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:
Match the zen stones and travel through exotic locations to restore harmony to nature!
Overall rating
5
/
5
53 of 74 found this review helpful
ONE OF THE BEST MAHJONG GAMES - I LOVE IT!
PostedSeptember 15, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromHappily matching stones and spinning the wheel. What fun!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When I saw Lost Amulets this morning I wasn’t sure what type of matching game it was but I was delighted to see that it is a type of mahjong. There have been several mahjong games released on BFG and some of them are only so-so, but, IMHO, Lost Amulets is a winner.
When the game opened there was no widescreen support. No settings to fiddle with that would change the settings so that the game would fill my large screen monitor. Generally, when this happens the game becomes an automatic no purchase for me. However, when I saw that the graphics are really good and that the game was captivating, my mind changed and I knew I had to get this game. The only settings in the game are for sound and music and because the music was rather annoying I turned the volume as low as possible so I didn’t have to listen to the constant twang.
In the game options screen you can select from among several different types of tiles or stones. I happen to like traditional mahjong tiles so that is the set I selected. When playing you remove tiles from the board by making a match to the tiles in the frame at the bottom of the screen. During the play you will find jade stones scattered around the board and you collect those to purchase power-ups that will help you when things get tricky. After completing several boards you will be able to play a variety of mini-games – bingo, memory, matching to name a few. The mini-games are random and open after you spin the wheel. I thought the mini games were so much fun that I could hardly wait until my next spin of the wheel.
If you like mahjong, then you will most likely enjoy Lost Amulets. It is a wonderful game to help with memory for those you who like to keep your memory active and working well. Without a doubt, Lost Amulets is an instant buy for me and I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if you will be as hooked as I am.
I recommend this game!
Walk the razor's edge between fantasy and reality as you stop a lunatic from gaining power over death!
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 109 found this review helpful
A HIDDEN GEM THAT WILL KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES
PostedSeptember 14, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromMaybe by helping others I can help myself and chase away the demons of my past
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When you were a child the unbelievable happened when you lost your entire family in a house fire. You still have nightmares from that day and maybe that is why you chose to become a child psychologist. It seems that sometimes the help we need is found in finding answers for others.
This game is no technical superstar. There are no glitzy cutscenes but the basic graphics are quite good. There are very few settings, actually none aside from sound levels and viewing in either full or widescreen mode. There are three things I dislike, and I guess I can live with those: a distracting arrow that is constantly showing available directions, a snail’s pace hint recharge that probably takes two minutes (no I didn’t time it but it is incredibly slow), and those ridiculous conversation selectors. The game is programmed for certain outcomes so those conversation selectors serve no purpose IMHO. There are voiceovers that are quite good but the lip-sync is iffy, with some characters showing mouth movement while others do not.
Our tools include a transporter type interactive map and a diary with both being available at the beginning of the game. If you open the diary you will have tabs for your objectives and the map. I happen to like the “old school” diary in a game rather than relying on a video or scene replays to keep track of what is going on in a game.
At least early in the game there seem to be more puzzles than HOPS. The puzzles are wonderful and different than those we see consistently. I found some of them tricky and had to think about them before I could get them right.
No, this is not a razzle-dazzle game with all the bells and whistles, and even though it seems a bit old school looks can be deceiving. I have to admit that my initial response was disappointment but when I got into the game, I loved it. I am enjoying solving puzzles and discovering new things all the time. The storyline is very intriguing and has captivated my interest so I just had to keep going. In the end, I believe that this is quite an impressive jewel to add to my collection. If you want a game that is different than the norm and one that might be a bit more challenging, then Kronville Stolen Dreams might be the game you are looking for. Although the game lacks some of the glitz, IMHO, it is a 5-Star game because of the challenge and gameplay but, as always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the truth behind the legendary fire that destroyed a university.
