gobaba's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,887
- Reviews Submitted:74
- First Review:September 12, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 25, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Why would anyone want to stop Christmas from coming?
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Too Precious For Me
PostedDecember 5, 2015
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Warning - Based on The Demo Alone
Okay, bring on the haters, because I almost never review a game based on demo, knowing that games usually progress in difficulty as you play. All I wanted to do was get a feel for the atmosphere of the game. Like bratzgram, I like fast-paced or challenging games, and this ain't it.
Just be aware that this game is sweet, precious, or darling. There is a lot of dialogue that slows you down. It's hard to accomplish anything because everyone wants a favor, resulting in a lot of back-tracking.
The tasks are very familiar, puzzles are easy, HOs you've seen before, and there are 12 morphs and 36 puzzle pieces. The morphs are tricky, so look closely.
You have to like cats to get full enjoyment out this game - I have ten dogs. LOL. You have a cat helper but he is slower than molasses in winter. I think game pace is slow on purpose so you can sit back and leisurely enjoy the game.
I'm not going to comment on whether it's worth a CE because I didn't play the entire game - that's not fair. It's just not my type of game. If you're like me and enjoy MCF, haunted house, detective/mystery, and pirate stuff, you might want to pass on this, or demo first.
I still love you, Elephant Games.
I don't recommend this game.
Who is trying to destroy the Kingdom of Barsia?
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Eipix and Blue Tea = Odd Couple
PostedDecember 4, 2015
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on Main and Bonus Games
Straight up, I'm not fond of this quirky relationship between Eipix and Blue Tea. Eipix tends to make action-packed games, and Blue Tea makes sweet, darling lil' soothing games. Hence my pronouncing them the Odd Couple.
I can only imagine the Skype conferencing between the two devs trying to hammer out a good Dark Parables game.
I can only imagine the Skype conferencing between the two devs trying to hammer out a good Dark Parables game.
The Goldilocks character tends to strike only one pose, like she was in an advert in Vanity Fair. "Get to the castle!" (Vogues it). "Hand me the artifact!" (Vogues it). "Did I leave the iron on?" (Vogues it).
The puzzles are standard to newish fare, and lots of them. I did not appreciate the same puzzle repeated in the artifact 4 times. The FROGs are standards Blue Tea MO, and I'm tired of them, because they never vary.
There're 40 snowflakes to find, some of which are invisible. There are also morphing puzzle pieces that go into your parables book; complete them and you get to read stories of the kingdom of Barsia. No hooded villains, yay.
The main game is rather long, the bonus game quite short. CE bling includes the ability to go back and retrieve missed snowflakes and morphs, replayable FROGs and puzzles, a short making-of video, plus the usual.
Is it worth a CE? Umm, I don't think so. That is unless you really like Blue Tea type games mixed with Eipix. I think there's so little variety in Blue Tea that I'd rather go with a straight Eipix game. Plus with a short bonus game, I'd either do a sale or wait for the SE.
I don't recommend this game.
You're the last hope to stop the ancient curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
FiveBN Tears It Up Again
PostedNovember 27, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Main and Bonus Games
Okay I'm late to the table, but one thing you gotta know is that FiveBN makes the most awesome games ever. Every game has excellent graphics, the adventure challenge level is high, the puzzles and HOs are stunningly designed to take thought and time.
One of the best and most creative features of this game was the Mad Palace. No, I'm getting the name wrong, but the rotating dial to locate rooms was A-1. I won't spoil your fun, but I had to tip my hat to them for amazing creativity, originality, graphics and design.
The main game is Long! I broke it up into three sittings but I'll bet I spent 6-7 hours on it in Hard mode. Look for collectible statues and morphs in the main game only. The bonus game goes a bit faster without having to search for extras at a little over 1.5 hours.
CE bling includes bonus games for getting all achievements (I never do :(), replayable puzzles and HOs, a bonus puzzle, plus the usual.
Is it worth a CE? The game itself is the big deal. The CE bling is not that important. I'd play the the main game and be just as content, so the SE would be fine.
I recommend this game!
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 63 found this review helpful
Unqualified 5 Stars For a Surprise Sequel From Eipix
PostedNovember 25, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the Main and Bonus Games
Mother of God! Who could even hope for two MCF games in less than a month? And Eipix did them both! (Yeah, go ahead, say it. I'm an Eipix groupie).
Now, this. This. Is an awesome game. The challenge level is great, the puzzles are mostly new, the HOs are new variations in many cases, and the Superpuzzles! The Superpuzzles are plentiful, humorous and clever.
Forty, count 'em, 40 scenes in the game to romp through with great graphics, originality, creativity and design. There're 40 lighthouses to pick out in each scene. No morphs, but who cares? This game was a joy to play in custom mode with no hints or skips.
