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:
Ghastly murders in Whitechapel foreshadow the return of the Red Queen!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
Confusion is Abound in Ol' London Town
PostedApril 4, 2018
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
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is posted after completing the entire game.
I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am in this game. I own all in this series and after playing the disappointing demo, I felt surely this is going to get better. I was wrong. It got worse. Repetition after repetition throughout the game. I was confused from the start and that confusion continued all the way. That was about the only constant in the game to me. I got so bored I finally just quit playing and went to something else. It took me two days to finish this thing and for the life of me I don't know what was going on.
Graphics were very well done and the sound was excellent. Now if they had just put that much effort in the rest of the game it would have stood well, but that is where the positives stopped.
Hidden objects were okay. Some were challenging while others were extremely simple. Those mini games... ha! The majority were just a 15 second waiting period until I could skip. I either didn't understand what I was to do or were so complicated I just gave up. Several times during the game something would just pop up and I had to figure out what to do with it. One in particular that sticks out was toward the end of the game. These monster dogs were behind some type of fence that materialized, how I don't know, but it was there. I just started clicking on the bars and amazingly that's all I had to do was tap on the bars and the dogs disappeared. Made no sense to me whatsoever. There were several instances of things like this and the hint button was of no help. The map was interactive and would show where there were things to do and would transport you there. Also, there are several degrees of difficulty from which I chose custom so I could set the skip and hint to the quickest time.
The story was a mess. There was no continuity to it whatsoever. Things just happened. I keep thinking if I play this again, perhaps it will make sense, but I honestly doubt it. Others will go into the story so I'll not bore you with that, but just understand, if you get lost in the story, you aren't alone.
Play the demo, but understand, in my opinion, it's all downhill from there. I really like this series and perhaps this one had some promise, but that promise was broken with this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Recover the artifact that contains the secrets of H.E.L.P.'s past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
Another Hidden Expedition Hit
PostedMarch 16, 2018
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
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I just love this series and waited, what seemed forever, for the SE game to come out. I wasn't disappointed. It was fun from the beginning to the end.
Graphics were very well done. Colors realistic and really pleasant on the eyes. Sound was really good especially the voice overs. I was a bit surprised that the messages from HELP HQ that comes on the communication device were just texts instead of voice, but I suppose that is the modern means of communication, at least that is what my granddaughter tells me. The music went along with the action and the effects were simply awesome.
So far as the hidden objects, they were well done. Not a walk in the park by any means. Some were right down hard, but doable. They were varied so that kept my attention. Now, those mini games. They were a different story. I don't like them to begin with, but to me these were extremely hard or time consuming. I did a couple of them, but my patience level just wouldn't let me work them all out.
I do enjoy the fact cards that come from this game. It's amazing what one can learn from playing a game. The map was a great help. It did show where there were things to do and would transport there.
Others have gone into the story in depth so there is not reason for me to just repeat that. I'll just say it was a well written and interesting story. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete the game in one sitting as I usually do and I can't wait to play it again all the way through. When I went back to finish the game, I had forgotten some of the details and it took me a little while to get caught up.
This is a great game. Give the demo a try and I think you'll agree this game is for you too.
I recommend this game!
Can you survive the island and save your brother?
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 22 found this review helpful
The Shadow Knows...
PostedMarch 2, 2018
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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
What a great little game. I really enjoyed it. Not a hard game by any means, but it kept me entertained all afternoon long.
The graphics weren't exceptional at all, but they were crisp and clean. I guess one would call them cookie cutter, but they were realistic. Music was not intrusive and the effects went along with the action in the scene. The voice overs were very well done. Perhaps a bit over acted, but hey, it's a game.
The challenge was right down my alley. The hidden objects were really fun to do and varied. Some were extremely simple while others took some concentration just to figure out what to do. The mini games must have been rather easy. I was able to do most all of them, which is a big change for me. The map was my friend. There is some back and forth and the map showed me where there was something to do and would transport me.
