EmmSeven20's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:141
- Reviews Submitted:17
- First Review:June 8, 2013
- Most Recent Review:August 18, 2016
- Featured reviews0
The Silent Age
Help Joe discover the truth behind humankind's extinction! Can a simple janitor and literally, "the average Joe," save humankind?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Captivating
PostedAugust 18, 2016
EmmSeven20
fromSomewhere near Lake Erie
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The description is correct, you WILL lose yourself in this game as it's so very transportive. I just spent the better part of an evening within it and feel like I've been somewhere else.
You'll probably love this if you enjoyed games like Fran Bow, Kentucky Route Zero and Limbo. The story is immersive as is the atmosphere. What's required of you is always engaging, never frustrating, although there was one instance where I caved and looked up a walkthrough. Yet that was near the beginning when I wasn't using my thinking cap and trying to "rush" through; I had to stop and remind myself that the pacing here is different from HOGs in that the next move isn't always as apparent.
Overall, a highly memorable point-and-click casual game that's a welcome change from the usual fare offered here. Wish I'd played it sooner when I first saw it somewhere else. Many thanks to BFG for adding this.
I recommend this game!
Mysterious creatures are terrorizing the train!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 34 found this review helpful
Big Changes Over At Elephant Games
PostedAugust 1, 2016
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This review will probably be more helpful to others who absolutely love this developer and expect consistent quality. There are major changes going on over at Elephant. More on that in a moment, but if you really must know, skip to the last two paragraphs which I think explain why this game is unlike their usual fare.
To start, the game crashed on me twice when I opened the map. Out of all the Elephant games I've played (of which I have fifty) only one has crashed besides this one. And yes, I know stuff like this should be expected to happen now and then, but when it happens during the demo and you lose your allotted time, well, that stinks. YMMV.
The graphics were good as usual, but my issue was with how dark it was. The scale they used for the gamma adjustment was all wonky. For those who tweak the gamma like I do, you know it's usually very consistent across ALL Elephant titles. Not this time. I found it necessary to jack it up to about seventy percent, while normally fifty is optimal. Even around seventy it started to wash everything out and I never really found a happy medium.
Lastly, this is the shortest Elephant game I've ever played. I clocked in three and a half hours including the bonus chapter. This is uncommon for Elephant. Overall, the game in its entirety felt rushed and glazed over.
As for what's happening over at Elephant: They are branching out into mobile gaming and it's obvious most of their attention is being diverted. They recently released four games (mostly 2D platformers, not HOGs) that are available for mobile platforms, and there's more in the works. For about a year now, they've been hiring developers proficient in Unity and other software that's atypical for HOGs.
My guess is the HOGs we've come to know and love by this developer will be fewer and far between, and Train to Hellswich is just the beginning of this decline. We could even see them abandoning development of HOGs altogether. After all, mobile gaming is more lucrative considering they usually have in-app purchases. This would truly be sad since Elephant, in my opinion, is one of the leaders in HOGs. Here's hoping they get it together and don't completely go down the mobile gaming road.
I don't recommend this game.
PuppetShow: Lightning Strikes Collector's Edition
The women of Paris are being turned into puppets! Can you find out who's pulling the strings?
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 14 found this review helpful
The Most Typos I've Ever Seen in a Game
PostedAugust 23, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
For those of us who genuinely like in-game reading (and additionally find glaring typos to be distracting) then I hope you'll appreciate the forewarning. The occasional mistake can be overlooked, but this game was so full of errors it became insulting. Nearly every scene had something spelled wrong or was simply nonsensical; some text was almost to the point of gibberish. It's the principle of it: We pay our money for these games, and they can't even edit and proofread? I'm not the grammar police, but come on…give us something that is at least intelligible.
The rest of my disappointment falls along the lines of what others have mentioned:
-Why do we need a "list" for the pop-up scenes? It's not like we're looking for ten different objects in these. Seems like they were trying to be innovative, but it's too much hand-holding.
-The challenge here was nil. Even greenhorns will likely find this game to be too simple. I played on the highest difficulty setting and still found myself breezing through, unmotivated. Wish there was a custom setting, but no, not here.
-Story was so-so. No real climax to hold interest. The theme felt like it was ripped from Madame Fate. Voiceovers weren't that great; some actor's performances were fitting, others not so much. Someone else mentioned that the voices were computer generated, but this is not the case. Rather, they were just so dull and lifeless that they merely sounded like computers. But this won't be an issue for those who turn down voices when playing.
