textrekkie's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:993
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:November 10, 2011
- Most Recent Review:December 1, 2011
- Featured reviews1
Status:
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
4
/
5
91 of 109 found this review helpful
It's Beautiful But Not Challenging
PostedDecember 1, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen is a graphically beautiful game as expected from Blue Tea Games. The ambient sound FX and music come together to complete the overall feeling of darkness and dread. The opening cut scenes and voiceovers are well done and integrated seamlessly into the game, as are subsequent interactive sequences.
The story - after at least a century, it appears that the Snow Queen has arisen and taken the children from a town in Switzerland. You've been charged with finding the Snow Queen and rescuing the children. (Did I mention this won't be as easy as it sounds?)
Up front options include sliders for music/ambient sound volume/sound volume and buttons for Full Screen/Wide Screen/Custom Cursor. You can choose Play Mode/Difficulty level and get game navigation Help. The voiceovers are integrated with the music, so in order to hear them, leave the music turned up.
I was very pleased to see that the game offers different play modes: Casual, Normal and Hard. Casual and Normal offer hints, skips, sparkles and a map. Hard mode has no hints, no skips, no sparkles and no map. There are, however, sufficient hints/labels on objects to let you know what everything is, which does reduce the challenge, but this is something that will hopefully be eliminated in future games (they have made great strides in this one after all with play modes). However, one thing that upsets me just a bit - if you play in Hard Mode, you don't get the Morphing Objects. It seems that since their purpose is to shorten the length of time it takes the hint button to charge and Hard Mode doesn't have a hint button, if you play in Hard Mode, you lose out on this element of the game. This is a huge oversight. Gamers love extras...especially morphing objects.
Most of the puzzles in the game were of two varieties and neither was difficult or interesting. There was also a few of the over-familiar "collections" puzzles. All of the HOS were used at least twice and in the bonus game most were used at least 3 times, as the bonus game covers a very small area.
Regular game time for me, playing in Hard Mode, with no hints, skips or strategy guide (and no morphing objects - grrrrr) was right at 5 hours. The bonus took exactly 1 hour, bringing total game time to 6.0 hours. The bonus game does honor the play mode selected for regular game play. The story in the bonus game doesn't in any way affect the regular story or it's ending.
I recommend this game!
Become a fearless knight in Cardboard Castle, an incredible Arcade game with a unique cardboard art style!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 35 found this review helpful
Wonderful Logic Puzzle Game!
PostedNovember 27, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Cardboard Castle is a logic puzzle game wherein you must correctly perform sequences of events on each level that allow the knight to complete his quest.
There are 3 chapters with 5 levels each, then a 4th chapter where you race against the clock. Each Chapter and level gets progressively more difficult. There are hints available for purchase with coins you must find, plus trophies you can earn.
This game is not at all a child's game. The graphics are cardboard cutouts, but the logic and keen observation required to get through the levels can be very perplexing.
The total game time for me, using no hints, was 5.5 hours and I really enjoyed it. It was a whimsical and fun experience that left me sad when it ended. Hoping to see more from this developer. Great job, Bulkypix!
I recommend this game!
Stop the villainous Visage from ruining Mardi Gras in Shattered Minds: Masquerade, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
71 of 98 found this review helpful
This One Misses The Mark
PostedNovember 27, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Shattered Minds: Masquerade has the potential for being a good game, but after playing the demo version, I realized it wasn't going to hit the mark for me.
Up front, the game offers no wide-screen support and no choices of play mode. The graphics are good in the overall game, but turn grainy in the HOS. The text and journal are laden with clues and there are sparkles indicating areas of interest, so players not interested in hand-holding are going to be disappointed.
The story centers around a magician, Visage, who has unleashed a fog that has wiped away the faces of everyone in town. Couple this with the Boudreauxs, a local family who were supposedly all killed when their mansion burned (oops guess not!) and you should get some hair-raising moments. But unfortunately for me, the story line is flat, dull and so slow developing, that I lost interest in it by the time I hit the slot machines. The less than inspired music, voice acting and very easy puzzles didn't help.
The game is worth the time of the demo, but not much more in my opinion.
I don't recommend this game.
