Hishalea's Profile
 
 
 
Stat Summary
 
  • Average Rating:
    3.9
  • Helpful Votes:
    184
 
  • Reviews Submitted:
    14
  • First Review:
    November 15, 2011
  • Most Recent Review:
    January 2, 2014
  • Featured reviews
    0
 
 
Hishalea's Review History
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Join Kira Robertson as she sets out to find the Snark, an elusive creature few people have seen and no one has caught!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
An actual adventure!
PostedJanuary 2, 2014
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromCanada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this game. Having every room as a HO scene was a great idea! You're also searching for pieces of objects, rather than actual objects, and some of them are very well camouflaged. I think this is the first time I've actively enlisted my husband to help me search in one of these games, but that just made it all the more enjoyable!
I get the feeling that it's an older title, just from the quality of the visuals and some of the design choices. For example, there was a reasonable amount of back-and-forth between locations that I've gladly noticed is absent from more recent games, but I didn't find it too arduous. The hint system is especially wonderful, as it adds a subtle sparkle to the door you need to travel through next. Perfect for people who like to finish the game in one sitting!
All in all, another fantastic Alawar title, and probably one of my favourites that I've downloaded. I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys fantastical settings, adventure, and just the right amount of humour!
I recommend this game!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
After their yacht is sunk by an incredible storm, Jane and Mike are separated in Sea Legends: Phantasmal Light!
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Could have used more polish
PostedApril 9, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
OK
3 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
OK
3 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
This is a fine Hidden Object Game, but I felt it was a bit behind other games I've played of the same genre. For example, the objects you find in the HO scenes are still there when you go back next time. To some, it may not matter, but for me it ruins my sense of having an impact on the world.
The story is interesting, and the graphics and music are good. The voice acting is a little exaggerated.
As for the Collector's Edition, the bonus chapter is a nice surprise, and the concept art, wallpapers and screensaver are of high quality. The game itself isn't long, but it was about as long as I was willing to put up with, given I didn't enjoy the HOS.
It's still better than some I've played, but not as great as it could have been.
I recommend this game!
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Search for a town consumed by fog! Unlock forbidden doors and uncover mysterious items!
 
Overall rating 
Hated it.
1 / 5
14 of 19 found this review helpful
Bought it, uninstalled it
PostedApril 4, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Poor
2 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Poor
2 / 5
Storyline 
Awful
1 / 5
I wish I'd played the trial, but I bought this after all the hype it received.
I rarely give games poor reviews, but this one had me gnashing my teeth within the first ten minutes. The hint system doesn't tell you where to do or what to do, it just highlights objects it thinks you haven't clicked on yet. The inventory system forces bundled objects, i.e. 4 gears, into separate boxes then makes you place them one at a time. If you try an object and misclick, it takes the object away and shoves it back in the inventory.
The HO scenes were interesting, in that many of the objects you have to find are related to the other objects you find, but the rest of the gameplay was so frustrating I couldn't even enjoy that. There's no explanation of why you're there or what you should be looking for, and the random selection of puzzles bears no relevance to what's going on.
Overall, very disappointing, especially since so many other people seemed to enjoy it. I wish I'd been able to see whatever they did but clearly it's just a matter of other people being more patient or forgiving of software than I am.
I don't recommend this game.
+9points
14of 19voted this as helpful.
 
Use a mystical locket to explore a magical world and save a young girl in Other world: Spring of Shadows!
 
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Surprisingly engaging
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
A wonderful title that makes good use of the mythos of the fae, while maintaining some of its admittedly sinister spirit.
There was a little too much traversal, but the puzzles were quite inventive, and easy enough to figure out with careful thought. This may sound like it would be self-evident, but other games have had puzzles in the past that I never would have solved without a hint.
I enjoyed the story, and the ending was a pleasant surprise. I may even replay the game to get all of the achievements, which would be a first for me.
I recommend this game!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Clarence Flatt, an expert clockmaker, has asked for your help and has offered you the chance to explore the Timeless Tower!
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
A disappointing sequel
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
OK
3 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Poor
2 / 5
Perhaps my expectations were raised by playing Enlightenus 1 first, but I found this sequel to be a grand disappointment.
The story that's hinted at isn't resolved at the end, and even the hidden object scenes feel strained in comparison to the first game. Gone is the humour in the naming of objects that I so enjoyed in the original, replaced instead with factual labels that convey no sense of whimsy.
The game starts well, and, had I not been expecting more, probably would have been adequate, but I found myself rushing through the final stages just to get to the ending, which I ultimately found unsatisfying.
Bring back the story and the creativity! I'm counting on you, Blue Tea Games!
I don't recommend this game.
+11points
12of 13voted this as helpful.
 
