have it rammed down my throat. I'm sure HO haters feel the same way (and I love HOs).
Other than that, the game was divine. I loved everything about it, even clomping back and forth (usually a game killer for me). Graphics, actors, game play... everything else was 100% perfect.
Except the next time I drive through Big Fish and order a Mystery Case Files to go, I hope I can have them hold the pickle and the mayo.
I recommend this game!
You're a young vampire passionately in love with a human. However, the burning desire for blood is in you. Remove the curse and become human again!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Strategy Will Get You Everything
PostedNovember 6, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love this game. I understand how others could consider this boring, but I am a fan of the LifeQuest games, so this is a winner for me. I bought it on a Daily Deal, but would gladly have paid regular club price for this little gem.
If you have ever played life management games, like LifeQuest, Kudos, or LifeStory, then you will understand the game mechanics. Yes, in the beginning the mode of transportation is slow, the clothing choices are limited, and career options are few. But like all life management games, you learn and grow so you can advance. As you move up the ladder, you gain more career choices, as well as open up multiple options for clothing, furniture, and "vehicles" (bat clouds, dragons, etc.).
Twilight City is not a time management game or a HOPA- it is a LIFE management game. Therein lies the confusion. This is not a click-as-fast-as-you-can monstrosity or a puzzle-laden HO journey, but a game of subtle strategy. If you want something fast and furious, or full of intrigue, this is not the game for you. Strategy, remember? You have to carefully consider career choices, educational opportunities and purchase options. Everything you do has an impact on your progress.
Twilight City has great repeat playability. You can chose different genders, clothing, classes, occupations, transport, etc. You will eventually have to gain a certain level of skill, but it is clearly marked out in detail. There are no major surprises here, so don't expect ghosts jumping out at you or bats flying toward the screen. This is strategy with a gothic twist.
I read on the forum of various technical issues, but I didn't encounter a single glitch during my gameplay. Everything went smoothly, from installation to clicking on the last item.
Lots of fun for those of us who don't care for timers, but love to strategize!
I recommend this game!
Play your cards right and you might escape the zombie apocalypse! Biting humor and fun card game action await you in Zombie Solitaire.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
I Love This Game!
PostedOctober 28, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have a few solitaire games to break up the monotony of one HOPA game after the other (HOPAs are my favs). This game is one of the best in the genre. I love the silly, but cute story line; the repetitious, but strangely compelling music; the zany, but adorable graphics; and the easy, yet rewarding game play.
Not being a 'pro' at solitaire, the game was not so easy that I didn't have to strategize a few times, ie. where to spend my coins and which pile to blow up first. I even lost a time or two. It was all in good fun. Getting out of a zombie-infested city and onto a safe island has never been such a hoot.
Btw, at the end, a cartoon girl is 'topless', but she's behind a large grill lid and you can't see anything. You wouldn't even know she was bare if she wasn't holding up a little black object that looks vaguely like a swim top. Nothing to offend or excite, unless you have the most sensitive of sensibilities. I wouldn't have even noticed, except another reviewer made a big deal out of it.
All in all, this is a keeper and one that I will play again. Thanks, Big Fish!
I recommend this game!
Travel to Hodgepodge Hollow and learn the time-honored profession of magical potion creation in this fun Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
What a Precious Find!
PostedOctober 17, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
How did I miss this game when it came out? I don't know, but thank goodness I found it while searching for hidden object games. This game hits so many buttons for me: amazing artwork, elegant gameplay, simple storyline, and fantasy that is fun.
This is not high adventure. On the contrary, it is one of the most relaxing games in existence. It's like yoga for the mind. The music alone is soothing to the soul. If you want heart pounding excitement and a scare a minute, this is NOT for you. Don't play it and don't complain if you do. You have been warned.
The premise is simple- you are a gnome's helper in his quest to defeat a dragon and regain lost treasure. You have a map with adorable roly-poly creatures which show you the way. Each scene is drawn in rich fantasy style. All of the characters and creatures are whimsical, instead of fearsome. The only magic is in the potions you create.
Creating the potions is a lot of fun, though not particularly challenging- perfect for those times when you want a game that's immersive, yet soothing. There is nothing demonic or evil in the making of the potions. It is more like making herbal remedies from harvested ingredients, only with a fantasy twist.
Some might say this is a child's game, or that it's not scary or exciting enough. Perhaps. Yet, I prefer to think of it as an excursion into a world that is playful and full of solace. No dark demons, mad scientists, or insane anarchists here...
