xanz's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3
- Helpful Votes:544
- Reviews Submitted:17
- First Review:May 15, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 14, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The House on Usher
Real estate agent Angie Dee must get her first home ready for sale. Explore, solve puzzles and clean cobwebs to unravel the house’s mystery in this amusing adventure.
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 69 found this review helpful
And I Was So Ready To Like This....
PostedJuly 14, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't need slick and dazzling details to enjoy a game. I saw the size of it and thought just maybe it was something different. It is, just not in the way I hoped.
You're a budding real estate agent with an overly optimistic boss who speaks to you via cell phone about the House On Usher - a run down home with a history. It's your job to make it a showplace and sell it for as much as you can - after you clean it up and find out it's secrets.
The HOs are quite tedious,unrealistic piles of tiny out of context, not to scale items. The action is somewhat amusing - you talking to yourself and your boss, who is trying to make you believe you can do it, but guys - I was in high school during the 70s. I'm not finding the promised nostalgia.
Graphics are dark and cluttered and hunting for bugs and cobwebs is not only monotonous, but frustratingly difficult. All the challenge relies on the microscopic size of the items you're looking for. The mechanics are stiff and clunky. Scenes don't close down when you're done with them and you have to "skip" to exit from conversations. Whatever edge it might have had in being unique is lost in the distraction of navigation.
I wish I could tell you to just try it for yourself, and of course you should, but I really can't recommend that you even use a free credit on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
The Adventures of Perseus
Experience the mythical world of ancient Greece. Find your place among Gods and mortals by playing this exciting Match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 31 found this review helpful
*Now* they tell me...
PostedMarch 26, 2014
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I liked this game yesterday when I tried it out. I bought it. Unfortunately, while I found it kind of interesting with a variety of different things to do, it lasts about 10 minutes longer than the trial. If it had more replay value, I might be OK with it. As it is, the only choices you have are difficulty. I suppose I could play it over in a harder mode, and maybe that would add some time to it, but really, BF, don't you have any clue as to how long a game is before you market it? This is about the third time I have run into this problem in a matter of weeks. If not for that, I could recommend it. As it is, I can't.
I don't recommend this game.
Atlantic Quest 2: The New Adventures
Dive into a fantastic underwater match-3 adventure and become the Savior of the Seven Seas!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Just one odd little... well, oddness...
PostedMarch 3, 2014
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
You can't beat this series for mindless. uncomplicated, relaxing fun. What else can I say really? Simple match 3 with a bit too much made of a hum drum story, but you can skip through all the dialogue. I do like a good story, but in match 3's, it really doesn't add anything to the game for me.
So, I bought it. I'm playing it now, but someone please tell me if I'm crazy - the background music, tho relaxing and unobtrusive, is almost exactly, note for note, the theme from "Mr Brooks". So I'm playing my little fishy game and thinking of serial killers.... ahem.
I recommend this game!
Who Am I
Who am I is an immersive hidden object adventure of an epic scale! Take the role of an undercover agent investigating strange sci-fi incidents in the city.
Overall rating
3
/
5
52 of 54 found this review helpful
If not for the length...
PostedJanuary 13, 2014
xanz
fromIndiana, USA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...This would have been a great game. It's brought to us by the same devs that gave us City of Fools, which I found to be a great game. When I played the trial on this one, I expected about the same length, but sadly, I bought it and only had another 45 minutes to play before it ended and rather abruptly.
You are searching for your own identity and solving puzzles and doing townspeople favors along the way, much the same as City of Fools. You are trying to save the world from a mad professor and have lost your memory.
The art is cartoonish, which I enjoy when it's done this well. It's funny and clever and a bit different than your average HOPA. There are no bells and whistles, but a decent story line. It's really too bad it's so brief. I would have enjoyed it if it had the challenge and length of City of Fools.
I certainly would have rated it a 5 if it had just been worth the money. As it is, I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone. It's simply too short, unless just maybe you want to use a credit on it.
I don't recommend this game.
Plagiarii
Travel into the past to discover the mystery behind strange disappearances.
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
THAT was a Mistake....
PostedNovember 15, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
So the game is a little behind the times. I gave it a shot because I found myself enjoying the trial even without all the bells and whistles of more up to date fun. Tho the story line is really pretty bad, I bought it because I thought the puzzles were original and because it actually seemed to be going somewhere.
For those who want something to collect, you have little star balls, but I don't think you'll be that impressed with what they get you in the end.