Others will go into depth about the story so I'll not bore you with the details. I liked the story. Wasn't sure I would, because I was expecting ghosts and goblins, but while on the supernatural genre, it wasn't the horrible things we've been seeing. I was into the story from the very beginning and even though I had it figured out about half way through, I couldn't wait to see the bad dudes get theirs. This is one game that should have allowed you to pick either male or female. This to me was more of a male part, but the designers chose a lady, so I got my high heels on and played away.
Give the demo a shot and see if you don't like this one too.
I recommend this game!
A time-traveling killer is taking out the Gray family, one by one.
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 26 found this review helpful
Speaking of Time, Maybe it's Time for this to End
PostedFebruary 24, 2018
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
This one could signal the end of this great series. I have enjoyed all of them, but this one left me lacking in so many ways.
Graphics were well done. Music was okay, but where I had a problem was with Richard. I couldn't understand and thing he said. If not for the dialog box, it would have forever been lost. The other voice overs were fine, but why they distorted Richard so badly I will never understand. Effects went along with the action in the scene and was well done.
Hidden objects were good. Mostly lists, but some silhouettes and pair matching broke it up. Now, the mini games.. they were horrible. I was able to do one or two, but they were either so complex I couldn't understand or so involved I lost interest in trying. I'm not known for my patience and these wore me down quickly. I was to glad I used the custom setting and had my hint and skip at the quickest possible setting.
The map was essential for me. There is a lot of back and forth with little to help me decide where to go. The map showed places where I had something to do and would transport. A huge help.
Others will go into the story in depth, so I'll not bore you with the details. The story was pretty predictable with little change from previous games. They changed Richard from his evil self to a comedian of sorts. That just burst my mental bubble of him. Richard is one I loved to hate, but this time, he was just there occasionally. Not much added to the story at all in my opinion.
Play the demo and see what you think. It's not a bad game. Just one I expected more.
I recommend this game!
When detective Gingertail is called home by ex-girfriend Barbara, he could never imagine it would be the investigation of his life... and her death.
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Can't Wait for the Next One
PostedFebruary 13, 2018
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
What a wonderful game. I've been waiting for something like this forever and it has arrived. This is the most enjoyable game I've played in a long time.
Graphics were well done. I loved the realistic style. It looked as though they used a cut out for the background and then put the characters in, but it worked and worked well. Only difficulty I experienced in the game was with the voice overs. They were excellent with a mixture of British and American accents, but they would cut off before the end of what they were saying. Not all the time, but enough to notice it wasn't part of the game. You need to be a speed reader to catch everything in the boxes. I like to look around the scene before reading, but not in this game. You read them and then look around if you wish. I loved the music. It added so much to the game I became addicted to it. I even turned it up while playing.
This was my kind of challenge in a game. There really wasn't anything we haven't seen before, but I was able to do the mini games so apparently there was something changed. There were some repeats like untangling the rope. I hate that one and after a feeble attempt I just skipped it. I recalled three of these during the game. The hidden objects were varied from a list to interactive to silhouettes and everything in-between. There were a lot of hidden objects and I loved that.
The map was excellent. It showed where there were things to be done and transported. I'll give one suggestion. Before you leave a scene, be sure you check the map and make sure you have done everything. I didn't and there were a couple scenes, that when I was checking the map for something,, I noticed I had missed an object. Once you leave there is no going back. Obviously it wasn't anything major, but the indicator was still showing something to do.
Others will go into depth about the story so I won't bore you with my version. Oh that story. Not only was there a male as the hero for a change, but it caught me from the very beginning and held my attention all the way to the end. The ending surprised me to say the least. I don't think I've ever seen a game end like that. AWESOME!!
I just cannot say enough about this game. No ghosts, goblins, witches or other things that go bump in the night. A wonderful breath of fresh air. We need more like this. Give the demo a try and see if it isn't to your liking. If you like tough puzzles, you probably won't care for it, but for me it was excellent.
I recommend this game!
