mikesilverman's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.6
- Helpful Votes:396
- Reviews Submitted:53
- First Review:August 5, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 18, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
From the makers of the Rite of Passage series comes a ground-breaking new series that's as creepy as it gets.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
REMEMBER THE MOVIE "SAW" ?
PostedAugust 15, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There was a popular horror film called SAW, in which victims of a sadistic madman were placed into rooms that have deadly traps and the victims were given a clue how they can escape death and leave the room alive, sometimes they succeeded and sometimes they did not. The first quarter of this game is VERY reminiscent of the SAW movie. You are taken prisoner in a seedy rundown motel which has been converted into a maze of rooms with deadly traps that you must escape from in order to proceed. It is very cleverly done and the animated scenes make it feel very realistic.
There are a lot of traditional style hidden object scenes, lists of objects that you must locate in a scene, although some of them have a clever twist to them. The puzzles are very well designed but also fairly simple and can typically be completed in a few minutes. There is a detailed interactive map and depending on what level you are playing at it can show you where you need to go in order to complete outstanding tasks.
After the first quarter of the game, you find your way outside and then it turns into a much more standard fare hidden object quest, which is a bit disappointing. It's like the talent and inspiration the set up and constructed the first part of the game just walked away and left it. But even at that point it's still a very solid game, great visuals, very interesting story and mystery to be solved.
For added challenge there are morphing objects and collectables you can look for along the way, though these are not needed in order to complete the game. The game is full of creepy sound effects and menacing visuals that give it a very spooky atmosphere.
I recommend this game!
A masked vigilante has the town of Coldstone in a death grip!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Get Ready To Die
PostedJuly 18, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Graphic presentation / visuals are astounding, excellent, especially the animated sequences.
This game uses a variety of plot twists to move the story along, including that you must gather coins along the way in order to purchase items from the cart of a shady vendor in the village square. While the game has a lot of classic hidden object scenes based on finding items on a list, you will have to revisit some of them multiple times in order to obtain the items you need.
Be very careful in searching each scene for items you can pick up and add to your inventory. Some items are not immediately noticeable and you might overlook them.
There is a possibility of dying in the game, but don't worry, you have a way to return to life and pick up where you left off. Along with collecting coins there is also the opportunity to collect a variety of war helmets from different cultures and different time periods. These go into a trophy room that you can access and click on the helmets to learn the history behind them. There are also awards you can earn for completing various parts of the game.
It is an exciting and compelling game that you want to keep playing as you search for a kidnapped woman , trying to save her life before the "avenger" kills her.
I recommend this game!
Take a trip through a magical, snowy winterland in this frosty match-3 adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
The Best Game In Its Class
PostedJune 21, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is one of the very best of its type. This game strikes exactly the right balance between challenge and fun. The game board is loaded with beautifully rendered colorful animated ornaments and trees and hearts and more that you must click on and switch with each other to form matches that will explode and clear the "snow" covered tiles underneath.
A wide variety of helpful tools to clear the board appear at various times, including large snowballs that clear entire rows and columns, atomic ornaments that will clear 3 tiles around them when matched, very unique "stomping" boxes that when activated "Stomp" down the screen clearing everything in their path, multi-color ornaments that can match with any other ornament on the screen, sacks of gold, silver and gold coins... and a lot more. The screens are so full of entertaining features that it's just a lot of fun to play, even if you lose a around. There are options to have "timed" rounds that have a countdown clock , or "limited movement rounds" which means that you have a limited amount of moves to clear the screen, or no limits at all but this option provides less gold and ornaments each round than the others do. On the timed and "limited movement" options if you are running out of time or movements the game will offer you to trade some of your collected gold for more time or additional movments. You can purchase power-ups with collected gold in the "shop", or you can use collected gold between rounds to purchase landscape for a beautiful snowy image of a mansion.
Some of the the rounds include multiple screens that need to be cleared, when you finish one screen you will see an arrow light up that takes you to the next screen. There is also soft pleasant holiday themed music playing in the background which adds to the atmosphere. Overall one of the best "match-3" type of games I have played in a long time.
I recommend this game!
There's a corpse in your house, but who killed him?
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 39 found this review helpful
Buy It.
