shorenuf's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:2,543
- Reviews Submitted:89
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:October 25, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Track down your real parents in The Keepers: Lost Progeny! After growing up an orphan, a mysterious photo showing your parents arrives!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
The Keepers kept my interest!
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Excellent! For length alone, you get a lot for your $$$.
And it's very well done. A classic tale of good vs. evil, but intriguing nonetheless. It is a bit dark and gruesome. The artwork fits the mood but still should be appreciated. Excellent adventuring -- pay attention to your surroundings or you will be going back and forth a lot. The strategy guide seems pretty comprehensive if you get stuck. There's a good number of puzzles; some familiar, some different, some are rather challenging -- they all fit the theme. There are also plenty of H0G scenes, but they pass quickly. The main story has a satisfying enough conclusion.
There are 2 bonus chapters -- there are many puzzles and tasks, and yes -- H0G scenes. Their quality matches the core game. They hold their own admirably.
The other bonus content is music you cannot save, concept art, and wallpaper (probably not what you want on your desktop), so you will basically be buying this for the game. In this case, I believe the developer is new. For a first effort the game is very polished. I would like to see more from them.
For me, that's 2 good reasons to buy the CE.
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
In a word -- Superb!
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
The core game is complete. Buying the SE would not truncate the story in any way. That said, I would definitely recommend the CE. Often with games, by the time I have gotten through the main game, I have had it. Playing the bonus chapter seems like a chore. Not this time. I got into it immediately. The game play emulates the main game -- I hated to see it end. This entire game was fun from beginning to end!!
Of course the CE has the added Strategy Guide, and once you complete the bonus you get wall papers, concept art, music that can be saved, and some puzzles -- formats from the game but new.
The game is visually stunning -- so much detail; take the time to just look at it! There are 3 modes of play. In hard mode there are no hints, no puzzle skips, no sparkles, no map. You will find yourself going back and forth quite a bit. You can switch to normal mode and access the modestly helpful map, get a hint, or use the excellent SG if you must. Generally, I dislike FROGs, but for some reason I enjoy the ones in this series of games. I find it is pretty easy to spot about 85% of the pieces, so I don't mind hunting for the rest. One thing I noticed in this game -- the orientation of the pieces may be different from what is shown in the items panel -- a bit more of a challenge.
In casual and normal mode there are 20 morphing objects. Finding them speeds up your hint recharge. There are also parable gems to find (all modes). Find the ones for each chapter in the parable book and read the whole story of the Snow Queen.
All in all, this was not that difficult an adventure but you did have to pay attention. If I had to find one fault it would be puzzle types were repeated. But even that seemed okay. I just really enjoyed playing this game. This is the third in the series and I want to see more. IMHO, reason enough to support the developer by buying the CE.
The Missing: A Search and Rescue Mystery Collector's Edition
A group of college students have gone missing from a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. You are called in to rescue them, but nothing is as it seems.
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 34 found this review helpful
Intrigue awaits you…
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this game. The story probably doesn't depict what, in reality, a search and rescue looks like, but then again, it is not reality, it is just a game within a science fiction/mystery story of sorts. The story drew me in, the game play kept me interested, it is definitely an adventure game. There are two types of H0G searches -- lists and silhouettes -- sometimes with just a flashlight as your guide. There are several puzzles, most of which require finding an inventory item even to get started, but they are all easy to doable. There is some back and forth, but not an annoying amount. And you need to remember quite a bit not to get stuck, so there is some challenge.
Two modes of play, regular and advanced. Advanced has slower reload times for hints and skips and no sparkles to indicate important areas. Both modes have sparkles for H0G scenes. I played in advanced mode and most unmarked items could be found pretty easily. I also played a bit as a new profile in regular mode. The sparkles were pretty subtle.
The story: 4 college kids and a professor are doing research on two remote islands. Someone sends a distress call, and you go by rescue plane to help find the missing students. Telling more would give away too much.
One thing that really impressed me was the photo realistic background artwork.
CE extras:
1. The strategy guide -- It is thorough but not essential. The built in hint system is very helpful if you need it.
2. The bonus chapter -- I did not get bored playing the main game. I actually wanted to see what the bonus chapter would be about. I don't want to ruin that for you either, except to say it is not there to finish the main story. It was also, IMHO, quite long, and included some good detective work, more H0Gs of course, several puzzles (pretty easy), and some puzzling tasks unless you paid attention.
3. Concept art -- quite a few and they went from first color to finished scene.
4. Wallpapers -- several of those, but as impressive as I found the artwork, I wasn't inspired to have it grace my desktop.
5. The Music -- there are 6 tracks, and you can save them! The music fits the tenor of the scene, and builds to a crescendo as your task becomes more pressing. It's good and works with the game quite well.
1. The strategy guide -- It is thorough but not essential. The built in hint system is very helpful if you need it.
2. The bonus chapter -- I did not get bored playing the main game. I actually wanted to see what the bonus chapter would be about. I don't want to ruin that for you either, except to say it is not there to finish the main story. It was also, IMHO, quite long, and included some good detective work, more H0Gs of course, several puzzles (pretty easy), and some puzzling tasks unless you paid attention.
3. Concept art -- quite a few and they went from first color to finished scene.
4. Wallpapers -- several of those, but as impressive as I found the artwork, I wasn't inspired to have it grace my desktop.
