mycatluna's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,488
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:November 23, 2011
- Most Recent Review:July 2, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Play as journalist Edgar Lance and solve a mysterious murder during the roaring twenties in Paris.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
This Game is Unique and Very Enjoyable-More Please!
PostedMarch 29, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am surprised at all the negative reviews. Perhaps the negative reviews stem from the fact that this game is incredibly unique and doesn't fit nice and tidy into any one particular genre. It includes word-related puzzles, mini-games, strategy, time management, adventure and hidden objects.
You play as an inspiring journalist and photographer in Paris during the roaring 20's whose first assignment turns out to be a murder investigation that quickly escalates into a much larger conspiracy.
The goal is to collect information from people and clues from each scene. This is where the replay value becomes evident. You have various dialogue choices, and not all choices are used. The questions you choose to ask directly impact the 'rating' of your newspaper articles.
You also collect photographic evidence and again, what you choose to take a picture of, and how good of a picture it is that you take, also impacts the 'rating' of your newspaper articles.
After each 'chapter', you piece together your article. They are rated on a point system based on what information you decide to include from the interviews you conducted (there are many variations) as well as what pictures you decide to include (again-numerous variations). The quality of your article not only impacts your final point tally at the end of the game, but also determines on which page of the newspaper your article will be published on. Due to the many variations, this game can be replayed many times with different outcomes and points awarded.
There are voice-overs and are done very well. The background music and scenes fit the time period of the 1920's very well. I found that the graphics are well done and politely disagree with other reviewers that the graphics are terrible. I have a wide-screen and the graphics look great.
There are many locations to explore, with the newsroom as the only location that you visit more than once. The game is linear in the sense that you cannot wander around your surroundings-you are there for a purpose and once completed, it's on to the next location.
The storyline is where the game really shines. I found myself very intrigued with the plot and that, coupled with the ability to create unique newspaper articles based on the choices one makes, really engages the player and you easily find yourself completely immersed in the game.
The items to find in each scene can be hard to spot in some places; however, I like a challenge and did not mind searching for some of the smaller, more well-hidden objects. For those players that have vision problems or dislike looking for smaller items, this may not be the game for you. But if you are up to the challenge, it's perfect.
Equally entertaining and challenging are the puzzles, of which there are quite a few. They range in difficulty. I never found myself bored nor did I have to skip any of the puzzles. All are logical and intuitive, avoiding the frustrations of puzzles in many other games that don't make logical sense.
Some of the puzzles are timed and for good reason. The timed puzzles are infrequent, but they mimic real life. For example, if you are disarming a bomb, you're going to be racing the clock to do so. If you fail, your character can die and you must try again. I found that this added realism to the story as well as an exciting sense of urgency.
You do have a notebook, styled to look just like a journalist's notepad. There is no map but you don't need one.
One thing of importance to note-this game does not have a tutorial nor does it hold your hand and offer hints as to what to do next. The only help it offers is the ability to skip a puzzle. If you are the type of player that prefers to have a game that holds your hands throughout, this game would not be for you; however, if you are a player that likes a challenge, somewhat reminiscent of the old-school Adventure games, you will enjoy this game.
All in all, this game has much to offer and can be replayed for different outcomes if you so choose. I enjoyed the game immensely and am hoping that the developers release more. This game ends with plenty of room for a sequel, and the sub-title "Episode One" strongly hints that the developers have a series in mind. To be clear however, the game's ending does wrap everything up quite nicely so you need not worry about an annoying cliff-hanger, but it does leave you wanting to play more!
I sincerely hope that the low star ratings this game received (which REALLY surprises me) won't affect the developer's decision to make a sequel. I am really looking forward to another one. Unique games like this one do not come around very often. So please developers, create a sequel!
Don't let the negative reviews deter you from at least giving the game a try. There are other positive reviews with high star ratings that you can look at. I strongly recommend playing the entire demo so you will get to experience the first chapter and all of the choices you get to make in order to write your first article. It picks up pace as you get further into the game.
Cheers and happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
A wonderful story of the citizens of Joyville. Can you change their destiny? You will see – nothing is impossible!