The only saving grace for me were the graphics and some of the puzzles. Looks like ERS finally cleaned up that signature graininess present in all their prior games because this one was fantastic, graphic wise. It was also nice to see unique puzzles thrown in, along with the much needed break from the usual, basic list-based HO scenes.
Recommended if you: Are not really into reading in-game text (or are not distracted by or don't care about typos); play with voiceovers shut off; and, want the least amount of challenge possible to make for a super-relaxing game session.
I don't recommend this game.
Dead Reckoning: Silvermoon Isle Collector's Edition
Was Veronica West’s death an accident… or a cold-blooded murder?
Overall rating
5
/
5
52 of 116 found this review helpful
Unique, Beautiful and Polished Gameplay
PostedJuly 12, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
**Demo Only Review***
Seems like the last few releases from Eipix have been a little mediocre, but I think it's because they were busy putting a herculean effort into making Dead Reckoning a near perfect game.
What I noticed straight away are the breathtakingly beautiful graphics. You know how in some games you simply pause and take a moment to really take everything in? Well, you're bound to do that with this one as well. The colors vividly pop, the animation is crisp, and I think they even managed to clean up the cutscenes for they seem a little less pixelated than usual.
The next feature I noticed is the now drastically different inventory bar. No longer are the items set against a background bar; meaning you could probably leave your inventory up the entire time without it spoiling a scene.
The deduction feature of the story injects the game with a unique twist in "interviewing" characters. Of course we've seen this type of feature in a few recent games, but I think it's presented in Dead Reckoning in a way that's much more useful to the story itself.
Fans of the Bubble-Shooter-in-lieu-of-HOS option will be happy, because yes, it's back. They even cleaned it up and tweaked it a little: We now actually get a key explaining the different actions that certain bubbles do. This is a welcome feature for those of us who normally don't play marble poppers; it's nice to have some direction.
We get our usual goodies from Eipix's Collector's Editions:
-22 Achievements (the usual, but with a couple fresh ideas)
-Morphing objects in the HO scenes
-Collect stars from areas for unlock-able content
-Souvenir shop
-Collection of cutscenes/music
-Replay puzzles and HO scenes
-"Making Of" short film
-And of course, the beloved Bonus Game
-Morphing objects in the HO scenes
-Collect stars from areas for unlock-able content
-Souvenir shop
-Collection of cutscenes/music
-Replay puzzles and HO scenes
-"Making Of" short film
-And of course, the beloved Bonus Game
The only element I cannot comment on are the puzzles, as I've only gotten so far into the demo. But, the HO scenes (so far) stay true to Eipix's formula of the mix of list based/silhouette formatting. They also kept the idea of picking up "plus" items that require further interaction. The interface is slightly busy, but nonetheless very slick. We get our trusty jump-map ability, and an "evidence" file that contains our objectives as well as our suspect list which ties into deductions we've made. As in other Eipix games, there are four levels of difficulty including custom mode. And of course there's the hint button, which I did not yet use.
I won't give away story and plot, as I think it's inconsiderate to spoil. But I will say that if you enjoy noir type whodunits, then you will probably love the story found here. The smooth, jazzy music is fitting to the period and feel of the story, and as usual, the voiceovers are fantastic.
So far, Dead Reckoning seems to be one of the best games of late that Eipix has produced. Those devoted to the developer will no doubt notice the polishing, care and attention to detail put into this game. They really took their time with this one, and it shows. I'd say this is a must buy, and well worth the CE price.
Bravo, Eipix, bravo!
I recommend this game!
Fright Collector's Edition
After a suspicious accident, you find yourself stranded at a run-down motel. But you soon realize the area hides a terrifying secret...
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Glitchy, Unremarkable...Disappointing
PostedJuly 12, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Are these really the same developers who produced the Nightmare Realm series? Seriously? Was there a major change in staff or something? Because Fright comes nowhere near the excellency as found in the N.R series.
First off, the bugs, glitches–whatever you want to call them–were so terribly unacceptable. Check the forums and you'll see what I mean. Mostly the glitches consisted of audio/voiceover issues and a few others involving game mechanics. Granted, they quickly put out a patch, but still there were a few minor problems, even afterwards. Patch notwithstanding, this is unforgivable.
The story felt intriguing at first, but then drifted off into flaccid territory. It's like someone had a really great premise, but for whatever reason couldn't continue in crafting a good, solid tale. I guess I just expected something more from developers who have demonstrated rousing storytelling in the past.
Some of the puzzles were illogical, having no rhyme or reason. Again, in comparison to Lesta's past games, this was really surprising. A few puzzles were challenging and inventive, but these were few and far between. I consider their prior games perfect for expert players, requiring thinking outside of the box, and I hoped Fright would be on the same order. Not so.
