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:
When Mother Nature does her worst, the Rescue Team does its best!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 42 found this review helpful
RESCUE TEAM 6 IS ON SCENE TO SAVE THE DAY
PostedNovember 8, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromBarry and Larry are at my side as they help me save the day
Skill Level:Beginner
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Rescue Team 6 is on scene to handle another major disaster and to test your time management skills in game six of this fun series. As most of you know the HOPA genre is my favorite but over the past year or two I have become more “into” the TM games and have found that these recent Rescue Team games are quite entertaining.
I love the crisp graphics with my only complaint being that the items should be a bit larger so that gamers with visual issues would be able to see the action a bit better. The sound system conveys the excitement with music that is upbeat and didn’t seem too annoying. I always play with sound unless it is too repetitive and the music in Rescue Team 6 didn’t seem to bother me. Since I am not very adept at playing TM games I am happy that Rescue Team 6 offers three modes of gameplay: Normal, Multi-Click, and Relaxed. In normal mode the race is on and you need to complete the tasks in the quickest way possible to earn three gold stars and three coins. Multi-click mode allows you to send more than one worker at a time to complete the tasks, while in the Relaxed mode there is no timer. The coins you earn on each level will be used in the shop to purchase powerups as you play through the game. The powerups are organized in sets - Cruising Speed, Emergency Help, and Turbo Speed, each requiring more coins to purchase the items.
Today’s release is for the CE version of the game and the extras include: Strategy Guide (very helpful for newbies like me), concept art, music stickers and the biographies that I love since I can learn more about the game’s characters.
As I mentioned above, I am fairly new to the genre and certainly not as adept at the TM games as others BUT I do find them a pleasant change from the HOPA games I always play. The games are exciting and for me they are challenging. The Rescue Team games are among my favorite games in the TM genre and I find that I am now waiting for the new offerings – something I never did in the past. If you love the genre then you are sure to enjoy Rescue Team 6 with all of the fun, excitement, and challenge you will find in the game. Heck, I am not a huge fan of the genre but I love this game so I had to hit the buy button when my demo time was coming to an end. As always, please try Rescue Team 6 to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Uncover a secret from the past to save your dying father!
Overall rating
5
/
5
125 of 171 found this review helpful
CAN YOU FIND THE ARTIFACT AND HEAL THE DEVASTAION IN A DYING POST-APOCALYPTIC WORLD?
PostedNovember 5, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
From a developer who is now emerging as one of the most creative and innovative producers of casual games comes Dawn of Hope Skyline Adventure, an exciting sci-fi/fantasy blend that is sure to please gamers who have been clamoring for something different. At least for me this game represents the best of both genres so I knew it would be an instant purchase.
In the opening cutscene the elven queen tells her people that since the time elves have started living along side of humans they have shared the same ill fates. The world is dying but there is hope: a prophecy that a champion from the world of humans will enter the forbidden zone and bring the queen a special artifact that will allow the queen to heal both worlds. The queen had hoped that Lana’s father was their long-awaited champion but he failed and the queen now asks you to take up the quest and succeed where he did not. You will play the game as Lana who is now trying desperately to save her dying father who returned from the “forbidden zone” in the lower world, after failing to find the artifact. Those who remain in the world now live “above” – in the trees and higher plateaus far from the destruction that once took place below. Will you be able to succeed in finding the artifact and save both your father? Face seemingly unsurmountable obstacles as you take up the quest to find the Nucleus and play through this wonderful new HOPA game.
In the opening cutscene the elven queen tells her people that since the time elves have started living along side of humans they have shared the same ill fates. The world is dying but there is hope: a prophecy that a champion from the world of humans will enter the forbidden zone and bring the queen a special artifact that will allow the queen to heal both worlds. The queen had hoped that Lana’s father was their long-awaited champion but he failed and the queen now asks you to take up the quest and succeed where he did not. You will play the game as Lana who is now trying desperately to save her dying father who returned from the “forbidden zone” in the lower world, after failing to find the artifact. Those who remain in the world now live “above” – in the trees and higher plateaus far from the destruction that once took place below. Will you be able to succeed in finding the artifact and save both your father? Face seemingly unsurmountable obstacles as you take up the quest to find the Nucleus and play through this wonderful new HOPA game.
