HappyOddGirl's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:297
- Reviews Submitted:10
- First Review:December 22, 2011
- Most Recent Review:February 17, 2015
- Featured reviews0
HappyOddGirl's Review History
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Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Engaging and Entertaining :)
PostedFebruary 17, 2015
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a pretty decent hidden object adventure game. It took me about 8 hours to play it. I found it engaging, though not desperately challenging. I did not get bored during those 8 hours. :)
The atmosphere is slightly different from the previous two Hidden Expedition games (the "Devil's Triangle" ones). H.E. now seems to have a crack unit that stops bad guys. The reputation your character has supposedly gained from completing previous adventures has resulted in you getting recruited into this crack unit.
GENERAL GAMEPLAY
The graphics are excellent - the game is great to look at. :) There are decently executed voice overs, although the computer character's lips don't perfectly fit the words, but that doesn't really affect the enjoyment of the game. The music is a little repetitive, but I didn't find it annoying.
The graphics are excellent - the game is great to look at. :) There are decently executed voice overs, although the computer character's lips don't perfectly fit the words, but that doesn't really affect the enjoyment of the game. The music is a little repetitive, but I didn't find it annoying.
The plot is about average for this sort of game - nothing earth shatteringly original, but quite entertaining, and it has definitely had proper thought put into it - it's not one of those half-baked things that are basically just there to string the puzzles together.
There's a good mixture of hidden object scenes and mini games, so it doesn't get monotonous. I found the mini games pretty easy, but still fun. :) There is a reasonable level of logic about what the items you collect are to be used for. And there's a walkthrough available if you get stuck.
CHILD FRIENDLY
There's really nothing here that I can see that would make it unsuitable for kids old enough to do the puzzles. There is no on screen violence - even one guy punching another took place out of shot! And the atmosphere is not menacing, just adventurous. :)
There's really nothing here that I can see that would make it unsuitable for kids old enough to do the puzzles. There is no on screen violence - even one guy punching another took place out of shot! And the atmosphere is not menacing, just adventurous. :)
CUSTOM DIFFICULTY SETTINGS :)
One feature I really liked was the settings for the level of challenge. A lot of games now have two or three standard levels for how much help you get (e.g. sparkles, how quickly hints recharge, etc.) but THIS game has a custom setting.
One feature I really liked was the settings for the level of challenge. A lot of games now have two or three standard levels for how much help you get (e.g. sparkles, how quickly hints recharge, etc.) but THIS game has a custom setting.
This meant that I could get rid of the stuff I find annoying (such as things sparking at you before you've even had a CHANCE to find them for yourself!), but I could still keep the stuff that I find makes for an enjoyable game. :)
This customising feature offers a lot of adjustability. For instance, not only can you turn sparkles on or off, but if you have them on, you can decide how frequently they twinkle at you! You can have sparkles on for normal scenes but off for hidden objects scenes (or vice versa). You can even (if you so desire) turn off the thing that shows an active area when you mouse over it, which would presumably increase the level of challenge a good deal.
Also, you can change the settings during the game, so if you get stuck, you can turn on sparkles (or whatever) for a bit, then go back and turn them off again once you're back on track. :)
CONCLUSION
All in all, I'd say this game is a good, solid example of its genre. It's well made and well presented - the developers are clearly serious professionals who take a pride in their work.
All in all, I'd say this game is a good, solid example of its genre. It's well made and well presented - the developers are clearly serious professionals who take a pride in their work.
I found this an enjoyable game, and I would recommend it to fans of this genre. :)
I recommend this game!
Alabama Smith is back in an all-new time-twisting adventure involving powerful relics that could alter the destiny of mankind!
Overall rating
4
/
5
24 of 27 found this review helpful
Good, challenging game
PostedMay 19, 2013
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed this game. :)
It's true that it doesn't hand everything to you on a plate, but I actually prefer that. And there's a hint function and a walkthrough if you get stuck. (Which I did a couple of times.)
