Elaina_Val's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:137
- Reviews Submitted:11
- First Review:November 14, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 25, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Who says the impending tsunami isn't a case for a detective?
Overall rating
3
/
5
Directions for puzzles horrible along with guide.
PostedJanuary 25, 2024
Elaina_Val
fromGreenland, NH
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have been buying and playing Big Fish games for over a decade and have found that the games are repetitive and cookie cutter from game to game. I miss the big puzzle games that could take over an hour to figure out. When playing these games now you are left clueless to what the next step should be unless you hit the hint button. I also was frustrated with the guide book because it was unavailable once you entered the game field and the only reason I needed the guide was because no matter what I tried doing according to directions nothing would happen. When I tried using the guide by writing it down and then going back into the game, what was written in the guide did not work either.
I was wondering if the people that developed this game tried playing it once they were done developing this game.
There were some new puzzles to do that were fun but honestly nothing about the game play was instinctive because it felt like a language barrier that was lost in translation is the only way to describe the game play.
I miss the old games and the way they brought you into the game with mystery and intrigue and put together in a way that allowed some brain thought instead of click and find all the way through the game.
I will not be purchasing this game and others may enjoy it but I feel they should have tested this game and made sure it was ready for market and the guide book was accurate. It is up to others to decide if they buy the game but for me it is not even ready for market.
I was wondering if the people that developed this game tried playing it once they were done developing this game.
There were some new puzzles to do that were fun but honestly nothing about the game play was instinctive because it felt like a language barrier that was lost in translation is the only way to describe the game play.
I miss the old games and the way they brought you into the game with mystery and intrigue and put together in a way that allowed some brain thought instead of click and find all the way through the game.
I will not be purchasing this game and others may enjoy it but I feel they should have tested this game and made sure it was ready for market and the guide book was accurate. It is up to others to decide if they buy the game but for me it is not even ready for market.
I don't recommend this game.
Welcome to Catstown, a scenic village with beautiful views, quaint cobblestone pathways, and stunning architecture!
Overall rating
1
/
5
41 of 63 found this review helpful
Elephant Games was good
PostedFebruary 9, 2023
Elaina_Val
fromGreenland, NH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I could not play ten minutes before quitting. I cannot believe Elephant games has fallen so far down they no longer appear to care about what they put out. They used to be one of the companies out there the set the standards and now....
The story line was awful along with the voice overs. The graphics were fussy and the game play was boring. I don't know how much longer I will continue to be a Big Fish member.
There was a time when I woke up and couldn't wait to see what Big Fish Games was offering but now I can skip days without even looking. I am gravely saddened by what just happened in trying this game but RIP.
The story line was awful along with the voice overs. The graphics were fussy and the game play was boring. I don't know how much longer I will continue to be a Big Fish member.
There was a time when I woke up and couldn't wait to see what Big Fish Games was offering but now I can skip days without even looking. I am gravely saddened by what just happened in trying this game but RIP.
I don't recommend this game.
A breathtaking voyage through dreams, reality, and places in between!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
BEST game I have played in a DECADE!
PostedApril 27, 2022
Elaina_Val
fromGreenland, NH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Dragons Eye Studio knocked this ball out of the park. Finally, a new and innovative game that is unlike any other. There is a great story line, new and exciting games and objectives and even the mechanics of the game play are new, original and different. It took me a while to figure out that in order for you to manipulate and pick up objects for game play after collecting some of them, there was a plus sign above it and off to the side. You have to click on this first and then you can manipulate the item, then click back on the plus sign and the object will then be ready to use it in the game and in the inventory for use. So, for instance there is a jack knife that comes with a corkscrew, a knife, and a bottle opener. In one scene you may need the knife to cut a rope, so you click on the item, highlight with the bubble, then click on the knife the corkscrew becomes available. Click on the jack knife again to get the blade to pop out. Now click on the bubble again and it puts in back into the inventory for you then to pick up and use it to cut the rope in game play. This game was unlike any other I have ever played, and I own 100's of games from being a Big Fish member for over a decade. There are collectibles that allow you to take some time to look for them being a bit of a challenge but in a great way. The graphics and art design were magnificent and fun, the characters were delightful.
One of the things I loved about this game is it was the first in years that made me have to think about the next steps and the thing is they were logical actions and steps. The right tools for the right jobs. I am so excited with this game I am going to play it again and I can tell you there has only been about four games I have felt this way out of the 100's of games I own. I am now going to look to see if there are other games out there produced by Dragons Eye Studios. I am totally over the moon with the game play, story line, characters, and the mechanics of this game. I can't remember when the last time was I had this much fun playing a game, truly. I will be looking for other games put out by this developer. Thank you, Big Fish, for putting this one out here. Keep up the great work.
