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:
Track down a vampire hiding on a Mississippi riverboat cruise.
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 26 found this review helpful
Vampire Hunting, Bayou Style
PostedOctober 25, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In the latest installment in the Myths of the World series, you are a vampire hunter. You have a partner, Simon. The assignment is to travel to the Louisiana bayou after the vampire Benjamin Brooks.
The story moves to several different locations so there is not one overriding theme to the artwork, except it is heavy on the reds as you might expect in a game dealing with vampires. The music tracks are very subtle, just enough there to play with your mind and add a bit of tension where needed. The voices are suitable to the characters and well acted.
For game play, it seems the developers decided to bring out everything in their "bag of tricks." There are hidden objects - quite large, by the way - lists, progression, riddles, puzzles, mini-games within mini-games, potions, spells, runes, symbols, ancient rites, you name it and it is in there. Oh, and there is a bubble shooter option for the hidden objects should that be your preference. There is something here for all types of players.
There are three fixed levels of play and one custom, where there are sliders to set hint and skip recharge times and other settings.
This CE has 43 collectible roses, 14 morphing objects, an undetermined number of golden goblets, 21 achievements, a souvenir room, bonus level, strategy guide and the usual other pseudo extras.
There is not much happening in the story itself. There is little "chemistry" between you and your partner Simon. And generally, I am not interested in vampire stories. Despite that fact, I very much enjoyed playing this demo due to the varied and engaging mini-games and puzzles. These were well thought out and I found them fun to play. Hopefully, the story will improve later on in the game.
Four and 1/2 Black Roses.
I recommend this game!
You are the key to solving a chilling supernatural mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 39 found this review helpful
13 Keys To Open An Ordinary Door
PostedOctober 23, 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
3
/
5
Setting: you play investigator Emma Roberts, who has been summoned to the Hotel Berkeley by the stunning Caroline who owns the hotel with her husband Gilbert. It seems that ghosts are scaring away the guests. For experienced gamers, this will not be an original story line. However, many of us like scary games and if they are done right we can excuse a lack of originality. The time period is not specified, but it could be present day, though the Hotel itself is (naturally) quite old.
The drawing palette is varied, a lot of blues and greens for mood as well as reds and yellows for seasonal flavor. The style is typical of games of this type, kind of a semi-realistic fantasy. There is little or no music or sounds. The voice acting is mostly good, but some of the "scare" sequences were cartoonish (i.e. Ha ha ha!)
For those who like fairly easy play, you should enjoy this as there is a very straightforward and linear flow to the play. I encountered about the same number of hidden object scenes as mini-games during the demo. The HO scenes are pretty standard with a few twists (I vowed never to use the word ____pile). Some are progressive, but they are also very easy to follow. Those who prefer can play a jigsaw puzzle in place of the HO scenes. Mini-games were mostly simple to complete as well, with solutions mostly trial and error. During the demo period I found only one puzzle that required some thought.
There are four levels of difficulty including a custom level. There is a tutorial and the option of a limited tutorial - special features only. There is also something called a map which is not, however it does enable you to jump from scene to scene.
This Collector's Edition has 33 morphing objects, 30 collectible items, as well as a strategy guide, bonus level and the usual assorted pseudo extras.
I found no problems with this game. On the other hand, I didn't find anything about it that was especially well done or memorable. Also, due to the straightforward nature of the play, I have concerns about game length. I'll rate this three and 1/2 slightly scary ghosts.
Death needs help from the only detective he trusts – you!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
Hi There, I'm Death And I Need Your Help!
PostedOctober 16, 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
Setting: You play 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 you didn't come here for logical stories, did you?
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. There is a key making device. There is also a device that lets you "talk to the dead." That was all during the demo, but 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 there is not 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 none are customizable.
This CE has 3 collectible figures which are all found in the first chapter. There are also 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, just to escape the tedium. The devices made it necessary to transport back to your office too often, interrupting the play. The story was not appealing or sensible enough to overcome the weak voices and easy play.
I'll give this three stars for effort, but I don't want a memento.
I don't recommend this game.
Every second counts in this breathtaking paranormal adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 26 found this review helpful
An Adult Game About Children
PostedOctober 11, 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
Setting: 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. It is this: there are times when the music drowns out the voices of the characters, especially the boy. Is this a "deal breaker?" I don't know, 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, slightly faded, palette. The music and sounds are suited to the period. The cut scenes are pretty well done in a 3-D style which was OK, but had a bit of a dated feel to it.
Those who prefer fewer hidden object scenes will be pleased as there are not too many of them. The ones there are present as progressive, silhouette, and standard types. However, there were not too many puzzles or mini games either, most of the other play consisted of opening locks and specific action sequences. The action sequences were 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, but unfortunately it is not always clear when to use him.
