SeaBamboo's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:3,793
- Reviews Submitted:147
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 21, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After the police and FBI come up empty in their investigation, Bella turns to forces beyond our world to find her missing son!
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 38 found this review helpful
Beautiful but easy game
PostedDecember 4, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Am not sure how to categorise Lost Souls from Fenomen Games; it is a mixture of Hidden & Fragmented Objects with some decisions to make on how to use inventory items. It is neither an adventure nor an Interactive H0 (imo) but I enjoyed it none the less.
The graphics are stunningly clear & bright & the artwork beautiful; the scenes are quite simply enchanting (forgive me but it is the only word). There are 5 paintings to play in the SE version (in the CE you get a 6th chapter).
There is a prologue to the game & then a sort of mini prologue to each painting; these have voiceovers but in the game the voices disappear; the dialogue is clickable.
There are two modes of play; easy with a 60 second hint recharge & lots of sparkles & an expert mode with a 1min 40 second hint & sparkles only where there is a H0 scene. During the game you should click on every coin you see as these can be used to purchase trophies at your leisure.
You are given a diary that has clues & which lists tasks to do; in addition a map, this is really an overview of whichever world you are playing in (each painting has a world behind it) & active scenes are indicated. The objects were not hard to find & the mini games were not difficult, there is a skip button on these. Once you have done all that can be done in a scene a sign will tell you; a bit more hand holding than I like in what is an easy game even on expert mode, I would prefer not to know.
The one downside is that the ending is a bit of a cop out in the standard version, the more involved ending was only put into the collectors edition.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun romantic story
PostedDecember 4, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is a really lovely Hidden Object (H0) game; if you found the first in the series (Letter from the Past) rather boring don’t let that put you off trying The Beach House. This is a much better game; there is still quite a lot of dialogue but it is skippable & there is not quite so much of it. I would have liked voiceovers but that is my personal preference.
The graphics really are excellent ( no problems finding items what a treat) & the artwork is nice enough but the best thing is the music which is wonderful & really suits the game. The background sounds go well with each scene too.
In Easy mode the hint recharges at 15 seconds, there are sparkles & the inventory (which is a row of shells) gives an outline of any objects you need to find as you find out what you require. In Expert mode there are no outlines of objects, no sparkles that I found & the hint is 40 seconds. There is a misclick penalty of a cursor loop de loop.
The H0 scenes vary from the usual lists to having to find say 12 things that ‘go together’ or 12 of the same object but you have to move items or perform actions in the scene to locate those objects; a nice variety which adds to the fun. The mini games were fun to play & not too difficult.
I have one downside to note & that is the loading screen; it is annoying having to wait for the next screen; at least it does not take too long but it does tend to take you ‘out of the story’.
I recommend this game!
Virginia and Professor MacNara have found Columbus’ missing ship! Explore the galleon in Ancient Spirits: Columbus’ Legacy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
30 of 33 found this review helpful
A little dated but a decent enough game
PostedDecember 4, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This is a hidden object with lots of places to explore; from the options menu you can select Expert so there are no sparkles or if you play on Easy mode the sparkles are very subtle. The default screen size meant I could not see the top or bottom of the scene but the resolution can be changed & then it fit my widescreen perfectly.
I found the graphics a little dated so objects can be a bit indistinct however on some scenes you can turn on Scrolling – this widens the screen & makes the objects larger which really helps. You can switch the scrolling on & off as needed.
The hint recharges at 1-1/2 minutes. You are given a backpack inventory, a flashlight & a pair of goggles (not all at once). You will need the goggles as in some scenes you will find a portal to the ‘otherworld’ & if you do not click on the goggles all you will see is a white screen. If on the other hand the screen is entirely black then remember to click on the flashlight.
There is a voiceover in the prologue but none during the game, the dialogue is skippable; in addition there is very little music during play, just background sounds which are very good. The music when it does play is a little spooky & pleasant to listen to.
I recommend this game!
