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:
Face the legacy of mythical sunken city of Ys!
Overall rating
5
/
5
54 of 83 found this review helpful
FIND THE SECRETS OF YS TO SAVE PARIS
PostedMarch 30, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromDoes an ancient love story hold the secrets of the two kingdoms?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Sunken City is the second game in the Myth Seekers series and, at least for me, it is much better than the first game. The Sunken City takes place four years after your search for Vulcan’s Hammer that was featured in the first game. As with that game there is a lot of mystery as you search to unlock the secrets of the ancient kingdom of Ys. Since anything to do with ancient civilizations is one of my passions, this game was an instant purchase for me.
Even though the overall game is excellent with a storyline that kept me wanting more as I moved through the game, I still felt that the graphics tended to be sub-par. The characters seemed flat and at times rather cartoonish many of the scenes lacked the depth and detail that are found in games by other developers. That being said, the storyline and the mini-games made up for the deficit in graphics.
The HOPS scenes highlighted the deficit with the graphics as they were very grainy and misty, which made the items difficult to spot. Although there is an alternate matching game available it was almost more difficult than finding items in the scenes so it was rather useless and, as a result, I did need to rely on the hint button several times in order to complete the scenes. The MINI-GAMES were fun but once again we have a game where there are far more mini-games than there are HOPS. Some of the mini-games are challenging but most seem to be easily solvable so there is at least something for everyone. Another weakness in the game is that the Strategy Guide does not include complete information on solving a mini-game but only shows a graphic of the solution and even though you know what the solution looks like, the guide does not include the steps required to get there. IMHO, this makes the Strategy Guide unnecessary.
As I mentioned the storyline is excellent and the gameplay kept me engaged I happen to enjoy moving back and forth between scenes when playing a game so that I actually need to use my brain to remember where an item should be used. Because I enjoyed the overall game (which made it worth 5 stars) I can overlook the graphics as being a minor irritation. For me the game seems quite long as I have been playing for several hours and have not yet played the bonus game. Even though I did purchase the game, I always recommend that you try the demo to see if the game is one you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Only you can stop the crystals raining down on Tar and stealing energy.
Overall rating
5
/
5
68 of 78 found this review helpful
DOMINI’S ENCHANTED KINGDOM DESCENT OF THE ELDERS IS WONDERFUL
PostedMarch 29, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromDomini continues to raise the bar with Descent of the Elders
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
WOW, Domini has hit a home run with this game! This is for me the best game in the series and Domini got it right with Descent of the Elders, the fifth game in the Enchanted Kingdom series. The previous game received a 1-star review from me while Descent of the Elders is, IMHO, a solid 5-star game.
Something that has impressed me with Domini Games is that they always are striving to improve their games by listening to what we want. Since the beta for Descent of the Elders was released some significant changes were made to the game. Gone is the side pop-out bar that I found very distracting, and the collectibles are now indicated on the upper right side of the inventory panel. With the Custom Mode of gameplay we can now select our preferred Hint and Skip times within a range of 0 to 90 seconds. Thank you Domini for making those changes to the game!
The HOPS are so creative and well-designed in Descent of the Elders. There is variation in the types of scenes and a couple of my favorite style HOPS have returned. I really enjoyed two HOPS in particular the first one is where we find items by changing the colored lenses on a magnifying glass. My other favorite is the one where we locate items by sliding an overlay to find the matching items in various scenes. Both of those HOPS are wonderful but so are many of the others.
By now some of you know that I dislike having too many PUZZLES in games. However, most of the puzzles in Descent of the Elders are great fun and since they do not seem to be thrown in as game extenders, it does make sense to have them where they are placed in the gameplay. Since the game’s hero is the “Honored Healer” from the Medico Imperium we will be diagnosing illnesses and creating remedies. Each time we diagnose a patient we will need to solve several mini-games during the process and even though some of them are a bit challenging they are not classified as Rube-Goldberg puzzles. Overall the puzzles in the game are excellent with some being very easy and others really difficult. I Domini’s games have terrific puzzles so I always choose the easy setting when I set up my Custom Mode of gameplay but even then, some of the puzzles are difficult and I need to skip them or cheat by looking in the Strategy Guide.