Something I love about this game is that the artists have been able to create awesome graphics that depict the decaying “forbidden zone” without every scene being totally drenched in tones of gray, brown, and black. Although the world below is dreary, there is still some brilliant color in the scenes as well. The voices are wonderful and with the overall sound package make the game see realistic. I was so immersed in the game that when the demo ended I knew that I had to keep going.
The game tools include an interactive map but you also receive a magic rune table from your father’s friend Coop. This special cube will help you create or repair items by combining parts of other items after you play a mini-game to clear the runes from the top of the cube. A gimmick, of course, but I rather like this one.
The HOPS were well-designed and very interactive. Lately, I have become a bit bored with some HOPS that seem to require a bit too much interaction but I actually enjoyed these as they are very creative. The mini-games were not difficult but maybe that is because I happen to enjoy the ones found in the demo. As we all know, the puzzles inevitably become more challenging as the game progresses but at least you can hit the skip button if you don’t want to solve them.
If you enjoy the CE version of games, this one includes the following extras: there are 32 collectible fairies and 18 morphing objects to be found, and also 14 achievements to earn. The standard extras include the bonus game, strategy guide, 16 gorgeous wallpapers, soundtrack, and a Rune Game.
Recently we have seen several excellent games from this developer and now I find myself eagerly waiting for their next release. Dawn of Hope Skyline Adventure shows that fantasy and sci-fi fit nicely to create a new type of game that I happen to love. The storyline is excellent and the gameplay moved smoothly through the storyline to present a game that I find very entertaining. Since the game was an instant buy for me, I need to post this review and get back to playing. As always, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy this game as well.
Recently we have seen several excellent games from this developer and now I find myself eagerly waiting for their next release. Dawn of Hope Skyline Adventure shows that fantasy and sci-fi fit nicely to create a new type of game that I happen to love. The storyline is excellent and the gameplay moved smoothly through the storyline to present a game that I find very entertaining. Since the game was an instant buy for me, I need to post this review and get back to playing. As always, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy this game as well.
I recommend this game!
Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows
There's more to this resort than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 61 found this review helpful
WHAT IS LURKING IN THE SHADOWS AT ARCADIA RESORT?
PostedNovember 4, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromDo you REALLY want to know what is hiding in the dark?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
During October we had a plethora of creepy games set in decaying hotels or in this case a remote resort. Although I am a bit tired of this trend, I must say that Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows is a surprising game that is much better than several of the past games in the series. Although the gameplay is fairly much the same, the puzzles are excellent and they are what make the game much better, at least for me. The developer has shown a tremendous amount of creativity that is sure to please many gamers who seem to be tired of the same old thing.
In Reign of Shadows you play the game as Ava who is on a trip to notify your sister of your father’s passing. Valerie has been estranged from dad and when she left she asked you not to look for her. With the help of a private detective you manage to track her down to a private resort located in a remote mountain area in Oregon. The Arcadia Resort, now owned by Dr. Edwin Corvine, was once renowned as a spa for the “rich and famous.” After a slippery start when you first arrive at resort, you realize that it has definitely seen better days. When you finally you manage enter the compound your journey through darkness and the machinations of Dr. Corvine begin. Will you be able to save Valerie, or is it already too late?
The graphics are at times dreary but with surprisingly colorful scenes (mostly the HOPS) thrown in to keep the game from drowning in gloom. Most of the voiceovers are quite good along with a sound package that adds to the “creepy” nature of the game. There is a custom mode of gameplay for those of you who like to fiddle with hint and skip times. An interactive map that helps you move quickly from one place to another is found early in the game.
The HOP scenes are fairly standard but there are some new bits of creativity thrown into the mix. There is an alternate match 3 game offered if you don’t want to search for items in the scenes. Where I think the game becomes a notch above the usual is with the puzzles that are terrific. Some of the puzzles are challenging and include a gear-type puzzle that I love. It’s been quite some time since I have seen this puzzle pop up in HOPA games and it is an old favorite. The puzzle is one where we must move gears to the appropriate place based on their color and at first the mechanics seemed a bit touchy but once you figure out how it works all is good. There is also a “rooms” type puzzle that is quite tricky and took me a while to figure out (finally with some help from the SG – lol).
