LunaNik's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.8
- Helpful Votes:12,435
- Reviews Submitted:670
- First Review:November 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 19, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The Queen has chosen your sister as her successor.
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Enchanting & enjoyable, sequel better than the first game
PostedJune 16, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE
Living Legends: Frozen Beauty
Collector's Edition
full game (5 hours)
bonus adventure (1½ hours)
Living Legends: Frozen Beauty
Collector's Edition
full game (5 hours)
bonus adventure (1½ hours)
DEVELOPER
4 Friends Games
produced by Big Fish Games
4 Friends Games
produced by Big Fish Games
GENRE
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
dark fairy tale
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
dark fairy tale
STORY
Your younger sister Elizabeth has been chosen as the Queen's successor, but must pass a difficult test before she can ascend the throne. Before Elizabeth can even begin to tackle the first obstacle, however, the Queen appears and kidnaps her to steal her youth. Now it's up to you to find a way past the barriers to the castle to rescue Elizabeth, free the spirits of the other young women whose youth the Queen has stolen, and defeat the Queen once and for all.
Your younger sister Elizabeth has been chosen as the Queen's successor, but must pass a difficult test before she can ascend the throne. Before Elizabeth can even begin to tackle the first obstacle, however, the Queen appears and kidnaps her to steal her youth. Now it's up to you to find a way past the barriers to the castle to rescue Elizabeth, free the spirits of the other young women whose youth the Queen has stolen, and defeat the Queen once and for all.
GAMEPLAY
There's a fairly even balance among straight adventure, puzzles, and iHOs. Puzzles range from simple to medium difficulty, with the difficulty generally being in figuring out how each part affects other parts. There are some unique puzzles, but mostly those we've seen before. The iHOs are not overly difficult, and the interactions not especially original.
There's a fairly even balance among straight adventure, puzzles, and iHOs. Puzzles range from simple to medium difficulty, with the difficulty generally being in figuring out how each part affects other parts. There are some unique puzzles, but mostly those we've seen before. The iHOs are not overly difficult, and the interactions not especially original.
INTERFACE
The map is a jump map, thankfully, as there is quite a bit of traveling. The journal is actually necessary, as it stores clues you gather. The strategy guide is not real time, but is divided into named chapters, so it's easy to navigate.
The map is a jump map, thankfully, as there is quite a bit of traveling. The journal is actually necessary, as it stores clues you gather. The strategy guide is not real time, but is divided into named chapters, so it's easy to navigate.
EXTRAS
1. Collect coins to purchase things for your pet squirrel, whom you can name.
2. There are tons of achievements for not using hints, quickness during the iHOs, completing certain parts of the game, etc.
3. The bonus adventure is about 1½ hours long and foreshadows a sequel.
4. You can replay the puzzles and iHOs.
5. The standard offerings of wallpapers, music, etc. are available.
1. Collect coins to purchase things for your pet squirrel, whom you can name.
2. There are tons of achievements for not using hints, quickness during the iHOs, completing certain parts of the game, etc.
3. The bonus adventure is about 1½ hours long and foreshadows a sequel.
4. You can replay the puzzles and iHOs.
5. The standard offerings of wallpapers, music, etc. are available.
SETTINGS
Music, sound, and voice volumes may be set separately. Custom cursor and full screen options are available. There are three levels of difficulty.
Music, sound, and voice volumes may be set separately. Custom cursor and full screen options are available. There are three levels of difficulty.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
Graphics are painterly, but with plenty of detail and beautiful use of color. This is not a "frozen" game that's all blue and white. In-game animation is smooth and detailed. Cutscenes are unusually smooth and have lip-synching, for the most part.
Graphics are painterly, but with plenty of detail and beautiful use of color. This is not a "frozen" game that's all blue and white. In-game animation is smooth and detailed. Cutscenes are unusually smooth and have lip-synching, for the most part.
MUSIC & SOUND & VOICEOVERS
The music is excellent, non-intrusive and mostly ambient, but with enough melody and theme to be characteristic of the different areas of the game. Game sounds are subtle, which is nice. Voiceovers are done well.
The music is excellent, non-intrusive and mostly ambient, but with enough melody and theme to be characteristic of the different areas of the game. Game sounds are subtle, which is nice. Voiceovers are done well.