Overall rating
2
/
5
73 of 99 found this review helpful
Same Old, Same Old
PostedMarch 28, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have tired of ERS games. I used to be their biggest fan when they first started out. They were 'quality' versus 'quantity'. Anymore however, they release cookie cutter games as fast as possible, at the expense of fun and fresh games.
This game is no exception. I loved the first two PuppetShow games, but after that, they began the downhill slide that all of these developer's games are suffering from. To be more specific:
Same music. They use the same music in all their games, only slightly tweaked for each new release. Don't expect any new music in this game.
Same art-style-absolutely nothing fresh about the artwork in this game. It has the same washed-out style that ERS is known for. Nothing new in this game to report.
Same game mechanics. How the game is played is nothing new. Don't bother with the tutorial. Once you've played a few of their games, you know exactly how everything works. It would be nice if they added some new game mechanics to at least try and update their games.
Same HOG style-again, nothing new. I get deja-vu during every HOG scene anymore. They all look the same, and you are looking for the same objects they've used in dozens of games before this one. The EXACT same objects.
Same puzzles. Nothing new, imaginative or unique. The same type of puzzles we've come to expect from this developer.
Same unoriginal, unimaginative storyline. The PuppetShow series hasn't advanced much in terms of story. Because of that, I think it's time they either liven things up or put the PuppetShow series to rest. I have a tough time telling any of these last few apart.
Bottom line-expect nothing new, nothing exciting, nothing innovative or fresh in this game. Expect the same tired game that they have been releasing for quite some time now. I couldn't even finish the demo. I was, in one word, BORED.
What once was a fantastic series is no more. I cannot recommend spending your money on this, and certainly cannot recommend purchasing the CE version! The SG is not needed-the game is too easy for it to be of any use. Their 'extras' included in the CE are (you guessed it) the same old, same old.
I don't recommend this game.
Jessica would never imagine that her big day would turn out to be a nightmare; they had an accident and Jonathan McNealy, her husband is missing.
Overall rating
4
/
5
105 of 159 found this review helpful
Recommended Purchase: A Creepy Good Time
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
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 review is based on the completed demo of the game in Nightmare mode.
I did enjoy Silent Scream:The Dancer, the 1st of (so far) this 2 part series.The 1st game ties everything up nicely; therefore, it is not necessary to play the 1st one before playing this as they can function as 2 stand-alone games.
I absolutely LOVED the artistic style of Silent Scream:The Dancer. It was done in a Tim Burton-esque art style. I was slightly disappointed to see that this games artistic style is different. Not in a bad way. The graphics are crisp and clear and up to par with most of the games we see today.For some reason the screenshot examples make it look grainy but that is not at all the case.
The other aspect I liked about the 1st Silent Scream were the unexpected creepy moments.They started out subtle and built up the suspense slowly, picking up speed throughout the game. Psychologically, the 1st game was quite a thriller. With this game,the developers kept the creep factor there, but it's less subtle and much more intense.The 'ghost' tends to appear when you least expect it, causing me to jump on a couple of occasions. :-o
Another reviewer in the forums cautioned animal lovers about this game from 'early on'. I have to respectfully disagree.The instance in which I believe the reviewer is referring to is not cruel by any means.No animals die on screen or are visibly harmed in any way. I did not feel at all uncomfortable. I felt it would be helpful to expound upon that statement to clarify any fears about visible animal cruelty or death.
From the menu, you are able to customize to your hearts content, including all facets of audio (music,voice,sounds,environment). There are 2 methods of game-play: Thriller and Nightmare. Nightmare offers zero help-no skips, no hints. I played the demo in Nightmare mode and enjoyed the challenge.The music is unobtrusive and picks up pace at the right time, adding to the eerie experience.The environment sounds are very realistic and varied which enhances the gaming experience.
My only gripe is that this game is pretty heavy on the HO scenes, more so than the 1st one. You revisit each scene a few times which can get a bit repetitive. It's lite on Adventure but I found playing in Nightmare mode helps with this as you have to explore more to find needed items, which kept me happy. For HOPA lovers, I recommend playing on Nightmare mode to create more of an adventure feel. Storyline is intriguing. Overall a good SE that I would recommend, especially with the sale today! 4 of 5 stars!
I recommend this game!