If you would rather take a look at the CE version of the game it includes 21 morphing objects to find and this time they are scattered in scenes in the game. Some of them are very difficult to find and I know I have missed some of them because I just couldn’t spot them. Even though the CE package doesn’t have all of the collectibles we normally find in game from this developer, I would recommend it because of the extra help provided by the strategy guide. If you are new to the genre of HOPA games then the CE is probably your best bet.
Even though I wasn’t expecting too much from this new Phantasmat game it turned out to be a pleasant surprise and is much, much better than I thought. I immensely enjoyed the puzzles and even the HOP scenes. The storyline was intriguing and if you are familiar with other games in the series, there is a bit of a surprising twist. That being said, I will let you figure out if that will be the case with Reign of Shadows or if the game veers away from the series’ signature this time around. I had my doubts about the game when I began playing, so I urge to play the demo because it might just change any preconceived idea about the game. If you try it, I hope you enjoy Phantasmat Reign of Shadows.
I recommend this game!
Can you clear her name before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
119 of 139 found this review helpful
A WONDERFUL NEW GAME WITH A TOUCH OF EYE CANDY
PostedNovember 3, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI think I just want to run away with Captain Louis and forget about my mission
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In a terrific game that will hopefully become a new series, you play the game as Lady Jane a confident and ward of Queen Elizabeth. The queen has received a message accusing her of witchcraft and has been given three days to give up her throne or she will burn. Because the queen believes you have the expertise to handle a delicate situation she sends you on a dangerous mission right through the port where rebellion is brewing. Once on the road your carriage is attacked by rebels and you manage to escape before heading towards the port on your own. Just as the rebels catch up with you a hero comes to your rescue. Meet Louis, the gorgeous sea captain who the queen has hired to take you to your final destination.
Technical aspects of the game include excellent graphics with hand-drawn artwork, very good voiceovers and great sound effects that add to the total package. Gameplay modes Include: Casual, Advanced Hard, and Custom. In the custom mode you can set hints and skips in range of 5 – 240. Your tools include an interactive map and Louis who will help your during your journey. Well it could be worse – we could have a pet for a helper. I much prefer Louis who is quite funny and kept me entertained not only as a piece of eye candy but for his witty comments as he helped me complete some tasks.
The HOP scenes are excellent, interactive, and varied with many including puzzles. I enjoyed the HOPS since most of them use lists rather than vague silhouettes of items to find. The puzzles, although not difficult, were fun and added to the gameplay. If you want more details of the HOPS and puzzles another reviewer provides those details for you while I prefer to let you discover the fun factor as you play through the game.
The HOP scenes are excellent, interactive, and varied with many including puzzles. I enjoyed the HOPS since most of them use lists rather than vague silhouettes of items to find. The puzzles, although not difficult, were fun and added to the gameplay. If you want more details of the HOPS and puzzles another reviewer provides those details for you while I prefer to let you discover the fun factor as you play through the game.
If you prefer the CE version of a game, the extras include 39 morphing objects to find and coins to collect that are used to purchase interface changes. There are achievements that can be earned as you play through the game. Other extras include the bonus chapter, strategy guide, wallpapers, concept artwork, and music.
I love this game! For many it might just be the same ole, same ole but since I love HOPA games my criteria might be a bit different. I base my enjoyment of a game on the storyline as well as the HOPS (yes, searching for objects was what originally drew me to the genre), and the puzzles. Secrets of Great Queens: Old Tower is quite entertaining to play and has a well-developed storyline. With excellent graphics, sound, and interesting characters Secrets of Great Queens becomes the complete package for me. Even though this is a game I will buy, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I love this game! For many it might just be the same ole, same ole but since I love HOPA games my criteria might be a bit different. I base my enjoyment of a game on the storyline as well as the HOPS (yes, searching for objects was what originally drew me to the genre), and the puzzles. Secrets of Great Queens: Old Tower is quite entertaining to play and has a well-developed storyline. With excellent graphics, sound, and interesting characters Secrets of Great Queens becomes the complete package for me. Even though this is a game I will buy, please try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
What secrets are hiding in the European countryside?
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 55 found this review helpful
A LOVE TRIANGLE OR SOMETHING MORE?