Anna needs to find the Lost Temple to save her grandfather from a terrible curse! Help her in this exciting Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 15 found this review helpful
The tiniest objects ever
PostedDecember 4, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is from Domini Games & unfortunately I was not able to play long enough to give an informed review as to the gameplay, the hidden objects were so small as to be almost invisible. There was a magnifiying glass above the hint & I thought perhaps that it could be used to scrutinise the scene but not so unfortunately.
There was potential for an interesting game as some items had to be combined in the inventory or two pieces placed together in the H0 scene to make a whole.
The graphics were sharp & clear, although the artwork was rather poor in its depiction of people the scenery was very well drawn. There was no option to play widescreen so I had large black bars either side.
There are no voiceovers & the music was not my cup of tea so I switched it off. The hint recharges at 1 minute 10 seconds & that feels like a very long time. There was a misclick penalty; I found it because the only way to deal with the small H0s was to click everything in the hope that I might find an object.
Not a buy for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Take on Time Mysteries: The Ancient Spectres, a challenging Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game! Stop the evil witch Viviana!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Challenging but not for me
PostedDecember 4, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is from Artifex Mundi & normally would be an instant buy but I was not keen on the artwork; it was rather washed out & the graphics a little blurred on my monitor, particularly in the hidden object scenes.
There are two modes of play, regular with sparkles & an instant hint button & expert where only the hidden objects have sparkles & the hint is so fast that it is almost an instantaneous refill. You receive a diary with notes & an objective list; later in the game, once you have the time device it will show you maps of the rooms & you can travel to different time periods.
I turned the music down as it did not really suit the game & was rather overly dramatic; something a little more subtly suspenseful would have been nicer; the background sounds are very good. There are some voiceovers & they were fine.
The H0 are rather like junk piles & it is difficult to find many of the objects however if you wish you can press on a ‘dice’ button & play a match 3 game instead which will delete objects one by one from the list.
All in all there is a lot to do in this game & a lot to remember with different time periods but I am still on the fence as to whether to buy because of the artwork however I will recommend as this has challenging gameplay & you should give it a trial.
I recommend this game!
Explore The Dark Hills of Cherai and find The Regal Scepter in this unique Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
Challenging game to play
PostedNovember 30, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is an Interactive Hidden Object that is a little more complex than usual as you play the part of 3 characters during the game. There are voiceovers which are very well done & the music is really suited to the story.
The graphics are excellent & the artwork really lovely; some may find the scenes dark as the story is set at night, however I had no problem seeing items. The H0 scenes are pretty easy & the hint recharge is very quick, only 30 seconds on hard mode & faster on easy. Looks like the game developer took note of the complaints in the first game about this. If you drag an inventory item over to the hint (a peacock) you will be shown a picture of where it can be used. The hard mode only has sparkles for H0 areas only & in easy all active areas have them.
You are given a journal & also a picture of the King of Cherai; if you click on it you will be told what the next task is. In addition you will be given a map that shows levels not yet opened, levels cleared & where you are; it is also interactive.
The mini games during the demo were the usual sort, sliders, etc & were pretty easy.
So back to the 3 characters; this is rather confusing at first & takes a while to get the hang of. You start with one, Tara & are shortly joined by Maya, another girl. You will see two ribbons at the top of the screen & the one that is brightest is the character you are currently playing. Later you will be joined by a young boy, Rahul.
You will find objects as one character that need to be given to another & to do this you go to a meeting place that has a sort of roulette wheel. You put the item on the wheel, click an arrow to send it to the other person.
To play as another character; for instance you may have given an inventory item to say, Maya, to be used then click on that character’s ribbon at the top of the screen.
With so much going on in the game I rather lost track of the story; it took all my wits to remember which character I was & whom I should play; it was a delight to be challenged.
I recommend this game!
Help Romeo and Juliet find a way into each other’s arms and experience the greatest love story of all time!
Overall rating
4
/
5
43 of 43 found this review helpful
Good game to try out an adventure that is not too hard
PostedNovember 29, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
If you want a hidden object this won’t be for you, however if you want to try a point & click adventure but find them pretty hard this is a good place to start.
