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:
You are the private detective Hercule Poirot and, once again, you find yourself up against a mysterious serial killer who goes by the name of "ABC".
Overall rating
4
/
5
99 of 106 found this review helpful
ABC is not so simple
PostedAugust 15, 2017
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is really an adventure game, I'm not sure why BFG has classified it as Hidden Object (I did not encounter any HO's in the trial). It is a murder mystery where you'll question witnesses, find clues, solve puzzles and try to arrive at logical deductions. It is based on one of Dame Christie's most famous novels, The ABC Murders. It features Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective, and his assistant Captain Hastings.
The artwork and cut scenes are done in a simple style, very clear and clean. Detail is minimal but adequate. Voices are fairly well done, especially Poirot's. Regarding dialog, you are given question choices when interviewing witnesses, and the questions you choose can affect their attitude and cooperation. There is background music that is simple, pleasant and relaxing.
The game provides ample instructions on how to navigate, examine items, and earn extra points and trophies for acting the same way Poirot, the master detective, would act. Nevertheless, the navigation took me a little getting used to, The mouse is also used to manipulate objects for examination and to solve puzzles. This also took some getting used to. However, by the end of the trial I was comfortable with it. Each time a scene loads, there is a reminder of how to access additional game features, i.e. reconstruction of a crime.
As a fan of Dame Christie I found both the game and story engaging. Prepare yourself to experience a slow pace, keep a sharp eye for clues and, most importantly, engage your "little gray cells" and I think you'll enjoy it too. Eh, bien mon ami!
I recommend this game!
Join two tribes of dinosaur tamers and help them save their world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 29 found this review helpful
Feast For My Beast and Sugar For My Honey
PostedJuly 15, 2017
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
What's happening: You are archaeologist Eve Glover reopening an expedition into caves in Montana. A prior expedition was abandoned because of an earthquake. You enter a world with prehistoric creatures and two rival tribes. A giant meteor threatens. Will the two tribes be able to cooperate to open the shelter, or will they literally devour each other?
I found the dinosaur theme to be a refreshing change. That said, this game is not exactly groundbreaking. Many of the all-too-familiar story elements and characters are still included (but no zipper pull). You also use a device called a kinetic beacon. However, I found the trial period interesting enough, although the way it ended was predictable and a little disappointing. Voices are well done and fit the characters. The music is very pleasant.
The colors are somewhat washed out and the scenes are a little flat but not hard on the eyes. The game play itself is pretty linear with very little backtracking. The puzzles are kind of interesting and simple and HOPs are fairly easy too. Usually these last two can make a game boring so I can understand those who feel that way. However I was not bored during the trial, perhaps because the story was different enough to hold my interest. Note: the HOPs to mini game ratio is 13 / 21.
CE extras: Thirty collectible dinosaur symbols (degree of difficulty about 6/10). Souvenir Room. Strategy Guide. Replay of HOPs and mini games. Pseudo extra stuff.
Since I enjoyed the trial I will recommend the game. And besides, where else can you ride a dinosaur! Three and a half stars for a light, refreshing frolic in dinosaur land. Be sure to finish before the meteor hits.
I recommend this game!
A dark fog is taking over Bremen!
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 40 found this review helpful
Bremen Beasts dance to "The Magic Flute"
PostedFebruary 16, 2017
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I usually begin a review with the story's setting. However, I am going to make an exception in this case because, while it's not egregiously bad (at least by these games' standards), I did think it was somewhat silly. To summarize: beasts, music, and fog - lots of fog. Enough said.
In contrast to the story, the artwork and cut scenes are very well done, and the palette incorporates a wide range of color. The sounds and voices are also excellent, and the characters are convincing despite the story's shaky premise. There does not appear to be a "helper" (this is good).
I found the game play to be mixed. Basic play, i.e. opening locks, doors, progressing thru scenes etc. was routine and not too inspired. Likewise, the mini games - while designed seamlessly into the settings - were very simple and basic to solve. A very simple slider, and a two stage picture puzzle are examples from the demo. The hidden object scenes, however, were on another level. These were very detailed and more complex. One required scrolling across the scene. Most required more than one step to finish, and some required several. And, like the mini games, these also fit seamlessly into the story.
There are 25 collectible paper dolls and an unknown number of morphing objects. There is a "fly out" on the screen to indicate if you have collected them. Unfortunately, I could not determine the total number of puzzles and HO scenes from the menus .
