rainstormy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:19
- Reviews Submitted:63
- First Review:August 25, 2021
- Most Recent Review:August 20, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Discover and defend the rare animals previously unknown to science!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Next-level travel HOG heaven - this is how it's done!
PostedOctober 4, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Red Book is a standout game – fun just enchanting! Finally, a developer is working “outside the box” and they've created a truly unique travel HOG incorporating a thoughtful (and at times, quite humorous!) plot without turning the game into a full-blown, overly complex HOPA. I LOVE the concept of traveling to exotic locales to find and save beautiful endangered fantasy animals. There are some fun little gameplay twists here too – catching 10 butterflies per scene is more challenging than I thought it would be – too many misclicks and you get a five second or so “time out” - better be precise! You'll also get a nice little sense of satisfaction when you finally locate the “secret” animal – ah, mission accomplished! The mini games between the picture hunt scenes were hit or miss – I'm somewhat biased here, as I am not a “shopping clutter” fan and I found those minis a bit overwhelming (“too much stuff”!) - but I really enjoyed the picture assembly puzzles and memory. There's no magnifier on the HOG scenes and I could very mildly point out that the graphics there are not quite as crisp as I'd like, but these are very minor nitpicking complaints which really didn't detract from my enjoyment. The music soundtrack deserves some accolades – it's subtle and just lovely, and suits the scenes perfectly. This unique and highly original game demonstrates so beautifully how a very small, light plot, when done correctly, really enhances a HOG and takes it to the next level. Very, very well done, The Red Book! Would love to see a sequel game to this one!!
I recommend this game!
Enjoy a memorable vacation to The Golden City!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Not really that amazing but it'll do in a pinch
PostedOctober 3, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Run of the mill, average-in-every-way travel HOG – I've played a LOT of these and this one isn't terrible, but it's just kind of generic and unremarkable as these types of games go. Objects are clear and easy to spot and I hardly ever employed the dreaded “hint button.” Other reviewers have pointed out the many language and translation errors in this foreign-produced game; I notice those so often they are almost predictable for me now, but they are still annoying. The game features unnaturally bright and overly cheery scenery of a very idealized San Francisco – a city which frankly, is not getting much (if any) positive press in the media these days: so it's both a travel HOG and a fantasy game as well, I guess. At any rate, kids might enjoy this Amazing Vacation San Francisco as may someone who is new to this genre, but seasoned players will find better offerings even from Lazy Turtle – the “Travel To (fill in the location)” series are more challenging and rewarding, with a higher production level. I'll recommend this one because it does fulfill its promise - it's a travel HOG; just not an exceptional example of one.
Find hidden objects and animals while visiting the most beautiful places in the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Simple HOG enjoyment. Fun for children and adults.
PostedOctober 2, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I enjoy this series of games; have played many, and am going back now to visit the earlier ones I've missed. Our Beautiful World is very simple to play - find the list of animals (and some objects) in one of three scenes per round, find the camera and three little kitties (one per scene, for a total of 3 per round). Get them all and you'll score three gold stars. Between the picture hunt scenes you'll be offered a mini game - might be a mah-jong, a jigsaw, a "grid picture", memory or "fit the wooden pieces into the boxes" - type of thing - these minis are optional and can be skipped after a short wait. I always feel like I'm playing a kid's game when I play an OBW offering, but that's okay, since the animals are so cute and the graphics are so well done (nothing murky or hiding in the dark!). Recommended!
I recommend this game!
If you love travel, adventure, and hidden-objects, this is the game for you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
HOG heaven! Not as "hardcore" as Amazing World 2 or Wonders!
PostedSeptember 30, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
What a great addition to Point 8's lineup of classic HOGs - this game is a vast improvement over their earliest offerings (2020 era) and more relaxed than their other recent releases. Objects seem to be quicker to spot in this game than Amazing World 2 and Wonders of the World - I'm spending far less time per scene locating everything and of course, subsequent run-thrus are even faster 'cuz by then you've learned where many of the objects are located. While I do enjoy a good challenge, and don't want the game "too easy" this one strikes an ideal balance. The mini games are the same as always - sudokos (which I always skip), spot the difference (sigh, I'll admit I'm getting bored with those), word search, puzzle tiles and memory (I LOVE memory!). The music is the same as their last couple games - I'd like to see them update the soundtrack, but at least it isn't annoying. Amazing World 3 is the best one so far! I'm already looking forward to the next one! Enthusiastically recommended!
