steve_san's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:5,408
- Reviews Submitted:242
- First Review:November 28, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 3, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
"Game of Gods" Falls Short On Game
PostedNovember 22, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Setting: you are Alice Russell, a woman in her 30's who has been invited to participate in a "research project" along with her friends Maggie, Jim and Kevin. The project turns out to be an ancient deadly game run by a mysterious man in a "Mao suit" and related to fallen deities. Its up to you to save your friends from the worlds the game has sent them to, or you are all doomed.
It is immediately clear that a lot of effort went into the "look" of the game and it has yielded good results: the atmosphere is immersive, and the scenes are well drawn and very believable. In keeping with the dark story line, there are a lot of greys and dark blues, but there is enough color so that it does not become one-dimensional.
In addition, the production standards are very high, with good voices, stunning cut scenes, and musical soundtracks which are nicely suited to the scenes and overall dark and frightening mood.
Where I thought they could have spent more time is in the actual game play. I found it really, really easy - just too much so. The pseudo-hidden objects are large and lying out in the open. The puzzles are very simplistic as well. Even by today's standards, where games are generally easier than 2-3 years ago, this stood out to me as very easy. So, in addition to a lack of a challenge, this tends to shorten the game play. The demo is short, I had 45 minutes remaining and was playing slowly.
This CE has 13 collectible figures (which you can't miss), an undetermined number of collectible flowers (also easy to spot). You can spend the flowers to furnish the Bonus Room. There are also the usual pseudo extras.
In spite of the technical excellence of this game, I cannot recommend it owing to the borrowed story line and game play that fails to provide much of a challenge or even a pause to ponder. Beginning players may find this one more interesting, and even enjoyable.
Two and 1/2 fallen deities
I don't recommend this game.
Every second counts in this breathtaking paranormal adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 47 found this review helpful
An Adult Game About Children (updated post of CE review)
PostedNovember 14, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The era is circa the 1970's based on the models of automobiles. You work for Child Protective Service (not Services) and you receive an anonymous call about a child in danger. When you arrive at the address to investigate, you encounter some resistance and inconsistent answers to your questions. As the title suggests, the child in question has paranormal powers. That is all I will reveal so as not to include spoilers.
I received a "sneak peek" of this game some time ago. I didn't keep any notes, however I do remember one thing I reported that remained in the released version. There are times when the music drowns out the voices of the characters, especially the boy. Is this a "deal breaker?" Maybe not, but it is a problem that should have been fixed before release.
In keeping with the story line, the drawing style is fairly realistic with an especially colorful and slightly faded palette. The music and sounds are suited to the period. The cut scenes are pretty well done, but had a bit of a dated feel to them.
Those who prefer fewer hidden object scenes will be pleased as there are not too many of them. The ones there present as progressive, silhouette, and standard list types. However, there are not too many puzzles or mini games either, most of the other play consisted of opening locks and specific action sequences. These sequences are very scripted, with your next action clearly stated on the screen. Sometimes you need an inventory item to perform the next action. Your "helper" in this game is the boy. He has powers that you'll need to use to advance, the challenge is to know when to use him.
The CE has collectible items which were not present in the sneak peek version (or this version). To me, these appeared hastily added with no apparent connection to the story other than to pump-up a CE version. Also, these items were drawn in a cartoon-ish way that was not consistent with the style of the rest of the game.
I did like this game overall despite the minor problems. Most of the play is easy, but there are items (or the boy) you will have to think about how and where to use. It's pretty clear where the story is leading, but there is a lot more action than in the typical game and that kept it interesting. As I don't see much value to the collectibles, I plan to wait for the SE and I recommend you do the same.
Three and 1/2 paranormal's
I recommend this game!
Death needs help from the only detective he trusts – you!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 36 found this review helpful
Hi There, I'm Death And I Need Your Help!
PostedNovember 9, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Setting: You're a detective who must help DEATH to restore the "balance" because some people are able to flee from DEATH - and if not enough people die, then not enough new souls will be born - or something. I say "or something" because in the first chapter it seems the problem is actually that TOO MANY people are dying, not too few. But did you come here for logical stories?
There are several "gizmos" in this game, a fact which immediately caused my "Steve, you won't like this game" antennae to pop up. There is a magic ball which serves as a transportable map - OK so far. Then there is some sort of "developer" apparatus for film etc. Next, there is a key making device. There is also a device that lets you "talk to the dead." That was only during the demo, and I suspect there will be more should you choose to continue.