Return once more to the haunted grounds of Ravenhearst Manor to uncover new details about this poignant saga. What you find could very well be the final chapter of this riveting story-if you escape.
Overall rating
5
/
5
121 of 146 found this review helpful
Hold On To Your Head - It May Start Spinning...
PostedNovember 24, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Mystery Case Files Escape from Ravenhearst is a game that will thrill you, chill you, make you question your views on certain aspects of life and then leave you wanting to phone your mother just so you can hear her voice. In short, it's a trip down the rabbit hole--only the rabbit you're chasing is truly demented and named Charles. This is a game only BFG Studios could have done and they did it oh, so right.
Never has there been a game like this one. It starts slowly...you're sifting your way through the rubble of Ravenhearst because you received a note..."I've got something to show you"...and some news clippings that people are once again, disappearing in Blackpool. The ghosts that you previously freed have warned you to stay away - something bad is going on and they can't protect you. They can help by manipulating some objects, but they still urge you to leave...and they will 'pop' in at odd places to remind you...leave...leave...leave before it's too late. But of course you don't listen...and so the fun begins.
The game offers one mode of play, no sparkles, a limited (but curious) journal, and a strategy guide with picture representations (no text.) There are several areas where you identify 'morphing' objects and in turn, you receive an inventory item. It's a unique twist on the standard HOS and I have to say I found it very refreshing and a welcome change of pace.
This is an adventure game. Those accustomed to using Strategy Guides and walkthroughs are going to be challenged in this game. There are lots and lots of puzzles and you have to figure out for yourself what to do to solve them. The SG does have pictures, however, many, many of the puzzles have random solutions. Again, there is no text in the SG. Also, the journal doesn't record all the details or information you will need to get through the game. There is a hint button and you can skip some of the puzzles, but you can't skip them all.
There is no separate bonus chapter in this game. Instead, there are extras available for the purchasers of the CE that won't be available to those who purchase the SE. These extras include fun additional morphing objects that, if all found, lead to some fun hidden object scenes.
My total play time, using no hints, no skips, no strategy guide, no journal, taking copious notes (I now have my own walkthrough-LOL) enjoying the time, savoring the atmosphere, the gameplay, the sheer madness of it all, was 12.5 hours. And I loved every demented minute of it.
I recommend this game!
Re-enter the enchanted world of Drawn in the highly anticipated third installment of the cinematic series!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 32 found this review helpful
Beautiful Addition to the Series
PostedNovember 17, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Drawn: Trail of Shadows Collector's Edition is as beautiful, lush and as brilliant as its predecessors. The magic overtook me the minute I started the game and heard the first musical notes.
The story begins with Franklin and a very young Iris, sitting in front of a fire. Franklin is telling Iris the story of a boy who lived many years prior, who had "the gift" like Iris - the ability to draw pictures and have them come to life. This game is the story of that boy and his kidnapping by an evil wizard.
There is an option that allows the user to control screen movement (an important one for those who suffer vertigo or similar dizziness/nausea from screen panning).
The game played very well for me and has all the Drawn elements I've come to love - beautiful graphics, enchanting music, wonderful storytelling, charming and fantastic puzzles, pop-up books, and achievements. The use of cut scenes to tell the story and tie everything together was brilliant, voiced-over with the wonderful narrative by "Franklin".
Some of the puzzles/games are amazing. The croquet game - I can't imagine what it took to put that together. I also enjoyed the little "arcade" drawing game and, of course, the pop-up book pages were such a treat with all of the pull tabs and little hiding places.
All in all, a fantastic game and a must for everyone's collection
I recommend this game!
Save the three worlds contained inside of a magical book in Azada: In Libro! Stop a dark magician from conquering Azada!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 49 found this review helpful
Excellent Puzzle Adventure
PostedNovember 17, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This review is based on the demo version.
Azada: In Libro Collector's Edition is a lite adventure game filled with puzzles. In the options menu are sliders for music/sound and buttons for custom cursor, wide screen and full screen. The game offers 3 modes of play, Casual, Advanced and Hard, and the play mode can be changed during play. (I have to give big kudos to ERS for completely eliminating text clues in Hard Mode - Bravo!)
