ninja226's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:1,277
- Reviews Submitted:359
- First Review:July 23, 2016
- Most Recent Review:April 26, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Follow trails, uncover secrets in hidden object scenes, and solve various puzzles on your quest to break the curse of the Willmore clan!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A better game than ratings would imply, well worth a try
PostedJuly 5, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bumped up my 4-star rating to offset the very negative reviews, which I don't believe are deserved. I played this game to the end and had a thoroughly good time.
1- it's old school, but not that old school. Games where you have to download Direct X is old school, and Direct X is not used.
2- yes, you have to click and drag items from inventory for action to take place, but what's the big deal? A little wrist exercise never killed anyone.
3- yes, there are big arrows that allow the scene to be extended north, south, east or west, but they only appear when you move your cursor toward edges of the screen, as a HINT there's more to just the scene in front.
4- yes, there are no voiceovers. You have to read dialogue. So what? when there are VOs, some people complain about the voice actors or they have it on mute. This allows you to read at leisure and there is a Skip button if you absolutely can't take it.
5- there is a teleport map (upper left corner, green compass icon)
6- there is a diary comprised of notes or evidence picked up during the game in the journey. Sometimes they provide the answer to a puzzle, most of the time they provide background for the plot.
7- there are 3 modes of play (easy, medium, hard). Hint & skip are allowed in all modes, just interval of hint & skip varies. I like that. However, no BFG blog walkthrough.
8- the loading screen page has a tab that explains how to play the game (10 screens, easy to go through and quick)
9- there are EXTRAS normally included with CE versions only. There are 57 butterflies to collect, 1 in just about every new scene. They are pretty easy to spot at 1st, and get harder towards the end. Butterflies collected go in a watercolor painting album accessed with loading screen under "Extras". I didn't spot all butterflies, so cannot report what the extra bonus is.
10- HO scenes are replayable at completion of game.
11- the best part of the game is the artwork, which is sharp, clear, and high def. It's a bit like reading a Jane Austen novel, if Jane Austen wrote mysteries. You wander through a library, dining room, observatory, garden, bedroom, armory, kitchen, all of them beautifully decorated (even when shabby and dark) and feels like what wealthy landowners in Victorian England really lived like.
12- HOS scenes are standard variety, but some items are hard to spot, for challenge
13- mini puzzles are mostly easy, but I did have to skip a couple because I didn't have the patience to keep trying
14- the game does have animation, but not the disco ball throbbing light explosion seen in more recent games, but honestly, the story takes place in 1850s England so it would be out of place, timewise.
I found not having voiceovers less distracting, and I could go through the game at my own pace, breathe in the ambience and enjoy the artwork with some mystery thrown in for good measure.
The plot is coherent, with just a bit of fantasy, and predictable, but nevertheless, not too farfetched.
So, I say download the demo and try for yourself. I own a few bum games in my BFG library, but this game isn't one of them.
1- it's old school, but not that old school. Games where you have to download Direct X is old school, and Direct X is not used.
2- yes, you have to click and drag items from inventory for action to take place, but what's the big deal? A little wrist exercise never killed anyone.
3- yes, there are big arrows that allow the scene to be extended north, south, east or west, but they only appear when you move your cursor toward edges of the screen, as a HINT there's more to just the scene in front.
4- yes, there are no voiceovers. You have to read dialogue. So what? when there are VOs, some people complain about the voice actors or they have it on mute. This allows you to read at leisure and there is a Skip button if you absolutely can't take it.
5- there is a teleport map (upper left corner, green compass icon)
6- there is a diary comprised of notes or evidence picked up during the game in the journey. Sometimes they provide the answer to a puzzle, most of the time they provide background for the plot.
7- there are 3 modes of play (easy, medium, hard). Hint & skip are allowed in all modes, just interval of hint & skip varies. I like that. However, no BFG blog walkthrough.
