jessmom01's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:732
- Reviews Submitted:54
- First Review:December 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 13, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Shrouded Tales: The Spellbound Land Collector's Edition
Your magical powers have finally awakened. Now you have the strength to free your mother from the Shadow Realm!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 26 found this review helpful
Somewhat less than spellbinding...
PostedSeptember 13, 2014
jessmom01
fromPA, USA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, no other offerings here this late in the day, so guess i'll jump in. The game description notes this as "a thrilling new fantasy series", & my first thought is that this one isn't likely to fund the promised follow-ups. But first things first. My own preference for artwork/graphics leans heavily toward lots of detail & realism, & tho' this one's artwork is more simplistic/ cartoony than I like, it's decent, clear, & nicely done for the style. Voice acting is good, although the Bad Guy sounds to me like an American biker at Hogwarts, but evil nonetheless. Music kept low is appropriate & not overwhelming. 3 modes of play with no option of customizing, & even at the most difficult level, this is not a hard game. But, if you get into the story, there's plenty of moving around & things to do, which may compensate for lack of challenge. You'll find glowing - not hidden - runes that, along with your mother's spell book, help increase your magic & spell casting abilities, as you move on your adventure thru the real & shadow worlds on a quest to take on the evil master of the Shadow Realm - & when I get there, I hope he's on a Harley : ) Interactive HOscenes are not over-abundant, & vary in presentation, but at times objects are a bit small & hard to find. Not much in the way of puzzles so far, but there doesn't appear to be anything that'll make you want to tear your hair out. There's a map that shows areas of actions, & your spellbook that notes tasks. Gameplay was smooth & glitch free for me. Altogether, I found this a fun enough little game, mainly because it's more reliant on adventure play than hidden objects. I'd go so far as to say it's a pretty good SE for a CE price. Oh, that's cheeky, huh? I don't expect the full dose of CE bling in the beta, but once released, the goodies need to be there. In abundance. Unless the collectibles, morphs, etc, are "shrouded" so well as to escape me for 90 minutes - twice, even - they don't appear to exist. For my money, while there is that occasional rare game that's extraordinary enough to overlook lack of bling & still pay premium... this ain't one of 'em. I'll go 3 stars for a decent, average game with room for improvement, especially considering the total lack of CE amenities, & wait for the SE. The game is worth a demo if you're into the genre, & whatever your personal preferences, enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Face a 200-year mystery and save your best friend! Discover how strong friendship ties can be and to what extremes unrequited love is ready to go.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Pretty darn good HOAdventure with a cliffhanger ending...
PostedApril 2, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Ok, i've screwed up & deleted this twice, & wouldn't bother again except I like this game a lot - despite the fact that that it could have used some refinements, which hopefully will show up on the promised sequel. The game opens in a ski lodge type setting where you'll benefit from some sound fx that'll have you thinking you're back in Dire Grove, with the feel that something creepy's gonna happen... then transitions to the spooky manor on the hill with completely different play atmosphere. Nicely done, imo. Graphics are generally pretty darn good, & adjusting brightness helped. Cutscenes are ok. Voiceovers were just bad script reading, while voice & music volume control were one & the same which doesn't work out very well (but there are subtitles for dialogue). Music was repetitive & not great, & there's not much in the way of sound fx after the opening chapter - both of which could have enhanced the spooky atmosphere. Plenty of clear HOscenes offered some challenge, with listed objects as well as finding items from silhouettes. Minis/puzzles were few & easy. I'd say this game is heavier on the adventure aspect which i liked, so there's some more challenge, with a whole lot of back & forth, searching, finding, & figuring out what to do & where to go next. And essentially no help, so you're pretty much on your own. The hint button does the "Nothing to do here" thing; there's a journal & task list, no map; no hand holding. There is a walkthrough tho', which i used a few times, or i'd probably still be wandering around in that place. This is a pretty long game with a good storyline, & it played smoothly without problem for me. It's got a nice spooky feel, & if you get into it, will keep your head engaged 'til the cliffhanger ending. A little more purpose to the constant back & forth would make this feel like less of a "slow mover", even though pretty much everything you do here is goal directed. I do think this dev did a good job overall, & i await the follow up, hopefully with just a few tweaks.Imo, it's worth a try for both HOgame lovers & adventure fans. I'm going 4 stars for a looong, engaging game, atmospheric, nice graphics, with room for just a little improvemnt by a promising dev.
I recommend this game!
Rescue your daughter from the clutches of the evil Emma!
