MSBAM100's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:8,578
- Reviews Submitted:240
- First Review:January 11, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Who is responsible for your children’s disappearance? Follow the trail!
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 24 found this review helpful
Evil cookies, evil witch, and missing children!
PostedAugust 24, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This seems to be the first game in what might become the "Fearful Tales" series. You are Isabella, mother of Hansel and Gretel whose children were stolen when they went to the store by the evil witch Maeva and her many evil cookie minions. The intro is a clever poem, introducing the story we all know so well. Every time Maeva speaks, it is in rhyme. The voiceovers are appropriately scary!
The demo only lasts 50 minutes, and it does go by quickly. There is one good cookie, Chip, who becomes your hint button as well as your historian, remembering in pieces how Maeva went from a good witch with a knight for a husband and two beautiful daughters to what she is now.
There are 16 achievements to earn, an interactive map showing which location to visit next, a strategy guide (not needed if you use the map). The hint button refills a bit too slowly. There are a few mini-puzzles but HOS scenes galore. All are lists. Of course there is a Bonus Chapter and all the other items that come with a CE.
The game auto-adjusts to a wide-screen monitor, but I found the HOS to be dark around the edges so I had to stand to find actually see the items. The HOS are not hard; neither is the game (in casual mode).
Overall, this is a good game but I am not sure if I will wait for the SE or buy the CE. I do want to hear why and how Maeva turned evil!
I recommend this game!
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 49 found this review helpful
Jaguar, coyote, crocodile, snake, oh my!
PostedAugust 22, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a great game! I have not played any of the Twilight games before, but I will now. All of the pieces of this game are clever and unique. With four modes, including custom, you can change recharge time for hints and skips, sparkles, tips -- should please everyone.
You are off to Mexico to find your cousin Mary who disappeared while searching for her boyfriend Clive. Turns out Mary's at a clinic where she's been injected by animal DNA (see the title# by Dr. Vince that has no antidote left. So you have to collect it yourself to help her.
You have a notebook, an interactive map that shows objectives #but not necessarily ones that can actually be performed yet#, a strategy guide, great voiceovers #their lips actually move!#, good clear graphics, and a raccoon friend that you have to keep feeding treats to, so he will help you out. The puzzles are unique, not necessarily hard -- did not use the skip button once in the demo.
The HOS are also unique -- find 15 items not used by Mayans #or play a mini-game instead#, match the fruit, find items by shape and interact to get the next one. No lists so far! Of course you win achievements and actually get to view them in a fun setting -- they are all different animals. And you find soap that lets your raccoon wash a piece of clothing -- there are four outfits of 5 pieces each that I guess you can dress him up #I only found 4 soaps in the demo).
This game just kept getting better and better, with surprises around every corner. ERS did a great job on this one -- on my way to buy it now!
I recommend this game!
Help Flavius expand the Roman Empire! Haggle with shopkeepers, collect supplies, build bridges and more in this exciting time- and resource-management adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 19 found this review helpful
Build, make, sell, repeat!
PostedAugust 19, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Another Time Management game but this one has my favorite mode - Untimed! Not too much clicking, and with untimed you can figure things out and look for the hidden amber gem that will allow you to get three stars every time!
This game will sound familiar to those that have played Adelanto or the Monument Builders, with the workers saying "I'm doing it" or "I'm already on the road" for each assignment. At least it lets you know they are paying attention to you!
There are logs to find or cut, wheat to harvest, a mill to grind flour #which needs to be repaired periodically#, a bakery to build, and a trader to sell your goods to so you can buy logs or get to the $$$ goal.
Very similar to others of its kind, but I still love it! Buying now!
I recommend this game!
Scale the heights of Sunhook Spire, rescue the Enchantress and uncover the tower's mysteries as Queen Sophia's journey continues!
Overall rating
5
/
5
142 of 156 found this review helpful
Princess Sophie Tries Again!
PostedAugust 17, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the fifth game in the Awakening series and they all have enchanting names, great graphics and serene music. You don't have to know what is going on, the journal's first few pages fills you in, plus there are various "memory bowls" scattered around that you can click on, once you find and place the jewels.