CONCLUSION
While the puzzles and iHOs are not taxing, and a few of the puzzles do repeat, the adventure aspect of this game does require some thought and memory. The storyline unfolds beautifully as well, with a couple subplots weaving into the main plot. The main adventure ends conclusively, with the bonus adventure giving you a completely new task. This is a solid 4-star game, in my opinion.
While the puzzles and iHOs are not taxing, and a few of the puzzles do repeat, the adventure aspect of this game does require some thought and memory. The storyline unfolds beautifully as well, with a couple subplots weaving into the main plot. The main adventure ends conclusively, with the bonus adventure giving you a completely new task. This is a solid 4-star game, in my opinion.
I recommend this game!
Help Sophia uncover the secret behind the Curse of Laroche Palace and rescue the Royal Family from their magical slumber.
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
a long adventure game...with a touch of hidden object
PostedJune 13, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE
Mystery Murders: The Sleeping Palace
Standard Edition
full game
Mystery Murders: The Sleeping Palace
Standard Edition
full game
DEVELOPER
Casual Arts
produced by Big Fish Games
Casual Arts
produced by Big Fish Games
GENRE
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
palace intrigue, murder mystery, fairy tale
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
palace intrigue, murder mystery, fairy tale
STORY
You are Sophia Fay, a commoner betrothed to Alexander, youngest of the Laroche princes. You awaken in the palace and everyone else is in a deep sleep, except the King who has been poisoned. It's up to you to solve the mystery of the King's murder, restore the Heart of the Palace, and awaken the Royal Family.
You are Sophia Fay, a commoner betrothed to Alexander, youngest of the Laroche princes. You awaken in the palace and everyone else is in a deep sleep, except the King who has been poisoned. It's up to you to solve the mystery of the King's murder, restore the Heart of the Palace, and awaken the Royal Family.
GAMEPLAY
While there are HOs in The Sleeping Palace, it plays more like an inventory-driven adventure game. The HOs are well done, with items woven into tapestries, hidden in wood grain, peeping through foliage, etc. You will acquire many items in your inventory, and some will not be used for quite a while, which makes a nice change from the easier games of late.
While there are HOs in The Sleeping Palace, it plays more like an inventory-driven adventure game. The HOs are well done, with items woven into tapestries, hidden in wood grain, peeping through foliage, etc. You will acquire many items in your inventory, and some will not be used for quite a while, which makes a nice change from the easier games of late.
INTERFACE
The map shows your location and is a jump map, but does not note areas of interest. The journal tracks the storyline and lists tasks, as well as checking them off when you've completed them. When you're stuck, checking the journal will often put you on the right track. The hint recharges quickly, but is really only useful in the HOs. In adventure mode, it either tells you there's nothing to do here or points to a sparkly area.
The map shows your location and is a jump map, but does not note areas of interest. The journal tracks the storyline and lists tasks, as well as checking them off when you've completed them. When you're stuck, checking the journal will often put you on the right track. The hint recharges quickly, but is really only useful in the HOs. In adventure mode, it either tells you there's nothing to do here or points to a sparkly area.
SETTINGS
Two difficulty levels are available. Overall sound level and music volume can be set separately. There is a custom cursor.
Two difficulty levels are available. Overall sound level and music volume can be set separately. There is a custom cursor.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
The background graphics are truly gorgeous, lush and colorful. The in-game animation close-ups are well done. Cutscenes are in the style of a graphic novel.
The background graphics are truly gorgeous, lush and colorful. The in-game animation close-ups are well done. Cutscenes are in the style of a graphic novel.
MUSIC & SOUND & VOICEOVERS
I liked the music as it was non-intrusive, and changed from room to room. Voiceovers were excellent. Sophia's voice conveyed determination and intelligence, while those of the Royal Family had that note of haughtiness.
I liked the music as it was non-intrusive, and changed from room to room. Voiceovers were excellent. Sophia's voice conveyed determination and intelligence, while those of the Royal Family had that note of haughtiness.
CONCLUSION
I recommend this game for several reasons. First, it resembles an adventure game and really requires you to think your way through things. Second, it's eye candy and a nice change from the dark, gloomy artwork of the vampire/werewolf/ghost games. Third, it's a long game, but none of it is throwaway…the HOs are actually tough (but not because items are small or badly rendered).