In spite of my indifference to the story, I enjoyed playing the demo. I especially enjoy hidden object puzzles anyway. If this also describes you, then at least try this one out. Puzzle fans may be disappointed however, unless the remaining game play is quite different from the demo. The story may leave you in a fog, but the music may cure the savage beast in you.
I recommend this game!
Cure a deadly virus that causes patients to suffer endless nightmares!
Overall rating
4
/
5
37 of 49 found this review helpful
Night Terrors - this time, its not just hype
PostedFebruary 9, 2017
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It seems to be the latest gaming fashion to include warnings like, "Disturbing images, unlimited terror, scary beyond your wildest imagination" and the like, but this time they actually may apply. There is some weird and creepy stuff going on right from the opening videos, and the warnings shouldn't be easily shrugged off.
The story is sketchy, something about an archaeologist discovering an obelisk and an evil spirit being released - one which can only harm you if you fall asleep. Don't fall asleep! There's more but you can probably guess most of it. And of course, "you are the only one" who can set things right, etc.
The atmosphere is dark, dreary and decrepit and the colors are drab, dull and diffused (ok I used up all my d's).The voices are mostly good, but I thought some of the acting was a little over the top. As a personal touch, your player name is inserted into the story in a couple places. I'd like to see this in more games.
Game play is pretty standard; opening locks, sharpening knives, replacing missing items and, yes, there is a zipper pull.
There are 15 puzzles and 20 hidden object scenes. During the trial the puzzles were fine except for one. This was a very tedious sketching of a picture with chalk going from dot to dot. It didn't matter where you started, you just had to complete the picture. I thought this was a waste of time. On the plus side, there is a video game called Grave Racer which is played on the cell phone in the game. The hidden object scenes were much better, not all are the usual piles of (starts with "j"). They require interaction, a sharp eye and a little imagination.
This CE version is lacking in extras. Collectibles only consist of 12 figures (the game page does say these "earn bonus puzzles"). The other usual stuff is there, bonus level, strategy guide, replay of puzzles and HO's and the pseudo extra stuff like wallpapers, screensavers, music and artwork. There are four difficulty levels including Custom and a transportable map.
I finished the trial with 41 minutes remaining but there seems to be a lot of play to follow. I enjoyed the game so far, but I'm not sure if the Collector's Edition is worth the extra $$. No need to boost the terror, but I may have given 5 stars if they had boosted the extras a bit. So you may want to risk falling asleep on Night Terrors until the standard version is released. But then, will there be someone there to wake you in time?
I recommend this game!
As this young couple found, evil never asks for permission to drive a wedge between even the strongest bond.
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 20 found this review helpful
Now, where's that Cursed key?
PostedJanuary 2, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Your fiancé Albert has gone off to try to cash in on what is an obvious "get rich quick" scheme. Time passes, but you hear no word from him. You decide to investigate yourself and arrive at a large but dilapidated, creepy estate. No Albert in sight. What's happened?
This developer's (JetDog) games generally have an older feel to them and tend to be on the creepy side - no pink fairies or cheery elves here. They don't seem to be trying to imitate the bigger name developers. I beta-tested this game some time ago along with their earlier game, Frankenstein: Master of Death, which I purchased. Both games have the same user interface: large eyes mark active areas, moving the cursor to the upper part of the screen reveals the menus (they can be locked on the lower left), two basic difficulty settings, and a map that uses a scrolling, flow chart style.
The story is revealed through a series of spooky characters and there is a fair number of one sided conversations. The voices were good, and fit the characters appearance. Clicking just about anywhere in a scene will bring up a related message which adds to the creepiness. Music is slow and sad, and fits well with the games appearance.
During the demo the puzzles were of moderate to easy difficulty. The most difficult was three handed clock where the challenge was to put the hands in set positions using three controls which each adjusted two hands at once. The hidden object scenes were less interesting for me, they were very easy with only moderate interaction needed. Objects were large and clear. There were about the same number of hidden objects vs. puzzles.
Advancing in the game involves locks - lots and lots of locks. Just about everything is locked by something. Keys generally consist of distinctly shaped objects rather than the standard key. At times it was difficult to keep track of all the different shapes at once. I recall this was the case in the aforementioned Frankenstein game as well. That game was also a fairly long one.
I enjoyed the trial and recommend the game - especially if you liked Frankenstein: Master of Death or any other creepy style game. Happy and blessed New Year to all, even if it begins with Cursed.
I recommend this game!
Uncover a secret from the past to save your dying father!