8- the loading screen page has a tab that explains how to play the game (10 screens, easy to go through and quick)
9- there are EXTRAS normally included with CE versions only. There are 57 butterflies to collect, 1 in just about every new scene. They are pretty easy to spot at 1st, and get harder towards the end. Butterflies collected go in a watercolor painting album accessed with loading screen under "Extras". I didn't spot all butterflies, so cannot report what the extra bonus is.
10- HO scenes are replayable at completion of game.
11- the best part of the game is the artwork, which is sharp, clear, and high def. It's a bit like reading a Jane Austen novel, if Jane Austen wrote mysteries. You wander through a library, dining room, observatory, garden, bedroom, armory, kitchen, all of them beautifully decorated (even when shabby and dark) and feels like what wealthy landowners in Victorian England really lived like.
12- HOS scenes are standard variety, but some items are hard to spot, for challenge
13- mini puzzles are mostly easy, but I did have to skip a couple because I didn't have the patience to keep trying
14- the game does have animation, but not the disco ball throbbing light explosion seen in more recent games, but honestly, the story takes place in 1850s England so it would be out of place, timewise.
I found not having voiceovers less distracting, and I could go through the game at my own pace, breathe in the ambience and enjoy the artwork with some mystery thrown in for good measure.
The plot is coherent, with just a bit of fantasy, and predictable, but nevertheless, not too farfetched.
So, I say download the demo and try for yourself. I own a few bum games in my BFG library, but this game isn't one of them.
I recommend this game!
It's up to you to rescue your friend and discover what the dark forces are after!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A weird mix of dragons and Native American shamans, but still enjoyable
PostedJuly 4, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
It starts off as a detective story with the protagonist getting a call from her sister about the discovery of a Buried Kingdom to witnessing her sister being abducted and falling into a time warp that transports her to the Buried Kingdom where dragons live but gets guidance from Native American shamans? I never knew Native Americans mixed it up with dragons.
If you can put aside reality, this game is pretty good. The graphics are for the most part beautiful and pleasing to the eye, except the characters look computer generated and clunky.
It's quite a long game that bogs down in the middle, but gets better towards the end, with a storybook happy ending.
This is a game that could be better in so many ways, but the developers appear to have gotten their myths and legends mixed up for strange combinations that are just not believable.
If you can put aside reality, this game is pretty good. The graphics are for the most part beautiful and pleasing to the eye, except the characters look computer generated and clunky.
It's quite a long game that bogs down in the middle, but gets better towards the end, with a storybook happy ending.
This is a game that could be better in so many ways, but the developers appear to have gotten their myths and legends mixed up for strange combinations that are just not believable.
I recommend this game!
Can you find your long-lost brother in time?!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Foggy Mansion Psycho
PostedJuly 4, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The story reminds me a lot of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho", but the violence is hinted at and not explicit, and there is no shower scene.
The setting is a mansion with thick fog surroundings, but the images are sharp and crisp. It's foreboding, but there are flowers here and there and the house interiors are awash in affluence to offset the otherwise sinister mansion occupants.
The real kick is the villain, who is not revealed until the end, and a surprising twist to the lead up.
The characters are well drawn with good voiceovers. It's movie worthy and movie quality.
HOS are not too plentiful, but varied and challenging at times. This game is definitely for fishies who like a challenge, as the mini games range from reasonable to tear your hair out hard, unless you're a genius or a computer that can try 100 variations to find the solution. Some of the actions to take aren't always logical, as a deliberate attempt to make the game more challenging.
Some of the mini games lack a RESET button, which I found plain annoying. Some games had a reset button, some didn't. ?????The ones lacking a reset button were the same ones that made me tear my hair out.
Overall, I would have enjoyed the game more if the mini puzzles weren't so hard, but all in all, a well developed story with excellent graphics makes this a game you can revisit without getting bored.
The setting is a mansion with thick fog surroundings, but the images are sharp and crisp. It's foreboding, but there are flowers here and there and the house interiors are awash in affluence to offset the otherwise sinister mansion occupants.
The real kick is the villain, who is not revealed until the end, and a surprising twist to the lead up.
The characters are well drawn with good voiceovers. It's movie worthy and movie quality.
