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:
Twenty years ago, the children of Greystone were taken by a mysterious fog - only you escaped. It’s time to find out why...
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 81 found this review helpful
A Wonderful New Game in the Rite of Passage Series
PostedJune 12, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Rite of Passage: Hide and Seek begins when after your mother’s death you are cleaning out her home and make a discovery that suddenly changes the truth about your life. For years you have come to accept the reality that your missing father was dead, and as you go through your mother’s mail you realize that what you had accepted as the truth is not so. In Rite of Passage: Hide and Seek you begin a journey to Greystone in search of the father you thought you had lost and an adventure to uncover the hidden secrets of your past.
The graphics in Hide and Seek are of excellent quality and have a very crisp appearance rather than that misty quality that we often find in many games. Not only are the graphics terrific, the game has lip-synced voiceovers that are done extremely well. Along with the voiceovers we have a soundtrack that adds to the reality of the game without being overwhelming or intrusive. At one point early in the game the environmental effect is so realistic that I felt like reaching for a headscarf. For me the piano musical score in the HOPs was very relaxing and enjoyable to hear as I searched for items to find.
Your journal is very interactive and contains links to your objectives, the map and your achievements. Not only can you access the map through the journal but it can also be accessed by clicking on the map located on the left side of your inventory. The map icon, in turn, will also allow you to access the journal. During the progress of the game you will acquire special abilities that help you out in certain situations. There are no cute fuzzy animal helpers to be found in this game; instead you will need to rely upon your own abilities to make it through.
If you are familiar with the two previous Rites of Passage games you know that the HOPs are interactive and quite interesting in the way we find certain items. There are puzzles along the way that are fun with some that may seem difficult but just keep trying since they can be solved. In the end, the game has a great mix of HOPs and puzzles that are sure to please a varied group of gamers.
Without saying too much and spoiling how the game works, I will only say that there are many collectibles and different layers to this game, with morphing objects thrown in to satisfy those of us who love to hunt for them. Rite of Passage: Hide and Seek the CE is chock full of extras that are amazing. Of course you do find the standard extras that are included in all CEs but this one is a step above the ordinary.
Rite of Passage: Hide and Seek is a game with just the right amount of scare factor moments thrown in to keep the gameplay interesting, and more than once I found myself jumping as something unexpected would occur. Overall the game is very entertaining with a story that held my attention from the first scene to the end of the demo and I knew without hesitation that it was a definite buy for me. As I mentioned earlier, this is definitely a game where I would not want to pass up on the CE and miss some of the extras the developer has included. 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!
Your librarian friend wants your help as a journalist – he’s found an ancient book that is still unfinished. Can you save the world in the book before their story ends?
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 39 found this review helpful
Can You Restore the Enchanted Kingdom?
PostedJune 8, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Forgotten Books the Enchanted Crown is a wonderful story about an enchanted land where good versus evil, a theme that we see all too often in HOPA games but in this game it is well done. You play the game as a reporter who receives a call from an old friend telling you about an old book that he found that is about a place called Torelian and the enchanted crown that powers its world. The book begins when the crown goes missing but the strange thing is that although the book is ancient it appears to be unfinished. Interested in seeing for yourself you take the book and flip through its pages but as you get to the end a fresh page appears and someone is asking for your help. Will you accept? As you write your answer on the book’s page, you are whisked away to a magical and enchanted land that seems similar to the one that “Alice” must have fallen into.
The graphics are excellent as is to be expected from ERS but the artists have used that misty appearance a bit too much in some scenes. The game has voiceovers and it looks like ERS has completely reverted to the days of non-lip-synced characters. Maybe they have decided that with so many people complaining about their games, it isn’t worth it to go the extra mile. The music is pretty much the standard ERS signature but I tend to enjoy it. One of the interesting things about this game, and of course it goes with the storyline of an unfinished book, is that a magic pencil appears and changes some scenes as you approach, which I think is very clever and well done.
We find the standard set of tools, a diary that notes your progress through the game as well as an interactive map that shows where we have objectives to complete. There are no animal helpers or fuzzy companions in the game but as soon as we enter the book we do meet up with Liev, the king’s faithful servant, who pops in once in a while to act as our guide during the adventure.