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 31 found this review helpful
Spooky-Fun, Nicely Atmospheric HOgame, Worth a Try
PostedMarch 30, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Curiosity got the better of me when i saw the TGT this morning, & even tho' i prefer games that are less HO-heavy than this appears to be after completing the demo, Lost Tales seems to have a lot going for it. The storyline may be a bit cliche, but this dev has provided a really nice, spooky atmosphere that at least makes a demo worth your time if you're a HOgame fan. I love the graphics/artwork here - really nice, & along with the music/sound you've got a beautifully rendered creepy-cool play atmosphere. There are no vocalizations other than an occasional cackle from the witch, so you'll be reading the dialogue, which i didn't find bothersome. Hint button is minimally helpful. There's a journal that so far doesn't collect all that much info. HOscenes are slightly interactive, not too cluttered, & i found objects without difficulty. Puzzles thus far are not mindbenders - they've been easy but may provide more challenge as the game progresses, we'll see. Storyline and gameplay seem to move together nicely, and are easy to follow -others have given good description of the storyline so i wont repeat. This game has the "dark & eerie" flavor but not the spice that'll scare your pants off, & it's devoid of the bells & whistles we often expect. But ya got a little bit of spooky along with great atmosphere & interesting story, if not too challenging gameplay, that might just provide some fun & relaxing playtime if you're in the mood. I have no idea who this dev is, but they've done a good job here - seemingly without a big budget - & if this is any indication of future works, i'd expect good stuff to come. I'd definitely recommend at least a demo journey to "Darkville"; i think you may enjoy the trip. Just don't drink any tea if it's offered. Have fun gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
A mysterious man in red summons you, sending you to a flying ship where a little girl needs your help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Such a good game! May i have more, please?
PostedMarch 7, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The time between really good games - even if it's only a week or 2 - really seems to drag for this game addict, but Timeless: The Lost Castle was really worth the wait. This is right up my alley, being mostly adventure play, with a just few HOscenes thrown in. So expect slower, more deliberate movement, seeking, & implementing your found items & discovered info than you would with games that are more hidden object based. This isn't a hand holder, so the gray matter's gonna be occupied and, I hope, thanking you for it. 3 modes of play allow for a good range of challenge; i played expert & was really happy with it. Graphics are very good. Music kept low in the background enhances rather than overrides the experience. There are essentially no voiceovers, but rather written character lines, & altho' i prefer vo's, this game is none the worse for lack of them. There's no map either, & personally i like it that way. The journal is not only valuable thru your adventure, but it's kinda cool looking ... ok, that doesn't matter, but i liked it lol. Puzzles there are, & most are pretty darn good. I gotta give credit to this dev for the way the storyline & gameplay are so well integrated; everywhere you go, everything you do - & there's a LOT to do - is obviously & directly related to the the developing storyline & it's goals. Man, i just love when that happens! And the whole thing ran smooth as silk, glitch-free, thus frustration-free. There's a whole lot of really fun, game-junkie play time here, folks; i was at it for hours, completely immersed, intrigued, & happy as a kid in a candy store. It's a SE, worth the price of a CE imho. I recommend at least giving this one a demo, & hope you enjoy it as much as i did. Kudos to the devs for such a great piece of work. Have fun gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Dupin needs your help solving the mystery of the gold bug. Crack the codes and follow the clues to one man's obsession with an old legend.
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Very disappointed with this one
PostedMarch 7, 2013
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's... The Black Cat; Premature Burial... those were decent games, & i was looking for similar quality here, fully expecting to enjoy another jaunt with Dupin and solve another engrossing mystery. I gotta be honest: i couldn't make myself finish this game which, for me, just doesn't make the cut. Cartoonish, washed out graphics, over-simplistic and under-developed storyline, and gameplay that was so bloody boring i had to bid Adieu to Dupin, possibly forever, sigh. There was essentially no challenge to the play - move there, pick up that, put it there, over & over, without building on this extremely simplified storyline... the entire content seemed to be made to appeal to young first timers - which is fine i suppose, but I expected a better experience with the name of Poe attached to the game, after having so enjoyed previous installments in the series. This game just felt like a rush job, not well executed, and yeah, painfully boring. Maybe i expect some growth in a game series... progress, enhancements in art, story, gameplay, etc. But imo this dev doesn't deliver at all on this one, & even for gamers who are new to the venue, there are lots of games out there that are so much better than this. You can sniff 'em out. This one smells like failure. Sorry, but i would not recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Soul and machine are one in Motor Town, where a stunning mystery awaits!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Spooky Grunge-Gaming, with a new storyline
PostedFebruary 16, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Big-A developer who has done some of my favorite games, includingTwisted Lands & The Gift, has offered up yet another oddly intriguing game/storyline that i think is gonna surprise a lot of players by it's uniqueness. Cars aren't my thing by a long shot so i was glad to find Motor Town isn't really so much about cars as the souls that are somehow bound to them, & enough said about that; i don't want to spoil anything. Graphics are excellent, & combined with the sound effects & spooky as heck music, the dev created the perfect atmosphere for this storyline. Voice overs are decent, & not abundant. Cutscenes are pretty good, & the ghosts are great. As noted by a few reviewers, as you travel thru over 30 different locations you'll move thru some pretty darn grungy looking places like old abandoned streets, warehouses, garages... this isn't pretty fairytale land, folks, but it is distinctively moody & imo a flawless set for the subject. There are lots of HOscenes that are fairly cluttered but pretty interactive & fun, while the adventure aspect keeps things moving nicely. Puzzles are easy. Hint button is plenty helpful should you need it. A journal gathers info you'll apply later. Gameplay was smooth & glitch-free, and you'll get a good amount of game time here. 2 modes of play, casual & expert - i played expert & would have appreciated a bit more challenge. Although It may be on the easier side, the game flows nicely & is easy to follow, tasks are clear, gameplay & storyline are merged really well... and it is a whole lot of fun regardless of your skill level. For an SE, this is a deal for real, & something different. I'm going 4 stars 'cause i think a little more challenge would have made it a little better. Still, I definitely recommend giving this one a go, 'specially on a sale weekend, right. Have fun gaming, folks!