I recommend this game!
Put your game hat on and embark on an adventure trip to London!
Overall rating
2
/
5
A very short trip due to a glitch
PostedSeptember 28, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is an older Point 8 HOG, released in 2020. This developer has made so many improvements to their later games since this title was released. As for this 2020 offering, I ran into a critical issue early on in London Adventure Trip: on the Hyde Park scene there is a glitch where, when you locate the second crown, an image of a crown stays affixed on the screen - the round doesn't end as it should and the only way to escape the scene is to abort the round and return to the home menu. I tried playing it through multiple times and the same thing kept happening, so if I can't complete the game in entirety (by locating all crowns, 8 balls and "special objects") there's little point to continuing. The music in this game is pretty awful (their later games have much better music). I didn't particularly like is how they show you a list of objects (starting out with five items) prior to starting each round, which you have to memorize then look around for one in the scene. Really glad they don't use that formula any more in their more recent games. I skipped every mini game up to the point where I quit playing - those looked time consuming and redundant. I do love it when game designers evolve and change up their games to change or eliminate features which need improvement - Point 8's later HOGs are up there with the best, but I think I'll likely pass on their earlier titles.
I don't recommend this game.
The hidden object classic is back! What mysteries are hidden beneath canvases of the greatest artists?
Overall rating
4
/
5
This should have been a 5 star game...
PostedSeptember 26, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
The concept behind Hidden World of Art 3 is great; you are a museum curator overseeing the restoration of classic paintings. There's a silly and somewhat unnecessary plot between scenes involving the curator and a Freudian psychotherapist (I skipped that tedious dialogue after a while) and some fun “art mansion” restoration where you spend the coins you earn during the painting scenes. I am an art lover and really wanted to give this game 5 stars as the paintings are beautiful and interesting and I like the whole concept. However, the HOG English was really bad in this one – odd, since the dialogue scenes with the psychotherapist were perfect, but wow, I hated spending coins for hints due to translation errors. A dreamcatcher is not a “flycatcher.” A mallard is not a goose. Salver is not silver, a whirligig is not a top (not really, anyway) and a showel is not a shovel (I was looking for a shawl). Also over and over: “round garland” for wreath (although that one was easy to figure out compared to the others). Yikes. I hope the developers notice this review before they release another Hidden World of Art (looks like 4 is already out; sigh.). I consider myself quite patient with HOG English, but it was a real problem in this otherwise delightful game. 4 stars it is, then and I'll “recommend game” anyway.
I recommend this game!
Complete a massive variety of puzzles, recover the missing ancient amulets, and restore nature's harmony!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Mixo Games does Maj-Jong
PostedSeptember 25, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I am a fan of Mixo Games – they really make different and thoughtful games – so I wasn't so sure about this one at first blush as I'm absolutely not a Maj-Jong fan. Apparently quite a few people are, however - but I neither enjoy those puzzles particularly, nor am I very good at them. Out of curiosity I decided to give it a whirl, anyway.
The game objective here is to restore an ancient amulet by working maj-jong puzzles and completing clutter type searches – these are not HOG type puzzles, per se: you will be looking down at a “far East” type scene from far above and finding the listed objects (eg six stars, four umbrellas, etc) OR locating various shaded objects from the same elevated perspective. You will also be prompted to do bonus rounds now and then – those are kind of fun and you'll be randomly assigned a tile puzzle or bingo balls, memory, finding pairs, etc. The graphics are good: sharp and clear, and the soundtrack is pretty cool too which is something Mixo games always does well.
I am going to put aside my distaste for maj-jongs and assign this rather unique game five stars. Even though Lost Amulets was not my cup of oolong tea, fans of maj-jong will undoubtedly enjoy this rather unusual take on the classic tile game. As for me, I've met my quota for maj-jong and will probably pass on the second and third sequels to this game.
