skullfun's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:11,503
- Reviews Submitted:649
- First Review:February 24, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Track down a vampire hiding on a Mississippi riverboat cruise.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
A Fang-tastic thriller from the experts!!!
PostedOctober 29, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
For those of you who play a lot of HOPA games you already know that EIPIX is one of the top developers in the genre and their graphics are hard to beat. In Black Rose we have those wonderful, albeit sometimes dark, crisp and colorful graphics. Coupled with the excellent lip-synced voiceovers and soundtrack we have a game that is sure to please many of you out there in BFG game land.
The tools in the game consist of an integrated map, a Vampire Hunters Guide and a Vial of Light that we acquire shortly into the game. It looks like some of the game developers seem to have heard you shout, loud and clear, that you are tired of the cute and furry pet helpers or helpers in general because I don’t see one lurking around in Black Rose.
What I love about this developer are the great interactive various types of HOPs and for some reason IMHO, they seem better than ever in Black Rose. Questions are asked in order to find hidden objects too. At some point I generally groan when I encounter too many interactive HOPs but EIPIX knows how to do them just right since many of them contain puzzles as well as the items to find. I really enjoy the puzzles I have encountered which seem to be multi-tiered and contain a bit more challenge that has been present in recent games. As of late, puzzles have been laughably easy and almost mindless in their presentation but finally I can put my brain to work.
Myths of the World 5 is loaded with extras and, IMHO, worthy of being labeled as a CE. Throughout the game we will find morphing objects and two different types of collectibles and not all of them easy to find. Among the extras we will find a bubble-shooter game, puzzles, souvenir box, HOPs, the bonus game, strategy guide, pictures, movies and something I like – the making of section. All in all we have a game that deserves the CE label.
The tools in the game consist of an integrated map, a Vampire Hunters Guide and a Vial of Light that we acquire shortly into the game. It looks like some of the game developers seem to have heard you shout, loud and clear, that you are tired of the cute and furry pet helpers or helpers in general because I don’t see one lurking around in Black Rose.
What I love about this developer are the great interactive various types of HOPs and for some reason IMHO, they seem better than ever in Black Rose. Questions are asked in order to find hidden objects too. At some point I generally groan when I encounter too many interactive HOPs but EIPIX knows how to do them just right since many of them contain puzzles as well as the items to find. I really enjoy the puzzles I have encountered which seem to be multi-tiered and contain a bit more challenge that has been present in recent games. As of late, puzzles have been laughably easy and almost mindless in their presentation but finally I can put my brain to work.
Myths of the World 5 is loaded with extras and, IMHO, worthy of being labeled as a CE. Throughout the game we will find morphing objects and two different types of collectibles and not all of them easy to find. Among the extras we will find a bubble-shooter game, puzzles, souvenir box, HOPs, the bonus game, strategy guide, pictures, movies and something I like – the making of section. All in all we have a game that deserves the CE label.
Most Vampire themed adventures are sometimes flawed, but this is one of the few that I think is extremely good. I found that when the demo ended I wanted to continue playing and have not been disappointed that I purchased the CE version. In fact, I had to tear myself away from the game to write this review so that I could get back to playing. I know that I have several hours of fun and challenge ahead with Black Rose. However, I recommend that you demo the game before purchase.
I recommend this game!
You are the key to solving a chilling supernatural mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
Another thrilling Horror adventure in the series!!!
PostedOctober 26, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hotel Berkley is haunted, though I don't know what you'd expect from a place with more menacing statuary than rooms and peeling wallpaper, exposed wiring, and spiderwebs abound. While the guests have been fleeing in fear from apparitions and nightmares, including one woman whose husband is trapped inside when she bravely runs off to leave him to fend off the green ghostly stink fog himself, the hotel owner seems more mildly annoyed by it than anything else. Luckily, she's called you in, a journalist who knows that a leaf blower is the best answer to unruly spooks, and your uncanny ability to notice that the really obvious mechanisms around you might be worth fiddling with. Elefun Games' hidden-object adventure Fear for Sale: The 13 Keys might be more unintentionally funny than freaky as its characters react in really put-upon ways to the cosmic horrors after them, but is still a fun romp for fans of campy horror. As you soon discover, there's a reason for all the passive-aggressive haunting going on, and maybe that whiny hotel keeper knows a bit more than she's letting on. Maybe a good night's sleep will shed some light on things? Either that or pull you into a series of bizarre, distorted nightmares through the machinations of some creepy "hey gurl" looking specter who peeps in through windows at you wearing a top hat. Whichever.
