Tufty57's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:5,072
- Reviews Submitted:119
- First Review:March 14, 2013
- Most Recent Review:April 9, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
After a suspicious accident, you find yourself stranded at a run-down motel. But you soon realize the area hides a terrifying secret...
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 120 found this review helpful
Realistically scary!
PostedJune 28, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow, what a change from recent offerings! No fairy tales or cute animals here, just a creepy story that you really feel you are a part of!
OK, it wasn't perfect:
* Cut scenes were dreadfully slow
* Interaction with characters (real people which made it even creepier) were dreadfully slow, sometimes badly synched and sometimes no sound at all after the first lines.
* Set in an (apparently) abandoned hotel so everything was dirty. Kept wanting to go and wash my hands!
* Some of the story threads are a bit clunky and contrived
* Cut scenes were dreadfully slow
* Interaction with characters (real people which made it even creepier) were dreadfully slow, sometimes badly synched and sometimes no sound at all after the first lines.
* Set in an (apparently) abandoned hotel so everything was dirty. Kept wanting to go and wash my hands!
* Some of the story threads are a bit clunky and contrived
However, once the story gets going, you are drawn into this mystery and the ways of giving you the background information are quite unique.
HOSs (I only found 2 in the demo) are totally interactive and really quite challenging
Puzzles are tricky at times. One coming up (I haven't found the missing pieces yet) involves identifying Western US States. What? How is a Brit supposed to do that?
4 modes available including custom
A map, though not jumpable.
CE extras are:
* Music/Picture/Art work/bonus chapter
* Dollar bills to collect and spend in a gift shop
* Music/Picture/Art work/bonus chapter
* Dollar bills to collect and spend in a gift shop
This, for me is a buy as an SE.
But I highly recommend you try it! (WITH THE LIGHTS ON!)
I recommend this game!
Guests keep disappearing from a gimmicky haunted hotel. Is there someone pulling the strings, or are these ghosts actually real?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
"By the way, I found this!"
PostedJune 27, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was underwhelmed by the CE when it came out, but kept it lurking on my GM to remind me to look at the SE when it came out. I only managed 48 minutes of the demo before exiting.
It is so dull and tries hard to be scary but falls well short.
The SE has retained the jump map and transporting hint and thank goodness as you are going backwards and forwards all the time.
For more detail, see the CE reviews. I was in the minority and many people really enjoyed it. Definitely one to try before you buy.
For me, no. It is just too frustrating!
I don't recommend this game.
A strange and deadly pollen is spreading around the world, and you’ve been hired to track down its source. But the secrets you discover in the fabled kingdom of Floralia are much darker than you imagined...
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 71 found this review helpful
This Parable is DARK!
PostedJune 26, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh, how I love the Dark Parables series. I have always adored Grimms' Fairy Tales and these games take all that is delightful, then add a dark shiver which is thrilling.
You do not have to have played any of the others, but there are references to them throughout the game, which might pique your curiosity enough to try them.
If you have played them, then you will recognise the style immediately. The only thing which has changed is the story, which I am not going to tell you ANYTHING about as it will spoil it for you.
I feel that Dark Parable games are very much Marmite games. You either love them or hate them because of their unique features:
* Fragmented objects in every HOS. I LOVE these.
* Parable pieces to collect and unlock five parables to read.
* 20 cursed (morphing) objects to find which gradually speed up your hint refill
* A map which shows actions and objectives, but it is not a jump map. I am OK with this as jump maps can make me lazy.
* Fragmented objects in every HOS. I LOVE these.
* Parable pieces to collect and unlock five parables to read.
* 20 cursed (morphing) objects to find which gradually speed up your hint refill
* A map which shows actions and objectives, but it is not a jump map. I am OK with this as jump maps can make me lazy.
An extra bonus to this is the rather yummy Prince Ross (silly name though) who makes an occasional appearance and seems to be very bad tempered!
There are lots of puzzles which, though fairly straightforward, are not so easy.
As ever with these games, the graphics are detailed and beautiful. The music is soothing and appropriate.
So, I highly recommend you try this and, if like me you are already a fan, then I am sure it will go straight on your to-buy list.
I recommend this game!
Take part in building the monument that made Alcatraz Island a household name!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 36 found this review helpful
I am warming to these and this one is highly recommended for beginners like me.
PostedJune 24, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
More entertaining, more informative and more fun that any other games of this genre I have played.
I enjoyed the facts, the quiz and especially the Thugs and Thieves (is that really bad of me?)
I might even consider buying one, but will check out others in this series first.
Give it a try for sure.