The drawing style is typical of this series, colorful but very dark. The voices were very American sounding - the problem is, the first chapter takes place in Paris so it seems out of place and fails to provide much of a local flavor.
The game play is fairly easy, made more difficult only by trying to determine the use for weirdly shaped handles and levers. Hidden object scenes are standard lists, interaction needed for two or three items. Puzzles give the initial appearance of a challenge, but actual solutions are easy. There are several memory puzzles during the demo.
There are only three levels of difficulty and they're not customizable.
If you're still interested, for comparison the CE version has 3 collectible figures which can be found in the first chapter. There are also 52 collectible cards, a bonus level and a secret room (oops, can't tell you about that).
Honestly, I could not wait for the demo to end. Not to buy the game though, just to escape the tedium. Using the devices made it necessary to transport back and forth to your office too often, interrupting the play and story. The story itself was not appealing or sensible enough for my taste in order to overcome the plain voices and easy play.
I'll give this three skulls for effort, but I don't want a memento.
You’re the only one who can save Taleworld from an evil queen.
Overall rating
3
/
5
42 of 62 found this review helpful
"Mirrors" Is A True Reflection
PostedNovember 8, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
As a reviewer and a player, the Nevertales series has not been a favorite of mine. In fact, I refer to it as the NeverMales series. So if you only want to read "warm 'n fuzzy" reviews for this game, I suggest you stop reading here.
Setting: you are Alice, you have power to open portals in books and mirrors, but your desire is to be the CEO of a company. Fate has other ideas however, as your father Pierre has been taken prisoner by the Red Queen of Hearts and your mother Belle is on the run. Belle has sent "Gears," a robot helper, to summon you. You must rescue your father (who, typical of this series, is shown gagged) and discover what has happened to change the Red Queen.
The drawing style follows the prior games in this series. After the opening scene in Alice's office, the game reverts to its usual fantasy style, very colorful and something like what a child would imagine. Voices are good, except for the aforementioned Gears.
The game play is where things begin to go wrong, from gears turning the wrong way to the continued use of the most unlikely of objects to accomplish otherwise simple tasks. And this begins in the very first scene when you have to let Gears in via your office window. (Side note: I found Gears to be one of the most unappealing helpers of all time.)
There are four levels of difficulty with a Custom option, and sliders for Hint and Skip recharge time.
The CE extras besides bonus level and strategy guide are collectable items, a treasure hunt, 24 achievements, Red Heart Casino game and replay of 16 HO's.
The story did not interest me and that's of primary importance when considering my rating. It's more of the same portal stuff that is already stale for this player. The odd ways items are used and the over-the-top fantasy style were also not appealing. But then, I believe this series is meant to appeal to the female gamer and it probably succeeds in that. I just wanted to get out without choking on the smoke or breaking any mirrors.
three broken hearts (not mirrors)
I don't recommend this game.
Someone – or something – is stealing the children of Blake’s Mountain!
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 24 found this review helpful
Not A Bumper Crop
PostedNovember 7, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I did not publish a review for the CE version, although I did play the demo. I know my legion of fans (heh, a little joke there ) are wondering what I think of this game. So I'm going to turn things around and review the SE this time.
Setting: Blake's Mountain in E. Ireland. You are a detective traveling to town via horse-drawn carriage to investigate missing children. (I know what you're thinking, "Again?") This time they are being sucked into little vials by a demonic scarecrow. And the children have very sad eyes, so we have to find them.
We find out later in the demo that - SPOILER ALERT - there used to be a Healer in the town who helped during a plague attack many years ago. She managed to heal many, however she could not save her own daughter. Heartbroken, the Healer withdrew from society and has not been seen since. And the story also has elements that refer to a Red Moon and a Fortune Teller, so adding those up should give you the general idea.
Several of the Hidden Object scenes are the progressive type, but the scenes are fairly sparse and uncluttered so they are not difficult. Others are the basic list type, and a little more cluttered. The puzzles and mini games are simple to solve, no head scratcher's here.
You have a mini-scarecrow helper. When I play, for some reason I always forget about the helpers - maybe because I could live without them? However, he/she is your getter and doer, so keep that in mind. You will even have to "heal" and "equip" your helper at times.
This game makes liberal use of "plus objects" i.e. items in your inventory that require further action before they can be used. Instead of adding interest however, this seemed mostly pointless because the required "actions" were so simplistic as to border on a waste of time.
There are four difficulty settings including Custom, and a slider for the Hint recharge.
I just could not get too interested in this. It seemed like a rehash of other games with seasonal elements added to coincide with the release date. Its not a bad effort if you like your games easy and you are really into Halloween. But in the end I found the wicked harvest to be a little too lean.