I recommend this game for several reasons. First, it resembles an adventure game and really requires you to think your way through things. Second, it's eye candy and a nice change from the dark, gloomy artwork of the vampire/werewolf/ghost games. Third, it's a long game, but none of it is throwaway…the HOs are actually tough (but not because items are small or badly rendered).
I recommend this game!
In order to save your life, your twin sister traded her soul to a witch. Now you must race through the looking glass to rescue her!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
ERS is back in the game! Reveries is dreamy!
PostedJune 6, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE
Reveries: Sisterly Love
Collector's Edition
full game + bonus adventure
Reveries: Sisterly Love
Collector's Edition
full game + bonus adventure
DEVELOPER
ERS Game Studios
produced by Big Fish Games
ERS Game Studios
produced by Big Fish Games
GENRE
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
fantasy meets reality
Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
fantasy meets reality
STORY
Your twin sister Monica traded her soul and her youth to a witch in order to save your life. Now you must journey through the looking glass to rescue her and free an alternate universe from the witch's iron rule. (Bonus Adventure: One of the witch's minions is attempting to take over the fantasy realm through the dreams of its inhabitants. It's up to you to fulfill their dreams and stop her.)
Your twin sister Monica traded her soul and her youth to a witch in order to save your life. Now you must journey through the looking glass to rescue her and free an alternate universe from the witch's iron rule. (Bonus Adventure: One of the witch's minions is attempting to take over the fantasy realm through the dreams of its inhabitants. It's up to you to fulfill their dreams and stop her.)
GAMEPLAY
Standard point 'n' click, inventory-driven adventure interspersed with iHOs, puzzles, and mini-games. The iHOs include list and serial silhouette. Many of the puzzles and mini-games are new, and those that are not have been presented in new ways.
Standard point 'n' click, inventory-driven adventure interspersed with iHOs, puzzles, and mini-games. The iHOs include list and serial silhouette. Many of the puzzles and mini-games are new, and those that are not have been presented in new ways.
INTERFACE
The map show where you have objectives and is a jump map. Your journal records your adventure. I can't speak to the hint function outside the iHOs, as I use the SG when I'm stuck. The SG is not real time, but is divided into chapters. My only complaint is that the map is inside the journal, requiring an unnecessary and annoying step.
The map show where you have objectives and is a jump map. Your journal records your adventure. I can't speak to the hint function outside the iHOs, as I use the SG when I'm stuck. The SG is not real time, but is divided into chapters. My only complaint is that the map is inside the journal, requiring an unnecessary and annoying step.
EXTRAS
Collect 24 golden fortune nuts during the main game. The bonus adventure is lengthy and involved, not a mere throwaway. You can replay both the mini-games and the iHOs. And there are the standard offerings of wallpapers, art, music, etc.
Collect 24 golden fortune nuts during the main game. The bonus adventure is lengthy and involved, not a mere throwaway. You can replay both the mini-games and the iHOs. And there are the standard offerings of wallpapers, art, music, etc.
SETTINGS
Three difficulty levels. Music, ambient sound, and voiceover volumes can be set separately. Full and wide screen settings, as well as custom cursor are available.
Three difficulty levels. Music, ambient sound, and voiceover volumes can be set separately. Full and wide screen settings, as well as custom cursor are available.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
We asked; they answered. Both graphics and animation have been stepped up quite a bit. No more washed out pastels and blurred outlines. Instead, we have lovely bright colors and crisp lines…with a touch of blurring that hints to depth of field nicely. Animation of characters is well done and adds to the immersion.
We asked; they answered. Both graphics and animation have been stepped up quite a bit. No more washed out pastels and blurred outlines. Instead, we have lovely bright colors and crisp lines…with a touch of blurring that hints to depth of field nicely. Animation of characters is well done and adds to the immersion.
MUSIC & SOUND & VOICEOVERS
Finally, that one composition we've been tortured with is gone! Hopefully, it's been buried in an unmarked grave, and the ground salted! Instead, we have more ambient music that is non-intrusive and totally appropriate. Both game and environmental sounds were good, and voiceovers were excellent.
