biscuitsmama's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:67,036
- Reviews Submitted:1148
- First Review:July 13, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 16, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
There is a shadow hanging over New York City and time is running out.
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 54 found this review helpful
AH AT LAST, ANOTHER NEW YORK MYSTERIES IS FINALLY HERE!
PostedMay 26, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromI’ve been waiting years to finally play another game in this series and it’s definitely worth the wait.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It’s been a little over three years since the last New York Mysteries game was released and I wasn’t sure there would be another game in what I consider an excellent series. It’s been a long wait for me and when The Outbreak was released this morning, I purchased the game instantly. Five-BN Games is a developer that gives me what I want in a game and I didn’t need to think about hitting the buy button.
The Outbreak has an excellent storyline that will keep you guessing as you play. You play the game as Laura, an investigative journalist, who not long ago was brought into a secret order by the elusive Mr. Bishop. The Order of the White Stone is not only a secret organization, but it deals with supernatural incidents that the police can’t handle. As you play The Outbreak there are so many twists and turns in the game that you don’t always know who to trust and you soon discover that things are not always what they seem.
I love the interactive HOPS in this game. The scenes are not always easy as you try to find the needed items and then where to use them to perhaps find another required item until you finally complete the scene. The Puzzles are fun and even though there are a lot more of them than HOPS in this game it doesn’t bother me too much since the HOPS are so well-crafted. I love the Puzzles in this game where not all of them are easy to solve.
Aside from the standards such as being able to customize your mode of gameplay, there is also an old school journal or diary included that keeps track of the story as you play the game. It is not often that we find a diary included in more recent games, but I happen to appreciate having one and, at least for me, it enriches the gameplay.
If you purchase CE games because you appreciate the extras you will certainly not be disappointed with New York Mysteries: The Outbreak. The game includes not only one collectible to find but five different sets that each have anywhere between one and ten different items to find. There are also morphing objects hidden in each scene and some are difficult to spot. The Strategy Guide is excellent if you happen to get stuck and are not sure what to do next. It also provides the steps needed to solve puzzles rather than simply showing screen shots of the end result.
If you want a game that will keep you entertained and involved in the action, then New York Mysteries The Outbreak is the game you have been waiting to play. If you have played the earlier games in the series or even other games by this developer than you know exactly why I love this game. Even though the game is exactly right for me, please try the demo to see if New York Mysteries: The Outbreak is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Whenever heroes gather, villains are sure to follow...
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 57 found this review helpful
I THINK AGENT BROWN FORGOT HIS SIDEKICK! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
PostedMay 24, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromElf is probably at home pining for me. I sure hope someone remembers to feed him - lol
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Darkest Shrine is game number two in the Detectives United series and, at least for me, it is far better than the original. I found the first game rather tedious while The Darkest Shrine is a fast-paced game that is not bogged down in minute details. At least I found the progress quite good and far more interesting because it moved along while switching between characters.
Because I don’t expect every detail in a HOPA game to be logical, I tend to focus more on the gameplay rather than spending my time thinking about the minutiae. The Darkest Night is entertaining with a good storyline, great puzzles, and interesting HOPS; which are primarily what I look for in the games I choose to play.
There is some variety in the HOPS and some require a bit of interaction to find the items. As is the case in recent games there seems to be an emphasis on the mini-HOPS that I have come to think of as “quick fixes” because the developers don’t want to spend time creating decent, more involved scenes. I don’t particularly like mini-HOPS but looks like they are here to stay. The puzzles are decent, if not overly difficult, and many are ones that I particularly enjoy solving. At least it seems like there is more of a balance between HOPS and puzzles that I think should be the norm in HOPA games.
The characters in the game are familiar with James from Haunted Hotel, Agent Brown from Mystery Trackers, and Anna Gray from Grim Tales who have now combined their unique abilities to solve cases in the new Detectives United series. In the Darkest Shrine each detective is dispatched to a different location to see what information they can find as they solve the case. I have to agree with Pennmom who thinks that if Anna Gray can tote her dad’s skull with her, then Agent Brown should have had Elf tag along with him as well. Yes, devs a big mistake that maybe you should fix in the next Detectives United game.
