PATinPNS's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:4,189
- Reviews Submitted:272
- First Review:February 5, 2013
- Most Recent Review:November 20, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you uncover the secrets of Crimson Hollow in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
Just Another Version of the Same Thing
PostedOctober 4, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have several games from this series, and after playing the demo I thought, well this might just be a little different. It wasn't. Started off really well, but then settled into the same old stuff we have been given here lately. Ghosts to fight, demons to overcome and good ol' daddy is back to help and the Blacks to save... again... yawn.
The graphics were well done. It starts out a bit dark, but then colors up, then darkens, then color. Good combination. Sound, including the music and voice overs, was excellent.
Hidden objects were varied which was nice. From the list to silhouettes to morphing, to interactive. I always use the tutorial and I'm glad I did, because toward the end of the game there was something added I would have never figured out. The mini games were mostly beyond my patience level or I couldn't figure out what to do. I did perform several of them, but they were really easy, like painting a picture, unlocking chains and such like that. The rest, I was glad I had the custom setting so I could skip and move on. The interactive map was a big help, because not only do you have things to do in the present, you have to switch to the past, but only in certain places, to continue the quest. If the map didn't show something to do in one time, you needed to remember where the place was you could switch, go there and head for the other world. Kind of confusing, but I made it.
Story was well written and had continuity. My problem with this game was the theme. I'm really tire of it and looking for a break. Had I not been inundated with ghosts, witches and goblins which seems like forever, I would have liked this game much much better. If you aren't tired of the this theme or enjoy it, then you'll love this one. Give the demo a try and see how you like it.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the secret of the Qin dynasty?
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
Another Hit by Eipix
PostedOctober 3, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I love the Hidden Expedition series and own them all. While Emperor follows the basic theme of the others, I found it lacking somewhat from the previous ones. This could be perhaps, because I'm not really into the far east history as I have been the other areas explored by this series. It just wasn't as much fun as the others.
The graphics, music, and sound including voice overs were excellent. Colors were bright, colorful and clear, except when they weren't suppose to be.
I found the Hidden Object scenes very good. The games were varied from silhouette to list to interactive. Great mix and the items were well hidden. Had to use my hint more than usual. I actually did many of the mini games. That means one of two things. Either my patience level is increasing or they were simple. At my age, I would guess the latter. They were challenging and I think my only complaint with them was the repetition of one mini after another to get something. So far as helpers, there is the interactive map which transports and shows where you have something to do. Only difficulty with it, was you had to open your H.E.L.P. box to access the map. It just seemed like a waste of time when you should just be able to click map without waiting on a box to open. As usual, there are the fact cards which provide information about subject matter. Since I wasn't familiar with Qin dynasty, a lot of them were of no interest to me, but they did provide a lot of information.
Again, my lack of familiarity with the subject, other than the terracotta warriors, is very limited so the story, while it was simple to follow, did leave me a little bewildered at times. I really need to play this again and see if perhaps I missed something along the way.
This is a great game and I do recommend it. Be sure to try out the demo and decide for yourself. The demo will perhaps leave you wondering about different things, but those things are answered in the remainder of the game. Happy gaming.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a Klondike Gold Rush town to solve a murder!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 28 found this review helpful
FANTASTIC.. They can Make Games Without Ghosts
PostedSeptember 26, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed playing this game. I don't know that it is the best in this series, but at least it didn't have ghosts, witches and other things that go bump in the night. This was such a relief to play something that was so different than the usual, I can't wait to play it again. For this reason alone I gave it five stars. With all the factors coming together just made this a joy to play.
As usual with Eipix, the graphics were excellent as was the sound, including the voice overs and music. I turn down the music so it's a background, but it was loud enough it could get my blood pumping. Colors were bright and realistic enough for me. You spend a lot of time in a mine, so it's going to be a bit drab, but it is true to the story.
Level of challenge was just about right for me. There was just enough variation in the hidden objects I didn't get bored. Items were well hidden in plain sight. Maybe I need a trip back to the eye doctor. Mini games .. were mini games. I played many of them, but I just don't have the patience to sit there and work them. One thing I do like about this developer, is when you do skip a puzzle, it shows how it was to be done. Next time I'll have an idea of what to do. You have the interactive map which was really helpful. There is some back and forth so the transportation is wonderful and it shows where you have something to do. I love that aspect. With several degrees of difficulty (as usual I chose the custom) there is a level for everyone.
I did get a bit confused in the story, but that is probably my fault. I bought the game on Sunday after doing the demo, but there was football, so I didn't get back to the game until today and somewhere in-between I missed something that ties it together a bit more. It made sense though and ended well.
Give the demo a try. I'm sure if you are as sick and tired of the supernatural as I, you will jump on it. It is an awesome game. Thank you Eipix for showing there is more to the gaming world than witches and goblins.
I recommend this game!
