belamba's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:6,536
- Reviews Submitted:161
- First Review:November 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 4, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
When his sister is murdered, you must prove your nephew’s innocence!
Overall rating
4
/
5
52 of 72 found this review helpful
Not worth paying for CE...
PostedMay 15, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love Elephant games, and this game was no exception. Three modes (I played advanced), and hint and skip system excellent and fast.
Map and hint took you to the locations that had tasks to do, and it was such a good system didn't need SG at all.
No cute critters but morphing objects to find, statues to find, achievement awards and a collectables gallery.
Map and hint took you to the locations that had tasks to do, and it was such a good system didn't need SG at all.
No cute critters but morphing objects to find, statues to find, achievement awards and a collectables gallery.
The game ran smoothly on my Mac.
Modern day games are getting larger and larger. It takes an hour or so to d/l full game on my Mac just to try trial.
I enjoyed the trial hour, and it whizzed by so bought game based on first 60 mins.
I enjoyed the trial hour, and it whizzed by so bought game based on first 60 mins.
The shortcomings were the HOPs (although not that many of them) which were just junk pile with minimal interaction. Puzzles nicely done but nothing new really. They were really easy, and I only skipped one.
The main game took me 4 hours, but the CE was barely 30 minutes worth...and I don't consider that value for the extra money!
Few locations, couple of junk pile HOPs...and the game was finished. Think the bonus chapter about the worst value for money ever. I buy the CEs for the extra gameplay. Not interested in concept art and/ or screen savers and rarely need the SG these days as hint system so effective. Just get the feeling that once the devs have finished making the main game, the bonus chapter is just a nuisance and thrown together without much thought. Certainly not worth paying double for. Had the bonus game been better value for money, and more entertaining would have given game 5 *****.
Few locations, couple of junk pile HOPs...and the game was finished. Think the bonus chapter about the worst value for money ever. I buy the CEs for the extra gameplay. Not interested in concept art and/ or screen savers and rarely need the SG these days as hint system so effective. Just get the feeling that once the devs have finished making the main game, the bonus chapter is just a nuisance and thrown together without much thought. Certainly not worth paying double for. Had the bonus game been better value for money, and more entertaining would have given game 5 *****.
I recommend this game!
Your librarian friend wants your help as a journalist – he’s found an ancient book that is still unfinished. Can you save the world in the book before their story ends?
Overall rating
5
/
5
64 of 78 found this review helpful
Enjoyed every minute of this game
PostedMay 10, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game had it all for my taste in CE.
Several mode options including custom where you could choose super fast hint and skips, could do away with black bar tips (which I always do if there's the option) and so on.
The map was excellent as was the hint system. These were needed especially in the bonus chapter where you had a lot of toing and froing. The bonus chapter was an extremely good length, and not stuffed with HOPs.
Talking of HOPs, I enjoyed them in this game as a wide variation, and only a few junk pile HOPs. The puzzles were beautifully done; whilst nothing too taxing, I enjoyed the way they'd been constructed. No cute helpful creatures, and collectables were jugs in the close up scenes.
The artwork was really beautiful, and the music in keeping and not annoying. Only gripe (and it's a minor one), is some of the VOs were purposefully very slow and and the so called 'English accent' annoyingly bad. But in the greater scheme of things, it didn't really matter.
I enjoy ERS games, but do wish they'd give us 'moving mouths'.
A cleverly thought out game, and I played it to the end!
I recommend this game!
Set out with Bella in search of her brother through the pages of well-known novels and true stories.
Overall rating
2
/
5
49 of 65 found this review helpful
Gave me a massive headache..
PostedMay 8, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was looking forwards to this game, but everything is so small that it really made me feel nauseous.
There are two game modes only, and if you don't want sparkles you get a click penalty in HOPs. This is really stupid as items so difficult to find.
The mouths of the VOs don't move, and there's more HOPs and cut scenes than game play. The HOPs aren't really interactive, and just junk pile. The first time you play the HOP, theres a list in words. Second time you play there's pictures of items you need to find.
The items are really small and with added lights and shadows it made the HOPs unpleasant. Wish some devs would remember some of us are older, and our eyes not what they were.
The mouths of the VOs don't move, and there's more HOPs and cut scenes than game play. The HOPs aren't really interactive, and just junk pile. The first time you play the HOP, theres a list in words. Second time you play there's pictures of items you need to find.
The items are really small and with added lights and shadows it made the HOPs unpleasant. Wish some devs would remember some of us are older, and our eyes not what they were.
During the trial the puzzles were pretty bog standard, and are in a small window so once again straining your eyes to play them.