I love this game and will play it again and again and again. If you long to live with the hobbits and the gnomes, you will too.
I recommend this game!
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
Escape prison, defeat an army of mechanical soldiers and destroy the Iron Lord’s dark power!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Not my usual favorite type of game, but I liked it
PostedOctober 12, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
First of all, if I had read the reviews, I would never have bought this game. I like HOGs and this was anything but. However, I tried the demo and liked it. The story was not especially compelling, the visuals were just so-so, and the audio left much to be desired. In spite of all the drawbacks, I had fun! It helps that I am a big fan of steampunk and this game had elements of the genre.
I usually skip all puzzles, but I actually completed about half of these. I gave all of them a whirl and only skipped when they grew too repetitious or boring. My husband completed some of the puzzles, since he likes them. Also, most of the puzzles fit the storyline, which was great, as it is a pet peeve of mine to have random puzzles just thrown in for no real reason (I'm telling you, I really hate puzzles#.
I bought this on a BOGO weekend, but I would have paid full price for this game. The game lasted a good four hours, even with the puzzle skipping. So, if you hate most puzzle adventures #like I do), try it on a demo. You may like it!
I recommend this game!
The Emperor's son has a mysterious illness. As legendary healer Daiyu, you're called to the palace to save him, but you end up having to save yourself!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Almost perfect!
PostedSeptember 17, 2013
siladan
fromthe desert Southwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love this game. It's almost perfect. There is a wonderful balance of puzzles and HOs, and not too much dialogue or cut scenes. It could have been more challenging, perhaps, but I chose to do casual mode. There are two, more difficult, modes to chose from, so I could've had harder gameplay if I so desired. The scenes were lovely, the HOs were legible, the puzzles could be skipped (a must!), the music was pleasant and the voice-overs were not too bad. This is definitely a keeper, as I know I will play it again. I am looking forward to the next installment of Myths of the World. Hurry please!
I recommend this game!
Sherlock Holmes VS Arsene Lupin
Embark on an investigation as Sherlock Holmes! Stop the legendary thief, Arsene Lupin, before he steals objects from England!
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 13 found this review helpful
The Game is Afoot... but Not This One!
PostedDecember 20, 2012
siladan
fromAnywhere I want to be
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
I HATE this game. I am not a fan of games where you walk back and forth, back and forth, through rooms and tunnels and walkways again and again... seeing the same scenery until you are so thoroughly SICK of it that you feel nauseated at the thought of having to back to that place One More Time just to pick up an object that you have seen over and over. You wanted to get that object(s), you knew you would need it/them (blue sock, blue plate, blue munitions box for example) but you could not until you completed an asinine goal of sorts. And why couldn't it be picked up? For No Apparent Reason other than to make you go to that place AGAIN. Argh! There was plenty of room in the inventory.
The game is chunky and you have to move Sherlock around in the lamest way possible. Click, click, click and he goes a few feet. The 360 is worthless and irritating. A map that puts your character in place immediately is called for (Eternal Journey-the best!). What good is a map if you can't interact with it and only identifies the places you have been to? Really? I need a map to know where I've BEEN?!
I got to the London Towers and had to stop. I just couldn't go on.
Hate, hate, hate this game.
I don't recommend this game.
After the first date with a charming girl named April, our hero wakes up alone in an abandoned city after being drugged.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Better than I expected!
PostedDecember 5, 2012
siladan
fromAnywhere I want to be
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this game, but I really wanted to try something different. I'm so glad I did. I downloaded the trial version based on reviews and got so caught up in the story that I couldn't stop playing. I would have given the storyline 5 stars except I thought it ended rather too abruptly. I thought a more satisfactory ending could have been achieved.
A few reviewers have complained about the graphics, but I thought the hazy, gritty scenes contributed to the feel of urban decay. I only skipped the lock picking puzzles and played the rest of them. That's saying a lot, since I am not a fan of puzzles. There were no real HO scenes, just finding useful items as you progress through the story.
Yes, the story is dark and you have to shoot a gun at objects and a person. If this bothers you, don't even go there. At times I had to stop and take a breather just to clear my head, but I was always compelled to come back.
Nothing was hard or overly challenging. The most obvious answer is the correct one. I died once while trying to over-analyze the solution. I say again, go with the obvious answer and you will be right every time.
This game is not for everyone, but definitely for those who want something a little different in their gameplay. I totally recommend this!
I recommend this game!