I recommend this game!
Travel through time to find the lost artifacts and restore the lost collection!
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 29 found this review helpful
Match-3 with a story of sorts
PostedJune 24, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
So, the artefacts have disappeared through a portal and have scattered throughout time. Once you have fixed the generator to power the time machine you are on your way, visiting (in the demo) Ancient Egyptian and Mayan Civilisations where you 'perform tasks' in the shape of puzzles.
This is out and out M3, no sneaky HO scenes. The only time you do something different is when you are about to travel to the next time zone and you have a jigsaw.
I played in relaxed mode but there is a timed mode too. It was indeed relaxing and quite entertaining.
The music was repetitive but appropriate to the environment (I particularly enjoyed the Egyptian). The music between puzzles as you progress along the map trail can get a bit irritating after a while.
The thing which will stop me buying it is the M3 puzzles themselves. With the exception of one where you create a path for an object through a large puzzle, they are all very small and rather dull looking. You get occasional blocks to break with matches etc, but nothing really exciting.
Also, you cannot make moves while things are happening on the board so you sometimes just sit, waiting. There are no tools or upgrades so if you have one last square to turn blue it can take quite some time. There is a shuffle but not a great help.
Is this a sequel? I ask because the characters say things like "Last time you were here..."
So, I don't recommend this to buy without trying first and I wouldn't even waste a dusty coupon on it.
I don't recommend this game.
Kathleen’s beloved Danny has been arrested under strange circumstances and accused of murder. It’s up to Kathleen to hold her own investigation and find out what really happened.
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 42 found this review helpful
A bit retro, but I liked the story!
PostedJune 22, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You are a lawyer and, when your boyfriend (an artefact hunter) is arrested under mysterious circumstances, you agree to continue his search for a particular artefact in an attempt to clear his name.
Gameplay is straightforward HOPA with simple puzzles and list/junkpile HOSs with simple interaction for some items. There are some linguistic errors in the HOSs (eg leaflet for leaf).
There is a map but, so far, it does not identify locations, just where you are and where an action is. The active areas are, however, fairly small so you don't have to think too hard. I didn't try to jump with it and have no idea if you can.
Graphics are fair in gameplay but poor in animated cut scenes. There is no sound on VOs or animations so it interrupts the atmosphere of the game somewhat. The music is repetitive and every lock/mechanism you open has the same sound.
The aim is to collect totems for your artefact. There are 16 to collect and, within the 1 hour trial, I received two, so it could be a long game.
It is a bit of fun and might be a good buy on today's sale or with a coupon tomorrow. I recommend a try but, if you have just completed one of the recent, high level games, lower your expectations before you begin!
I recommend this game!
For 25 years, you thought you had no family. But one night, a man steps through a mirror from another world, claiming to be your uncle... changing your life forever.
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 65 found this review helpful
Like nouvelle cuisine, it was delicious, but I wanted more!
PostedJune 21, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Maybe I am just a spoilt brat.
There was much about this game that was delightful; it had many aspects that I love to see in a CE:
* Good achievements (I will overlook the 10 mins for a HOS, you already now my feelings on that!)
* Legendary items to collect
* Hidden leaves to gather and several in each scene.
* Jump map showing active areas
* An owl helper (which you DON'T have to name, dress up or buy things for!)
* A bonus chapter AND a secret chapter
* Usual CE extras SG/Wallpaper etc which I don't bother with
* Good achievements (I will overlook the 10 mins for a HOS, you already now my feelings on that!)
* Legendary items to collect
* Hidden leaves to gather and several in each scene.
* Jump map showing active areas
* An owl helper (which you DON'T have to name, dress up or buy things for!)
* A bonus chapter AND a secret chapter
* Usual CE extras SG/Wallpaper etc which I don't bother with
The one puzzle I skipped showed the solution, which I liked.
HOWEVER, this was the only puzzle which provided a modicum of challenge. Some were so basic, it was laughable.
HOSs are straightforward lists with some items that require minimal interaction. Each is revisited and is the same type again.
There are 3 levels of challenge but no custom mode.
Graphics are quite good, but a little blurry at times, sounds in the opening scene (pattering rain and thunder) are effective but the music thereafter was nothing special.
The story has been done before, but this is a bit different with a variety of 'worlds' to save by going through various portals. You know there is a problem because, yes you've guessed it, there is lots of black smoke!!!
The trial lasted 66 mins for me and ended on a cliffhanger (quite literally!) so I will probably buy with the weekend's sale.
As I said at the start, some developers have raised the bar so much that a game which would have thrilled me a few months ago is now leaving me a little cold.