This is your standard point-and-click puzzle/hidden-object hybrid, with a few variations to the way the latter is presented to keep it from turning into a simple list-and-scavenger-hunt. There are a lot of minor objects to collect for achievements if that's your bag, and Though the game has the sort of weirdo "why would this item be here of all places" point-and-click object useage, it actually feels a little less egregious here, simply because within the context of the plot you can accept a poltergeist mucking around to lead you to clues about the story. However, it really can't be overstated how much the attitude of some of the characters hampers the atmosphere by making the game funny. When the hotel owner is rebuked from opening the door trapping her guest by a mysterious, menacing green fog, she clucks her tongue and makes the same sort of mildly disappointed, sort of annoyed sound I do when I realize I forgot to buy coffee creamer. It's a little disappointing because the game is trying to be spooky, and winds up coming across as, well, spoopy instead due to inconsistent tone.
Oddly enough, however, that winds up being part of the game's charm. The over-the-top weirdness gives it a great sense of character more straight-laced games often lack, and there's enough variety to the story and the puzzles you'll encounter to keep things interesting. It might be a little on the easy side for most players, though even if you find yourself zipping through the puzzles it's of a satisfying enough length to make for an evening's play. The story actually makes for the best parts of the game, largely due to the way it feels like a classic Tales from the Crypt episode with its themes of desperate deals and opportunistic entities, and its flamboyant area design makes for exploring a lot of fun. While Fear for Sale: The 13 Keys might not have the complexity to make it unforgettable, it has a genuine feeling of energy in its concept and design that's compelling all on its own, and is something fans of more fantastical than genuinely ghoulish horror should definitely check out.
This is your standard point-and-click puzzle/hidden-object hybrid, with a few variations to the way the latter is presented to keep it from turning into a simple list-and-scavenger-hunt. There are a lot of minor objects to collect for achievements if that's your bag, and Though the game has the sort of weirdo "why would this item be here of all places" point-and-click object useage, it actually feels a little less egregious here, simply because within the context of the plot you can accept a poltergeist mucking around to lead you to clues about the story. However, it really can't be overstated how much the attitude of some of the characters hampers the atmosphere by making the game funny. When the hotel owner is rebuked from opening the door trapping her guest by a mysterious, menacing green fog, she clucks her tongue and makes the same sort of mildly disappointed, sort of annoyed sound I do when I realize I forgot to buy coffee creamer. It's a little disappointing because the game is trying to be spooky, and winds up coming across as, well, spoopy instead due to inconsistent tone.
Oddly enough, however, that winds up being part of the game's charm. The over-the-top weirdness gives it a great sense of character more straight-laced games often lack, and there's enough variety to the story and the puzzles you'll encounter to keep things interesting. It might be a little on the easy side for most players, though even if you find yourself zipping through the puzzles it's of a satisfying enough length to make for an evening's play. The story actually makes for the best parts of the game, largely due to the way it feels like a classic Tales from the Crypt episode with its themes of desperate deals and opportunistic entities, and its flamboyant area design makes for exploring a lot of fun. While Fear for Sale: The 13 Keys might not have the complexity to make it unforgettable, it has a genuine feeling of energy in its concept and design that's compelling all on its own, and is something fans of more fantastical than genuinely ghoulish horror should definitely check out.
I recommend this game!
Death needs help from the only detective he trusts – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 17 found this review helpful
Riddles of Fate where Death vs. Chaos!!!
