Woodjay's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:384
- Reviews Submitted:51
- First Review:November 12, 2011
- Most Recent Review:December 9, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Just right for Christmas
PostedDecember 21, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I finished this a while ago but forgot to write a review. Ok so plenty has been said about the game so I'll just say why I liked it so much:
*For a start, the music. Yes real Tchaikovsky (more or less). I guess it had to be as the developers are obviously from his part of the world. I mention this specially as music is where for me a lot of games fall down.
*It really has a Christmassy sparkle to it, with deep snow and decorations in all the scenes.
*However, music and scenery don't necessarily make a game good. This one had a well-thought-out plot line which took the Nutcracker idea on in a different way. I particularly liked the 'films' which gave you bits of the story.
* Your trusty allies the Nutcracker and co, who help you do things you otherwise couldn't, are a really good idea.
* the HO scenes were fine (nothing special but fine), and the puzzles were about right. I particularly liked the doll's theatre one at the start.
*Oh and you get to collect dolls (I think I missed a few) and see all your achievements under the lavish Christmas tree.
Highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
The residents of Bitterford, Maine have fallen prey to a terrible curse. It’s up to you to unravel the series of mysterious events that led to the town’s downfall and uncover the evil that was responsible.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Disappointed
PostedNovember 27, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Coming to do this review on finishing the game I'm very interested to see that the overall rating is only 'OK'. And that's my verdict too. I never thought I would give that for a Mystery Case Files game as I've loved previous ones, starting with those wonderful door puzzles in the first Ravenhearst.
There are some positive things about the game:
* I like the realism in the scenes. It really feels as if you're in the places you're looking at.
* Having to find a bunch of objects not just in one picture is a really good idea, so you have to wander through several rooms sometimes.
* Moving by motorbike from scene to scene certainly takes away a lot of tedious walking and clicking!
* the actors do their parts very well and I especially liked the psychic.
* I like the realism in the scenes. It really feels as if you're in the places you're looking at.
* Having to find a bunch of objects not just in one picture is a really good idea, so you have to wander through several rooms sometimes.
* Moving by motorbike from scene to scene certainly takes away a lot of tedious walking and clicking!
* the actors do their parts very well and I especially liked the psychic.
BUT
* the storyline is rather predictable. OK so I know the dangerous lost artifact is a staple of so many games of this kind, but although there are gruesome touches, I wasn't really gripped by it. In fact I think the storywriters' shot themselves in the foot at one point because (** plot spoiler **) an exorcism in the name of God Almighty (looked like a Catholic church to me), will work on the most powerful demon. (**end spoiler**). There weren't any interesting or unexpected twists in the story.
* it was too easy. There weren't any really hard puzzles (even the end one was pretty straightforward), and provided you remembered where you'd seen some of the relevant objects, you could gather everything you needed without too much of a problem.
* on the other hand, some of the puzzles seemed a bit random (in the pharmacy for instance), I won't say more to spoil it.
* the storyline is rather predictable. OK so I know the dangerous lost artifact is a staple of so many games of this kind, but although there are gruesome touches, I wasn't really gripped by it. In fact I think the storywriters' shot themselves in the foot at one point because (** plot spoiler **) an exorcism in the name of God Almighty (looked like a Catholic church to me), will work on the most powerful demon. (**end spoiler**). There weren't any interesting or unexpected twists in the story.
* it was too easy. There weren't any really hard puzzles (even the end one was pretty straightforward), and provided you remembered where you'd seen some of the relevant objects, you could gather everything you needed without too much of a problem.
* on the other hand, some of the puzzles seemed a bit random (in the pharmacy for instance), I won't say more to spoil it.
As for atmosphere, Dire Grove was way more spooky, with the handheld video helping enormously; Escape from Ravenhearst had a soundtrack which in places had me longing to escape from that room; but this was just so-so.
I did play it through to the end and it dragged me in to start with, but by the end I was thinking, can I be bothered (well, yes, because I like to finish).
So sorry, Big Fish, but I'm very disappointed. Maybe I'll just go and play Dire Grove again.
I don't recommend this game.
You’re drawn into a web of deceit when your train stops in Andville, where the Black Widow lies in wait...
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Why I won't be buying Web of Deceit
PostedNovember 9, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This review is based on the demo, as you might guess from its title. Note, I don't mind spiders, so that's not the reason I'm not buying it! Before I give the reasons, here are some positives:
* the graphics and the sound are good. In fact the graphics are of a high standard and give a good atmosphere to the game
* the storyline sounds as if it might be ok though I didn't get far enough to really find out. However I like the idea of someone using mechanical insects
* the graphics and the sound are good. In fact the graphics are of a high standard and give a good atmosphere to the game
* the storyline sounds as if it might be ok though I didn't get far enough to really find out. However I like the idea of someone using mechanical insects
But...
