Howatch's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:1,143
- Reviews Submitted:49
- First Review:May 15, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 5, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you confront an otherworldly foe and save your nephew?
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 10 found this review helpful
I liked it but didn't love it
PostedApril 1, 2018
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I always enjoy trying out the first game in a new series from Mad Head and this was no exception. The fact that it seemed to have sci-fi elements similar to their Beyond series gave it an added appeal. I did enjoy the game; for me it was a good game but not a great one. I thought that some of the environments could have been more interesting than they were and I did not find the plot all that exciting. It did while away the time pleasantly, though, and I was moderately entertained, so I will give it four stars.
The Love Boat™ Collector's Edition
Join the Love Boat crew and relive the famous TV show in this time management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 53 found this review helpful
Really enjoying this!
PostedDecember 12, 2017
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Marble Popper, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If you like any of the games in the Delicious series, you will certainly enjoy this one. Don't let the fact that it is called The Love Boat put you off - I have never seen a single episode of the show and it makes zero difference to the experience. This could easily pass as a new installment in the Delicious series - the game play is very smooth, there are lots of levels as well as challenge levels, and you can choose how difficult you want it to be. It is a delight to play. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I am. It's both cheerful and fun. Happy gaming! :-)
I recommend this game!
Dive into this spooky match 3 adventure and help Victoria decorate the School of Magic for Halloween.
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 18 found this review helpful
A lot of fun
PostedOctober 10, 2017
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
There really isn't anything new on display here, but it's all in the execution - and the game is beautifully executed. Bright, colorful tiles that are easy to see and easy to distinguish; plenty of modes of play from which to choose; music appropriate to the theme and it doesn't get irritating; and a good level of challenge.
I have played a lot of match-3 games and it's not easy to find one now that captures my interest. This one won me over. I love all of the chains that you have to break and boxes that you have to smash; that's always a welcome addition.
I am on level 70 now, out of what I believe are 100 levels in total, and I'm still entertained.
I hope you enjoy the game as much as I am. :-)
I recommend this game!
Can you save Netville from a dangerous artifact before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Glad I bought the Collector's Edition
PostedSeptember 14, 2017
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece
(56)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Very nice game with lots of morphing items, jigsaw-puzzle pieces, and collectibles to add to the fun. What really compelled me to write a review for this game is the fact that in this case I would definitely recommend purchasing the Collector's Edition, as the bonus game is worthwhile and adds to the main story in a satisfying way, giving the storyline closure - and I really appreciated that aspect of this game.
The puzzles were just the right level of difficulty, too - I didn't have to use the skip button most of the time.
If you are looking for a pleasant way to spend some hours, I recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
What secrets are hidden in the legendary McCordan Library?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Don't Miss This One!
PostedSeptember 11, 2017
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just finished this game and I am very impressed: gorgeous graphics; interesting storyline with varied environments, all beautifully rendered; fun and interesting puzzles. I thought the music was great too.
I have played dozens of HOPAs and it takes quite a lot now for a game to really stand out. This is a superior game; don't miss it!
I recommend this game!
Join Emily on a heartfelt adventure to find Santa.
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 41 found this review helpful
Love this game
PostedDecember 13, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am not in any way disappointed with this latest installment in the Emily series. It has the same seamless gameplay as the others and is light, bright, and colorful. If you like the extra challenges, the Collector's Edition provides plenty of them. If you enjoy time management games and need to feel cheered during the holidays, this is an excellent choice.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. Happy gaming. :-)
I recommend this game!
The head of the Maybard family has been murdered!
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 38 found this review helpful
I don't understand....
PostedJuly 17, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
some of the lackluster reviews that this game is receiving, as I am finding the game thoroughly entertaining. The "gimmick" which some folks in their reviews are referring to is of such brief duration that in my opinion it does not detract from the game much if at all. I have played this game for several hours today and am finding that it is also of a good length. The mini-games have been fun and I have only had to skip a couple of them so far - I enjoy mini-games, but sometimes I get frustrated with them if they seem too obtuse, which is not the case here. The game also has an interesting story which I am actually enjoying, and wanting to know how it all turns out is also a factor in my interest being maintained throughout the game. All in all, I think this is an excellent offering on the part of this developer. I think it is actually a better game than some of the more recent offerings which have received higher ratings.
So, I encourage you to give the game a try and see what you think.
You can choose to play a male or a female character, although there is no voiceover for you, the detective. I do think that if there had been a spoken voice for your character that it would have made the game even more compelling, but that is a minor complaint/observation.
All in all, it's a fine game, and I will look forward to the next installment of Cursed Cases.
I recommend this game!
A magical egg is about to turn one girl's world upside-down.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
This is about as good as it gets...
PostedJuly 4, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
in the hidden object puzzle adventure game genre. Graphics are pleasing, voiceovers are reasonable and not jarring. But what makes this game a shining example of all that is good in the HOPA genre is due to the execution, which makes all the difference. A lot of time and effort has been put into this game, and I appreciate the fact that it includes a diary. I am actually interested in the story this time rather than losing track half the way through as to what it's about (something I find myself doing with these games at times). The HOP scenes are excellent and very interactive. The puzzles are fun: not dead easy, but not impossible to complete. I have been playing this game for several hours now, have not used the hint or the skip button, and am finding that it provides a good challenge in terms of figuring out what to do next. And not using the map for clues as to how to proceed makes this game very close to a true adventure game, which I like.
I have played several games from this developer (including the Lost Lands series and the New York Mysteries series), and they have yet to release a clunker and a game that feels like they just phoned it in. I am now at the point where if a new game has this developer's name on it, it's an instant buy.
I hope you enjoy the game as much as I am. :-)
I recommend this game!
What mysteries are hiding in your family's history?
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
A nice game...
PostedMay 30, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(48)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
but nothing to make it truly stand out.
I finished the entire game including the bonus chapter last night. Playing this game was a pleasant experience and I enjoyed the time that I spent with it. It took me roughly five hours off and on; I never used the hint button. The puzzles were all fairly easy, so if you are looking for truly challenging mini-games you will probably be disappointed. I loved the idea that the game was set in Scotland, and the music was pretty much my favorite part of the game. The graphics are up to the usual high standards of this developer.
If you are looking for a difficult game, this is not it. If you are looking for a game that is scary, you won't find it here. However, if you just wish to play something nice and relatively easy for a few hours, this will fit the bill. I got this during the 2-for-1 sale and it was certainly worth the seven dollars that I paid for it.
Happy gaming. :-)
I recommend this game!
Use your time-management skills to help Angela win the chance to take over for legendary fashionista Truly!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 44 found this review helpful
While waiting for the next Emily game...
PostedMay 24, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land
(18)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
playing this is a great way to tide you over.
I don't find Angela as appealing a character as Emily, but that may also be because I am not a fan of the "fashion" theme. Having said that, I could not stop playing this game until I finished, and it has the same addictive quality as the Emily games. And, I will no doubt replay it. It has tons of levels and I don't think anyone will be complaining that the game is too short. This game serves as a very nice interim game while waiting for the next Emily installment (of which I am a huge fan).
Games such as these are far and far between now, and the ones that we do get aren't as well executed and don't play as well as the ones from the creators of the Emily series.
I feel quite certain in telling you that if you buy this game, you will not regret it and will certainly feel that you got your money's worth.
I rate this game four stars rather than five simply because it's not, well, Emily - but it is very enjoyable nonetheless.
Happy gaming. :-)
I recommend this game!