You must try it. It might be just me. Hopefully it will pick up in the rest of the game.
I recommend this game!
Find magician Andy Fox and his assistant, who vanished into thin air!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 19 found this review helpful
Oooh, this snuck out under my radar, but I am so glad I spotted it!
PostedJune 19, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Well, after a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing hour playing the demo, I will be investing a coupon on this little gem. There are not many SE stand-alones these days and I buy many of the CEs so it is nice to have something worth buying.
I won't go into the storyline as others have already, suffice to say I enjoyed it.
Music was lovely, very relaxing, and I found the graphics OK. Voices were appropriate, though the fortune teller's was a bit odd. I did like the little chap at the Carnival, found him very funny and I hope he pops up again.
It IS a simpler game that we are maybe used to. No map or jump hint, lots of toing and froing, but it's not as if there is miles to go and sometimes those things make me lazy in using my 'little grey cells' to remember an action to do or where to use a key etc.
I enjoyed the puzzles so far, especially the shooting gallery.
So, it is a definite purchase for me and is highly recommended for a download and trial.
I recommend this game!
A series of unexplained deaths baffle authorities, and you’re called in to investigate.
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 117 found this review helpful
Just like Mary Poppins; "Practically perfect in every way!"
PostedJune 19, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well, once I got over the deja vu of the blurb on the download page (a bit of editing to do there, Big Fish), I crossed my fingers, hoping it was another wonderful Eipix game and hit the trial button.
And it is! What a treat!
Again, like last week, it is not a difficult game, but it has so many layers; intergrated puzzles and mini HOSs popping up in unexpected places, pick-ups which require an extra level of interaction to obtain them, and a series of 'plus items' in the inventory which need sorting out or fixing.
The story is a murder mystery with a nautical theme which is perfectly supported by the wonderful music; sometimes jaunty and other times atmospheric. They are correct to suggest you play with sound!
Fully worthy of its CE status (IMHO) it has:
* Replay of puzzles and HOSs
* 40 chests to find in scenes which, I believe, lead to...
* Chest Hunt (in case you miss any maybe? Some are obvious, but some more hidden) to create a...
* Chest Room - locked at the moment so no idea what may lurk there for later!
* A souvenir room
* Achievements to be earned at bronze, silver and gold level which include:
~ Complete tutorial (boo!)
~ Over-clicking in HOSs (hmmm!)
~ A secret achievement!
* A jump map showing active areas and objectives, though this can be personalised in the...
* Custom Mode (yes!) There is also a choice of Casual, Expert or Insane.
* Replay of puzzles and HOSs
* 40 chests to find in scenes which, I believe, lead to...
* Chest Hunt (in case you miss any maybe? Some are obvious, but some more hidden) to create a...
* Chest Room - locked at the moment so no idea what may lurk there for later!
* A souvenir room
* Achievements to be earned at bronze, silver and gold level which include:
~ Complete tutorial (boo!)
~ Over-clicking in HOSs (hmmm!)
~ A secret achievement!
* A jump map showing active areas and objectives, though this can be personalised in the...
* Custom Mode (yes!) There is also a choice of Casual, Expert or Insane.
HOSs are multiple level with a variety of formats in each. Lovely and clear but some searching to do.
Puzzles are fairly straightforward and really well intergrated into the gameplay.
Graphics are wonderful as ever and VOs have lip synch and facial expression.
Story line is thoroughly engaging from the start and no black/purple or indeed any hued smoke!
This is a definite buy for me. The only dilemma is can I wait for a sale at the weekend or shall I blow my credit today!
I recommend this game!
Find the clues to unlock each town's secret! Unravel the mystery as you build, buy and flip houses for big profits.
Overall rating
3
/
5
44 of 77 found this review helpful
Guess I need to play more of these.
PostedJune 18, 2014
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have never played one of this type of game before and I just don't get the appeal.
You have to buy land or houses, build on land or upgrade houses, collect the rents and make money to meet goals set.
This one has a story running alongside and a woman 'barks' instructions at you every so often and refuses to explain why she leaves her discarded arm bandages lying around the place. This is the 'mystery' I suppose but I don't really care.
The music is horrible and the graphics flat. I spent the second level trying to work out the difference between a 'colonial' and a 'victorian'!
The levels are timed so there is no 'relaxation' involved and that is why I play games; to relax!
If you enjoy these games then the added mystery may bring something extra to the game for you. But it is not for me, so I will not be purchasing today.
If this is a new genre for you, then give it a try, you may have found a whole new area of enjoyment.