Finally, that one composition we've been tortured with is gone! Hopefully, it's been buried in an unmarked grave, and the ground salted! Instead, we have more ambient music that is non-intrusive and totally appropriate. Both game and environmental sounds were good, and voiceovers were excellent.
CONCLUSION
ERS has stepped up its game! From storyline to graphics to music to gameplay, each and every area of development has improve drastically in the last few games I've bought from them, and Reveries is no exception. This is a thoroughly enjoyable game in all aspects, and I recommend it.
ERS has stepped up its game! From storyline to graphics to music to gameplay, each and every area of development has improve drastically in the last few games I've bought from them, and Reveries is no exception. This is a thoroughly enjoyable game in all aspects, and I recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Become the fabled detective and rescue the Final Cinderella from the evil Godmother's clutches!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Tea. Blue. Hot.
PostedMay 29, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE
Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella
Collector's Edition
full game + bonus adventure
Dark Parables: The Final Cinderella
Collector's Edition
full game + bonus adventure
DEVELOPER
Blue Tea Games
produced by Big Fish Games
Blue Tea Games
produced by Big Fish Games
GENRE
Fragmented Object Puzzle Adventure
Twisted Fairy Tale
Fragmented Object Puzzle Adventure
Twisted Fairy Tale
STORY
The Godmother, an ancient and evil witch, needs the pure heart of the Final Cinderella to awaken her love. A "Cinderella" is a woman whose heart remains pure despite the hardships she has faced. The Godmother needs the purest of these; the others, she turns to glass. You must protect the Final Cinderella and stop the Godmother, lest she unknowingly wreak havoc on our world.
The Godmother, an ancient and evil witch, needs the pure heart of the Final Cinderella to awaken her love. A "Cinderella" is a woman whose heart remains pure despite the hardships she has faced. The Godmother needs the purest of these; the others, she turns to glass. You must protect the Final Cinderella and stop the Godmother, lest she unknowingly wreak havoc on our world.
GAMEPLAY
Point 'n' click inventory-driven adventure with fragmented object scenes, puzzles, and mini-games.
Point 'n' click inventory-driven adventure with fragmented object scenes, puzzles, and mini-games.
INTERFACE
The map shows your location and where your objectives are, but is not a jump map. There is some back-and-forthing, but it's not horrid. There's no journal, but you really don't need one.
The map shows your location and where your objectives are, but is not a jump map. There is some back-and-forthing, but it's not horrid. There's no journal, but you really don't need one.
EXTRAS
The bonus adventure tells the story of Shan, the Oriental Cinderella, and her evil stepsister Chi. There is, of course, the integrated Strategy Guide which is not in real time, but is divided into chapters. You can replay 9 puzzles (3 of the "ball parade," 3 of the tetris tangram, and 3 match the character series), watch 18 movies, reread the 10 parables, listen to the 6 musical compositions, look at 18 pieces of concept art, and utilize 6 wallpapers.
The bonus adventure tells the story of Shan, the Oriental Cinderella, and her evil stepsister Chi. There is, of course, the integrated Strategy Guide which is not in real time, but is divided into chapters. You can replay 9 puzzles (3 of the "ball parade," 3 of the tetris tangram, and 3 match the character series), watch 18 movies, reread the 10 parables, listen to the 6 musical compositions, look at 18 pieces of concept art, and utilize 6 wallpapers.
SETTINGS
Three difficulty levels, plus puzzle and FROs sparkles can be turned on and off. Music and ambient sound can be set separately, as well as overall sound level. Gamma correction is offered in addition to full and wide screen settings. And, something new, you can turn off the navigation glow if you like.
Three difficulty levels, plus puzzle and FROs sparkles can be turned on and off. Music and ambient sound can be set separately, as well as overall sound level. Gamma correction is offered in addition to full and wide screen settings. And, something new, you can turn off the navigation glow if you like.
GRAPHICS & ANIMATION
Classic Blue Tea graphics with brilliant colors and incredibly detailed items. Eye candy. Animation is relatively smooth with lip synching.
Classic Blue Tea graphics with brilliant colors and incredibly detailed items. Eye candy. Animation is relatively smooth with lip synching.