PostedOctober 30, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI just love getting rid of ghosts. Too bad my phone doesn't have this feature.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As is always the case you play the Fear for Sale games as journalist Emma Roberts from Fear for Sale magazine. Over the years you have gained quite a reputation and now you are off and running to solve another paranormal mystery. In The Dusk Wanderer you’ve been contacted by Veronica Johnson whose brother Edgar disappeared with his fiancé Helen over 40 years ago. The strange thing is that Veronica saw Helen in the boarded up house that was her family home – one that is soon to be demolished. Veronica was so surprised that she took a picture and sure enough it is Helen. Now, the even bigger question than Helen’s reappearance is why she hasn’t aged and where is Edgar? Delve into this terrific new Fear for Sale game and see if you can find the answer to the questions so that Veronica can finally find out what happened to her brother.
Although some find that the graphics are not quite as good as in other Fear for Sale games, I really haven’t noticed a difference. I think the few times there is a bit of mistiness in the scenes it is probably intentional, perhaps to emphasize the storyline. The gameplay modes include a very odd custom feature that really, IMHO seems useless and it does not offer the ability to turn off the tutorial. I am sure there are many “seasoned” HOPA players that get as annoyed as I do when that tutorial box pops up at the beginning of a game.
Your tools include an interactive map that you find early in the game. The thing I like about the map is that is shows a star on each scene once you have found all the collectibles and beyond objects. You also have a unique phone that has “ghost busting” properties. Sometimes tools become annoying or are thought of as gimmicks but the phone app seems to fit well into the storyline without becoming irritating.
The HOP scenes are nothing new and if you have played other games from this developer they will seem familiar. That being said, the scenes are well-designed and it is fun to find or replace items in the varying scenes, some of which are also multi-tiered. There is a storybook scene that seems new for this developer but I’m not certain. At any rate, I enjoyed all of the HOPS I have encountered thus far. The puzzles are easy but they are still fun. I have only encountered one that slowed me down a bit but even that one was entertaining. What I particularly enjoy about the puzzles is that they fit well into the storyline. I think that even those gamers who don’t care for puzzles might enjoy solving the ones in The Dusk Wanderer.
If you would prefer the CE version of the game the extras include 25 collectible objects that complete 5 different sets and 35 morphing beyond objects to find. Yes there are 9 multi-level achievements to earn as well. I guess technically it is an achievement because you collect points that increase your reporting expertise as you play through the game. The standard extras include a strategy guide, bonus chapter, 9 wallpapers, 9 concept artwork, 3 screensavers, and 16 music tracks.
The Fear for Sale games are ones that I almost always love and they come from a developer who I consider to be one of the best, with games that are always top-notch. I’ve been playing The Dusk Wanderer almost all morning and, IMHO, it gets better the further I get into it. I don’t want to give away the whole storyline because I want to let you discover it for yourself should you decide to purchase either the CE or SE. Since I always purchase the CE of a game, I am not sure how much they change when the SE is released but The Dusk Wanderer has a lot of entertainment to offer regardless of which version you choose. Yes, the storyline is probably familiar but I like the way this developer tells a story and all of the details they put into their games. It is fun to click on most items in a scene simply to see what happens, which is probably the reason why it takes me so long to complete a game. Nightmare Cinema is perhaps the only game in the series that is better than the Dusk Wanderer, but again it is only my opinion. Even though I love this game, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
A sudden murder overshadows the writing opportunity of a lifetime.
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 166 found this review helpful
DO I REALLY WANT TO BE IN THIS COMPETITION? MAYBE THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH!
PostedOctober 29, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromWinning isn't everything - getting out alive is more important.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As the acclaimed writer of the popular Dead Reckoning series you have been invited along with four other authors to compete for a chance to write the biography of Harridan Welles an extremely wealthy and reclusive tycoon. Before you know it you have been whisked away on a private plane to Mr. Welles secluded mountain home where you meet the other four competitors. Things quickly take a turn when one of the authors is killed shortly after your arrival and only go from bad to worse as you are drugged and then almost asphyxiated when you get to your suite. Is someone trying to narrow the field or is there something more going on? Play this excellent new Dead Reckoning game as you attempt to find the murderer and stay alive. If you are lucky, you might just survive and win the competition.
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this developer and love most of the Dead Reckoning games but I would venture to say that this one might be the best yet. The graphics are very good although I have some time related confusion that doesn’t always make sense. Your tools include an interactive map and, as is the case with other games in the series, you have deduction tools at your disposal, this time all neatly stored in your tablet.
