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:
The fate of the magical world is in your hands – free it from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
88 of 95 found this review helpful
A different and beautiful take on a familiar theme
PostedAugust 8, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A gentle and magical game where the 'evil' elements are minimal, yet significant, and the dangerous obstacles are so beautiful that they fascinate rather than frighten.
The story begins with your mother's sudden death and the disappearance of your father. On being given a key to your parents' home, you journey there and meet Fey, a Nearwood advisor. You enter Nearwood and begin your quest to put right your father's mistake and rescue Nearwood from evil.
The first thing to strike you is the enchanting, colourful environment, supported by excellent music and ambient sounds.
You will see tiny creatures hidden around and, when you click on them, you discover that they are 'Snoop-Sees' and they will gradually reveal pages of an encyclopedia. (Click on the collection at the bottom of the scene to read)
Fey stays with you to guide and offer helpful advice occasionally.
With few HOSs, this is more an adventure game, with many pick-ups within each scene to progress the game. There are no list HOSs so far. Puzzles are challenging enough, nothing completely original but very entertaining.
There is a jumpable map which shows active areas but you have to wait for the amulet to recharge in order to transport to the new area.
Forgot to check for achievements and used my hint/skip too much (in order to progress quickly in the trial) to earn anything if they are available.
Despite that, there is much to do and I feel there is a lot of game left.
This is a buy for me!
I recommend this game!
Guide a mother who pursues a terrifying apparition into a twisted reality to save her daughter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
71 of 81 found this review helpful
Definitely worth waiting for the SE
PostedAugust 7, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I reviewed this game as a CE and found it wanting, but then I am a collectibles/achievments fan and don't bother with wallpapers and music tracks.
Because of this, I think I was a bit harsh towards what is a thoroughly enjoyable game.
The storyline is the usual 'rescue your daughter' but has some unusual twists. Playing the demo a second time, I noticed more detail which explained elements of the story I had overlooked the first time through. It is worth playing the demo slowly and taking it all in.
Graphics are excellent and the music/sounds add to the atmosphere.
My only criticism is the level of challenge. There are only 2 choices (Casual and Expert) and, I assume, the 'helper' prompts in the same way in both which I found a little irritating. But he did seem to pipe down as the game progressed.
A good variety of puzzles make you think (has anyone managed the train ticket puzzle?) and there are only a few HOSs which will please some players.
A jumpable map and hints, plus straightforward gameplay mean you will not need to but the strategy guide.
If you want a bonus chapter and concept art then get the CE but do read the reviews from those who have purchased the game before you commit.
Downloading the full game as I write this and looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
I recommend this game!
Crack codes, pick locks, comb crime scenes for clues and solve clever puzzles in this thrilling retro detective drama!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 17 found this review helpful
Slithering sibilance! I think I like it!
PostedAugust 4, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Another old style game has slithered out of the Big Fish coffers and it is surprisingly engaging.
You arrrive in Serpents Creek to find your friend Helen who has asked for your help and immediately encounter a strange creature attacking the Hotel Manager, Mr Black. The mystery begins to build and you are drawn into the story.
You won't find:
* amazing graphics
* superb cut scenes or VOs
* highly interactive HOSs
* amazing graphics
* superb cut scenes or VOs
* highly interactive HOSs
You will find:
* retro style
* 3 levels of challenge (Casual, Advanced and Expert) though casual is very easy with a lot of sparkles even in the HOSs
* very straightforward and slightly interactive HOSs which are not too cluttered
* interesting and quite challenging puzzles
* an interactive map showing your location and available actions
*a useful journal with objectives, clues and character outlines
* retro style
* 3 levels of challenge (Casual, Advanced and Expert) though casual is very easy with a lot of sparkles even in the HOSs
* very straightforward and slightly interactive HOSs which are not too cluttered
* interesting and quite challenging puzzles
* an interactive map showing your location and available actions
*a useful journal with objectives, clues and character outlines
You also switch into 'Detective Mode' (once during demo) where you have to find 9 clues to work out how the crime was committed.
Characters are not terribly convincing, but are almost so corny that you like them for that.
Some nice humour.
There are not too many snakes (yet) though many references to them.
Demo stops short (45 mins for me and I took my time taking notes).
It is definitely worth a try and, if you do not take it too seriously, worth recommending for a sale or Catch of the Week!
I recommend this game!
Deep in the heart of an enchanted forest, a forbidden love blooms. Guide the human Eveline as she sets out to rescue her beloved from the clutches of a tyrant.
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 114 found this review helpful
Refreshingly different in many ways
PostedAugust 3, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a pleasant surprise.