I recommend this game!
Tour ten European countries from the comfort of your home!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Big fun in Big Adventure: Trip to Europe 3!
PostedSeptember 25, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is another entry into the ever-popular "Travel HOG" category of games. We love 'em, this one being no exception, though it's not without a few minor quirks which detract only slightly from the overall enjoyment factor. AVI Games are generally very high quality, though you may notice at times where the gameplay in Trip to Europe 3 is remarkably similar to Casual Art's highly popular Cruise Director/Park Ranger games. The graphics and art style employed in trip to Europe 3 is typical of other AVI games I've played in the past - big, bright, bold (bordering on gaudy) colors with well disguised but fairly easy to spot semi-hidden objects - no struggling to find microscopic items or ones concealed in total darkness, thank you! I enjoyed the little "factoids" at the beginning of each round - great fun for us "armchair travelers" who can't or don't get to travel abroad to visit these locations in person. There are two small quirks which I think, once addressed, would improve the game experience. The soundtrack in Trip 3 is rather brash and redundant - I turned off the music after the first round and as at least one other reviewer noted, it was "getting on my nerves." The second issue has to do with the fact that this is a foreign (non-US based) game production company and American players will have trouble finding an "aubergine" (that's an eggplant!) and a "dainty" (apparently that's a lollipop or some type of candy). These translation errors could be corrected pretty easily by a quick consultation with a native English speaker: this is not a deal breaker, but more of a slight annoyance. At any rate, Trip 3 is still a lot of fun - perhaps not a "life changing" game but a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours and maybe you'll learn a few facts along the way as well. Recommended!
I recommend this game!
Have a "paw"some adventure finding cats and pups!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Superior game to I Love Finding Critters. Another winner from TLL!
PostedSeptember 22, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I am playing older games I missed during their initial runs hence the late review(s). Tiny Little Lion (TLL) scores another home run with this installment in their ongoing "I Love Finding (Pets)" game series. Although this title, like most TLL games is plagued with too many Spot The Difference minis per my personal liking, overall it's a stronger game than I Love Finding Critters, which I just finished prior to playing this one - perhaps because the objective is clearer here, as to exactly what type of animals you are to find. Same familiar gameplay as others in this series as well, so if you've played one you know how the formula works by now: two scenes per round with 16 hidden animals - in this instance doggies and cats, 3 morphing butterflies and a list of random hidden objects which you must find in "good time." There's a hint button and a magnifier of course - or you can just scroll the wheel on your mouse for a closer look. Nice soundtrack (I love acoustic guitar) and an engaging play experience. I have no idea if TLL has more of these games in the works - but if they do I'll definitely play 'em all. A relaxing, beautiful and surprisingly challenging game.
I recommend this game!
Find and collect adorable critters as you visit incredible places all over the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Another big hit from Boomzap/Tiny Little Lion!
PostedSeptember 20, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Over the past six months I've played through many hidden object games from Tiny Little Lion. They do put out good games and this one is no exception. The hidden object scenes are both colorful and challenging, especially with the added complexity of finding 16 critters and three morphing butterfly-shapes per round. You will be very busy during these scenes. I found the best way to get a gold star is to locate all 16 critters and hopefully the three morphing butterflies during the first run-through. Then, when you're less distracted b/c you found all of those items, play through those two scenes again once or twice to find all of the hidden objects from the list in "good time." I will say one area in which Tiny Little Lion games could be improved upon is their mini games. Or maybe I've just played too many of them - at any rate, I'll admit I've grown a bit bored with Spot The Difference and "photo assembly" puzzles. Every time I see a Spot The Difference I'm like, ugh not another one of those. At least they did add in memory which is one I really like, and another one which is similar to a clutter-hunt (for lack of a better name) with a ton of different small objects where you are instructed to find for example, 7 gifts, 10 balls etc. - I like those okay, too. Anyway, your mileage may vary on the mini games but overall this is another well produced classic HOG with professional level relaxing acoustic guitar music (my favorite type of soundtrack!) Recommended game for all ages and skill levels.
I recommend this game!