One of the things I loved about this game is it was the first in years that made me have to think about the next steps and the thing is they were logical actions and steps. The right tools for the right jobs. I am so excited with this game I am going to play it again and I can tell you there has only been about four games I have felt this way out of the 100's of games I own. I am now going to look to see if there are other games out there produced by Dragons Eye Studios. I am totally over the moon with the game play, story line, characters, and the mechanics of this game. I can't remember when the last time was I had this much fun playing a game, truly. I will be looking for other games put out by this developer. Thank you, Big Fish, for putting this one out here. Keep up the great work.
I recommend this game!
It’s trouble in paradise when Mia Faircroft visits Italy!
Overall rating
1
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Faircroft's Amtiques: The Forbidden Crypt
PostedDecember 19, 2021
Elaina_Val
fromNH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The graphic in this game along with the deeds to be done are above average in this type of game. The problem is that I didn't even want to finish any of the Faircroft trials all because of the dialogue which totally voided ANY fun factor about this game. I would think that because there are few sales and players downloading or writing any rave reviews that the developers would read the reviews and do something about it. The graphics and tasks were different and this game would have been a buy for me but I have no patience at my age to settle for this game when there are many other better games to choose from. I wish this developer would change this format and let us know they did with any future games they put out because I did not even down load this game after trying several other FairCroft games. SO sorry the developers don't read any of their reviews they receive.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you solve a ghostly mystery to escape a film?
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
What has happened to game developers?
PostedOctober 8, 2021
Elaina_Val
fromNH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Puzzle, Word
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have been a member of BFG since 2010. I can remember when I could not wait to see what new games and the special was for the day. There were many developers and the styles of the games were innovative, story lines that were different and new innovations and refreshing ideas that would come along. Companies were able to do new things in computer languages and in so doing could continue to excite and challenge us. I have to say that now there is not much new or exciting or any original ideas and everything is formatted to cookie cutter game play from one game to the next being offered.
I also am disappointed that BFG is letting go of Hidden object games and replacing them with mosaics, time management games and match three, painting, ect. BORING... these games are equivalent to reality TV programs so that producers don't have to pay a high price for real actors real plots and writers on a show, thus making larger profits. My question to this is, why are profits more important than selling more games to more people, the equivalent to more people tuning into a TV show? Profits go up if there are more users and buyers and for some reason business doesn't get it.
The quality of games, the level of challenge to the games and the innovation of the games is gone. In the last year there is so few games I can get excited about I have not even used the free game codes before they expire that I get for filling my game club cards each month. I never thought I would stop looking forward to what was being offered each day but that is where I am today. I wish BFG would start listening to their customers and do something about what their customers are saying. I understand that Corona Virus has made for a change in programmers and writers but these complaints have been going on for years. I am waiting for the challenging, innovative and surprising game play that is not just for beginners. I remember when MYST came out years ago and there were many hours of no sleep at night because it was fun and challenging to work a way through the game with LOTS of hidden surprises. BFG, please give us something to look forward to, that will offer those of us that are not in the grave yet,to have some challenge and fun. Give us games that will allow us to have to use our brains for thoughts and challenges PLEASE. It is monotonous to just go back and forth to the same scene just to put something in place.
This particular game was not even instinctive on what to do right from the beginning, that graphics were childish and watered down images, the game place was horrible and the execution of flow and movements were awful. Fifteen minutes into the game I removed it from my computer, When I saw it was something new and a western theme at that I couldn't have been more excited until I started to play it. What a disappointment. If you are a beginner with BFG you might like it, I hated it. I also want to add I have purchased a large amount of games over the years and have always been a loyal BFG member.
I don't recommend this game.
Find objects hidden across scenes set in China, Japan, Greece, and many other incredible places!
Overall rating
1
/
5
31 of 50 found this review helpful
Unity Games Never Fun to Play
PostedJuly 10, 2021
Elaina_Val
fromNH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Unuty games are all cookie cutter with annoying wait times to load or end the round of games. The hidden object pictures are very grainy and are very hard on eyesight. I find I randomly click around the pictures looking for the objects, most of which are totally unidentifiable. Just random clicking until you finally hit a hidden camera, or animal or paw prints. They are not really hidden they are so poorly drawn that even if you find them you think what the heck was it I just clicked on. They need to stop putting these games out unless they try to do better graphics. Poor graphics does not make the game any fun.
I don't recommend this game.
Is your husband-to-be guilty of betrayal – or even worse?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Cadenza: The Kiss of Death CE
PostedFebruary 25, 2018
Elaina_Val
fromNH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
"Great and Fun series of games." First I love the music in the Cadenza series of games it is never boring and goes well with the story lines. The story lines are always believable and move along quickly. The real advantage to this series is not requiring a jump map because of redundancy, and the inventory bar is never over filled because of all the unfinished business in a scene.