All in all I think this is a decent CE game that includes most of the bells and whistles that I look forward to finding in a CE so it is definitely one that I will add to my collection. Although Detectives United II The Darkest Shrine is the perfect game for me and the way that I enjoy playing, please try the demo to see if it is a game that you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
Can you reveal the murderer’s identity before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
105 of 149 found this review helpful
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SERIES WITH A TERRIFIC MYSTERY GAME
PostedMay 23, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromWho is behind the mask, and is he a friend or foe?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What could be better than a terrific murder mystery? The answer is, IMHO, nothing beats not only a mystery game but the kick-off to a new series. Since playing the beta for Fatal Evidence The Cursed Island earlier this week, I had no doubt that I would purchase the game as soon as it was released.
Domini Games has done such a great job with this game not only creating an excellent storyline but with the graphics that, although rich in color have been toned down from some of the intense purples and neon greens. As much as I dislike gimmicks in HOPA games, I must admit that I am enjoying the puzzles that activate use of the watch that was left to you following Judge McGregor’s death.
Speaking of Puzzles, even though I am not a huge fan, I have found that the ones in Fatal Evidence are some of the best that I have seen in recent HOPA games. Although I have seen variations of some of the puzzles previously many of them appear to be new. Because the puzzles or mini-games are so creative, it doesn’t bother me that there are almost twice as many as HOS. The HOS are far between but they too are very creative and vary in style. I particularly enjoyed the first HOS that had me changing the lamp’s lighting to find the various items. The other HOS were just as entertaining with some of them using that same mechanic where we find items in different screens or photos. Overall this is one of the best games that I’ve played this year.
Hopefully, Domini Games or other developers will create more games based on mystery than on the evil entity storylines. Fatal Evidence The Cursed Island is a wonderful mystery game where you will need to stop a crazed killer in his or her tracks as you try to figure out who it was that really killed Judge McGregor. Even though this is one of the best games I have played, as always I recommend that you try the demo to see if you will enjoy The Cursed Island as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the paranormal activity haunting the mall?
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 39 found this review helpful
IF YOU ENJOY A LITTLE FRIGHT FACTOR AND A FEW JUMP SCARES THEN THIS IS THE GAME FOR YOU
PostedMay 19, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromRick Rogers is awesome and has become my new favorite game hero!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Creepy things are going on at the shopping mall so who do you call to solve the problem. Well since this is another Paranormal Files game, the go to fixer is Rick Rogers. Paranormal Files is a great series and even though this is only the third game in the series, all of them have been excellent. Enjoy the Shopping is actually my favorite of the three games and, at least for me, it’s been a bit more fun.
The HOPS are something I found excellent in the game as the items to find were not shrouded in mist or indistinguishable. That doesn’t mean that everything is easy to find because it’s not but Elephant Games provides top-notch HOPS. The scenes are also quite interactive and some are very puzzle-like. Although HOPS are what I look forward to most in HOPA games, most of the puzzles in Enjoy the Shopping are some of my favorite types.
The gameplay is something that I also enjoy in Enjoy the Shopping. The game isn’t all about puzzles and HOPS but the storyline as well. There were a few times that I jumped a bit when something happened that I didn’t expect but these moments all add up to making this series one that I thoroughly enjoy.
With the HOPS, Puzzles, Graphics, Voices, Gameplay and Storyline this game adds up to five-stars from me. Not everyone enjoys the same things in HOPA games but for me, Paranormal Files is one that is fresh and hasn’t yet become too cookie-cutter. So if you enjoy a HOPA game that has a little bit of fright factor, then I recommend that you try the demo to see if Paranormal Files Enjoy the Shopping is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you protect the Buried Kingdom from a dangerous supernatural foe?
Overall rating
5
/
5
73 of 106 found this review helpful
RETURN TO THE BURIED KINGDOM IS EVERYTHING I HOPED IT WOULD BE!
PostedMay 18, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It’s been three years since my favorite game in The Secret Order series, The Buried Kingdom, was released and finally Return to The Buried Kingdom is here. I loved the original and when I played the beta for this game I knew it would be an instant purchase for me. The game does not disappoint and it is well worth the wait.
You play the game as Sarah who has been called upon by her friend Julie who needs your help. With the loss of the Mother Dragon much has changed since your last visit to the Buried Kingdom and now it faces grave danger if it is to survive. With the help of Droi, Julie, and Princess Lillian can you find out who or what is behind the unrest in the kingdom and restore it to its peaceful existence? Return to the Buried Kingdom has a wonderful well-told storyline that unfolds as you make your way through the game. The graphics are as amazing and as beautiful as I’d hoped. Everything about this game is exactly what I want in a great HOPA: a game to keep me entertained and involved as I play my way to the end.
