jlbenn26's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.5
- Helpful Votes:11
- Reviews Submitted:10
- First Review:January 17, 2017
- Most Recent Review:April 16, 2025
- Featured reviews0
jlbenn26's Review History
Not just a game, but a work of beautiful art!
Overall rating
5
/
5
One of the Best Games on Big Fish
PostedApril 16, 2025
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am so grateful Big Fish carries this game. If you like games like Portal, Talos Principle, The Witness, definitely check this one out. It's gorgeous, the map is HUGE, and it's not an easy game. Very special. Not the usual slop from the same old developers. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
3 Cards to Midnight
Jess Silloway has just woken up and does not remember the last few weeks. Help Jess remember the past using mystical tarot cards.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of the Best on Big Fish
PostedMarch 20, 2024
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Current Favorite:
Angelica Weaver: Catch Me When You Can Collector’s Edition
(99)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a terrific game, like an indie animated Twilight Zone-esque noir film with likeable characters, great voices, audio, and a strong script. There's almost as much dialog as an episode of an animated show, with keyword/ object association scenes between bits of dialog, and mini games between chapters.
Earn as high a score as you can by limiting misclicks and hints, and finding bonus point objects, to give yourself the best chance at winning the finale.
The word association scenes are challenging and require a strong command of the English language and American culture, I think. I really enjoyed the concept, more fun than simple hidden object, which I also enjoy.
The mini games require some effort and are fun, too, a rare offering. The game is a cut above the pack on all levels.
Please, do not listen to the reviewers who played 10 minutes of the demo and then left a 1-star review. (Boo)
Earn as high a score as you can by limiting misclicks and hints, and finding bonus point objects, to give yourself the best chance at winning the finale.
The word association scenes are challenging and require a strong command of the English language and American culture, I think. I really enjoyed the concept, more fun than simple hidden object, which I also enjoy.
The mini games require some effort and are fun, too, a rare offering. The game is a cut above the pack on all levels.
Please, do not listen to the reviewers who played 10 minutes of the demo and then left a 1-star review. (Boo)
I recommend this game!
Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst ®
The history of Ravenhearst Manor is shrouded in mystery. Unlock the secrets within this episode of Mystery Case Files™.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Got it in 2010, still playing it in 2024
PostedMarch 13, 2024
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat
(155)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Finish all the HOS in the chapter before the clock runs out, and the story will unfold as you reassemble torn-up diary pages. The clock is much more generous in this game than in Huntsville and Prime Suspects, which are the MCF games most like this one, but the challenge is the same as Huntsville (VERY challenging.) Some of the objects are very small.
Ravenhearst looks just like other early (2006, 2007) MCF games. I enjoy the visual style.
There's no inventory in this game, no clues or minigames. Just HOS and reassembling the torn diary pages. It's less like Return to Ravenhearst and more like early Hidden Expedition.
The audio is much like Return to Ravenhearst, with wind blowing, wall and floor creaks, crows cawing, crickets, the spectral voice of Emma now and then. The ambient music is ethereal, spooky, and intriguing.
If you love solid HOS and you somehow haven't played this classic yet, give the free demo a try.
Ravenhearst looks just like other early (2006, 2007) MCF games. I enjoy the visual style.
There's no inventory in this game, no clues or minigames. Just HOS and reassembling the torn diary pages. It's less like Return to Ravenhearst and more like early Hidden Expedition.
The audio is much like Return to Ravenhearst, with wind blowing, wall and floor creaks, crows cawing, crickets, the spectral voice of Emma now and then. The ambient music is ethereal, spooky, and intriguing.
If you love solid HOS and you somehow haven't played this classic yet, give the free demo a try.
Another good game like this one is the first Margrave Manor; it's similar to Ravenhearst, and nearly as challenging.
Cheers!
Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek
Find a kidnapped teenage girl and save yourself in Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek, a fun Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Challenging HOS, but No Personality
PostedFebruary 16, 2024
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
If you:
1) Enjoy challenging Hidden Object scenes,
2) do not mind a lot of backtracking and linear gameplay,
3) appreciate purple-free non-foofy graphics similar to original Phantasmat and Return to Ravenhearst,
4) can enjoy a game without achievements and other bling, 5) want to be able to play without any sparkles except HOS, and
6) don't care to play mini-games, this may be a good game for you to try.
