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:
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
It's about time!!
PostedMay 16, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, I am also getting bored with the same old HOGs and was excited about this game after reading the reviews. Good or bad reviews, I always try the game for myself. I must say, exceptional graphics and game play. Four levels of game play to choose from, which is an excellent change. HOGs are fun and I like the way they change up from just a straight HOG. Games are not difficult, but some take a little thought.
I didn't care for the fact that when I click off the custom cursor, it stays custom. Minor detail, but still bugs me anyway. When you put a lot of time and effort in a really nice game, this shouldn't happen.
Nice SG (not marked as such, but in lower left corner above "menu"), helpful hint (didn't have to use it but a couple of times), nice voice overs (even if the mouth doesn't move). I like the fact that you can click through the dialogue..very nice for people who read faster than they talk. Very little music and nice sound FX.
Anyway, the demo went too fast for me. Even though I am not buying CE games until I use up my credits, I find the need to get this one and see where it goes. Definite buy for me.
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. I think this game will appeal to all levels of players. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
The Path of Hercules
Pay homage to the dieties by restoring ancient artifacts in this unique Hidden Object and Match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Not bad!
PostedMay 15, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't mind some match 3 games, but am not a huge fan of mostly match 3. However, I was in the mood for something different, so tried it out. This one was kind of fun.
The graphics were a bit fuzzy, game play was good, music got annoying very quickly. HOG areas are very dark and items difficult to see. Hint system was helpful and filled at mid level in speed. Not a lot of instruction, but easy to figure out.
This is a very simple game for beginners, or people who just want to relax and not have to think about anything else. Not challenging, but I will put it in my puddle for a day when I need a no brainer.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find it quite enjoyable. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
An ancient phoenix summons Anna to explore a drifting ocean city, confront the Evil Colossus and save her lost tribe.
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
Too much talking and not enough doing!
PostedMay 10, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, didn't care for the first game, bought the second game and not too sure about this one. I did demo the CE and was hoping for a few changes, but didn't happen. Graphics aren't bad, but a bit grainy, game play a bit choppy in places but otherwise not bad. I like games with voice overs, but the wizard sounds like he needs to clear his throat and the princess isn't too bright..very disappointed.
Not a lot of HOGs, but easy to find items. Games not difficult either. There is way too much dialogue and not enough action. You cannot skip through either. The map is not a jump map, which would be very helpful in this game (unless I missed something). The cat coins help jump, but you have to find one first and then remember where the machines are to use them. The hint system fills quickly, but isn't really all that helpful. Tells you where you need to go next, but then you have to find the place and figure out what's happening from there. At least there is a WT.
Looks to be a very long SE, which is great! I had originally thought I would get this as an SE, but I'm not sure now. It just didn't grab me. It moved slowly, mostly because of all the yaking. I'll put this in my puddle and think about it a bit longer. If nothing better comes along and I need to use a credit, I will get it.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this quite enjoyable. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
The gates to another world will open soon! You can stop the impending disaster - if you track down the stolen runes!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Van Helsing??
PostedMay 9, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Afternoon all. Graphics and game play aren't bad. Games are not simple and do take a bit of thought and time to complete. HOGs are very few and switch between standard HOG and "place the item," which I liked. There needs to be a few more HOGs to break up the constant running back and forth. Hint system is nice and useful, fills fairly quickly. Nice SG as well.
There is a jump map, which is extremely helpful in this game. I do like the voice overs (always a plus for me in any game). Other than a few VO and lite music, there isn't a lot of FX, but what there is, is appropriate for the scene. I did not care for the fact that the cursor kept switching between the ugly game cursor and the standard "arrow." I don't like the big bulky cursors so may devs want to use. What's the point? It distracts from the game.
Not a bad game, but nothing new or special either. It just seems to lean towards the beginner side. The only extra was finding notes from grandpa, so I don't know that this is CE worthy, but I may get it as an SE. I'm backing off of CE games these days. Need to use up my credits, so unless it is exceptional, I will wait for the SE.
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.
I recommend this game!
Help Sophia uncover the secret behind the Curse of Laroche Palace and rescue the Royal Family from their magical slumber.
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
On the edge....
PostedMay 7, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I agree with most reviews. This could have been a nice game without much difficulty. The graphics started out blurry and very poorly done, but then cleared up. Game play was nice, music nice. HOGs far between and a lot of items very difficult to see, i.e., a brown fork on a brown table. Games the same as usual, nothing new.
Hint recovers fast, but it completely useless and a waste of space. I do not care for games that don't actually give you a hint when you need one. Telling me there is nothing more to do here and to look somewhere else is not a hint. I already know I can't find anything else here! The hint "sparkles" are difficult to see as well, being very light. You have to look fast to find them. Most areas are blocked by some "magic" force, so you are limited in where you can go until you accomplish a task. Okay, give me a hint! This game definitely needs a WT.
This might be an okay game for a beginner who just wants to get the feel of a HOG and run around in circles, but not for a seasoned gamer. I'm on the edge as to whether or not I would recommend this game. I think it would be okay if it had a useful hint system. Anyway, no buy for me without a fix.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this one quite enjoyable. Thanks for the reviews.
I don't recommend this game.
Castle: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
Solving murder has never been so much fun!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Not a Castle fan, but....
PostedMay 4, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm not a fan of the show and almost didn't demo this one, but I am a mystery fan. The game moves along just the same as the show, with the same silly dialogue. However, that being said...the graphics and game play are nice. Fast and helpful hint return, one click of the button will keep giving you a hint until you get to the next area of a search, and not just point you in the general direction (very nice). Clear, clean, colorful HOGs and items not difficult to find. Some games are a bit challenging and I admit, I did skip a couple.
