virgquest's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:86
- Reviews Submitted:29
- First Review:August 31, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 26, 2015
- Featured reviews0
9 Clues: The Ward
Discover the secrets that lie buried in the eerie, crooked halls of Mnemosyne Asylum!
Overall rating
1
/
5
5 of 9 found this review helpful
Terrible. Wish I could have burned this asylum down myself!
PostedJuly 26, 2015
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Shiver: Poltergeist Collector's Edition
(156)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The best thing about this title was that it was relatively short and easy enough that I could basically click right on through. This was less of an actual game and more of an animated movie that required some clicking around by the "player" to get between cut scenes. I don't think I ever had more than 3-4 items in my inventory at once and everything I picked up was either used immediately, or within an adjacent room. No challenge at all. The characters were annoying and comical instead of scary and the numerous typos were a constant reminder of the developer's poor quality control. I have no idea why this game was so highly rated; I bought it on that basis alone and I really wish I'd previewed it first. Definitely do NOT recommend.
I don't recommend this game.
Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood Collector's Edition
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Enjoyable, but SE is better buy
PostedFebruary 1, 2015
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Dark Realm: Queen of Flames Collector's Edition
(148)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Graphics and game play are good, but the voice actors ranged from mediocre to terrible, so the voiceovers in the _many_ cut scenes became pretty irritating pretty fast. I found myself click-skipping through a lot just to avoid listening to them. The CE includes some collectibles and an entirely unnecessary prequel with a plot that's hard to get into since you already know things end badly for the main character, but there aren't enough extras overall to make it worth the premium price. I'd definitely recommend Ravenwood as an SE, however, especially for those who enjoyed Ghosts of Maple Creek.
I recommend this game!
Final Cut: Encore
Your murderous half-sister has escaped, and you've got the last piece of your father's treacherous film projector...
Overall rating
4
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun and different!
PostedJune 1, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Final Cut: Encore
(40)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've really enjoyed the Final Cut series and this game was no exception. A welcome alternative to the endless fairy tales and murder mysteries, FC: Encore has great graphics, fun puzzles, and an engaging plot. Wouldn't mind seeing another installment from this developer - maybe a prequel? SE ends conclusively, consider the CE for a supplemental bonus chapter.
I recommend this game!
Living Legends: Frozen Beauty
The Queen has chosen your sister as her successor.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Ok, but not outstanding
PostedMay 31, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls
(119)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Finished the SE in about 4 hours, game play was acceptable with no major problems, but there wasn't anything particularly unique or outstanding about this game. It's a fair way to pass the time and a great starter game for players new to HOGs. Music was reused from other games by the same publisher. Map shows all active zones, so travel is easy and you never have to hunt around to figure out what to do next. Some of the puzzles are tricky, but never annoying. SE has sudden, but conclusive ending - the bonus scene isn't required to complete the main plot. Overall, Frozen Beauty is a good choice for a free game code or a BOGO, but I wouldn't recommend it as a CE.
I recommend this game!
Fear For Sale: Nightmare Cinema
When the entire audience disappears from a film screening at an old theater, you must go behind the scenes to find out who is running the mysterious Nightmare Cinema!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Good creepy fun!
PostedApril 23, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Very enjoyable! Artistic, detailed graphics, spooky scenery, and a good plot make this game an great find. HOS are clear, but still challenging; puzzles can be easy but aren't ever tedious. I especially liked that the level of difficulty can be customized and that the game has a great map with active scenes marked, so not only can you jump around quickly, you don't have to spend a lot of time hunting for the next thing to do if you don't want to. The SE has a somewhat rapid, but conclusive ending, so it's a good choice if you're not interested in CE bonus content. Overall, definitely recommend!
I recommend this game!
European Mystery: Scent of Desire
Several young women have gone missing in Paris. Now only you can stop a maniac's murderous trail of fragrance and deception!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Good story, engaging gameplay
PostedApril 13, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Enjoyed this one quite a bit! Standard HOS, good puzzles - most weren't too challenging, but nothing too tedious or annoying, excellent map with active zone flags, and inventive use of cut scenes. Despite the serial killer plot, the narrative is pretty amusing at times. The scent collecting and elixir-mixing was a nice touch too. Slight deduction for some hokey animations and so-so voiceovers.