1) Enjoy challenging Hidden Object scenes,
2) do not mind a lot of backtracking and linear gameplay,
3) appreciate purple-free non-foofy graphics similar to original Phantasmat and Return to Ravenhearst,
4) can enjoy a game without achievements and other bling, 5) want to be able to play without any sparkles except HOS, and
6) don't care to play mini-games, this may be a good game for you to try.
Sometimes I pay attention to game stories, other times I don't as much, this is typical game story plot. My biggest gripe with the game is the overall lack of good minigames. The HOS makes up for it somewhat, because they are frequent enough, above average in difficulty, and mostly non-interactive, which is my preference. But if HO isn't something you really love this game might wear you out.
It's a good sized game, but there's no characterization beyond the 'girlfriend' of the 'boyfriend' and the 'missing girl' and the other 'detective' who doesn't talk. Lame. The script has no humor, no bite, no edge. It's just kind of there.
But I'm glad I played it. The game is not a total pushover giveaway, either, I was stumped a few times.
It just wasn't any fun really, and it is slow going. The pace is slow so that over hours of total gameplay, I feel like I did only a handful of things. But it's not a bad game. I recommend giving the trial a whirl. Cheers!
It's a good sized game, but there's no characterization beyond the 'girlfriend' of the 'boyfriend' and the 'missing girl' and the other 'detective' who doesn't talk. Lame. The script has no humor, no bite, no edge. It's just kind of there.
But I'm glad I played it. The game is not a total pushover giveaway, either, I was stumped a few times.
It just wasn't any fun really, and it is slow going. The pace is slow so that over hours of total gameplay, I feel like I did only a handful of things. But it's not a bad game. I recommend giving the trial a whirl. Cheers!
I recommend this game!
Angelica Weaver: Catch Me When You Can Collector’s Edition
Be the detective: Catch the killer in the present and the past!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Case Closed
PostedJanuary 30, 2024
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've had this game for years and I play it all the time, it's that fun. The little avatar of Angelica in the corner didn't bother me, and her voice can be switched off if you'd rather just read on screen. The soundtrack is nice if you listen with music on. Other games I like are Cabinets of Dr. Arcana, Shadow Shelter, Dorian Gray, Hotel Eternity, Phantom of the Opera, 3 Cards to Midnight, Phantasmat, MCF Shadow Lake, Margrave, Beyond: Light Advent, Nevertales: Beauty Within.
If you are a virtual bird but love adventure too, this game is just for you.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Easy Breezy Fun and Terrific Music!
PostedMay 4, 2020
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter
(80)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I am new to this series and really glad I found it.
A lot of love and detail went into this pleasant and relaxing game: it is visually nearly photographic, visiting picturesque locations around the world, with some informative tidbits, too (I didn't know that cats have 3 eyelids.)
The hidden object scenes are followed by a mini-puzzle, either Mahjong, word search, find the difference, tile swap jigsaw, match 3, and the hidden object scenes also can be jumbled letter clues, clue words missing vowels, or silhouettes of the objects.
I like the variety of puzzles, and the music is much better than what we usually get lol, featuring jazz band, samba, flutes and drums, piano, and blues.
This is not a challenging game, it is perfect for adults who just want to relax, or for a child instead of watching TV.
I like the variety of puzzles, and the music is much better than what we usually get lol, featuring jazz band, samba, flutes and drums, piano, and blues.
This is not a challenging game, it is perfect for adults who just want to relax, or for a child instead of watching TV.
I recommend this game!
Mystery Legends: The Phantom of the Opera Collector's Edition
You’ve been invited to the long abandoned Paris Opera House. Find the phantom and discover the torment of this tragic hero!
Overall rating
5
/
5
One of the Best of Its Kind!!
PostedMay 2, 2020
jlbenn26
fromFlorida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull
(248)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Do yourself a Big favor and get this game.
