What a cute game. One I thought I'D never be able to "get" in a million years. This is one of those games where you have to place a "refractor", a diagonal piece, to set a ball in motion to go in the direction you need it to go in order to collect a line of "lit" energy cells. Sort of like those "set this mirror so the light reflects off the next mirror which you then have to set to reflect it off another mirror". Get it?
The first level is a "freebie" in that it is a tutorial - and a very good one - just "watch the ball and learn". Perfectamundo! I "got" it. Then, with each of the few successive levels, my little "flower helper" (pick your own at the beginning) was right there to lead me on a bit. Soon, I was sailing on my way and getting those energy lights all by my lonesome - albeit having to replay a few levels but that was a-okay. I was "getting" it! A major deal for me.
Until the "bonus" level, which, in BIG WHITE LETTERS told me how EASY the level was. 30 minutes later, I still couldn't get it right, had restarted the level over multiple times and finally, just sat there at my computer, having my ball stuck inside a quadrangle that it couldn't get out, waiting for the bar across the bottom to fill up. I assumed that meant game over or I could finally "skip" or something. Over 30 minutes I waited for that bar to ever-so-s l o w l y fill up. Don't know what would have happened because the demo timed out.
This would have been a GREAT game if not for the following:
1. Where's the "skip" button for the bonus round? 2. You shouldn't HAVE to play the bonus round and it shouldn't be harder than what you've just learned how to do. 3. The bar at the bottom of the screen in the bonus round shouldn't take over 30 minutes to fill up. 4. Once you place your little diagonal line in the square, rather than having to replay the level from the beginning, there should be a way to click on that line and "right-click" to change it's position at least until AFTER the first bonus level (it can only go 2 ways anyway).
If NOT for the bonus level experience, I think I might have purchased this game. Now? Nope.
I can't believe how much more I like these version in the series more than I liked Book 2 - and I LOVED Book 2!!!!
You continue to explore. The woman in the group has been kidnapped by cave men and now Adelantado is off on a mission of exploring, helping other natives, building and expanding his territory, all with the ultimate goal of finding her. No rock shall go unturned in this Book 3 of the trilogy.
Again, there is little instruction in this demo, and workers houses have to be constantly built to get more workers. The more land you open up, the more workers, gardens, etc. you need, so don't forget it's not just about helping the natives - lol.
And, remember to cut every bush, destroy every jug and barrel for riches such as gold, silver, food and secrets.
There are 4 levels of difficulty, including "relaxed", which I am so glad the DEVS included for slowpokes like me - lol.
I can't wait to get Book 1 and move on to Book 2 and 3. All are in my wish list. I hope this review encourages you to try the demo. If you liked Book 1 and/or Book 2, you will be thrilled with Book 3.
This 2nd game in the series is miles far and away better than the first.
You continue your exploration, although, some of your workers want to turn against you. It doesn't stop you and it's onward and upward. Build watch towers to expand your territory, totems, etc. Talk to the natives and agree to their "challenges".
Important things to remember: Cut down every bush you see, because there may be something valuable hidden within it - gold, silver, food, etc. Also, destroy those barrels and jugs for the same reason. Constantly move around your territory and make sure you find all the bushes, jugs, barrels and find all the secrets.
This version of the game doesn't have quite as much instruction, which I found delightful. I was more often than not ahead of what the "game" required me to do - lol.
I am absolutely thrilled with this game! It is definitely on my wish list. Come along and let's explore this territory together!
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
PuppetShow: Lightning Strikes Collector's Edition
The women of Paris are being turned into puppets! Can you find out who's pulling the strings?
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
A fortune teller, young boy, airship captain and a circus???
What does all this have to do with what's going one???
First, let me say that I didn't play any of the previous games in this series, however, my review IS based on the completion of this demo.
You are in London in the late 1800's to help find missing girls. But, how? There are puppets everywhere - talking to you, stalking a little boy (kidnapped?!?!?! OH NO!) Are these girls alive or dead? Only time and playing this game will answer these questions and many more.