GOOD POINTS:
- It was fun to play
- Hidden object scenes nicely broken up with other activites
- Unusual minigames
- I found it quite challenging
- The plot mostly made sense within its own framework of logic
- There's no clicking penalty, which is always a plus. :)
- The backgrounds are attractive
- The music is quite pleasant
- Hint function - which recharges REALLY quickly!
- Skip minigames function - but you can get a trophy for not using it :)
- Walkthrough available
- It was fun to play
- Hidden object scenes nicely broken up with other activites
- Unusual minigames
- I found it quite challenging
- The plot mostly made sense within its own framework of logic
- There's no clicking penalty, which is always a plus. :)
- The backgrounds are attractive
- The music is quite pleasant
- Hint function - which recharges REALLY quickly!
- Skip minigames function - but you can get a trophy for not using it :)
- Walkthrough available
NOT SO GOOD POINTS:
- It would have been nice if the game were a little longer. But when I got to the end, it told me that if I had found certain clues along the way, the character could solve something relating to the story (I'm trying not to give any spoilers here!) - so that may indicate that there's another level to play. Will try to get to that another time.
- It would have been nice if the game were a little longer. But when I got to the end, it told me that if I had found certain clues along the way, the character could solve something relating to the story (I'm trying not to give any spoilers here!) - so that may indicate that there's another level to play. Will try to get to that another time.
- It would have been nice if the game had pointed out that I was supposed to be looking for these other clues. But I suppose that just adds another level of challenge.
- The characters were a bit nondescript, I thought. But that didn't really interfere with my enjoyment of the game. :)
SUMMARY:
On the whole, it was a good game, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a game that will engage their brain a bit more than the average game. :)
On the whole, it was a good game, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a game that will engage their brain a bit more than the average game. :)
I recommend this game!
Save Brightfield from a shocking plot by a dastardly organization!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Good game, but too easy in places
PostedJanuary 29, 2013
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoy Mystery Trackers games, because they're mysterious and adventurous, but not too dark or grim. :)
Like the other Mystery Trackers games I've played, this was very well executed, with excellent backgrounds and what I think are called 'cut scenes' - you know, the little animated scenes that move the plot along.
The plot was good, and made sense within its own framework of reality. :) Hidden object scenes are nicely broken up with other puzzles and mini-games, so they do not become monotonous. :)
And, as usual with a Mystery Trackers game, it took me several evenings to complete - so you get a fair bit of game for your money. :)
However, there is one prominent nit that I feel I must pick: in places, achieving the objectives set was just too darned easy!! And it seemed to me that these instances got more frequent as the game progressed.
I know that not all games have to be majorly challenging - but for me, this didn't give the level of challenge that I've come to expect from a Mystery Trackers game. :(
That said, it was still, overall, a fun game. And some of it WAS challenging. I'd still recommend it. :) I just hope that the next one they make will more fully live up to the excellent standards that they have previously set. :)
I recommend this game!
Join Zoe and Charleston Black as they unravel a powerful and ancient Arthurian legend in this gripping Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Not for me, but you may like it. :)
PostedJanuary 19, 2013
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Avenue Flo
(44)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This didn't really grab me. I've played through the whole of the demo, but won't be buying it.
I like to start with positives, so...
One good thing I noticed is that there doesn't seem to be a penalty for too much clicking, which is always a plus. :)
Also, I see that one reviewer said that you can't skip the intro, but I found that it skipped just by clicking on the screen. :)
As for the less good stuff...
For me, the plot was a little too daft. I won't annoy myself by rehashing all the details of its daftness.
However, I will say that, for an ancient mystery, it's remarkable how much of it seems to hinge on very modern things, and that, for an Arthurian mystery, it seems to have naff all to do with Arthur, apart from the mention of Excalibur, which, it seems, you won't find till the end of the game.
