Zerotix's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:91
- Reviews Submitted:23
- First Review:December 15, 2011
- Most Recent Review:November 23, 2019
- Featured reviews0
A sudden murder overshadows the writing opportunity of a lifetime.
Overall rating
4
/
5
A Clever Murder Mystery
PostedNovember 23, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the first time in a while that I've been interested in a murder mystery game- since most of them are very similar- and while Death Between the Line's summary isn't breaking too much new ground, it is a clever and fun dip into a whodunnit.
Without spoiling much, you have been invited to compete against other well-known writers for the honor of writing a wealthy man's autobiography. Except suddenly someone winds up dead, and now you must find out who did it before more people lost their lives, including yourself. A basic premise, but the story does have a few twists and turns in it. Chances are, you will figure out who did it before the game's over and done, but it's still an intriguing journey along the way.
Again, no spoilers, but I like the reveals of some of the characters. I think they dodged a traditional 'killer personality' trope that I'm used to seeing and I respect that.
The game lasted about four hours with a multitude of puzzles and scenes. Puzzles varied and, to my surprise, hidden object scenes didn't repeat. It wasn't one of those games where you'll hit the same stash three or four times, which I have to respect. It helped keep the game from feeling stale.
I think what finally made me lean more to a four than a five was probably the lack of replay value. The scenes are nice and the house is interesting to explore, but I'm not sure if the game will be as engaging once you know the mystery.
That being said, I don't regret purchasing and enjoyed every moment.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself?
Overall rating
5
/
5
More than the typical Fairytale
PostedNovember 9, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
At first glance, Curse of Bluebeard seems like the typical fairytale or fable based 'save kidnapped loved one' plot, but it makes up for this enough that it stands out on its own as an enjoyable game.
The plot is simple- a take on the story of Bluebeard, you play as young lovers Richard and Rachel, whose life is thrown through a loop when Bluebeard forcibly takes Rachel to be his bride. Now the two must work together to stop the madman once and for all- and they do work together. Unlike most stories where the kidnapped party just vanishes for a majority of the game, occasionally dangled like a carrot, you can play as the kidnapped maiden as well. Switching between the main leads not only allows for different locations and scenarios, but actually helps the story. It is easier to feel an attachment to these two and their story when we are able to see them from both sides, and it helps to feel like the kidnapped party is not entirely helpless.
I feel like everywhere where there is a cliche, Curse of Bluebeard makes up for it by doing something original. Your loved one is captured- but you can play as them and have them try to escape. There's wild beasts roaming around- but they're not as they seem and may even be allies to your plight. Even the fairytale concept itself, which both follows and diverges from the plot of Bluebeard.
That being said, not everything about the story and game is perfect. It gets a little... Peculiar towards the end. Like, you can tell exactly what they cut out to be in the bonus chapter. I still felt content with the story I got. Wish the game was a little longer though. I got 3.5-4 hours out of it, which feels a bit short. The quality was enough that I wasn't too disappointed. Animations weren't perfect but weren't the worst I have seen.
One of the things I would like to compliment is how the traveling felt. After getting dropped off in prison at the beginning of the game, you start moving along towards Bluebeard's Castle without feeling like you're teleporting from one wildly different scene to the next. Maybe that's just me, but I thought it helped make the story more engaging.
I would also like to compliment the mechanic to change puzzle difficulty while playing them. I didn't need to change to easy more than twice, but it was nice that if you were getting frustrated with a puzzle that you had the chance to make it easier instead of skipping it altogether.
In short, I really liked the game! I think I'd give it a 4.5, but since I can't I'd rather give it a 5 than a 4. The story isn't super original, but it's fun. The switching character dynamic makes the characters feel more fleshed out. It's a little shorter than I would like but does feel satisfying in the end.
I recommend this game!
Free the frog princes from the clutches of an evil witch! Return them to their princess brides, and find out if the kiss of love can break the witch’s curse!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Fun Cut Short
PostedOctober 25, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I won't lie, the game is quite a lot of fun. The story is quirky and playful, the frog companions are pretty cute, and the game is more of an adventure-puzzle game than the typical HOG loaded game. I could've given it a rave review for that alone.
...Except that the game is unfortunately short. I'm not talking 3-4 hours either. I would say that I clocked in less than two hours, and then was rewarded with an extremely fast ending.
See, the game is about a witch cursing princes and you helping them to find their princesses and turning them back to normal. In the animations and unlockables menu it looks like there's four frog prince spots, which was part of the reason I bought the game after the demo. This was not the case; the game actually only has two princes.
