dancemom1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:13,287
- Reviews Submitted:871
- First Review:April 15, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 26, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you bring back magic and rescue your mom in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Oooh, that gremlin!
PostedDecember 15, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others who do a much better job than I. I believe this is #10 in this series. The graphics are excellent, very clear and clean, with no blurring when going in and out of close up scenes. Game play was excellent, no problems at all during the demo and the scenes fit my large screen quite well. Colors were bright, with some purple and blue, but not overpowering. Voices are age and character appropriate, with emotion. We seem to have more character interaction in this one. You can click through dialog if you read faster than they speak, without missing any of the story line. Sound FX are very nice, but not many. Music is monotonous, but not annoying. We didn't have a little helper in this addition, which is fine with me.
HOPs are a combination of interactive lists, silhouettes, highlighted words and pairs. The scenes are fairly clean and items are not difficult to find. I did not see that you could switch to another game if you do not care for the HOPs. Puzzles had some challenge, but not too difficult to complete. Hint system is very helpful and we do have the transport feature, which saves a lot of travel time. You do quite a lot of backtracking, so the transport is very helpful. We also have the jump map shows where you may have missed a collectible.
Collectibles were nice. This is where the challenge came in. We need to find 48 puzzle pieces. These pieces are fairly large, but easy to miss, as the colors blend into the background and there can be multiple pieces in a scene. We also have 26 morphing gifts. They morph in and out quickly, but I didn't find any that were difficult to see. We also have 12 figurines that are extremely small and not easy to spot. This is where the strategy guide comes in handy.
This story is interesting and easy to follow, but nothing really new. We have the usual trickery going on here again. Sorry, but I find that gremlin really creepy and not necessary to the game. Other than finding the collectibles, there isn't really a lot of challenge to this game. Still, I like this series and find the need to play it out anyway. I think most players will find it fun. I gave it a 4.5. Yes, I am adding this one to my very long list of collectibles.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Master Detective must face the greatest challenge – time itself!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 15 found this review helpful
Ho-hum
PostedNovember 30, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I mostly review on the game play and not the story line, as others do a much better job of that than I. As usual, this series has nice graphics. Animation is well done, and the movements are realistic, but does have a hiccup now and then. The colors are faded and we have some blue and purples, but not a lot, except in the beginning. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo and the scene fit my large screen quite nicely. Voices are very well done, being age and character appropriate. You can skip through dialog if you read faster than they speak. There is a fair amount of character interaction in this addition. The music seems to play in the background most all the time and is soothing, until something is about to happen. The sound FX were fairly nice and mostly storm sounds.
HOPs are nicely done, and somewhat varied. I did not see that you can switch to another game. Items are not difficult to see, but can often be somewhat hidden. Scenes are fairly clean. Puzzles were somewhat challenging, with a simple one now and then. Hint system was useful, and we do not have a transport feature in this one. Again, a lot of back-tracking.
Collectibles were okay, but nothing difficult or different. We need to find 54 magnifying glasses, two in each scene, one of which morphs. This is where the real challenge comes in. Also need to find 20 jigsaw pieces. That's all I found during the demo, which was disappointing.
The story was very slow moving and somewhat muddled. Not sure what's going on or why. We were sort of thrown into it. The only challenge was finding some of the collectibles. Not the usual MCF at all. I found I was glad when the demo was over. I think this one is geared more toward a beginner and not a seasoned gamer. I'm sure there are those who will find this one is just their style and speed, but not for me. Gave this one a 3.0. No buy this time.
Try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this one perfect for you. Play on!
I recommend this game!
When volcanic eruptions uncover hidden caves in Samoa, you can’t wait to decipher the ancient texts inside! But this educational expedition quickly takes a dangerous turn when someone steals your research! Legend says the Maori hid a powerful artifact, and there’s no telling what damage it could do in the wrong hands! Can you find the artifact and save the world in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
Always a bad guy...
PostedNovember 30, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As usually, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others who can do a much better job on that than I. As usual, the graphics are excellent. We do have a slight blur when going in and out of closeups and cut scenes, but not bad. Colors are very bright and true, but not over powering or hard on the eyes. Animation is excellent, with realistic mouth, eye and smooth body movements. Game play was very good, with no problems during the demo and the scenes fit my large screen completely. The voice are well done and are age and character appropriate, but there could have been more character interaction. Hopefully this picks up as the game progresses. The characters speak with emotion, surprise, fear, anxiety, etc. You can click through dialog if you read faster than they speak, and not miss any clues or necessary information. Music was unique to the setting and was quite nice. Sound FX are well done and are throughout the game.