You, as Jennifer, have to solve a perplexing mystery and save her only daughter in Silent Scream: The Dancer!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Artistically Beautiful Game
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am surprised at all the negative reviews! I played this game several months ago, but I absolutely loved it and it holds a permanent place in my Game Manager reserved only for my absolute favorites. The art style is very Tim Burton-esque. For artistic examples, think "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or "The Corpse Bride" movies. Utilizing this type of art style fits perfectly with the eerie storyline. Paired together, the atmosphere created is creepy and in several scenes, the use of 'shadows' had my skin crawling.
One thing I will stress is that this is a game where you have to pay attention or you'll miss the scare-factor. Entering a room, a 'shadow thing' may crawl up the wall right beside you, but it only happens once and it happens quick. Same goes for things moving, doors opening on their own, etc. So if you are the type to rush through games without really paying attention to your surroundings, you'll probably miss the majority of scary moments. In fact, even though I took my time the first time through, when I played it a second time, I noticed scary moments I missed the first time. While I appreciate the realism behind these quick movements, (much like seeing something move out of the corner of your eye), a note to the developers might be to slow it down just a bit so that all players have a greater chance of seeing all of these creepy moments in order to get the most out of the work put into this game. Visually, this game is stunning, just stay alert. :)
As for the game-play itself, I was never bored, which is rare for me. I get bored playing many of the CE's offered even with all the extra bells and whistles. But something about this game kept my interest throughout. The audio is great, creepy at just the right time to add to the visual scare-factor. The game flows smoothly, there are many locations to explore and not a lot of back and forth. The length is very reasonable. Not too long and definitely not too short. Even expert players, if not rushed through, will get a good 3-4 hours out of this game; casual to intermediate players will get a good 4 to 5+ hours game-play, estimated.
This really is a gem of a game and I implore people to try out the demo and see what you think. The art style might not be for you, or you could fall in love with it like I did. Either way, it's worth at least a demo, especially if you like your games a little on the creepy side!
I recommend this game!
What dark and powerful secrets are hidden within the A.R.C.A.N.E. agency's old research base? Kiera Vale returns to find out.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
A game filled with humor and intrigue: don't pass this one by
PostedJanuary 31, 2013
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
First of all, before playing this game, I recommend going back and playing the first Nightmare Adventures about Blackwater Asylum. It is not absolutely necessary as this game has cleverly inserted a journal to find that summarizes the first game for you; however, it does help to have all the information fresh in your mind for this sequel.
What is absolutely important to note is that when, during the tutorial, they tell you to click on EVERYTHING, they mean it. This is by far my favorite part of the game. The character you are playing as is incredibly funny and witty, and has many things to say about random objects that you click on-so click often on the same object. In line with this is the use of inventory items. They are creative about it and use humorous dialogue specific to the item you are using. For instance, I used a fishhook on an unconscious person's face and dialog popped up that told me the poor woman was not a bass fish! I purposely try to use the wrong inventory items just to read the reactions! It's worth a laugh every time.
There are also many files/letters/notes to read, if you so choose. It helps with the back-story and adds additional details to the current story. Having played both games back to back, I can honestly state that the developers were careful-there are no gaps in the plot-the games flow seamlessly.
It's these types of attention to detail that make the Nightmare Adventure series stand out from the rest.
The graphics in this game are fantastic. The witch is incredibly frightening: hands down one of the creepiest creatures I've come across in an Adventure game.This game has much exploring to do and fully exploring your environment (clicking on everything) is both enjoyable and adds length to the game. I am an advanced player, yet I've been playing for a good 4+ hours now and I have a feeling I have a long way to go still. Take into account that I have been reading everything and taking my time exploring.
I can't say enough good things about this series. Kudos to the developers. Please keep the sense of humor in future games and the penalty-free clicking with witty dialogue. It balances out the game quite well. Fear, laughter, mystery...all weave together to create a fantastic 5 star game.
Don't pass this one up!
I recommend this game!
In this adventurous romance, outwit powerful villains and break an evil curse inflicted upon your love, Hari, while saving your best friend’s life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
Finally!!! Wahoo!!!