Some other reviewers mentioned the dialogue and cutscenes are painfully slow, and yes, this is true. At first I was okay with this but then it became irritating. I can't recall if there is a skip option or not (as I never skip cutscenes) but I suppose you could skip, lest you miss out on important info.
Altogether this game was just "okay." I didn't really see anything exceptional, unique or innovative going on here at all. If like me you're a fan of the N.R series, there's a chance you may not be too pleased with Fright. Perhaps I'm too biased because I love the developer's past games. But isn't it reasonable to expect continuity? I think so.
I don't recommend this game.
Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death
You've returned from school to visit your father at his famous Jazz Pepper Club during Mardi Gras, but everyone is hypnotized. Have they heard the wrong note?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Near Perfect Entertainment
PostedMay 15, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Wow, this game is quite possibly perfect. Once you begin playing, it's highly likely that you won't be able to stop; I'd seriously recommend that you don't make any plans to be anywhere once you download this gem!
I love that Mad Head took the time to add some innovation and variety to the various puzzles and HO scenes. Thank goodness, because the standard formula of HO/Adventure games is starting to get a little old. I worried that no developer would be able to creatively and technically move forward, but these guys nailed it with Cadenza.
The level of challenge for me (as a devout "casual" level gamer) was manageable. Note: I hardly ever choose the higher levels in HO/Adventure games and mostly do this as a set point from which to collectively rate and compare each game I play. In all, I'd say the puzzles offer just enough of a challenge to keep you motivated and never frustrated.
The story is engrossing. A character whom I had labelled a "bad guy" ended up being the total opposite, so that was a nice change from the frequent predictability of the story lines in found in most games.
Graphics, sound effects and interface are all above par; voice overs and music very, very well done. The only thing I could live without are the cut scenes that play like music videos; simply too much sappy cheese and corn for me (I thought we'd left montages in the eighties?!).
This game is near perfect, and I've now added Mad Head to my list of favorite developers. Do yourself a favor and put aside some time to spend with this remarkable, slick and innovative game.
I recommend this game!
Black Circle: A Carol Reed Mystery
Help Carol investigate the death of a local resident! Stop a cult before they strike again in Black Circle: A Carol Reed Mystery.
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Murder Mystery for Realists!
PostedMay 12, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is my first foray into the Carol Reed series, and I have to say this game is pretty impressive, for an Indie. What makes it so different from many of the HO/adventure games we are used to is the use of digitally manipulated photographs. In doing this, the developer injected a concrete sense of realism into the game, appealing to the hidden voyeur in some of us. Absolutely NO hand-drawn animation here whatsoever, so if real-life settings aren't your thing, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. This seems to be a game-breaking thing for many of us Big Fishies, so you have been warned!
There are no HO scenes but there are puzzles, although they pose very little challenge. The real challenge lies in figuring out where to go, who to speak to next and how to use the various inventory tools found along the course of Carol's investigation. You're given a map that transports you to each place, along with a journal with an incorporated hint system.
The music is fitting and appropriate for almost every location. There's nothing like unsettling music to accompany that sense of dread anyone with a pulse would get while venturing deep into an abandoned mine, or decrepit factory. The voice acting, however, is terribly bad. I mean TERRIBLY bad. This too is another element that can be game-breaking for many people, so if awful voice acting grates on you, skip this one. If there were decent voice acting the game would have been even more immersive; I forgave this because the beautiful, crisp photography made up for that shortcoming. Again, the pictures of actual locations adds to the realism of the game, for sure. It was simply a treat in and of itself to see real-life places in Sweden. I also think that's what makes certain areas even more creepy: That dark, abandoned foundry you're investigating in-game, in all it's dilapidated, nightmare-inducing glory, REALLY does in fact exist, and has likely sent many an urban explorer packing. You can't say that about locations in other games that are hand-drawn.
If you enjoy murder mysteries, beautiful digital photography and need a break from the usual junk-piled, HO games, give this one a try. The game is a little dated (2009, and it shows in certain aspects) but I think it still manages to hold up well. Keep an eye out for creator/developer Mikael Nyqvist's cameo. I'll only say that it involves a blonde wig. For those who like their games with a side of easter eggs, well, there's a couple of those too (hint: the developer's company name, MDNA, is short for Madonna, and there are references to both the pop star as well as the religious figure). Enjoy.
I recommend this game!
True Fear: Forsaken Souls
What if everything you knew about your life, everything your family ever told you, turned out to be a lie?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Decent Story & Pleasing Graphics, But Crashed!
