kdreetz's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:630
- Reviews Submitted:22
- First Review:October 30, 2012
- Most Recent Review:June 14, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you help the City of Artists find their lost inspiration?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Nice Fantasy for Intermediate Players
PostedJune 14, 2015
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Maybe because I don't consider myself an expert player - I still sneak looks at the strategy guides from time to time - this game had me hooked after 30 minutes.
The storyline is fairly unique. A muse has gone rogue and to get a detective job, you must collect her essence so she'll stop messing with the artists she inspired.
If you enjoy various HOPs you'll like this game. Silhouettes, match pairs, interactive and such - or you can play the match-3 instead.
No morphing items, but two things to collect - coins and olive branches. You can "spend" them on items for two different rooms.
Yes the puzzles are fairly easy and yes the doll, her outfits and all the animal friends are more for a kid's game, but I don't take fantasy games too seriously.
My overall rating for a beginner or intermediate player is 4.6
I recommend this game!
A stay at a peaceful hotel turns into a nightmare when a witch from the Twilight World takes your daughter!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 27 found this review helpful
Definitely Buying this one
PostedJanuary 25, 2015
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Mystery Tales: The Twilight World CE (Domini Games) This is based on demo which I am now going to buy.
First thing I noticed was the game isn't full screen??
You start at Silver Lake Hotel which was built on an old witch's haunting ground - Poltergeist anyone? Oh yeah, your daughter is being held in a trance by that old witch. Spoiler alert: The Inn Keeper has issues.
You start at Silver Lake Hotel which was built on an old witch's haunting ground - Poltergeist anyone? Oh yeah, your daughter is being held in a trance by that old witch. Spoiler alert: The Inn Keeper has issues.
Game play: I would categorize this as a dark & stormy night/fantasy style game. It's interesting that the dog deflates his ball a lot ((hello Patriots). You switch between the scene being daylight and then to nighttime - where everything changes.
There is a custom mode and an iMap.
The inventory is used rather quickly - no dragging around a hammer when you only use it in the last scene. You get a box to collect important items which can be used to progress your game.
There are + items in your inventory. Another thing I like is that there are a lot of things that do nothing, but click on everything anyway.
There is a custom mode and an iMap.
The inventory is used rather quickly - no dragging around a hammer when you only use it in the last scene. You get a box to collect important items which can be used to progress your game.
There are + items in your inventory. Another thing I like is that there are a lot of things that do nothing, but click on everything anyway.
HOPS: Silhouettes, riddles, find shapes in broken glass, whole variety!
Puzzles: Haven't seen anything unique yet; not too hard for intermediate players.
Collectables: Since I collect cats in my life, having them as a collectable is reality to me. Lol. There are additional collectables so well.
Extras: Bonus game, postcard collectables, wallpapers - none which got my attention - music, and concept art.
My overall rating = 4.7
I recommend this game!
Save your kidnapped daughter Jessica by solving the secrets of the castle. Rescue the trapped souls from captivity and defeat Groth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 38 found this review helpful
Surprisingly Good
PostedOctober 8, 2014
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
So your little 3 yr. old daughter is kidnapped and brain washed by an evil wizard. You must go through the mirror to rescue her. This is not like Mirror Mysteries in that way, but similar in some ways. Once you complete a room, you move into the next scene.
No map is needed since you can't go back.
There are morphing items and various puzzles. Some puzzles are quite unique.
HO's are interactive, but with little twists and turns to keep them interesting.
You meet some interesting characters and have lots to do in each room before you can move on.
It's a good SE so don't miss trying this one out.
No map is needed since you can't go back.
There are morphing items and various puzzles. Some puzzles are quite unique.
HO's are interactive, but with little twists and turns to keep them interesting.
You meet some interesting characters and have lots to do in each room before you can move on.
It's a good SE so don't miss trying this one out.
I recommend this game!
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
85 of 109 found this review helpful
As Always, Mad Head Delivers!
PostedOctober 2, 2014
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This time, travel back to the 1600's (?# to find dragons, fighting kingdoms, banshees and burning villages. I'm not one to care about storylines and haven't really figured this one out yet. Game play is what I care about and this delivers in spades.
The graphics are stunning, HOS's are a variety - if you're used to Mad Head Games, you will recognize these. If you aren't used to Mad Head, I recommend you buy all of their games!
The puzzles are tricky enough, but not too impossible to have to skip.
Did I mention you can make yourself invisible - wish I had that power!
There are collectable fire flames, tons of achievements and the extras have all the bells and whistles including some of the boring stuff, but also card games, the chance to find your missed collectables, 12 wallpapers, a jigsaw puzzle and the opportunity to re-do all the HO's to get bronze, silver and gold stars. Of course there is a bonus game #I haven't played yet).