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 61 found this review helpful
MYSTERY TRACKERS STEP INTO THIS EXCITING NEW HAUNTED HOTEL
PostedSeptember 13, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromLooking for my flame retardent gear and jumping into a great new Haunted Hotel
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Haunted Hotel Phoenix is the seventh game in the series and an excellent mystery. Phoenix takes place in Oregon, USA during 1979 an area that has been ravaged by recent wildfires. The authorities are not sure if the fires are the work of an arsonist or are perhaps caused by the legendary Phoenix of Oregon since witnesses report seeing bird shapes flying in the fires. In a crossover nod to another series from this developer, you are a detective working with the renowned Mystery Trackers organization and have been called in to investigate the fires in Oregon. You arrive at the Stone Spires hotel and that is where your adventure begins.
The game offers four modes of gameplay: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore and Custom. If you select the custom mode you can click various settings on or off depending on how you like to play. Most important for me is the setting for hint and skip times. In this case the time range for both settings is between 15 and 90 seconds. Another option this developer includes in its games is the option to either continue or reset the game when starting to play after exiting a previous gameplay session. Many times if I think I have missed something early in the game I will select the reset option so that I don’t have to change my profile name and then fiddle with all the game settings. I wish more devs would offer this time-saving option in their games. The graphics are very good and appear nice and crisp on my laptop. The sound package is wonderful with music that seems a bit loud even when turned very low. The game has wonderful voiceovers that add a lot to the game. I rather like this modern new look for the Haunted Hotel series.
Your tools include a journal and an interactive transporter type map that are present at the beginning of the game. You will find other maps as needed as you progress through the game but those are only for specific purposes.
The HOPs include the standard list (my personal favorite), uncover matching pairs, finding a specific number of a certain item in some areas, and silhouette. Some of the HOS require a bit of interaction but not all of them and that is okay with me since I become very tired of HOPS require so much interaction that they become tedious. I like what first drew me to the genre and, fortunately, this series still offers me the basics. On the other hand, I love puzzles and, sadly, I didn’t seem to find many of them in the demo but I hope they will show up later in the full game.
Overall, I loved this game. The game has a great storyline that sucked me in and held my interest. The pace seemed good and didn’t drag on too long before capturing my interest. When I finished the demo, I couldn’t wait to hit the buy button because I know this is a game I will love. What a great new spin on the Haunted Hotel series and if future games are this good, I say keep them coming. We all have different tastes in games and although this is a game I really love, you might not agree. Please try the demo and see if Haunted Hotel Phoenix is a game that you will enjoy.
The love between you and your husband was strong enough to end a war... but is it strong enough to save the world?
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 173 found this review helpful
MOVE OVER THOR, ASH HAS MY HEART
PostedSeptember 12, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromLooking for a healing scepter to save my awesome husband
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The kingdoms of Gellum and Igni had been at war for many years when the King of Igni brings his sons Ashbringer and Hark to the final battle. Just as victory is at hand, in one fateful moment Ashbringer beholds the beautiful princess of Gellum and in the blink of an eye the war was over and peace came to the land. Now it seems that Ash has a real “gem” of a problem and his lady must now save him. Well, even as his fate “crystalizes” his wife rushes off to save her beloved husband. We play the game as the queen and with the help of BIL Hark we encounter many obstacles as we strive to retrieve the Scepter of Healing.
There are four modes of gameplay: Seeker, Adventurer, Trailblazer, and Custom. In the custom mode you can set your hint and skip recharge times to your preference in a range of 15 to 90 seconds. The graphics are excellent with varying color palettes to set the scene. Voiceovers are excellent but some of the dialog is a bit schmaltzy and maybe Ash is overly fond of his “darling”. The music is very identifiable with the dev’s signature theme running throughout the background.
You have an interactive, transporter type map that is found at the beginning of the game and depending on your mode of gameplay or preferences the map will indicate where you have tasks to accomplish. There is a special tool that you receive from Ash at the beginning of the game, the Ring of Fire that will protect you from flames and bend them to your will. The ring will live on the left side of your user interface area. If you pay attention to the ring, you will know when to use it.
