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:
Can you save your best friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 58 found this review helpful
I'M OBSESSED WITH OMINOUS OBSESSION!
PostedOctober 9, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In the new Danse Macabre Ominous Obsession you find yourself neck deep in a mystery after your friend Maria is kidnapped. Maria has a great future ahead of her in films in America – that is if you can find her and help her achieve her dream.
I actually am impressed that this game has some great puzzles and HOPS. Some of the HOPS seem better than usual as are the puzzles that, at least for me, seemed to have more challenge. Yes, there was a very easy gate puzzle and then another on the ship that could have been a bit more difficult but I enjoyed most of the puzzles right from the beginning of the game and found them to be different than those we normally see from this developer. IMHO, the developer did a great job by bringing us puzzles that have some new twists. I loved the one where we have to weave a cover of ribbons. I am not going to detail all the puzzles or HOPS I have encountered today because other reviewers do an excellent job of covering the nitty-gritty for you.
As usual the graphics and all of the other video features in the game are top quality but I did notice that some voiceovers are not lip- synced. The game does have the custom setting that I love and then we have the interactive, transporter type map to help us on our adventure.
The CE version has the predictable collectibles, morphing objects and other standards but I happen to love CEs because of the in-game Strategy Guide even though I rarely use it. It is often very helpful to clarify instructions for the puzzles if one is not sure what to do.
Many seasoned gamers will not agree with my opinion of the game because it is what they call cookie-cutter and that is okay. How we perceive games is very personal and subjective so not everyone will love this game. I have purchased and played almost every HOPA game since I became a BFG member over ten years ago. I am absolutely a total fan of the HOPA genre and never seem to tire of playing this type of game. Yes they are the same thing many times because aside from the storyline and graphics there is not really too much room to create something different. I too have my days when I seem to be tired of playing HOPA games but I inevitably just have to return to fill my passion for playing HOPA game. I happen to love the storyline for Ominous Obsession and have played the entire game and stiff find it enjoyable. It is a great game – at least for me – and one I find has enough challenge and difference to keep me well-entertained. As always, please try the demo to see if Ominous Obsession is a game you will enjoy as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you escape your fate as a human experiment, or will you comply?
Overall rating
2
/
5
84 of 162 found this review helpful
LET THIS TOWER FALL INTO OBLIVION
PostedOctober 8, 2016
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Maze The Broken Tower should fall to the ground in a million pieces and that is what our heroine is attempting in the game. However, I am speaking literally about the game. I know it is a high-quality 5-star game that many will love but, I am sorry, this is just not my cuppa. I am tired of the recent rash of psychological thrillers we have recently seen at BFG and, if this is the wave of the future, my money will stay secure in my wallet.
I hate games of this nature where some psychopath or, in this case, some artificial intelligence gets off on punishing or hurting others. I don’t like it in real life and I certainly don’t like it in the games I play. Call me escapist or whatever, but I prefer a game that enriches the spirit of humanity and doesn’t try to degrade it.
For those of you who love this type of game, I’m happy for you and you can have at it! Almost every game in the past couple of weeks has been of this type and I’m over it now. I realize it is the month of creepy, crawly things and all sorts of pranks but enough is enough.
If you are interested in playing this type of game, I can say with objectivity that it is an excellent game and one that is well-crafted to generate terror. The puzzles although not difficult seem a bit different than the norm. If the storyline was a bit different, I might think this is a game I would love. As it is, I think I will give this one a pass.
I don't recommend this game.
What secrets are hidden in the legendary McCordan Library?
Overall rating
3
/
5
40 of 48 found this review helpful
A VERY SLOW PACE GAME THAT NEEDS A BOOST OF ENERGY
PostedOctober 7, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI read one of the books before closing the door permanently
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You’ve been commissioned by Colin Englund founder of the Hullbright Institute of Literature to examine some antiquities but as always this might not be easy since the tomes were hidden and you must find them first. Oh, yes there is more! It seems that the estate of Lars McCordon is full of puzzles and traps that must be disarmed before you can begin your search. Alas, just another day in HOPA land – lol.
The graphics are much better than usual for this developer and, thankfully, do not heavily rely on varying shades of purple. The voice overs were good but the characters seemed almost cartoonish. There is a transporter type map that has sections added to it as needed once you enter the library.
There is an interesting variety of HOPS including a FROG scene early in the game. Most HOPS are interactive and interactive, but I don’t particularly care for silhouette scenes and Sinister Knowledge seems to have an abundance of them. As is generally the case, the puzzles range in difficulty; however, many of them are not the types of puzzles that I particularly like and it seems like I spent a lot of time spinning or pulling various items to gain my prize or entry into an area. One puzzle I did enjoy early in the game involves placing items around a circle by following their correct path from beginning to end – much better than those toggle type puzzles.
