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:
What will you do when a fairy tale curse shows up on your doorstep?
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 34 found this review helpful
IT'S GOOD TO TAKE A SECOND LOOK AND I AM HAPPY THAT I DID!
PostedJune 30, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromWhen I am wrong, I am usually very wrong. My apologies to the developer because this is an excellent game.
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Oh my, shocking! That is how my review of the CE version of The Spectra World began, and in all honesty, what is really shocking is that I gave this game such a poor review when it was released as a CE last month. As sometimes happens (depending on my particular mood) the first thing I saw, horrible smoky orbs with glowing red centers, rather put me off so I never got past the first several minutes of the game. One day when I had nothing better to do I revisited the game, and with a sale ended up purchasing it. So this review is rather to apologize for my CE rating of the game, which wasn’t in any way a fair evaluation of The Forgotten Fairy Tales: The Spectra World, a game that is actually excellent and one of the best games I have played this year.
I’m so happy that I went back and purchased the CE because The Spectra World turned out to be such a great game, and one that kept me entertained for two days. There were many reviews where the gamer felt the game was geared towards children or 10-year olds but I didn’t find that to be the case at all. I have played every CE HOPA game released here at BFG and still found myself needing the hint button more than once. Perhaps the demo portion of the game was a bit easy or predictable in game play strategy but there were challenges ahead. Although the subject matter might seem geared for children – maybe because of the storyline or theme, the game isn’t a child’s game at all.
The HOP scenes were excellent with some being very creative and well-crafted. The scenes included the standard variety of list, silhouette, storybook and matching. Though some might find that the puzzles were all easy, I enjoyed them and found them fun to solve. I love puzzles but don’t always need the brain drain of the more challenging puzzles that some gamers enjoy most. The puzzles fit well into the storyline and didn’t feel like the developer inserted a puzzle simply to have one in a particular scene.
The development team that created The Forgotten Fairy Tales: The Spectra World is a favorite of mine and has presented some terrific games in the past. I am so sorry that my earlier review didn’t do justice to their creativity or talent for presenting what I truly hope is the beginning of a new series.
In the end, this is definitely a 5-star game and one that I will most likely play more than once. If like me you might not have given the game a chance after you ran into those smoky black orbs, I hope you will go back and take a second look because this is certainly a game worth playing. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Your brother gets in trouble during the filming of his ghost hunting show!
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 155 found this review helpful
CAN YOU SAVE PATRICK?
PostedJune 29, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI think that Patrick should keep his hands off of my personal items in the future
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You awaken from a nightmare that seems so real and you know that your brother, Patrick, is in trouble. Just as you are on your way to check on him, you open your door to find a young girl standing there with a box in her hands. She tells you her name is Helen and hands you the box saying this is all that is left from your brother and then she fades away. Well, you definitely know something is wrong by this point and after you view the DVD enclosed in the box you know that you had best not take too long getting to Patrick. And so begins your journey to a haunted house and your encounter with the ghost of a serial killer, Count Valack Arden, as you try to save your brother and his fiancé, Stephanie.
The graphics are very good and done in the style of the previous games in the Mystery Tales series.
Modes of Gameplay - Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Your tools include an interactive map and a special pair of glasses that you will use to reveal what is hidden.
The HOP scenes are excellent and varied but fairly much the same as those we always see. I don’t say that as a complaint, because I happen to love HOPS and realize that there can’t always be something new but I wish there were more of the HOPS that in this game seem dwarfed by the amount of mini-games. I happen to enjoy puzzles or mini-games but I think the ratio might be two to one in The House of Others. Unfortunately, I found the puzzles more difficult in this game (which should please many of the gamers out there in BFG land) but mainly because I couldn’t understand the directions as they didn’t always make sense. There are a lot of us who enjoy puzzles but I don’t always want them too challenging. I can hear the groans now because there is a faction that calls for more, and also more challenging puzzles. It would be nice to have a separate genre for those gamers who could then enjoy puzzle laden adventure games. Since there isn’t a separate genre at this point, it certainly would be nice if developers would keep an equal balance between mini-games and HOP scenes.