There are the various types of interactive HOPs which, BTW, ERS was the first to introduce in HOPA games. In this game we have the standard interactive list type, as well as ones where we find so many of a specific item, silhouette type, and then the progressive silhouette where we need to think about what to do next. The puzzles are nothing new, at least in the demo of the game, but usually the puzzles do become a bit more difficult as the game progresses. Even though the puzzles in the demo were easy I did find them to be quite entertaining.
I have to say that when I originally attempted to play the beta test for the game I might have had an off day because I didn’t like the game and thought it would not be a very good game. However, upon replaying it a second time I found that I really enjoyed the game and then went ahead and purchased the CE. One thing that hooked me with Forgotten Books the Enchanted Crown was that I couldn’t wait to finish “writing” the book and restore the kingdom of Torelion. I think this is one of the best ERS games to come along in a while and, for me at least, it is a signal that my favorite game developer is back on track. Of course there are a few, who always have something negative to say about not only ERS games but HOPA games in general, and they are entitled to express their opinions as well, but something about the game caught my fancy and I found it to be very good and entertaining. 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!
The rat catcher's after more than rats this time. He's kidnapping fairy folk!
Overall rating
5
/
5
171 of 249 found this review helpful
My Choice for Game of the Year - 2014. Magnificent Game
PostedJune 7, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Okay, I am not going to apologize but be prepared for lots of gushing. When I did the beta on this newest addition to the Myths of the World series, I was absolutely stunned and amazed at the beauty and quality of the game. The game is gorgeous and was a true delight to play. In my survey comments I begged BFG to release the game as soon as possible because it is so terrific. Since the game has so much going for it, I am not even going to get into the story because I think it is one that you need to try for yourself. It is not often that a game comes along that I find grabs me from the first scene and then goes on to get better.
Of course, with EIPIX we know the graphics will be the best to be found and that they are always colorful, so it should come as no surprise that a game with the title “Of Fiends and Fairies would be full of gorgeous graphics and artwork. The voiceovers are lip-synced in the close-up bubbles and they are some of the best I’ve heard in games in a long time. When we couple the voiceovers with the music and ambient sound effects we then have a sound package that is of cinematic quality and absolutely wonderful. I happen to love the Celtic theme and setting of the game so right off the bat Of Fiends and Fairies had everything that would “ring my bell.” IMHO, the entire package of graphics and sound add up to create an awesome gaming experience.
In the game we have the standard equipment of a journal and an interactive transporter type map. We also have Orna, a pixie we meet early in the game, who serves as our hint button. Along with the standards we also acquire our grandfather’s monocle that will help us out in certain spell-binding situations.
With this game being so terrific, I don’t want to provide all of the details about the HOPS except to say some of them are a bit different. The puzzles I have encountered are enjoyable but not difficult at least thus far.
Myths of the World of Fiends and Fairies is chock full of gameplay extras and CE content, which makes this game truly worthy of the CE designation. I would encourage everyone to purchase the CE of this game so that you get the full impact of how wonderful a CE can be when it is done right.
Needless to say, I love this game and it was a no brainer to purchase it immediately when I saw it this morning. What a surprise since I thought we were on tap for a different game. I am ecstatic because this game has my vote for the best game of 2014. I can only give the game 5-stars but if we had 10-stars as an option, this game would deserve every one of them. Thank you to EIPIX and BFG for this awesome game. As you can see, I highly recommend Myths of the World of Fiends and Fairies but your tastes may not be the same as mine so I suggest that you try the demo to see if you like the game. If you try it, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I recommend this game!
Set out with Bella in search of her brother through the pages of well-known novels and true stories.
Overall rating
2
/
5
82 of 106 found this review helpful
This Fable Should Be Forgotten
PostedJune 6, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
In this game you play as Bella, and as the story begins (and I say story because this is definitely a HO game and not a true HOPA game) you are having nightmares about your brother Stan who is missing and you see that he has disappeared into and ancient book. Of course, you now know where to find him and off you go.