Mad Head always seems to come up with such a variety of types of games. Some developers stick to what they know and their games are easy to see a mile away. Mad Head's Nevertales is totally different from Cadenza and Right of Passage and now Dark Realm - which are all phenomenal games - continually raising the bar.
I recommend this game!
Princess Selene's vivid dreams warn that her marriage foretells disaster – but only you can break the magical spell threatening both your lives!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
Torn - do I buy or not?
PostedSeptember 22, 2014
kdreetz
fromParadise
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
Storyline
4
/
5
This game could have been so good. The one thing missing were black bar tips.
Beautiful graphics, quite an interesting storyline (never hand deliver a marriage proposal!), flying around on one of Siegfried & Roy's white tigers, lots of achievements and cards to collect - which I'm sure lead to some cool puzzle at the end.
I like various HOS's so that was another plus and the puzzles weren't too mind-bending for intermediate/advanced players.
So I'm torn. I still like to play on casual, but this game on the easiest mode was similar to playing expert. Not much help on what to do with your inventory items and I had to use the SG constantly - which I try to avoid unless really stuck. I guess this one goes into the "maybe" pile. Too bad because it had very good potential.
Beautiful graphics, quite an interesting storyline (never hand deliver a marriage proposal!), flying around on one of Siegfried & Roy's white tigers, lots of achievements and cards to collect - which I'm sure lead to some cool puzzle at the end.
I like various HOS's so that was another plus and the puzzles weren't too mind-bending for intermediate/advanced players.
So I'm torn. I still like to play on casual, but this game on the easiest mode was similar to playing expert. Not much help on what to do with your inventory items and I had to use the SG constantly - which I try to avoid unless really stuck. I guess this one goes into the "maybe" pile. Too bad because it had very good potential.
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Can't Wait to Buy!
PostedJuly 26, 2014
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I cannot say enough good things about this game. Since I only Beta tested, it wasn't listed as a CE, but I'm guessing it will be - with the collectables and achievements (with a strategy guide when released).
I don't buy games anymore unless they have various types of HO scenes. Don't bore me with standard interactive lists. I LOVE the variety here. I don't know if there are any FROGs, but if so, this would get a 5.0 from me!! Otherwise it's a 4.999. Custom mode is great, crisp graphics, interactive map, interactive storyline puzzles....I could go on, but let's just say I can't wait for this to be released!!! Well done.
I don't buy games anymore unless they have various types of HO scenes. Don't bore me with standard interactive lists. I LOVE the variety here. I don't know if there are any FROGs, but if so, this would get a 5.0 from me!! Otherwise it's a 4.999. Custom mode is great, crisp graphics, interactive map, interactive storyline puzzles....I could go on, but let's just say I can't wait for this to be released!!! Well done.
p.s. I have 'beta tested' 3 games lately and this is the only one I will definitely buy.
I recommend this game!
For 25 years, you thought you had no family. But one night, a man steps through a mirror from another world, claiming to be your uncle... changing your life forever.
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 35 found this review helpful
Be Careful What You Dream
PostedJune 21, 2014
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh no! Anything humans dream becomes real in this fantasy world. Yikes!
Grandma Studios has done a nice job of creating a beautiful fantasy game.
I haven't played the entire game, but from what I can see there are lots of achievements - and completing the tutorial isn't one of them!
You have 176 leaves to collect and there are multiple leaves in each area. You can click on the tab on left side of screen to see how many you have found.
There is no custom mode, and during the demo there were only standard interactive HOPs - hence my 4 star rating instead of 5. At least the HOPs aren't junk piles.
The puzzles are different, interesting and not too hard so far.
The map is interactive.
The extras include a bonus chapter AND a hidden chapter, along with the typical wallpapers/concept art/music/etc.
One of the achievements is to complete the game in under 5 hours. I hope this means it's a long game.
Overall, my rating is 4.4 - only because I like a variety of HOPs. I'm still going to buy it and if the HOPs get more interesting, my rating will be higher!
Grandma Studios has done a nice job of creating a beautiful fantasy game.
I haven't played the entire game, but from what I can see there are lots of achievements - and completing the tutorial isn't one of them!
You have 176 leaves to collect and there are multiple leaves in each area. You can click on the tab on left side of screen to see how many you have found.
There is no custom mode, and during the demo there were only standard interactive HOPs - hence my 4 star rating instead of 5. At least the HOPs aren't junk piles.
The puzzles are different, interesting and not too hard so far.