HOPs are a combination of interactive lists and silhouettes. The scenes are quite clear and items are not difficult to find. You could switch to a match 3 game. Puzzles very well done, and most were very simple, but still took time and thought to complete. Hint system is very helpful and we have the transport feature, using the map. This is one of my favorite map set ups. Areas are clearly identified by name and picture and we can choose to know if we have missed a collectible.
Collectibles were not bad. We need to find 15 fact "disks," 15 tattoos and 15 souvenirs. They are not as easy to spot as you think.
I do like this series and this one is no exception. You are constantly on the move in this addition. There is action, adventure and challenge, as well as an interesting story. I think all levels of players will find this one interesting and fun and yes, I am going to add it to my collection. Gave this addition a 4.75.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can your love survive the vampire’s curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Watch those teeth!
PostedSeptember 10, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! I've lost count with this series. As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story review to others who do a much better job than I. Graphics are very well done, even with the occasional blur when going in and out of close ups. Colors are very bright and clear, and still have a bit of purple, but not enough to bother your eyes. Animation is extremely well done, very smooth and realistic. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Yes, we still get to switch between characters in this addition as well. The voices were nice, but Dad's voice seemed too young for his face and age. Didn't notice as much emotion in the speaking as in other games in this series. Sound FX could have been quite nice, since a lot of what was happening was outside. They were very quiet. The only saving grace here was the music, which moved quite well to what was happening at the time.
HOPs are a variety of silhouettes, and interactive lists. Hopefully there is more than this as the game progresses. Scenes are very clean and clear and items were not difficult to find. As usual, you can switch to a match 3 game. Puzzles were not difficult, and did not take any time or thought to complete. We can still choose between easy and hard for the puzzles and the full game play as well, for those who want more challenge. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport to longer locations, by opening the map and showing you where your next move is going to be. As always in this series, we have a great map. It clearly identifies the area by picture and name, as well as showing you where you may have missed a collectible. You can choose not to have this "hint" if you wish a bit more challenge here as well.
The collectibles were the challenge here. Some are very small and hard to find. We need to find 15 blood samples; 70 coins to upgrade the "salon;" and 15 pieces of jewelry. These can be anywhere and are varying sizes.
I really like this series, even though the stories are predictable. This game flowed very well and was easy to follow. I like to switch characters and play both sides. Keeps the characters from getting stale. The story was nothing new, but was well done and interesting. Most of the challenge was in finding the collectibles. There is not a lot of action, but enough character interaction to keep me interested, and we are constantly on the move. I think most all levels of players will find this one entertaining and worth the CE price. I gave this one a 4.5. I have the need to play this one out and see what's happening, so yes, I am adding it to my collection of CE games.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover and stop a dangerous menace terrorizing new cadets?
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 51 found this review helpful
Only the shadow knows...
PostedSeptember 10, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! This series has so many additions, I've lost count. As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others. However, I usually always say something about the story as well. The graphics are very well done, very clear, with no blurring when going in and out of close ups. In the beginning, they looked a bit cartoony, but quickly cleared up. Game play was very nice, with no problems during the demo. Colors are very nice, clear and somewhat soft. Animation is very well done, with very smooth movements and appropriate facial movements, depending on what is happening at the time. The voices are well done when we have them, being age and character appropriate. Not a lot of character interaction during the demo, but enough to keep you from getting bored. Didn't care for the switching and moving forward and back of the characters as they spoke. No need for that. Music is mostly very quiet unless something is about to happen. Sound FX were okay. We could have used more. Elf is back with us, helping as much as he can, but you can choose not to use him during the game. Mostly he sit quietly until we need him.
HOPs are interactive lists. Hopefully we have more than this as the game progresses. Scenes are fairly clean and items are not difficult to find. I did not see where you could switch to something else if you did not care for the HOPs. Puzzles were really simple in this addition, and took no time or thought to complete. Maybe they get more challenging as we progress. Hint system is very helpful and it does transport to longer locations. Yes, we do a lot of back tracking in this game, so the transport is a real time saver. You have a jump map, but it is very plain and boring.
Collectibles were nice. We have a combination of morphing items, which morph fairly quickly, and seem to be very large. We also have 24 jigsaw puzzle pieces, which are also fairly large. Unless I missed something, that's it.
As much as I like this series, I was a bit disappointed in the story line. It just didn't draw me in like some of the others in the series. The story flowed fairly well and was easy to follow. We didn't have as much character interaction as we could have, it was fairly quiet, and the HOGs were few and far between during the demo. I didn't find this one particularly challenging, but I need to play it out and see what's happening and why. Hopefully it picks up as the game progresses. I think players will find this one worth a look. Gave this one a 4.0, mostly due to the lack of any real challenge. Even at that, I'll probably add this one to my CE list, when a good sale comes along.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
A geological adventure into a secret world inside our planet!