Although the graphics are very good they are rather old school and not exceptional. In fact there is nothing exceptional about the entire game only an old school HO game where we visit locations and complete scene, after scene, after scene. You get the idea – and unfortunately there is nothing exciting here. If you happen to like games that are HOS heavy, then this game may just be your cup of tea.
You have a diary or journal but I didn’t find it very helpful, it mainly just recaps your progress. What I did use all of the time, and that is because it is necessary to move around in the game, is the map.
The HOS are standard list or the type where you locate the object pictured in the bar somewhere in the scene. Very minimal interaction is required. You will find coins scattered throughout the game and they are in the HOS as well. There are mini puzzles but nothing exceptional.
Although I did purchase the CE because I was bored and had a good sale coupon, I would say don’t bother. I think the big disappointment may come when those of you who wait for the SE do not get the final chapter of the game that is included as the bonus chapter for this game. All in all, I cannot honestly say that this is more than only a game to fill some time when there is nothing better to do. I can only recommend this game for beginners and true HO fans who might love it but for those of us who have seen and played some exceptional CE games, I would say don’t waste your time or money. I know that we all have very different tastes in games but it would be a travesty to rate the game as a 5-star game just to have my review posted first on the game page! As always, I recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I don't recommend this game.
Is Martha really a werewolf - or has she been wrongly accused?
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 103 found this review helpful
A New and Exciting Shadow Wolf!
PostedJune 5, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Shadow Wolf series is back and this time with Under the Crimson Moon the fourth game in the series. Unfortunately, IMHO, nothing could top Curse of the Full Moon and I was disappointed by the time the third game appeared. As the game begins we immediately become aware that things have changed and that there are some exciting gameplay enhancements coming our way. The game begins as you receive a letter from Ellis Cote who asks you to help solve the mysterious deaths in her town. When you arrive at her estate you are greeted by a vicious pack of wolves that are soon subdued by a horrendously ugly and monstrous werewolf. After you gain access to the house and finally meet Ellis you jump right into the investigation. As you move forward with the adventure, solving the mystery of the werewolf is becomes quite interesting.
The graphics are excellent and typical of ERS games but I do wish that the artists would get rid of the mistiness that is often present in some scenes. Aside from that, the ERS artistic team is very gifted when it comes to creating the characters in their games and brings them to life so that they don’t appear cartoonish and flat, which is one of the reasons that I have always loved ERS games. Where Shadow Wolf Under the Crimson Moon falls short is with the voiceovers, some of which are not very good and not at all typical of what I think the character should sound like. In addition to the out of character voiceovers, ERS has dropped the lip-syncing that made the first Curse of the Full Moon so incredible and had elevated ERS to a top-tier game developer. Alas, times seem to be changing and we no longer see the realism that lip-syncing adds to a game. That being said, the remainder of the sound package is very good and has excellent ambient effects.
The game has the tools that we find in most HOPA games with a diary that keeps track of not only our notes but of the evidence we find as well. We have a new tool in this game called an analyzer which we use quite often to identify “unknown” objects. Use of the analyzer is sort of a mini-game each time the unknown object appears. There is a transportable map but it does not indicate areas where you have objectives.
Under the Crimson Moon has a variety of interactive HOPs that are very typical of the types found in most other ERS HOPA games, but recently the developer has added the option of switching to alternative puzzles if you do not want to find items in the HOPs. The optional puzzle in this game is a match type puzzle reminiscent of a flow type game. Some of the puzzles I encountered in the game can be frustrating if you don’t take the time to really think about them. Since demo time is limited, I generally skip puzzles that I can’t immediately solve so that I don’t waste valuable gameplay time. That being said, most of the puzzles are the type that I enjoy.
In Shadow Wolf Under the Crimson Moon CE we earn achievements and have various assortments of collectibles to find. The rest of the CE package is standard fare and contains nothing exceptional so it is basically a personal choice as to whether you go for the CE or wait until the SE is released.
For me Under the Crimson Moon was an immediate purchase since I generally enjoy every game from ERS and they seldom have a misstep in presenting the games that I find ultimately enjoyable. Of course I am a big ERS fan and not everyone agrees with my opinion of their games. I have no hesitation in saying that this game is a step up from more recent offerings from this developer and recommend that you at least try the demo to see if this is a game you will like.