Travel to the mysterious world of Enlightenus and use your detective skills to track down Edgar Lee`s missing novels!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
79 of 85 found this review helpful
Refreshingly different
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
An entertaining hidden object game with a slight twist - you're putting objects back into the scenes, instead of trying to find them. The objects within the scenes are also a great source of humour - someone with an inventive streak went through and named everything, so that each time I encountered a new scene I went to the trouble of reading all of the descriptions first.
The story was also a pleasant surprise, with an ending that both summarised and resolved the main conflict. A definite recommendation for a lazy afternoon!
I recommend this game!
+73points
79of 85voted this as helpful.
 
After leaving something in your car, a hitchhiker vanishes! Track her down and return her things in Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
A pleasant surprise
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
A very creepy game, with a suitably horrific story! I couldn't believe the extent to which this game succeeded at unnerving me, but I couldn't stop playing. I finished it in one sitting - a sad turn of events for my to-do list for that day.
I have rarely been so impressed by the ambiance of a hidden object game, and so filled with anxious anticipation of the next mystery to be revealed. A must for an empty weekend, provided you keep the lights on!
I recommend this game!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Guide Ethan Black as he attempts to rescue his bride-to-be from a terrifying menace known as the Faceless Ones!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
The only HO game to ever make me cry
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
This game has everything - a fantastic story, amazing visuals, beautiful music and puzzles galore. I didn't skip a single scene or puzzle, which is highly unusual for me. I took a couple of days to play through in little bites at a time and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.
And, while I saw the ending coming, it still made me cry. A big achievement for any game!
I recommend this game!
+1point
3of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Black Isle was supposedly abandoned after an earthquake but the truth is much more sinister! Join the Mystery Trackers and learn the truth!
 
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Don't bother with the collector's edition
PostedMarch 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I'm a huge fan of Raincliff and The Void, and while Black Isle was enchanting in its own way, I felt the story was a step back from the previous titles. In comparison, for example, throughout the game you're only seeking one person, which I found gave me far less of a feeling of accomplishment than the previous titles.
However, it is still a fantastic hidden object game, with amazing music, stunning visuals and interesting puzzles. The biggest disappointment, really, was the bonus gameplay, which had nothing to do with the main storyline and introduced several new ideas that made little sense in the context.
I bought the CE so I could play the game ASAP, and I would probably still do so on anything new from the Mystery Trackers franchise, but I hope future titles can make a bit more of an effort in this area.
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Escape from Shady Pines and save the other patients! Explore the mysterious hospital and stop the psychotic doctor!
 
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
An interesting mystery
PostedFebruary 22, 2012
Customer avatar
Hishalea
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
 
Current Favorite:
 
 
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
The story really kept me going through this one, but I have to say first off that the answers you receive aren't very satisfying.
However, the voice acting and the audio tapes are top-notch and really worth listening to, and despite the lack of detail given to the plot, it really is a tragedy of touching proportions.
The HOS were fine, and most of the game was interesting, but I couldn't do the ECG puzzles by any stretch of the imagination, mostly because I don't feel sufficient instructions were given. There was a lot of running around that I found unnecessary, especially since the lifts take time to move, but the map shows exactly where you need to go in every case, which I thought was a great step forward over some other games I've played. It's also not as creepy as some other games set in asylums (e.g. Green Hills) so that may be a bonus for some.
Essentially, it only loses one star because it made me care about the characters then didn't provide a satisfying resolution. Definitely check it out!
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.