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
48 of 50 found this review helpful
Creepy, Smart, & a Long Time Coming... Excellent Adventure!
PostedJanuary 26, 2013
jessmom01
fromIndiana, PA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
i've waited so long for this game... Just brilliant, & a long time coming from a very small group, Ghost Ship games, with the talent of many. I do recommend playing the first Nightmare Adventures first even tho' this one gives a good recap via our heroine's diary before the adventure gets into full swing. The 1st Nightmare Adventures is a D&E lover's delight #i've played it 4 times! If you like this genre & haven't already, i'd say go for it - Sale weekend, right #, & tho' i haven't finished this one yet, i had to stop to give this a huge thumb's up & say it's just as good as the original, with a bit more of an updated look & nuances that weren't in the 1st one. This takes place mere weeks after the last game ends, after you've become unwittingly involved with a group called A.R.C.A.N.E. #you'll figure it out#, who've been involved long term in investigation & interaction with paranormal events & beings... which is way over-simplifying the concept, but I won't give more away, sorry. I am absolutely loving this adventure, & having smooth, glitch-free gaming. It's HO-free , with good puzzles; very nice, often crystal clear graphics with very occasional use of black & white art that lends a different visual interest momentarily; & great atmosphere-enhancing sound fx & music for this spooky game. Imo, the voiceovers & animations are really quite good. Like the 1st MA game, the storyline is interesting & imaginative with loads of Creep Factor, & gameplay & storyline are well integrated. There's a helpful hint button, a camera that takes occasional pics for visuals that you'll be using in puzzles,etc, & a diary on a PDA. Once again this dev shows they are amazingly adept at interjecting humor into a pretty darn creepy game, an aspect that i really like - it gives my goosebumps a reprieve during the course of the game:# This is adventure lite, so it's gonna play a bit differently than HOgames if that's what you're used to. It may feel like slower play to some who don't play adventure much, maybe 'cause you're more engaged in trying to figure out what to do & where to go with little or no give-aways. Here you'll be on the move a lot, searching, acquiring items, figuring out things with imagination & little gray cells fully engaged. Click on everything, more than once #no penalties# -you'll often be getting more than one piece of info, so stay alert to that. This is released as a SE, so no bonus stuff, except that, imho, a game like this is bonus enough. It's smart, engaging, well thought out & skillfully done entertainment, & definitely worth giving it a try. I highly recommend both Nightmare Adventures especially for D&E lovers. Just a sidebar, but I'd love to see this dev get a lot of support, 'cause they certainly have a lot to offer casual gaming. Mega kudos to the dev, & thanks to BFG for this excellent piece of work. Enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Rescue teenagers from the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 37 found this review helpful
No morphs or achievements, but a really good game!
PostedJanuary 20, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is just wonderful from the time you click "play". The beautiful artwork Elephant Games is known for, atmospheric yet not overwhelming music, smooth game mechanics, very good storyline that's well integrated with gameplay, fine voiceovers... it's all there & it's all good. 3 playmodes will likely cover any level of challenge you like, with an interactive map, & a task tab with a little extra info instead of a full journal. HOscenes so far have been replacing rather than obtaining items, & the adventure aspect of this HOPA is primary. The storyline is quite good, & without giving up much, you'll encounter a freaky psycho who's carrying on conversations with his disturbing clown handpuppet - which totally creeped me out - & has a bizarre plan to place people into literary works & make them live out the story, ultimately to their demise. So we've got kids who went to a library & ended up inside the pages of Romeo & Juliet - & we all know how that ended - so we must somehow change the outcome of the story so the kids escape the fate intended by this "Dr Demento" of literature. I've only played the demo so far, & the game is so good, with so much to do, it's already enough to know i will own another great game from this favorite developer. I've held out on clicking "Buy" for a full 30 minutes due to lack of CE extras like morphing objects, extra finds, achievements. I want & mostly expect something like that in a CE, and yet... sigh... I think my brief protest is about to end, being overwhelmed by the power of a great game. Dev's, take note: you've been virtually picketed for a little bit more in your CE's. And now i'm off to buy this fine work, which i highly recommend to anyone who's looking for what promises to be a really good time. Enjoy you're gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
The highly anticipated follow-up to the smash hit Mirror Mysteries is finally here! The mirror is back—can you extinguish his power for good?