HOS are not too plentiful, but varied and challenging at times. This game is definitely for fishies who like a challenge, as the mini games range from reasonable to tear your hair out hard, unless you're a genius or a computer that can try 100 variations to find the solution. Some of the actions to take aren't always logical, as a deliberate attempt to make the game more challenging.
Some of the mini games lack a RESET button, which I found plain annoying. Some games had a reset button, some didn't. ?????The ones lacking a reset button were the same ones that made me tear my hair out.
Overall, I would have enjoyed the game more if the mini puzzles weren't so hard, but all in all, a well developed story with excellent graphics makes this a game you can revisit without getting bored.
I recommend this game!
While visiting your uncle, you stumble upon a curious case. Men are vanishing, reappearing dead days later. Who killed them?
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Pretty decent game
PostedJune 26, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game seems several years old, but doesn't seem "old" because the graphics are high def, sharp, crisp and clear.
The voiceovers don't sync with the actors' mouth movements and the actors themselves look amateur and don't blend in well to the artwork.
I had a pretty good time with the game, but towards the end the mini puzzles got too hard and frustrating to solve, so I was more impatient to solve in order to be done with the game rather than excited about what would happen next.
The story itself is not plausible, but it's quite a long game to play, so if you're looking for value in terms of length of play, this game fits the bill.
The voiceovers don't sync with the actors' mouth movements and the actors themselves look amateur and don't blend in well to the artwork.
I had a pretty good time with the game, but towards the end the mini puzzles got too hard and frustrating to solve, so I was more impatient to solve in order to be done with the game rather than excited about what would happen next.
The story itself is not plausible, but it's quite a long game to play, so if you're looking for value in terms of length of play, this game fits the bill.
I recommend this game!
What mysteries are hiding in your family's history?
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
Highlander meets Groundhog Day
PostedJune 26, 2017
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The artwork for this game is gorgeous. Has good special effects and voiceovers. The background music is a jaunty Scottish jig. The story reminds me a lot of the Highlander movies popular in the 1990s.
No doubt some will complain the mini games are "too easy", but I found them to have just the right amount of challenge, without driving you crazy. The story moves at a good clip and the experienced Fishie will quickly walk through all the steps needed to save the princess and restore peace and harmony to the kingdom.
I didn't want the game to end and found the ending very abrupt, but with a happy ending.
This is my 1st exposure to this series and will be looking for other titles in the series to explore. Loved this one, though.
No doubt some will complain the mini games are "too easy", but I found them to have just the right amount of challenge, without driving you crazy. The story moves at a good clip and the experienced Fishie will quickly walk through all the steps needed to save the princess and restore peace and harmony to the kingdom.
I didn't want the game to end and found the ending very abrupt, but with a happy ending.
This is my 1st exposure to this series and will be looking for other titles in the series to explore. Loved this one, though.
I recommend this game!
The real Bloody Stanley was caught, or so they thought...
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Good story, but violent with abrupt ending
PostedJune 23, 2017
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
My only complaint about this game is it's about a killer who murders in a violent, gruesome manner. Not my cup of tea. I don't think it would be suitable for younger players.
The suspense and build-up is skilfully done, but ending is abrupt, as a segue to the bonus chapter.
The mini games can be played easy (Casual) or Hard, and they are hard, unless you're a genius I guess. Some of the puzzles I found difficult to solve because the instructions and/or the set up is just so weird or non-intuitive.
This is one installment in the series I did not really like. I like mystery, but not violent mystery.
The suspense and build-up is skilfully done, but ending is abrupt, as a segue to the bonus chapter.
The mini games can be played easy (Casual) or Hard, and they are hard, unless you're a genius I guess. Some of the puzzles I found difficult to solve because the instructions and/or the set up is just so weird or non-intuitive.
This is one installment in the series I did not really like. I like mystery, but not violent mystery.
I don't recommend this game.