Like most adventures it does not hurry you along apace, instead you should take time to watch the scenes that are played out in between the gameplay scenes, the narration was well done & I like to know the story. The background sounds are well done & what little music there is suits the period in which the game is set.
Unfortunately the game seems rather linear & you can only do things in order however this is true in many adventure games. There are no sparkles to let you know where to look for items that you need & you will not be able to pick many things up until you hit a specific point in the game. The whole point is to remember where you found an object & then when you meet a puzzle to solve, such as a locked door, you can go back & retrieve what is needed.
There is a hint in the form of a young woman; if you get stuck she will show you where to go or tell you what to do. In addition if you are in a mini-game she acts as a ‘skip’ button.
The graphics are very clear & the artwork quite beautiful, every scene is really lovely to look at & explore. I do not know the developers Daedalic Entertainment & Torque but it is such a change to get a different type of game.
I have a couple of things I didn’t care for, one was the slow loading of the game as it is opened, it seems to take forever watching the percentage counter. Two was the cursor, it was rather small & I would have preferred something a little more noticeable than a small white circle when finding an object of interest.
I recommend this game!
After overcoming the Dreamless Castle and Moonfell Wood, you have come to the rugged, mountainous snow-peaked Goblin Kingdom!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Fairytale atmosphere & fun to play
PostedNovember 29, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
In Awakening: Moonfell Wood many of us fell in love with the pocket dragon & here he is again, please Mr BoomZap can I have him for Christmas.
This is a really gorgeous game visually, clear bright graphics, delightful artwork & lovely music but boy, do I miss voiceovers for the characters. You get a journal with a task list & a brief resume of what you have encountered to help you & a delightful hint in the form of a mauve coloured owl.
This is a Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure than as mini-games abound & there are not many H0 scenes. I have to say some of the puzzles had me looking at the walkthrough wondering how on earth I was supposed to work out the solution; the help was not always very helpful.
The game has a fairy tale feel like its predecessor & is fun to play.
I recommend this game!
Tamara the 13th
Help Tamara use her newfound witch abilities to solve puzzles and confront her mother's captor in Tamara the 13th!
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 20 found this review helpful
Frustrating to play
PostedNovember 29, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is not the sort of hidden object where you find a lot of items in a scene; instead you find objects or parts of fragmented objects to complete a something such as a statue. Unfortunately the items are not only very small in some cases but also amazingly well blended & pretty impossible to find.
If you click on the item shape you will be given a picture of what parts you need to find to complete it & what colour they are; once you leave the cavern finding them becomes marginally easier as long as the colour is bright. Even so I had to use the hint button far too many times.
The cut scenes during the game are pretty awful & there are no voiceovers & you cannot skip lines of dialogue so you either have to watch it or skip it. There are seven areas to find & I got to number three in about 45 minutes to this seems to be a pretty short game.
You are given a diary with a task list & a map that is not interactive; there is also a Log button which shows you the dialogue history.
As you complete an area you win the ability to do a certain type of magic & to activate it there are mini games which are pretty much the old pipe game so not too difficult. The other mini game I played was a Simon Says.
Despite the nice graphics this is an awkward, clunky & frustrating game from PlayFirst so my review is on the demo as I did not purchase.
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
55 of 61 found this review helpful
Not a very exciting game
PostedNovember 29, 2011
SeaBamboo
fromLondon, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
As we have come to expect from ERS the graphics & artwork are stunningly beautiful & there are lots of locations in this game. The music & background sounds are also very familiar.
A surprise is that the hint button only appears in the hidden object scenes, there are sparkles in the easy mode & none in the hard.
There are a lot of H0 scenes in which many items are interactive & you will find objects that you need for use in other locations but there are so many that they all sort of blend together. You do get a diary but no map so you will need to do quite a lot of backtracking to solve puzzles once you find the items you require.
Although the game did not excite me I am recommending as it is a good length game & relatively more difficult due to the lack of the hint button.
I recommend this game!