Poor Princess Sophia is continuing her quest to find and awaken her parents. This time she seeks the help of the Enchantress, who lives in the spire. Unfortunately, along her way she is kidnapped by Capt Ironhoof, but escapes #part of his plan, evidently#. However, there is a magical hooded creature who seems to be one step ahead of her and enchants all the objects and scenes she enters, making it quite hard for her to make progress!
This is a great game with lots of nice touches. In first HOS you encounter, you have a picture list of objects which must match not only in shape but in color, by touching the enchanted mirror. There are morphing objects in every scene. Your pocket dragon friend is back, but besides setting things on fire, he changes into a wind dragon when needed #don't know how he changes back, yet!#.
The mini-games are unique and quite hard -- you will need the strategy guide for help here. The hint owl alternates between specific hints and just a pointer. There is an interactive map, but unfortunately it doesn't show which areas you need to tackle next -- you need the hint owl for that.
There is of course a bonus chapter, and three modes of play -- relaxed, normal and "Dreadmyre". Casual is hard enough!
A definite buy!!
A definite buy!!
I recommend this game!
Release the characters from the witch's curse and find the portal home!
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 93 found this review helpful
A Witch, a Queen, a Blind Boy and You!
PostedAugust 15, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the fifth Echoes of the Past game I've played, yet it doesn't matter because I can't seem to remember the previous ones (except something about a witch#! Three were SE, and the last one was CE. The demo hour went by quickly; I was so engrossed, I was surprised when it ended.
The main story is you have been transported to the witch's kingdom, and must find 5 amulets to open the portal home. A skeleton will open doors to 5 parts of the kingdom for you, in exchange for jeweled bracelets. There is also a bewitched queen, who used to be beautiful, and a blind boy whom the queen befriended before she became old and ugly.
The CE has a bonus adventure, a Strategy Guide #not needed because you have an interactive map that shows areas you can solve), and 15 magic potions to find. You also get a journal and a hint button that quickly refills.
The mini-puzzles are quite unique and hard. The HOS are varied -- find x number of objects, find a list, or return items you have previously earned to the scene. Not the same old boring HOS.
While the main goal is to return home, it is not clear from the demo what part the old queen and the blind boy play, but it certainly makes me want to find out!
This game is a buy. I like the graphics and the HOS are bright even on a large screen.
I recommend this game!
The quaint mountain town of Hochwald hides a deadly secret. Defeat a mechanical mastermind and save your friend before another earthquake strikes!
Overall rating
4
/
5
29 of 33 found this review helpful
No Sprocket here!
PostedAugust 10, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I originally thought this was part of the Clockwork Man series, which has a mechanical helper as well. But it isn't -- although there are similarities to that series and Namariel Legends - Iron Lord as well (a vicious mechanical millipede keeps interfering with your plans).
You are secret agent Evangeline Glass whose uncle, Professor Ink, is investigating earthquakes in the Hochwald Village. You arrive in time to see your uncle carted off by the bad guy, Engineer Barber, who has brought war and soldiers and earthquakes to the peaceful village. Your uncle was figuring out how to defeat the Engineer.
There are three modes of play - Casual, Advanced, and Expert. You have a diary and an interactive map that shows what you can do next. You also have a mechanical helper crow, Matthew, that once fixed, can fly and reach things you cannot. None of the HOS in the demos are lists -- one is a FROG, the others are find the item based on a picture and use it to find the next item. The mini-games are easy, but interesting. You also get to find 30 Steambugs -- one in each scene. The demo ends as you are about to climb into a Zeppelin to travel to Barber's castle.
Unfortunately, the demo didn't last an hour -- only about 35 minutes -- and I didn't skip any mini-games or use hints in the HOS. So I felt a bit underwhelmed, although the game is rather clever. I think I will wait for the SE.
I recommend this game!
Your murderous half-sister has escaped, and you've got the last piece of your father's treacherous film projector...
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
I hope you like movies!
PostedAugust 9, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I normally buy CEs but I didn't on this one so I thought I would try the SE. It is a continuation of the first Final Cut, which I played but couldn't finish due to a bug in the SE. Anyway, the previous scenario is explained via cut scene in the first few minutes of the opening movie.
This is a game about movies, and movie projectors. Your crazy half-sister who killed your father has escaped from the hospital so you go with your Uncle Lee, who is a general, to his army base to keep you safe. Except the army base now has movie projectors in every building that play a movie scene when on, and revert back to the army base room when turned off -- kind of a neat twist, similar to some other games but new to this developer. Plus you bring the missing piece to your father's rebuilt mind-control projector with you (not very smart).