The HOP scenes are well-designed and fit beautifully into the storyline without making the game seem choppy. If you choose not to hunt for items in the HOPS there is an alternate bubble-shooter game available. The puzzles are good but most are typical and familiar to those we normally find from this developer. I did find one during the demo to be challenging, at least for me since I don’t care for this type of maze puzzle. I don’t mind taking time to solve a puzzle but I want the logic to be a bit more obvious instead of having to make a wrong move and then start all over again. However, for the most part I like most of the puzzles and find them entertaining.
The question is always, should I go for the CE or wait for the SE to be released? In my case I can hardly wait for the next HOPA game to be released so I generally am chomping at the bit by the time they hit the BFG market. If you enjoy CE games because of the extra content Death Between the Lines offers the following goodies: collectible $ bills hidden in each scene, morphing objects found in HOPS, strategy guide, bonus chapter, concept art, wallpapers, music, videos and replay of HOPS and puzzles, Bubble-Shooter game, and the souvenir room. All extras in Death Between the Lines are consistent with those this developer generally offers in its CE version.
For me the biggest selling point in the game is the creative storyline. I am enjoying the way the game is presented and actually feel like I am a part of the mystery. Although I think I have figured out who the murderer might be, there might be some surprises ahead. Death Between the Lines is an instant buy for me but, as always, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy the game as well.
For me the biggest selling point in the game is the creative storyline. I am enjoying the way the game is presented and actually feel like I am a part of the mystery. Although I think I have figured out who the murderer might be, there might be some surprises ahead. Death Between the Lines is an instant buy for me but, as always, please try the demo to see if you will enjoy the game as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the fiery witch before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
39 of 55 found this review helpful
MADLENA NEEDS HER FIRE PUT OUT!
PostedOctober 28, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Grab your broomsticks and fly into this wonderful new Mystery Tales game Eye of the Fire – one that I think is probably the best in the series to date. You should probably bring along your fire hoses and buckets of sand as well since you will surely need them in this adventure.
As the game begins you travel to Menzbruck to meet with Katharina who has hired you after hearing of your success with a previous case. It seems that Katharina is having constant nightmares that are very troubling. When you finally meet with Katharina she takes you to the place that she sees in her nightmares and it isn’t long before the battle of witches begins. Meet Madlena a witch bent on revenge for being burned at the stake centuries ago. Madlena wants to use Katharina who is the first person she has met in 500 years who has the strong powers of a witch. Madlena wants to possess Katharina and teach her to use those powers for evil so she can take her revenge against all living things.
As the game begins you travel to Menzbruck to meet with Katharina who has hired you after hearing of your success with a previous case. It seems that Katharina is having constant nightmares that are very troubling. When you finally meet with Katharina she takes you to the place that she sees in her nightmares and it isn’t long before the battle of witches begins. Meet Madlena a witch bent on revenge for being burned at the stake centuries ago. Madlena wants to use Katharina who is the first person she has met in 500 years who has the strong powers of a witch. Madlena wants to possess Katharina and teach her to use those powers for evil so she can take her revenge against all living things.
The technical aspects of the game include excellent graphics, realistic characters and very good voiceovers. The game offers several modes of gameplay including a custom mode where the hint and skip times can be set in a range of 15 – 90 seconds. Your tools include an interactive map that is given to you by Katharina at the beginning of the game. You also find a notebook that keeps track of tasks as well as other information. Oh, and yes, you also have those trusty glasses that help you uncover secrets that are hidden in the past. I am not sure it qualifies as a tool but another item you find is a Witches Handbook that contains important information that every witch should know.
The HOP scenes are well-designed and so much fun that I didn’t feel the need to switch to the alternate Match 3 game that is available. The first three HOPS include an interactive list type, then a storybook scene, where you must find the objects referenced by the highlighted words, and then there was a combination silhouette/list type scene that was excellent. Normally the silhouette scenes are my least favorite but this one was terrific and just as creepy as a scene in a dungeon should be. The puzzles seemed quite easy even when I selected the hard setting. It is nice that many of the puzzles offer the choice of either an easy or hard setting but surprising that the option isn’t available on all puzzles. There is nice variety in the puzzles that includes some of my favorite types of puzzles such as sliders, switch segments of a medallion and lock pick. The lock pick puzzle offered the most challenge of the puzzles during the demo and it took some time to finally solve it; one mistake and I had to start over!