However, if you don't mind daft plots - or indeed, if the plot aspect is of no interest to you - you may well enjoy the game. :)
I also found the characters mildly annoying, but a lot of peeps who've reviewed this seem to like them, so hey - maybe you will too. :)
Finally, I'd add that I haven't found it challenging enough to be interesting. If I enjoyed the plot more, I might not mind that, but as I've said, the plot doesn't grab me.
So to sum up:
It's really not for me. But what are minuses to me may be pluses for someone else. If the scenario seems interesting to you, you may as well try the demo at least, and see if you like it. :)
I don't recommend this game.
Valerie Porter and the Scarlet Scandal
Become a young, aspiring reporter in the 1920`s looking for a big story. Can you crack the case and finally be a top reporter?
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Fun game with well thought out plot. :)
PostedJanuary 14, 2013
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Avenue Flo
(44)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I enjoyed this game. :)
The characters are good, and are not crippled with stupidity like the characters in many games! :D I also really like the era it's set in. :) And I heartily approve of the game's message of gender equality. :)
The hidden object scenes are broken up nicely with other activities, which keeps them from getting monotonous.
There's a feature where you can collect 'batteries' to instantly recharge the hints, if you want to. I should think a lot of people will like that. :)
For me, though, the best feature (out of many good ones) is the plot. You could tell that the makers had really taken trouble over it. Once it gets going, it's unusually complex (in a good way!) for this sort of game, and I found it quite engrossing. It kept you guessing about "whodunnit".
There's also an above average level logic to the plot, although within the constraints of a game, that's never going to flawless.
I particularly enjoyed it, as I've been losing patience lately with the games where there's virtually no plot at all, and what there is makes little sense. This game made a welcome and refreshing change! :)
I'd advise exercising parental guidance for your kids, as some of the plot deals with adult themes (though it's by no means explicit), and the body count is pretty high by the end.
I only really have 3 niggles:
1) It would have been nice if the game had been a bit longer. But that's really a complement to the makers, since it was so enjoyable that I wanted to go on playing. :)
2) I found it a little confusing that so many of the characters had similar face shapes. I sometimes had difficulty telling them apart and remembering who was who.
3) I often found myself squinting at the hidden object scenes, as the graphics didn't seem quite as clear as they might have been. However, this last may be down to my computer, which is getting a bit long in the tooth. :D It may work better on more up-to-date computers, with better graphics options.
Anyway, those minor issues aside - I found this a well thought out and very enjoyable game. :) I'm hoping for sequels! :)
I recommend this game!
Help the secret organization of Mystery Trackers find 3 missing celebrities in the mysterious Void family mansion!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Decent game, but would rate PG
PostedOctober 16, 2012
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
On the whole I enjoyed this game. The graphics are good, the plot had more twists and turns than usual, and it's a good, long game for your money.
Personally, I did not find it challenging - especially the puzzles, which were, frankly, a doddle. But then, you don't always want challenging, do you? Sometimes you just want something to brain-splurge with, and for that, I would highly recommend it.
However, I would advise caution about letting your children play it. I mean, the atmosphere isn't dark, depressing or scary, (a point in its favour, by the way!) but some of things that are supposed to have happened to people before you got there are pretty gruesome. The art work is not graphic about this, but I would think that sensitive children - or those with the imagination to picture the reality behind the words! - might well have nightmares from it.
Anyway - overall, I'd recommend this as a good way to pass several evenings, when you want to relax your brain rather than challenge it. :)
I recommend this game!