When I began the demo, I checked out the extras (Music/Wallpaper/Concept Art/Bonus Chapter) and prepared myself for disappointment.
* No collectibles nor achievements, which I love in a CE.
* Only two levels of challenge (Regular and Expert)
* No collectibles nor achievements, which I love in a CE.
* Only two levels of challenge (Regular and Expert)
When I began to play, there were so many conversations and voice overs with rather unconvincing voices. (Strange eastern european accent for the werecat and a very youthful voice for the mature father character) No lip sinc which some will find annoying
HOWEVER, when the game finally got going, it was really quite refreshing. There are:
* 70 memos to collect in your journal
* An interactive map showing location and tasks
* A fiery little helper who also acts as a hint
* Lots of new and interesting puzzles (which I skipped in the interest of getting as far as I could). Most are really quite challenging and thought provoking.
* NOT ONE HOS! Plenty of pickups but no lists or junkpiles
* 70 memos to collect in your journal
* An interactive map showing location and tasks
* A fiery little helper who also acts as a hint
* Lots of new and interesting puzzles (which I skipped in the interest of getting as far as I could). Most are really quite challenging and thought provoking.
* NOT ONE HOS! Plenty of pickups but no lists or junkpiles
The storyline began to engage me as, although it is another 'rescue fiance' story, it is very different. As well as the rescue story, there is the mystery of our heroine's origins.
With the lack of achievements/collectibles, I would normally wait for the SE but, this one has caught me hook, line and sinker. I will just have to buy it and this time I will master those tricky puzzles.
Do try the demo and STICK WITH IT for the FULL hour, you will be glad you did!
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
A very grim tale indeed!
PostedAugust 1, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The story begins a bit 'same as' - you receive a phone call from your frightened niece and set off to investigate why the adults have all gone and the children are acting weird. So begins a very dark tale of possessed children and the being (Bloody Mary?) who drives them.
There are 3 levels of challenge (Casual, Advanced and Hardcore). I played casual and found I had to use the hint rather more than I would have liked. The game is not as intuitive as some. Outside HOSs the hint tells you exactly what to do next, so brain cells not really exercised.
There is an interactive map but it is very busy.
This is a full CE with:
* Bonus Chapter/Wallpapers/Concept Art/Music/Screen Saver
* Collectible statues which, when you complete a set, gives you access to the cinema and Mary's back story
* 10 achievements, mainly to do with completing HOS/puzzles without a hint or within a set time
* A Hall of Memories
* A furry helper to climb up things and get into small holes
* Bonus Chapter/Wallpapers/Concept Art/Music/Screen Saver
* Collectible statues which, when you complete a set, gives you access to the cinema and Mary's back story
* 10 achievements, mainly to do with completing HOS/puzzles without a hint or within a set time
* A Hall of Memories
* A furry helper to climb up things and get into small holes
Puzzles are good with some original formats, they make you think but had no need to skip. HOSs (2 so far in the demo) are disappointing - very busy with lots of objects, a little interaction on a couple of items/move the dumb waiter shelf to reveal a further set of items. We have grown used to better than this.
Music/sound was dramatic and atmospheric, but constantly so. There was no let up of induced tension which reduced the impact of the really 'scary' bits. Graphics clear and colourful.
All in all, I enjoyed the gameplay, but the story made me uncomfortable with its bullying overtones. This, for me, reduces the fun factor.
It is DEFINITELY one to try and I recommend that you do.
Will I buy? I don't know yet. Certainly not in the 'bundle sale' as I have all the other games. When will BF realise that this is no offer for avid players?
I recommend this game!
Natalie has unwittingly embarked on a dangerous and exciting journey! Can she prevent ancient evil spirits from awakening?
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 31 found this review helpful
Good in parts
PostedJuly 31, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Natalie, our heroine, finds herself alone on the ship which is taking her home. She discovers a mysterious amphora and now must search the deserted ship to find the items she needs to save the crew before dawn.
This is an older style game with no animation, interaction nor the high standard of graphics we are more used to these days. The cut scenes, which can be quite long, are a series of sepia stills.
There are 2 levels of play (casual and advanced) and a brightness adjuster. A map helps you to navigate around the ship but is not informative or interactive, just tells you where you are.
There is a mixture of puzzles and HOSs. The puzzles are interesting and some quite challenging. HOSs are junk piles and some objects (brown on brown/green on green/tiny) are very difficult to spot. The hint is useful but the sparkle disappears almost immediately so click while you look at the screen or you might miss it. The hint also helps you navigate if stuck but is not 'free' as in some games so progress can be slow.