CE VERSION EXTRAS: The CE version of the game has plenty of collectibles and morphing objects to keep us happy. We can collect Tarot cards, Figurines, and Butterflies scattered throughout the game and then there are morphing objects to be found in each scene. I particularly like the feature on the inventory bar that indicates if we have found the collectible butterflies and morphing objects. Yep, there are plenty of achievements to be earned as well as gorgeous wallpapers, music, concept art, strategy guide, and a bonus chapter. There is also a Cursed Items Exhibit where you can display the cursed items you purchase with the butterflies you collect.
As a final thought, I enjoyed the gameplay but I am noticing a very dark trend with recent games. I dislike anything to do with having one’s soul taken, or taking lives to use their souls. Not only is today’s game along those lines but also, if BFG’s weekly blog is correct, then a similar theme is coming right on the heels of today’s game. As I mentioned, I loved the gameplay but the storyline left me a bit disenchanted. I would like a good old-fashioned mystery rather than all of these darker games. Although many of you will undoubtedly love the game, I am not sure I will buy this type of game. If the theme doesn’t bother you then I am sure you will find this to be a very good game. Happy gaming!
CE VERSION EXTRAS: The CE version of the game has plenty of collectibles and morphing objects to keep us happy. We can collect Tarot cards, Figurines, and Butterflies scattered throughout the game and then there are morphing objects to be found in each scene. I particularly like the feature on the inventory bar that indicates if we have found the collectible butterflies and morphing objects. Yep, there are plenty of achievements to be earned as well as gorgeous wallpapers, music, concept art, strategy guide, and a bonus chapter. There is also a Cursed Items Exhibit where you can display the cursed items you purchase with the butterflies you collect.
As a final thought, I enjoyed the gameplay but I am noticing a very dark trend with recent games. I dislike anything to do with having one’s soul taken, or taking lives to use their souls. Not only is today’s game along those lines but also, if BFG’s weekly blog is correct, then a similar theme is coming right on the heels of today’s game. As I mentioned, I loved the gameplay but the storyline left me a bit disenchanted. I would like a good old-fashioned mystery rather than all of these darker games. Although many of you will undoubtedly love the game, I am not sure I will buy this type of game. If the theme doesn’t bother you then I am sure you will find this to be a very good game. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Follow Emily on her quest to trace the mysterious woman, elude death and ultimatly catch the killer in Ghost Files: The Face of Guilt.
Overall rating
3
/
5
95 of 140 found this review helpful
WOULD YOU BUY A CE WHEN THE EXTRAS ARE “HIDDEN” UNTIL THE GAME IS PURCHASED?
PostedJune 27, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromIf a developer expects me to purchase their CE game, then they need to unlock the extra content up-front
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A serial killer is on the list and the body count is growing with the latest discovery of victim ten. Each victim receives a pieced together note containing only one word – GUILTY. You play the game as Emily Meyer a top-notch crime detective. As you begin your investigation another detective introduces you to Susan a psychic detective who has proven very helpful to the department in solving other cases. Of course, your attitude towards Susan is rather dismissive and you brush her off since you don’t have time for all that psychic mumbo-jumbo. When the department receives an emergency call from Bethany Stenward saying she knows who the killer is, you rush to the scene but arrive too late. Little do you know but you might just change your opinion of Susan and call on her to help after an unexpected turn of events requires help from someone with her abilities.
Game Quality including graphics, voiceovers, and sound is very good with the main character’s voiceover excellent.
Modes of gameplay include: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints: 2 – 240 seconds
Skips: 10 – 120 seconds
Along with a map you have a forensics kit that will allow you to collect and test samples that you will collect at the crime scene.