The Hops are really different and GREAT fun because they are interactive, with Morphs to find in every scene and because you get collection under the items to find to build on something that requires to open in order to collect the last items. There is great variety in the games to solve and HOPs to find. I love the characters the developer creates allowing you to experience the anguish some characters are going through. The graphics are always crisp and clear so there is no eye strain.
I have been a game club member for over a decade, own lots of games and this particular series to me is an instant buy without even needing a trial first. There are never any performance glitches with this series or error messages along the way. The scenes flow without loading delays, and the ambiance is always appropriate for each scene. In most games I turn the music and sound off because they are annoying but this series I never get enough of because of the audio and music are great!
Keep up the fantastic work Big Fish because you always have something for everyone. Thank you.
This all being said I hope you all try this series of game because it is a lot of fun and I hope to see more of this type of game!
I recommend this game!
The True Detective is on a new bank robbery case! Collect the golden cards and catch the villain!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
This is a great fun and relaxing Solitaire game.
PostedJune 21, 2016
Elaina_Val
fromNH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Arcade & Action, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Family
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There are all kinds of solitaire games out but this game is fun, and relaxing. The music is great and not irritating. The cards are easy to read, and there are lots of bonuses to collect as you go so that if you need jokers, mulligans or what ever you collect points along the way so that you have them. You don't have to go to a store to purchase bonuses they will occur as you play as long as you have gained the points needed for them as you play. There is plenty of points you collect along the way and I dare say this particular game is very relaxing and not frustrating or annoying like some solitaires. I hope people give this a try as today in particular how and where else can you spend $2.99 and get such fun and relaxation? What have you got to lose in such a stressed out world we live in really? TRY IT YOU'LL LIKE IT.
I recommend this game!
Track down the wily Fox’ before he slips away into the beauty of Venice!
Overall rating
5
/
5
One of "THE BEST" Games I have Ever Played
PostedNovember 6, 2015
Elaina_Val
fromGreenland, NH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Arcade & Action, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Family
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is so well made and entertaining beyond words. Eipix is one of my favorite game studios. The art work, the music, videos and the extras they include with the CE additions of their games is magnificent. I am drawn into all their games the instant they start. I love the fact that in this game they let you see behind the scenes of the people in the studio that made this wonderful game possible. I will tell you that the games they create are logical and believable and the characters are fully developed. The mystery behind the story lines keep you guessing right to the end. The achievements are great fun with morphing objects, hidden foxes, tapes to find and collect, and more. At the end of the game if you have not found everything this game allows you to go back to the trophy room and click on what you are missing and takes you to the scenes you missed and allows you to find them.
I don't usually listen to the sound tracks of most games because they are so repetitive they become annoying. The sounds and music in this game are varied and enhance the gaming experience. I would listen to the music and at times found it to be hypnotic.
The HOPS were interactive and different, the games were not only fun but challenging and yet very doable. Sometimes when you play games they go on and on and when this game came to a close I was sad to see the end because I had so much fun.
Please try this game I am sure you will love it. I have been a Big Fish member for years and own lots of their games and this one is one of great entertainment and beauty. This game is a MASTERPIECE.
I recommend this game!
You shall have to investigate the mysterious disappearance of young Luciano Folgeri from the orphanage.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Superb Game Without having to be CE!
PostedFebruary 8, 2015
Elaina_Val
fromGreenland, NH
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Family, Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is one of those games that I actually kept the sound on for because it enhanced the story line. The voice overs were well done and the whole story made sense from beginning to end. This is a game that in very interactive from the beginning to the end. The best part of it was the art and ingenuity and the clarity of all the boards from start to finish. The games were completely different from the first to the last and a lot of fun to play. This game made you think a lot but not because the actions you needed to take did not make a lot of sense, like most of the games we play, but because there was so much interaction that you really had to pay attention. The pile of inventory was used almost immediately so you weren't wondering if and when something was going to be used or not.
This game had a spooky factor with skeletons and this included the hint button. There was no jump map because you really didn't need one. Everything flowed into the next and there was not a lot of back tracking. This my friends is the way a really great game should be made and it was a joy to play.
This game was about a violin maker and the death of his wife and a son that needed to be saved. I loved the music as I always love games that evolve around music and the musical score for this game was fabulous. I will consider this game to be one of my all time favorites and top picks.
I purchase and play a lot of games and this one was grand enough for me to actually write a review about it. I hope others out there will try this because I know they too will have a great time playing.
This game had a spooky factor with skeletons and this included the hint button. There was no jump map because you really didn't need one. Everything flowed into the next and there was not a lot of back tracking. This my friends is the way a really great game should be made and it was a joy to play.
This game was about a violin maker and the death of his wife and a son that needed to be saved. I loved the music as I always love games that evolve around music and the musical score for this game was fabulous. I will consider this game to be one of my all time favorites and top picks.
I purchase and play a lot of games and this one was grand enough for me to actually write a review about it. I hope others out there will try this because I know they too will have a great time playing.
I recommend this game!