MUSIC & SOUND & VOICEOVERS
The music was more ambient than thematic, something I always appreciate as I consider it more conducive to immersion. Game and ambient sounds were good. Voiceovers were well done, as usual.
The music was more ambient than thematic, something I always appreciate as I consider it more conducive to immersion. Game and ambient sounds were good. Voiceovers were well done, as usual.
CONCLUSION
As I find Blue Tea's games relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable, I never hesitate to recommend them. They're never overly difficult, and this one is no exception to that rule. But the storytelling, graphics, music, and overall experience always make it worth your while. Admittedly, this isn't groundbreaking in gameplay, either for the genre or for Blue Tea, but it is enjoyable nonetheless. This was a very welcome surprise during this stormy New England week.
As I find Blue Tea's games relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable, I never hesitate to recommend them. They're never overly difficult, and this one is no exception to that rule. But the storytelling, graphics, music, and overall experience always make it worth your while. Admittedly, this isn't groundbreaking in gameplay, either for the genre or for Blue Tea, but it is enjoyable nonetheless. This was a very welcome surprise during this stormy New England week.
I recommend this game!
Your family is missing and the town is in chaos in Small Town Terrors: Livingston!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Graphically unique, good gameplay...sequel please!
PostedMay 23, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE—Small Town Terrors: Livingston
VERSION—Standard Edition (full game)
DEVELOPER—Gunnar Games (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (post-apocalyptic)
STORYLINE—Upon entering the town of Livingston, your family is in an auto accident while swerving to avoid someone in the road. You awaken in an apparently abandoned hospital, your husband and daughter missing, nightmarish figures shadowing your every move as you search for your family and begin to piece together the horrifying truth behind the chaos in Livingston.
OVERVIEW—Livingston is an extremely immersive game, made so by the ambient music, moody use of color, and the not overused element of surprise. Gameplay is mostly logical, and HOs are not overused.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click, inventory-driven adventure with HOs, puzzles, and mini-games. Some of the HOs are minimally interactive, and all are of the list type. Puzzles and mini-games run the gamut from familiar to new, easy to moderately difficult. Something unique was the need to find first aid kits, as some actions required a certain level of health to complete. A health bar just above the inventory keeps track of your health.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: No, but you do collect documents that sort of act as one. MAP: Yes, but it only provides a "you are here" overview of the town to orient you. HINTS: I only used one in adventure mode when I got stuck, and it directed me to the exact action required next.
SETTINGS—Full-screen, but no widescreen mode. Custom cursor is available. Music and sound volumes can be set separately. There was no choice of difficulty levels.
GRAPHICS—Beautifully moody, with each chapter having its own color cast—green, red, blue, and so on—while not muddying individual colors. It's hard to explain until you see it, but it was quite effective. All the colors were equally unsettling. The graphics are realistic but not photo-realistic, and the items in the HOs were well-rendered and easily recognizable.
CUTSCENES—In-game animation was smooth, while cutscenes were more like series of still frames.
MUSIC—Ambient rather than thematic, which I particularly appreciate. I think it adds to the experience. The last thing you want while concentrating on gaming is to get a tune stuck in your head. The music should complement and enhance the experience.
SOUND—Very well done, both ambient and action sounds.
VOICEOVER—None. Strangely, the lack actually added to the overall creepiness of the theme.
SUMMARY—Some may complain that Livingston was not long enough. I prefer quality over quantity. As such, I recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
The family saga continues when your nephew Brandon encounters the mysterious Stone Queen in a lonely mountain town.
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
This game is the Elephant in the room. Ugh.
PostedMay 21, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
TITLE—Grim Tales: The Stone Queen
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game + bonus adventure)
DEVELOPER—Elephant Games (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—Poor Brandon. Whatever would he do without you, his amazing aunt, forever arriving in the nick of time to pull his you-know-whats out of the fire? This time, he's apparently had a run-in with the Stone Queen, who usually protects the miners but now is running amok turning people into stone. In your quest to save Brandon once again, you'll discover why, as well as who the real villain is.