Quite a few things grated with me in this game.
* the video sequences with the characters, instead of adding to the game, subtract from it because the characters take so long to say things and indulge in ridiculous overacting.
* every time you look at something or get something you can interact with, you get words to the effect "I can use something here". EVERY time. Now I am all for not having too much of a hint (as in "if only I could find a bit of broken glass I could cut this"), but there are lots of other possibilities. So, if there's a ticket machine, I don't think it's giving anything away to say "I'll need to find a ticket for this". Also, I found that it wasn't at all obvious what the "something" might be as I didn't know what bit of the object was the problem. It just got to be really irritating (and that's not even in the full game).
* the minigames. Well, I only did two. The first was ok but fairly easy and the second was so easy I couldn't believe what I was doing was really right (but the door opened ok).
* story. Seemed ok as far as I got although there were various things that weren't really clear. Also, in the introduction (this isn't really giving anything away), why are you just sitting there while someone is wrapped up in a web and dragged away in front of your eyes? Are you paralysed by fright (if you don't like spiders you should stay on the train)? Why don't you do something? That's the sort of small detail which makes or mars a game.
Quite a few things grated with me in this game.
* the video sequences with the characters, instead of adding to the game, subtract from it because the characters take so long to say things and indulge in ridiculous overacting.
* every time you look at something or get something you can interact with, you get words to the effect "I can use something here". EVERY time. Now I am all for not having too much of a hint (as in "if only I could find a bit of broken glass I could cut this"), but there are lots of other possibilities. So, if there's a ticket machine, I don't think it's giving anything away to say "I'll need to find a ticket for this". Also, I found that it wasn't at all obvious what the "something" might be as I didn't know what bit of the object was the problem. It just got to be really irritating (and that's not even in the full game).
* the minigames. Well, I only did two. The first was ok but fairly easy and the second was so easy I couldn't believe what I was doing was really right (but the door opened ok).
* story. Seemed ok as far as I got although there were various things that weren't really clear. Also, in the introduction (this isn't really giving anything away), why are you just sitting there while someone is wrapped up in a web and dragged away in front of your eyes? Are you paralysed by fright (if you don't like spiders you should stay on the train)? Why don't you do something? That's the sort of small detail which makes or mars a game.
So, sorry, I won't be buying this one, though others have obviously enjoyed it, and you, dear reader, assuming you've got this far, might too.
I don't recommend this game.
A kingdom’s future rests in the light of three beacons. Can they be lit in time? Will the shadows be cast into light?
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
A fantastic game
PostedOctober 23, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've just played this again (fourth time probably) and it's time to write a review. Drawn: Dark Flight carries on from where you left off in Drawn: Painted Tower. It's helpful to have played the first game but you don't have to. As the blurb says, Iris still needs rescuing and it's up to you.
Dark Flight has all the characteristics of Painted Tower and more. There is the interaction of the paper (drawn) objects with 'real' objects, the superb graphics, with scenes rich in imagination, and the ability to get inside the various pictures you find.
I particularly like the use of the pop-up books, which you have to interact with and help you on your way; the pirate and the puppet theatre. Getting you to draw some things yourself Is a neat touch. The use of paper gives a particularly child-like feel to the game.
The puzzles are harder than the first Drawn, particularly the candles in the library, which I've only ever done with the help of the walkthrough (maybe next time...).
As with the first Drawn, the music fits really well with the different scenes, and the voices in the cutscenes are all excellent.
I note that some reviewers wonder whether the CE is worth it. I think so, as the bonus chapter presents its own challenges, is about the right length, and makes a good extra conclusion to the story.
I recommend this game!
Enter the world of Drawn. Explore the Painted Tower and unravel its mysteries on your quest to save the hope of the kingdom. Can you reach the top of the tower?
Overall rating
5
/
5
A jewel
PostedOctober 23, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Having just played this for the third (or was that the fourth) time, it's time I actually wrote a review. the moment I first tried this game I was totally hooked. OK so why, and how does it stand up to replaying so many times?
1. The quality of the graphics. Not just the quality, but the fact that they are so different. I love the way that the 'drawn' pictures of the title and the 'real' (well, as far as the game goes) interact.
2. The puzzles. The first time I took quite a while to figure out how to do some of them. It's always worth carefully examining ALL the scene to make sure you've picked everything up. They are different from other games and a good mixture of the fairly obvious (where you use an object), to 'how on earth do I do this one'.