You collect gold coins in each scene (whoopy do). The biggest irritant is that when there's nothing to do in a scene, you're directed to the map which keeps appearing with an arrow and glowing! Back and forth you go, but mainly to place one item and replay a HOP (they couldn't even be bothered to remove the items you'd found first time round)!
The hand holding is extreme, and the items you need to interact with glow as you put your cursor over them.
The game feels 5 years out of date, and I don't see what makes this a CE. I wouldn't even waste a free voucher on this game.
The devs seem to think we're all too stupid to work out the simplest things, and I feel I was being treated as though I'm a 5 year old!
I don't recommend this game.
Destroy artifacts in the past to preserve the world’s future!
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 27 found this review helpful
Didn't like this game....
PostedApril 27, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I remember the last one in this series, and I didn't buy that one either.
I found the HOPs just run of the mill junk pile, the puzzles were ok but nothing amazing and the music drove me nuts so turned it off.
The graphics were fuzzy too.
Too much chit chat and too many cut scenes, the story was boring and the game play slow because of the ongoing chit chat etc. I decided to play 'hardcore mode', but still had hand holding black bar tips. The hint system was good, and the skip refilled at a good speed for the mode I chose.
I find it very hard not to buy CEs, but this one I didn't want. I played until the hour trial was up.
The items you find (as in the last game in this series) are too similar in shape and colour. Once again a cute creature to help you, and some collectables.
Don't know what it is about these games, but don't make me want to rush home to continue playing them. I'm sure it'll appeal to some though.
I don't recommend this game.
Dive into an epic story of honor and courage to help preserve ancient Japan in this Match-3 adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 16 found this review helpful
An ok M3...
PostedApril 15, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game is beautifully put together, and runs smoothly.
I played relax mode, although devs recommend you start in challenge mode.
Can choose between 3 different game play modes, and can turn the board to rearrange the tiles. Also a 'shuffle' button.
It's very similar to another M3 with similar tiles and game play, and if by same devs, it's not been changed much.
You build your town for the starving people, but don't need to do any more than click on a button.
Was hoping it would get a bit more exciting, but after an hour it didn't.
There are power ups etc, but I like M3s with whizz bangs!
I'm sure some will like it, if they just want to while away a few hours without much of a challenge.
I played relax mode, although devs recommend you start in challenge mode.
Can choose between 3 different game play modes, and can turn the board to rearrange the tiles. Also a 'shuffle' button.
It's very similar to another M3 with similar tiles and game play, and if by same devs, it's not been changed much.
You build your town for the starving people, but don't need to do any more than click on a button.
Was hoping it would get a bit more exciting, but after an hour it didn't.
There are power ups etc, but I like M3s with whizz bangs!
I'm sure some will like it, if they just want to while away a few hours without much of a challenge.
I recommend this game!
Fall of the New Age
Help Marla uncover the secret conspiracy of the Cult and release her brother from captivity!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Could have been a better game...
PostedApril 15, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I enjoyed this game, but the extreme hand holding spoilt it for me.
I played advanced mode, and tried hard 'not' to look at the black bar tips. Had there been a customisable option, it would have been a better game.
The only HOP (I came across so far) was different and I enjoyed it.
Puzzles are nicely done. Hint and skip refill fairly quickly, and the music was in keeping with the game.
It had an 'old' feel to it, as though developed half a decade ago.
The constant egg timer loading each scene is annoying also.
Def get it with a punch voucher, but wouldn't buy it as there are zillions of better HOGs out there.
5 years ago would have snapped it up!
I played advanced mode, and tried hard 'not' to look at the black bar tips. Had there been a customisable option, it would have been a better game.
The only HOP (I came across so far) was different and I enjoyed it.
Puzzles are nicely done. Hint and skip refill fairly quickly, and the music was in keeping with the game.
It had an 'old' feel to it, as though developed half a decade ago.
The constant egg timer loading each scene is annoying also.
Def get it with a punch voucher, but wouldn't buy it as there are zillions of better HOGs out there.
5 years ago would have snapped it up!
I recommend this game!
A famous actor has literally stepped off the screen to kidnap your niece. Now you must find a way into the dangerous and exciting world of the film to save her!
Overall rating
3
/
5
64 of 77 found this review helpful
An ok CE that could have been much better...
PostedApril 10, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A very silly story line, and not overly long. Without skipping any puzzles, not using hints and playing in advanced mode the game was over in 4 hours (including the bonus chapter).
Whilst the bonus chapter wasn't stuffed with HOPs thankfully, it was a bit 'hum drum' and lasted about 35 minutes. Not what I expect for double the price of an SE.
There are 3 play modes, collectable flowers (yawn), and well drawn but not very challenging HOPs (these needed you to use some inventory items to complete them).
The graphics weren't the greatest, and very fuzzy on my MBP Retina display.