There are 3 levels of difficulty (sorry, no "custom" - smile). There is a transportable map, but the way it's set up is a bit annoying so I didn't use it. There's also a diary that contains notes, character information and your tasks. An evidence folder - you will find cards that need to be placed in the appropriate place on the board. The hint button does take a bit of time to recharge but it will also transport you where you need to go. Nice alternative to the weird map.
The HOGs (hidden object games) I played were varied. In one instance, I had to open flowers and flowers buds to reveal the items I needed. How fun! I LOVE flowers! But, the prizes I got weren't so keen - lol. Hmmm - HOG or mini game? Oh well, they were all fun - HOGs and mini games alike.
The mini games were fun as well. Putting one of the posters together took some time (for me) but the sense of satisfaction I got when it FINALLY came together was worth every minute! (big congratulatory pat on the back for me!).
The CE Bling is pretty much the usual offered by this DEV. There are achievements galore (even one for NOT listening to a conversation????? Really?). You collect not-so-well hidden piggy banks and use the coins to repair 2 well-known landmarks (want me to tell which ones? Nope! Play the demo to find out - lol).
The characters you meet are truly ... characters. A ship's captain, who while dangling by a rope in the air STILL holds onto his cigar - lol (I remember smoking (I quit some years ago - YAY ME() --- but yep, smokers are very protective of their "smokes" - lol). Also, a young boy who claims he knows "everyone" in town and insists he can help you. A fortune teller who puts you through your paces before she'll give you any information.
There's a LOT of cut scenes. I don't know if this generous amount continues in the entire game. It can be a bit distracting. The voice overs were okay, but, I did notice the hands moved, the eyes blinked, dare I say I could see the chest move as the character breathed? But, no lip syncing? How hard would it have been to add moving lips? HUH? A definite "hmmm" moment. Maybe the employee in charge of lip movement was out on vacation or something.
I saw characters from other games I've played (Maestro, for instance). And, when I did see them, it was almost an immediate purchase for me. I have to admit though, the lack of luster in the Bling Department has me on the fence and I will probably wait for the SE.
I thoroughly enjoyed this game. I know I'm probably in the minority. But, IMO, I believe those of us who DID NOT play the previous games will enjoy this as a stand-alone game. While those who are true diehard fans of the Puppet games will probably be more disappointed. So sad - too bad.
I hope this review encourages you at least try the demo. It's 90 minutes long and FREE! Please help us find those missing girls - dead or alive. And, be careful of the lightning! Bad things happen if you get struck.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
+2points
4of6voted this as helpful.
PuppetShow: Lightning Strikes
The women of Paris are being turned into puppets! Can you find out who's pulling the strings?
First, let me say that I didn't play any of the previous games in this series, however, my review IS based on the completion of this demo.
You are in London in the late 1800's to help find missing girls. But, how? There are puppets everywhere - talking to you, stalking a little boy (kidnapped?!?!?! OH NO!) Are these girls alive or dead? Only time and playing this game will answer these questions and many more.
There are 3 levels of difficulty (sorry, no "custom" - smile). There is a transportable map, but the way it's set up is a bit annoying so I didn't use it. There's also a diary that contains notes, character information and your tasks. An evidence folder - you will find cards that need to be placed in the appropriate place on the board. The hint button does take a bit of time to recharge but it will also transport you where you need to go. Nice alternative to the weird map.
The HOGs (hidden object games) I played were varied. In one instance, I had to open flowers and flowers buds to reveal the items I needed. How fun! I LOVE flowers! But, the prizes I got weren't so keen - lol. Hmmm - HOG or mini game? Oh well, they were all fun - HOGs and mini games alike.
The mini games were fun as well. Putting one of the posters together took some time (for me) but the sense of satisfaction I got when it FINALLY came together was worth every minute! (big congratulatory pat on the back for me!).
The characters you meet are truly ... characters. A ship's captain, who while dangling by a rope in the air STILL holds onto his cigar - lol (I remember smoking (I quit some years ago - YAY ME() --- but yep, smokers are very protective of their "smokes" - lol). Also, a young boy who claims he knows "everyone" in town and insists he can help you. A fortune teller who puts you through your paces before she'll give you any information.