Overall rating
3
/
5
47 of 59 found this review helpful
Planet of the Apes, meet Lord of the Rings, with a bit of Tarzan
PostedNovember 5, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The setting is a dying world of ruins (Planet of the Apes) ruled by the queen of the Elves (spitting image of Lord of the Rings' Galadriel). You need to retrieve the Nucleus from the Forbidden Zone (Planet of the Apes) while being pursued by a creature called the Wanderer and with help from a dwarf (Lord of the Rings). You must succeed where your father failed. To get there you will do a lot of swinging Tarzan style, though you'll use a grappling hook, not vines.
The palette is filled with golds, browns and greens and is fairly easy on the eyes. The drawing style is somewhat whimsical, but leans more toward realism than fantasy. The perspective changes from first person to 3D third person while traveling over distances.
Game play was mixed. In addition to HOP (18) and mini games, there is a device that is used several times to upgrade your equipment. Each time involves a brief match-3 game. One of the HOPs during the trial involves some, shall we say, creative use of objects at the same time someone is pounding on the door constantly. This was the most annoying part of the game and I recalled it vividly from when I tried the beta version. I recommend temporarily turning off the sound at that point.
Difficulty can be fully customized, even (+) item indicators can be turned off.
Extras: 18 morphing objects, 32 collectible faeries, jigsaw puzzle, rune game, character gallery, replay of HOPs, bonus game, strategy guide, achievements and the usual pseudo extra stuff.
Why I don't rate this 5 stars: Personally, I did not care for the story. Besides the diverse elements, there is a logic error at the very beginning regarding the Nucleus symbol. However, it is different and I'm sure it will have some appeal. I found the game play on the whole to be a little less intuitive than most, so this could also appeal to adventure game fans. The game ends on Mount Mordor where you see the Statue of Liberty (I made that up, but it's certainly possible.)
Phantasmat: Reign of Shadows Collector's Edition
There's more to this resort than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
63 of 73 found this review helpful
Dark, Darker, and Darkest
PostedOctober 6, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
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
Your father Dominic Grant has recently died and you must notify your estranged sister Valerie. Val is employed by the eccentric Dr. Edward Corvine at the remote Arcadia Resort doing something.. er, mysterious. Upon arrival, your eyes seem to be seeing strange things in the shadows. But what could go wrong, right?
What is immediately apparent is that, unlike other recent releases in this series, in every sense this game is true to its Phantasmat DNA. The atmosphere is creepy, the characters are quirky, and the story is just "edgy" enough to make you want to believe it is really happening.
The scenes are dark and show a lot of contrast while using a fairly broad color palette. The voice acting is about as good as can be expected - it is difficult for actors to sound quirky without going too far and sounding silly. In my opinion they were successful, at least in the demo period.
The game play was good as well. The first puzzle (there are 19) was a little disappointing, but a later puzzle which required moving a figure through a multi-level maze was much better. However, it might have been better later in the game because it takes a good deal of time to solve. HOPs are mostly good too (there are 13), but in one silhouette-style HOP the list was far too small to identify what you are looking for.
Play can be fully customized: glitter, sparkles as well as the plus item indicator can be turned off.
CE Extras - besides the bonus game and strategy guide there are 21 morphing objects (with indicator) which become diary pages, 12 achievements, souvenir room, match-3 game, and the usual other pseudo extra stuff.
If you like creepy games, I recommend you get this one. Also, if you are a newer player, don't miss the original Phantasmat - and be sure to play them both in a very well lit room.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your boyfriend before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
Portals + Storybooks + Evil = ? - Review of completed game
PostedOctober 4, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Your boyfriend Ian is being tormented by someone or something that seems to be taking over his body and stealing his soul. A famous author, Benedict Bells, for some reason does not want you to help Ian and is working against you. There must be more to the "story," and you must rescue Ian!
Well, unfortunately there really isn't more to the story, but that's the one and only thing that keeps me from giving this a five star rating. The rest of the game is very good; interesting puzzles, beautiful scenes, good acting, nice music and just enough extras to be worthwhile as a CE. The play remained interesting to the end even though the player, Helen, repeats the same pattern over and over. Somehow the developers took portals, storybook re-writing and Big Evil and meshed them together into a decent game.
I found the play was mostly fairly easy, but there are a few puzzles that will take time to work out, (don't skip!) as well as one or two morphing objects that are extremely difficult to spot. I must also add that use of some of the inventory items varied from very unusual to "No, never happen."
CE extras include bonus level, strategy guide (not available when finished ) 32 collectible signs (only a few are well hidden), 16 morphing objects in HOPs (re-playable), four bonus HOPs, Defense puzzle (think "Asteroids") and a multi-level gardening puzzle which unlocks the fourth bonus HOP.