For those choosing between the SE and CE, the CE adds achievements, some extra objects to find, and a bonus chapter that lets you bring the killer to justice (after you rescue the kidnap victim in the SE). Personally, I think the SE is the better value, but those who really love the European Mystery games should take a look at the CE.
I recommend this game!
Echoes of the Past: The Kingdom of Despair Collector's Edition
Release the characters from the witch's curse and find the portal home!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Great addition to the Echoes series!
PostedApril 6, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Echoes of the Past: The Kingdom of Despair Collector's Edition
(88)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Really enjoyed this one! The main game is long and full of things to do. The graphics and VOs are quite good and the storyline is engaging, although the witch could have made a few more appearances - aside from her initial threats and the spells she casts on the NPCs, she's not a particularly active opponent.
The HOS weren't that difficult, but I enjoyed the variations - sometimes finding unique objects, sometimes placing objects into a scene, sometimes collecting groups of objects to use elsewhere, etc. I also liked that some objects and tasks carry over between chapters, which adds a little extra challenge. The interactive map cuts down on travel time, but with the hub-style layout, there's not that much running around anyway. The puzzles are also good - most take a few minutes to figure out and only one or two were tedious enough to skip.
The only things I wasn't too thrilled about were the inventory at the top of the screen instead of the bottom and the slowness when new items are found, both of which have been mentioned by other reviewers. These aren't game-killers by any means, but details that I wish Orneon would adjust in the next installment.
CE vs SE - The CE contains free-play variations of some of the in-game puzzles, some collectables/achievements, and a bonus chapter that is completely unrelated to the main story. These are all decent additions, but the SE alone is an excellent game and probably the better value.
I recommend this game!
Chimeras: Tune of Revenge Collector's Edition
An organ grinder seeks revenge, marking his victims with cards. Can you stop him before he destroys the entire city?
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Technically ok, but no magic for me
PostedApril 5, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Chimeras was plenty long and complex enough, but the poorly crafted and somewhat illogical rambling romance/revenge plot didn't do it for me. I usually like Elephant games, but with this one, I never got into the story or cared about any of the characters. The melodramatic poetry and terrible British accents certainly didn't help. In regards to game play, the HOS and puzzles were pretty standard. The hint button is terrible - it gives way too much away - but the map highlights are an excellent alternative.
For those deciding between the SE and CE - the main game has a solid ending and the bonus game just adds a twist.The bestiary puzzles in the CE were nice, but I didn't need the strategy guide and I'm not a huge fan of music, wallpapers, etc., so I would probably would have been happy with just the SE.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Canvas: A Brush With Death Collector's Edition
Uncover the mystery behind an artist’s deadly talent.
Overall rating
3
/
5
Ok, but too short for a CE
PostedApril 5, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Dark Canvas starts out strong, but doesn't go the distance. It has an intriguing storyline, good graphics and cut scenes, tricksy HOS, and a good interface, but it doesn't last long enough and isn't complex enough to be a truly top notch game. As others have said, this game is good for beginners or casual players, but expert HOS fans will get through it too quickly. The CE adds a short bonus game, a few random achievements, and some wallpapers, free play puzzles, etc. - nothing too amazing. The SE is definitely the better buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher Collector's Edition
Can you and Detective Dupin uncover the dark secrets of this mysterious estate?
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
Perfectly Passable
PostedMarch 23, 2014
virgquest
fromLexington, KY
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you liked the other EAP stories, you'll like this one too. Not much new or different to see here. Graphics are good, VOs not so much. Gameplay is smooth, no major problems anywhere. Overall, a solid, no frills game. The main story concludes abruptly (as usual for the EAP series), but there is an ending. The bonus adds another hour or so of play (of equivalent quality) and a second ending, but isn't required to complete the story. The coin-shop bonus mystery can be solved in under 5 mins and wasn't worth all the coin collecting. Bottom line, unless you really like wallpapers and random achievement awards, I'd recommend getting this game as a SE.
I recommend this game!