* Exquisite artwork
* graphics that reflect realistic Roman museum pieces and architecture
* soft snowy outdoor environment with forest animal sounds and peaceful meditative music
* challenging HOG scenes that reckon back to the early Mystery Case Files games
* no worn out cliched game hacks. There are no Halves of things lying about!
* The puzzles are more challenging than most of what you'll find in today's mainstream adventure game market.
Standard HOG Game elements:
The map is good but not a jump map.
Plenty of interactive help should you need it
The Journal itself keeps very good notes for you. You'll get the game clues as well as a more detailed description in the Journal to help make some confusing situations more clear.
You will backtrack over areas and there are some time-based hints.
The hint function reveals hard-to-find hidden objects and also provides very helpful guidance in general, but recharges slowly.
There’s also an in-game strategy guide.
There are no morphing objects or achievements but the game doesn't need any extra bells and whistles.
Cut scenes are designed in a yellowed pencil-drawn style.
The voice work is perfect, the voice of the Phantom is incredible.
You'll explore the playhouse, log cabin, greenhouse, library, as well as the cast room and secret underground passages.
If you love arcane paraphernalia, flickering wall torches, a completely non-electrical and non-digital environment, puzzles that make you go Hmmm, challenging HOGs and classical style, Mystery Legends: The Phantom of the Opera is a game you shouldn't miss.
* Exquisite artwork
* graphics that reflect realistic Roman museum pieces and architecture
* soft snowy outdoor environment with forest animal sounds and peaceful meditative music
* challenging HOG scenes that reckon back to the early Mystery Case Files games
* no worn out cliched game hacks. There are no Halves of things lying about!
* The puzzles are more challenging than most of what you'll find in today's mainstream adventure game market.
Standard HOG Game elements:
The map is good but not a jump map.
Plenty of interactive help should you need it
The Journal itself keeps very good notes for you. You'll get the game clues as well as a more detailed description in the Journal to help make some confusing situations more clear.
You will backtrack over areas and there are some time-based hints.
The hint function reveals hard-to-find hidden objects and also provides very helpful guidance in general, but recharges slowly.
There’s also an in-game strategy guide.
There are no morphing objects or achievements but the game doesn't need any extra bells and whistles.
Cut scenes are designed in a yellowed pencil-drawn style.
The voice work is perfect, the voice of the Phantom is incredible.
You'll explore the playhouse, log cabin, greenhouse, library, as well as the cast room and secret underground passages.
If you love arcane paraphernalia, flickering wall torches, a completely non-electrical and non-digital environment, puzzles that make you go Hmmm, challenging HOGs and classical style, Mystery Legends: The Phantom of the Opera is a game you shouldn't miss.
Phantasmat: The Endless Night Collector's Edition
In this scarier-than-ever story, find out what really happened on prom night, 1964...
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Challenging Game, No Magic
PostedJanuary 31, 2017
jlbenn26
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Ok so I guess we all have to accept that our beloved Phantasmat has gone to its own eternal rest. RIP, Phantasmat. If you love the original and are looking for more, you won't find it here. But if you find that most of the games you demo are too easy and cliched, and you're just looking for a challenging new game to play, this could be a good choice.
The HO scenes are few and they are advanced beyond the same old thing. The game is busy, and challenging, but for me, not in a fun way. Mystery Case Files is challenging, too, but fun. This game is humorless and I had to repeatedly use the Hint button, something I never do. The original Phantasmat I thought had interesting characters, immersive Nature sounds, was fun and relaxing. This game has none of that. No magic. Actually I thought this game was basically stressful. It's supposed to be 1965 but some of the items in the game did not exist yet. Also, every time you hover the mouse over another area on the screen, back out of an area, enter an area, etc, the game makes an annoying rush of air sound, so annoying that I had to turn the Effects volume off. The graphics looked fine to me. I wish they'd put as much time into making the game fun and enjoyable as they do making an endless series of tasks, missing pieces, 'Hmmm what can I do here?', more missing pieces, just too much to do, not enough fun.