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 46 found this review helpful
Heart?
PostedAugust 13, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others. Wow, this really is a long series! Graphics are excellent, even going in and out of close ups. We just have a very slight blur. Colors are very bright, but not over powering, and quite lovely. Animation is very well done, right down to the eyebrow movements...very realistic. Game play was excellent, with no problems during the demo. Voices are nicely done and are age and character appropriate. As usual in this series, not a lot of character interaction during the demo. You can click through the dialog if you read faster than they speak, without missing any of the story line or clues. Very little music, mostly chimes when you find something. . The sound FX are few and far between. In order to hear any background sounds, I had to turn the sound up on my computer. Then when the regular SFX came on, it was way too loud. They do need to do something other than a slight wind sound to enhance a scene or action. Please be aware that occasionally we have very bright lights when traveling
HOGs are a combination of lists and matching objects in a scene and so far predictable. I could be wrong on that one. A little different set up. However, we didn't have many HOGs during the demo. Mostly we did a lot of running around and collecting items needed to obtain an objective. Scenes are clear and items were not difficult to find. We do have a match 3 if you prefer that over the HOGs. The puzzles were nothing new and not as difficult as I expected. Still, they did take some thought to complete, even on easy mode. You do have the option of choosing hard for a lot more challenge. Hint system is very helpful. Rather than a transport feature, we have the excellent map that opens and shows us where we need to go next. As usual, you have the option of not having the hint that you have missed one of the collectibles in a particular location. Areas are clearly identified by name and picture.
Really like the collectibles. We have a little challenge here, but items are not too small to see. We have to find 15 morphing birds of various types; 70 coins to purchase items for our garden - a nice break from the boudoir; and 15 various collectibles, some of which can be a bit small, but still able to see.
The story was pretty much the same as all the others in this series. You are constantly on the move in this one, so you don't have time to get bored, but you do notice the lack of SFX. The story flows well enough, but could have been a bit more challenging. We do have the usual amount of backtracking to use or find something. I think most players will find this one interesting enough to warrant the CE price. I downgraded this one to 4.5, simply because we needed more HOGs and character interaction. Yes, I am adding this one to my every growing collection of CE games.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Can you save an old friend from a deadly legend in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 24 found this review helpful
The Belfry?
PostedAugust 6, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to those who do a much better job than I. Dupin is back, but for some reason, his voice sounds younger. He definitely needs an accent. He's still a bit stiff and rather boring in his facial movements, which are rare. I have no idea which number this makes in this very long running series. The graphics are nice and colors aren't too bad, although a bit muted, which makes the graphics seem a little fuzzy. Game play was very good, no problems during the demo and it fit my large screen. Not a lot of animation, but what we had was stiff but okay. Music was quiet and moved with whatever was happening at the time, but got very monotonous very quickly. Sound FX were lacking and badly needed.
HOGs were okay, but nothing new or exciting. Items were not difficult to find and most of the scenes were fairly clear. What we had were interactive lists. I did not see that we could switch to anything else. Puzzles were nothing new and I only ran across one that was any challenge at all. I actually ended up skipping it! Hint system was quite helpful, but I did not see a transport feature during the demo. We really don't back track too far, but there is still enough.
Collectibles were very disappointing. We have to find 60 very large morphing puzzle pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle. We also have 12 card with various information, which is not helpful to the game play. These are not easy to see, as they are often quite small and only a piece might be visible. Definitely could have used a bit more challenge.
As much as I love Poe, there have been a number of these games that had unfamiliar story lines, but I probably haven't read them all either. This story began quite slow, but naturally, it picked up a little when the demo ended. Still, not much action, no adventure, nothing that really grabbed me and made me want to play it out to see what happens. I may have to play it again and see if I missed something exciting, but doubtful. I am sure some will like, but I do not feel this is CE worthy at all. Quite often, I find that the SE version makes a much better game and I think this might be one of them. Gave this one a 3.75 on my scale. For now, no buy for me.
As always, give this one a try and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this one to be exactly what you are looking for. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Someone in Fairy Tale Land is selling wishes, but at what cost?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Magic!
PostedJuly 31, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others. Wow, this one came out right on the heels of the last one! This developer always has bright clear colors, but they are not over powering or tiring on the eyes. They were actually quite beautiful. Graphics are very well done, with no blurring except occasionally when going in and out of close ups, which is the norm for this developer. Animation is very nice, with smooth movements. Voices are age and character appropriate, but still not a lot of character interaction. We do speak to at least one person in each level, so far. Music is okay, but still somewhat annoying. It's hard to tell, but if you turn the sound up, you sort of hear wind. Otherwise, there was a lot missing in the SFX department. A game is more interesting if you have nice SFX to keep you interested and engaged. What little we had was well done. We don't have a little helper, but we do have a magic wand that can change objects into something that helps us out somehow.