The HOPs are terrific and include a variety of styles. If you have played any of the other Nevertales games then you are familiar with some of them but I am happy to say that they all don’t revolve around the pages in a book. One of the things that I liked is that I often wasn’t aware that I was even in a HO scene until the light bulb turned on and then I had one of my duh moments. I also enjoyed some of the different types of puzzles in the game and even enjoyed the map navigation puzzle early in the game. It is only my opinion but this team brings us some of the most thought provoking games and includes puzzles that are generally a bit more difficult than the norm. I like the fact that they think out of the box and in the process create wonderful and challenging games. I don’t mean to imply that the game is overly difficult because it isn’t but it has a higher level of challenge and that makes for a wonderful gameplay experience.
The CE has collectibles and morphing objects as well as achievements. Of course there are the standard extras such as music, wallpapers and concept art. We also have the in-game strategy guide and the bonus game.
Although I really liked the first game in the Nevertales series, they soon became boring and very redundant so I was very happy to see Nevertales Legends which is a departure from the other games. I am sure there is a tie in to the overall theme but Legends is different and I absolutely love it. The game is creative, with great HOPS and mini-games that all come together in a beautiful fantasy game package. Kudos to the developer for not being afraid to step away from the original series and bring us something new! I have to say that ASH is a nice piece of eye candy for some of us ladies out there in gameland. Overall, a job very well done and a must have game for me. I know that we all have different tastes to even though this game is perfect for me, as always, please play the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Isa's back to his old tricks, and now he's doing the bidding of an even greater foe.
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 45 found this review helpful
CAN YOU FIND OUT WHO IS PULLING ISA'S CHAINS
PostedSeptember 11, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In Chains of Promise the latest game in the Spirits of Mystery series we encounter some familiar faces among them the ever present nanny and the evil wizard Isa. As our tale begins Isa is back to his conniving ways as promises a grieving king that he will save the king’s dying daughter if the king will grant him any wish. Fast forward many years and the now grown daughter, Princess Adele, is betrothed to marry none other than the court advisor Isa. You have received an invitation to Adele’s wedding and must now journey to the Black Unicorn kingdom to attend but while traveling you read a note from Adele begging you to prevent the marriage. And thus our tale of intrigue begins.
This game comes to us from one of my favorite development teams that always include awesome and beautiful hand drawn artwork in its games. The thing I have noticed about this game and with others in the series is that many of the characters are recycled from previous games but if you haven’t played the other games in the series then you won’t notice the familiarity. In Chains of Promise the developer offers us four modes of gameplay: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. If you select the custom mode you can set your hints to recharge virtually as quickly as you like with a range from 5 to 200 seconds and the same range applies to skipping puzzles. The sound track if very good and I happen to love the signature theme music from the Bunny Team that is present in all of their games. As always the voice-overs are excellent and we once again have lip-synced characters.
Unfortunately the tools include what is becoming another of this team’s signature pieces, a mirror that when filled with power is used to reveal that which is hidden. I don’t know when the message will get through that many of us dislike these types of items or gimmicks included in our games. The other useful tool is our transporter type integrated map that is found at the beginning of the game.
The HOPS are vintage and do require some interaction. At least during the demo I didn’t find any of the progressive type where we must find one thing and then use it to find another and so on. Those happen to be my least favorite so I am quite happy with what I have encountered thus far in the game. I will say that most of the puzzles were easy but one of them seemed a bit trickier than usual and perhaps it was only because I was rushing a bit and didn’t want to think about the puzzle too long. In my experience the puzzles that the Bunny Team includes in its games become progressively more difficult as we move further along so I know that there will be some challenge ahead.
As is the case with many other BFG members, I have been playing HOPA games for years and I first acquired this love of the genre and cut my teeth on games from the Bunny Team. I have found most of their games to be very enjoyable and wrapped in a package that presents everything I look for in a game. I have to admit that as seasoned as I am in finding my way around in HOPA games, Chains of Promise was a bit of a challenge because it was not always apparent what I needed to do next to move forward. For many the game will be considered very easy but I happen to love the level of challenge that is just right for the way I like to play. I play HOPA games to relax and unwind so I don’t enjoy playing a game that I might find frustrating. Chains of Promise is just right for me and given the package of beautiful graphics, relaxing music, fun gameplay, great storyline, and wonderful puzzles and HOPs, it is everything I want in a game. Who knows, maybe this time we will finally get rid of Isa – lol. Although the game was an instant buy for me, as always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if it is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mysteries of Stoneville and escape with your life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
94 of 178 found this review helpful
DADDY'S DARLING IS MISSING AND YOU MUST FIND HER
PostedSeptember 10, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromSearching for Louise and making sure that I never touch the black rock
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
League of Light is back with an excellent new game in the series. Given your impressive record for solving mysteries, the League of Light has called upon you and your expertise to track down and return an important artifact that has been stolen from its vault. Not only is the valuable artifact missing, it was stolen by the daughter of the League’s leader. Now you must find the missing agent and return her along with the artifact to league headquarters.
