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:
The Smithsonian Castle's secrets lie in a Civil War past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
Great Way to Spend and Afternoon
PostedJanuary 24, 2015
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after completing the entire game.
I have been waiting for this to come out in SE for a while now and I finally got it. Not that there was anything wrong with the CE, I just don't buy them very often. I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon at the Smithsonian. This is another hit for Eipix and Big Fish. The time just flew and I did play all afternoon, so it's not a short game at all. I love the cards you get that tells the history of the Smithson and the Smithsonian, and being a history buff, I enjoy reading them. Only thing that would make this better would to allow gender change for the player. I get so darn tired of putting on my Saturday night dress to play a game... LOL
The graphics and sound are excellent! I still don't understand the use of the pop-up windows for the voice overs, but apparently they do and it doesn't distract too much from the story. Music and effects go along with the story. Can't tell you a lot about the music, because I always turn it down and don't pay much attention to it. The only complaint I have are those antiquated pop-up windows for voice overs.
I have to say, if you are a mini game junkie who likes to rack your brains trying to figure them out, you aren't going to care for this. I played most of the mini games, and for me to have the patience to do so, they must be easy. There are several different types of hidden object games that kept it interesting, but mostly, they were rather simple too. Just my style.... hard enough to work at, but not so much that I'm ready to throw the computer out the window. A couple of the mini games the hardest part was not in doing the puzzle, but figuring out what to do. I don't know how long I tried to figure what to do with those blessed bottles and the labels. Felt like a fool when I did figure it out, but just sayin'... You have the hint button which recharges quickly as does the skip button. BIG pluses in my book. The map is almost essential, because you do move around quite a bit. It will tell you where you are and places you have things to do. I really like that feature in my games.
The story goes along with the rest of the series. This one involving time travel. Kind of a stretch from the others, but it was a decent story. I was thrown a bit by the references to the Civil War and expected it to be centered around it, but it was that time period.
Something I wanted to tell you popped into my head and left just as quickly. Oh well, old age. All I can say is play the demo at least. I was ready to buy it before half of it was finished. I love this series and look forward to the next one.
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Holy Mountain Hotel, where all criminals are punished.
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 43 found this review helpful
Whew! That was Close
PostedJanuary 16, 2015
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the complete game.
This is another hit from Elephant. I really enjoyed it as I do most all their games. James is my hero and together we solved another suspenseful and eerie game. Some don't care for James, but he adds so much to the story for me. I think it's because most all the games are centered around the female heroine, and this is one of the rare ones that has a man in it.
The sound and graphics were excellent. They were clear only only dark when necessary for the story. Music when along with the story and not just a looped track. With all the computerization in games today, you could almost bet everything was hand drawn.
There are two kinds of hidden object games, the list and the silhouette. I liked them both. Although they were relatively easy, I have to admit the ending sequence had me guessing. There really wasn't much new in the mini game department. I still hate those things, but I did do a few of them.
I won't go into the story, because BF does a good job setting it up for you, but I will say there is a twist or two that will keep you guessing.
There is the usual dossier/journal that I did use a couple of times, but the biggest help is that wonderful map. It shows you where there are things to do and will transport you to that location. The hint in great also, and recharges quickly. It's amazing how these games have matured to my immature level. I do not like sitting there for what seems like hours waiting for the hint or skip buttons to charge.
I think you will like this. Try it out. I think you'll like it. Although not the longest game in my collection, it was enough to help me pass a wonderful cold Florida afternoon.
I recommend this game!
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
What a Surprise
PostedDecember 29, 2014
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I wasn't real sure about this one, but I have the rest of the Surface series and enjoyed them. The demo seemed so short I didn't get a feel for the game, so I took a chance and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the game.
The graphics were, okay. The people weren't very realistic, but everything else was great! The backgrounds were clear and very pretty. Voice overs and effects fantastic. You know, it just dawned on me, I didn't pay any attention to the music. You're on your own there.
It is an easy game. Perfect for me. I don't do these for the challenge as much as the relaxation and enjoyment. I even played most of the mini games and I hate those things. The hidden objects were of different varieties which was nice. Not just pick from the list for a change. You have an interactive map which shows areas there you have something to do, perhaps not right then, but eventually. The hint will show you where there is something to do right now and even take you there. You'll pick up little helpers along the way who assist you in your quest to defeat the gods.
Big Fish does a great job telling the story so I'll not bore you with repeating it. The story had me from the beginning and held me all the way through the game. I was a tad bit disappointed in the ending, but perhaps they are leaving it open for a sequel. The story was easy to follow and accomplish tasks.
All in all this is another winner for Elephant.