I recommend this game!
Travel to South America to investigate a deadly cosmic force. Can you uncover the secrets of the missing research team?
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 78 found this review helpful
Beautiful Phenomenon with an Abundance of Challenge
PostedJune 1, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In Phenomenon Outcome, the third game in the Phenomenon series, there is only a minor connection to the previous two games in that they all begin with an orphaned child who in early adulthood is drawn to seek the mystery of her/his parent’s disappearance. Phenomenon Outcome begins as Sasha, age five, is on a picnic with her parents when a glowing orb explodes with lightning as Sasha approaches it. When Sasha awakens her parents are gone and the only thing remaining is a golden Homunculus amulet. Now years later, Sasha is having nightmares that are leading her to a strange location and this is where the adventure begins.
The graphics in Phenomenon Outcome are beautiful and even better than they were in the previous Phenomenon games. The characters are drawn to perfection and with the addition of the lip-synced voiceovers they come to life. One of the things I noticed is that the artists have added a lot of facial expressions to the characters in the game and that seems to make them much more realistic when they speak. In general the voiceovers are quite good but at times the dialogue seems a bit “corny” or vague. Overall, the entire soundtrack is very good and suits the game perfectly, but you may need to fiddle with the volume button since at times the music is quite loud and overwhelming. I happen to love some parts of the soundtrack that are quite mystical and very beautiful.
Your Homunculus amulet will become one of the most important tools in the game, and eventually you learn that it is called a neutralizer. Your other tools include a scroll that is updated with information as you travel through your adventure. Next to your inventory box and right below the scroll is the task button that I found very helpful. There is also a color-coded transporter type map to indicate areas of interest. The map however is very general and really doesn’t hone in on the exact locations where you need to find or do something in order to progress in the game.
In a departure from the norm, the HOPS in this game are presented a bit differently and I don’t want to elaborate on how they work because you will find out soon enough. Once you understand the mechanics of the HOPS, you will see that there is only minor interaction required to find some items. Although I think the developer was quite creative in setting up the HOPS, I found them at times to be jaw-clenching tedious with some objects being extremely difficult to find. The one disappointment with the game is that there are not very many puzzles. One of the reasons I love HOPA games is the inclusion of puzzles that we encounter on our adventure and, IMHO, Phenomenon Outcome is lacking in this regard. I felt the developer missed some opportunities where puzzles could have been included but they weren’t so in the end the game becomes more of a hidden object game. However, even with fewer puzzles than I like, it is still an excellent game.
After purchasing the CE of Phenomenon Outcome and playing it for several days I can highly recommend the game. It was not an easy game to get through as it was quite challenging and took quite a bit of thought at times to figure out what to do next. I found progress in the game to be very slow in the beginning but the action picks up once you get into the game. Those who are taking a first dip into this type of game might find Phenomenon Outcome a bit confusing at times but I would encourage you to keep going and give the game a chance. 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!
After a long journey, Queen Sophia faces her enemy for the last time - but will she succeed in saving her parents?
Overall rating
5
/
5
76 of 105 found this review helpful
This Can’t Be the End! IMHO, Best Game in Series
PostedMay 31, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
One of the major things that I always look forward to in the Awakening series is stunning graphics. That being said the graphics in The Redleaf Forest may not be as varied in the color palette that we normally find with this game using too many darker tones and a lot of reds and browns, but of course what else should one expect given the name of the game. If we get past all the autumnal tones we then encounter even darker graphics in some locations. After weeks of haunted darkness in games, I was looking forward to something a bit cheerier with the graphics. Of course, the graphics are still of excellent quality and are crisp and clear rather than having that grainy quality that we sometimes find in games.
The voice overs are quite good but some seem a bit stilted and there is no lip-sync. With the exception of only a few developers, the lip-syncing seems to be a disappearing benefit to the games in recent months. Some developers have quit doing the lip-sync altogether while others only add a token gesture at the beginning of a game. It is my personal opinion that with all the complainers who show up to throw stones at each HOPA game, the developers now have a who cares attitude and don’t feel the need to go the extra mile to put the final polish on their games.