PostedOctober 19, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Death may be big and scary, but he also stinks at his job. There's a delicate balance between life and death, he tells you, and souls must die in order for the new ones to be born. Which, y'know, makes it sort of a big deal when a bunch of wicked souls decided to run from him rather than to go gently into that good night. Death claims he's afraid of accidentally punishing an innocent soul, so he needs your help as an expert detective to trot around the world and root out those who have gone to extremes to literally cheat Death. Not that that's apparently hard to do if running away takes you beyond the reach of his immortal powers. Using his magic ball (stop that snickering), you'll travel to different places around the world, each acting as its own contained story revolving around a different wayward soul. Periodically you'll also need to return to your home to make use of your tools to copy keys, decrypt writing, or develop photographs and so forth, but the bulk of your work is in solve puzzles, hidden-object scenes, and identifying suspects on the ground. The farther you go, the more it becomes apparent someone is actively meddling in Death's business, and yours.
Though it doesn't sport a customiseable difficulty like most casual adventures these days, Riddles of Fate: Memento Mori does just about everything else you'd expect and delivers a rock solid performance in the process. The way the game leaps around the world provides you with not only different settings, but different stories. They're all interconnected, of course, and on the short side, but each location represents a new cast and tale that keeps the game fresh as you play while moving the central plot along. Despite characters looking really, really creepy when their mouths animate to speak, Memento Mori's design is absolutely gorgeous, even down to the ornate User Interface. Though every location is dark, probably because Death's overly elaborate Yoshitaka Amano-esque design would look laughably out of place in a sunny, cheerful park, the attention to detail in every environment and the use of rich colours makes this one easy on the eyes in a big way.
The downside to all this is that Memento Mori just isn't much of a challenge. Splitting the game up into three separate, contained locations means that you're always going back and forth in very small, isolated areas, never really giving you much of a chance to get stuck or the puzzles a chance to get more elaborate. The balance between good old fashioned point-and-click adventuring and hidden-object scenes is very well handled, with the latter having just enough variety in the way they're presented to make them stand out. Despite the promise of world travel, it's still only a game that's probably going to take most players a few hours to complete, which is a shame since its premise is such a darned cool one. Having to return to your home and use your Detective-sy implements to decipher writing or develop photographs is a nice touch, and the supernatural themes means you get your share of magical doo-dads to fiddle with. Take that, Harry Dresden. Riddles of Fate: Memento Mori is still as beautiful and clever as you'd expect an Elephant Games title to be, even if it may not develop enough teeth in the complexity department for some players, and if you want something kitschy and cool rather than creepy to sink down and relax with for an evening, you'll definitely want to try the demo at the very least.
I recommend this game!
Warriors of darkness have just attacked your people. Now you alone can defeat them and save your fellow Healers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 48 found this review helpful
Is this the end of this epic game series???
PostedOctober 18, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Echoes of the Past 6: Wolf Healer Collector’s Edition Game, different from the previous series and it begins from the disaster! Castle of the glorious order of Healers, protectors of the fabled kingdom during many centuries, destroyed completely by the army of darkness, sent by their evil queen! They arrived onto flying winged beasts and healers didn’t manage to stop the attacking warriors. Now only you, using your unique talent to turn into the big wolf, and helping last survived Healer Mira, must find a way to undo the damage and defeat the army of darkness before it will spread all over the kingdom, wreaking havoc and destruction! Be ready to the hard battles – your enemies using fire magic and ready to do everything to stop you! Tons of adventure, puzzles, and unique HOS must be used to find their weak spot and defeat army of darkness in this Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure! This maybe the last in the series since it stands alone and doesn't remotely resemble any of the other Echoes of the Past games. I really enjoyed this gem!
I recommend this game!
Every second counts in this breathtaking paranormal adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Paranormal pursuit is Pure Adventure...
PostedOctober 17, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
People usually afraid of something they can’t understand, something they can’t see or touch and especially – of someone who can do something invisible what they can’t understand. That is why everyone but you in Paranormal Pursuit: The Gifted One Collector’s Edition PC Game are so afraid of one little boy. He has great power – telekinesis, time-blending and many more, and in the result his friends are afraid of him, father threw him away from home forever, scientists wish to disassemble him to find out, how he works and corrupted politician wishes to use his powers to rob the banks and destroy his political opponents. You’re the boy’s only hope in this Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game, but it’s hard to save someone when all in your mind shows you that with this boy you’re doomed as well! But be brave, escape from the pursuers and avoid their traps, download Paranormal Pursuit and prove that nothing is impossible! I really recommend this game!!!