The story begins with a series of beautiful and flawlessly integrated cut scenes, in which a Notary advises you have inherited property from relatives in Prague and you must travel there to claim it. Once in Prague, the Notary leaves. After you gain access to a house, you come face to face with Titus and learn that Azada is, once again, in peril.
Voice overs are excellent, the graphics are outstanding, game play is extremely smooth, the music well done. The puzzles in the demo version I thought were easy/intermediate. I played in Hard mode and finished the demo version with 1 minute left.
Overall, I think that this is the best game I've seen from this developer since the first Puppet Show. And having said this, I also have to say that I didn't get the feel of Azada from it. But the game is absolutely enjoyable on it's own merits as an outstanding adventure and I would love to see more of this style from ERS in the future.
I recommend this game!
Uncover your grandfather’s secret in Youda Mystery: The Stanwick Legacy, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 85 found this review helpful
The Youda Team Brings Us Adventure
PostedNovember 15, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Youda Mystery: The Stanwick Legacy is a fun lite-adventure with hidden object scenes by Youda Games.
There is only one mode of play - and that includes sparkles for everyone. There are hint and skip buttons. Game play also includes a journal as well as a map. The journal assists with hints and clues and the map indicates present location as well as areas that still require attention. Puzzles in the game do not include instructions, but they are not difficult to solve or figure out.
The story takes place in Stanwick Mansion, the family home of Emma's grandfather. Emma, who was orphaned at the age of 4 (although she can't clearly recall how), was raised by her grandfather and, with his recent death, is now the owner of this dark, brooding house of secrets.
The graphics are clear and sharp, voice overs are very well done and the music enhances the atmosphere. Game play is very smooth without jerks or delays between scenes. Game play allows free roaming as long as you have the tools required to get inside the rooms. The HOS scenes are well done with items artfully hidden. None of the items are small or tiny - just well hidden.
While the story isn't likely to raise the hair on the back of your neck, it is well written and I always appreciate a lighter story mixed in with all the dark. It's family friendly and there's no occult involved (you do have to find a couple of tarot cards in HOS scenes but you don't really see them or use them for anything). Its not a long game, (total time for me was just at the 3 hour mark,) but it's possible to finish without visiting all the rooms, so you can replay often to better your score and unlock all the rooms - which I think is pretty clever.
I recommend this game!
Search for clues, solve puzzles, and unlock new areas as you visit spooky locations, master mini-games and locate Hidden Objects!
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 53 found this review helpful
Come To The Dark Side - We Have Cookies!
PostedNovember 14, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This game is like Redrum meets Phantasmat as far as the hairs on the back of my neck are concerned. And there are lots of moments when you will be "wierded" out. But that is a compliment to the developers. It's been awhile since I've played a game this spooky. The story line is different--you're a woman sitting on the couch with your husband one minute and the next thing ya' know, there's a knock on the door, hubby's gone and there's this creeped out little voodoo ragdoll talking to ya' telling you how to save your husband. But the story is fully developed and defined as you play the game. Also, the way you learn of your husband's past is very unique--it's done with dolls and, need I say it, a dolhouse! As for the rest of the characters you meet along the way - well, let's just hope you're not afraid of clowns.
The graphics, atmosphere, story, fx, cut scenes and concepts are all fantastic and it all flows very nicely. The game play is fairly free roaming. Most of the puzzles are good and many are unique, but they made them too easy and this was a big disappointment for me. The only thing bad I can say about the game play is that there's not enough of it. It leaves you wanting more--and it won't matter whether you play in casual or expert mode.
There are Morphing Objects (referred to as "Beyond" Objects)-but you don't know about them (or at least I didn't) until I literally stumbled over one. So then, being OCD, I had to backtrack and make sure I found them all, only to find out there are no achievements. Once I finished everything and was looking over the Strategy Guide (which is nicely done and complete with puzzle solutions) I noticed that they didn't list the location of all the Beyond Objects.