In the end, I think Domini has “pulled out all the stops” to make Enchanted Kingdom Descent of the Elders an awesome game and one that I highly recommend. For lovers of fantasy type games it is definitely a must have. I purchased immediately after trying the demo and lost a lot of sleep last night because I couldn’t stop playing. Even though I love this game, please try the demo to see if it is one you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
A series of museum robberies leads to a shocking discovery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 149 found this review helpful
ANNA AND RICHARD RETURN IN AN EXCELLENT NEW GRIM TALES
PostedMarch 28, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromOh my, I almost forgot to put dad's skull in my handbag. He hates being left behind when there is a case to solve.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Anna Gray and the Grim Tales series return with game sixteen – The Nomad. This long-standing favorite series with many gamers is also one with which I happen to have a love-hate relationship. Some of the earlier games had a tendency to be what some might consider a bit gritty but the later games have been far more to my liking. The Nomad happens to fall on the “love” side of the scale for me. From the moment I began playing I found myself involved in what I consider to be one of the better stories of the series.
I generally am fairly outspoken about the lack of a “true custom mode” in games and this one does not allow the gamer to set their preference for the Hint and Skip times in a game. I happen to believe that customization should offer an open-ended scale for those times.
There is no need to recap the story as you can find that information on the game’s home page and when you play the demo. I enjoyed the storyline in the game and it is very well told as you progress with the gameplay.
When the game begins we have the general task to find items that we need to open either HOP scenes or Puzzles. Although the presentation of the HOPS might not be for everyone, I loved them and enjoyed finding the items, even the ones that were well-concealed. There is some variety in the HOPS but most are presented in the list find style that I enjoy the most. As much as I enjoyed the HOPS, I found the Puzzles to be even better. The puzzles might seem easy but they are still excellent and include many of my old-time favorites beginning with the one where we need to move the tiles to open a lock. This particular puzzle is easier than it has been in other games but I still enjoyed it. Of course The Nomad wouldn’t be a game from this developer if we didn’t find a missing zipper pull. Whenever I come across the missing zipper pull I have to chuckle because I know so many gamers hate having to open a case where one is missing.
With several of the last Grim Tales games we have the addition of Anna’s deceased father Richard whose skull is tagging along to help Anna solve each case. I don’t know many people who have an attachment to carting dad’s skull everywhere they go but Richard does add levity to the game. It took me a few games to get used to Richard but he has definitely grown on me and I think he is a needed element in the game. Some might think of Richard as a gimmick but he does provide some help when needed without being too intrusive.
The game has six chapters and I actually consider it to be a long game but that is because I don’t rush to see how fast I can get to the finish line. For me the enjoyment of playing is seeing every little detail in each scene and reading all of the news clippings or slips of paper that are found. CE games are my favorite since I love finding all of the collectibles and morphing objects. Yes many of the items are easy to find but not all of them jump right out at me. Another thing that I enjoy about The Nomad is that there is backtracking between the scenes. I don’t particularly care to pick up a hammer and then glance at the wall and find a nail that I should remove from a board immediately upon finding the hammer or any other tool. I love having a large inventory and then having to remember where I might need to use one of the items. Some might consider this to be a time-filler but I think it makes for a better game and is no more of a time-filler than having to play a puzzle in order to use an item.
Grim Tales: The Nomad is a wonderful game and perfect for the way I like to play. I purchased the game almost immediately and have had no regrets. The gameplay is entertaining and the storyline is excellent. I own every Grim Tales game since the series began with The Bride, and I often replay some of them each year. Even though Grim Tales: The Nomad is one I enjoy, please try the demo to see is it is a game that you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
The Abomination threatens to erase all worlds from existence!
Overall rating
5
/
5
54 of 68 found this review helpful
A BEAUTIFUL GAME AND ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NEVERTALES SERIES – WELL WORTH THE WAIT!
PostedMarch 24, 2019
It has been three years since the release of the last game in the Nevertales series and I think this one was worth waiting for. Nevertales The Abomination is a creative game and, at least for me, this one is far better than the last several in a series that had lost its direction and flair. The Abomination is the tale of a creator who has basically lost his muse and his direction. Will the creator be able to rise and save the world of Ballard and its four realms or will he eventually destroy all that he had created?
The graphics and sound package for The Abomination are terrific. As we travel to the four realms we are treated to the beauty that was created by the Author and wonder how he would think of destroying it all. As usual we find all of the bells and whistles that come with a CE game and particularly the in-game Strategy Guide that did provide some helpful information when I was stuck.
The Abomination is a great game with some beautiful and varied HOPS. My biggest issue with the HOPS is that again a developer is making the items we need to find almost invisible. This was very apparent with the first HOP when not only were the items almost transparent they were often very small. It is only my opinion because others might like the challenge of finding transparent items in a scene, but I believe there is a far better way to increase the difficulty factor than by resorting to a tactic that is sure to strain the eyes of many older gamers.