The map is interactive.
The extras include a bonus chapter AND a hidden chapter, along with the typical wallpapers/concept art/music/etc.
One of the achievements is to complete the game in under 5 hours. I hope this means it's a long game.
Overall, my rating is 4.4 - only because I like a variety of HOPs. I'm still going to buy it and if the HOPs get more interesting, my rating will be higher!
I recommend this game!
Dreampath: The Two Kingdoms Collector's Edition
Your sister, the Queen, has fallen deathly ill. Now you must travel to a faraway kingdom to find the cure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 62 found this review helpful
My Kind of Game!
PostedJune 14, 2014
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love fantasy style games and this one doesn't disappoint. Boolat has created a game that compares with the recent creations by Mad Head, ERS, Eipix and the other great developers.
Now that the bar has been raised to the next level, I won't buy a game without several must haves:
Lots going on in each scene
Various HOP's - Interactive, find x of something, silhouettes...
Fun, not too hard puzzles
Full iMap - this one includes area completed
Achievements - not a ton of them here, but enough
Collectables - 30 each of gold & silver coins
GORGEOUS graphics - though the story cut screens are a little cartoony
Lots going on in each scene
Various HOP's - Interactive, find x of something, silhouettes...
Fun, not too hard puzzles
Full iMap - this one includes area completed
Achievements - not a ton of them here, but enough
Collectables - 30 each of gold & silver coins
GORGEOUS graphics - though the story cut screens are a little cartoony
Other nice things are that you don't have to collect all of puzzle pieces needed before you can place them and keep inventory to a minimum and items are used fairly quickly.
The storyline is simple enough. You're trying to save your dying sister/queen and there are dragons, blah, blah, blah.
Fast click through dialogue
Not too many long, drawn out, cut scenes
Built-in strategy guide
Inventory lock
Not too many long, drawn out, cut scenes
Built-in strategy guide
Inventory lock
I won't get a CE if it doesn't have all the bells & whistles. This one doesn't skip a beat.
My overall rating is 4.8
My overall rating is 4.8
I strongly recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 30 found this review helpful
Mad Head Amazes Me...Again!
PostedApril 12, 2014
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow. Just when you thought they couldn't raise the bar any higher, Mad Head Games leaves everyone in their dust.
First it was Nevertales, and now Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death CE is possibly the best HO game I've ever played. The variety of HO scenes and puzzles is something never done before. This is such a unique game that Mad Head has set the bar very high for all other developers.
Story: Creepy Frankie the sax player has returned to exact revenge on his jazz band members. This game has soul.
Game Play: On top of the most interesting hidden object scenes EVER, there are collectables (music notes#, morphing items & achievements. Full interactive map, built-in strategy guide, custom cursor opt-out, 5 levels of game challenge #whaaat?), fast click through dialogue, clear, crisp, rich graphics, fairly quick use of inventory items - I can't remember what item I needed to complete a task from 20 scenes ago! Also, your standard fluff - wallpapers, etc.
By the way, kudos to the diversity!
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: Davy Jones Collector's Edition
Escape the cold incarceration of Davy Jones' brig and discover the otherworldly origins of his galleon in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 107 found this review helpful
Raising the Bar!
PostedMarch 27, 2014
kdreetz
fromParadise
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is right up there with Nevertales and so pirate-y fun!
Pros:
The storyline is simple enough. Your daughter signed a pact with Davy Jones and we know what that means.
Fast click through dialogue
Interactive map - jump + task 'to-do' locations
Various types of HO scenes -viva variety!
Fun, not too hard puzzles
Clear, crisp, rich graphics
Fairly quick use of inventory items
Not too many long, drawn out, cut scenes
Built-in strategy guide
Inventory lock
The storyline is simple enough. Your daughter signed a pact with Davy Jones and we know what that means.
Fast click through dialogue
Interactive map - jump + task 'to-do' locations
Various types of HO scenes -viva variety!
Fun, not too hard puzzles
Clear, crisp, rich graphics
Fairly quick use of inventory items
Not too many long, drawn out, cut scenes
Built-in strategy guide
Inventory lock
Bonus pros:
- Achievement awards
- Collectables - more than one collection
- Achievement awards
- Collectables - more than one collection
Cons:
The only one I can think of is that when I opted out of the custom cursor, my 'hand' tended to disappear while placing items.
The only one I can think of is that when I opted out of the custom cursor, my 'hand' tended to disappear while placing items.
I won't get a CE if it doesn't have all the bells & whistles. This one doesn't skip a beat.
My overall rating is 4.8
My overall rating is 4.8
I recommend this game!