Rini1031's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:82
- Reviews Submitted:11
- First Review:November 25, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 28, 2020
- Featured reviews0
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
Harbringer of Things to Come (Vague SPOILERS)
PostedAugust 28, 2020
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
My very first HOG was Return to Ravenhearst. In fact, I even pre-ordered one that came with a metal badge and wear it to this day on my mid-weight coat. Yes, I am a geek. To this day, while I appreciate the new advancements in games (INTERACTIVE MAPS WITH TELEPORTATION!), that is still the game to which I hold all others. The music, the plot, the feeling. I do tend to prefer the Fairytale Detective these days, but Mystery Detective, you have my heart. One SUPER important note: the bobblehead doll was male, but the devs took A LOT of effort to make sure not to gender the MD. I really do not enjoy playing men (LGBT+ thing on my end), so the forced male gendering of the Moths game - especially when we could choose in Dire Grove - bothered me because I have a very vivid picture of who my personal MD is, and its a 'she/her.'
I liked this game. A lot. It was more like a traditional Blue Tea game than an Eipix, but I am more than ok with that. I especially LOVE that you can go back and pick up collectables (well, Tarot at least) that you missed so you are not forced to get them in playthrough. The game was easier than the MCFs games, but I REALLY struggled through the Asylum one and just did not enjoy the Revenant one (I didn't actually see a connection that is how unforgettable it was to me). The Broken Hour was a lot of fun, but the Ghost/Pirate one... I called the "twist" in the first five minutes. I was right.
So, vague spoiler time - and I will try to keep it vague. I LIKED the story, but the ending... I really didn't get it. Is she a friend that we helped after epically hurting in another game? Is she an enemy? The story was beautiful - until the last cutscene. Hope we can meet on the forum and talk this through.
I recommend this game!
Maestro: Music from the Void Collector's Edition
Eerie music fills the air in Vienna, where shadows terrorize people in the streets. Two musical prodigies have gone missing. Can you save them without striking a single false note?
Overall rating
5
/
5
Wonderful game from a great series!
PostedMarch 3, 2013
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Maestro: Music from the Void Collector's Edition
(70)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have a confession: I enjoyed but was somewhat letdown by Notes of Life. I was so excited to see this game and rightly so, since this game had the “wow factor” that Music of Death so impressed me with. I enjoyed the scores that you could play and thought that the game had an excitement to it with the playable violin and the collectable instruments. As an older character, the boy doesn’t make me want to punch him either, which is a nice change.
As usual, stunning artwork and good background music, if repetitive from the other Maestro titles. The hint system is perfect and the skip button doesn’t take a tremendously long time to charge. The animation has improved also, which is nice to see. The voice actors are getting better with each game (I’ve already mentioned the boy), if you ignore the lack of accents.
There is a level of challenge in all the Maestro games, but it is a challenge that is comfortable – in my opinion, anyway – for most beginner and intermediate players. It does have the no skip/hint mode for advanced players. This is a good, comfortable game to relax into one dreary day.
Scary? Not particularly, although there is one startling moment
Good for kids? I’d say early teens and up
Guide required? No, but it helps to make sure you’ve got all the instruments
Buy? Yes, hands down
Last line: A good game that you will likely play more than a few times. Worth the extra for the bonus game. Trust me – you NEED to play the bonus game!
I recommend this game!
Witch Hunters: Stolen Beauty
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Quite boring, unfortunately
PostedMarch 3, 2013
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Maestro: Music from the Void Collector's Edition
(70)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the second time I have been rather upset with a BFG. This game is incredibly boring and has no real uniqueness. At the risk of a very mild spoiler, the magical powers gained through each “level” is interesting, but it is not enough to save this game. Play Cinderstone Orphanage if you want to see this concept played right. The game is what I like to call a “runner” – as in you’re running all over the game to find where the next item is hidden. These games are ok if you have a map that highlights the next active area (Snow Queen is a great example of that, plus you can jump if you’re far away).
On the good side, however, the game is very pretty.
Oh yes, and the music is either really decent background mood music in some scenes (not overly sfx-ed either) or almost nonexistent.
Pet peeve(s): The objects in the HOS reset. No voice acting.
Scary? It certainly tries to be.
Good for kids? It is simple enough that it should be, but the game is nearly bordering on boring so I’ll say no.