Awakening The Redleaf Forest has the standard tools with our loquacious owl for a hint button and our trusty, ever hungry pocket dragon when we feel the driving need to set something on fire. The map is transportable and interactive in that it shows where we have tasks to accomplish. Another feature is if we click on the photo of Princess Sophia of to the left, we will see our current tasks.
There are various types of interactive HOPs, some are the standard list type and others are silhouette type but no matter which type they are all done exceptionally well and make us think of what we need to do. I admit to consulting the SG to help get through one of the scenes because I was downright stumped on how to make it work. As far as puzzles are concerned we have quite the treat in Redleaf Forest. Although they are not difficult there are quite a few as we move along in our adventure and I found myself looking forward to them. The puzzles were meaningful to the game and very enjoyable though not too thought provoking. Since I purchased the game outright, I wasn’t limited to only the demo for my review and have encountered several puzzles and HOS all with a great deal of variety to hold my interest.
We have a bit more CE content in this game and I am looking forward to the garden after the game is completed. Most of the CE content is standard fare but the music and the wallpapers are really nice if you are interested in those items. I’m actually glad that I had the SG because of the one HOS mentioned above.
The Awakening series have all been really good games but Redleaf Forest will most likely be my favorite. I am enjoying the gameplay and got a great deal of satisfaction when I put an end to that nasty ogre. For me the game was and 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!
Guests keep disappearing from a gimmicky haunted hotel. Is there someone pulling the strings, or are these ghosts actually real?
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 61 found this review helpful
The Elephant Is Missing. Maybe It's Lost Somewhere In Haunted Hotel
PostedMay 29, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Our detective friend James from the last Haunted Hotel is back and this time we are off to help a hotel owner solve the mystery of his vanishing guests. The game starts in the same way as almost every other Elephant game with the proverbial suitcase that is missing a key, which when opened leads to a hidden object scene. Once we are in the hotel we meet Mr. Shadowy (now how is that for an ominous name) who is acting rather strange and we are left on our own to investigate. Hmmm, what strange and mysterious things are going on and what will we find within the hidden rooms of Haunted Hotel?
The graphics are excellent and I would expect nothing less from this developer. It is interesting that the beginning cutscene had lip-synced voiceovers but then they disappeared as we got into the game itself. The thing is (and this is the bad news) that good graphics are just about the only thing this game has going for it.
The gameplay in Haunted Hotel Ancient Bane is very much the same as it is in all games by this developer, so much so that it is quite predictable. The HOS are the same old, same old slightly interactive list type scenes that we find in virtually EVERY game this development team presents and there is nothing new to be found here. I am beginning to think that the well of creative thought has truly dried up at Elephant games. In Haunted Hotel Ancient Bane, we come across HOS scene after scene that I won’t necessarily call junkpiles only because the items are quite nice to look at, but nevertheless they are stuffed with far too many items. Not only are the HOS cluttered, many of them are quite dark as well making it much more difficult to distinguish some items. Then we come to the puzzles or mini games, and again there is nothing new to be found with puzzles that seem very simplistic and easy. There was nothing to challenge my brain and I found the puzzles to be quite ho-hum if not downright boring. Not only were the puzzles quite ho-hum, the developer missed some great opportunities early in the game to integrate puzzles into several areas. Lately, it seems that there must be some simple formula that the Elephant team uses when developing its games, which includes nothing new or creative - only the basics. I might sound a bit harsh but when I see a game from Elephant, who is one of the top developers in casual gaming, I expect more and lately it has been missing. There is no wow factor present in more recent games from this team who in the past brought us a stunning game like The Nutcracker.
As we move through the game we find and collect various canopic jars but aside from those there is nothing else that I could find except earning a handful of achievements. The game seems woefully short on collectibles or anything else that warrants the CE designation. In recent months CE games have become no better than the SE games of the past with only the inclusion of the SG to perhaps justify the extra cost. If one needs the SG or a walkthrough then maybe the CE is worthwhile but if you can make it through the game on your own, I would say skip the CE.