Two and 1/2 not-too-scary scarecrows.
A shadow from the Gray family's past has returned for revenge. Can you save your family from their worst nightmares?
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 26 found this review helpful
Color of Fright Uses Borrowed Paints
PostedNovember 6, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Setting: It's the annual Gray family reunion held at the house of John and Lucia - which is actually a huge estate on the scale of a king's country mansion. When you arrive, your entire family is missing - taken by the stereotypical disturbed artist, Thomas Gray who, to add to his list of issues, is also adopted.
We often see an element of one game repeated in another. Remember, for example, portals? Apparently now wolves are the element du jour. Is it because it is winter in the northern hemisphere? Also, the previously used "drawings come to life" trick is pulled out again *yawn*.
I have played one earlier game in this series, The Legacy (oh yes, it had something to do with wolves). But in case you haven't, there is a nice scrapbook in the game where you can review all the past trials and travails of the Gray family.
The drawing is very high quality, this game has a nice look and there is a lot going on in the scenes. One difference here is that some scenes require "panning" both left and right to observe the entire scene. You also have the ability to interact with many elements in the scenes, so be very active with your mouse clicks - you may be surprised what happens.
I found the game play of HO's and mini games to be rather ordinary. They are very easy, designed for those who like simpler play. Nothing was really memorable or unique during the demo.
This CE has a bonus chapter, strategy guide, morphing objects, collectible items, 24 collectible monsters, 18 achievements and the usual other pseudo extras like wallpapers.
I skimmed a few reviews and some were very positive. Not sure why, I didn't see much to howl at here.
Rating this at 3 tired, but apparently popular, wolves
When minotaurs attack, only you can save the day.
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 37 found this review helpful
What's Your Idea of A Golden Age?
PostedNovember 1, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
In the intro, we are told that Queen Sophia's reign was a "golden age" for humans. On the screen we see someone's idea of this golden age: laundry hangs itself on the line. Whatever your idea of a golden age is, it's got to include that, right?
You are Sasha. Your world is inhabited by humans and minotaurs. The minotaurs are huge, three to four times the size of the humans. And they are marching to attack. Why? It has to do with their water supply. To avoid a war, you must find out the problem with the water Other human characters are Prince Cedric, a little girl Caity, and a General (the "greatest General ever!").
You also have a "hoopoe" which is a bird helper you get to name. Prince Cedric has the useful ability to create fire. You have an "all-seeing pendant" with which you uncover enchanted areas, and a "magic map" which is just a display of locations you can transport to. By now you should have the flavor.
The problem I have with this is - SPOILER ALERT - the minotaurs, with their deep voices, could easily destroy the humans if they were actually the vicious beasts they appear to be . However, it turns out they are really intelligent, even sensitive creatures who are wiling to cooperate to resolve a problem. So the story loses some steam midway through the demo.
The game play is very easy, I was never in doubt about what to do and the mini games were simplified so that they should not be a challenge to anyone.
This Collector's Edition (CE) has 46 well hidden collectible fairy's, nine achievements, but only three fixed difficulty levels.
The artwork is well done, it is a very pleasing game to look at, heavy on the greens and rendered in a fantasy style. I hope I am not being sexist by stating my opinion that this will appeal more to female players than to male. I base that opinion primarily on the story and drawing style (and maybe the laundry thing). I found the game to be nice, but not too interesting.
Three nice, friendly minotaurs for The Golden Age
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 34 found this review helpful
Queen of Flames is Smokin' Hot!
PostedOctober 31, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Medieval times. Castles, dragons, kingdoms, curses, medallions and..um...banshees. I think that covers it. Those elements alone will cause this to be a sure "fire" sale for many fishes - but there is more, much more.
Setting: You are Valera, the daughter of a blacksmith, and your mother is deceased. Your town of Northpearl is under attack from fiery banshees (Note: these characters are the weakest part of the game as they are the typical hooded, red-eyed soulless villains we’ve seen in dozens of other games). You must escape and reach the Ivory Tower and speak to the Queen - because surely she can do something. Your friend Nathaniel will help you. For male characters in these games, Nathaniel and a later character are two of the better ones.
The artwork is very well done, both in the standard as well as the cut scenes. The palette is heavy on the browns, golds and reds but is varied enough to keep your interest. For a fantasy game, the style has more realistic elements than most other games in this genre, but it still sticks to its fantasy roots.
