mrssharon's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.7
- Helpful Votes:828
- Reviews Submitted:49
- First Review:January 5, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 9, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Midnight Castle
Midnight Castle is yours - but it holds so many secrets and such mysterious inhabitants! Uncover them all in Midnight Castle!
Overall rating
2
/
5
57 of 62 found this review helpful
Not Really for Experienced HO Players
PostedJanuary 9, 2014
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
While I thought this game was "okay", it did not have the punch and excitement an experienced HO player wants in a game.
I agree with other reviewers that the "what to do next" was quite unclear. The tutorial was rather short and left out much of how the game works. You truly do have to figure this one out by yourself.
I achieved level 4 rapidly and during the time it took me to reach that level, there was always something else to do. After reaching level 4, you do have to wait for the recharge in order to play further. I can think of little else quite as boring as sitting for 4 minutes waiting to play.
The graphics were ordinary and the HO scenes were rather dark, I'm sure to make finding objects more of a challenge.
This is not a game I can recommend. I disliked the manner of play, and it was only a few minutes into the game when I was asked if I wanted to open an account in order to buy something. Sorry, in my book, free means free, and I see this as just a sneaky way to get players to open their wallets.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Canvas: Blood and Stone Collector's Edition
Unlock the mystery of the Sculptor’s tragic fate!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 19 found this review helpful
A Bit too Tame
PostedOctober 26, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You would think that there would be a little more excitement in a murder mystery, wouldn't you? While I found the game play okay, it was just that. Okay, not great.
The music was a little to soft and melodic, too. No real tension created with it.
The graphics were not quite spot on. I really had to look hard to find some objects. And even though I played on casual mode, I had no idea of some areas to search. No glinting!
I did a beta of this game and recall the same issues mentioned above. One other issue I wish developers would address is the announcement when you have completed one of the accomplishments. A big banner that says I didn't use a hint (or skip, etc.). Really? I could easily do without these. They just don't add anything valuable to the game play for me.
I did find one morphing object about 2/3 of the way into the demo. They are truly not obvious and if that expands the playing satisfaction for some, then they will be happy, indeed.
This is a pass for me. It's just a little too ho-hum.
I don't recommend this game.
Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 16 found this review helpful
Has Its Ups and Downs
PostedOctober 26, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game has promise. The intro was very good, got you excited from the start. But once the detective started her search at the camper's crash site, it kind of lost its oomph.
The graphics were very childish and catroonish, a huge turn-off. Next, the voice acting of the child was terrible. Whine much? Even bigger turn-off.
I thought it would be downhill from there, but the excitement level did pick up again once the detective came in contact with the locked up "helper". Talk about a Hannibal Lechter type! I would be very worried about this guy!
Having grown up in the very place the story is set, I can tell you the giant redwoods are spooky all by themselves. Good setting for the story! The spaced out over-the-hill hippie was a nice touch.
My demo ran out before I got to the end of the second chapter and I was fairly surprised. Guess that says I was pretty engrossed!
I feel this is a solid SE purchase. Anymore, most of the CE "bling" just doesn't make it worth the extra money. I do recommend trying for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Nevertales: The Beauty Within Collector's Edition
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 10 found this review helpful
Interesting and Different
PostedOctober 24, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There's a little bit of everything in this game. Standard HOS, FROG, puzzles... and many of these are presented with a twist. I found the demo to be unique enough to hold my interest. Nothing was over-the-top difficult, but not easy, either.
I enjoyed the charachters, but did not care for the villain's growl. It didn't fit. Perhaps later in the game it would make sense?
The graphics were okay with a mixture of "artsy" drawn and "almost" human. The drawn graphics made it difficult to find some objects, though not impossible.
The music seemed appropriate for the game.
At first, I wasn't sure I would like this game. After playing the demo for 47 minutes I can say I wanted more play.
I don't think the description of the extras makes it CE worthy, but I feel it would be a solid SE.
I recommend this game!
Fairy Tale Mysteries: The Beanstalk Collector's Edition
Defeat the giant to save the world from destruction!
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 15 found this review helpful
Not For Me
PostedOctober 19, 2013
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I disliked this game so much after only 4 minutes, I deleted it. I didn't like how the game played and how you gathered items for your inventory at all.
I did like how you could customized the options, but could not make the widescreen work.
I'm not sure why I took such an instant dislike to the game... not like me at all. I just did not like how inventory was collected and there was too much dialog for my taste.
I don't recommend this game.