The graphics are much better than usual for this developer and, thankfully, do not heavily rely on varying shades of purple. The voice overs were good but the characters seemed almost cartoonish. There is a transporter type map that has sections added to it as needed once you enter the library.
There is an interesting variety of HOPS including a FROG scene early in the game. Most HOPS are interactive and interactive, but I don’t particularly care for silhouette scenes and Sinister Knowledge seems to have an abundance of them. As is generally the case, the puzzles range in difficulty; however, many of them are not the types of puzzles that I particularly like and it seems like I spent a lot of time spinning or pulling various items to gain my prize or entry into an area. One puzzle I did enjoy early in the game involves placing items around a circle by following their correct path from beginning to end – much better than those toggle type puzzles.
The CE version includes morphing puzzle pieces that are used to complete six puzzles, collectible coins that are used to purchase statues of the game’s characters, and achievements to earn. The remainder of the package is fairly standard. Not the most stellar CE package but better than some.
I must admit that I have enjoyed most of the Sable Maze games so I don’t know why I am not enthused about Sinister Knowledge. I felt the game was very slow and seemed to go nowhere fast. I don’t particularly care for games based on the “enter a book” theme and, IMHO, some others have been done far better than Sinister Knowledge. The story is rather predictable and then with puzzles that I don’t like, it makes the game a bore for me. I know there are many gamers who will find this game absolutely wonderful but I am not one of them. Even though I don’t care for the game, as always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I must admit that I have enjoyed most of the Sable Maze games so I don’t know why I am not enthused about Sinister Knowledge. I felt the game was very slow and seemed to go nowhere fast. I don’t particularly care for games based on the “enter a book” theme and, IMHO, some others have been done far better than Sinister Knowledge. The story is rather predictable and then with puzzles that I don’t like, it makes the game a bore for me. I know there are many gamers who will find this game absolutely wonderful but I am not one of them. Even though I don’t care for the game, as always, please try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows Collector's Edition
There's more to this resort than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 78 found this review helpful
WHAT IS LURKING IN THE SHADOWS AT ARCADIA RESORT?
PostedOctober 6, 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
Well I guess since it is October I should expect 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. Where I think the game becomes a notch above is with the puzzles that are terrific. Some of the puzzles are challenging and include a gear-type puzzle that I love. There is an alternate match 3 game offered if you don’t want to search for items in the scene. 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).
The CE version of the game 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 am immensely enjoying the puzzles and even the HOP scenes. The storyline is intriguing and if you are familiar with other games in the series, there is a bit of a surprising twist. That being said, I am wondering if that will be the case with Reign of Shadows or if the game will veer away from the series’ signature this time around. Because I wasn’t too sure about the game when I began playing, 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 it along with me.
I recommend this game!
Find out what mysteries his peaceful village is hiding.
Overall rating
4
/
5
38 of 53 found this review helpful
A GREAT GAME IF YOU WANT TO STEP BACK INTO YOUR GAMING PAST
PostedOctober 4, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromPulling out my magnifying glass to see if it helps
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Take a step back into the past – your gaming past that is, particularly if you have been around long enough to play every HOG released before 2010. Dark Chronicles: The Soul Reaver will take you back to a time before voiceovers and all of the pizzazz that current HOPA games provide.
The graphics are okay and I was surprised that the game included a custom mode – something I didn’t expect. Another surprise is that the game does include an interactive map.
The HOS are interactive BUT they are mostly the silhouette type although there is some variety. For instance, there is a scene where you must find so many of one type of item and there is also a matching scene where you find pairs of objects. My biggest complaint with the HOS is that the items are so small they are difficult to find and not only are they small we have the old style junk piles. Unfortunately, I had to use the hint button a lot more than I like because I was simply stuck finding some miniscule items. This is the first time I found myself wishing that the HOS had a skip button or at least offered an alternate to searching for items. The mini-games are easy and entertaining and I find I am enjoying those much more than the HOS.
As I have been playing through the game I began to wonder if this game has been sitting on a shelf somewhere and perhaps BFG thought it would be good to offer it on a Tuesday. In the end my feelings about the game are mixed but since I had a coupon about to expire, I decided to go ahead and get the game. Perhaps on a rainy day when I have nothing else to play, I might just decide I need a bit of frustration so I will tackle the HOS in The Soul Reaver. This is not a glowing recommendation for the game given my frustration with the HOS but there are many things about the game that are very good including the mini-games and lovely, fantasy graphics. All in all, the game is far better than some of the dusty shelf-sitters that BFG has released in the past. If you want to experience a trip back in time then you might really enjoy this game but please try the demo first.
I recommend this game!
Can you bring peace to the kingdoms in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 71 found this review helpful
QUEEN VALERA IS BACK AND ON A NEW ADVENTURE
PostedOctober 2, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Your home is in flames and invaded by banshee fire warriors intent on destruction. As you flee your father’s shop, you become aware that you may have some special powers, and you will need them to do battle with the evil that has overcome your village. Not only is your home in ruins but your father has been captured, and as you follow to see where he has been taken a friend comes to your aid and urges you to go to your grandfather’s home for safety, and this is where your adventure truly begins.
