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:
The town of Green Hill has really gone to the birds!
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 36 found this review helpful
Raven Story Is Too Much to "Swallow"
PostedJanuary 30, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Terrible patchwork story of amulets, little red riding hood, the birds, the raven, black-smoke bogeymen, disappearing people, and over the top drama. Oh, and I forgot the flaming enchanted fox. All in one game, and that was just the trial period. Sorry, this was just too much for me to "swallow."
Add to that the utterly simplistic and easy game play, and mini-games which are far from puzzling.
No, pretty art work is not enough, this one fails to deliver. If you must try it, I recommend you unscrew your head before playing.
I don't recommend this game.
The wolf spirit still haunts… will you heed its call?
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 29 found this review helpful
"Myths" Cries Wolf
PostedJanuary 23, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game has fine artwork and production values. I really enjoyed the last "Myths" Chinese Healer.
However this one unfortunately is burdened with a lame storyline and even lamer voice actors. I am not generally drawn to games that feature an amulet, however this game's downfall is more substantive.
There are also many minor quirks such as your character #an expert in Native American symbolism# driving a '57 chevy convertible through the desert. #is it not possible to draw a newer car?# And putting "AA" size batteries into a flashlight that clearly uses "D" batteries? And wooden darts? Are those sold anywhere in the last 2 decades? Some of the other objects to find were just unidentifiable.
The end for me #where I quit the demo# was when the wolf character spoke to me. The voice of this character was so bad it was a deal-breaker. These characters are supposed to be Native Americans from long ago. They sound nothing like it. Not even close.
There is an incomprehensibly tedious maze puzzle where you guide two birds to a nest. Very easy, waste of time, no feeling of accomplishment.
Besides that, the music is mind-numbingly repetitive. Perhaps this game would be acceptable if you turn OFF the sound #as opposed to the developer's recommendation#.
Pretty artwork is not enough anymore. We need story and good voice acting.
I don't recommend this game.
Your strange travels continue in this sequel to the exciting game that took you on an Amaranthine Voyage…
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 24 found this review helpful
Living Mountain-top Experience!
PostedJanuary 17, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is possibly the best game, at least from a technical standpoint, that I have ever played. The artwork is absolutely some of the finest I have seen, every scene is well detailed and spectacularly drawn.
The voice acting is similarly first class, making the characters and story come to life in a manner that borders on realism. Someone once wrote (ahem) that this aspect of the game helps to "suspend your disbelief" and this game truly does that. The combination of the artwork and voice acting draw you into the story the way a great game does.
The hidden object scenes are also clear and sharp, though they are fairly easy to complete. In at least one there were three different "levels," with the camera automatically panning to the next scene as each was completed. Well done.
I played the first in the series, Tree of Life, however I don't remember too much but apparently this is a continuation. Nevertheless, if you did not this game stands on its own.
Music is nice and soothing and hardly noticeable. Sounds effects are good, including the footsteps of shoes on a marble floor.
There is a "cute" helper in what looks to be a beagle puppy, Bonnie. She's so cute that even though I ordinarily do not care for helpers, I cannot help but like her.
There are collectible fairies and dog biscuits. There are also achievements for finding several objects in a short time and finishing hidden object scenes without mistakes or within a certain time.
Wish they were all of this quality.
All in all a great game, truly worthy of five star's.
All in all a great game, truly worthy of five star's.
I recommend this game!
Excursions of Evil
Audrey makes her living writing about her extreme adventures. But will she be able to retell this tale?
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 11 found this review helpful
Excruciating Excursion
PostedJanuary 15, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The main game page says this has an "Engaging storyline" and "Mind bending mini-games." All I can say is, uhh.... no.
There is not much of a story except that you are "investigating" an alleged murder-suicide at an old mansion. Well, they actually say someone named Greenwich (rhymes with sandwich) "murdered everyone including himself" - whatever that means. Along the way, you are sent arcade type games on your (pink) phone that you have to achieve a certain score to continue. You also receive "jokers" which allow you to prolong the game so you can reach the score without starting over.
Otherwise, it is one hidden object scene after another, which actually are somewhat difficult. After completing, you are given either an object (unrelated to the objects just found) or a joker. There are also a few mini games which hardly qualify as "mind bending" unless you have, umm.... a very simple mind.
The artwork I found to be a positive. It is high quality and highly detailed. Unfortunately, most of it you just look at as there is little to interact with.
Navigation was clunky because navigation arrows can be anywhere, left, right, up, or down. You have to visit all the scenes to continue so use your mouse to make sure you don't miss an area.
This game might be more appreciated by pre- to early teenaged children, especially female. Personally, I felt like I had lost some intelligence after playing the demo.
I'll skip this excursion.
I don't recommend this game.
Your daughter Cathie has been kidnapped by an evil creature! Solve the mystery of the elephant and bring Cathie home!