I enjoyed the HOPS in the game far more than I did the puzzles. There was variety with both the HOPS and puzzles but nothing really stood out as being anything new or different. For me the HOPS were excellent although many were the mini type or storybook which is my least favorite. That being said the list ones were very good and I even had some difficulty finding items.
The storyline and the dragons were the best part of the game for me. I love dragons and even an adult Droi is wonderful as he accompanies me through the game and acts as a helper when needed. As I mentioned earlier the graphics are beautiful and simply add to my enjoyment of the game.
The Secret Order Return to the Buried Kingdom is a game that I highly recommend particularly if you love underwater kingdoms and dragons. This game had it all for me and I hope you will try the demo to see if you will enjoy the game as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a mad mayor and his destructive robots?
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 51 found this review helpful
A TERRIFIC MYSTERY TRACKERS GAME!
PostedMay 17, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Mystery Trackers returns with The Fall of Iron Rock the 16th game in this long-running series. IMHO, the game is wonderful and it somehow seems reminiscent of Raincliff that was my all-time favorite Mystery Trackers game. In The Fall of Iron Rock you have been sent to the town of Iron Rock to see if you can find agent Redford who disappeared while investigating reports of town residents who possessed paranormal abilities. With your pal Elf by your side, you are on your way to finding the missing agent.
Mystery Trackers would not be the same without Elf and I am always happy to watch his antics as he sets off to retrieve some items that I might need to progress in the game. Elf might not be for everyone but he does have a fan base.
Although the game is not difficult it is perfect for the way I like to play but there were times that I did need to use the hint button as I couldn’t figure out where to find something I needed. Of course I play the game with the sparkles turned off so I am not having the constant sparkle hints indicating active areas.
I love the HOPS in the game since the original list type is my favorite. The is also variety included with the HOPS and Mini-HOPS where we find items by silhouette, reading a story, or finding matching pairs. No matter what type of HOP appears in the game it generally includes some interactivity before you can find certain items. Thankfully, the game has a balance between the HOPS and the Puzzles so the game does not seem overwhelmed by one or the other. The Puzzles in the game are excellent and many of my favorites are included in the mix.
Since I don’t want to give away what happens in Iron Rock I will l simply say that it did have a few surprises and the game is one that I recommend you purchase so you can see the whole storyline unfold. I couldn’t wait to buy the game because it is one of the best in the Mystery Trackers series. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if Mystery Trackers The Fall of Iron Rock is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop townspeople from turning into crystal in time?
Overall rating
1
/
5
27 of 56 found this review helpful
TO SAY I WAS DISAPPOINTED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!
PostedMay 16, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromMaybe it is time this series goes to that great gaming archive in the sky so something new could take its place
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Haunted Legends The Call of Despair is not the most discouraging game to be released this year but it certainly runs close. Just when I thought that this developer was finally getting it together and was making its way back as a top producer of some great games, today’s game rather dashed that hope on my part. When the first Haunted Legends game was released eight years ago it earned a 4.3 star rating from gamers and it was a hit game. I personally loved that game so I was very disappointed with today’s new Haunted Legends game. I’m only hoping that if this series is to continue, there will be some fresh storylines introduced to keep us enjoying this series in the years ahead.
There is not too much to write about this game and I was raised with the adage of if you have nothing good to say then don’t say it. At this point I think I have said all there is to say about a game that exemplifies the meaning of despair. When I played the demo of the game I was surprised to find that it was no better than the beta when there could have been a lot of room for improvement before the final game was released.
The good thing about the game is the graphics that are excellent and at times quite beautiful. There is no other developer, IMHO, who can artistically render such beautiful characters in its games. I only wish that great graphics were enough to keep me wanting more but since they aren’t I decided to give this game a pass.
Had it not been for the boring and tiresome gameplay I might have taken the plunge and purchased the full game but I was simply afraid to waste money on a game that really didn’t hold any appeal for me. As always, I encourage you to try the demo and decide whether Haunted Legends The Call of Despair is a game that you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you uncover the origins of a dangerous ancient artifact in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 83 found this review helpful
AN EXCELLENT BUT DIFFERENT HIDDEN EXPEDITION GAME
PostedMay 10, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromGolly, I can't seem to find my HE toolbox. Maybe Sam took it when he left. I had better go find him and get it back!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Recently I haven’t been very excited about games in the Hidden Expedition series but Neptune’s Gift did catch my attention. There is a lot to like about this game and a couple of things that I really didn’t like but for the most part the game is excellent.