Unfortunately, the trial was nearly the whole game. It was over about 30 minutes after I purchased it. This is the first time I have ever considered asking for a refund.
Play the trial and enjoy it because there isn't much more.
I don't recommend this game.
Call of the Ages
Embark on an exciting journey through time to save the world from destruction in this unique Match 3 game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 15 found this review helpful
An almost perfect Match 3...
PostedOctober 23, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First, it's a beautiful game. All the things I want in a match 3. Even a story which is usually a bonus and often weak, but not in this case.
Nothing unusual really. You're gathering pieces of artifacts from all over the world, each level yielding a new section of the artifact. A little history lesson, stunning graphics and a clever set up make this one of the nicer Match 3's of late.
There's only one problem and it may keep me from buying it. When you make a match, you have to wait for it to complete before you can move another tile. It's really too bad because that's enough to make me crazy. I much prefer being able to keep moving even while the tiles match and drop. Just sitting there watching them makes the game feel clunky somehow.
If this doesn't matter to you, I think you'll find it a very enjoyable game, but if like me, you want the action to move faster, you could be disappointed.
I recommend this game!
Stranded Dreamscapes: The Prisoner Collector's Edition
Guide little Emmy through her fears and back to the real world!
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 25 found this review helpful
Not Much as a CE...
PostedOctober 5, 2013
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, this week we've had an SE that played like a CE. Now we have a CE that never should have been, if you ask me. I only played the demo and doubt I would purchase the game (unless I'm surprised by some finished reviews), but the first thing that hit me was the MB size. It may have seven chapters, but it sounds awfully small for a CE.
I found nothing in the way of collectibles or morphing objects or achievements, and while I don't really care about those things if the story is a good one, I know many do. There were only 2 difficulty choices and I think we have come to expect more for the price of a CE.
I wasn't at all impressed by the graphics which were a rather pedestrian kind of watercolor effect. The VOs are fine, but there's no real animation.
As far as the story, I swear I have seen at lest 3 other games with nearly the same plot, where you are rescuing some emotionally distressed person via his or her dreams. In this case it's your niece and some evil doppelganger has taken over her non waking hours with a vilified version of her unconscious mind, so under "medical supervision" you enter to try to set things right; all with the help of a Teddy Bear side kick. Sorry, it just didn't grab me.
The HO scenes are strictly seek and find, nothing interactive, at least not in the trial. I think you'll agree we're a little past that.
There appear to be 7 chapters and a bonus in the Strategy Guide, but what I've played so far doesn't at all appear to be worth a CE price tag. Maybe some reviewer will convince me I want the standard version... but I'm doubtful.
I actually nodded off twice while playing. Just not a good sign, but try it for yourself. Maybe you'll find something in it.
Happy Gaming...
I don't recommend this game.
Questerium: Sinister Trinity
Detective, it is your job to destroy the evil machine that is tearing the city apart and arrest the crazed professor responsible for the destruction!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
What A Sleeper....
PostedOctober 2, 2013
xanz
fromIndiana, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Current Favorite:
Surface: The Pantheon Collector's Edition
(126)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on finished game...
An SE that plays like a CE, I especially loved money hunting on my own. You really do have to look for it, but an interactive map and your handy multi-tool will keep you just one step behind the laughing, bald mad scientist for a fun afternoon of great quality gaming.
Your original mission is to rescue two children from an evacuated town. Our villains are three pillars of the community, experimenting on a recently discovered meteorite and their evil saga is told via your journal and found evidence.
You'll be looking for 15 strange plants, 20 secret cashes of money and much more with great interactive HOs and a jump map that keeps you informed of what's left to do. If you don't know which way to turn, the hint is *next action* advice, but I only had to use it once.
Believable voice overs and live action mixed with colorful, detailed graphics, great ambient sounds and a background music so subtle I'm not even sure I recall it, only that it must have been fitting as the environment as well as the pacing of cut scenes with action is really engaging.
Much here for puzzle lovers - I got stuck on a couple and found them clever and fun to solve.
Bonus offerings are a garden purchased with your found dough and achievement area for those of you who like the bells and whistles. The story line was enough to keep me going, even if not the most original I've seen - and yet there's much here for most of us who enjoy a little HO with our adventure.
Turn up the sound, turn off the lights and at least give the demo a spin. Betcha a few stolen bucks you don't wait for the hour to be up. I enjoyed this game so much, I'm off to buy their other offering which I don't believe I was so excited about at the time. Now I think "Mystery Heritage:Sign of the Spirit" needs another look too...