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 23 found this review helpful
A Game Even An Elephant Can Forget
PostedJanuary 14, 2014
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Since many fishes quit after only a few minutes, I'll recount the story (this is all revealed during the demo so I do not consider it a spoiler, but don't read the next paragraph if you don't want to know.#.
You and your daughter are enjoying a lovely day in the park when unexplainedly a young boy appears with an elephant toy. He causes you and your daughter to be sucked into a portal and get separated. When you awake,your daughter telephones and tells you she is trapped in a castle, before ringing off with a terrifying #or not# "Ahhhhhhhhh!" Eventually you make it to the castle and discover the boy, who says he is sorry and relates this story: He used to live in the castle with his parents when one night a robber broke in and killed both his parents. The robber was about to kill the boy too, when the boy's pet elephant #yes, pet elephant - c'mon it's a game!# intervenes and sacrifices himself for the boy. The elephant and robber die, but what emerges is an evil vampire who forces the boy to kidnap children. Your task, the boy says, is to get a certain cross artifact and use it to defeat the vampire and get your daughter back. Got it?
Besides the appallingly convoluted story, the game itself is very mediocre. It did not pique #that's correct# my interest. I thought the drawing and artwork were fine, done in a realistic style. The hidden object scenes were more difficult than the standard game, owing to a darker palette and partially hidden objects. There are varying types, such as silhouette. Objects that required additional action to find are NOT highlighted or otherwise indicated, adding to the difficulty. Mini games were quite easy. Music and sounds were hardly noticeable, voice overs fine #except your daughter's, which failed to terrify#.
The scenes also do not close automatically when finished, you have to close them. One plus - you do not have to click on keys to turn them, just put them in the lock - finally a game gets it right!
But that's about all they got right so I can't recommend this one unless you have a free coupon.
I don't recommend this game.
Charon's train has left the station, and you’ll never believe who’s on board!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
"Haunted Train" Fails to Leave the Station
PostedJanuary 11, 2014
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sorry, I did not like this one. It did not feel "creepy" as others described. It was trying to, but came off instead as ... uh... silly?
Others have described the basic story behind the game. It definitely had potential. However, the developers did not manage to pull this off. First of all the game is way too easy. Many times an object is picked up, then used almost immediately.
Secondly, I felt the voice acting was not convincing. This is where the game falls flat. #Ok, the story is kind of dumb too, but that applies to many games#. Voice acting, if done well, can help to "suspend your disbelief." That didn't happen here, not even close. The voices sounded to me like they were just reading lines off a page.
The drawing is well done and is of a standard with the better games. The story is set in the past #as far too many are# and a good job was done with the artwork in capturing the spirit of times gone by. The music and sound effects are helpful in this respect as well, just enough to capture the mood without being heavy-handed.
I cannot see any reason to purchase this as a CE unless you are one of the few people who wants concept art or wallpapers. I cannot conceive of anyone needing the strategy guide.
Wait for the SE and/or when you have an extra credit. Possibly even as a DD. Otherwise, I will wait for the "next train."
I don't recommend this game.
You thought this would be just like any other investigation. But now you find yourself lost in a mysterious mansion brimming with strange creatures, comatose colleagues, and mysterious tentacles around every corner...
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
Nightmare Dwellers is a dream come true
PostedDecember 27, 2013
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the demo:
Absolutely loved this game.
Short description: it is delightfully weird.
Short description: it is delightfully weird.
Demented but clever, is that possible? Well, it seems to be here. At last a game that does not take itself too seriously. You will almost certainly laugh at the crazy, kooky characters. It does have a semi-serious story about a mysterious stolen skull causing paranormal activity, which allows it's possessor Dr. Blackmoor to make dreams (or rather nightmares) into reality.
The fun part is that along the way you interact with so many goofy animals, and each one is uniquely funny, strange, and lovable at the same time. The voices and sounds for these are also well done.
The puzzles and mini-games are similarly unique (can I say that?), and the hidden object scenes are multidimensional, requiring plenty of interaction. There is a match three option but I did not attempt it, it was too much fun the "normal" way.
You also need a sharp eye to explore every possible area on the screen or you may miss something important. Active areas are not as obvious as in some other games. That said, nothing seems too difficult and instructions are clear.
Clues are given in various ways, many by looking through strange glasses at a large eye symbol, where you are required to match a number of dual symbols together in a line. You will do this exercise over and over as you progress, but these are not really that difficult either (< 1 minute).
It is almost impossible not to enjoy playing.
I recommend this game!
Gatsby's criminal past intrudes as Judy, a young architect, is caught up in a kidnapper's scheme to unearth the socialite's secret treasure.
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 25 found this review helpful
Nearly, but not quite, Great
PostedDecember 25, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Anything associated with The Great Gatsby attracts my interest (except the last movie) and this was no exception. In the opening cut scene, there is an "homage" to Dr. T.J Eckleburg from the novel. That was cool. And the story mentions other characters from the novel like Nick, Daisy and Wolfsheim (perhaps more as you progress since it seems intent on telling the love story of the novel as well as the mystery story within the game).