I liked the fact that the game play is quite varied. The puzzles are all quite different variations. I don’t think any of them have truly unique elements, but most represent a unique, or at least unusual, combination of elements. Hidden objects are primarily the standard list types with interaction for a few items. Most of the puzzles and HOS are easy to complete.
There are four levels of difficulty, including a custom level. I don’t usually mention tutorials as I always decline them. However, this game presents a third option: a tutorial only for special features of this game. Great idea. The special features include magic boots and a medallion with special powers.
The CE version has 57 collectible flames, morphing objects (hard to find), 15 achievements, bonus level, strategy guide (did not use, but chs. 1 & 2 are in demo), 20 cards and 2 card games and other things that I refer to as pseudo extras which, if you have read any of my other reviews (thank you so much, by the way!) you know I do not care about. Both versions have a journal and a jump map.
These type stories are normally not my favorite, but I purchased the CE. While the story went in some strange directions at times, I did enjoy the game - especially the high quality of artwork, varied game play, and good length.
Five fiery banshees
I recommend this game!
A fire breaks out during a concert, and now your daughters are both missing. Hurry to track them down – their music may hold the key to life and death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
38 of 43 found this review helpful
Bland Recital "Sparks" A Hot Pursuit
PostedOctober 30, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The setting: You are at the North Italy Music Festival listening to your daughters, Amelie and Bernadette, play in the children's orchestra. Suddenly a fire breaks out in the theater and your children are led away by a mysterious masked man. I do not want to give away too much, but this all has to do with "the healing power of music." (Note: this is the second in the series, the first tile is The Pianist which I have not played)
In somewhat of a paradox, even though you play the girls' mother (she is also a musician), you perform a lot of non-musical, non-feminine tasks in this game. One thing that you do musically is transcribe music into written form. You'll do this over and over you help you to progress. However, you'll also shoot machine guns, repair tractors and other mechanical things.
Throughout the game there are small symbols to collect which, when you have the set of three, which will unlock a "secret file." These files fill in the back story about why your children are in danger. Other than these, there are no other collectibles or morphing objects. There is a jump map - or rather a display of locations - and a journal.
Hidden objects scenes are infrequent as this game presents more puzzles than HO's Types encountered were simple list with interaction, put back in place, and progressive. Puzzles and mini-games were a nice twist, none were very difficult but every one fit nicely into the arts and music theme of the story.
The drawing was a little grainy, but I did not mind. This is a dark story, so bright, shiny and clear would not be appropriate. A nice touch by the developers has a scene change from day to night as time passes. There's plenty of detail in the surroundings, but I though it was somewhat lacking in the appearance of the other game characters. Voices were mostly good except for the masked man's who was not frightening enough for my tastes.
This Collector's Edition has a strategy guide (two chapters in demo) and the usual pseudo extras. I had to consult the strategy guide only because the instructions for a mini game were unclear. It does remember your last page.
I enjoyed playing the demo, I liked the puzzles and was interested in the story, but is it worth the price of a CE? Lacking any useful extras, the SE seems to be a better way to conduct this orchestra.
Seek the help of Lemuel Barnabas and unravel the mystery of what happened to Halloween in this ludicrous and imaginative hidden object adventure.
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 20 found this review helpful
Babes In Pumpkinland
PostedOctober 28, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game is um... different, for sure. It is really an adventure game trying to disguise itself as a hidden object game. In fact the HO's are not there unless you play on the easiest setting (there are three).
What is the story? Well, I played the entire demo and I cannot tell you. It actually got less clear as I progressed. All I could gather is I was a young boy (with a girl's voice) and I have "borrowed" my father's Halloween book. The rest is a mystery to me. The entire demo I constantly found myself not knowing what to do, where to go or why. Oh there were objectives that popped up on the screen, but they were not helpful at all.
In the beginning. there is a lot of dialog which is clumsily drowned out by the music. After that however, the music stops and play continues in an awkward silence. The navigation style is reminiscent of older games, i.e. navigation arrows can be located anywhere, not consistently placed. There was also a loading delay between scenes.
Hints take a while to recharge. Why do I mention this? Since I often had no idea what was going on, there was little choice except to use them. (pssst: Steve does not like to use hints )
There was potential here. The artwork is fine, though a little grainy. The puzzles are a little cryptic, but good. There are tiny collectible candies. Unfortunately it lacks a coherent story, even if it is a fantasy. In my opinion, this seemed to be directed towards children (i.e. sneaking around behind parents, talking with animals, etc.) But there are too many problems so I don't think I could recommend it for them either.
Lost Halloween was lost on me. Two evil pumpkins.
I don't recommend this game.