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:
The dastardly Pirate King is out for blood... and you're his next target!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 29 found this review helpful
A first-class production all around
PostedMay 8, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat: Town of Lost Hope Collector's Edition
(41)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is apparently the final installment of this series, and the developer has done a beautiful job with this game, literally and figuratively. There have been a few scenes so far where I found myself stopping to gaze in wonder, as the color palette is so gorgeous and so perfectly depicts the theme. The gameplay is great fun. And, thus far, the puzzles have all been enjoyable: nothing obtuse where you are left wondering what on earth you are supposed to do (I have skipped puzzles in other games more times than I care to admit, merely because I didn't understand what I was supposed to be doing. Happily, this is not happening to me with this game).
This is a really fine effort by Eipix. I am so glad that I decided to give this game a try. This is a really good game, one that I will probably play again in the future.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your true love from the God of Death?
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
An entertaining game, but one part of the game may be unsettling for some players
PostedApril 29, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, 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
I enjoyed this game, and it was nice to see the developer giving us subject matter that has not already been done to death in hidden-object puzzle adventure games.
Having said that, there is one small portion of the game that may disturb some players, and I believe that they should be forewarned. The idea is true to Greek mythology and so no objection can be made on that basis - but let's just say that this sequence in the game genuinely made me cringe and consider turning the sound off in the game (the latter is something that I never do). It really made me queasy, and it bothered me more than anything I have seen in a HOPA game (and I have played many of them). The good news is that if this part of the game evoked that reaction in me, it was done very well - and indeed it was. But I believe that there are some players who might find themselves upset by it, so I wished to give a warning to those who might be sensitive. It isn't something I would want to play with a child in attendance, for sure.
Other than this caveat above, I thought it was a pretty solid game overall. And it held my interest.
I recommend this game!
The famous Johnny Abilli has been murdered at the Broadbeach Resort. You've been called in to crack the case.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 28 found this review helpful
Fun and entertaining
PostedFebruary 21, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you have enjoyed the other Dead Reckoning games, you won't be disappointed with this one. I have spent a very enjoyable weekend playing this.
I look forward to future installments in the Dead Reckoning series.
Have fun. :-)
I recommend this game!
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
Really impressive....
PostedJanuary 15, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
...and being a HOPA addict, I've played many such games and am not easily impressed.
Great care was taken with this game to make it an extremely enjoyable playing experience. It's not a game to be rushed through, and I would not recommend it to those who don't like puzzles but rather just hit the skip button in an attempt to move on. There are many little puzzles interspersed throughout the game and I have enjoyed them all so far (well, except maybe for the slider, as those tax my patience - but having said that, it is a "gentle" slider puzzle without a great many pieces).
The game overall is very polished and just plays well overall. If you enjoy this game, I also highly recommend Reflections of Life: Equilibrium by the same developer, released about a year ago, as it set the same high standards that this game does.
Happy gaming. :-)
I recommend this game!
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
Join a father on an epic journey to save his little girl's life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 42 found this review helpful
Another excellent installment in the Emily series
PostedJanuary 2, 2016
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(48)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is another excellent installment in the Delicious: Emily series of games. There is plenty to keep me occupied here for a good long while, and I have found that the Emily games have great replay value as well. If you like time management games, you can't go wrong.
This game, like all the others in this series, challenges me yet also takes me away to another world for a much-needed respite from daily stress. I can't ask for much more than that. :-)
I recommend this game!
The money-hungry daughter who builds the most profitable ice cream business will inherit Henry Rich's entire fortune.
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
I really enjoy this game
PostedDecember 16, 2015
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I bought this game when I had Windows XP and the game ran perfectly with no problems. When I tried the game on my Windows 7 computer recently, I got a black screen when I tried to run it. Fortunately I figured out that if you run the game in compatibility mode for Windows XP, then the game runs just fine - hooray!
I really like this game. It definitely gets more challenging and after 30 levels or so I am no longer able to get expert. There are a lot of upgrades to choose from, though, and I am going to replay in the hopes that different upgrades will make a difference. The game really keeps me on my toes and I feel that there is ample replay value.