OVERVIEW—Frankly, The Stone Queen is not up to Elephant's usual awesomeness. While the story was rather good, gameplay was chaotic and disorganized, puzzles and mini-games lacked coherent instructions, and required actions seemed inane and unreal. You'll need the SG, a really good walkthrough, or a boatload of hints.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click adventure with iHOs, mini-games, and puzzles. iHOs were all of the list type with interactions limited to opening or moving things to find the item, or assembling the item from a couple parts. Mini-games and puzzles were either familiar and easy, or new and lacking adequate directions.
SPECIALS—Bonus adventure, wallpapers, music. No collectibles or achievements.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: None. MAP: Jump map with objectives highlighted (but not available actions). HINTS: I didn't note the recharge rate. STRATEGY GUIDE: Not real time, but divided into chapters.
SETTINGS—Music, effects, environment, and dialog volumes can be set separately. Special effects can be turned off. Custom cursor and gamma correction are available. Three modes of difficulty.
GRAPHICS—Good, but didn't seem up to Elephant's usual amazing job. Maybe I was too distracted by the confusion of the game.
CUTSCENES—In-game animation was decent. No lip synching.
MUSIC—Unobtrusive.
SOUND—Well done.
VOICEOVER—The Stone Queen herself was well done. Brandon seemed a bit dated, like a character from Pleasantville. The non-human characters were the best.
SUMMARY—It's difficult to believe that the same developer who gave us games like the Surface series and Mystery Trackers: Four Aces and Royal Detective: The Lord of Statues also developed The Stone Queen. While the story had promise, the gameplay was pure chaos. For that reason, I can't recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Save the kingdom and reunite Princess Isabella with her prince in the exciting conclusion to the Princess Isabella trilogy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Visual feast + easy game = mixed feelings
PostedMay 19, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
TITLE—Princess Isabella: The Rise of an Heir
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game + bonus adventure)
DEVELOPER—Gogii (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—Princess Isabella successfully rescued her daughter Bella from the Witch, but sacrificed herself in doing so. Now it's Bella's turn to save her mother, as the Witch is feeding on Isabella's spirit to keep herself youthful. In addition, the Witch has captured Bella's three Fairy Godmothers, so she must rescue them as well. Fortunately, Bella has Owl and Dragon to help her on this, her first adventure.
OVERVIEW—Gameplay will be familiar to those who have played the first two games in this series, but the graphics and animation have been stepped up quite a bit. This is not a challenging game, but one for a relaxing rainy afternoon.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click adventure with HOs, puzzles, and mini-games. The HOs are all of the list type and are not interactive. They are junk pile, but not Hoarders junk pile. Items are clear and easy to identify. Puzzles and mini-games are simple and familiar, albeit graphically beautiful.
SPECIALS—Bonus adventure, behind the scenes, wallpapers, video gallery, and concept art are offered. There are no collectibles or achievements. The bonus adventure involves banishing the last vestiges of the curse and helping Owl acquire some powers of his own.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: Narrates the story. MAP: None. HINTS: In custom mode, you can set the recharge rate. STRATEGY GUIDE: I forgot to check it out, the game was so easy.
SETTINGS—There are three levels of difficulty, including custom in which you can turn off the tutorial as well as set your own recharge rates for hint, skip, and glint. Effects, music, and dialog volumes can be set separately. There is wide screen available and a custom cursor option.
GRAPHICS—Recognizable as Princess Isabella but with more polish. The brilliant colors are there, as well as the blue cast when a room is cursed, but everything looks more up-to-date.
CUTSCENES—Lots of cuteness. Just a touch of scariness if you're letting your kids play. Nothing that would give them nightmares.
MUSIC—Moody, in the background, and well done.
SOUND—Ambient sound was appropriate for each scene.
VOICEOVER—All very well done except for Fairy, who sounded as if she'd been inhaling from a helium-filled balloon.
SUMMARY—If you have the previous two games, I recommend this one. Not that it doesn't stand alone…it does. But the lack of collectibles, interaction in the HOs, ease of play (and lack of challenge), and the shorter length of the game make me hesitant to outright recommend it. I enjoyed it, but you'll have to make up your own mind.
Save your brother and try to solve the mystery behind the silver screen in Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, a thrilling game set in the 1950's!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
Dated graphics, clunky gameplay, boring story...pass
PostedMay 19, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
TITLE—Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen
VERSION—Collector's Edition (demo)
DEVELOPER—Eipix Entertainment (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—Your father, famous movie producer and inventor of locks and devices, has died and your brother has disappeared. Upon returning to the family mansion, you're contacted and told that your father was murdered, and that your brother will meet the same fate if you don't find your father's projector, a device with unnamed powers.