While each prince's level is full enough, there should've at least been three of them. Not to mention that afterwards the game rushes to a sudden halt in only a minute or two. I don't know if something was cut out for the collector's edition, but I almost feel ripped off. I'm only somewhat content because I did enjoy most of the game up until then.
If you're interested in the game and don't mind that it is this short, then it is a good quality game. Otherwise, save your tokens for something with a little more meat.
I don't recommend this game.
Residents of Happy Orchard Farm are disappearing at night. Is there an innocent explanation, or could the farm be at the mercy of supernatural forces?
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
It's a mystery....
PostedJuly 10, 2013
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Yeah, a mystery why I'm even taking the time to review this awful game!
Now, let me go into the reasons why the game fails, and there are quite a few.
First, the main female character has a hand drawn look while the rest of the scenery looks like CGI almost. This seems to stand out to much. In fact, I would prefer the drawn look, the CGI makes the rooms look empty. I remember the 'girl's room' looked interesting enough, but the rest seemed lacking.
Second, you enter the house to see ghosts, then there are scarecrows as well. I don't mind multiple angles, but they could have had something good with each, but the mix seemed to make the game seem less... Of a 'horror', and more of a bad parody.
Third, the dialogue is really bad. It sounds like something a stereotype of a thirteen year old girl would say. The main character even says 'OMG', and not the words, just the letters. Yeah, because I would say "OMG" if I saw a ghost.
Finally, the premise and the logic are both way off. Added by the fact that the hint activates automatically, the game is not enjoyable to play. Whoever made this had obvious either not made games before or was simply not trying.
This must be, officially, the worst game I've seen on Big Fish.
I recommend this game!
Guide a mother who pursues a terrifying apparition into a twisted reality to save her daughter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Not the first game, but a surprisingly satisfying sequel.
PostedJuly 8, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I purchased right away, knowing through the demo that it was a little different that the original. This was fine, but I actually found the first one having a few better qualities. Either way, it still stood tall, higher than many games I've seen.
The doll is back again! This time his looks have changed slightly, and he looks a bit cuter, so I am pleased with that. Later on they mention his name, it's a small footnote and not part of the story so not even a spoiler, which is 'Teddy'.
The storyline, without spoiling, is about you playing a Mother, Rose, who is following after her husband and daughter who have been taken into the other realm of 'Stray Souls', trying to save them both.
The storyline can be played alone, but to really understand you must play the first game beforehand. It is actually a good concept, the voice acting is shaky at some times, but relatively good as well. The puzzles weren't too hard, even on expert, maybe it was just me though.
I loved the scenery and music, that same cryptic overtone that still stays whimsical, and I liked that it continued the story. The extra chapter is a prologue. Not needed to understand the story, but interesting as well.
In the end, I like the original better, but this one stood as a good sequel, and I do not regret the purchase. :)
I recommend this game!
Dark Dimensions: City of Ash Collector's Edition
A dark dimension has fallen over Phoenix Hill, turning its residents into volcanic ash. Help them rise from the ashes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Predictable, save length.
PostedJune 7, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
When you get an hour demo you expect to get that hour or at least a majority of it. Not twenty-five minutes. The puzzles were okay, but they seemed rushed, like they spent more time adding many puzzles in instead of making decent ones. Quantity of quality.
Unfortunately, again, this doesn't go for the length. When the length of the demo isn't even half of the time given, you start to realize that the chances are the game is relatively short.
The movement was stiff, and that's saying a lot for a point and click. The scenery was quite bland and every scene began to resemble the previous one.
The concept seems okay at first. A mining town led by a mayor who wants to continue mining even with the danger and the protests of his daughter is destroyed in a sudden and horrible event. You have to go back and free the trapped spirits from the same darkness that overtook the mayor.
This is where the real problems set in. Let us forget that this is the tenth town I've seen this month overtaken by something dark. Being led by a ghost girl, now a staple in nearly every game, has turned this game from somewhat original content to barely different. i also must point out the many times she'll try to talk or throw something to you and the 'dark antagonist' will stop her. This would be an impacting moment if it didn't happen every five minutes; and I certainly counted, because there was only twenty-five.
Cliches aside, the story wasn't very captivating. I have this feeling that this game was very rushed. This game has many, many similarities to the game Shiver: The Vanishing Hitchhiker. Following the girl, dark spirits, abandoned town from horrific event; the big difference is that it is obvious that Shiver tried to make it different.