Dark Cases: The Blood Ruby Collector's Edition
Your father was murdered while he was investigating a crime. Travel back through time to save him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
Nice Challenge, Not CE Material
PostedSeptember 16, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The game presents some new/different challenges. Interesting HO scenes with a little twist. Painting the puzzle was rather tame, though. Lots of back and forth, so I was really glad there was a jump map with indicators showing where available actions were. I would have been lost as the hint system doesn't give much help.
The music was very fitting and the graphics nicely drawn.
I also experienced the insistent tutorial. I never use them and really dislike them quite a lot. And I get really frustrated when you say no and it does it anyway! I can't comment on the strategy guide since I rarely use them, either.
This game has good potential for becoming a series. I hope it does. But without any of the "bling" extras, it only rates being SE worthy.
I recommend this game!
Rooms of Memory
An ancient manor lies before you, its doors wide open. Inside you'll find adventures, mysterious artifacts and relics, and a whole slew of family secrets!
Overall rating
3
/
5
160 of 187 found this review helpful
Not So Much...
PostedSeptember 13, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have been playing this game by going to the Online Games tab and it it there. You don't need to download to your game manager to play. That's why I don't get it being offered.
I do enjoy the game, but for short periods of time only. My "energy" runs out pretty quickly and I am not about to start buying it with real money. Otherwise, the game play is non-productive and you have to wait quite a few hours for your energy to come back so you can play more.
The music is repetitive but you can turn it off.
So far none of the people I've invited to be my "neighbors" have responded. What's up with that?
I visit the game once a day and play for free only.
I can't recommend this game since I don't like to promote addictive spending.
I don't recommend this game.
Sea of Lies: Mutiny of the Heart Collector's Edition
What happens when the heart turns against itself?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
Overall A Good Game
PostedAugust 31, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Though the game play was fairly easy, it did hold my interest enough to comeplete the demo. I was surprised when the hour was up.
I loved the colorful graphics and the music was appropriately pirate-ish. I did have an issue with the HOS graphics. They were colorful (maybe a bit too much so) and quite jumbled. It made finding objects a rather difficult for older eyes (even with the glasses on). The option of playing Match 3 was good, but it isn't a favorite of mine.
Game play was straightforward with very little confusion. Not too much running around. The fact that there is a jump-type map is good.
I love a good pirate story and this promises to be very good.
I recommend this game!
Twilight Phenomena: Strange Menagerie Collector's Edition
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 12 found this review helpful
Not Wildly Exciting
PostedAugust 23, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
While I didn't care for the style of the graphics, I did like that the scenes were very colorful. The music was unobtrusive and pleasant.
Game play was so-so. I didn't find the hint system very helpful. It just kept pointing to where to go, not really what to do.
There is a lot of forth and back. Just when you think you've got everything, alas, there is one more item to run after.
I did like the unique interactive HOS. Haven't seen many like that in other games. I also like the alternative game you could play if you wanted to bypass the HOS or couldn't find an item. Very different fromwhat I've seen in other games.
What I did like very much were the settings. They are so customizable! If you are an impatient sore like me, you'll want to set the hint recharge to something kind of low.
I am not fond of the little dress up critters we are beginning to see a lot of in some games. And I really don't see the purpose of having it do its laundry. Totally takes away from the actual game. But some will like the extra that provides and I have to admit they are kind of cute; just not for me.
While I might not care for this game so much, others might and I suggest trying it before buying it.
I don't recommend this game.
Awakening: The Sunhook Spire Collector's Edition
Scale the heights of Sunhook Spire, rescue the Enchantress and uncover the tower's mysteries as Queen Sophia's journey continues!
Overall rating
3
/
5
52 of 64 found this review helpful
Loved It? Not So Much
PostedAugust 17, 2013
mrssharon
fromSouthern Utah
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I will be going against the grain here. I have played all the other Awakening games and really liked them. Sadly, this one does not top my list of "must haves".
While this one still has the soothing music (perhaps a bit too soothing) and pretty colors in the scenery, the puzzles were a bit too abstract for me. I got some of them, but some of the clues for the puzzles were so obscure that I had to click the skip button in order to progress.
The map was no help at all unless you knew WHY you needed to go somewhere. And the darling little owl was not much help either in the way of hints. I asked for a hint and didn't understand it. After wandering aimlessly, I asked for another hint and got the same message. No help at all. Finally, the journal gave me a clue, but by the time I figured it out, my demo was over.
I did like the unique HO style near the beginning. However, that was not enough to convince me this was a game I had to have. Maybe I just couldn't think outside the box today, but I would have to say I can't recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.