I recommend this game!
Someone – or something – is stealing the children of Blake’s Mountain!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Another installment of League of Light deserves Editor's choice!
PostedOctober 13, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wicked Harvest is not for kid's, or if you're the sort of person bothered by logical inconsistencies in gaming. Why is there rope for one half of a life-saving escape sewn into that seat cushion? Why is there a magnet on a rope in that bag of wheat? Did the person who put it there somehow know I would drop a metal screw down into a crevice? Why is a rug locked away in a chest, part of whose key is hidden inside an elaborate puzzle mechanism in the town wall? Why is the only person in this Irish town with an accent a Romanian gypsy whose son has no accent at all? What is happening? But then you put your cursor over your little scarecrowolantern pal and he reaches his widdle arms up at you and you forget all about that. Despite having a mountainous amount of backtracking and an overcomplicated escape from a burning building that should be accompanied by the wah-wah-waaah trumpet at intervals, most of Wicked Harvest is made up of fun, engaging puzzles with nice twists, like a wonderfully creepy game of hangman played with an Ouija board. The UI feels a little clunky, with a narrow inventory window that can lead to a lot of scrolling and accidental misclicks, but the story and characters more than make up for it.
League of Light: Wicked HarvestWhile all hidden-object adventures have a story, most of the time it's just sort of there, but Wicked Harvest manages to build a narrative that gets more complex the more you play. Aside from its endearing sidekick, who might have single-handedly reversed my sourpuss opinion on the cute sidekick trend in these games, the story has a sympathetic villain and a lot of exciting cutscenes, along with some great comic-style illustrated sequences that help provide the backstory. The downside is that, as mentioned, the sheer amount of back-and-forthery the game shamelessly indulges in bogs things down a great deal, so progress is a series of fits and starts. Though it takes a while to really get going, however, this is one of those games that just gets better the more you play. It's beautifully illustrated (though filled with an odd assortment of styles from CGI to classic pen and ink) and well voice acted, making it easy on the eyes and on the ears. Wicked Harvest is just creepy enough but blends more fantasy and folklore into its story and setting than anything else, making for a hidden-object adventure with charm and character to spare. The bonus chapter reveals more of the story concerning the Scarecrow henchman with closure of the entire adventure. I highly recommend this one!
I recommend this game!
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
10 stars, the quality and production value alone sets new record!!!
PostedOctober 8, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's hard to think of a casual adventure I've enjoyed as much as Dark Realm: Queen of Flames. When you review games you never really completely turn off that little part of your brain that nitpicks everything, even when you're just playing for fun. Turns out apparently all I needed was a dragon smashing its way through my inventory, magic boots, fire feet, and total destruction of a city as an opening sequence. Queen of Flames is one of those games that just manages to hit all your buttons when you're looking for a good time. It's big at around four or more hours long for the average play, it's gorgeous with beautifully illustrated characters and environments, and it's packed with puzzles, mini-games, and cutscenes galore. Admittedly, there are times when the game might lean a bit too hard on gimmicks over actual thinky puzzles, such as repeatedly having you time clicks to hit a certain section of a circle to succeed at acts of skill throughout the game, but there's just so much going on it's hard to really mind. Backtracking exists but is happily kept to a minimum, and the game moves you to new locations often enough that it always keeps your interest.
The story here isn't breaking any new ground, and chances are if you've even breathed on a fantasy book in your life you'll figure out the plot within the first half hour, but it's all presented so well it's engaging regardless. Some dodgy accents aside, the game is extremely well acted, with cutscenes that not only add to the story but also to excitement and menace when necessary. The various magical abilities you get in the form of your amulet and booties are a nice touch and add to the overall field of the world in a very "heroine's journey" sort of way, though they're never really used beyond story sequences in a way that impacts the game or requires any thought. In that same vein, the overall difficulty here is sort of on the shallow end, though the way the hidden-object scenes are spread out and you use several items multiple times goes far to win some points. While there are times when Dark Realm: Queen of Flames feels like it could have gained some real teeth like its dragons, ultimately it never really slows down enough for it to become an issue, and as a result, it delivers a very classic fantasy themed adventure that should satisfy just about anyone looking for something well made and engrossing. Highly recommended !!!