There are collectible items in this version which were not in the sneak peek version. To me, these appeared added in for no apparent purpose other than to sell a CE version. Also these were drawn in a cartoonish style, and not consistent with the drawing style 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!
People have been disappearing in the town of Ridleton for the past 15 years... Can you weather the storm and solve the case?
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 39 found this review helpful
Wind Whispers, Says "Wait for the SE"
PostedOctober 4, 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
3
/
5
The setting: You are a detective summoned to the town of Ridleton to investigate the disappearance of several townspeople and other strange occurrences. The first person to disappear was a blacksmith who vanished 15 years ago on the same day that his blind daughter received her sight. Since then the grown daughter, Emily, has become a huntress in search of her father.
I do not want to give away more elements of the story, but suffice it to say that it's nothing really new. The artwork and cut scenes are ok, but this game does not have a particular look that stands out except that blues and purples are prominent. There is a slight delay between scenes but I did not find it distracting.
You have a helper in the form of a red panda to do your reaching and getting. You can name the panda via the Extras menu. To get the panda to complete each task, you have to click the mouse several times. After the first couple times, this became somewhat annoying.
Game play is super easy, both for hidden objects and mini-games. Hidden objects are fairly easy to spot and puzzles have simple solutions. You probably won't need to take any playing notes because it is pretty clear what to do next. There were times in the demo when there was only one thing you could do.
This CE has 168 collectible "flames." No real challenge there, and there is a fly-out to tell you when you have collected all the ones in the scene. There is extra play in a Bonus Chapter and a Hidden Chapter, and the typical pseudo extra stuff.
This is another fairly easy game where you fight some evil force to win the day. I found no major problems with it, but neither did it whisper "buy me!' in my ear. If you liked the description, I would recommend waiting for the SE because there isn't much here other than the swirling wind.
Two and 1/2 quiet whispers
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
45 of 61 found this review helpful
Queen of Flames is Smokin' Hot!
PostedOctober 2, 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
4
/
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. (side 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.
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.
This CE 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 a 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. You also have a journal and a map.
These type stories are not my favorite, but I would consider purchasing this one because of the high quality of artwork and varied game play.
Five fiery banshees for Queen of Flames.
I recommend this game!
Prove the innocence of a young queen before she is put to death for a crime she didn't commit!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 19 found this review helpful
King to Queen: "Talk to Me"
PostedSeptember 28, 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
3
/
5
I am writing this review from memory (played the demo yesterday) so if I get something wrong please excuse. I'll not write about anything I'm not sure about.
Setting: You play a Healer who has been summoned by a king to the Kingdom of Eagles to help his queen who has never spoken (I am so tempted to write a comment here about a husband wanting his wife to speak more, but that's all I'll say before people start throwing things). The king's mother is another party who has an interest and tries to influence her son. All dark magic was banned in the past by the kings mother because magic caused the downfall of a neighboring kingdom, the Kingdom of Swans. The queen came from this kingdom.
The artwork is very stunning, colorful and in the expected style for this type game, kind of a fantasy, dreamy and idealized look. It is definitely a place you would like to spend some time just wandering around. The voices were well acted and convincing, but the voice chosen for the king's mother did not fit her appearance in my opinion. Sounds and music were high quality and complemented the game.
HOPs and mini games were well drawn and executed. Nothing was too hard once I realized what to do. I was playing on the middle difficulty level and sometimes I was not sure what action to take. I had to click around a lot but there are instructions for most tasks, I just had to find them. There is a jump map as well. Since you are a Healer, you can expect to make remedies and other concoctions.
In this CE, there are 31 collectible "sigils" which is a snake-like symbol. Some of these were cleverly hidden, but they're in plain sight. The menu shows a total of 17 HOGs and 23 mini-games. Bonus play and strategy guide are included as expected.
Other than the artwork, I was not WOW-ed by this. But then these "kingdom" games are not usually a favorite of mine. This one is easy to look at, has an ok if slightly predictable story, and will no doubt provide a light escape for a few hours.
Three dark swans out of five.
Tragedy strikes a popular Parisian cabaret when their star dancer is murdered! Gather the suspects and unmask the killer.
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 47 found this review helpful
Rouge, French For Murder
PostedSeptember 25, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
From the title you know this takes place in Paris. The year is not noted, but these are horse and carriage days. The famous artist Henri Lautrec summons you, detective Madame Roche, to investigate the murder of Sophie, a young and talented entertainer at the famous club. But before you get very far in your investigation, another terrible event occurs.
The drawing is beautifully done and the locations are distinct and imaginative. However the artwork is not sharply defined, so there is a slightly fuzzy aspect to each scene. The palette is full of reds (rouge), yellows and browns and scenes are highly detailed.