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 41 found this review helpful
Another Hit from Dire Grove
PostedDecember 19, 2014
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this game. I believe I have all of the Mystery Case File series and this one is one of the best. It was just plain fun with an exception which I'll get to in a minute. One thing I loved, it asks if you are male or female. I got to say male and everything was in a man's voice. I didn't have to go put on a dress to play... LOL
The visuals were awesome. With graphics like this it's almost like being there. Sound was great and the music was very enjoyable. The soft jazz that plays during hidden object scenes is good, relaxing and I would like to have the whole album, but it just didn't seem to go with the story. Effects including voice overs were wonderfully done. Can't say enough about this part of the review.
The challenge was there. I don't like mini games and this was no exception. I tried to play all of them, but I just couldn't figure out the majority. There are several different kinds of minis as well as hidden objects, so you won't get bored going down a list.
You have a kind of journal. It's an evidence board where you can review what you have found out on your investigation. There is a lot of moving around in this game, and the map will be your very best friend in the world. I don't know if I would have the patience to figure out where to go on my own. It sure is handy. All the back and forth and moving around was the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I was living on the map.
The story is different even though it references the other Dire Grove game. It does have its own beginning and a few plot twists that caught me off guard a couple of times. Good story along with almost believable characters.
There is a lot to this game and I do believe you will enjoy it. It's raining and cold here in the FL Panhandle and I spent my day saving Dire Grove. What did you do?. :-)
I recommend this game!
You are the key to solving a chilling supernatural mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 23 found this review helpful
Lucky 13
PostedDecember 3, 2014
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to admit, I bought this game by mistake and am I glad I did! I totally enjoyed this one. You see, I was playing the demo, and for whatever reason, didn't care for it, but forgot to delete it from my manager. I kept coming back to the game and finally I decided to buy it. Maybe there was something I missed, because I enjoyed the rest in the series. I started playing from the beginning and sure enough I had missed something at the very beginning, but found it the second time around. I really did enjoy this game.
The graphics and sound were both excellent. That character who played Jack has been in something else and was well done. I didn't care for the attitude of the wife, but she was probably a problem anyway... LOL Music was acceptable and the voice over scenes as well as the effects, were excellent. All of the scenes, whether games or just story, were well done. Clear and clean. I just can't emphasize enough the quality of the art and sound.
The challenge is there for people like me who don't care for mini games, but I did manage to play quite a few of them, so they might not be all that difficult. The hidden objects were of silhouette variety as well as the list so you got a little variation. The mini games are mini games and you either hate them because they're not hard enough or too hard. So I'll have to leave that up to your desires. You have an interactive map and I have to say it was a life saver. There is a lot of jumping around in the story and it would be extremely difficult without it. The hint is fast filling as was the skip for mini games. You also have a puzzle if you don't want to do the hidden objects (wish they would give that option for the minis), but I didn't play it. Wanted to, but was enjoying the hidden objects too much.
Big Fish does a great job telling you what the story is about, so I'll critique it a bit. The story is well constructed and is easy to follow. I'm proud to say I didn't get lost not one time. I probably would have enhanced the ending a tad, but it was well enough done without my help.
All in all this a darn good game and I would suggest that you at least try the demo and pay attention more than I did. It's a keeper for me. It's a fun game to play. The graphics and sound are excellent, and there is a decent story behind everything we do. What more could you ask.
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
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
My Chinese is a Bit Rusty, but...
PostedNovember 1, 2014
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at this game. After reading some of the other reviews, I was concerned that it wouldn't be to my liking, but I found it entertaining and challenging. A good game.
The graphics were well done. A bit "cartoonish" in places, but it's a game, not a masterpiece. Hidden objects were clear and the scenes were well done. Not being a big fan of Asian music I did turn it down, but still it wasn't annoying at all. The voice overs were a bit weak, but still well done.
I found the game challenging enough. I don't do these games to make a living and like the relaxed way in which this was played. As I said, the hidden objects were well done, but I didn't say they were easy. The designers did a great job in hiding the objects causing me to use the hint button more than once. There is a list and shadow type of objects.I don't like mini games to begin with, but these were simple enough I could do them... well some of them. I did end up skipping several, because of my laziness.
You have a fantastic map which shows you not only where there are actions to be done, but also allows you to jump to that scene. The hint and skip buttons fill rather quickly which very much to my liking. There are about an equal number of hidden objects and mini games, so you won't get bored. There seems to be something here to challenge about everyone. I can't wait for my granddaughter to come stay with Papa and see how she does with it.
Story was well written and easy to follow. It had a beginning and an end, which sometimes is missing. The characters in the story are well portrayed. I liked it.
Just one word of warning while playing the hidden objects. When you are ready to place a piece on another to obtain the listed item, be sure you have the gears or it will not connect. Not a complaint, but I didn't catch that until I was into a couple games.
I enjoyed this and am glad I bought it. It is something the entire family can enjoy. Be sure and check it out before you give up on it.
I recommend this game!
Tragedy strikes a popular Parisian cabaret when their star dancer is murdered! Gather the suspects and unmask the killer.
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 18 found this review helpful
And the Killer is....
PostedOctober 25, 2014
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 and you know I'm not going to tell you who dun it!