PostedJune 20, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I purchased the CE ( collectors edition ) version of this game and was pleasantly surprised at how good the extra chapter was after completing the main game. It was at least as good if not better than the primary game.
This game is not "easy" , you will have to carefully think about the clues and objects that you are gathering and where to use them. But it's not frustrating, it just requires a little more thought than a typical casual game.
There are a lot of traditional "list" type hidden object scenes and all of the artwork is very well rendered. The ambient sounds are cool , sometimes employing chilling whispers and haunting noises, and the special effects are at times surprising and spooky.
If you want a hidden object adventure that's a little more challenging than some of the others, this is the one.
I recommend this game!
Camelot is in urgent need of your assistance! Harness the power of nature and rebuild the kingdom. Do you have what it takes to save Avalon?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
A Rare Solitaire Gem
PostedMay 16, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is traditional high-low solitaire , using the base card on top of your deck you select one card at a time from the field that is higher or lower.., to remove it from the play field and then that card becomes the base card for your next selection.
But that's where the similarity to other solitaire games ends. Each hand ( or round ) you play and complete is a part of a "stage" of 15 or 20 rounds of solitaire where you must earn a certain number of points ( shown in the game as stars ) in order to advance to the next "stage" that contains another 15 or 20 rounds of solitaire. So there is a challenge beyond simply clearing the cards from the play field, in order to earn any stars you must not leave more than 4 cards on the field at the end of a round. Leaving 4 will earn you 1 star. Leaving 2 cards will earn you 2 stars, clearing all cards from the field will earn 3 stars. To clear an entire stage you may need 30 stars or more. It is a good challenge if you play the game on "hard" mode. But not at all a frustrating challenge. It just requires a little careful playing and observation.
The music is amazing. It is very impressive, medieval style music ( which fits nicely with the theme of the game ) , full of lutes and lyres and a fanciful array of musical sounds that does not distract but enhances the game play overall.
You can earn "power ups" or "tools" that will help you complete each hand of solitaire by collecting coins that appear behind playing cards as you remove them from the field. You can then cash them in between rounds for things like Wild Cards and enhancements like extra cards in the deck or a tool that removes all the top cards on the field.
The cards are graphically impressive with beautiful renderings of medieval queens and kings and jacks and dragons , etc.., Also the backgrounds are detailed renderings of forests and fields, castles and bridges.. changing as you progress through each round.
It is a fun challenging game of solitaire that rises above other games in the same genre and is worth the price.
I recommend this game!
Only the Rose of Life can cure your father’s illness.
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
STUNNING BEAUTY
PostedApril 26, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a visually magnificent game, I've seen nothing like it on the scale of detail and interactive environment. Every scene breathes with a life of its own.
The play mechanics are interesting as well. As the story progresses you switch characters, between the female protagonist and the cursed prince. It's handled so well that it's very enjoyable and it all fits within the context of the story. The switching of characters occurs at regular intervals, essentially giving you two quests to complete.
The map clearly defines where your progress has been, and points you to areas where you can affect something that will move the story forward.
There are a wide variety of different characters in the story, each with a well developed personality. The hidden object scenes occur frequently and are very detailed without being overly difficult, the puzzles are likewise moderate in difficulty and will only take a few minutes at most to complete. You also have the option in the hidden-object scenes to play a match-3 game instead of completing the hidden object screen.
I love this game, it's not just a game its an experience.., very entertaining and captivating with a touching storyline very reminiscent of the Beauty And the Beast tale with a twist to it.
I recommend this game!
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Powerful Magic
PostedFebruary 14, 2015
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game is very entertaining, lots of interesting unique puzzles and hidden object scenes, and a LOT of areas to explore.
The game has an excellent interactive map that shows you where to go that you can do something to advance the game including showing you where extra collectible items are still available to find.
Along with very artistic images rendered in high detail and beautiful color, the game is long on the variety of interesting places to explore.
The only problem I found with this game is that the story line tends to get lost as you play since there are no reminders along the way as you play that keep you in touch with the reason you are on this quest. But that can be forgiven for the flawless game play and cool characters you encounter in the game.
The puzzles were of moderate complexity, none took me more than 5 minutes to finish, most of them less than that. The hidden object scenes are of a type where you are presented with outlines of items and need to locate the matching item in the scene.
Overall well done and a lot of fun to play.
I recommend this game!
