auntbets's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:43
- Reviews Submitted:8
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 29, 2020
- Featured reviews0
auntbets's Review History
A serial killer has resurfaced, and he’s calling you out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Much better than the review average!
PostedSeptember 29, 2020
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
I didn't immediately try this one because the aggregate review score was 3.5 or so. But when I hated the much higher rated Elf game, I decided maybe I should go with my gut. So glad I did. Interesting mini games, varied versions of HO scenes, some original uses of objects and a decent (and thankfully elf-free) plot. The bonus game gave us an entirely new story. Best HO game I've played in quite a while.
I recommend this game!
A visit to Manchester Asylum takes a dangerous turn into madness!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 21 found this review helpful
Not MCF but a very good game
PostedDecember 14, 2019
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've given up hoping for a return to the wonderful MCF feel --- but I have to say that this game, for me, was a lot of fun with good challenges. The artwork is terrific, there is a wonderful lack of fairies and other twee characters, and the few characters there are don't delay you with long dialogues or frequent appearances.
I found several of the puzzles challenging and the HO scenes fair. My one complaint is that the morphing objects were all the same type - easy to find after you realized this.
I would give this series another chance -- not for MCF, but for solid construction and straight-ahead gameplay.
What lies within the depths of the pitch-black mirror?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Whatever this is, it ISN'T MCF
PostedDecember 1, 2018
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I played the preview and didn't get one single sense of this being a MCF game. It's simply a puzzle-heavy "scary" tale.
I thought the puzzles had a range: from pretty easy to utterly incomprehensible. The dominoes puzzle made no sense to me even after I solved it with random movies. I liked some of the puzzle challenges, but there are plenty of other games where I can get those, have a better story, and avoid the sadness that comes with the decimation of the MCF brand.
Can you keep the past from destroying the present?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
A fun, nostalgic treat
PostedJune 25, 2018
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I played the original Huntsville when MCF wasn't a known brand -- and I've been disappointed with the changes and overall decline in the series. My last pure enjoyment was Fate's Carnival and though I thought Broken Hour was a good game, it wasn't MCF.
But I really enjoyed this. There were thoughtful nods to older games, like the "map" screen which was straight out of Huntsville. The characters were obviously drawn by different artists, but there was familiarity to them. The HO scenes were easier than many games, but -- like Huntsville -- the idea was to get faster and faster each time you returned to a room. The puzzle doors weren't as elaborate or difficult, but there were more of them. I'm ready to play again for a faster time.
I'm less discouraged about the series than I was before this game. To the developers, I say, "This is a turn in the right direction (back to the original!). Keep this up."
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 9 found this review helpful
Content-heavy, gorgeous game
PostedNovember 26, 2016
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
(This review is based on the CE. I play with custom difficulty -- no sparkles, no hints/skips, map !'s only.)
It was tough to make the transition when EIPIX took over the MCF series, and I still miss some of the old sensibilities. But this game has many of the things I value: clear, appropriately sized objects in the HO scenes, the fabulous door puzzles, and great sounds and scenery. It's a bit talky at first, but once you've met the characters, there is a ton of content. Even without the bonus game, I felt it was worth the cost -- and that's unusual these days. It was fun to have a new storyline, too.
I recommend this game!
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Puzzle Lovers Unite!
PostedOctober 26, 2016
auntbets
fromRochester NY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I never submit reviews, but having seen some lower starred reviews due to complex puzzles that slow down the story...well, I had to provide an alternative viewpoint. I am *loving* this incarnation of the MCF series. I *want* more complicated puzzles and this one has multilayered challenges everywhere; from hidden items and mini-challenges in the HO scenes to the fantastic "door" locks that have been so great in past MCFs. I also appreciate the variation in when inventory items are used: some immediately, some several scenes later. This is not just a routine HO game -- it has kept my interest and challenged me. More like this, please!!
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Different but Excellent
PostedNovember 28, 2014
auntbets
MCF games have changed since Elephant Games took over, but I admire that they have tried to keep many elements intact, including storylines. This CE is full of content and the full-screen puzzles were fiendish, as usual -- a good thing!
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Challenging, Creative and Creepy
PostedNovember 27, 2011
auntbets
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Kudos to MCF for trying something new in every game. The substitution of morphing objects for standard HO scenes may not please everyone, but it's a sign that the MCF team is willing to take risks. I'm all for it.
This game is very dark -- and while the warnings of some other games have been unnecessary, the warnings for this one? On target. This is a casual game that actually takes the player to some uncomfortable emotional places -- and I don't expect to see that depth in this genre.
As usual, the quality, humor, and creativity are top-notch. I'm particularly pleased with the integration of the Collectors' Edition challenges into the game, rather than as an add-on scene or two.
The backstory references -- some unexpected -- are terrific, and just add to the overall quality experience.
My sole complaint is the lack of an achievements section and/or a section of the strategy guide devoted to the diary extras -- because I'm stymied! :-)
THANK YOU, MCF & BFG! Great Thanksgiving fun as always.
I recommend this game!