Guide required? Yes. This game has so much superfluous running around that the generous hint system is not necessarily good enough.
Buy? No. I’d even say don’t get it as a punch card game.
I don't recommend this game.
Death at Fairing Point: A Dana Knightstone Novel
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not a bad game as a break from your other, better drawn and more challenging ones.
PostedMarch 31, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Maestro: Music of Death Collector's Edition
(33)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a simple, light game without any gruesome or really dark moments, and it is a love story. Some of the reasoning behind the minigames may seem contrived but they are all easily solvable and you are given everything you could possible need in your journal. One of my nitpicky points though: the font at the start of the game is very pretty - why not use it in the journal?
Another point: there aren't THAT many characters, but, aside from the cutscenes (which you have to click through) they are not voice acted. If that's not a big deal to you then please ignore this paragraph.
While generous, the hint system does penalize you if you click randomly too much, and the recharge is rather slow during HO scenes. You CAN ask for hints during minigames which makes me very happy.
One last note, I begrudgingly gave the V/S quality a 4 and not a 5 because the images, while pretty, are somewhat line-y for my taste and the ghosts move extremely awkwardly. Do not think this reflects badly on the music which is amazing. I want to run this game in the background all day just to hear it.
Scary? Not at all
Good for kids? I'd say yes, but it is a romance story with a murder attached; they might not like the plot. Graphics are fine though
Guide required? No, hints are sufficient
Buy? Personally, get it as either a daily deal or a punchcard game
Last line: Not a bad game as a break from your other, better drawn and more challenging ones.
I recommend this game!
Curse at Twilight: Thief of Souls
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not a bad buy; enjoyable game
PostedMarch 30, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Maestro: Music of Death Collector's Edition
(33)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Alright, so, I first though when I saw this game "pass", but I bought it and gave it a go after all. This is a overall story with distinct subplots type of game, five in this case, but the story line is mostly solid, so please, don't hold that against this game.
Since I only have three things against this game, I'll go into them only; if I haven't mentioned it, I liked it.
1: No voice acting (why the V/S Quality is 4 and not 5)
2: I loved the plot opened by door number 3 (cottage), why wasn't there more of that? The rest of the doors should have had some kind of connection to that.
3: The game was almost to nudge-y about what object needed what. If you just hovered on top of an item, it told you how to work it (why the LoC is 4 and not 5)
2: I loved the plot opened by door number 3 (cottage), why wasn't there more of that? The rest of the doors should have had some kind of connection to that.
3: The game was almost to nudge-y about what object needed what. If you just hovered on top of an item, it told you how to work it (why the LoC is 4 and not 5)
Two good things I do have to mention:
1: This game's pet mini game was a play on match three. It took me two skips to get the hang of it, but once I did, I loved the challenge.
2: The map enables you to jump from one place to another (very handy); you do have to find the special coins first though, but they are hint-able
1: This game's pet mini game was a play on match three. It took me two skips to get the hang of it, but once I did, I loved the challenge.
2: The map enables you to jump from one place to another (very handy); you do have to find the special coins first though, but they are hint-able
Scary? Not particularly
Good for kids? PG-13-ish (Dungeon)
Guide required? No
Buy? Yes, good punch card game.
Last line: A nice, simple, but overall decent game
I recommend this game!
Grim Facade: Mystery of Venice Collector’s Edition
Two young ladies have gone missing and it’s up to you to find them in Grim Façade: Mystery of Venice, a fun Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 44 found this review helpful
A beautiful, chalenging game
PostedMarch 30, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Legends: Beauty and the Beast Collector's Edition
(71)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Like most ERS games, Grim is gorgeous. The plot is predictable but the game play is great all the same. There is, however the added layer of the shopkeep who you must interact with. There is voice acting, and an effort was made, however silly the accents were in the end. Pet peeve: although lovely, those gowns would not be anything but scandalous in the 1800s. Nice try though!
The vices are utilized here and are used well, much better than I've seen in other games.* While you are reminded occasionally that lives are at stake, the game never really rushes you or makes you hurry, and the final show down doesn't feel like there is a timer attached.
Alright, not one of my usual rundown categories, but: Biggest pet peeve of the game: Music gets repetitive and VERY boring halfway through
Scary? Not really
Good for kids? PG-13ish
Guide required? Yes; included
Buy? Yes
Last line: Great game. Add it to your collection, but half way through mute the music and turn on the classical radio station.