There's a LOT of cut scenes. I don't know if this generous amount continues in the entire game. It can be a bit distracting. The voice overs were okay, but, I did notice the hands moved, the eyes blinked, dare I say I could see the chest move as the character breathed? But, no lip syncing? How hard would it have been to add moving lips? HUH? A definite "hmmm" moment. Maybe the employee in charge of lip movement was out on vacation or something.
I saw characters from other games I've played (Maestro, for instance). And, when I did see them, it was almost an immediate purchase for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this game. I know I'm probably in the minority. But, IMO, I believe those of us who DID NOT play the previous games will enjoy this as a stand-alone game. While those who are true diehard fans of the Puppet games will probably be more disappointed. So sad - too bad.
I probably missed some things, but this game is a definite purchase for me. I hope this review encourages you at least try the demo. It's 90 minutes long and, while I DID take my good old time playing the demo, I had only 19 minutes left when it ended. Please help us find those missing girls - dead or alive.
multi-colored squares until you have a group of 4 of the same colors. That's the game in a nutshell. Well, forget the nutshell, that's the whole game. Pay attention to the "HELP" page that explains exactly how to twirl those squares to get the 4 like colors in a group because it can be a little bit different.
Why it's not a purchase for me and such a low rating?
I got bored ... very quickly. I passed numerous levels in 20 minutes of game play and it never got harder (for me), never got challenging (for me), never got entertaining. It had nothing to offer to hold my interest at all.
So, no story line, no entertainment value, no challenge, no good rating ... period.
Humans and fairies and such lived in peace and harmony. But, there was a black castle where an evil lord lived. One day, he captured all the little fairies. Now, you, as the friendly human, must try to free them from the bubbles they're captured in.
To play this game, you shoot a colored bubble into a group of the same color to destroy them. Then, shoot at the bubble the fairy is in - POP - she's free. That's the first level, it gets a little harder (I really didn't find it so) and different each level after that.
There are bubbles that if you hit them, they will ALL turn into that color. There are bombs you shoot to catch and blow groups of bubbles or other obstructions with. You'll see when you get into the game play just what to do each level. Also, because before each level, it's explained to you.
You get 3 lives. There are 2 modes of difficulty. It's supposed to be timed but I never had any trouble getting past the obstructions to free the fairies either with time running out or losing any lives and I played quite a number of levels before the demo ended.
This is an enjoyable game of matching groups, shooting bubbles and strategizing the best way to POP those bubbles the fairies are in.
I got bored so this isn't a purchase for me. But, I do hope this encourages you to try it. It's relatively fun.
And so can you .... just start the game. The big secret is ...... the game isn't really about him.
You start the game by gaining pages of facts about Leonardo Da Vinci. You meet him and he gives you chores to do. Then, you meet Magellan, learn pages of facts about him and HE gives you chores to do and so on and so on and so on.
At some point, you finally figure out that Nostradamus is the one doing the "speaking" on the bottom of the screen. Not much info is gleaned about him except he is scared of his "visions" and is looking for various ways to relax. BIG SECRET!
This is an HOG (hidden object game) heavy game. Every level is a different type of HOG - find the items in the list, find the differences, find "x" number of compasses or whatever. I quit the game when I had to find items that were in silhouette. Why? Because the items in the "list" HOGs were next to impossible to find. A "fish" in one scene was hardly bigger than a pin's head and, even with the help of the "hint", it was extremely difficult to locate. In the silhouette HOG, what looked like a lemon slice was, in fact, a well-hidden wagon wheel.
The mini games were extremely fun. Most likely the best part of the game.
The HOGs are untimed and there is a rechargeable "Help/hint" button. Also, a "goals" button in case you forget what you're doing. All are located at the top of the page.
There is way too much conversation and pages and pages of facts about other people - it makes the game drag on and on and on. The flow is terrible. It is extremely boring and not entertaining at all. For these reasons, this will not be a purchase for me.
I suggest if you want to know about Nostradamus, get a book.
the Sorcerer's Stone and everyone's search for it.
As you complete each level, you get to read a diary page of .... someone. It starts out as Da Vinci and then after several pages, stops cold and starts with someone else. But who is this person and what is the significance to Da Vinci? Further on, you learn he is interessted in the Sorcerer's Stone too. Again, stops cold and onto the next person. Who is he and what is his significance to Da Vinci? More diary pages that lead you to discover his interest in the Sorcerer's Stone.