The Abomination is yet another game that has far more puzzles than HOPS but since I did enjoy the puzzles in the game I’m not complaining. I found the puzzles to be mostly a bit easy but some were tricky to figure out. The game included some favorite puzzles such as the one where I needed to switch and rotate parts of a picture in order to see the correct image.
Although creating potions and casting spells are not my favorite things to do in a game, I still enjoyed Nevertales The Abomination because of its beautiful graphics as well as the creative storyline. This is a game that is has a lot of tasks to complete and actions that kept me engaged as I moved through the story. I felt the pace of the game was right for me and that the mix of puzzles, HOPS and adventure kept me entertained and involved right from the beginning of the game. Although I feel that Nevertales The Abomination is an excellent game, please try the demo to see if it is one you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you find out who’s kidnapping jurors before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 110 found this review helpful
THE DUPIN I LOVE IS BACK
PostedMarch 23, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromI guess the developer figured out that we didn’t like that shaggy look on Dupin
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After either a facelift or a good long nap and an encounter with a razor, the Auguste Dupin I love is back. No more shaggy and worn around the edges Dupin in the game. Of course he still manages to act a bit bumbling as he directs me to do all of his running around, and it is rather impressive that the guy manages to look so fit with the lack of exercise he gets. At any rate Dupin is back in Dark Tales EAP’s Speaking with the Dead. As another reviewer said this is an excellent game and one that I’ve been waiting to see.
As is the case in all AMEX (formerly ERS) games the graphics are top of the line. The characters are created to perfection which has always been a major draw for me with any game from this developer. As great as the characters are however, the dialog is downright corny sometimes bordering on ridiculous.
The HOPS are excellent and one of the early ones in the game had me using the hint because the items were so well concealed. Of course there are far too many of the mini HOPS that I think are a bit lazy and an easy way out for us to find an item. I happen to love HOPS and that is true of the old school list type but I guess with gamers from all over the world playing these games, it is simply easier not to have to translate languages for the items to be found. As much as I loved the storyline and the HOPS, I can’t say the same for the puzzles. AMEX is one developer that still relies on the use of the click this or toggle that variety of puzzle and there were too many of those overly familiar ones in this game for my liking. I happened to skip almost all of them in this game and will go back to them one day when I feel that I have more of a tolerance for that model of puzzle. That being said, if I mostly ignore the puzzles this is an excellent game.
The storyline is excellent and does contain a few surprises that I didn’t expect. I always love it when I am playing a game and then something comes along that I hadn’t figured out earlier. When this happens it always makes the game so much more fun, at least for me.
As with most of the endless sequels here at BFG, I thought that Dark Tales EAP’s Speaking with the Dead would be a game I would skip but once I began playing I was hooked. I wasn’t even halfway through the demo before I decided that I wanted to play the full game and hit that buy button. Although I do think this is a wonderful game, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy this game as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you find Gulliver and escape Lilliputia in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 78 found this review helpful
GULLIVER SYNDROME IS ANOTHER AMAZING BRIDGE TO ANOTHER WORLD
PostedMarch 22, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromHere is a game that has everything I love in HOPA games – creative HOPS and not an overwhelming amount of puzzles. Everything is perfect for me.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Since this review of Bridge to Another World Gulliver Syndrome is a day late, I am not going to have much to say that hasn’t already been said in other reviews. I’m going to simply say that I loved this game. I have played through the whole game and found it to be wonderful, including the storyline.
As many of you may already know, I have asked for quite some time that games are not overloaded with puzzles or mini-games but that they are at least equal in number to HOPS. 4Friends Games got it right with this game as it is not overwhelmed with puzzles at every turn and that the puzzles are almost equal in number to the HOPS. So, a huge thank you to a developer who listens to what gamers want included in HOPA games.
When I began to play the game I found the HOPS to be very creative. One of the first ones is a spin on one from another game by this developer and although it isn’t exactly the same, it is just as enjoyable. There were so many small touches in the game that made it a graphic delight for me and the way I like to play. I tend to be a slow player because I always become so immersed in the graphics and every little detail to be found in the different scenes. 4Friends is a developer who does an awesome job with creating their games that I always have to gawk at every scene to see what I can find and mostly what I don’t want to miss.