Ominous Objects: Family Portrait Collector's Edition
A father returns home to find his children missing - all but one, who refuses to say a word...
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
A SERIOUS FLAW
PostedAugust 9, 2014
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The game is great in all respects except one. Great visuals and sound and animation and hidden object scenes. Great map tools and awards and a cute avatar helper in the form of a cat. But, toward the end of the game there is a room with a piano that is missing three keys. The first two are easy enough to locate and collect, but one of the keys is sitting on the table in a "coloring book" scene where you have to complete the coloring of a dragon by using some colored pencils. You can complete the coloring of the dragon, and then the dragon becomes a tile that you can pick up and use in another slot elsewhere in the game, but... there is a piano key sitting on the table with the dragon and if you don't happen to notice it... and you exit the screen where you completed coloring in the dragon, you are stuck and it is impossible to finish the game. There is no possible way of getting back to that table with piano key on it and that, really, is a terrible omission, a failure in play-testing the game and really is a sincere disappointment. You would have start over from the beginning and go all over everything again and this time to try remember to take the key. It's a major pain. For this flaw, alone, I do not recommend the game.
I don't recommend this game.
A strange and deadly pollen is spreading around the world, and you’ve been hired to track down its source. But the secrets you discover in the fabled kingdom of Floralia are much darker than you imagined...
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
GREAT BUT NOT PERFECT
PostedJuly 19, 2014
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The visual quality of this game is on a whole different level than many others. The masterful artwork seems to be plucked off the pages of an old world storybook , it feels like you are flipping through the pages of a carefully crafted fairytale.
Accompanying the great artwork is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack of a woman's lilting sweet soprano vocals that sets the mood of the story perfectly as she sings, especially within the hidden object scenes.
In this adventure you encounter a mix of fairytale characters including Briar Rose , and the Frog Prince among others as you journey through the story.
The only problem I found is that the map in this game is NOT interactive. You can not use it to jump from one location to another where you have been before. It's a disappointing lack of a feature that should be standard now in these types of games.
The hidden object scenes are all of the sort where your inventory screen is filled with "pieces" of an object that you must locate within the scene , and upon finding all the pieces of the object, the pieces are instantly formed into an item that you will need to use in another part the adventure.
The puzzles range in difficulty from moderate to easy and never took me more than a few minutes to complete. This was an enjoyable, fun, and interesting game.
I recommend this game!
After a suspicious accident, you find yourself stranded at a run-down motel. But you soon realize the area hides a terrifying secret...
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE
PostedJuly 13, 2014
mikesilverman
fromMassachusetts
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was a well thought out game with an excellent story that was both touching and frightening. That's really the best thing about this adventure game. The story is really great as you gradually meet the characters and learn their backgrounds, they are more than just shallow throw away characters but rather some serious effort went into making them feel like real people. The story has great plot twists and an ending that really tugs at the heart.
The game played perfectly, there were no bugs in it that I found. It is filled animated scenes that have real life actors talking and moving superimposed over the game scene artwork. This seems to be a growing trend in these games. Not sure if it's just a fad or is the way of the future for these games, but this works very well when the actors put real feeling into their roles as they did in this game.
Early in the game you obtain a map that shows all of the places you have been and allows you to quickly jump from one location to another and it also shows you where available actions can be taken. This is a very useful feature since it prevents you from wasting time searching an area where there is no action you can take.
There are a lot of mini-games in this adventure, and at first I was a little annoyed that none of the games include any explanation as to how to play them, they simply start up when you encounter them and you are expected to know what to do. But as I worked on these mini puzzles I realized that they are so simple that no instruction is needed. So if you are looking for a game with challenging puzzles, this isn't it.
There are many "hidden object" scenes in the game, and they are far off from the traditional hidden object play. In fact they probably can not be called "hidden object" scenes at all. They are more like puzzles where you must find the objects in the list you are presented with, but ..., the objects must then be properly placed, by you, within the scene itself in such a way as to trigger additional areas of the scene to open up. It is fun in its own way, but not something that qualifies as a "hidden object" scene.
The game played out quickly, it only took me two days to complete, spending a few hours each day on it. But it was VERY enjoyable. And so was the extra chapter that comes with the Collectors Edition version of this game.
I highly recommend it.
I recommend this game!