The story was fine, you know, Alister Dalimar in his quest for immortality and naughtiness. At least it wasn't raining.
CE bling includes being able to go back and find missing lighthouses, the Souvenir Room (a collectible hunt), replayable puzzles and HOs, a making of vid, achievements, plus the usual. Don't miss the witty comments in the credits.
Is it worth a CE? Yes. Eipix knocked it out of the park with this one. It's even better than their MCF:KTR. Go for it.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Secret of Life Collector's Edition
You've traveled the world in search of a cure for your deadly illness, and you've finally found it! But it won't be easy to get – are you up to the task?
Overall rating
5
/
5
52 of 61 found this review helpful
ERS Tries Something New, and Succeeds
PostedNovember 6, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Main and Bonus Games, Actual Rating 4.6
Poor lil' ERS, left in the dust by other devs wowing us with morphs, collectibles, offbeat achievements.....but not any more!
I was worn out trying to keep up with eating cake, finding cats, smashing bell jars, spotting morphs--and those are just the achievements. We haven't even gotten to gameplay yet.
I was worn out trying to keep up with eating cake, finding cats, smashing bell jars, spotting morphs--and those are just the achievements. We haven't even gotten to gameplay yet.
Okay ask someone else about the story, but fair warning, it involves a lot of gathering stuff for potions and spells. I'm lukewarm on that, but some like it. It's repeated three times and I'm totally bored by that time, and wanting to find secret passageways to do other things. Good thing ERS obliges, so I go skipping into dungeons, etc. Puzzles outnumber HOs, but only just. Most you've seen before, all are attractive. There's fair variety in HOs as well.
Achievements are quirky and fun, so read them before you play. Collectibles are morphing objects of magical significance, cats hidden in HOs, bell jars in plain view, and eat all the cake you find. Find all the cats and play a matching cat card game. The endless HO is just a very large HO scene with 60-70 items.
If you miss a cat, replay the HOs in extras and find them. I got all the morphs, so I don't know if you can go back to get them.
I'm counting off for lower challenge and repetitive storyline, but I think ERS did well to compete in a very creative, original way regarding collectibles, morphs, and achievements. They also included a quiz on Haunted Legends games, and the backstory on this game.
As usual, the main game is 3 hours or less, and bonus game an hour. The latter carries the main story out further.
Is it worth a CE? I believe it is. This game is so rich with extra goodies, that I think the SE would be cheating yourself out of a good time.
I recommend this game!
Can you find the key to Ravenhearst's resurrection?
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 20 found this review helpful
Get Lost! Can't You See I'm Playing MCF?
PostedOctober 29, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the Main & Bonus Games
Well, isn't that a feather in Eipix' cap to be chosen for this year's MCF? I chase people and dogs away during this game; it's an auto-buy for me.
Okay, you know the story, the psycho Dalimar family is at it again. God forbid you should live next door to them, because it's always raining there.
The coolest thing, well, almost coolest, was the mighty Super Puzzle, and there are several. No hand-holding, but it's merciful in that it will let you skip one step rather than the whole puzzle, if you get stuck. Lots of puzzles and mini-puzzles too, even in the HOs. HOs were varied, but Eipix' labor of love seems to be puzzles.
My only whine (not very loud, just a squeak), is I would've liked more challenge in adventure. C'mon, frustrate me more!
Now here's the cool part. I'd enter a room, think "is this all there is to do?" then fiddle a bit. Then FWOOSH! Something unexpected and magical happens, and I think "Hey, I did not see that coming! Kewl." Lotta moments like that.
A+ graphics, creativity, design, originality, and no feeding nuts to squirrels! No hammering ladders together! No lowering buckets in wells without cranks! Eipix, I thank you!!!
The Main game is long, very long as usual. The bonus game is about 1.5 hrs and a prequel. You get to go back and find missed morphs/collectibles in the extras menu. The Mighty Souvenir Room is still there. Plus the usual. Don't miss the Making Of short in extras.
Hey, did you know MCF games have over one billion downloads? Now you do. I hope Eipix gets invited back next year.
Is it worth a CE? Yes. Now go away, I'm seriously busy with MCF:KTR.
I recommend this game!
Your wedding day goes dark... and your fiancée has no idea who's behind it all.
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
Well, The Puzzles Were Good, Actual Rating 3.5
PostedOctober 20, 2015
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the Main & Bonus Games
This is another Domini Games production, that just gave us Mystery Something:Alaskan Wild. Okay, it's an unabashed romance, but kinda campy too. There's Siegfried, Rothbart, Odette, and I can just hear Wagner's Gotterdammerung swelling in the background with those Teutonic names.
Rothbart, or Rothbrat as I renamed him, shops at Roscoe's Villain Apparel for the customary cowled cape, and his evil daughter Alana morphs into a black swan with red smoke escaping from her head. What's up with that? Another memorable character is the old woodsman, who reminds me of Elf on the Shelf in retirement, perusing his AARP magazine. Good times.