HOGs were interactive, and riddle type. Hopefully, there is more as the game progresses. Items are not difficult to find and the scenes are fairly clutter free. We could switch to a match 3 game if you wanted something different. Puzzles were simple, but still took some time and thought to complete, even on easy mode. Hint system is very helpful and, we transport by way of the map opening and showing us where to go next. Areas are clearly identified by picture and whether or not you have missed a collectible, or you can choose to not have that hint for more challenge finding collectibles.
Collectibles are varied and well done. We have a combination of varied personal items that also morph quickly (15); large, easy to see photos (15), and coins to buy items for our characters (70).
This story moved a bit slowly, so hopefully it picks up as we move along. We are constantly on the move, with a fair amount of backtracking. I always demo on easy mode, which wasn't difficult, but still had some challenge. I'm not quite sure why, but I have the need to play this one out and see where it goes. I like this developer, and their games quite often start out slow and go up from there. Even at that, I gave this one a 4.75. I think most all levels of players will find this one interesting and challenging. Yes, I am adding this one to my collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Reprise your role as Cruise Director and enjoy the cruise of a lifetime aboard the fleet’s superb flagship, USS Liberty of the Waves!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
Ahhh, sea air!
PostedJuly 26, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! As usual, I review on the game play and leave the story to others. Welcomes to #7 in this series. If you like straight HOG's, this series is for you. Not a whole lot of story, as such, but lots of different scenes to search and a lot of things to find. As in all the others, there is no speaking dialog, only reading. If you skip it, you won't miss anything important. The same annoying music, but really nice colors and sounds of the sea. Graphics are quite good in this addition. Very little animation.
Of course, we have to find garbage and lost and found items. None were really difficult to find, but you still have to look for them. I'm one of those people who just has to find all the extras in order to get as many point/coins as possible. I do like the varied puzzles, and yes, they are the same as in all of the others in this series. Haven't run across the dreaded sliding puzzles...don't care for those at all. I do like that you can replay a scene if you missed something and still get the additional points.
Looks like the graphics have been cleaned up a bit. No one looked like they just sat on a tack. No real action or challenge, but sometimes, you just need a straight HOG to clear your brain. Not sure what makes this a CE game. We don't ever get extra play with these, or the ability to buy or furnish anything. Guess I have to play it out to see if we do get anything this time. If you like a straight HOG, or just need a change of pace, this game is for you. I really like these Vacation Adventure games and gave this one a 5.0. Yep, added it to my collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for it at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!
Explore a fascinating world, save a werewolf and defeat cruel witches in this amazing hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 15 found this review helpful
Ah, werewolves!
PostedJuly 11, 2020
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hello friends! Another new game. As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story line to others. Love the graphics in this game. Clear and almost real. Still have a bit of a cartoon look, especially in the weird teeth, but maybe it's just me. Animation is very smooth, with realistic body and facial movements. Colors are very nice, even though they are a bit muted in most scenes. Game play is excellent. No problems during the demo. Voices are very well done, age and character appropriate, and with emotion. We have a lot more character interaction in this game, which adds a great deal to the fun in a game. We can click through most of the dialog, some you cannot, but if you do, you won't miss any hints or goodies. Sound FX are throughout the game and well done. Music is soothing.
HOGs are silhouettes and interactive HOGs. Could have used a little something more, but nicely done. Items are not difficult to find and most scenes are fairly clear. I did not see that you could switch to another game if you got bored. We have a nice jump map that opens whenever we need to know where to go next. Each location will show where you may have missed a collectible or morphing item. We do not have a transport feature, but not needed with the map set up. Hint system is very helpful. Puzzles are very well done. Most take time and thought to complete and do have a little challenge.
Collectibles are fun. This Developer gives us lots of varied items to find, e.g., flowers (7); cards (7); animals (8); pocket watches, to name a few. We also have 10 manuscript pages to find, and 30 morphing items. Some are a bit small and blend well into the scenery, but that's the challenge. Of course, the more you find, the more you get to do at the end of the game.
There is something about these characters that drew me in from the beginning. Maybe it's the "werewolf" in me. Really liked the story line. We are constantly on the move in this one. Everything flows so well, you don't get bored when you back track a few times. There was enough challenge, action and adventure to keep me interested and wanting more when the demo ended. I think this one will appeal to all levels of players. I don't give 5 stars easily, as a game must be perfect in every aspect. The only reason it didn't get 5, is because I felt it needed more in the HOG department. Minor, yes, but I gave it a solid 4.75. Yes, I have added it to my ever growing collectibles collection.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We don't all have the same tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Play on!
I recommend this game!