Happy gaming♥
I recommend this game!
Dark Sisterhood: The Initiation
A peaceful island town erupts into a violent witch hunt and your friend’s daughter is the target! Can you protect her from the townspeople?
Overall rating
4
/
5
224 of 233 found this review helpful
Keep an open mind...
PostedSeptember 30, 2013
xanz
fromIndiana, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Current Favorite:
Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood Collector's Edition
(166)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I try not to often review demos, and generally when I do it's because something is so wrong or unappealing that I know I won't be buying it and just want to let like minded people know why.
In this case I'm reviewing Dark Sisterhood:The Initiation just after finishing the demo because I'm not sure it's getting a fair shake, so before too many pass it up due to bad reviews, I'd just like to point out some things you might like about it.
If you've gotten used to and appreciate all the bells and whistles of the series we've all come to enjoy here, then you might overlook a game that isn't quite as slick,from a dev you haven't heard of, but could just still possibly be a good time if you let go of the expectations of some of the recent games.
I own hundreds of games here at BF and am sometimes surprised at finding some little gem many seem to have passed over. This may be one... maybe not, but it's a chance I'm taking because the story line is interesting.
You've been summoned to assist a recently executed friend in protecting her daughter from the same fate. The charge is witchcraft. There seems to be more going on in the town than just accusations as the residents are all affected by a mysterious dark force and requesting assistance with their own personal problems in exchange for information to help you on your quest.
Another reviewer cited how ridiculous that was, but come now, it's no more ridiculous than the insane fantasy lands that appear here every day where tiny animals talk and there are no real world physics to deal with.
It's a tad slow in spots, admittedly, and the environment isn't all fuzzy and cute. The dirge like atmosphere does rather fit the plot and the HOs are varied from putting objects together to finding items, even if not interactive or horribly clever. They are at least appropriate items for the period (unlike a Bic lighter in Lincoln's office I saw this last week) and it does create a mood and maintain a good pace and sense of suspense.
If you're like me and for you it's all about being lost in a game and a plot worthy of pursuit, I think you'll find some sympathy for your late friend and want to help her out in rescuing her daughter.
Try to keep an open mind and at least give the demo a try. I'm using a freebie on it. I honestly don't expect every game to be a Blue Tea or Elephant and think new developers should be encouraged. This one just may surprise us.
If I'm allowed to edit, I'll return to let you know how I feel at the end of the game. It's worth a shot for me on a rainy day while I'm a little limited in other things.
I'm really fairly critical of clunky games when there are so many out there to choose from, but I also believe in being fair and not expecting (or even wanting) all of them to be alike, and currently the best rated all seem to be created from the same engine, all have morphing objects and collectibles and jump maps. Give me a good story and I can do without all of that. I want to be entertained, but I don't think there is only one way to do that. I hope you don't either.
I recommend this game!
Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood Collector's Edition
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
A Riveting Story...
PostedSeptember 26, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't know that I have ever rated any game as a 5 star, but this one gets my vote for the most involved, clever and intriguing story line of any BF game I've played so far, and I own over 300.
Smart, perfectly paced, the games and interactive HOs support the story rather than having the story exist simply for a reason to play.
The acting and graphics are believable, smooth and the flow of the whole game is just brilliant.
You've read the plot in other reviews already, so just let me say that I'm not a great fan of achievements and morphing objects or bonus content, tho another chapter would have been nice (it's been left open for a sequel, but in this case I'm only delighted by that fact), the expert execution of a great story line gets my vote over bells and whistles every time and yet, here is one to please us all.
I can't even say how long it took me to finish the game, as I was so wrapped up in it I only stopped to eat. I'm generally not a fan of fantasy, but this one had enough mystery and detective work with real world physics to keep me happy. I think it will satisfy the fantasy lover as well.
Good Vs Evil is often a tired theme, but not so in The Mists of Ravenwood. I can only say I'll be looking for the sequel, tho I'm afraid topping this one is going to be a difficult job.
If you want to be truly occupied and not just spend time; if you want to feel as if each move brings you closer to solving a mystery; if there's a little detective in you and you can appreciate a truly involved story with fully developed characters, wrapped in brilliant graphics and completely smooth mechanics, where the game play supports the storyline, this game is for you.
Best of the Year, so far BF. I dare any developer at this level of adventure to top this one.
I recommend this game!