There are no voice overs, which this game could use, and the game is very quiet as far as sound FX go as well. A lot of talking, which means a lot of reading. At least you can click through the dialogue. There is a jump map, which is most helpful since you are constantly jumping from one place to another.
I must say that for not being a fan of the show, I was having fun and was engrossed in the game when my demo stopped. This is not a particularly challenging game, nor is it difficult, but it is a nice change of pace. I find the need to use a credit and get this one to see where it goes.
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. Thanks for the reviews.
I 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
3 of 9 found this review helpful
Try it for yourself!
PostedMay 2, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
As with many others, I have the other two Shiver games and this one falls right in line. Nice graphics and game play (no problems for me). HOGs are fairly clean and clear. Games simple and somewhat frustrating, as there are no instructions...you figure it out for yourself. Didn't use the hint so don't know how fast it may be on return. The SG isn't bad, but I prefer not needing to scroll down a page in order to see the entire page.
There is a lot of running around and returning to the same scene, and no jump map, which this one really needs. Voice overs are not bad, but not a lot of them. Sound FX are pretty good for the scenery. Pretty straight forward game, no extras to find, nothing special to do. Story line is nothing new, but interesting enough. Game is not extremely challenging, but could appeal to all level of players. Gave this one a 3.5 because there is no map, no game instructions and nothing special to draw your attention.
Not sure about this one as a CE. Finished the demo with 15 minutes to spare. Demo does not show how many chapters, so can't guess at length. I'm not buying CE games until I use up all my credits (I've already lost 2), so will wait and get the SE on this one. I believe it is worth a credit.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you my not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
Save yourself from an unknown disease and leave the island!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Not today!
PostedMay 1, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, finished the demo with 30 minutes to spare, so looks to be a fairly short game. Yes, the graphics are a bit old school, but not too bad. Game play was okay, a bit choppy and slow between scenes. Games extremely simple. HOGs not too bad, simple, some items difficult to see due to lack of color, and repeated many times. There was no click penalty, hint filled quickly and was helpful if you get stuck.
Voice overs make a game for me and this one only had them in the very beginning. Otherwise, a very quiet game with no real sound FX. The whistle sound you hear when you find an item is annoying.
This game would be an okay game for a beginner, but definitely no challenge for a seasoned gamer. If you have nothing better to do and have a credit you need to use up, this might be okay...might be (for a beginner). This could have been a nice little game without much help, but some devs don't seem to look beyond the usual and customary to give us something new and fun. Two stinkers in a row...not too sure about BF anymore. What happened to the fun SE HOG games like Gardenscapes and Antique Road Show, etc? They were a nice change of pace from the asylums, haunted houses, lost husbands/uncles and grandfathers.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find this one quite enjoyable. Thanks for the reviews.
I don't recommend this game.
Track down a missing detective and fight an evil curse!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
Not a bad game...
PostedApril 27, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Game play was nice, SG the usual. Graphics seemed a bit old school..not bad except for the characters. They seems very stiff and plastic looking. Voice over was nice, but there was too much chatter that seemed a bit childish to me, i.e., "the front door is open, someone must be inside." Really? Didn't you come to see the guy who lives there? Actually gave this one a 3.5 because of the often silly dialogue.
Games were not difficult (except the marble game, which I ended up skipping), but took some thought. HOGs were clean and clear, as well as few and far between. There is a map, but it is not a jump map, which this game could use. You use a lot of shoe leather on this one, and only for one item that you aren't even going to use yet. The "interactive" games were different, but too many.
Hint system nice, but takes a very long time to recover. Skip button also takes a very long time to load. Did not care for the fact that the cursor kept changing. I don't care for custom cursors and when I click it off, I expect it to stay off...this one doesn't and it is very annoying.
I was not kicked out about this game as a CE, but I may get it as an SE with a credit. I did not have the need to buy it to see how it turns out. Parts of it were challenging. It is a very quiet game, didn't hear any music and very little background sound.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may find it quite enjoyable. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!
A murderous figure in a red mask haunts the streets of a small French town, and the mayor needs your help to track him down. But you soon discover that the mysterious Red Masque might not be the real criminal…
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Yep, I'm a Poe fan!
PostedApril 25, 2013
dancemom1
fromYakima, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Here we are again with Mr. Poe and his stories. I loved EAP and as a kid, watched every single Vincent Price movie he did based on a Poe story. Yes, this is one of his stories, but based on the demo, is very, very loosely based on the actual Poe story. Hollywood does it all the time, so why not?
I have the first 3 Dark Tales and really enjoyed them...did not care for the Golden Bug, so didn't buy that one. As usual, ERS has very nice graphics and game play (only had one little problem which I will send to the techs). HOGs are very simple and clean, although you do visit the same ones multiple times...didn't put a lot of work into this one. Games are very simple and take no real thought to complete (not challenging at all).
Loved the little kitty, although there was no need for it at all. Also do not get the need for taking the pictures. How is that going to help determine who the bad guy is? Did not see anything morphing or anything extra to do, other than the pictures.
Did not care for the placement of the SG (which is good), camera and journal. They are much too close together. Do like the ability to lock the inventory bar; and like the map. Voice overs are very well done (always a major plus for any game - makes them come to life).
This game is not extremely challenging, but well done. I did not sit on the edge of my seat when it came to an end, but I did enjoy it enough to buy it. Just not sure it will be today. Trying to not buy CE games so I can use up my credits before I lose any more of them.
As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tases in games and you may not care for it at all. Thanks for the reviews.
I recommend this game!