OVERVIEW—I'm afraid I must side with the minority on this one. I found the graphics shoddy, the gameplay easy, the music repetitive and annoying, and the storyline presently in a way that I didn't particularly care to uncover the mystery.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click adventure with iHOs, puzzles, and mini-games. The HOs repeat and are of the "Why is there a junk pile here?" variety. The so-called intricate locks are anything but. I was expecting Ravenhearst-style locks. Nope. The one time I checked the SG, it turned out that what was required was utterly inane.
SPECIALS—Find playing cards and photos of the mansion.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: Yes. Presumably it notes clues. MAP: No, and there should have been a jump map. My feet are tired. HINTS: I didn't use any. STRATEGY GUIDE: Not in real time, but it is divided into chapters.
SETTINGS—Two difficulty modes. Effects, voiceovers, music, and ambient sound volumes can be set separately. There is a custom cursor.
GRAPHICS—While the backgrounds were nicely drawn Art Deco, the HOs appeared to be poorly cut-and-pasted from different sources. The items looked flattened rather than dimensional, and their highlights and shadows differed.
CUTSCENES—What's the point of using live actors if you're going to switch to posers the minute they have dialog? It's the most bizarre thing I've ever seen, and it totally prevented immersion into the game.
MUSIC—Repetitive piano.
SOUND—Mediocre.
VOICEOVER—They were ok.
SUMMARY—I really don't understand all the rave reviews on this game. I found the gameplay formulaic and dated, the graphics inconsistent and jarring, the cutscenes laughable, the music annoying, and the storyline uninteresting and slow-moving. I'm afraid I wouldn't even recommend this game as a DD.
I don't recommend this game.
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 44 found this review helpful
The iHOPA evolves...through a Rite of Passage!
PostedMay 17, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Rite of Passage: Child of the Forest
VERSION—Collector's Edition (full game + bonus game)
DEVELOPER—Mad Head Games (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—The town of Willow Ridge sits amidst the unending night of the Dark Forest, its people trapped there by malevolent trees. Their only protection is the Great Lighthouse. Your husband Alan, the keeper of the lighthouse, goes missing in the Dark Forest. Before you can investigate, the lighthouse bursts into flame, Willow Ridge is plunged into darkness, and the trees begin to encroach. You must save Willow Ridge, find Alan, and uncover the history of the Rite of Passage that has protected the people of Willow Ridge for generations. Stay in the light. Keep from the shadows.
OVERVIEW—Child of the Forest is, I hope, the first of the new generation of iHOPAs. The storyline, while an amalgam of different ideas, is cohesive and compelling. Graphics and music come together to provide a truly immersive experience.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click adventure interspersed with iHOs, puzzles, and mini-games. First, then, the iHOs…there were so many different types, I'm not sure where to begin!
• List: except you're only finding the list items to move them aside to reveal what's hidden behind them, which is a piece of a larger object. Once you finish the list, all the pieces are placed in your inventory and you then have to assemble the object.
• Silhouette: two of each type, but the items don't fit exactly into the silhouettes. The silhouettes are merely suggestions regarding the category the items fit in.
• FROG: find all the pieces of a particular object.
• Misplaced: occurs during the cutscenes in an 8mm-style film which time-stops. You then find the misplaced items in the scene and put them where they belong.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few types of iHOs. Needless to say, you won't be bored!
• List: except you're only finding the list items to move them aside to reveal what's hidden behind them, which is a piece of a larger object. Once you finish the list, all the pieces are placed in your inventory and you then have to assemble the object.
• Silhouette: two of each type, but the items don't fit exactly into the silhouettes. The silhouettes are merely suggestions regarding the category the items fit in.
• FROG: find all the pieces of a particular object.
• Misplaced: occurs during the cutscenes in an 8mm-style film which time-stops. You then find the misplaced items in the scene and put them where they belong.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few types of iHOs. Needless to say, you won't be bored!
Puzzles and mini-games run the gamut from the unique to the familiar presented in a wonderfully new way, from relatively easy to requiring thought and skill. The skip button does charge fairly quickly.