If you are a TM fan like me, I think you will be quite entertained.
I recommend this game!
Artifacts are mysteriously disappearing from the museum exhibit. Thread your way through a maze of deceit in this epic Greek Drama!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 38 found this review helpful
A solid entry in the Nancy Drew series
PostedNovember 11, 2015
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In this, the 31st installment of the Nancy Drew series, Nancy travels to Greece. This game is a good choice for puzzle lovers, as there are a lot of them. You can find a full walkthrough online, but if you choose to play as an Amateur Sleuth, you will have access to a hint system where you can get anything from a nudge to a full solution as to how to solve the puzzles.
If you are expecting to get a really good tour of Greece, you will most likely be disappointed, as the game all takes place in one location - but having said that, one area of the game is extremely unusual (dare I say, unique) and I enjoyed it very much - and you will spend a good bit of time there.
The game also has an ending that we have not seen before in this series.
Overall, it is well worth playing. There are several characters to meet and to talk with, one of whom in particular I found very interesting: dark, brooding, mysterious, and sinister - which was fun!
I hope you enjoy the game - I certainly did. :-)
I recommend this game!
From the makers of the Rite of Passage series comes a ground-breaking new series that's as creepy as it gets.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Really good game!
PostedAugust 3, 2015
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Mad Head is on a roll, between this game and their recently released Beyond: Light Advent (the latter being a beautiful sci-fi game). This is a fun, creepy game that is full of little surprises. The puzzles are all very well integrated with the gameplay and make sense within the storyline, which feature makes this game and others by Mad Head a stand-out for me. I really felt while playing that I was in the midst of a genuine story, a story in which I was interested and wanted to see how it would all play out. The bonus game is of a nice length and fits in well with the main storyline, fleshing out some details, which made it worthwhile. I recommend this game highly - in the HOPA genre, it doesn't really get much better than this.
I hope you enjoy playing this game - I certainly did. :-)
I recommend this game!
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
Albert's worst nightmare becomes reality when a creature from his grim paintings kidnaps his family. What does she want?
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 39 found this review helpful
Beautiful game
PostedJuly 12, 2015
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I found this to be a beautiful game, and quite lengthy as well. The storyline doesn't offer anything particularly new or original (although if you pay close attention to the ending, an interesting interpretation can be applied in terms of the plot and what was actually being represented). I found this game to be extremely polished and well executed as well as being glitch free.
If you like this game, I would also recommend Dreampath: The Two Kingdoms, by the same developer. It was a lovely game as well.
I hope you enjoy this game as much as I did, and I look forward to what the developer next has in store for us. :-)
I recommend this game!
In this reality TV show, find out if a series of mishaps is the result of cheating competitors or something really beyond this world.
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 31 found this review helpful
A somewhat odd installment in the series, yet still entertaining
PostedMay 11, 2015
Howatch
fromCoarsegold, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Marble Popper, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In fact, I enjoyed the game enough to have played it twice, and I will probably play it again. I think you will enjoy the game more if you think of it as an adventure game rather than a Nancy Drew mystery. Nancy heads to New Zealand as a contestant in a reality show competition and has a series of challenges to overcome in order to try to emerge victorious. I enjoyed most of the challenges/puzzles, although there are a couple of timed ones that might give some folks trouble. Overall, though, I would rate the puzzles as fun and interesting. The ending of the game left a lot of players feeling confused; I am willing to give the makers of the game the benefit of the doubt here, as some of the plot elements left hanging may be clarified in future installments of the series (i.e., I suspect that this will not be Sonny Joon's last appearance in a Nancy Drew game).
The Shattered Medallion is not what I would consider to be one of the best in the series, but it is definitely worth playing and it certainly has its moments. One particular line from Bess made me laugh out loud (yes, Bess and George accompany Nancy in this game).
It's very different from other games in this series, for better or worse. Personally, I would not have wanted to miss out on it. It has its faults and problems, but it kept me entertained, and that's what I look for in an adventure game. :-)
I recommend this game!