This is a good game. It's solid, it's beautifully done and it's a Dark and Eerie game lover's dream. The shortness in length doesn't make it unworthy of anything except CE status IMHO. My recommendation - save your money, buy the SE. The bonus story isn't all that and it doesn't affect the main story. So unless you like the artwork and tunes, wait for the SE. Again, though, that's no reflection on the game--only on the CE status, Okay? Total game time for me was 2 hours and 45 minutes. The bonus chapter was 45 minutes.
(P.S.-- I got a little fed up with the creeped out voodoo rag doll because he was in the corner of my eye all the time, but then at the end I felt bad for feeling that way--you'll find out why!)
I recommend this game!
A young man has hired Detective Dupin to solve a mysterious case in Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Premature Burial!
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 56 found this review helpful
ERS does Edgar Allan Poe Beautifully
PostedNovember 14, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's Premature Burial is the third in a series of EAP thrillers from ERS Game Studios.
Who doesn't like a good Edgar Allan Poe story as the basis of a game? Especially when it means Inspector Dupin is back on the case and we get to assist! The opening and subsequent cut-scenes are well done. And we learn right away that there's a spirit on the loose and she's more than a little upset over something. We soon discover, that this spirit, as angry as she may be, is not the object of our current investigation--Victorine is..a woman who died under mysterious circumstances and was quickly buried, without ceremony by her rich husband. Even more intriguing is the person who has hired us to investigate the death of Victorine, Victorine's lover. (Hmmm...angry spirit, dead wife, secret lover...so far all very good reasons for someone to be upset)
The story continues and unfolds very well. The voice overs for the characters are outstanding. The graphics and cut scenes are excellent and what we have come to expect from ERS. The music...well, let's just say it's best if you play without the music.
The greatest disappointment to me in this game were the HOS. I thought the art work in the scenes to be substandard, items were not readily identifiable or listed incorrectly, plus there was a level of "clicky-picky" that got to be very frustrating in the interactive HOS and all interactive graphic scenes in the game as well (trying to put objects on tables, etc.). Most of the puzzles are easy to medium, but they were unique and interesting and fun to play.
Total play time for me using the mode where the skip/hint button recharges more slowly and active zones are not highlighted, using no hints and no skips and no Strategy Guide was 4.0 hours. The bonus game added an additional 1.0 hour, for a total of 5.0 hours game time. The bonus game does NOT affect the ending of the game and will not diminish the enjoyment of those who decide to purchase the Standard Edition, which is what I recommend.
I recommend this game!
Travel from the Dark Middle Ages to the present to save the inhabitants of the Orion kingdom in Echoes of the Past - The Citadels of Time!
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 82 found this review helpful
Echoes of the Past Saga Continues with a Winner
PostedNovember 14, 2011
textrekkie
fromDallas, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
The Citadels of Time is the third installment in the Echoes of The Past series (Royal House of Stone, Castle of Shadows) and by far the best.
If you haven't played the first two installments, there's no need. The story is simple enough: A witch has it in for the House of Orion and has cursed them for centuries. Because of help you've given in the past, you have been cursed - exiled in time inside the museum where you go in and out of time warps meeting the other victims the witch has cursed. You must set time right, release the captives, collect the necessary clock pieces and escape.
The graphics are very sharp, even in the HOS and they still have the best interactive HOS around. Voice overs are well done and suitable to the characters with the right amount of emotion. The ambient/background sound FX were done well, although used sparingly. The music could have been better - perhaps something more subdued and haunting rather than pounding and tense. I would be remiss, however, if I didn't mention that some of the HOS items are a bit "clicky picky". You either have to click the border and not the middle or the middle and not the border of some items.
This installment has fewer HOS and more puzzles than previous games in the series. Orneon has always provided good mini-games in Echoes, but they outdid themselves here, giving a huge variety of puzzles with varying degrees of difficulty (some of them real easy, many of them difficult). (Note: You can replay some of the puzzles as one of the bonus extras.)
Playing in Advanced mode, using no hints, no skips and no Strategy Guide, regular game play for me was 6.5 hours. The bonus chapter, which does not affect the ending of the regular game, added an additional 2 hours, making my total game time 8.5 hours. WOW! (Note: in Advanced mode, there are no highlighted areas, including HOS scenes, except in bonus chapter.)
A truly beautiful, well-put together production. Everything about it is pleasing.
I recommend this game!