I really liked this game! It was fun, long enough, and just plain exciting. Although it is kind of like the other Danse game, it was really good fun in its own right.
The graphics were very good and the sound excellent as were the voice overs. Hidden objects were clean and the scenes very well done.
So far as the level of challenge. It was a rather tough game. As I said, the hidden objects were clear. I didn't say they weren't hidden well. I have to admit I used the hint button more on this game than usual. The mini games, eh, who wants to play those things anyway.. LOL I honestly could not figure out some of them and some were way to complicated and overwhelming for a dummy like me. I don't like them from the git go, so that handy dandy little skip button became my best friend. The hidden objects and minis are well divided so you can have the best of both worlds. You have an interactive map to help you travel and see where you need to do something. Love that feature. I used the crime board more on this than I normally do the journals. It's there I think more for information than anything else.
The story was easy to follow with characters to whom I could relate. I figured out who dun it before the end, but they kept throwing enough curves, I wasn't sure until the unmasking at the end. It follows a logical progression which is missing in so many storylines. I did get lost a couple of times, but that's to be expected I suppose.
All in all this is a winner for me. I keep trying to find a negative about this, but for the life of me I can't, which isn't like me at all. I suggest you play the demo and of course make up your own mind, but I can't wait to play it again. I do believe you will enjoy this as much as I did.
Now, on with the show .. Play it!
I recommend this game!
You're about to uncover the secret that's been haunting Blackrow!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 20 found this review helpful
And the Secret is Out
PostedOctober 7, 2014
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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
This was a fun game. Not as long as I thought it would have been, but it gave me an afternoon of enjoyment.
The graphics were good and the voice overs excellent. I always turn the music down low, but what I heard, was right with the story and what was happening at the time. The hidden objects were well drawn as was the scenery.
The hidden objects were good. They were the list kind, but not pushovers by any means. Mini games must have been easy, because I did most of them and that is unusual for me. I did skip several, but they both, hidden objects and mini games were challenge enough for me. You have a journal/diary which I hate to admit I forgot all about and didn't use. The map was a great help and the hint, which recharged pretty quick, was excellent. I almost forgot Alf, the little helper. I know some don't like the animal helpers, but I do. Guess even at my age I'm a kid at heart.
The story was the usual for this series and Big Fish does a great job describing it. The story offered enough information to keep my attention. Good storyline with a twist or two thrown in for good measure. The ending left open a sequel, because not everything returned to as it should be. I did get lost a couple of times in the story, but found myself pretty quickly.
This is a keeper, not a masterpiece, but darn good. I'm glad I didn't judge it by the demo or I probably wouldn't have purchased it, but I'm glad I did.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery that spooked a young girl into silence!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Sweet Game
PostedSeptember 23, 2014
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this game. I was a bit reluctant to purchase it, but I am glad I did and look forward to playing it again.
While the graphics are a bit "cartoonish", they were really enjoyable to see. The looks the designers put on the faces of the characters were interesting and fresh. No, it wasn't realistic, but great at any rate. The music is very good and the voice overs are great.
The hidden objects were varied, from silhouette, the list, and interactive. A really decent variation of games. I do not care for mini games in the first place, but I did have a little trouble understanding what I had to do in some. Try as I might I just couldn't get them, but that is why they put that marvelous skip button on there.
You have an interactive map which was a tad bit confusing in the beginning, but proved to be a wonderful aid. The hint and skip buttons recharge quickly.
The story was very consistent and kept my attention all the way through. Didn't get lost in this one and the ending, while predictable, was good.
All in all this is a sweet game that kept me entertained for several hours. I don't think you will regret playing it. At least give the demo a shot.
I recommend this game!
Your investigative report on the Weeping Woman of San Cristobal turns personal after you witness a kidnapping. Is the legend true?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Good Little Game! Glad I Got It
PostedSeptember 6, 2014
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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical of purchasing this game after playing the demo, but I am sure glad I didn't go with my first instincts. I really enjoyed this game. Had a good time with it.
The graphics were very good and the sound was excellent. The voice overs were well done and the music was very tolerable.
Hidden objects were pretty easy. I don't think I used the hint button at all on them. They are well done. Laid out and not just a pile of junk. Some things I had to look hard for, but mostly they were there just screaming to be found. The mini games... what can I say, they are mini games. I do not like mini games and usually skip them with little effort. However, these were different. While I did skip some, I was able to play and get the majority of the games. That's my kind of mini. You have a task book which kind of serves as a journal also. Along with that is an interactive map that is quite helpful. It tells you where you have tasks to perform and you can jump from place to place. The hint, which you can use if you just can't figure out where to go next and takes you there, recharges quickly as does the skip.
The story was interesting. I won't go into the story. Big Fish does a good job describing it. The story flows and makes sense. Kept my interest all the way through. I didn't get lost in the story not one time and that's saying something for me.
This is not a game for those who want a huge challenge. It is for a few hours of mindless enjoyment and it was very enjoyable.
I recommend this game!