Not only were the HOPS excellent, IMHO, but so were the mini games. I loved the first one where I had to trap the donkey – how fun! And then when the donkey brays and I see his teeth that are so detailed I had to laugh. The entire game has been a delight for me and one that I will replay many times in the future.
My thanks and kudos to BFG and to 4Friends for Bridge to Another World Gulliver Syndrome. As always, even though I loved this game I recommend that you try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Get lost in a haunted house that keeps changing!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 48 found this review helpful
NO ESCAPE – ONE OF THE BEST GAMES IN THE MYSTERY OF THE ANCIENT SERIES!
PostedMarch 22, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromMystery of the Ancients keeps getting better and better
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Mystery of the Ancients returns with No Escape, the 8th game in the series. No Escape is an excellent game that kept me engaged from the very first scene. 2019 seems to be getting off to a great start with several good HOPA games being offered already and Mystery of the Ancients No Escape will most likely be at the top of my list for best game of the year. I’m always excited when I play a HOPA game that grabs my attention with gameplay features that I love and keeps up the pace from the first scene until the game ends. For me at least No Escape is that sort of game!
No Escape begins with the usual call from friends who need our help and then when we arrive to find them we must go through the same mundane tasks to get started. Yes, we have seen this scenario over and over again but the difference here is that rather than being a frustrating do this and then that situation, I found the game so well designed that it wasn’t simply boring gameplay to get started. Yes, in many ways the game is the same as others that we have seen over and over again but there is something different about No Escape that sets it apart from run-of-the-mill cookie-cutter games.
Even though I generally prefer HOPS over puzzles, I loved the puzzles in No Escape. In fact, I enjoyed the puzzles far more than I did the HOPS. In some of the HOPS many items were so tiny and indistinct that it made the scenes seem tedious more than fun. Although the scenes varied in style and were at times interactive, I found the puzzles to be far more entertaining. There were a couple of Rube-Goldberg puzzles in the game that were more difficult to complete and I admit that I had to reset them to try again.
If you enjoy the Mystery of the Ancients series or if you are looking for a top-notch HOPA game to play then I highly recommend Mystery of the Ancients No Escape. For me No Escape is probably the best game in the series although most of the others are good as well. Even though I love this game, as always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the hidden city and save your mom in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
105 of 148 found this review helpful
JUST IGNORE COLLINS AND THE GAME GETS BETTER
PostedMarch 16, 2019
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wanderlust The City of Mists was, initially, a disappointment compared to the first game in the series. I found the comic relief of Collins to be rather annoying when I played the beta for the game and when I tried the demo there he was again with his irritating bag of tricks. However, in order to give the game a fair chance I continued on and to my surprise I found the game to be far better than my initial reaction. By the time I reached the island I was rather hooked on the game so I decided to go ahead and purchase it so I could continue playing.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed the game a bit more if Collins had been portrayed as a more mature character rather than one who was rather full of himself but he does redeem himself a bit later in the game. We do have a tool kit that I felt was a bit of a gadget as it jiggled around on the side of my inventory bar when it should be used. I am guessing the developer didn’t think I could figure out that I needed a certain tool when a rope should be cut.
Simply because some gamers happen to enjoy puzzles in HOPA games, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the HOS should be any less important. I happen to enjoy terrific HOS – yes, even the old school list type and I want the items to actually represent what must be found. I am so tired of this new trend of brown items melting into a background in order to make a HOS seemingly more difficult. Please developers return to great HOS and stop with all these storybook scenes. I love interactive, list scenes and can do without all of the storybook type where we must find an item according to a word on a page. Honestly, the HOS in The City of Mists were some of the worst scenes I’ve found in a game. I’ve become tired of dark and drab decaying buildings and generally lackluster HOS which is why I have only purchased maybe half of the HOPA games released since last October. Up until that time, I had purchased every CE HOPA since they began in 2009.
The mini-games or puzzles were actually much better than the HOS, proving that this is where most developers are putting their energy when designing games. Even though I prefer quality HOS to an abundance of mini-games, I did enjoy the ones in The City of Mists. Of course there were a couple of puzzles that I skipped. I don’t recall previously ever seeing the puzzle where I needed to place navigation triangles onto a map to determine a location. That was a rather fun puzzle even though it took some time to get it right. Overall I enjoyed the puzzles more than the lackluster HOS in the game.
The storyline and the gameplay are what sold me on the game and those are what kept me playing. After a rather annoying start to the game it became more enjoyable as I found The City of Mists. In the end I found that this Wanderlust is a terrific game and one that I hope you will enjoy as well. As always, please try the demo and give the game a chance. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Escape a terrifying hotel with a haunted past.