Modes of gameplay include: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints: 2 – 240 seconds
Skips: 10 – 120 seconds
Along with a map you have a forensics kit that will allow you to collect and test samples that you will collect at the crime scene.
The HOP scenes are the best part of the game, at least for me. I enjoyed the variety and the interaction required in the scenes. The items were not difficult to identify so the scenes were not so difficult that they became tedious. Since they seem to be plentiful, it is good that they are fun.
The puzzles are fairly easy and nothing jumped out at me as so difficult that I had the desire to skip them. The puzzles are nothing new but those I did find were interesting and seemed to fit well into the game.
I presume the CE version of the game includes the standards extras such as collectibles, achievements and other items that we have come to expect. HOWEVER since all of the extras are locked and the strategy guide in the demo version does not allow us to see the extras it is rather like buying a pig in a poke. A note to developers: if you expect me to buy the CE version of a game, you must allow the extras to be seen. I am assuming that since they are locked there are not very many extras to be found.
Although some might feel that the game is very easy it was perfect for the way I like to play. I have heard others say the game might be short but again, I tend to take my time when playing a game and have to look at everything and click on the little details to see what happens. As a result, a game that might be short for others is my perfect game. Some games are so long that by the time I reach the end of the main game, I have no interest in going on to play the bonus. Even though, I find Ghost Files the Face of Guilt to be a wonderful game I don’t recommend the CE version since the developer has chosen to lock its extra content until the game is purchased. I am also giving the CE Version of the game a much lower rating than I normally would give a game I like. As always, I recommend that you do try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy and then you can make your own decision about purchasing the CE version of the game. Happy gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you recover your memories and save a missing girl in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
161 of 215 found this review helpful
I MUST FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SHADOWFIELD OBSERVATORY
PostedJune 22, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromiI sure hope that Dr. Spector can help me find out what really happened at that observatory so I can get a decent night's sleep!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You awaken during the night, your heart is pounding and you can’t catch your breath; you know it is only a nightmare but it is so terrifying. Since your last case in the Shadowfield Observatory you have been having these nightmares and you can’t remember anything that happened as you searched for a missing girl, Ann McPherson. It should have been easy to find her but something happened that made it one of the most difficult cases you have ever encountered. Perhaps it is time that you paid a visit to your psychologist, Dr. Spector, to see if he can help you figure out why you are having these horrific nightmares and why you can’t remember what happened at the observatory. Dr. Spector (I think I would have chosen a different psychologist than one whose last name is Spector) puts you into a hypnotic trance and as you begin to recall the details of the case, you realize that it was more than a simple open and shut missing person case. Play this amazing new Mystery Trackers to find out the truth of what actually happened in Shadowfield.
Graphics – Excellent
Voiceovers and Sound – Excellent
Levels - Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Detective (the custom mode)
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Map is present at the beginning of the game.
Yes, your service dog and buddy, Elf, is along to help you obtain items that are located in areas you can’t access.
The HOPS are very good and some are a bit different. I found one of the HOP scenes to be quite a challenge but it was very well crafted and worth the time it took to complete the scene and acquire the item I needed. Other HOPS are equally as good and some are more or less standard but still excellent in the way they are presented.
Voiceovers and Sound – Excellent
Levels - Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Detective (the custom mode)
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Map is present at the beginning of the game.
Yes, your service dog and buddy, Elf, is along to help you obtain items that are located in areas you can’t access.
The HOPS are very good and some are a bit different. I found one of the HOP scenes to be quite a challenge but it was very well crafted and worth the time it took to complete the scene and acquire the item I needed. Other HOPS are equally as good and some are more or less standard but still excellent in the way they are presented.
I love puzzles in HOPA games and even though a few early in the game are quite easy others offered more challenge. I believe that I skipped two puzzles during the demo because I didn’t’ want to take the time to solve them. All in all, IMHO, the puzzles in Memories of Shadowfield are excellent and great fun.