The CE version of the game has 36 collectible Tarot Cards to find, 15 morphing dungeon devices, 33 achievements to earn, a bonus chapter, strategy guide, 14 wallpapers, 13 concept artwork, 5 music tracks, a Torture Chamber, and a Witch Book. All in all this is a nice CE package that has the morphing objects I love to find.
Mystery Tales Eye of the Fire is a great little game from a developer whose games seem to get better with each new offering. Eye of the Fire has an interesting storyline that might not be a new theme but I happen to like the way it is presented. I wanted to keep playing after the demo so purchased the game immediately. There are so many little surprises along the way but I didn’t particularly care for the snake – so if you have an aversion to snakes there is one but it’s not huge and you can deal with it fairly quickly. The game is not difficult and seems fairly linear as you find items and use them rather quickly without having to do a lot of back and forth. I know many seasoned gamers will say Eye of the Fire is the same old thing but hey, it is a really good same old thing. I love HOPA games and, IMHO, this is one is very entertaining. As always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
You've been dealt a deadly hand...
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 77 found this review helpful
I’M ALMOST AFRAID TO TAKE A CARD BUT I CAN’T HELP MYSELF
PostedOctober 27, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromIf I want to find Melissa, I must be strong and enter the Deck of Fates
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What would you do when you feel you have no reason left to live? Would you give up or would you grasp at straws? Would you do or try anything to give your life meaning and rekindle the spark of life and joy that you once felt? Meet Evan, a man who is in this position and really has nothing left. He’s lost the love of his life and with her disappearance he feels there no reason to live. He searched for Melissa, in fact he left no stone unturned but no matter where he searched, it was in vain and Melissa was not to be found. Then in his darkest hour, Evan receives a mysterious letter that offers some hope. Evan is invited to play a game of chance in the desolate town of Waldberg where if he wins he will find his lost love. The other alternative is death at the hand of the Beast – a wicked looking creature, sort of a King Kong/werewolf blend, that hunts those who play the card game. There is no walking away from this card game – you either win or die!
The graphics are excellent as are all of the other technical aspects of the game. This development team is genius and with Deck of Fates they have undoubtedly created the most realistic HOPA game I have ever seen.
Your tools include an interactive map that will help you navigate quickly between the scenes; however, your most important tool is a card from the Deck of Fates. When you join the game you choose your first card from the deck and soon learn that each round of the game begins immediately and ends at dawn, which is when you will select another card from the deck – well those who survive the first round will select a new card.
There are some very different HOPS, many of which are creative including the storybook type. If I am not mistaken, this developer originated the very popular storybook type of HOP that was soon emulated by other game developers. Some of the puzzles or mini-games have a bit of difficulty but most of those in the demo are doable.
If you prefer the CE version of a game because of the extra goodies, Deck of Fates includes: hidden symbols to find, morphing objects that are found in the HOPS, multi-part achievements to earn, wallpapers, soundtracks, a card gallery, replay of HOPS, a bonus chapter and strategy guide.
When I tried the game’s beta test, it was one that I didn’t particularly enjoy because I generally don’t like games based on some sort of psychological terror. However, when I tried the demo this morning something about the game grabbed me and I knew that I had to play the full game. Wow, Deck of Fates is a game I don't want to play in a dark room because this developer has created a masterpiece with some excellent jump scare moments. Deck of Fates is so well-crafted that I felt like I was Evan as I played the game. If you love a good scare, then you will probably agree that this is a perfect game for the spooky Halloween season. PLEASE, try the demo before you buy because you will most likely either love or hate Deck of Fates.
I recommend this game!
Can you escape the mirrored world to save your love?
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 48 found this review helpful
CAN YOU OUTSMART THE DOPPELGANGER?
PostedOctober 26, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI guess I should've stayed away from grandpas old mirror
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Sometimes the world and life in general can seem difficult particularly during those years when one forms a self-image. During those formative years as a teenager Alex always wished she was someone else, and the tragic loss of her sister only increased her desire for a new persona and an exciting life. Now Alex is a young woman on the doorstep of a new life with marriage to her “prince charming” Ryan but those old doubts and feelings of not being enough somehow creep into her feelings. As she is preparing her veil for the ceremony she happens to look at her grandfather’s creepy mirror and sees the face of her alter-ego staring back at her. Almost Immediately Alex is grabbed and trapped in the mirror while the “doppelganger” Xela taunts her and promises to keep her trapped forever. Can you help Alex escape this nightmare and reunite with her love before it is too late?