The thing that confused me the most is that, although Neptune’s Gift is said to be a Hidden Expedition game, there seems to be only a vague link to H.E.L.P. Some of the things I liked the most about HE seems to be missing in this game and I wonder why the developer has moved away from what made this long-standing series one that many gamers looked forward to each year. I miss Sam who has been around forever but who is no longer is an integral part of the series. The HE interface is missing as well which seems odd but times change and apparently so do games!
The graphics are beautiful, and the storyline only makes the game better. The downfall with the graphics is the blurred HOS where some items seem so indistinct or small that it made finding the items difficult. Not all scenes were like that but a good many of them were and I wish that this developer, who once created absolutely the best HOS, would return to what made them my favorite developer in the past. Although HOS are what I love the most in HOPA games, I have to admit that I did enjoy the puzzles in Neptune’s Gift. The puzzles seemed to be very integral to the storyline and it did not seem like they were thrown in everywhere just to have puzzles in the game. Although I found the puzzles very enjoyable, what I did not care for at all was the unnecessary gimmicky puzzle that I had to solve simply to use one of my tools. That gimmick definitely classifies as a game extender and I can see no real reason it was there at all.
Even though Hidden Expedition Neptune’s Gift didn’t seem like a Hidden Expedition game, it was still one of the best HOPA games this year. The game did get off to a bit of a slow start but as I visited various locations and the story came together it became more exciting. The game might not appeal to die hard Hidden Expedition fans but if you can move away from the idea of having every Hidden Expedition tied to the traditional H.E.L.P. scenario then you might enjoy the game as well. As always, please try the demo to see if Neptune’s Gift is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can your love overcome a grudge that spans a thousand years?
Overall rating
2
/
5
43 of 87 found this review helpful
BITTER AWAKENING IS A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT
PostedMay 9, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromThis Immortal Love could have been so much better
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Immortal Love Bitter Awakening is such a disappointing game from one of my favorite game devs. I love 4Friends Games and almost everything they do is top quality but somehow they totally dropped the ball on the storyline. It is not so much that the storyline is bad but the retelling of the tale in the game is choppy and poorly told. As we play we piece together the story of star-crossed lovers who have fallen victim to a curse we get bits and pieces in storybook HOS.
Although I purchased the game without trying the demo, I couldn’t wade my way through the mini-games and HOS without becoming bored. As a result, I didn’t finish the game at most likely will remove it from taking up space in my GM.
When I first started playing the game I found that the mini-games were fun and the HOS excellent but then came that horrible storybook scene where I had no idea what to do and had to use the hint button to make my way through it, which is something I hate. There definitely should have been a skip button on that HOS as it seemed more like a puzzle. The colorful graphics were the best part of the game but it’s too bad the rest of the game didn’t live up to what I expect from this developer.
4Friends always bring us long games that have great graphics and wonderful storytelling but unfortunately Bitter Awakening was simply a bitter disappointment for me. I guess I should have taken my own advice and played the demo before I purchased the game, which is always what I recommend when I write a review. Who knows, you might love this game! Happy gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Join the Great Shaman in a quest to explore a kaleidoscope of worlds in an exciting match three puzzle adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
FUN AND COLORFUL BUT LACKS CHALLENGE
PostedMay 6, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromIf all you want is colorful graphics and a lot of noise then this might be the game for you
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Mundus Impossible Universe 2 is a colorful and noisy game that sort of grows on you as you play. Although the gameplay is rather straightforward, it is still quite the fun little game if you have a few minutes to play a level or two. Or, if you get hooked you might find yourself sitting to play for hours as the time quickly slips away.
Match 3 games are not my general go to games to play but when I find one that I like it is definitely a keeper. Because the gameplay doesn’t seem very challenging I doubt it is one that I feel I must add to my gaming library. However, this is definitely a game that the younger crowd will most definitely love due to the sound and the graphics. Although the game is not one that I must have, please try the demo because it might be the perfect game for you and the way you like to play. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!