If you prefer the CE version of a game, Mystery Trackers Memories of Shadowfield includes the following extra content. There are collectibles as well as morphing objects to find. Of course there are achievements because we simply can’t live without them. The other standard extras include Wallpapers, Concept Artwork, Music, the in-game Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter. For extra fun there is a Special Room as well.
If you prefer the CE version of a game, Mystery Trackers Memories of Shadowfield includes the following extra content. There are collectibles as well as morphing objects to find. Of course there are achievements because we simply can’t live without them. The other standard extras include Wallpapers, Concept Artwork, Music, the in-game Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter. For extra fun there is a Special Room as well.
Mystery Trackers Memories of Shadowfield is an exciting game and probably one of the best MT games that I have played. My favorite was one of the earlier games in the series – Raincliff but after that the others didn’t seem quite as good until this game came along. . When the demo ended with a cliff-hanger I couldn’t wait to continue the story and find out what happens next. There is a sci-fi feel to the game and I am not sure what the outcome will be. All I know is that the theme is certainly different and we are not fighting against some evil warlock or wizard who wants to take over the world. The developer deserves a big thank you for stepping outside of the box and bringing us a game with a fresh theme. Even though I love the game and purchased it the minute it was released, I recommend that you try the demo to see if Memories of Shadowfield is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you find the Flower of Life, before the Dragon Clan does?
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 65 found this review helpful
FIND THE FLOWER OF LIFE AND SAVE MOM FROM THE DRAGON CLAN.
PostedJune 17, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI'm ready to put on my boots and trek through the jungle. I'll do anything to save my mom.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Fly straight into adventure in this latest Secret Order Game Bloodline as you are off to the Amazon to join your mother who is on a mission for the order to find a mysterious flower that is said to “heal all illness." The Secret Order is a terrific series and one in which each game seems better than the last. After my last adventure in the Buried Kingdom, I have been eagerly looking forward to another experience as I work to defeat the powerful and evil Dragon Clan that has been the Order’s archenemy for centuries. Now what looks like a simple vacation to “catch up” with mom and her assignment soon turns into a race against time to save her after she is kidnapped by the Dragon Clan as they seek to find the flower. Not only is saving mom a priority but you must stop the Dragon Clan before the flower falls into their hands.
I love this game! It is fun and exciting with a lot to do and see as I set out to save mom. The graphics are gorgeous and create the beauty of the Amazon with rich color. The voiceovers seem quite realistic and the voice acting is excellent. The game offers the usual 4 modes of gameplay but it seems odd that I cannot turn off the HOP “clicking” penalty in the custom mode. Your tools include a transporter style map, a magic cube, and rather cute little monkey that will latch on to you early in the game. Okay, I know that many gamers are over pet helpers but they really don’t bother me all that much and I rather like this little guy.
There are quite a few puzzles early in the game with some that present more challenge than others. I love those where we must untangle ropes and that was the first one I found. I also enjoy those where we need to measure liquids to get the appropriate amount and this one presented a bit more challenge than some of the others in the demo. If you read my reviews then you know I am a big fan of puzzles even though I don’t always need a brain-draining challenge so the puzzles in Bloodline are absolutely perfect for me. Of course there will probably be some that are more difficult later in the game. I also enjoyed the variety in the HOPS found the first one quite entertaining as mom asked me to find certain items to help her with her patient.
The CE version of the game has collectibles as well as morphing objects. Throw in the standard extras that include the ability to replay HOPS and puzzles and you have a nice CE package. Even though I rarely use the strategy guide (mostly to help me find nearly invisible collectibles when I am stuck), I most often purchase the CE version of games because of the in-game strategy guide.
The Secret Order Bloodline is a game that I will definitely purchase and with today’s two for one sale, I hit the bonanza. I love the Secret Order series and have every game since the series began in 2013. I somehow have the feeling that Bloodline might just be the best game thus far even though I loved the Buried Kingdom. I love the various storylines in the series that include everything from time travel with a sci-fi twist to the current trek through the Amazon in Bloodline. Even though I think this is a top-notch 5-star game, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy Bloodline. Happy gaming, and wishes for a happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there in BFG land.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop darkness from taking over the kingdoms?