Something terrible lurks in the halls of Iron Gate Asylum…
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
It Was Dark, that's for Sure
PostedSeptember 22, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I am wondering if I missed something. Others seemed to enjoy it much more than I. It was an interesting game, but far from what I expected. I normally play games in one sitting, but in all honesty, I got bored yesterday and quit playing, then picked it up today. It's an okay game, but nothing to write home about. This reaction could simply be because I, like many others, are tired of the supernatural themes that have become the norm these days. Where is the imagination. I know these developers are talented people, but why are we stuck on the dark side constantly. HINT HINT!
Graphics are on the dark side, which is normal for this genre of game. Not to say they weren't well done, because they were. Sound was fine especially the voice overs. Effects when along with the action and the music was good.
Hidden objects were varied and I found some to be quite difficult. I believe I used my hint more than usual on them. Mini games were nothing new with a couple exceptions, and part of my disappointment was the repetition with the use of the lantern, or whatever it was. I would just get ready to hit the skip button and move on. There is an interactive map which was extremely useful in finding where to go and then getting there. With several modes of play, I used the custom so I could set the hint and skip to the fastest. That is the greatest invention of modern man.
The story itself wasn't that bad. Again, I think my disappointment in the story was the theme. Monsters.. witches... ghosts and anything else that goes bump in the night is about all we get and I have soured on it. I don't want to leave with a negative impression of the story. It is well written and produced. It has continuity and comes along nicely. There are some twists and turns that did catch me by surprise and kept my interest.
Give the demo a try and you may have higher opinion than I do. I do recommend the game, not the theme. It's a great game to buy on sale.
I recommend this game!
The ones who touch the artifact must die. Will you be next?
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
Quirky, Fun Game
PostedSeptember 20, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I thought for a few minutes into the game that Eipix had really lost it. Everything I saw I had seen before. Then it dawned on me, I played the beta testing. Yes, I am an idiot.. I enjoyed the beta test and was anticipating the release and wasn't disappointed. It is a fun little game.
Graphics were well done as was the music. The voice overs were a bit over done, but acceptable. Effects went along with the action. Colors were bright and not drab as so many are here lately.
So far as the level of challenge... apparently the mini games are simple and not too complicated, because I did most of them. If you are one who enjoys figuring out puzzles you might be a bit disappointed. Some I just could not figure out what to do, but those were few and far between. Hidden objects were varied and kept my interest. Only difficulty I had were those that open up in a window, generally during a hidden object scene, which were so small I couldn't see them and found the item either by chance or using the hint. You have an interactive map which, with all the back and forth, was very helpful. About the only complaint I have is when you come upon the Centurion, it is a repeated puzzle each time. It didn't make a lot of sense to do that, but I'm not the developer.
The story did have some holes, but not so many that I got lost or didn't know what was going on. It had a beginning, middle and an end and if you don't try to read too much into it and go along with the intention of the story, it's fine.
All in all this is a good game. I have most of this series and this would rate a little below the previous ones, but not by much. As always, give the demo a try. I think you will get involved with the game as I did and have a few hours of fun.
I recommend this game!
Help young Sam save Princess Aurora and stop the villain from seizing control of the Kingdom of Aurelia in this puzzle adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Just Not for Me
PostedSeptember 8, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing most of the demo.
I am being generous with my rating on this game. This developer is usually one of my favorites, but this game fell short of their normal productions. It just wasn't fun to me at all. With all the goodies available, like the mind reader and others, you would think this game would be exceptional, but it isn't, to me anyway. I made it most of the way through the demo and realized this game was not for me.
Graphics were well done and the sound was very good. Colors bright and clear.
The mini games were okay. I actually did them for a change. In the time I played there was only one hidden object scene and it was an interactive silhouette type, my least favorite of them all, but was quite easy. There is a map which transports you and shows your next objective, whatever that may be. The mind reader shows what a robot or human is thinking. Not quite sure what good that really is, but it is there or you to use. Also, you have a flying robot helper. Yes, you read that right. Instead of an animal to do the climbing you have this robot named Tim, I believe, which retrieves high things and stuff you can't get. Cute, but ...
The story just did not make sense to me. It seemed so juvenile, that perhaps my granddaughter would like it, but it just didn't tie together.
I am going to recommend this game, but be sure you play the demo. One man's trash is ... well you know the rest and you might really like this one, but just not for me.
I recommend this game!
Mysterious creatures are terrorizing the train!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
What Happened to this Series!
PostedSeptember 6, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
Yes, even with the mediocre reviews and playing the demo, I bought it. Guess I'm a sucker for a sale. It was an okay game. Nothing to write home about, but it passed a few hours of time. Wasn't the most involving game, but not the worse I've played either. I do believe I have every game in this series, and this one will go down as my least favorite. Perhaps the developers are tiring of the theme. I hate to see the series end, but if they can't do better on the next one, perhaps it is time to retire it.
The graphics were very good and the sound, including voice overs, were excellent. Really liked the music. Colors were bright and pleasant.
Nothing really new in the hidden objects or mini games. Hidden object games were well done. Some were well hidden which caused a few minutes of hunting to find. It did seem like there were a lot of silhouettes, my least favorite or it could be my dislike for them made it seem like there were more. Mini games were mini games. Not my favorite, but I did complete several of them.