Cursor does not always change for pick-ups so you need to click on anything. Also keep eyes very peeled for tiny pearls as you need these to complete your challenge.
It is definitely worth trying the demo and sticking with it. I nearly gave up after 10 mins but am glad I didn't as it does get better.
I will buy as I have a punch card to complete today and a free game voucher, but am not sure whether I would otherwise.
Recommendation? I can't recommend it as it is not good enough, but would not say no either. Definitely one to make your own mind up about.
Friendly and cheerful ghosts need your help in this new, breathtaking match 3 game with HOGs and puzzles.
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Can you build a town for the ghosts?
PostedJuly 30, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
An entertaining match 3 for all the family.
The ghosts need a town building so you need to complete match 3 puzzles to earn coins to build the infrastructure of the town.
Match 3 becomes progressively more difficult with various blocks to overcome but with an increasing variety of power-ups to help you.
Every so often you have to help a ghost solve a problem. So far, in the demo, there are some "find 12 xxx" HOSs and a very simple mahjong-type puzzle.
2 levels of play - relaxed and timed.
Graphics are well done, clear and colourful.
Music is jolly. No voices so need to read messages from ghosts and instructions.
A different take on a familiar genre which, I am sure, fans of this genre will like. Try the demo for yourself and see.
I recommend this game!
Get ready for the ultimate battle against vicious skeleton pirates.
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
A fun little game and a pleasant surprise
PostedJuly 29, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I really didn't think I would like this and only played the demo to pass an hour, but it becomes strangely compulsive.
You have to defend your ship against marauding pirates using a variety of means which widens as you complete levels and move on. These you buy using silver stars and at first you have to wait for a little bird to drop them and the pirate(s) get closer.
As you move up the levels you earn a shovel so you can remove misplaced items if you want and can buy ammo chests - but do you buy a cannon to block that last route or more ammo?
Attacks get more frenetic as you move up the levels and I only got as far as 1:7 before my nerve (and the demo) ran out.
A great little game which all the family could enjoy
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery of a seaside town as you uncover your lost memories!
Overall rating
5
/
5
97 of 104 found this review helpful
One of my favourite games
PostedJuly 28, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bought this game as a CE and it is one I return to regularly.
A tale of love and jealousy with a good few twists, the storyline is intriguing from the start. Like a good novel, alongside the main theme of rescuing Dolores, there are flashbacks which gradually fill in the missing links to reveal a tale that will keep you playing avidly to the end.
The SE retains lots of the excellent features of the CE:
* beautiful graphics and animation in the cut scenes
* appropriate background music which enhances the atmosphere of the game
* an interactive map which, in casual mode, tells you where things can be done now or later
* a helpful dolphin friend
* beautiful graphics and animation in the cut scenes
* appropriate background music which enhances the atmosphere of the game
* an interactive map which, in casual mode, tells you where things can be done now or later
* a helpful dolphin friend
HOSs and puzzles are interactive, of a variety of styles and challenging enough without being impossible.
The map and hints are enough to see you through without the need to buy the strategy guide.
If you are not bothered about collectibles, achievements and wallpapers etc. this is the version to get. The bonus is just that, an additional chapter and the story is satisfactorily wrapped up in the main game.
I can't recommend it highly enough in either version. DO give it a try.
I recommend this game!
A long-forgotten artifact has just resurfaced, and the race to claim it will cause a devastating war. The only thing strong enough to stop it is one woman’s promise to the man she loves.
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 33 found this review helpful
Rather disappointing for a CE
PostedJuly 27, 2013
Tufty57
fromCambridgeshire UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A story set in India, though it could have been anywhere. Our heroine receives a message that her 'boyfriend' has gone missing. She sets off to rescue him from the clutches of the evil draugs.
Gameplay is straightforward in the main - find something, eg a crowbar, and use it almost straight away. Puzzles so far are easy enough, HOSs are lists with 2 items which need another object eg a slice of melon.
There are symbols to search for using a crystal lens which reveal pages of the journal.
Music pleasant enough but adds no atmosphere to the game. Characters are unconvincing and lacking in emotion. Attempts at humour are lame.
CE features are a jumpable map, a bonus chapter and the usual wallpapers etc. No collectibles or achievements.
If you play the demo, don't play too fast as it ends at a certain point in the story, not after a full hour.
There is nothing new in this game, no WOW factor. If the story ends before the bonus then no advantage in buying the CE even with a half price sale today (that has no benefit for Game Club members :-(( ).
I will wait for the SE to turn up.
I don't recommend this game.