The bonus level was about an hour's play and while it extended the main story, it did not add anything new. You play as Ian in the bonus level.
I have Never been a Nevertales fan, but I do like this one and highly recommend it, even as a CE. This is one Hidden Doorway, er, portal, that you don't want to miss
I recommend this game!
Travel to a Klondike Gold Rush town to solve a murder!
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 27 found this review helpful
I Reckon It Ain't Gold But Bronze - Review of Completed Game
PostedAugust 31, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
In prior episodes of this series the investigations took place on a large wealthy estate. However, the setting for this latest Dead Reckoning is the small mining town of Snowbird's Creek. There, railroad tycoon Seth Savage has been murdered. The suspects include the local sheriff, the mayor, the labor union leader, and a tavern owner and shopkeeper.
The color palette includes a lot of browns and golds (no surprise there) but the scenes manage to maintain a bright look. Voices are pretty well acted, and the dialog was neither too little nor too much. I did find one problem with the sounds however. There is a high pitched sound whenever the mouse hovers over buttons which became quite annoying as the game wore on.
For those unfamiliar with this series, there are periodic interviews with a suspect where you as the detective must identify clues to determine whether or not the suspect is telling the truth. Here, this process has been made too easy because the cursor will now change to red when you get near a clue. I did not like having this extra help as it changed this aspect of play to a simple exercise in mouse moving.
Two other things to note about the play. First, there is a total of only 13 HO scenes in the game (with M-3 option) vs. 23 puzzles. There was no new ground broken with either, but they are on a level with most other similar games (in other words fairly easy). Second, you will have to think out of the box a little when using inventory items. There were at least a half dozen times during the game where I thought, "Wait, you would never use that item to do that." Some items were just too small, or merely unsuited to the task. However, at least it was less of the same old, same old (though of course there is some of that too).
CE extras - beside the strategy guide and somewhat short bonus chapter there is a souvenir room with 29 items, 13 morphing objects (hard to spot!), 43 collectible fish symbols, replay of HOs and puzzles and a match-3 game. If you missed any morphs you can get them in the replay.
The main game itself is fairly long and the story held my interest despite the items described above. I was pleasantly surprised after reading many so-so reviews. If you are prospecting for a game and like this series, you may find this to be an interesting nugget.
I recommend this game!
Mysterious creatures are terrorizing the train!
Overall rating
2
/
5
32 of 35 found this review helpful
Mystery Trackers Goes to Hellswich
PostedJuly 28, 2016
steve_san
fromCity of Brotherly Love, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
As a Mystery Tracker detective, you're about to take a well earned vacation. But soon after you board (or bored) your train, your colleague Larkin - a.k.a Captain Obvious - informs you that "something strange is happening" (what Larkin is doing on the train is not explained). Turns out gifted children are disappearing - yes, again! - and you must save them from the.... wait for it,.. ...wait for it... hooded red-eyed monsters - yes, its them again!
Unfortunately the story is not the only thing rehashed in this, apparently the 10th MT episode (MTX?). In just the demo, you will be presented with not one but TWO missing zipper pulls, a couple of wimpy male characters, silhouette type "what is it?" HO scenes, and an unlocking device which is activated by - gasp! - a match-3 game . Elf is still here , but he's dressed in a silly hat and coat which for me was a big turn off even though I like Elf. Besides all that mundane stuff you'll be oiling rusty things, putting shapes in locks, sharpening saws and running back and forth - a lot. There is also a glaring spelling error, unless you like to eat a "macaron."
The quality of the artwork is fine, but nothing looks like it belongs together. In fact things don't appear to belong in the same century. At times I began to wonder if I was still on the same train. The game really has no coherent visual look which, given the sketchy story and unimaginative play, is probably fitting.
CE extras - as "play" progressed I found myself focusing more on finding the collectibles than following the story - I always consider this a bad sign. There are 27 morphing objects, 32 puzzle pieces, 12 landmarks and 21 achievements. There does not seem to be replay of HOs and puzzles. There is a bonus game, strategy guide and pseudo-extra fluff.
During the demo it isn't made clear what "Hellswich" has to do with the story unless its just a play on "switch" because we're on a train. It would have been better, in this reviewer's opinion, to leave this train at the station until a coherent story and some imaginative play could be developed. If this is one of your first MT games, I could imagine your enjoying playing this, especially if match-3 is your thing. However, as a veteran Tracker I fell this train should go to Hellswich (sorry!) and never return.
I don't recommend this game.