The contract must be fulfilled, but your girlfriend will pay the price!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
What Have They Done to this Series
PostedFebruary 10, 2018
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to admit I am extremely disappointed in what Mad Head has done to this series with this addition. Not only do we suffer through ghosts and goblins in about every game going, but they have taken this one to the extreme. It's not a bad game, it just didn't make very much sense.
Graphics were very good and the music was fine. Effects went along with the action in the scene and the voice overs were very well done. I really liked the colors. They weren't dark and drab like usual in this genre of game and were really pleasant.
I did like the mini games. I hate to admit it, but I enjoyed playing most of them. Nothing we haven't seen before, but for some reason they were fun to do. Just enough of a twist to make them easy enough for me to enjoy. Hidden objects were good and enjoyable to play.
The map is great. As usual it shows where there is something to do and transports. There didn't seem to be a lot of running around, but it still came in handy.
Where they lost me was the story. I honestly still don't understand the premise... well I know what it was trying to do... but getting there was tedious to say the least. I'll not go into the the story itself as others will do so much better than I. I just don't know what they were thinking when putting this together. A monster... come on people. You have created great stories in this series and this should have been one of them, but it fell way short.
I bought the game and I'm not sorry I did. It killed a few hours on a rainy Florida afternoon, but I can't express my disappointment in what they did to this wonderful series.
Play the demo and maybe you'll get more out of this than I did. I recommend the game because of the hidden objects and puzzles, but little else.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an old evil from wreaking its vengeance?
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
It's Medium Alright
PostedFebruary 6, 2018
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I have to say, I do not understand the high ratings for this game. It's a three in my book and I think that's being benevolent. I hope this is just a nervous first edition of a new series and if it continues it will become better... much better. The only way to go is up. I normally enjoy this developer's games, but this one left me lacking on so many levels.
The sound was okay. Voice overs were well done and the graphics were acceptable. Effects were good and the music wasn't bad and kept in the background. Colors were dark which one would expect with this genre of game.
I gave the level of challenge a medium grade, because the mini games seemed to be about the same with a little variation. I got tickled in one scene. I did a hidden object where I had to find pairs of things. Then almost immediately I was back at the same window I had just left and had to have a badge to open what I had just closed to do another hidden object game. Hidden objects ranged from lists to silhouettes, my least favorite of all, and there were a lot of them. The hidden objects were well done so no complaints on those. Back to the mini games. I trust that one day there will be instructions one can understand. That was a big problem for me. I did the majority of the ones I could understand and had the patience to do. So far as as helpers, all you have is the map. It does show where there are things to do and of course transports. The biggest helper was the custom setting. I had the hint and skip set to the fastest possible and I'm so glad I did. I spent more time setting the options, including the custom setting than I have ever done in a game. Don't know what my problem was, but I just couldn't get things to do like I wanted. I will make a suggestion to you. Use the tutorial. I did the "unique to this game" and that was a mistake. There are things that happen, like the amulet I didn't understand for a while.
I had the story figured out before the end of the demo. Not the most gripping story I've seen. There is a lot of repeat dialog for some reason which shocked me to be quite honest. About every time the inspector was going to speak I could almost guess what he was going to say.
Give the demo a try and see if maybe you will like this better than I. With any luck they will learn from this experience and all that follow will live up to their potential. It's not a horrible game, but it doesn't warrant much more than a 3 in my book.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friends escape what’s lurking in the mist?
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 23 found this review helpful
Another Fantastic Phantasmat Hit
PostedJanuary 21, 2018
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
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
WOW, this was a great game! I have to admit I had my doubts, but I really enjoyed this one. From start to finish... I really enjoyed it enough that I gave up the prettiest day we've had in a long while to sit here and play it.
Graphics were well done. The colors were rather dark, but so was the story so that was fine. Sound was really good especially the voice overs. Very impressed with that. Music wasn't anything to write home about, but it wasn't intrusive at all. Effects, as usual, when along with the action in the scene.