SPECIALS—Find acorns (not morphing). Also, a few times I found pieces of fruit, but I'm not sure what their purpose was.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: Notes clues and details your adventure. MAP: Transports you and highlights active areas in casual mode. HINTS: Sorry, but I didn't use any. STRATEGY GUIDE: Not real time, but it is divided into chapters.
SETTINGS—There are 4 levels of difficulty: the easiest offering a tutorial and sparkles to assist you, and the most difficult letting you figure everything out on your own. Effects, music, ambient sound, and voiceover volumes can all be set separately. Custom cursor and aspect correction are offered.
GRAPHICS—Wow. Beautifully rendered 3D graphics, amazing textures, wonderful use of color to evoke mood, realistic but not photo-realistic. The backgrounds are stunning and the items in the iHOs are clearly recognizable.
CUTSCENES—The "real life" cutscenes are 3D animation from a first person perspective (with a few startling moments that made me jump). There are also a few pop-up book mini-games that really look like paper cutouts.
MUSIC—Lovely, moody, and unobtrusive.
SOUND—Appropriate and added to the experience.
VOICEOVERS—Quite well done. The gypsy sage man reminded me of George Carlin. LOL
SUMMARY—I rarely give a game 5 stars. Child of the Forest thoroughly deserves them for its impressive gameplay, beautiful graphics, moody music, and thoughtful storyline. You won't be disappointed.
I recommend this game!
There's a dark force at work in Pilgrim's Hook. Return to your childhood home and save your twin brother from the evil that lives beneath the sea.
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
He searches...hunter of the shadows is rising
PostedMay 15, 2013
LunaNik
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TITLE—Small Town Terrors: Pilgrim's Hook
VERSION—Standard Edition (full game)
DEVELOPER—Gunnar Games (produced by Big Fish Games)
GENRE—Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
STORYLINE—You swore to never return to Pilgrim's Hook. But on your 34th birthday, your fraternal twin Arthur calls you after years of estrangement. Dark forces are at work in your island hometown, and you're about to be a pivotal player an ages old battle between good and evil. Do you have the strength to save Arthur and the remaining citizens of Pilgrim's Hook from the immortal call of the sea?
OVERVIEW—Yes, ok, this is another "dark" game in which you're off to save a relative from some evil force. However, this is not a throwaway game developed to take advantage of a fad. There are geographical and literary references throughout the game that indicate the story is woven from research. The balance of iHOs, puzzles, mini-games, and adventure is perfect. Not too much of any one type. The atmosphere is immersive through the graphics, music, and ambient sound. This is a thoroughly enjoyable game to play. Creepy, but fun.
GAMEPLAY—Point 'n' click adventure with iHOs, puzzles, and mini-games interspersed about equally. The iHOs are all of the list type, but some are 12 different items and some are four each of three different items. The puzzles and mini-games, while mostly familiar, are presented in unique formats and are, for the most part, challenging.
INTERFACE—JOURNAL: Notes clues and keeps track of the story. MAP: Notes active areas and transports, but rather than placing you in an exact location, it places you in an area with a group of locations, so you're not led around by the hand…very nice. HINTS: In the HOs, a hint shows you an object on the list. In adventure mode, it leads you to where you can do something.
SETTINGS—Effects, ambient sound, voice, and music volumes can all be set separately. There are three levels of difficulty. Widescreen and custom cursor are available. Sadly, the inventory panel could not be locked open, a feature I wish developers would all include.
GRAPHICS—Excellent. Realistic and artistic. Not photo-realistic. Nice use of texture and color to enhance the mood and immersiveness.
CUTSCENES—Beautiful 3D rendering brings the animation to life. The water was especially well done. The only fault was in the lip synching but, to be fair, it's really difficult to do realistic lip synching.
MUSIC—Moody and in the background with appropriate crescendos.
SOUND—Creepily appropriate.
VOICEOVER—Very well done. The villain's voice exudes evil through quiet confidence which is much more frightening than any effect. The citizens' voices switch effortlessly between madness and sanity. And the good guys' voices evoke decency.
SUMMARY—I highly recommend Pilgrim's Hook, and wish I had gotten the Collector's Edition.
I recommend this game!