The game offers four modes of gameplay: Casual, Experienced, Masterful, and Custom. Thankfully we are offered the custom mode far more often now. Even though there is a custom mode, Casual and the experienced mode do allow you to modify several settings. The graphics are just awesome being extremely crisp and clear. Not only are the graphics top-notch the voiceovers are exceptional. I love artwork and could probably spend all day looking around in each scene because there is so much to see. The only comments about the graphics is that the cutscenes seem to be cartoonish and the other, and yes I know that it is nit-picking, but I don’t think people wore jeans during the game’s apparent time period. Guess it is considered artistic liberty to make the game appeal to a wider audience
Your tools include an interactive transporter-type map that is found early in the game. Although we see some cute animals and do rescue at least one of them, we don’t have animal helpers.
There is quite a good mix of HOPs in the game including all the favorites, and most of them require quite a bit of interaction to complete the scenes. I happen to like the variety that keeps things far more interesting. The puzzles are wonderful with some of them being very easy but others take quite a bit of thought to figure out. IMHO, the puzzles make the game so much more entertaining.
Extras in the CE version of the game are fairly standard for what is found in most CE games today. There are two kinds of collectibles – owls and figurines that are located in various scenes throughout the game, and of course we have those achievements as well. The other extras include concept art, wallpapers, music and the bonus chapter. If you are new to the genre, the most helpful extra is the in-game strategy guide.
The League of Light series is one of my favorites and, IMHO, they just keep getting better. The team who brings us these games is one of the best and they always give us nice long games with a lot of detail. Although not everyone will agree, I think Silent Mountain is possibly the best game in the series, even though I did love the previous game – Wicked Harvest. If you are looking for a game with great puzzles, fun HOPs and a wonderful storyline you have found it. Even though I have been eagerly waiting for the game to be released and know that it is an instant buy for me, I recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Make your way across America building your franchise of restaurants. Play solitaire to collect stars to unlock new restaurants.
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 51 found this review helpful
EXPAND YOUR EMPIRE IN THIS EXCELLENT SOLITAIRE GAME
PostedSeptember 9, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromServing up burgers and fun as I build my restaurants
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I couldn’t help myself and groaned when I saw another solitaire game this morning. Yes, I was prepared to hate it but actually ended up really liking the game. This is a fun one up or one down game but it has a mini game that pops up when you flip a card that triggers the burger run. Even though I normally hate timers in any game I had to laugh as I fumbled my way through building a burger order so that I could beat that silly timer. Before I knew it my demo time was almost up but by then I had decided to buy the game.
The technical aspects of the game are fairly simple. No widescreen although that might just be my Windows 7. The graphics are colorful and crisp and the cards are a nice size. I could have done without that repetitive, quirky music so I ended up turning the volume very low.
All in all this is a fun game that I found very entertaining. Even though this type of solitaire is quite abundant I really liked this one. During the game we will unlock levels and build restaurants all over the USA. This one is part builder game and part solitaire and I loved it. As always, I recommend that you try the demo to see if this is a game you will love.
I recommend this game!
Solitaire Beach Season is a new card game set in exotic seaside locations. 120 summertime levels await you!
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 37 found this review helpful
A HO-HUM SOLITAIRE THAT I WOULDN'T TAKE TO THE BEACH
PostedSeptember 8, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromI'm building a sandcastle so I can avoid this solitaire game
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It seems like this is another BFG game that has been locked in their vault for the last decade. The game offers only one type of solitaire that is boring and repetitive. Essentially, we are required to find pairs of cards regardless of suit and remove them from the deck. If we can do this before the deck refreshes then we earn the top prize. Yippee!