3. The music and sound effects. The music fits the mood of wherever you are and so do the sound effects: crackling fire when there's a fire, rain when there's rain, etc. I wish all games were like this! Also I really like the voices, especially Franklin's, which fit the parts.
4. The imagination that went into creating the story and the way you eventually get to the top of the tower. Interacting with the scenes by drawing things was a brilliant idea.
I can't praise this game enough, and it's only (slightly) bettered by the next in the series, Dark Flight. 10/10
I recommend this game!
Discover the Red Riding Hood Sisters and defeat the nefarious Wolf Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
another winner from Blue Tea
PostedSeptember 22, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love all the previous Dark Parable games and this one keeps up the excellent standard. As usual, the plot takes a traditional fairy tale and puts a twist on it. Those whose reviews complained about cruelty to animals seem to forget that in the original story, both Red Riding Hood and her grandmother are eaten by the wolf, and these are hardly real creatures but magical ones like demons in other games. However, back to the review:
The Dark Parable games score very highly on their visual quality, particularly in the HO scenes, which are actually fractured objects: find the pieces and the object comes together. I am always impressed at the beauty of these scenes and the way in which the pieces you are looking for blend in with the particular scene. In the last game (the Snow Queen) I felt that the final objects were a little fuzzy, but not in this one: the objects are always detailed and lavishly ornamented (even hammers and such like mundane objects).
The video has been improved since the last game and is very well integrated into the story. The voices are also very well done.
Usually I complain about the banal music in games, but Blue Tea actually produce music which adds to the overall feel of the game to great effect.
The Dark Parables always have slightly different and interesting mini games and this is no exception. There are some particularly fun ones -- not really difficult but just challenging enough.
One thing I noted is that the map isn't as detailed as in previous games: but frankly this doesn't matter much.
I bought this game immediately as I knew I would love it, and am writing this without finishing it. The only thing I am kicking myself for is playing it on normal mode because I never seem to find the morphing objects (well done Blue Tea for hiding them so well) and I don't need the hints, so I might just as well have picked hard and avoided the slightly annoying sparkles for the HO scenes.
Highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
Escape a cursed island of lost souls by helping three of the trapped spirits in Redemption Cemetery: Grave Testimony!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Wanted to give it 5 stars but...
PostedSeptember 17, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Let's be clear: this is a really good game. It uses video with live actors to great effect, the puzzles are challenging but not too much so, what you have to do makes sense within the game.
Some particular likes: the HOS where you had to find outlined objects with one leading to another. The change of scenes in the different sections. Loved some of the visuals on the pirate ship.
BUT where the game failed the top notch for me was the music. The sound effects and voices were fine, but the music was repetitive, added nothing to the gameplay and was just plain irritating. ERS could do so much better here, especially as I have a feeling that I've heard exactly the same stuff before in other games of theirs. It seems such a shame they put a lot of effort into actors but neglected the music.
Still, if you turn off the music, you still have a great game which is fun to play. The bonus chapter also impressed me as it was much longer than I expected.
Highly recommended if you turn off the music.
I recommend this game!
When a young woman is found comatose by the side of the road with a bloody knife beside her, it’s up to you to unravel her story!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another excellent Surface game
PostedSeptember 17, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I loved the previous Surface game and was delighted to see this one come out. Many other reviewers have summarized it, so I won't go into too much detail. But
why I like it:
* the story works well and unfolds gradually so you have to keep discovering more
*some brilliant locations, which are imaginatively helped by the fact the game is in the girl's mind. I won't give the game away but there are some really excellent touches here.
* lots to do but not too much coming and going
* good use of video
*the sound effects and music are actually ok (I often have to turn off music in these sorts of games)
* loved the achievements!
* a good blend of puzzle and HOS
* worth buying the collector's version as the bonus play is very good too
* the story works well and unfolds gradually so you have to keep discovering more
*some brilliant locations, which are imaginatively helped by the fact the game is in the girl's mind. I won't give the game away but there are some really excellent touches here.
* lots to do but not too much coming and going
* good use of video
*the sound effects and music are actually ok (I often have to turn off music in these sorts of games)
* loved the achievements!
* a good blend of puzzle and HOS
* worth buying the collector's version as the bonus play is very good too
A few downsides:
* the flowers you have to collect sparkle too much
* the nurse in the hospital really overacts!!
apart from that, nothing really.
This is one I will play again.
* the flowers you have to collect sparkle too much
* the nurse in the hospital really overacts!!
apart from that, nothing really.
This is one I will play again.
I recommend this game!