The graphics appear old-school, hand-drawn and painted. Perhaps, to give the idea of the time period.
This is an HOG (hidden object game) heavy game. Levels upon levels of find the things on the itemized list, find the difference, find "x" number of feathers, or birds. Then, a mini game of "match the cards".
The levels (chapters) are also timed. There is a clicking penalty that takes away time. The items are difficult to spot. An invisible goblet in a windowpane. A single flower in a vase of flowers in a picture about an inch high, or darkened items in a dark bookshelf. Impossible.
There is a "tip/hint" button that recharges after a while. I relied heavily on that or I wouldn't have found the items in the time given and would have repeated chapters/levels, again. No thanks.
The story doesn't flow well from Chapter to Chapter. It is not about Da Vinci but the Sorcerer's Stone. The HOGs are impossible without the constant use of the "tip" bar. Because of these items, and others, this is not a purchase for me . I do hope this encourages you to at least try the game. But, if you want to learn more about Da Vinci, get a book.
Ok, I can guess I'll be in the minority with this review. Sigh. But, this IS based on the completion of the demo which did take me the entire 90 minutes. Maybe I was slow on this one. Not a lot of hand-holding here. I liked that - kind of - keep reading please.
The storyline is pretty basic and described well on the game description page. Evil Mage takes over Florence, kidnaps Leonardo Di Vinci, wants to destroy all art and science work. You've been hired to help Di Vinci.
The graphics are .... sharp Disappointed that there's no lip syncing. Disappointed in the voice overs as well. It sounds like it's the same man who's doing all the male character voices. I could be wrong, but that's MY ear telling me that - lol.
There are 4 difficulty modes, including "custom". You find and piece together a map that is transportable and shows what areas are complete (you can go back to them if you need to), where you need to do something (several open areas at one time - I like that). The strategy guide not only takes you through the demo, but also shows where the collectibles are. There's a "book" that has pages for "stories", "characters" and "notes" but not too much happens in there. There's a book of Di Vinci's tales. It's a "pop-up" book and when you find the collectibles and add to the correct places in the book, when the page is complete you get part of a story. Pretty cool. You collect coins in the game to purchase things you need in a store located in the game.
The HOGs are varied and extremely interactive. So far, I've come across silhouettes (2) and list items (1) (the list was difficult to read and some of the items were difficult to find). It looked like you could play a game/puzzle instead but I didn't so can't comment on that - sorry.
The mini games. Oh, those mini games. Most that I encountered took time, patience and perseverance. Oh, did I mention time? Yeah, some took quite a bit of time and to get back into the lack of game play and hear more talking, I skipped some of them. Too bad, the mini games were the most interesting part of the "game".
Yes. haters, there are animal helpers. A mechanical bird to get things in high places - you eventually lose him. A sheep that also helps. I (stress the "I") LIKE animal helpers myself. Thank you very much.
CE Bling: Disappointing as well? The usual wallpapers, music, replayable games, etc. A "sheep's room" and "Tales" (well, I think we know what THAT is). The collectibles go in the pop-up book during game play. Does that make it CE or will that be in the SE as well? The game description alludes to a bonus game where you help repair Florence. Honestly, I just don't know. It all seems pretty weak to me.
There's a LOT of conversation that goes on. I don't particularly care for that. I mean, logical conversation pertaining to the game makes perfect sense. But here? Between that (or is more than 2 actually considered "among"?), all the notes, the pieces of stories and more, it just seems like the game drags on and on and on with lots of talking and no real game play.
I'm sorry if there isn't the usual influx of humor in this review. The game actually makes me feel....snarky. I never thought a game could affect my mood so much. I mean ...like...a LOT.
It's boring. A mess of too much going on .... stories within stories within stories within stories and not a game among it all. It's everybody having something to say with an occasional HOG and mini game thrown in. It's sad and depressing.
This just isn't going to be a purchase for me for all the reasons stated above. I do hope this encourages you to at least try the demo. Purchasing a game is always a personal choice. Not because of "peer pressure" or because everybody's doing it.