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
Cool, Creative, Artistic Steampunk Fun
PostedJanuary 19, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Seems this game is a tad polarizing, & after playing the demo I can understand why it's a love it or hate it game. Up front, i am totally loving this outrageously cool, unusual, creative, & yep, rather strange game from a favorite dev who seems to have stepped outside of the typical game box with this one. I don't favor fragmented objects over hidden objects; they usually just drive me nuts, but for this game i'm having fun with them, & it seems a good fit. So, we've got a FROPA i guess (fragmented object puzzle adventure # with a diabolical mirror with magical powers capable of abducting people into it's convoluted world, & we have been called upon by a certain young man's sister to investigate & find the missing fellow. We're finding mirror shards along the way, which somehow are going to help us do a rescue & escape. Once we enter The Mirror's world, holy wow! It's like Steampunk Junction, folks, & it is way too cool for me. Beautifully done artwork - i was enthralled immediately. Background music i've heard so far is really appropriate, being Victorian era calliope music, which i'm loving 'cause it's an innate part of the whole steampunk atmosphere the dev's created so well. Due to the frag objects that i'm not used to, i'm moving more slowly than usual thru this, which is a little frustrating, & my main challenge so far. But i'm really liking the oddly interesting storyline, excellent artwork, & smooth game mechanics. Initially you'll have several options to personalize your gameplay, & there's a journal & a hint button/mirror. It does not seem to be a hard game, but there's plenty going on & i don't foresee boredom entering the gameplay anytime soon. Again, i get it that some will feel this to be, as one reviewer put it, "a sensory nightmare". I'm on the other side of the fence, finding it appealing & rather stimulating to the senses, which just goes to show once again, different strokes for different folk. I can't wait to buy & enjoy this sci-fi, retro-futuristic, fantasy, or what you will as far as labels. I really think if you're up for something different, & especially if you tend to like the unusual & out-of-the-ordinary, you might want to give it a demo & see how it speaks to your gaming preferences. Against the grain, I'm gonna 5 star this for a stunningly cool visual presentation, fun & interesting gameplay, intriguing storyline, & for being one of those rare pieces of work that make you say "huh?"
- hopefully with a smile. Nice job, devs! Enjoy your gaming, folks!
- hopefully with a smile. Nice job, devs! Enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!
Long-forgotten memories bubble to the surface when the past invades the present in the Collector's Edition of Lake House: Children of Silence!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A Good One for "Dark & Eerie" Fans
PostedJanuary 13, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This dev consistently puts out really good games, & Lake House: Children of Silence is no exception. Gameplay is smooth, glitch-free, and fun. Despite a play world that is primarily dark, dreary, & creepy, graphics remain visually sharp & very good, & the atmosphere created by the combo of art & music put me right in the game where i wanted to be. I liked the storyline a lot - uneasy, spooky, yet just barely touched with an almost sorrowful undertone that kept me pretty much on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the story was going to end up. This HOPA has HOscenes that are easy & only slightly interactive. There's not much back- tracking, which lets the game flow better imo. A journal collects info at fairly long intervals, & the non-interactive map shows you where you have tasks to complete. Puzzles/minis are no-brainers. This is actually a pretty easy game to play - i never had to resort to the Strategy Guide or hint button in the harder play mode. But lack of hard core challenge- if that's what you're looking for - is more than compensated for by a storyline that grabs you, an immersive atmosphere, very good voiceovers, and positive creep factor. I was happy with the amount of playtime, & while the bonus play is good & does lend a bit more closure to the story, i'd think the SE would still be fine - 'specially since you're not going to get any extras like morphing objects, items to collect, or achievements in either version. I got it for sale price, otherwise i'd have been happy waiting for the SE due to lack of those mentioned game extras that i like in a CE (while concept art, wallpapers, etc, don't excite me at all). If you're looking for a nicely done "dark & eerie" game with a storyline that'll make you want to keep playing, i'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. Enjoy your gaming, folks!
I recommend this game!