The game has all of the technical features I love – great colorful graphics, voiceovers, good soundtrack, custom setting, and an interactive transporter style map.
The HOPS are fun and the items are clear and fairly easy to find. There is some variety in the type of scenes presented and some are interactive. Although the puzzles are a bit easy side they are still enjoyable. Even those gamers who dislike puzzles in HOPA games will find these entertaining.
In the event you might rather look at the CE version of the game, IMHO, it really is not CE worthy with only one collectible and a smattering of other extras. It is surprising that the game even qualified as a CE. Still, there is the in-game strategy guide that is a nice feature for those who might be new to playing HOPA games and need that extra nudge when stuck.
Surprisingly, I really like this game. There are those who might think it is a bit too easy or perhaps juvenile but it is a nice HOPA game that still has, at least for me, good entertainment value. Sometimes I like to have a game where I don’t have to tear my hair out in frustration trying to figure out what to do next. I love HOPA games and for more than ten years I have played almost every one of them that BFG has offered. Yes the game is nothing new but I do like the storyline and the presentation so Stranded Dreamscapes the Doppelganger will find a home in my gaming library. Even though I love the game, as always, please try the demo to see if you will also find that this game is a keeper.
I recommend this game!
It's time to begin your journey to help a ghost captain and save the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 73 found this review helpful
OFF ON ANOTHER EXCELLENT ADVENTURE TO THE LOST LANDS
PostedOctober 25, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI just have to get some anti-magic gloves of my own
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I absolutely love the Lost Land series of games and own all of the others that I have played many times. There is so much to do and see in the games so they have great replay value. Not only do I have all of the Lost Lands games I also have every CE from this developer including another of my favorite series – New York Mysteries.
In the newest game The Wanderer you get to play as Susan, our world traveling heroine, who was most likely around for the original “tea party” with all the traveling she does. When Susan returns home from her daily run she finds a magically sealed sea chest in her living room and, because after her previous expedition she accidentally returned with a pair of anti-magic gloves, she knows just what to do so she can open the chest. An interesting note in the chest, along with the Compass of Worlds, leads Susan to the shore where she is whisked away by a giant octopus where she soon meets Finuer Stulburn; Captain of the Grey Flounder who we learn is only an illusion. While meeting with the captain Susan learns that not only is the Lost Lands at danger of destruction, but so is any other world the captain has visited, including our own. So begins The Wanderer and Susan must not only find Captain Stulburn’s body and wake him from his destructive wandering but find and free his wife as well.
Although some might find the graphics old school, I happen to think they are excellent. The voiceovers and sound package are very good as well and compliment the game to perfection. The game offers the custom setting that is now becoming almost standard with all newer games. I appreciate the very interactive map that this developer includes in its games because not only can we quickly travel from place to place, it also shows where we have collectibles or morphing objects left to find. Believe me when I say this game has a lot of collectibles because it certainly does and is a bonanza for those of us who love CE versions of games for this reason.
I am not going to give all of the details about the HOPS or mini-games because there is an excellent reviewer who provides this information for those of you who want to know. As far as I’m concerned the HOPS are very enjoyable even though most of them are the silhouette type, which is fairly standard for this developer. The good thing is that the silhouettes are fairly good so it isn’t too overly difficult to figure out what we need to find. Where I think this game is excellent is in the mini-games or puzzles. Even though the puzzles are not mind-numbing difficult there still is some challenge. Most of the puzzles are doable if you stop to think about them and if needed, you can find detailed instructions in the Strategy Guide.
If you choose to purchase the CE version of the game there are 32 collectibles that complete several different sets, 32 morphing objects, 20 manuscripts, 8 map pieces, and 15 masks to find. You can replay Mini-games and Puzzles (although I am not sure what the difference is between them at this point). Other extras include concept art, wallpapers, videos, music, bonus chapter and Strategy Guide.
Since I know the value of these games, I purchased it immediately because I couldn’t wait to play the full game. I love Susan and her adventures and I am sure this one will be just as excellent as the others. Okay, I am turning off the phone and immersing myself in The Wanderer as soon as I post this review. I hope others of you will try the demo to see if you just might enjoy the game as much as I do.
I recommend this game!