The hidden objects were good. I really enjoyed them. No silhouettes that I can remember anyway, just pretty much straight forward find the object. There were hidden object scenes within the hidden object scenes which all in all made for a good challenge. Now the mini games.... nuf said, they were mini games. I did a few of them, but honestly I just don't have the patience for them. I probably could have successfully completed more, but again, my level of desire isn't in mini games and with the custom setting, I had my skip set at the quickest level. The map was a big help. It told me where I had things to do and of course transported me there.
The story had me from the beginning to end. I was a bit confused from what the description read and what I interpreted in the story. I thought my girlfriend got kidnapped, but apparently it was my boyfriend.... or a friend of a friend.. somebody got snatched and I think I ended up being a girl. Others will go into the story in depth, so I'll not bore you with it except to say, it's a really good story and I could have handled more. The game isn't all that long, but the story does a great job in the time it has.
Give the demo a try and I think you will enjoy this as much as I did. It's a great continuation of the Phantasmat series.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the Revenant before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Good Game if You Like Them a Little Hard
PostedJanuary 20, 2018
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
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I played the demo and was just a bit let down. I guess it was from reading a raving review and was expecting more than I got. (Note to self, quit reading reviews before you play) It turned out to be a good game and I'm not sorry I bought it.
Sound was excellent including the voice overs and music. The effects went along with the action. Only difficulty I had with the sound was what apparently an advertisement that came over a TV screen. I couldn't really understand what was being said and by the time I tried to read it, the words disappeared. Maybe that's where the humor is that was mentioned. My only real disappointment was with the graphics. Looked like they cut them out of a magazine and them pasted things over the background. Not horrible, but enough to mention.
I rated the challenge so low, because even the hidden object games were difficult. They were lists, but the items would show, say a corner of a heart and I was suppose to see that? I found everything thanks to my handy dandy hint button. The mini games were horrible for me. I usually like the mega puzzles, but these were rather boring and/or difficult I started skipping after the first section. Others I just couldn't do. If you like challenges, you are going to love this game. The map was of tremendous help. I had to play this over two days and I forgot where I had been and what was left to do. The map showed where there were things to do and would transport me there.
Others will go into depth about the story so I'll not bore you with details. I kind of enjoyed the story. I got a tad bit confused who everybody was and the next time I play this I will play it in one sitting and then maybe I can keep everybody straight. Good story at any rate.
Give the demo a try, hopefully before you read too many reviews, and see if you won't like this one too.
I recommend this game!
Save a missing family from an infamous haunted house!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
Never Read the Story, but Liked the Game
PostedJanuary 17, 2018
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
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
First, I want to make clear anything I say negative about this game was due to a glitch I encountered, either caused by the game or my computer, which did taint my feelings somewhat. I was almost finished with the game when my computer just shut down. When I restarted the game I expected to pick up where I left off, but no, it said I was corrupted and to give a new profile. To say this upset me would be an understatement. Now that I have that out of my system, on with the review.
I really did enjoy this game. Dupin was different in this one than previous Dark Tales,, but he lived up to expectations and let me do all the work. Wouldn't have it anyother way. I think I like how he changes from game to game. Last time he was shaggy and this one clean cut and good looking.
The graphics were really good. Not cartoonish yet with the appearance of being drawn. Colors were excellent as were the voice overs. They just need to give the option of the detective being male or female. I spent most of my time looking for my high heels to play the part. Effects went along with the action in the scene as did the music. It wasn't intrusive at all. Matter of fact I'm hard pressed to remember any of it.
The hidden object scenes were well done. A tad bit labored looking for 12 keys and 15 of this and 12 of that. Thankfully there were no silhouettes. The mini games were not good to me. When I thought I understood what to do, I couldn't get it to work. I was hoping when I skipped it would show me how it was done, but it didn't. One that comes to mind was moving a ball through pipes. I placed the elbow but couldn't get the ball to go through. Luckily I used the custom and the skip charged quickly.
Others will go into the story for you. I'll just say it kept my attention throughout the game. It was predictable, but good. Even though I'm over the ghosts, goblins, witches and things that go bump in the night, Poe is known for his horror genre so I accept that.
Give the demo a shot and see if you don't find this to your liking as I did. This has turned into my current favorite game.
I recommend this game!