Diner Town Tycoon
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
Nice little game :)
PostedMay 27, 2012
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Diner Town Tycoon
(19)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I enjoyed this game. :)
Firstly, I like that it isn't a "dash" game. I love the Dinertown characters, but I've tried to play the "dash" games, and they just make me tense. This is more of a strategy game, and is a lot more relaxing. :)
It has 5 levels. The first 3 are pretty easy, but level 4 is much more challenging. As for Level 5, it jumps to a whole new energy level, and seems to me insanely hard - it took me 8 goes to beat the first time I played the game. After that, I played the whole thing through again, and level 5 only took me 3 goes to beat. :D
This is one of those games that you can play multiple times and try to beat your previous score, so it's definitely good value for money. :)
Younger children could play the lower levels, I would think, but maybe not the higher ones. Being Dinertown, of course, it's all good clean fun, so you wouldn't need to worry about content for your kids. :)
I also think that Flo would be a very good role model for kids, because she's cheerful, positive, friendly, capable and always wants to help people. :)
Personally, I didn't like it quite as much as "Avenue Flo" or "Dinertown Detective Agency" (both of which I LOVE, and have played several times), but it's still a good game, and I'd definitely recommend it. :)
...Please can we have more Flo games that aren't "dash" games? *Looks hopeful* :)
I recommend this game!
Help Detective Bridget Brightstone crack the case and reveal the great mystery that lies behind high walls of the Bellevue Hotel!
Overall rating
5
/
5
70 of 74 found this review helpful
Beautiful graphics, good plot, great game! :)
PostedDecember 30, 2011
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this game. It is that rare thing, an adventure that is FUN, not dark and creepy. :) And this despite supernatural elements in the plot.
For me personally, the backgrounds alone were worth the price of admittance! I loved the hotel, and wished I could really go there and explore. :D
The story was good, but it wasn't too hard to figure out what to do next. A couple of times I got stuck for a while, but never for long, and I never had to resort to the walkthrough or forums.
There was also an above average level of logic to the actions needed, within the accepted "reality" of the game.
I like very much that it wasn't one of those games where everything twinkles at you before you even have a chance to figure it out for yourself. That always spoils it for me, so this was a welcome change.
I also thought the length was good - took me most of the day to play it right through.
A couple of things to flag up: you DO have to back-track a certain amount, so people who object to that might find it irritating. (I was fine with it - more chances to look at the rooms! :D)
The other thing is that the mini-games don't seem to have instructions. (At least, if they did I never found out how to access them.) But that said, it really wasn't too hard to figure out what was required, especially if you've played a few games of this sort.
All in all, I found it a good, satisfying game. :)
I recommend this game!
Follow the rabbit into its rabbit-hole and help Alice find her way in a wonderful world, populated by whimsical characters!
Overall rating
3
/
5
115 of 119 found this review helpful
Whimsical Game that Follows the Book
PostedDecember 28, 2011
HappyOddGirl
fromGainsborough, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I tried this game to see if it was really as bad as the other reviews said. It's not. :)
I don't understand the complaint that was made about the graphics. I thought the backgrounds were beautiful, and the hidden objects no harder to find than is usual in hidden object games. If you have a laptop, it may help to tilt the screen at a different angle (as with other hidden object games). And after all, you can ZOOM in this game! That helps a lot. :)
As for the comments about the plot - well, I don't see how you can complain about that when it's very openly following a famous novel. If you don't like the book, you won't like the game. It's that simple.
The game is whimsical and nonsensical, like the book. Although I didn't enjoy is as much as the "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" game by the same people, it held my interest, and I found it a pleasant way to pass a few hours. :)
I recommend this game!
Solve whimsical puzzles, explore worlds of exquisite detail, and keep your eyes peeled for hundreds of cleverly Hidden Objects!
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 71 found this review helpful
Good, Clean Fun :)
PostedDecember 22, 2011
HappyOddGirl
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this game. :)
It's all good, clean fun, nothing dark or grim. The setting is whimsical, and the music fits it nicely. Actually, I love the music in its own right! :D
I got stuck once, and had to go to the walk-through, but generally speaking, the puzzles aren't too hard. Not too easy, either! You get the fun and satisfaction of working things out, but don't end up tearing your hair out! :D
I was surprised that they didn't continue the story of the character from the first game, but I like this character, too. He's a bit full of himself, but amusing with it. :D I have a few mates like him... :D
My only real niggle is that it didn't feel quite as "Steampunk-y" as the first game. But that's a minor point, and probably a matter of personal taste. :)
All in all - well done, guys! More of this, please! :)
I recommend this game!