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 55 found this review helpful
CAN YOU FULFILL THE PROPHECY AND DEFEAT MORTIS?
PostedJune 15, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI wonder how much trouble will Isa this time around?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Queen Mortis is on a rampage and must capture you, the Princess of the Fire Kingdom, so that she can take back what she believes is “hers’ and become the ultimate ruler over all the kingdoms. Of course, to accomplish her goal she requires the help of the mage Isa who is under a spell with no will except to serve his queen. Now it is up to you, princess, to save your kingdom. As your first task “Nanny” says you must go to the Shield Shrine and activate the Magic Shield that will protect your kingdom. Nanny gives you a sealed case containing a Magic Bow and a note from your deceased father telling you that it now belongs to you. With Magic Bow in hand you activate the shield. You soon learn that you are the one who will fulfill an ancient prophecy to defeat evil and restore the kingdoms. As you move out of the palace you are confronted by an illusion monster that unknowingly opens a portal that captures Nanny. Now your adventure begins in earnest as you must save Nanny as well as your kingdom.
As always, the graphics in ERS games are excellent. I love the Spirits of Mystery series because the games are generally full of beautiful scenes even though at times they may seem a bit dark. I’m a huge fan of hand-drawn artwork rather than the newer, highly polished computer graphics that we see so much of now. The characters created by this artistic team are the best and seem to come to life as I play their games. In Spirits of Mystery: Illusions your tools include a transporter type map as well as a Magic Bow. Of course you do have another gimmick – a Magic Mirror that will help you dispel Queen Mortis’ illusions. The Magic Mirror is a gimmick that I happen to like and isn’t one that annoys me.
The HOP scenes are nothing new as they are basically the developers spin on the ones that BFG determines should be in all HOPA games. Then there are the puzzles that are basically the same in all games from the ERS team. In the demo they were very easy but, that being said, I always enjoy their puzzles except for some of the toggle type. In my experience the puzzles do become more difficult as the game progresses.
The CE version of the game includes morphing objects and collectible puzzle pieces that are hidden in each scene. There are achievements to earn as well as the standard extras including a strategy guide and bonus game. IMHO, this is a great CE package as it has far more extras than those normally found in games from this developer.
The Spirits of Mystery series has become one of my favorites over the years and I own every CE game in the series. I have almost always enjoyed the storylines and find this new one intriguing. Even though the puzzles are not difficult I do enjoy them as well as the HOP scenes. The standard list type HOPS have always been the ones I enjoy the most and they are what attracted me to HOPA games years ago. I know many gamers who have been playing HOPA games for years might not enjoy the game as much as me because they are perhaps a bit tired of what they think is the same old thing. There really does become a point in time were many series become stale and for some Spirits of Mystery might be one of those series. However, for me it is a series I still enjoy and Spirits of Mystery: Illusions is an instant buy for me. Even though I know this is a game I will love, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
The Spirits of Mystery series has become one of my favorites over the years and I own every CE game in the series. I have almost always enjoyed the storylines and find this new one intriguing. Even though the puzzles are not difficult I do enjoy them as well as the HOP scenes. The standard list type HOPS have always been the ones I enjoy the most and they are what attracted me to HOPA games years ago. I know many gamers who have been playing HOPA games for years might not enjoy the game as much as me because they are perhaps a bit tired of what they think is the same old thing. There really does become a point in time were many series become stale and for some Spirits of Mystery might be one of those series. However, for me it is a series I still enjoy and Spirits of Mystery: Illusions is an instant buy for me. Even though I know this is a game I will love, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy as well. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
The flutist returns to Hamelin, but he’s back for revenge!