I recommend this game!
People have been disappearing in the town of Ridleton for the past 15 years... Can you weather the storm and solve the case?
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 28 found this review helpful
I couldn't stop playing, it was that fantastic!!!
PostedOctober 6, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Fifteen years ago in Whispered Secrets 3: Into the Wind Collector's Edition a terrible thing had happened in the family of Ridleton – his daughter fell ill and soon she will be dead! After all hope on local doctor was lost, blacksmith begged for help; anyone who could possibly help his only child… and he was heared! Forces of darkness, morbid Vaal made a pact with the blacksmith, Vaal saved his daughter but in exchange blacksmith made some work for the evil… and consequences were terrifying! Since then people are going missing in Ridleton, one after another, and now you were sent there to stop this madness!
In this rattling Collector's Edition game you will find enjoyment with the enchanting finish during playing through loads of entangled peaceful locations, solving tons of different clandestine issues. Whispered Secrets 3: Into the Wind game looks and sounds fantastic.
Into the Wind Collector's Edition game consist of awesome top class drawing, whizzbang script with larky unthought-of mind-breakers, connected to the storyline and more than enough enigmatical multiple obstacles. Whispered Secrets 3: Into the Wind Collector's Edition game will become a real jollification for all worshippers of Adventure genre. Download Whispered Secrets 3 and you will be able to get into the very good reality of whizbang treat! Thank you Grandma studio and Bigfish. xoxo
I recommend this game!
Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land Collector's Edition
Your magical powers have finally awakened. Now you have the strength to free your mother from the Shadow Realm!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Shrouded Tales blew my mind, leaving me spellbound!
PostedOctober 4, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This epic adventure has managed to captivate me from the start to the end. While the story of a lost mother in a magical fantasy land might not sound so intriguing, the way the story develops in this particular game is pretty interesting. By restoring and repairing the altars, the game allows you to switch between the real world and the Shadow Realm. Basically, there are two parallel worlds where actions in one world can affect the elements in the other.
Apart from the realm-switching feature, Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land also includes some nice twists. The six different magical spells, for instance, they can be earned once you have collected all the missing colored glowing collectibles - they are extremely helpful during your adventure and you tend to seek their accompany very often. Also, the interactive map is beautifully designed and the hidden object scenes come with superb interface.
In terms of the visuals and audio, Shrouded Tales is second to none. With its eye-catching artwork, enchanting special effects and spectacular sights; there was not a single moment of boredom when we were playing the game. The soundtracks are also very satisfying, they do not feel out of place or repetitive; at the same time, the voice overs are solid and easy to follow.
In contrast to all those positive aspects, Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land is definitely not the game for those who seek for some challenges. The gameplay in Shrouded Tales is most of the time, straightforward; although it is a very busy game with lots to do, the tasks are very demanding. Moreover, the puzzles are unique, very fun and creative.
No matter how easy the game might appear to you, let me assure you that Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land is not a short game. I completed the game in just a tiny bit over 8 hours, with an hour or so in the Bonus Chapter. Along with the predictable extras, the Collector's Edition also consists of several cool features such as the Lost Pages that are humorous to read and the Final Quiz which is a smart addition.
This is indeed a spellbound game; from out-of-this-world visuals to a delightful gameplay, this game has it all. We have definitely enjoyed our time casting spells in Havenwick and cannot wait to return for some more goodness in the sequel!
I recommend this game!
Prove the innocence of a young queen before she is put to death for a crime she didn't commit!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Grim Legends 2 is nothing to sing about...
PostedOctober 2, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Artifex Mundi makes fantastic games and I have played all of them. This is the sequel to "The Forsaken Bride". Others have reviewed most all of the aspects of this HOPA. It pains me to give only three stars, but this adventure didn't measure up to the first one. I agree with other's about the bonus game. Demo this one to see if it's your game.
I don't recommend this game.