5. The Music -- there are 6 tracks, and you can save them! The music fits the tenor of the scene, and builds to a crescendo as your task becomes more pressing. It's good and works with the game quite well.
I definitely thought the CE was worth it. I'm pokey, but there are several hours of game play if you include the bonus game.
I recommend this game!
Help Angel figure out what is real and what is in her head as she attempts to escape from a Mental Hospital!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 28 found this review helpful
You might lose sleep over this game…
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Good game play and a story that draws you in. It was definitely a decent length. There is a lot of back and forth -- taking notes is helpful just to remember where to use the inventory item you finally acquire. Puzzles are not difficult -- most solved by finding the right clue. There were 2 very clever, made you think moments that made the game more challenging than some others.
The story is intriguing, but it references Twisted Lands Shadow Town quite a bit -- playing that one first would enhance your experience. Both are psycholgical thrillers meant to raise the hair on the back of your neck. After a while, though, that fades. But, the plot draws you in -- I was not bored with the adventure. I played the game from start to finish into the wee small hours.
The bonus chapter is possibly another hour of play. It has entirely different characters, covers some island history and some different locations. The puzzles and tasks are almost too simple to feel satisfied, but it does add another dimension to the story of Twisted Lands.
The other CE content is sparse -- The strategy guide: you won't need it for the puzzles, and the built in help takes you exactly where you need to go. The music cannot be saved. The concept art is from the bonus chapter. There are no wall papers.
However, if you are caught up in the story, like the game play, and want more of all of that -- the CE would not disappoint.
I recommend this game!
Jigsaw World
Enter a world of puzzle fun in this vibrant jigsaw game! While away the day with scores of dazzling and challenging puzzles!
Overall rating
2
/
5
108 of 126 found this review helpful
Can't do a jig over this puzzle game…
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
There are 60 puzzles. Each puzzle can have from 12 to 588 pieces. Unless you use the options to skew the pieces the shapes do not vary much -- that adds to difficulty. You can opt to have the pieces rotated to add even more difficulty.
Are they particularly pretty or interesting pictures -- mostly no.
Can you import your own pictures -- no.
Can I recommend this game -- no.
(I recommend Jigsaws Galore! over this one. You can import your own pictures.)
Take the King's challenge! Save the wonderful land of countless islands, Islandshire, from the merciless forces of nature.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
And, I can't say enough…
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I really am not a fan of TM / Build-a-lot type games, but for those who are, I would have to say the CE of Royal Envoy is totally worth it.
Even I think this game is delightful, and I am willing to forgo the trophy for expert accomplishment -- it just ain't happenin'. But if you are into earning trophies, the game has several. And, it has 30 extra levels. And, a lot of people have raved about the game on the whole. And, the artwork is quite cheerful. And, the characters make you smile. There's an excellent comprehensive guide, and even the "making of" pages are endearing. And, heck -- it's just so darn cute!
I recommend this game!
KaromatiX - The Broken World
Help the beautiful princess Yaskene restore her broken world. Take a journey through many strange worlds in another dimension!
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
A world beyond me…
PostedJanuary 13, 2012
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Well -- I've returned from KaromatiX -- sorry to say it's still broken. It would take me a lifetime to get proficient at this SHOOTER. Sure, you knock out tiles if 3 match, but this is in no way a traditional Match 3.
It is bright and colorful, has several play modes. One thing I disliked, regardless of whether I enjoyed the game mechanic -- the help screen showed up at the start of each new board. Trust me, the directions are simple and they do not change.
I'm passing on this one forever -- life's too short!
I don't recommend this game.
Get a perfect score in Gutterball: Golden Pin Bowling! Work your way through different alleys and master this fun game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
78 of 87 found this review helpful
Let The Good Times Roll…
PostedJanuary 12, 2012
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Obviously designed first for the iDevices.
That said, the game plays well enough with mouse controls. You can even use your mouse after you release the ball to steer the direction of the ball. Makes improving your average a rather simple effort.
Turn off that feature, learn to put a spin on your ball, and then off you go into nostalgia land. Hey, it's bowling -- nothing terribly new, play solo or against other friends. There are lots of "features" -- commentator, music, SFX -- you can control them all.
Wide screen action at your Mac's max resolution for "fantastic" display.
Several colorful alleys -- fanciful and otherwise -- to choose from. Select balls with different power and speeds, colors and designs. Unlock more choices as you earn golden pins. Use other "crazy" enhancements to knock down your pins, pick up splits, produce explosive strikes.
This is the only bowling game BFG has ever offered, and Mac got it first. BFG Club members -- get this with a Punch Card Creditand go bowling for free!
Aw c'mon -- you know you want to play this old favorite on your 21st century Mac.
Let's go bowling!!!
I recommend this game!
Investigate the disappearance of the chancellor's daughter and uncover the long lost kingdom of the exiled Frog Prince!
Overall rating
5
/
5
430 of 502 found this review helpful
Loved it despite myself…
PostedNovember 19, 2011
shorenuf
fromScottsdale, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I really, really don't like FROGs (fragmented hidden object games), so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. I would even say it was one of the better games of the year. Excellent adventuring, good puzzles, interesting story, visually stunning.
I highly recommend this game!
I recommend this game!