Overall rating
5
/
5
101 of 122 found this review helpful
I CAN’T RESIST A GAME WITH MY LITTLE SCARECROW PAL AND THIS ONE IS EXCELLENT
PostedJune 8, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromTom is right by my side as we try to stop the madness in Hamelin
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
League of Light Edge of Justice is the 3rd game in this series where we have our little scarecrow buddy – a helper that I absolutely love. We first met our little scarecrow in League of Light Wicked Harvest: a game with 74 5-star reviews. It was a game I loved and one that I have played several times since its release in 2014. Edge of Justice is a retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin a theme that is popular with game developers. We now revisit the city of Hamelin in a game that I love. The story is extremely well-told and leads the gamer on an interesting journey to discover the truth and to find out why a mysterious piper is bent on revenge and is now punishing the people of Hamelin. You play as a detective from the League of Light who is following clues to find information on how to restore your young scarecrow friend, Tom, to his human form and that search has led you to the famous town of Hamelin. While there you encounter a mysterious piper who is unleashing fury upon the citizens of the town. Using your detective skills will you be able to restore peace to Hamelin and put an end to the chaos. Hopefully, you will also find the time and the information to remove the curse from Tom.
The graphics are my favorite style using hand drawn artwork rather than those highly polished computer generated ones that have been used in recent games by other devs. Tom is created to perfection and I enjoy his antics as he completes several tasks for me throughout the game. It is fun to equip him with various items from my inventory that he will require to carry out some of the tasks he performs. Something many gamers will really like is that the developer gives them the option to use a helper or not. I am not always a huge fan of helpers in a game but Tom is one of those that I simply can’t resist as are Mr. Jenkins and Elf.
I happen to love the HOP scenes and puzzles in the game. The HOPS are very creative although not really new. I don’t generally care for the storybook type but there is one in the demo of the game that I find enjoyable. The HOPS vary in style as is generally the case in newer games. While the HOPS are terrific, the puzzles might seem a bit easy for some. Although a bit easy I find the puzzles quite enjoyable as I don’t always care for brain-numbing puzzles in games.
The extras are fairly standard as well with nothing earthshaking here. We do have collectible owls to find and they don’t always jump out at you. We also will find statuettes of game characters. Of course there achievements to earn as well as the bonus game and a strategy guide.
There is not much left to say except that I have been waiting for this game and knew it was one I would love. The League of Light games are all excellent but my favorites are those that include Tom in the storyline. Now it is time for me to get back to playing the full game. I hope this is one you will enjoy as well. Please try the demo first because we all have different tastes. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your sister from a sinister game?
Overall rating
5
/
5
120 of 141 found this review helpful
AN EXCELLENT GAME OF CHANCE
PostedJune 3, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromWho knew that a roll of the dice could transport you to the Land of the Forgotten and a face off with the Fates
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Surface Strings of Fate is game number ten in the series. Although I loved some of the earlier games, I have found the later ones to be rather hit or miss but it looks like the Elephant has stepped up its game and produced a game that is probably the best Surface to date. If you love a game of chance where everything hangs on a toss of the dice, then this is the game for you.
As Strings of Fate begins you are leaving your shop with your sister Fiona when she is struck by a car. As you rush to her aid a man magically appears and whisks her away. Soon another man, Gold Spirit, appears and tells you there is a chance to save Fiona but you must be willing to commit a crime before you can save her. Soon you are off on an adventure to the Land of the Forgotten where you will face off with the Spirits of Fate in a game to save your sister but beware because it might just be your last.
The graphics are excellent and reflect the marketing campaign to attract a younger generation into playing casual games, which is fine with me as long as they don’t all start sounding like “valley girls” – lol. You have an interactive map that will help you navigate in the game but no special helpers are in sight. Your wits are your only tool in this game.