PostedMay 6, 2012
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have waited what feels like forever for the sequel to the first Tiger Eye game to come out (years in fact) and could not believe that it had finally arrived! And it does NOT disappoint. The storyline and interactions between the two 'lovers' is spell-binding. I'll let others rave about the game mechanics and visuals, etc. I have more gaming to do. I simply wanted to announce to the world how excited I am that the sequel has arrived!!! Lol. Enjoy fishies.This series is fantastic...If you haven't yet played the first one, I highly recommend that you play that first, and then this one. You will have a better understanding of what is going on and a deeper appreciation for the characters.
I recommend this game!
When the ghost of the beautiful Diane de Poitiers appears in front of you, you are transported back in time in Amulet of Time: Shadow of la Rochelle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 37 found this review helpful
Truly a work of art
PostedMay 1, 2012
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I was hesitant to try this one after looking at the initial reviews that stated there were numerous hidden object scenes and little adventure. That's actually misleading. While there are hidden object scenes, the mechanics are much different than we are used to. In order to solve puzzles or glean a piece of information, by clicking on certain areas, a list of items appears to look for. What I found fun about this is that the H.O.S are NOT static! You look for these items throughout different areas of a room or shop to locate some of the items, and others you find by triggering a normal hidden object scene. I would actually call this new type of game play a "VHOS" or Virtual Hidden Object Scenes.This new type of game play added greatly to the fun factor and was quite challenging to find all the items needed to proceed due to the various places one could look. So yes, while there are hidden object scenes, they encompass a very large interactive area.
Additionally, the logic behind the collection of inventory items makes sense for once! You don't pick up meaningless items without first finding out that you need the item! That has always bugged me about H.O.S.games: you randomly pick up inventory objects with no idea why you picked them up until later. It has never made sense. In this game it MAKES SENSE! And that is a huge plus for me. I can understand picking up an item once I know I have a use for it! I hope more developers go this route because I am getting tired of picking up items before knowing that I'll need them. An additional bonus, nearly all items that you are tasked to find are ACTUALLY USED. I appreciate this too; instead of sorting through piles of the regular meaningless junk (eyeglasses, binoculars, crowbar, seashell-we know the lists by now) for the most part in this game you use every item in your list.
And as far as the artwork, character development, in-game animations, historical story-line, voice-overs, soundtrack, etc., they are SUPERB. So much care went into this game down to the tiniest detail and the small animations made the surroundings come alive. I have never felt so immersed into a game environment as I did in this game. If I listed all the reasons why it would be a very long list. As for length, I enjoyed around 5-6 hours of game-play. Granted, I read the journal and took my time admiring the scenery but this should be a lengthy game for everyone.
So, I am glad that I gave this game a try. It is one of my favorites, and one I foresee myself playing many times. If you don't own this game yet, don't miss out. This should be added to every casual gamers' collection!
Stellar work developers and I look forward to more beautifully done games from you in the future! I hope that other developers take your lead.
I recommend this game!
Help Scarlet Frost outwit evil itself in a dark and mysterious theatre to save an innocent girl’s soul from the most sinister of perils.
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Wow-now this is more like it...
PostedApril 30, 2012
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
To be fair, this review is coming from a person that enjoys the macabre. For those that don't, or have a personal objection to it, I do not recommend this game. For those that do-this is a MUST have for your collection; whether the CE or SE.
I am impressed by almost everything. Graphics are above par, sound quality and background acoustics are excellent and the voice-overs are VERY well done. What I have enjoyed the most is the gaining of new 'powers' that you receive along the way. For console gamers out there that love the Elder Scrolls, this is a very enjoyable feature and a very creative twist on what could have turned out to be a cookie-cutter game. This game is anything but 'been there, done that.'
Yes, the theme has been done in many variations, but the way in which the developers created the game; different game mechanics, a new journal style (allows you to search by topic which is quicker than flipping through pages), an interesting and engaging storyline, a main character that talks as she discovers things, creepy atmosphere and background sounds, incredible cut-scenes and downright scary moments, really immerse the player into the world they created, so I have felt so far none of the 'not this again' feeling.
The reason I said 'I am impressed with almost everything' is because while I do enjoy the main character talking and describing what she sees as you move along (very nice touch) she can get repetitive. It's not bad enough that it detracts from the game, at least for me, but it can get a little annoying when it does happen.
Other than that, this is the first supposed 'scary' game where I have actually felt fear, so I consider that to be a huge accomplishment for the game developers and one of the reasons I gave this game 5 starts. Rarely do I do that, but this game delivers. I have jumped out of my chair more than once, and feel quite intense while playing it.