I'd make a pass. However, if you do purchase the game and don't enjoy it, then don't worry. It will be over very quickly.
I don't recommend this game.
With your carriage broken, and a wolf nearby, you must find shelter. What awaits you in the village just ahead?
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
If you're into Wolves.... I'm not.
PostedJune 1, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Really, I'm not into the shapeshifter Human to Wolf storyline. It is so common that I am, actually, very driven off by such. The last two Shiver games were about spirits, ghosts, and even curses, but this one takes a completely different turn, and I'm not biting.
The visuals are quite nice, but very dark, and I worry the entire game will take place in the same darkened woods and forest. That would be a shame. The music was nice as well.
If you are going to buy this game, however, you don't have a choice between CE or SE. In the last two games you wouldn't get a complete ending without the CE, so I am guessing that this will be the case again.
Not crazy about the plot, but seems like a decent game for anyone who really likes Wolves.
I recommend this game!
The family saga continues when your nephew Brandon encounters the mysterious Stone Queen in a lonely mountain town.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
My Nephew, bad luck incarnate.
PostedMay 28, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have played all of the Grim Tales games completely through, and this one, unfortunately, fell flat from the last one.
Maybe it is the constant saving of the same person, but the series seems a little tired. This game doesn't have as much effort and time as the others by how the story seems to be, relatively, a rehash of a bunch of other games mistitched into one bizarre tale. It's not a bad story, but it is predictable for someone who has played as many Big Fish Games as I have.
In most games I enjoy the music or do not like it. That's not a problem in this game, as the music is barely existent. It is only present part of the time and soon gone. Most of the time you can only hear affects, and while that is good in some nice horror games, this one doesn't take the advantages. It seems more like they scrapped it from problems with the music in other games and assumed it wouldn't be missed. In fact, I was surprised how much I missed the music.
The scenery is beautiful, especially once you get underground, but some of the scenes lose their charm when the others are unimpressive.
In the end, it isn't bad, it is just not as good as the last three games. I hope the fifth corrects some of these problems, for I would come back if they would do so.
I recommend this game!
Spend the night in an abandoned mansion. Can you survive to uncover the terrible secret about your ancestor?
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
It was okay.... But...
PostedFebruary 28, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
And there certainly was a 'but' there. I am sure it was my brother too. Let me go through the good and the bad aspects of the game.
When it started the scenery was lovely, the house was vibrant, and it was breathtaking. Even the dark scenes were full of color. The few phonographs also played beautiful music that seemed to lull and lighten the mood.
However, there was something amiss, and I soon realized that it was either the 'out of sight, out of mind' antagonist or my clueless brother who seemed to constantly got himself into something that he needed my help to escape from. The game also became tedious once I started to get into it. The story didn't exactly progress, frankly there was barely a story at all, and I started doing repeated hashes of puzzles and such.
There wasn't ever an easy solution either. Such as, when getting through a glass door, you must find something to remove the glass. However, they won't let you use the hammer you still have in your inventory. Common sense verses common courtesy. Seriously, though, would you care to be careful of the furniture when somewhat put your brother in a cage? That just seemed to bother me.
In the end, fine for someone new to Hidden object games, but a more experienced player might find the gameplay tedious.
I recommend this game!
The year is 1916. To escape from war and protect your daughter you must go to your Grandfather's haunted old manor!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
Fell flat and half of that.
PostedFebruary 27, 2013
Zerotix
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Drawn in by the timeline of 1916, since I am interested in that time period, I tried the entire hour long trial. In that time I managed to get half way through chapter 12, and I am assuming near the end of the game.
The scenery is relatively nice and the puzzles are fun, but not even slightly challenging. There's no challenge mode either so I can't make the game any harder.
The storyline is shaky. While you're staying at your Grandfather's manor, they never mention this in the game. In the game you are just going through a mansion and heading through, finding diary entries between a family. The story seemed rushed and completely unstable. One second it goes one way, then it abruptly changes, and not in a pleasingly 'twisted' way. More like, the makers of the game didn't actually think through the story as they were putting it into the game.
Again, I got through twelve very short chapters in the hour and would've got through more if I hadn't have had some problems with the puzzles. They weren't hard, but sometimes the puzzles would be complete and wouldn't register as finished, so I'd have to wait and 'skip' the puzzle instead.
A few bugs, a half written storyline, and not much else. The demo can be played at will, but I wouldn't recommend purchasing the game unless you know exactly what you are getting into.
I don't recommend this game.