There are far more puzzles than HOPS in the game and at least for me most of the puzzles were more difficult. I am not talking about a mind-numbing challenge but they are not so easy that they can be solved blindfolded. There are many gamers lately who complain about the easy puzzles in a game and some developers are listening and stepping it up for those who like more challenge. I happen to enjoy most puzzles in games but don’t want all of them to be exceedingly difficult. It seems like there is a good blend in Strings of Fate. The HOP scenes are what we normally find in HOPA games so nothing jumped out as being new although I did find one of the scenes difficult because I found the items almost impossible to spot but I made it through without using the dreaded hint button.
There are far more puzzles than HOPS in the game and at least for me most of the puzzles were more difficult. I am not talking about a mind-numbing challenge but they are not so easy that they can be solved blindfolded. There are many gamers lately who complain about the easy puzzles in a game and some developers are listening and stepping it up for those who like more challenge. I happen to enjoy most puzzles in games but don’t want all of them to be exceedingly difficult. It seems like there is a good blend in Strings of Fate. The HOP scenes are what we normally find in HOPA games so nothing jumped out as being new although I did find one of the scenes difficult because I found the items almost impossible to spot but I made it through without using the dreaded hint button.
Since all CE games offer almost the same types of extras I am only going to comment on whether or not I believe the extras package is worth the extra cost. In Strings of Fate we have the usual flowers that are signature to this series to collect. Depending on the color each flower has a different value. The game also has morphing objects to find and achievements to earn. The remainder of the CE package is standard fare.
Strings of Fate is an excellent, well-designed game, and shows how creative developers truly are when they want to bring something new to the mix. The game is a graphic delight with special touches that we don’t always find in games. Strings of Fate is a game I have been waiting for and it was and instant buy for me. I am sure that many gamers will surely enjoy this excellent game new Surface game so be sure to give it a try.
Strings of Fate is an excellent, well-designed game, and shows how creative developers truly are when they want to bring something new to the mix. The game is a graphic delight with special touches that we don’t always find in games. Strings of Fate is a game I have been waiting for and it was and instant buy for me. I am sure that many gamers will surely enjoy this excellent game new Surface game so be sure to give it a try.
I recommend this game!
Explore the four corners of Oz in this thrilling fantasy game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
145 of 196 found this review helpful
WOW, THAT WAS SOME TORNADO DOROTHY
PostedJune 1, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromAs long as Toto is with me I will be okay and we will certainly find our way home
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well Dorothy you are definitely no longer in Kansas as a surprise tornado has swept you and your dog Toto away to another dimension. Welcome to Oz where you meet the Wizard who thrusts you into a competition where you must find three very important statuettes in order to “win” and return home.
The game offers several modes of gameplay so you can select the one that best suits the way you like to play a game. Your tools include a special pair of glasses that will allow you to find the differences between two scenes when you arrive in a new location. You have a helper in the form of Frank who will provide information when needed. I am sure many of you will recognize Franks’ voice from another game series. Of course you have your pet friend Toto to help as well from time to time. Being a Terrier lover, I don’t mind Toto.
The HOPS are very well designed and some items are difficult to find. I had to put my little brain cells to work in some of the scenes as it wasn’t always obvious what an item might be. The scenes vary in style with some list type scenes while others are in storybook format.
The HOPS are very well designed and some items are difficult to find. I had to put my little brain cells to work in some of the scenes as it wasn’t always obvious what an item might be. The scenes vary in style with some list type scenes while others are in storybook format.
The puzzles seem a bit easy to me but I thought they were a lot of fun to complete. Most of the puzzles have been seen before but realistically how many different puzzles can a developer create. Even though not all puzzles were new I appreciate the small differences in style and most importantly they were enjoyable with very little frustration. As much as I love puzzles, I don’t always want them to be brain-numbingly difficult.
If you prefer the CE version of a game this one includes collectible coins to find in each location. The coins that you find can be used to purchase items for Toto’s dwelling. There are achievements to earn, Wallpapers, Concept Artwork, Music, Movies, Replay of HOPS and Mini-Games, Toto’s dwelling, a Strategy Guide, and Bonus Game.