Overall rating
2
/
5
34 of 40 found this review helpful
SAME DECRIPIT OLD HOUSE AND CARBON COPY MONSTER THAT I HAVE SEEN WAY TOO MANY TIMES
PostedMarch 15, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromMaybe this series should be buried along with its memories
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Phantasmat Remains of Buried Memories is the 13th game in the series and it is nothing more than a gasp at keeping a series that should have been nothing but a “Buried Memory” alive. Honestly, when will BFG or developers realize when enough is enough.
The game begins in an odd manner and I wasn’t sure if I had done something wrong but at least the beginning, strange as it was, is probably the best part of the game. I am not a fan of the Phantasmat series and Remains of Buried Memories reinforces why I dislike it. That being said, the best parts of the game are the HOS and the Puzzles. The HOS are excellent and creative in their presentation. My only complaint with the HOS is that some of the items are very small and blend into the background making them almost invisible. Although we have seen many of the puzzles before it is a good thing since the instructions are terrible.
Of course with a Phantasmat game I expect dark and dull graphics so the graphics in Remains of Buried Memories live up to my expectations and that is not a good thing because I hate dusty and decrepit old houses or hotels. I don’t think it was too long ago that the monster in a game was a tree-like sort of thing so here we go again.
In the end there is nothing about this Phantasmat that makes it stand out from all of the previous games in the series. The exception being that the original Phantasmat was incredible and one I still play today because, IMHO, that was a game that was hard to beat. If you love seeing tree monsters, cobwebs, spiders, and an old house in shambles then you will most likely love this game. For me the game is a definite pass and another that is going on my list of non-purchased games. Thankfully, we have had a few wonderful games to start off 2019 and those will be the ones I play. As always, please try the demo because Phantasmat Remains of Buried Memories might be perfect for you. Happy gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find the truth hidden behind the castle walls?
Overall rating
5
/
5
74 of 108 found this review helpful
A JEALOUS YOUNGER BROTHER AND A MURDER SET THE SCENE FOR AN EXCELLENT GAME
PostedMarch 14, 2019
biscuitsmama
fromAlways on the outside and never living up to big brother must be difficult
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Whispered Secrets Cursed Wealth is the ninth game in the series. It’s been almost a year since the last game and after playing the beta I’ve been waiting for Cursed Wealth to be released. Although there is a ghost in the game, it is more of a mystery type game rather than another evil entity waiting to take over the world or to reincarnate.
The storyline is interesting with the death of a bride beginning the game. As a detective and a friend of the grieving widower you are on your way to Masonville to help solve the mystery. Was the death accidental or was it murder? You will need to play this excellent game to find the answers.
The overload of puzzles early in the game was a bit of overkill and I wasn’t sure that I would purchase it. It seemed like I was playing a puzzle at every turn before I could make any real progress. Get off the train and find Lord Abel’s secretary – play a puzzle, collect my luggage – play a puzzle, saddle my horse play yet another puzzle, and the list goes on. I do enjoy puzzles but not when there are twice as many as there is HOS. The puzzles are very easy but they do pick up and have at least some challenge at times. It seemed to me that the developer jumped onto the “we want more puzzles” bandwagon and just popped them in at random as game stretchers. Now that I got that off my chest, I can say that Cursed Wealth is an excellent game and one that I did enjoy even though there are more puzzles than HOS.
HO scenes are what I enjoy the most in HOPA games; well those and the storyline. Others might like the puzzles more than the HOS but it would be nice to find a more equal amount of each so all gamers can enjoy each game. Even though there are not many HOS in the game they are very entertaining with just the right amount of variety. As I mentioned above there are a lot of puzzles with most being very easy. There are a few more challenging puzzles but the game is in no way a brain drain. This is an entertaining game that flows well and kept me involved.
The graphics are excellent and colorful without being garish. The characters are well depicted and don’t seem to be too cartoonish. The gameplay moves along at a good pace and doesn’t seem to get bogged down with minutiae.
Whispered Secrets has for the most part been a series that I have always enjoyed and Cursed Wealth is quite good. If you enjoy a good mystery game with a touch of the paranormal then you will most likely enjoy this game. If you want to get your money’s worth with a game, this CE has not only one but two bonus chapters. I purchased the game right away because from the beta I knew it was a keeper for me. Even though I really like Cursed Wealth, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!