There are four modes of gameplay to choose – Spark, Flame and Blaze along with the Custom mode where we can change the settings to suit the way we like to play. The graphics are excellent and crisp particularly in the 3-D cut scenes. The epic soundtrack is awesome and perfectly creates a sense of excitement at the beginning of the game and sets the tone throughout as we play. The voiceovers are also extremely good and they are lip-synced, which adds that extra touch of reality to the game.
Very early in the game you will find some interesting tools – your mother’s medallion as well as her boots and it isn’t long before you discover that you will need to use these special tools to escape the watchful eyes of the invaders. The game has the standard other tools that we generally find in these games such as your journal and an interactive transporter type map that indicates where you have something to do (provided you haven’t turned that option off depending on the mode of play you selected).
There are various types of interactive HOPs, some are the standard list type and others (far too many for my liking) are the story type where you will find items to use according to the tale. I happen to be most fond of the old-style list type HOPs that include some interaction but I know that many of you will really like the story type HOPs. On the other hand, I really like the excellent puzzles that are quite different from the ones that we see time and time again.
Throughout the game there are collectible flames to find as well as morphing objects. There are, of course, the gameplay based achievements that are earned as you move through the adventure. IMHO, there are quite a few extras in the CE version of the game but most of them are locked until the game is completed, so it is a matter of personal choice of whether or not you choose the CE over the SE version that will be released later.
Overall, I really enjoy this game. The graphics are excellent as are the voiceovers. Aside from the HOPs, the storyline, puzzles and gameplay are so entertaining that they blend together to create a top-notch game. I love this game and for me it is an instant purchase but, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
What secrets are hiding in the European countryside?
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 50 found this review helpful
A LOVE TRIANGLE OR SOMETHING MORE?
PostedOctober 1, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI just love getting rid of ghosts. Too bad my phone doesn't work as well.
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.
The CE version of the game includes 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.
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!
Can you uncover the secret of the Qin dynasty?
Overall rating
4
/
5
38 of 49 found this review helpful
ENTER EMPEROR QIN’S TOMB IN THIS LATEST HIDDEN EXPEDITION
PostedSeptember 30, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromThere are times I want to shake this professor or give him lessons in politeness!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In this tenth game in the Hidden Expedition series, the Eternal Emperor, we find ourselves dealing with the over-zealous, power hungry descendent of China’s first Emperor –Qin Shi Huang. You embark on this latest adventure at the unearthed archeological site of Emperor Qin’s tomb led by Professor Huang Son Jiang and his assistant Anna Chan. This is a memorable day for you and Sam as you join in the festivities to celebrate the opening of the tomb. Your job is to run interference against any booby traps or other obstacles that you might encounter and they are everywhere.
Everything about the game is fairly much signature of this developer with excellent graphics to great sound effects and voice overs. The game offers a custom setting for those of you who prefer to set up your gameplay options. There is a transporter type map but I don’t care for the way it opens in this game. Whenever I select the map there is a delay as it is part of the HELP toolkit. For some reason the map seemed a bit clunky.
The HOPS were excellent and varied with some being multi-level. There even seemed to be a bit more creativity in a few of the HOPS which keeps things interesting. The puzzles or mini-games were a bit too easy and I only found one to be a bit challenging during the demo but that was due to the instructions. Later in the game there were some more difficult puzzles that were fun to solve.
What I loved about the game is the storyline that held my attention. What I disliked about the game is the obnoxious professor who kept referring to me as a “little carp.” Talk about a demeaning attitude – this guy had it in spades!
The CE has all the regular things I like in games from this development team with collectibles, morphing objects, achievements, and all the other typical fluff.
The Hidden Expedition series is one I love and these games were among the first HOPA games I ever played. I own each game in the series and always eagerly await each new game to see what is next. The Eternal Emperor is an excellent addition to the series but falls short of being my favorite and can’t compare to the two set in the Smithsonian. I don't know but recently games from this top-tier developer just seem to be released at lightning speed and in many instances are very cookie-cutter. I gave the CE a 5-Star review but am knocking off a star because I feel the game could have better had it not been so predictable. I did purchase the game but please try the demo to see if The Eternal Emperor is a game you will enjoy as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the fiery witch before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
62 of 84 found this review helpful
MADLENA NEEDS HER FIRE PUT OUT!
PostedSeptember 29, 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!
Can you escape the mirrored world to save your love?
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 53 found this review helpful
CAN YOU OUTSMART THE DOPPELGANGER?
PostedSeptember 27, 2016
biscuitsmama
fromI really want Alex to have her "happily ever after" moment.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
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.
The game’s shortcoming as a CE is a lack of extra content. IMHO, the game 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 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!