The HO scenes are few and they are advanced beyond the same old thing. The game is busy, and challenging, but for me, not in a fun way. Mystery Case Files is challenging, too, but fun. This game is humorless and I had to repeatedly use the Hint button, something I never do. The original Phantasmat I thought had interesting characters, immersive Nature sounds, was fun and relaxing. This game has none of that. No magic. Actually I thought this game was basically stressful. It's supposed to be 1965 but some of the items in the game did not exist yet. Also, every time you hover the mouse over another area on the screen, back out of an area, enter an area, etc, the game makes an annoying rush of air sound, so annoying that I had to turn the Effects volume off. The graphics looked fine to me. I wish they'd put as much time into making the game fun and enjoyable as they do making an endless series of tasks, missing pieces, 'Hmmm what can I do here?', more missing pieces, just too much to do, not enough fun.
I don't recommend this game.
Mystery Case Files: Return to Ravenhearst ™
Emma`s soul is free. But a dark secret still lurks in Ravenhearst Manor. Return to Ravenhearst to continue this tale of twisted love.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
The Standard By Which...
PostedJanuary 24, 2017
jlbenn26
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It's an old game now but you wouldn't guess it! IMO this game is THE level which all following games hope (HOPE) to aspire. I played it 8 years ago as my first HOPA entry, and just played it again last week, and it was the same thrill. The story can be fuzzy at times, but when isn't it, right?
But it is an excellent looking and sounding game. It's an older game so you aren't given Difficulty options. Everything sparkles but the game definitely does not hold your hand. There's no 'Maybe I should move this' or even 'I wonder what fits into this space..' It also isn't like a lot of the newer HOPAs are, when EVERYTHING you can see is interactive, missing a piece, and the entire game is a chore of finding missing pieces in ridiculous obscure places.'
There are enough HO scenes to make it a HO game, but if you enjoy HO I think it's the right amount. There's no jump map so there is B&F, and it is a pretty big game, much bigger than, say, Phantasmat. There's no task list but the game does use a journal that keep notes for you. Live actors are used, and there are no cutscenes to sit through.
The HOS are on the challenging side, much harder than standard fare games. Puzzles include tiles, logic, inventory, connect the wires without crossing any, and finding clues strewn about that if you miss you won't know what to do.
You also don't need to read entire books in this game, so if reading journals in a game turns you off, RTR could be a great choice for you. The game is FUNNY, too. There are little jokes and funny things everywhere, a lot of which actually made me laugh, which is nice for a change. They call these games 'creepy-lite' and I guess that's a good description- it's kinda creepy but also somehow kinda funny. I think RTR is at least worth a demo if you enjoy these types of games. It's a huge improvement over the first one, which was just HO and assembling torn images. It's a labor of love and, I think, set the standard.
I recommend this game!
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
After crashing your car in the middle of nowhere, you stumble upon a mysterious town with a shady background. Solve a dark mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Really Enjoyed This One!!
PostedJanuary 17, 2017
jlbenn26
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm always looking for a new (to me) game, and as you know there are a lot of stinkers out there. I've learned to play the demo first before buying now, and I actually played the Phantasmat Behind the Mask demo first before trying this game, and I found that game gimmicky and too overloaded with unnecessary puzzles. This game as other reviewers have mentioned IS a HO game, similar to Ravenhearst, Mortlake Mansion, and Margrave, 3 of my personal HO favorites. I've played all of the Mystery Case Files games, and I found this one to be similar in quality, only much easier. There are no real stumpers in this game, the game moves along quickly and is fun. The graphics are similar to Mystery Case Files, the voice acting I thought was very good. This game is a labor of love and doesn't feel rushed or overly familiar. The cutscenes I thought were very well done, too. I will say that if you don't really enjoy HOS then this might not be your game. But if you DO then I highly recommend this one. It's pretty easy (not a Nancy Drew game) but isn't loaded with game clichés. It also isn't a case of 'find the missing piece' at every single turn, either. That sort of game I find irritating. I wish it had been a little longer, with more locations to visit, but overall this game was a pleasure from beginning to end.
I recommend this game!