Grim Facade: The Red Cat
When the Red Cat is upon your door, you're next!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another great one for the series
PostedJune 17, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love the artwork the devs have done for the series. The HOS are varied, even challenging in spots, for those who find these boring. There are more puzzles than hOS, and several are quite challenging. The ending for the SE ends abruptly as a set up for the bonus chapter, and is a bit of a surprise.
This game has a lot to offer and is enjoyable to play.
This game has a lot to offer and is enjoyable to play.
I recommend this game!
Dark shadows are rising, the spirits are restless and Lord Strix is back! Travel to his hidden lair and defeat him once and for all—but hurry; he grows stronger by the minute!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Umberto! Umberto! where are you?
PostedJune 17, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is definitely a different take on the traditional HO game. Yes, there are no HO junk pile scene and no teleport map, but you are searching for inventory items throughout the game, so...it is hidden object of sorts. There are collectible stone dragons to collect throughout the game (not every scene) for an added achievement, but no additional features as far as I can tell. No blog walkthrough, but Hint and skip is allowed, even on hardest mode.
Voiceovers and storyline are good. Artwork is somewhat rudimentary and not dazzling.
If you click on the Footprint icon (lower right), it indicates avenues of exploration for each scene, and that is very helpful in lieu of a map.
Combining items occurs in Bubble mode, ie when multiple items need to be combined at a particular location, bubbles pop out with outline of inventory item needed. This is very old school, but OK.
Only thing I did not like about the game is it is too short. I played on hardest mode and was able to finish in one evening (usually it takes me several evenings to finish one game in advanced mode).
Definitely try the demo to get a feel for the game. It's a game that people either love or hate.
Voiceovers and storyline are good. Artwork is somewhat rudimentary and not dazzling.
If you click on the Footprint icon (lower right), it indicates avenues of exploration for each scene, and that is very helpful in lieu of a map.
Combining items occurs in Bubble mode, ie when multiple items need to be combined at a particular location, bubbles pop out with outline of inventory item needed. This is very old school, but OK.
Only thing I did not like about the game is it is too short. I played on hardest mode and was able to finish in one evening (usually it takes me several evenings to finish one game in advanced mode).
Definitely try the demo to get a feel for the game. It's a game that people either love or hate.
I recommend this game!
Travel to Italy and play a variety of incredible puzzles. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Loved this game, but too short!!!!!
PostedJune 15, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I wish this game had lasted longer--10 chapters/cities to visit instead of 4. The VO is on the slow side, unnecessarily so. The storyline is beyond corny. The music is terrible (think elevator), but grew on me at the end.
Besides all those flaws, I loved the format of the game and hope the devs can improve on the start of a promising series.
You get a mix of match 3 (the only M3 game I have played in which the levels got EASIER at the end than at beginning, maybe my skills improved dramatically), jigsaw puzzles, collectible souvenirs in a suitcase, a shelf of spices, fruit salad hidden match-2, hidden object junk pile scenes, and concocting various Italian dishes. The artwork is beautiful, and like any good vacation, I wish it didn't have to end.
Besides all those flaws, I loved the format of the game and hope the devs can improve on the start of a promising series.
You get a mix of match 3 (the only M3 game I have played in which the levels got EASIER at the end than at beginning, maybe my skills improved dramatically), jigsaw puzzles, collectible souvenirs in a suitcase, a shelf of spices, fruit salad hidden match-2, hidden object junk pile scenes, and concocting various Italian dishes. The artwork is beautiful, and like any good vacation, I wish it didn't have to end.
I recommend this game!
The dastardly Pirate King is out for blood... and you're his next target!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
shiver me timbers
PostedJune 15, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm glad I stuck it out with this game. It started out really slow and not intuitive at all as to how to proceed. It got much better as you make your way onto the ship. This is a long game to play, with more puzzles than HOS, the latter being quite varied and thought provoking instead of the ho hum list of objects in every junk pile. The map I am not too crazy about (too cryptic for my taste). The artwork is good, but short of high def and therefore, not exceptional, in my book.
The story is forgettable for me, but overall game experience is above average and worth a buy.
The story is forgettable for me, but overall game experience is above average and worth a buy.
I recommend this game!