Save the besieged alpine village of Martlet and rescue its residents from the mysterious living statues in this exciting Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Another winner
PostedAugust 16, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is another great game from Elephant with excellent graphics, nice storyline and some good puzzles. And, a bonus for me, the music fitted right in and I didn't have to turn it down/off!
There have been plenty of other reviews, so I'll just say a few things. (Note, I played in the advanced mode, I really like it when games give you a choice).
* Crisp graphics and very good animated sequences which really help to give the game character and help the story along
* A very good story idea well carried through with the statues helping or hindering in some quite creative ways. I liked the idea of carrying a useful mining dwarf around with me.
* The map gives you a hint of where to go if you're stuck, is beautifully drawn and enables you to jump from place to place.
* The achievements! I liked the way these were presented and enjoyed collecting them and the figures. As with Surface, they had a bit of a sense of humour to them too.
* Good gameplay -- you don't go back to any of the HO scenes, and these, though somewhat piles of junk are actually appropriate to their setting, so you get things that might be found in a chest, in a cupboard etc.
* Although of course there are lots of locked doors you don't get the feeling as in some games that the developers have put the puzzles in somewhat randomly, but they have thought about why doors/gates etc should be shut and it makes sense.
* Two endings! I would play it again anyway, but now I'll have to so I can find out what happens on the other choice.
* A very good story idea well carried through with the statues helping or hindering in some quite creative ways. I liked the idea of carrying a useful mining dwarf around with me.
* The map gives you a hint of where to go if you're stuck, is beautifully drawn and enables you to jump from place to place.
* The achievements! I liked the way these were presented and enjoyed collecting them and the figures. As with Surface, they had a bit of a sense of humour to them too.
* Good gameplay -- you don't go back to any of the HO scenes, and these, though somewhat piles of junk are actually appropriate to their setting, so you get things that might be found in a chest, in a cupboard etc.
* Although of course there are lots of locked doors you don't get the feeling as in some games that the developers have put the puzzles in somewhat randomly, but they have thought about why doors/gates etc should be shut and it makes sense.
* Two endings! I would play it again anyway, but now I'll have to so I can find out what happens on the other choice.
My only slight negative would be that the bonus play wasn't all that long, though I enjoyed it.
I recommend this game!
Save your brother and try to solve the mystery behind the silver screen in Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, a thrilling game set in the 1950's!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A five star game
PostedJuly 12, 2012
Woodjay
fromWales, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's not often I give a wholehearted 5 star, but this game deserves it because everything works together to give you that extra atmosphere and interest.
* The storyline. Often in games where you have to rescue someone some of the puzzles seem as if they've just been added to make life more difficult. Here all the puzzles are really integrated into the story as you have to find parts of an object that have been deliberately hidden, in your father's house. But as your father was a great one for puzzles and cryptic locks, all of these make sense.
* The graphics. Great locations with an art-deco theme. The use of real actors for the cut scenes and dialogues really works in this game. The various film sets are excellently done.
* The music. Wow. usually I turn music off but this not only fitted into the story but was appropriate for different areas, so you get martial music on the WWI film set. Well done guys! And although it was always raining outside, the sound effects fitted in too.
* the puzzles. Some different ones here and interactive HOS.
* The journal was useful in showing you how to solve some of the puzzles (though you have to do a lot of flicking through it). There is a non-interactive map but I didn't find that to be a problem.
* The ending. If you're waiting for the SE then you won't be disappointed. I haven't played the bonus yet.
* The achievements. Well I didn't turn on all the lights or find all the photos but I did get eagle eye and various other ones. I always think these add a little something extra to a game.
* The storyline. Often in games where you have to rescue someone some of the puzzles seem as if they've just been added to make life more difficult. Here all the puzzles are really integrated into the story as you have to find parts of an object that have been deliberately hidden, in your father's house. But as your father was a great one for puzzles and cryptic locks, all of these make sense.
* The graphics. Great locations with an art-deco theme. The use of real actors for the cut scenes and dialogues really works in this game. The various film sets are excellently done.
* The music. Wow. usually I turn music off but this not only fitted into the story but was appropriate for different areas, so you get martial music on the WWI film set. Well done guys! And although it was always raining outside, the sound effects fitted in too.
* the puzzles. Some different ones here and interactive HOS.
* The journal was useful in showing you how to solve some of the puzzles (though you have to do a lot of flicking through it). There is a non-interactive map but I didn't find that to be a problem.
* The ending. If you're waiting for the SE then you won't be disappointed. I haven't played the bonus yet.
* The achievements. Well I didn't turn on all the lights or find all the photos but I did get eagle eye and various other ones. I always think these add a little something extra to a game.
Well worth paying for the CE just to play some of the puzzles again.
I recommend this game!