What is wrong with this game? Well, for starters the game does not support automatic widescreen nor could I get rid of the bars on each side - no widescreen equals an automatic no sale for me. Along with being washed out, the graphics are flat and cartoonish. Given the level of technical acumen, it looks like a ten-year old could have put this game together as a school project. The sound does nothing to enhance the game and after about five minutes I had to turn the music off as it was so annoying.
There are some tools that you can purchase after you earn enough coins as you play through the levels. The tools include a Mulligan, Shuffle, and Joker but unfortunately I couldn’t last long enough in the game to purchase additional tools.
For those of you who are major solitaire addicts, you might find Solitaire Beach Season to your liking, as for me, I am off to play a top-rated solitaire game that is actually fun.
Answer a distress call at an arctic research lab where scientists have made a chilling discovery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 38 found this review helpful
BEWARE! THE COLD STALKERS ARE HERE
PostedSeptember 6, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Winterpoint Tragedy is the ninth game in the Mystery Trackers series and this one was worth waiting for since after a string of so-so games in the series this one seems so much better. A distress call from Agent Shade at Winterpoint Station has you skydiving in to see why kind of trouble is stirred up for your super sleuthing abilities this time. With your trusty pup-in-boots companion (aka Elf) by your side you face danger as you come face to face with the Cold Stalkers. Who are they? Are they and where did they come from? You are sure to have several hours of fun ahead as you solve this latest case in the Mystery Trackers series.
There are four gameplay modes including Elf, Scientist, Cold Stalker, and Detective (custom mode) where you can select your own gameplay settings. With the mammoth team at the helm, we have excellent graphics that are crisp, clear, and colorful. As we face the typical hot August weather here in Northern California, it is refreshing to have nice wintry vistas to search. The voiceovers are very good as is the overall sound package in the game.
A Mystery Trackers game without little Elf just wouldn’t be the same so I am happy to say he is tagging along with me on my adventure to Winterpoint Station. Early in the game I acquire my portable command center that contains virtually all of the information I need or collect during the game. There is another tool that I acquire early in the game and it will scan an area and identify certain information. Yes, I know that it is most likely going to be called a gimmick but it is a tool that will prove helpful and because I don’t want to spill the beans and ruin your fun, I will leave it to you to find out how it works.
Oaky so here is where the game becomes a bit iffy. The HOPS and puzzles fall short of being challenging and are the run of the mill that we find in all games of this genre. After recently finishing a game that was reminiscent of the challenge we once found in HOPA games, it was almost mechanical to go through the HOPs and puzzles in Winterpoint Tragedy. That being said, there are many gamers who are new to the genre who might not have seen these puzzles many, many times before, and for me no matter how easy the puzzles might seem I still manage to find them entertaining.
Mystery Trackers is my favorite series and all nine games have been an instant buy for me. I enjoy the stories and being a Chihuahua lover, Elf is my favorite game helper because I always enjoy his antics. Although the game is not a huge challenge, it is still entertaining and, IMHO, very good. Even though the game was an instant buy for me, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
Do you have the courage to stop the inquisitor?
Overall rating
2
/
5
43 of 74 found this review helpful
TEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THIS GAME
PostedSeptember 5, 2015
biscuitsmama
fromWiping my tears and running away as fast as I can
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
After the first Where Angels Cry game was released I had very high hopes for Tears of the Fallen but what a colossal disappointment. The game was so terrible that I barely made it through more than twenty minutes of the demo before quitting. It is very hard to write a comprehensive review of a game this bad because I know that for many of you, the game will be one you like.
Where the first game played more like an adventure game, Tears of the fallen is a combo of different styles – FROG and HOS. The graphics are very flat and cartoonish with none of the polish that I expect in Collector’s Edition games. Yes there are extras including collectible but nothing else aside from the inclusion of the Strategy Guide would warrant the CE designation.
To say that I didn’t like this game is putting it mildly - it is definitely not for me. Perhaps some of you who actually purchase and play the game can share your thoughts, which might change my mind. Even though Where Angels Cry Tears of the Fallen is not for me, as always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will enjoy.