* *cough*SacraTerra*cough*
I recommend this game!
Macabre Mysteries: Curse of the Nightingale Collector's Edition
Explore the Nightingale Theater, which was ravaged by a devastating fire 40 years ago, and uncover a dark mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
This will become one of your favorite games
PostedMarch 30, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Legends: Beauty and the Beast Collector's Edition
(71)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
First off, this is a fragmented object game. Second off, THE ANIMALS IN THE HO SCENES MOVE!!!! Sorry, but that is just so cute! That is the level of detail that was put into this game, and it shows. This is a wonderful game with an interesting plot and a unique gimmick, ghost visions of the past. There is voice acting and it is good, and the story doesn't try to rush you too much.
This is a great game that you will want to play again and again.
Scary? At times
Good for kids? PG-13 I'd say
Guide required? Yes, included though
Buy? Yes
Last line: The score and images are detailed and beautiful, the plot is nice and interesting, and the gameplay is complex enough to keep you interested.
I recommend this game!
Love Chronicles: The Spell
Remove an evil curse that has caused a whole kingdom to be trapped in their dreams! Save a beautiful princess before it’s too late!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Typical "good deed" style game, but still fun
PostedMarch 30, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Macabre Mysteries: Curse of the Nightingale
(76)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is a classic "Oh, I have that item you need, do something for me and I'll give it to you". Personally, I don't like those. The art was nice for me, and the music pretty, but the fact that there was no voice acting bothered me slightly. I'll let the facts speak for themselves:
Scary? No
Good for kids? Yes
Guide required? Yes, looked up a walkthrough and relied on it occasionally
Buy? No, get it as a free punch card game or a daily deal
Last line: nice art, decent game, not going to be a favorite
I don't recommend this game.
House of 1000 Doors: Family Secrets
Guide Kate Reed as she solves four mind-bending mysteries that take her to worlds she's never imagined!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Facinating, very original plot
PostedMarch 30, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Legends: The Phantom of the Opera Collector's Edition
(88)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This might seem like your typical 4* subplot ghost game, but the overarching main plot is interesting, certainly one of the most original I've ever seen. And the mini games are FUN! Skip button takes forever though - bad news if you don't happen to be good at them.
On the plus side (and this is a rather large plus) the hint meter recharges nicely in the game and quickly in the HO scenes. Good voice acting too.
The biggest negative - and this, for me, is a real deal breaker - the HO scenes did not give the full item list, and the hidden hidden objects sometimes were not in red the second or third time playing a scene. Also, and this is just me being nitpicky, the HO scenes completely reset so objects that you found last time are once again present in the scene. No bigdeal for most of you, but...
Scary? Only one scene (last of the ghost chapters, you'll see it coming and it's literally just a few seconds
Buy? Yes, for a quick, rainy day game.
Guide required? No, when I got a little stuck, the hints do it all
Last line: great game; fun, interesting, original plot.
* some 4, some more; you know the type I'm talking about.
See:Curse at Twilight: Thief of Souls, Azada: In Libro, ect...
See:Curse at Twilight: Thief of Souls, Azada: In Libro, ect...
I recommend this game!
Blood and Ruby
Use ancient magic, alongside your wits, as you hunt for your missing brother in a haunting city possessed by vampires!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Cute game, light and fun!
PostedMarch 26, 2012
Rini1031
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Mystery Legends: The Phantom of the Opera Collector's Edition
(88)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If I had to pick one word to describe this game, it'd be cute. B&R doesn't take itself too seriously, and the music that accompanies the "fight" scenes only proves it.
Others have called the graphics cartoony, and they're right, but it's a change of pace from games like Dark Parables and the always lovely ERS games. And, overall, they're pretty too.
The HO scenes aren't hard; the puzzles are almost laughingly easy (the only two I skipped I only did because I hate that type of puzzle with a passion)
The biggest two downsides are the lack of voice acting and the game time - ITS SHORT!!!!
The upside is the plot. It seems fairly predictable at first, I'll admit, but chapter three is where it gets interesting.
Bottom Line:
Don't write this game off immediately. It's not going to be your go-to, most favorite game ever - not by a long shot! - but it IS a fun little time killer.
Don't write this game off immediately. It's not going to be your go-to, most favorite game ever - not by a long shot! - but it IS a fun little time killer.
I recommend this game!