As I made my way through the demo of the game I tried to find something that was compelling that would hold my interest so that I would want to buy the game but there was nothing that jumped out and caught my attention. The gameplay was just rather mundane and with no challenge in the puzzles, it was quite frankly rather boring. When one plays as many HOPA games as I do, I like to find something in the way of a storyline or some unique factor that stands out to “ring my bell” but it was not to be found among the crowded rooms of topsy-turvy chairs and floating knives. This Haunted Hotel was lacking in the things that could have made it a great game. The game is not horrible and for many it will be what they are looking for, and if there is a true two-for-one sale I might try it. Overall I will give the game three stars and those because of the graphics which are superb. As always, I recommend that you at least try the demo because the game might just be right for you.
I don't recommend this game.
Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties Collector's Edition
A peaceful day at the park becomes a journey into the surreal when you become the latest victim of a troubled artist's deal with Death!
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 71 found this review helpful
I Am So Glad I Didn't Pass On This One!!!
PostedMay 24, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I tried the beta of the game and didn't particularly care for it but with the weekend sale and needing another CE for the two-for-one sale decided to go ahead and get the game. Wow, I am sure happy that I didn't pass this one up. It takes a bit to really get into but it is such a great game when it gets going,
Now, others have complained about the angel giggling but she only does that when the hint button recharges. I have hardly heard her giggle at all in the game but if you do use the hint button a lot, you will get that little giggle to let you know the button is ready once again. That being said, given the subject of the game, the devs could really have passed on the angel as cute as she is.
The game is a bit challenging and one or two of the puzzles took quite a bit of time to solve, one of them due to figuring out the mechanics. I like a game with challenge that doesn't make it too easy to figure out and this game has what I love. I am suspecting it is quite a long game since I have been at it most of the day off and on and am still only in chapter 4 of 9. Granted I have been stopping to cook and do household sorts of things but then I do go right back.
Unfortunately, there are two things that I do not like about the game and I really think the devs should consider making changes for future games. The most significant item is that all puzzles must have a reset button. I ended up skipping one puzzle simply because I could not reset it and it seemed like too much work to keep going once I created a mess. The other item is that with a game as involved as this one, and maybe I have become a tad bit spoiled, is that the map does not show where there are active tasks. With so many locations to visit and a lot of backtracking required, it is very time consuming to figure out where something I saw early in the game and then totally forgot about is located. Please devs consider adding reset buttons to your puzzles and available task indicators to the map.
Aside from the two issues mentioned above, I love the game and think it is so excellent. I can recommend without hesitation that you at least give it a try.
I recommend this game!
The city fears the return of the infamous Fire Knight – but is Rosa Ramirez really responsible?
Overall rating
4
/
5
54 of 64 found this review helpful
Everyone Makes Mistakes - Much Better Game Than I Thought!
PostedMay 23, 2014
biscuitsmama
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I first reviewed this Grim Facade Wealth of Betrayal when it came out as a CE and, unfortunately, my review was very negative. I broke down about a week later and purchased the full game and once I got past the beginning and got into the story and gameplay, I was happy that I did. After that my opinion of the game changed considerably and I found that I really enjoyed it. Many of the mechanics as described on the CE game page remain the same but the story and gameplay improved immensely. After initially giving the game a 2-star review based on the demo, I have re-evaluated my opinion and would now give the game 4-stars. Wealth of Betrayal is not as wonderful as some of the earlier ERS games in this series but it definitely deserves a much higher rating than I originally gave it.
So, that being said, therein lies the danger of reviewing a game on the limited time we have for a demo or on the beta. I think had the developer spent a bit more time up-front developing the storyline instead of jumping right into some odd sorts of puzzles, the attraction and sales of the game might have been overall much better.
I certainly encourage you to try the game, and given the great sale we have this weekend, you have an opportunity to pick it up for a great price. IMHO, Grim Façade a Wealth of Betrayal is worth the time and effort.
Happy gaming everyone. Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend. If you live in the US, remember to thank those who have given so much for this country. Happy Memorial Day weekend.
I recommend this game!