Love it or hate it, but one thing is for sure-in this game you can tell that the developers actually cared about the quality of the game and added many extra touches. That's getting a bit harder to find as some developers are pushing quantity over quality. This game is going into my all-time favorites category-and that list is not that long. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
How did the attacker escape a room locked from the inside?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
My love for Everything French came Rushing Back at me.
PostedApril 23, 2012
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I LOVE THIS GAME! Not much of a review, but that's how I feel. I do not care one bit that there is no hint button. Back in the old-school adventure game days (and I'm only 32) there were few walk-throughs to be had-so you had to get the brain working and figure things out on your own. With this game, I had to put on my thinking cap a few times but that made the game more interesting to me. Everything follows a logical pattern. So if you get stuck, actually imagine that you ARE the detective that's there...and what would YOU do next? This strategy worked well for me.
I adore the French accents, but French is my second language so I was pleased to play a game that had something besides the typical American voice-acting. I did see some gripes about this (I honestly don't know why) but it adds depth to the story-it would not have been as believable if everyone talked without an accent during a game set in early France.
This game does NOT hold your hand. You are a detective, meant to collect and photograph evidence, interview characters and eventually solve the mystery. Too often in games, the developer does most of the thinking for us, but not in this game. We are often left to our own creative devices--I have been having a hoot playing through this and I long for more detective story games to SOLVE much along the same lines as this one.
Graphics are crisp and clear; hidden object scenes and puzzles are spaced out well and not over-used. The story is brilliant and flows smoothly (I was also intrigued that it was based on a book that I will now have to find and read). Another perk about the story is that it is NOT the same old formula that players are getting sick of. It's not predictable and it IS unique--it's what we've been wishing and waiting for!
Don't let the "no hint button" scare you away. Put on your Sherlock Holmes outfit and play with confidence-you will figure it out! A must buy, and I am positive it will be added to my favorites-rarely do I give out 5 stars.
As for length: I've been playing these types of games for several years, both PC and console gamer- so I consider myself an expert-I'm not finished yet, only a little less than 1/2 way through, and I've spent at least two hours, if not more. I read everything (newspaper clippings, etc) and often take a look at the evidence gathered so far, so I thoroughly read the journal. If I were to guess, for me this game should run, for an expert player who takes their time, at least 5 hours to complete. And the journal is well done also. I like the concept of 'tabbed' journals where you can go to see specific things: Evidence collected, Character Bios, Story, etc. The task list is kept separate as well but is also imbedded in the map, which is also done well and should help anyone who might get stuck. It shows you were you need to go and for what (evidence, puzzle or hidden object scene). A lot of detail went into the small things, and that adds up to many great things.
Worth a free game coupon at the very least, but well worth paying full price for, IMO. Happy gaming and I hope to see more games like this! (Hint, Hint developers)!
I recommend this game!
Track down your real parents in The Keepers: Lost Progeny! After growing up an orphan, a mysterious photo showing your parents arrives!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Should Appeal To Fans of Tim Burton
PostedApril 10, 2012
mycatluna
fromWaukesha, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I adored this game. I was engaged throughout, the HOS were spaced apart and the adventure aspect and pace of the game are perfect. All of the voice-overs are very well done and the storyline adds a unique twist to many of the games being released over the past couple of years.
What really drew me into this game is the art-style. Fans of Tim Burton's work (Caroline; The Nightmare Before Christmas, etc) should appreciate the artistic way in which this game was developed, as do I. The graphics are beautiful and crisp and displayed beautifully on my wide-screen, which is a pet-peeve of mine.
The puzzles are not overly difficult or overly abundant and I found myself enjoying the few that are there without skipping any.
Additionally, I consider myself an expert player, having played these types of games for several years. With that said, I found the game length to be between 3-4 hours. I did not play straight through as I usually jump around between a few games at a time, but overall, that's about the amount of time I spent with this gem. If you take your time, admire the artwork, click on everything, read the journal and immerse yourself in the story, this game should last more than a couple hours.
I cannot wait to see what this developer brings us next. And please development team, keep the art-style! It's refreshing and beautiful and a nice change of pace from the cookie-cutter games out there. Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!