The music was ok, and thankfully no furry critters to help you. Excellent hint system. Didn't need to use the SG.
My main gripe is that unless you want to play hard core mode with no puzzle skips, the hand holding is excessive in the extreme. Many devs these days give you a 'custom' option, so you can do away with black bar tips if you want to. On seeing a screw, being told you need a 'screwdriver' is an insult to one's intelligence!
I usually love games by these devs, and I'm thrilled when I see their name at the beginning of a game, but this didn't live up to expectations.
I must rein myself in and stop buying CEs because, with a few exceptions, the extra price isn't really good value for money.
Wish I'd waited for the SE on this game, and used a punch.
Wish I'd waited for the SE on this game, and used a punch.
I recommend this game!
Can you and Detective Dupin uncover the dark secrets of this mysterious estate?
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 59 found this review helpful
Loved this game...
PostedMarch 20, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've enjoyed all the games in this series, and this was no exception. The graphics are superb, the music pleasant and the game play runs smoothly.
A big bonus is having a custom game mode. Wish more had this option, as it's us the customer that should choose the way we enjoy playing the games we buy.
The 'finding coins in the houses to buy stuff in the shop' got a bit tiresome (and only after I'd played most of the main game and bonus chapter did I discover I didn't need to do that).
I loved the HOP. They were beautifully drawn, and quite a mixture of different types of objects and interaction to find. For once the bonus chapter wasn't stuffed full of them, and was a decent length.
There is a map, and a decent hint system, so no difficulty knowing what I had to do. Quite a bit of back and forth but could use the map to do this.
The puzzles were excellent. Quite innovative for a change, and I enjoyed them and looked forwards to them. Even those that weren't totally new, were done in a way that made them seem that way. They were mainly doable too.
Always enjoy games from these Devs. The whole game and bonus chapter took about 4 hours.
I recommend this game!
A serial killer nicknamed “the Toymaker” is wreaking havoc on a sleepy town. Can the lead detective piece together clues left at the scene and stop him before he sets his sights on her?
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 26 found this review helpful
Pretty much straight HOG
PostedMarch 19, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I thought this game would be more fun than it was. The graphics and start of game showed promise, but then just quickly became a big yawn.
There are two game modes, advanced gives a click penalty in HOPs and no sparkles. But as the game is so one dimensional not sure it's worth having two modes.
You're a detective searching for a serial killer who is taunting you via some videos and clues you've to crack.
There are two game modes, advanced gives a click penalty in HOPs and no sparkles. But as the game is so one dimensional not sure it's worth having two modes.
You're a detective searching for a serial killer who is taunting you via some videos and clues you've to crack.
It starts in your office, and that's pretty much where it stays. In the office you've a video player, a map and a desk (for assembling puzzles).
The map just takes you to one HOP after another, after another, after another (these are barely interactive but the scenes are nicely done). You achieve pieces for the puzzles the killer is taunting you with. The puzzles are way too easy as well.
There's no challenge in the game at all. After the hour was up, I was just bored. Has an 'old' feel to it.
If you like basic HOG games, then this is for you. I expect more from games these days.
I don't recommend this game.
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 38 found this review helpful
A creepy game...
PostedMarch 1, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on completing the main game and bonus content.
I love all things 'creepy', so this game was right up my street. I started off loving it, but by the end was a bit bored. The positives are that the graphics were beautifully done, the music in keeping, three modes of play, an excellent hint system and a map where you could jump to the relevant scene. Whilst advertised as a psychological thriller, nothing made me jump out of my seat or was particularly scary.
I love all things 'creepy', so this game was right up my street. I started off loving it, but by the end was a bit bored. The positives are that the graphics were beautifully done, the music in keeping, three modes of play, an excellent hint system and a map where you could jump to the relevant scene. Whilst advertised as a psychological thriller, nothing made me jump out of my seat or was particularly scary.
There were some collectables that were members of the family, but it added nothing to the game.
There was much back and forth, so the map was invaluable. The HOP scenes were a bit different, and interactive in as much as some items were hidden in other areas of the puzzle, and scenes were drawn in a cartoony style. I really liked them, and not too many in the main game.
The puzzles were nothing different, but nicely put together.
The negatives were that there was too much hand holding (in advanced mode), some items were incorrectly labeled or at least confusing such as a 'shell' wasn't a 'seashell', and a couple of other items were named incorrectly. And some English was badly translated.
The bonus content was all to common; more HOPs but not interactive like the main game. A bunch of 'spot the difference' which I enjoy, but thought they'd never end and not much to do in each scene.
The whole game took about 4 hours. The SG has chapters (about 7 I think), and the game started with chapter one, then two then three...then no more? So, it looked as though it was a hugely long game at first when in fact it wasn't.
I recommend this game!