This game, despite being one of the older titles, is a bit buggy. Usually, they update to correct bugs. For example, despite getting gold on every level, the icons on the map only turned gold for levels 1-16. And when I completed the game, the final dialog box's message was 2.txt.2. Other oddities are the inability to go back and replay a level to improve your score once you moved on in the game. If you don't earn gold on the first go-round you're given the option to replay the level. However, if you decide to progress and come back, you can't choose the level you want to replay. Not sure if this is by design or if it's a bug. It's not anything earth shattering, but it is a fun play if you're into these cooking type games.
I was interested in buying this game, but was wary from the reviews. This game is barely Time Management. I played the first 17 levels in the hour long demo and the game never got any harder. I easily obtained gold on every level. If you're new to Time Management or looking for a game for a child this might be a good choice. Another thing... would it be so expensive to have someone who is a native English speaker read over the dialog and make corrections?
I'm a player who usually enjoys the storyline, but has always found the New Yankee storylines to be a bit jumpy. Even though I've played them all, some of the NPCs are characters I barely remember and sometimes the dialog reads like an in-joke the player won't get. However, the dialog isn't necessary to complete the tasks so you can play, even if you don't understand. This outing has a more coherent storyline than some past releases, however, it also has some glitches. Level 2B is unplayable. It shows up on the screen, but can't be clicked on. The timer that counts down how long you have left on the spells Mary casts at the alters doesn't always appear. This is a problem when you use the freeze and invisibility spells. I found myself sending workers over the river only to have them stranded there because I didn't realize how little time I had left on the freeze spell and when I sent workers to chop down trees protected by the treant. Finally, on Level 32 the crops don't always appear even though they've regenerated. When you see a crop plot that is empty on this level, try sending a worker there. He'll be able to pick the invisible crops.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Burger Shop 2
(128)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I really liked the theme of this outing of Paranormal Files -- not quite a circus theme, but with enough creepy circus elements to make it lean in that direction. I appreciated the new characters. They were integrated well into the storyline.
My biggest problem -- the game is short. Shorter than the others to date in this series. One of the things I appreciate most about Paranormal Files is that you get what you pay for time-wise. This was the case for the prior five titles: Fellow Traveler, The Tall Man, Enjoy the Shopping, Hook Man's Legend, and Trials of Worth. I finished this game two hours faster than any of the others. It's a shame, because the storyline is very engaging.
This game is titled Legacy of the Valkyries. However the storyline is about dwarves. It seems that this bit of carelessness permeates the game. There are no valkyries, but we do get to see all the old favorites throughout. Play isn't as sharp as in the other titles. I also miss the "scary kid chorus" that was a trademark of the other titles. (The chorus returns for the CE levels.)
I did give full marks for challenge level because despite being a TM expert there are a few levels in "Expert" mode that required I play several times to achieve three stars. The bonus features are ho-hum and the storyline is a bit muddled, but that's true for all the Incredible Dracula games.
I've always enjoyed the Build-A-Lot games. The add-ons over the series have always made sense and I like that they continue to be present in new releases. This game is the hardest I've played of the series. No easy 3-stars here. And, I find I have to replay to achieve the Bonus goals. My only complaint -- I've played Level 16 four times and still don't see the gnome. I think it's missing. I had my son stand behind me and scan the screen while I played and he didn't see it either. If you're new to TM games or even to the BAL series, I would suggest starting with one of their other games before tackling this one.
The Cadenza series is a good one. Solid game play and gorgeous graphics. However, this episode falls short and not just in time (I finished the game in under 3 hours and I completed all puzzles) but in intricacy. Everything is straightforward. The HO scenes are very simple, the story line has been done to death, the puzzles are easy and the final battle is over in one turn. This is "kiddie Candenza." It would be a great introduction for young children interested in learning how to play HO games.
I've been buying MCF games (and others) for years. This is the most challenging outing I've played bar none. The 5 clocks mini game and the battery (no-so-mini) game were awesome! I liked the cryptex game, too. I needed to think! I've played so many of these games where I've never even cracked the notebook/journal. In this one, you have to keep referring back. I LOVE IT! What's the point of having a notebook if you never need it? I think some people are afraid of a challenge, hence the low rating reviews. If you are looking for a game that has more than your average amount of challenge, but is solve-able, this game is for you!
I recommend this game!
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Burger Shop 2
Use the BurgerTron2000 contraption to create tasty food items for hungry customers in this fast-paced food making game!
Overall rating
5/ 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
My favorite game of all time
PostedMarch 21, 2020
Ironic_Twist
fromMilky Way
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Burger Shop 2
(128)
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
I love this game. It is my favorite. The challenge is perfect. You've got to work hard for some of the levels, but you'll get there if you keep trying. I wish they'd make a third. My biggest problem is every time I update my computer BigFish locks me out of all my games and requires me to get a key which can take days or even weeks when they're busy. I've replayed this game a half dozen times. I can't understand why other developers haven't made similar games.
I've played every single Dark Parables game. This one is along the same vein of the others -- stunning graphics, fairy tale theme, and a bit steampunk. I ran into a few glitches. For the last two battles the inventory popup wouldn't collapse. This meant that the instructions on how to play were obscured. I was able to figure them out through trial and error, but it took much longer than it should have to complete these battles. The game also hiccuped after I defeated the Match Girl cutting her dialog off before I could listen/read it. For someone like me, who plays for the story as well as the challenge, this stinks. There's no way to replay the cut scenes so I'm still a little confused as to the Match Girl's rationale for her behavior.