PostedMay 8, 2014
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
First off, for those complaining the disclaimer is misleading or somehow wrong, think for a moment about WHY this warning is posted. Sure, the game may not be too frightening for most adults, but through the eyes of a child, it'd probably be pretty scary and nightmare-inducing. Think of these disclaimers on games as the equivalent to an R rating on a movie. In other words, it mostly serves as a warning for parents. Just saying. With that being said, yes, the game is not as terrifying as say, "Amnesia," but the animation is definitely a little more grotesque than other supernatural themed HO games. If you're prone to jumpiness and are playing with ear buds, you may get startled here and there. The creep factor is what stands out, and this game achieved it fairly nicely.
The graphics are crisp; cut scenes blend well. The story is pretty typical, and I don't need to get into details on that given that other reviewers have already done so. As far as gameplay goes, I felt the challenge level (even at the highest level) was minimal and not overly difficult at all. This is the type of game I like when I'm not looking to really burn the midnight oil, but rather, while away an afternoon.
My one complaint: I experienced an all-out crash in the first ten minutes of play. I can't stand it when a game crashes; I end up with this weird, paranoid feeling the rest of the way, just waiting for another one. This takes away points on ANY game.
Recommended for those who like the supernatural genre, but want a little more oomph than some of the more "softer" supernatural themed HO games. Enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Brunhilda and the Dark Crystal
Help Brunhilda explore a mystical world blooming with magic and humor in this fun and exciting Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Nice Change From the Norm...
PostedDecember 2, 2013
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Brunhilda is among the few games that seem to try and forge a new path in casual gaming, or at least give people something different. I won't get into all the extreme details of game play, as that can be found in so many other reviews rated most helpful. Yes, it is different from typical HO games we play, in that you're looking for multiples of the same object. It sounds like this concept would wear thin–but it doesn't–and somehow works really well with this game. I never once had the feeling of becoming bored or frustrated. I think my only qualm with Brunhilda are the mini games: There are only a few different types that you encounter again and again in each chapter, of which there are ten. This is why I rated the challenge level at just OK.
I thought the story and plot were very engaging, and the music at times very relaxing and ethereal, sort of New-Agey. I especially liked the wise-cracking side kick of a demon who also acts as a helper. His quips are great; just see what happens if you take too long by not actively clicking on anything or moving the cursor. The artwork is delightful, and graphics wise I thought Brunhilda is pretty well done for 2010 (in fact, this game is still holding steady in the "gorgeous games" category over at the App store). For those who do not like searching for teeny-tiny objects (even with the aid of a built-in magnifying glass) this game may not be enjoyable. As a whole Brunhilda is a whimsical, humorous, and magical game that I loved devoting five plus hours to.
I'm disappointed that Codeminion may not be releasing another installment of Brunhilda…at least, that's the message I garnered from their website. It seems they are once again forging a new path, but this time into realms unknown. I hope I am wrong.
I recommend this game!
Cruel Games: Red Riding Hood
The wolf has returned and Red Riding Hood is in danger - but this is no fairytale!
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Good Game in a Silent World
PostedNovember 25, 2013
EmmSeven20
fromNE Ohio
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you're one of those gamers who enjoys the music, sound effects and voice-overs of games, then this one may not be your cup of tea. I am one of those people, and it's important to me to have most, if not all of the aforementioned elements in order to have a fully immersive, well-rounded experience. I'm just not the type who can play a game with all of the settings on mute.
There are no voice-overs (which I CAN live without if I have to) but as the game progressed I realized there were very little sound effects, save for turning the pages in the journal and a couple other actions. There are no environmental sounds. Standing in a cemetery that is supposedly the scene were countless people have disappeared should be creepy and unsettling. I want to HEAR the trees swaying in the wind, along with the insects, and the animals and whatever other spine-tingling sounds come with that type of setting! Additionally, there are no sounds for actions, which was just…awkward. I happen to like the little noises you get when finding objects in an HOS. I like hearing the sound of using my bolt cutters on a chain. These things may be unnecessary to some, but they are a must for me. This is the first game I've encountered that is missing so many sound effects, and I certainly hope it's the last.
I could not get more involved with the game past twenty minutes, so I cannot comment on puzzles/mini games. The story is engaging, and the HO scenes are uncluttered (at least the few I encountered). The music is appropriate and fitting, adding to the mystery of the story. The graphics are nice; very clearly drawn with vivid color. Based on other reviews I read, it seems like this game is fairly good so it's too bad an audiophile like me will miss out.
I don't recommend this game.