The Wizard of Oz was never one of my favorite stories as a child, even though I did enjoy the original film. The Friends team did an awesome job of developing a game that brings a new light to the Oz theme. They have put together a game that has great gameplay and all of the elements I love in a game. When I play a HOPA game I take my time to gawk at everything and enjoy the small touches that each developer adds to their games. IMHO, the Friends team has fulfilled my fascination by including so many small details in each scene. I enjoy playing around in the scenery just to touch something to see how it reacts and what it does. I have no doubt that I will enjoy Escape from Oz and think that many of you will like it as well. Many of my favorite games come from this developer who continues to bring out some of the best HOPA games available and Escape from Oz will continue in that tradition. Even though I love the game, please try the demo to see if Bridge to Another World Escape from Oz is a game you will enjoy.
The Wizard of Oz was never one of my favorite stories as a child, even though I did enjoy the original film. The Friends team did an awesome job of developing a game that brings a new light to the Oz theme. They have put together a game that has great gameplay and all of the elements I love in a game. When I play a HOPA game I take my time to gawk at everything and enjoy the small touches that each developer adds to their games. IMHO, the Friends team has fulfilled my fascination by including so many small details in each scene. I enjoy playing around in the scenery just to touch something to see how it reacts and what it does. I have no doubt that I will enjoy Escape from Oz and think that many of you will like it as well. Many of my favorite games come from this developer who continues to bring out some of the best HOPA games available and Escape from Oz will continue in that tradition. Even though I love the game, please try the demo to see if Bridge to Another World Escape from Oz is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Journey to the mythical Nine Worlds to save the Earth!
Overall rating
3
/
5
89 of 116 found this review helpful
A NEW GAME SERIES THAT COULDN’T HOLD MY INTEREST
PostedMay 27, 2017
biscuitsmama
fromI would love to avenge my princess if the tasks were a bit more exciting
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Saga of the Nine World the Gathering is a new game series (I guess) for this developer. In the game you play as a shield maiden, a brave warrior who is a protector of a princess on a quest to stop a dragon before it destroys more villages in her realm. During your first battle tragedy strikes and the princess is lost along with all of the ships in her force. It is a miracle that you survive and that is only due to divine intervention. You are rescued by the All-Father who tells you it is not yet your time and that your quest is only beginning. When you regain consciousness you are in a boat with an old man who tells you it is up to you to avenge your princess and slay the dragon. The man tells you that three companions will join you on your quest - the Huntress, the Skald, and the Seer. Now it is up to you to find them and begin your journey
The graphics are very clear but I don’t care for the overall style that uses a combination of live actors as well as hand drawn artwork. The game style is only one of the things that put me off about the game with the major annoyance being the quests to find my companions. Although I applaud the efforts of the developer to bring us something new, this is definitely not a game that captured my interest. Perhaps it seems slow because of the abundance of many idiotic tasks that are required to really get started. I have said many times in the past that it does not serve the developer’s interest to make a game so filled with seemingly frivolous tasks before we can really get into the story. I am a gamer who enjoys a good storyline but when I must build parts of a staff, help trap a boar, make a potion and then move on to find my last companion I was fairly much done with the game.
If you prefer the CE version of a game this one includes Collectible tiles to find, achievements to earn, artwork, music, replay of HOPS and Mini Games, a bonus chapter and the strategy guide.
There are some interesting and different puzzles in the game and some were challenging such a one where you must place crystals on the correct hook to fill a silhouette. I am sure that many gamers will enjoy this game because it seems to be more of an adventure, quest type game than my favored HOPA type. The HOPS that I did find are very different than usual. Even though the puzzles were something I enjoyed, I didn’t care for the game enough to purchase it. As always, I suggest that you try the demo to see if Saga of the Nine Worlds is a game you will enjoy.
I don't recommend this game.