Voice acting was well done with a variety of voices. Did you hear it? There was even a nice, subtle echo effect in one scene where appropriate. However, despite their best efforts I could still detect a background Russian accent in most of the actors. Nevertheless, it was only slight and the characters came to life as they should.
A "must have" for any detective is a forensic kit. Yours is rather simple, consisting of cotton swabs (did they have them back then?), gloves, tweezers, and a magnifying glass. Another detective staple is an evidence board, which shows the suspects, their background, and connection to the victim and/or any evidence.
Game play is mostly puzzle based with a few hidden objects thrown in. The menu shows there are 25 mini-games and 14 HOPs. This Collector's Edition includes replay of all those plus a bonus HOP. There are also 41 collectible windmills, bonus chapter, and the strategy guide. Other (pseudo) extras are a codex which tells the story of the characters, a making of movie, pictures, movies, music, and souvenir room.
There is a map which is a jump map. Typical of recent games it is really just a view showing the different locations, not really a true map. But you will use it frequently. There is also a match 3 option for HOPs which, as you might guess, was not explored by this reviewer. There are three standard difficulty levels, plus a fully customizable fourth level.
This has a lot going for it. An interesting story and characters, exotic and intriguing locations, and an abundance of interactive puzzles and games. It's also not too difficult so it should appeal to many levels of players.
Four 1/2 rouge roses for Moulin Rouge
I recommend this game!
When her children are kidnapped by a mysterious conductor, a mother jumps on an antique train and finds herself surrounded by unusual passengers.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 15 found this review helpful
Runaway Success
PostedSeptember 23, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The year is 1996. You and your two children are enjoying a train exhibition. They are off exploring when suddenly the "exhibition" train begins to move! Uh-oh! Children! "Mommy, mommy!" Too late you realize that this is no ordinary train.
I'll stop there as I don't want to include spoilers. But this is not really a missing children story as much as it is a murder mystery. And the story does not take place in 1996. Your detective work involves collecting evidence and sorting it on your evidence board. There are more puzzles than hidden object scenes based on the trial time. There is also a journal - and that's good because there are many facts to remember.
There is an old-school feel to the game because of the drawing style and that the scenes have few interactive areas. So it is somewhat stiff. On the flip side, the hidden object scenes have a lot of interaction. They are progressive style, and you'll sometimes need your evidence kit to find items. Puzzles are also innovative in design, interesting and challenging though they won't WOW you from a technical standpoint.
Voices are pleasant to hear and well acted, though the french accents are a little forced. Sounds are good. This may be a first: they actually have a tinkling sound for the old "key dropping on the newspaper" trick. On the minus side, you still have to click on keys to turn them.
Seems like an interesting and satisfying game, especially if you are a fan of murder mysteries. Rescue your kids, solve a murder and don't miss the Runaway Express.
Four choo-choos
I recommend this game!
Princess Selene's vivid dreams warn that her marriage foretells disaster – but only you can break the magical spell threatening both your lives!
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 33 found this review helpful
Dream of Ruin is a Nightmare to Play
PostedSeptember 20, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Prince Armus of the kingdom of Aeria asks for the hand of Princess Selene, of the kingdom of Tida, (pronounced tye-dah) in marriage. She wants to say yes, but has had a recurring dream of her kingdom in flames and her mother, Queen Beatrix, dead. When she refuses the offer, she is cursed into an unconscious state. Queen Beatrix binds your life (you're the Ambassador who delivered the marriage proposal) to Selene's life. You have to find a way to lift the curse before Selene dies.
As you may have gathered from the summary, this is one of those kingdom, dragons, princess, portal, powers, and potions games. Those of you who like these games understand all the "rules" that apply here. Well at least I hope you do, because I did not. Adding to that, there is little, if any, on screen help - which I did not mind too much. Problem was that when I DID figure out what to do, most of the time it was illogical. I'm not talking fantasy game illogical, I mean just off the wall illogical. So that reduced the fun factor quite a bit.
Another thing that is not fun is when the game crashes on you. This happened to me twice during the trial - so I am leery of possible bugs. The last puzzle was a painting puzzle and I don't care for those anyway so it was time to quit.
The game is puzzle-heavy (19) and hidden object light (7). There are 25 collectible cards (5 each for 5 characters) which will complete the character's stories. There are achievements and the three standard non-customizable modes of difficulty.
I don't like games that I cannot make sense out of and end up wandering around without a clue. If I wanted that, I'd go play an adventure game. However, if this is your kind of game, I'd get the CE because you're probably going to need the strategy guide - that is, unless you know all the "rules" for these games.
This is a dream I hope never recurs. Two fiery dragons out of five.
I don't recommend this game.