The story never did grab me like some do. Perhaps it was the supernatural aspect that turned me off. As so many have mentioned this theme is getting really old, and maybe that's why I did't care for it, but I wasn't sad to see it end.
As I said, this is an okay game. Give the demo a try and perhaps it will be right up your alley. It missed my street, but I'm just one person. Happy gaming.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the secrets buried under Karkhala Peak.
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 31 found this review helpful
How Did I Miss all the Other Games
PostedAugust 23, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
Seems here lately all I have been posting have been negative reviews. Not this time. I really enjoyed this game! I can't imagine missing the previous ones in this series, if they are like this one. Going to have to look those up. Even though I am so tired of the supernatural themes of the games lately, This was an exception.
The graphics were exceptional as was the sound, especially the voice overs. Music went along with the action in the scene and wasn't irritating. Colors were bright and pretty much realistic.
Although the mini games were my downfall as usual, I have to admit the hidden objects were as much of a challenge. I did have to use the hint more than normal on them. Hidden objects were varied which kept my interest and while the mini games were well past my patience level and understanding, I was able to complete several of them. That's amazing for me.
There is an interactive map which transports and shows where there are things to be done. With a story line like this, the map was a must. There are the usual settling for difficulty, from which I chose the custom so I could set the hint and skip at the lowest setting.
The story, even though it was in the supernatural theme, was interesting. The continuity was all the way through the game and I didn't have to wonder what was going on. It's a pretty long game and sometimes the story will get lost in those extended games, but not in this case. I won't go into the story itself. Big Fish and other reviewers do a much better job than I, but I will tell you it had me from the beginning and kept my attention until the very end.
Be sure to try the demo, and I'm pretty sure you will find this to be above and beyond your average game.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the Metzengerstein line before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 16 found this review helpful
Is this the End of Dupin?!?
PostedAugust 21, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I hate to write negative reviews, because I know these people work hard to bring us good game. That being said, I am going to get this off my chest now and then go to some of the better things about this game. It was not near the quality in any fashion, as the previous games. I played the demo, and thought, "this has to get better." It didn't. This isn't a horrible game. I have played a lot worse. I don't know what has happened to this designer. ERS has been one of my favorites over the years, but this lacked imagination and technique that has set them apart from most of the others. It passed the time, but that is about all I can say about it. This game is not one I will be looking forward to playing again as I do my others.
Graphics were okay. They were pretty much as most of the there games. However, the voice overs were way below expectations. I'm not exactly sure what Hungarians are suppose to sound like, but it can't be what was presented. Dupin, wasn't even close to previous characters of him. The music was the same as before. It's good and the effects went along with the action in the game. Colors were dark as I expected from playing all the other Dark Tales games.
Really not a lot new in the hidden objects. Some were pretty difficult and some really simple. Good mixture. The mini games were the same. Some I did right away and others I skipped. Just thankful for that custom setting which allows for quick hint and skip.
There is a map which transports and shows where there are things to do. I had a problem with the map in that it took forever to pop up. I could almost cook a meal in the time it took. It was quicker just to hit the hint button and go from there. Yes, I got frustrated with the map if you couldn't tell.
The story was good. It was over shadowed to me by the other things I mentioned above, but it held together throughout the game. I never really got into the story like I have before. Things just seemed to happen. The ending was a surprise that came from nowhere.
As always, give the demo a try and you might like this one more than I. I do recommend the game, but if I had it to do over again, I would have waited for a special or coupon for a free game.
I recommend this game!
The head of the Maybard family has been murdered!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
Hope this Stops the Curse
PostedAugust 9, 2016
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
Boy, did this one have possibilities, but boy, did it come up short. It's an okay game. I've played a lot worse, but I wish I had used a free game coupon to get it. Really not to the standards I have come to expect from this developer.
Graphics were fine and the sound was excellent especially the voice overs. I was a bit disappointed when there were no voice overs for the detective and I just can't understand why not. You get to chose if you are male or female, but the only thing that did was put a male icon on the script box. Some of the scenes were rather amateurish. For example the butler hopping from place to place instead of walking and other movements just happened rather than being fluid. Minor things, but still important to me. The music was good and went along with the action going on.
I ranked the level of challenge low, because there were a lot of silhouette hidden object scenes, my least favorite to begin with, that were hard to figure out what they were. I don't know if the size of the silhouette being so small was the problem or what. Once I figured out what I was looking for it was simple, but getting to that point was difficult. Also there was a lot of repetition in not only the hidden object scenes, but the mini games as well. For example, find the picture parts seemed really popular. I'm not a big mini person anyway, but some of these I just couldn't get to work or was doing them wrong. I was able to complete several of the mini games, but was thankful they had the custom setting so I could skip them. There is an interactive map which showed places where things could be done as well as transporting around the estate.
Story is a bit convoluted and I found it to be rather hard to keep the characters separated. It kind of comes together at the end, but is a mishmash along the way.
As I said, this isn't a horrible game, but be sure you play the demo before you buy. This is not a typical game from these folks and I look forward to an improvement in their next offering.
I recommend this game!