The game has 3 modes of play - Casual, Challenging, Expert. The HOS are all lists; the mini-games are hard, but can be skipped. You can choose Match 3 over the HOS. The Hint button refills quickly, You have a diary plus an interactive map that shows you what areas you can act on.
Worth purchasing, just to see the different scenes when you turn the projectors off and on.
I recommend this game!
Deep in the heart of an enchanted forest, a forbidden love blooms. Guide the human Eveline as she sets out to rescue her beloved from the clutches of a tyrant.
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 89 found this review helpful
Re-unite Eveline with her love (who happens to be a Werecat)
PostedAugust 3, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a great new scenario from one of our great developers. It takes a while to build (a bit of talking), but once you get going, there are surprises galore.
You are Eveline, adopted daughter of the famous hunter Francis, who is engaged to Aurelio, a Werecat (also known as a Felize). Of course the humans hate them, and her father tries to kill him. So he runs to the Forbidden Forest, which is beautifully drawn and every scene is wondrous. You have to find the healer and make a potion to save him.
You get a baby dragon who functions as your hint button, who recharges quickly (and can eat magic balls to make him recharge immediately!) The map is interactive and shows open tasks, which can all be hidden. The mini-puzzles are very unique and interesting. No HOS in the demo. You find 10 memos which help explain the story. Didn't need the strategy guide. Of course there is also a bonus chapter.
The forest is beautiful, and sets the mood of the story and makes it not creepy but enchanting. The healer gives you a recipe book and to make the first (of many# potions, you gather some items, then prepare and cook them as if you were in one of the cooking games that make you chop by following an arrow with your cursor, and stir by following a circle -- a nice, different touch.
I am hooked and will buy today #with the discount even!).
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Blackhill School is Haunted!
PostedAugust 1, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the fifth game in this series and seems to be the best! They are all different so you don't need to play the previous ones, but they are well worth it. I've got 3 SEs and a CE, and this one will make another CE. What fun!
You are Jacky's aunt come to rescue her and her friend Robin (who is a bit weird# from the goings on at her boarding school's new location. There are a lot of children with red eyes who go up in black smoke right before they wreak some type of havoc on you! The theme of doom is well played, with even the loading page having a child with red eyes on it.
There are the typical 3 modes of play, with a Task List, a diary and the best graphic interactive map I've seen in a game. The entire boarding school is mapped out, plus a "mirror world" that the demo doesn't get to. The hint button tells you what to do next, so you really don't need the strategy guide. The puzzles are unique and interesting; the HOS are all lists so far, but bright and easy to see, despite the gloomy setting. You also have 16 frightful collectible figurines and 10 achievements to "win". Plus Chucky the Chipmonk friend who helps you out occasionally with high places he can climb to that you cannot reach.
A great addition to the series -- off to purchase!
I recommend this game!
A long-forgotten artifact has just resurfaced, and the race to claim it will cause a devastating war. The only thing strong enough to stop it is one woman’s promise to the man she loves.
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 33 found this review helpful
Find Daniel and his ship?
PostedJuly 27, 2013
MSBAM100
fromTampa, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game seems to have a lot of moving pieces, which are not clearly defined in the demo. You are summoned by Antonio, a friend of your ex-lover Daniel, who has been missing for 3 days. But he broke up with you to clear his family's name and to search for a missing ship, the Santiago, which disappeared in 1524 with the Cobra's Eye artifact on it. Daniel's ancestor was the captain of the ship at the time.
Meanwhile, Antonio is taken by a Draug, some kind of creature from the Army of the Dead. You find your way to Clive Crowe's mansion, who supposedly is Daniel's partner, yet he locks you inside his mansion for "safety". Slightly confusing here.
But the game has Casual and Advanced Mode, an Interactive Map, and a Journal with some pages that can only be revealed using a Cryptic Disk to find four hidden symbols that Daniel left for you. The hint button refills a bit slowly, and the HOS are lists (so far# that have a few hard to find objects -- but you can use the hint button if you have the patience to wait for it to refill. There are many cut scenes to with lots of shadows or glimpses of creatures to set the mood.
This seems to be a very good game, but the story line #at least in the beginning) is a bit convoluted. Have to think about buying.
I recommend this game!