The mystery story is, Where is Gatsby's treasure? You have to find it to save the life of your friend Amy, who was mysteriously kidnapped by person unknown in order to force you (an architect assigned to restore the mansion) to locate the treasure. Ok, it is not the "greatest" story (pun!) but if you are into Gatsby, the atmosphere of the game is good enough to continue playing.
There are quite a few hidden object scenes and they are a higher difficulty than we usually see, and fewer mini-games, which are fairly easy. Since you are in a dilapidated old mansion and grounds, the scenes are dark and cluttered which adds to the difficulty, but not unfairly so (in my opinion). There is also an adventure game-like feel as it is not always clear where to go, what to do, and this requires some exploration.
There are many sound effects which, while realistic, seemed over the top at times, a little too much creaking, squeaking and clattering for my taste. Also there are a lot of locked doors (as expected), but WHY OH WHY do we have to also click ON the keys to turn them? Annoying.
Voice overs were just OK, I thought the main character Judy, and the voice of Daisy's daughter were seemingly done by the same person - which could pass if not for the fact that they were having a conversation with each other.
The mouse cursor was very sensitive to clicking in the exact spot necessary. Many times I was using the correct object in the correct scene but apparently was not clicking in the correct spot for the desired action.
There was a brief lag when traveling between scenes, just long enough to notice but not long enough to be annoying.
Having said all that, I liked the game and will probably purchase, despite the flaws.
If you are not into Gatsby, this game will not seem that great (pun again!) but if you are, I recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Jessica would never imagine that her big day would turn out to be a nightmare; they had an accident and Jonathan McNealy, her husband is missing.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 21 found this review helpful
Enjoyable creepiness
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
PROS
1. Plays in full widescreen.
2. Well drawn, atmospheric scenes, just enough creepiness.
3. Voiceovers are well done, add depth to characters.
4. Music and sounds are cool, add to the creepiness without being annoying.
5. Hidden objects are clear, objects are large
6. Story is interesting, if not original, and moves along well.
1. Plays in full widescreen.
2. Well drawn, atmospheric scenes, just enough creepiness.
3. Voiceovers are well done, add depth to characters.
4. Music and sounds are cool, add to the creepiness without being annoying.
5. Hidden objects are clear, objects are large
6. Story is interesting, if not original, and moves along well.
CONS
1. When starting a fire, do not start one as it’s done in the game. Injury may result.
2. Some of the “hidden objects” are nearly off the screen completely.
3. Lacks originality. Starts with car going off road, crashing, someone missing etc.
1. When starting a fire, do not start one as it’s done in the game. Injury may result.
2. Some of the “hidden objects” are nearly off the screen completely.
3. Lacks originality. Starts with car going off road, crashing, someone missing etc.
Overall, I liked the game.
Consider a purchase or definitely if you have a credit.
Consider a purchase or definitely if you have a credit.
Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Experience a story about love so strong, it can overcome the most powerful evil! Explore visually stunning mystical dimensions and rescue your fiance!
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 26 found this review helpful
what might have been
PostedFebruary 17, 2013
steve_san
fromPhiladelphia PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This review is based on the full one-hour trial period.
PROS:
1. Well drawn, many scenes, good sound effects, not much music.
2. Mini-games are not too difficult.
3. Morphing objects to collect.
4. Interactive map with active areas, jump to scene.
5. Hidden object scenes are interactive.
1. Well drawn, many scenes, good sound effects, not much music.
2. Mini-games are not too difficult.
3. Morphing objects to collect.
4. Interactive map with active areas, jump to scene.
5. Hidden object scenes are interactive.
CONS:
1. Opening scene begins with the wrong perspective. Based on the cutscene, the woman should have been inside, not on the patio.
2. There are a large number of times that objects are used strangely. For example you use a (spoiler alert) machete to clear cobwebs.
3. I have never seen sparkles so overdone in any other game. It appears to be a mini-snowstorm at times (and normally I don't mind them).
4. Like Enchantia, the storyline appeals more to the XX population, not so much for the guys. I thought it kind of silly. The "succubus" was a little over-the-top.
5. I did not play the first Sacra Terra, so I have no idea why she has a spell book lying around.
1. Opening scene begins with the wrong perspective. Based on the cutscene, the woman should have been inside, not on the patio.
2. There are a large number of times that objects are used strangely. For example you use a (spoiler alert) machete to clear cobwebs.
3. I have never seen sparkles so overdone in any other game. It appears to be a mini-snowstorm at times (and normally I don't mind them).
4. Like Enchantia, the storyline appeals more to the XX population, not so much for the guys. I thought it kind of silly. The "succubus" was a little over-the-top.
5. I did not play the first Sacra Terra, so I have no idea why she has a spell book lying around.
Still, seems like a good game. Too bad there were so many hiccups, it could have been a lot better.
Three stars out of five
I recommend this game!