I beta'd this, but I liked it better as the whole game. Balanced between HOs and puzzles, it was hard to hate the sheer goofiness of the prince loves princess, oh-no-here-comes-bwahahahaha-villain story. The HOs were nicely varied, and the puzzles got harder as the game progressed.
Adventure level was pretty straightforward. Get ready to feed nuts to squirrels, build ladders, lower buckets in wells....oh,my goodness, I need a KEY!
Collect feathers to decorate the princess' boudoir, but seriously, she must shop at IKEA because the choices are lame and few. She needs more schmaltzy decor. Also collect stained glass in main game, and figurines of game characters in both games.
Main game is about 3 hours (I'm slow, no hints or skips), and bonus game 1+hrs. No morphs, and you can't go back and find missed feathers, figurines or stained glass, so my Odette is missing her torso. CE bling includes Odette's sparse boudoir, replayable HOs and puzzles, achievements,collectibles plus the usual. No, you can't go back later and get missed collectibles. Pooh.
Is it worth a CE? Awww, I think the SE would be fine. The puzzles are worth replaying, but I don't know that it's worth $13.99. Maybe if there's a good sale.
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
4
/
5
82 of 116 found this review helpful
Short and Lots of Morphs
PostedOctober 15, 2015
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the Main & Bonus Games
Elephant Games usually does a great job on graphics (they did), adventure (they sorta did), challenge (they didn't), and variety (yeah, pretty much did). But even though I enjoyed the game as opposed to a lesser dev, it wasn't their best work. Anytime Elephant is short and a fast play for me, I know the inventory item I need is in the same scene.
Others have given you the story, and I can't recall the first game. Puzzles are mostly easy, a couple take time. There is one superpuzzle but it's not interactive; it's just 4 easy puzzles on one screen. HOs had a little variation but there's a lot of that list thing going on too. No HO scene was re-used.
Now, the collectibles. You need to be aware that there are plain old morphing objects AND morphing chimeras in every scene in the main game, so look for two morphs in each scene. There are only morphs, no chimeras in the bonus game, so just one in each scene. There are collectible cards in the main and bonus games. No, you can't go back and get morphs/collectibles you missed later. Pooh.
Twenty-seven morphing objects = 27 scenes total in the game, not counting duplication in the bonus game. That's not many, compared to some games, that have well over 40 scenes. That usually will mean A) the game is short B) you will go back and forth a lot between scenes, or C) both. As it turns out, this game is both.
The main game is short, maybe 2.5 hrs or so. The bonus game is about 1 hr or less, and carries the main story a little further. CE bling includes replayable HOs and Puzzles, the Secret Room (a morph mega hunt), achievables, collectibles (cards and chimeras) plus the usual.
Is it worth a CE? If you have a Mad Morph Mania, boy, this is the game for you. I gave a point off for low challenge, short game and too many flippin' keys to find.
Off the Record: The Final Interview Collector's Edition
A man is dying, and you’re the prime suspect!
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 49 found this review helpful
Off The Chain!
PostedOctober 11, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the Main and Bonus Games
Okay, my turn to get all gushy. Originality, creativity, design, and graphics are all off the chain in this send up of this Eipix series. How should I know why they're discontinuing it? Nobody tells me nuthin'.
They went to great lengths to keep you busy in this game, with lots of puzzles, so many puzzles. And they get progressively harder as the game continues. There's a good variety in HOs too--that's where all the morphs are.
Now, collectibles. Oh, lordy. Forty-three teapots = 43 scenes to romp through, main and bonus. Letters to find, and squint hard, because they're well hidden. They spell out Final Interview on your menu page. Plus elegant hats--6 open up bonus puzzle/HOs, so pay attention. Hunting for everything will slow you down, because Eipix sneakily tucked everything in the shrubbery, behind curtains, in cubbards, etc. I like it.
Now, the story is good--who doesn't like a mystery about the Derby? The main game is about 4+ hrs long, and the bonus about 1+ hours. The latter extends the mystery with a cool twist. CE bling includes the legendary Souvenir Room (a mini-collectable hunt), achievements, replayable HOs & puzzles (plus bonus), collectibles you can go back and look for if you missed (teapots), and you can also replay HOs to retrieve missed morphs. Plus the usual. What's not to like?
Strategy guide is awesomeness. (Hello, Anita!)
Is it worth a CE? Let's put it this way. If you don't get the CE, just fall on your sword now.
Hey, did you know Eipix is doing Mystery Case Files this year? Winning!
I recommend this game!
Grim Tales: Threads of Destiny Collector's Edition
Can you free Jackie’s parents from their deadly fates?
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 142 found this review helpful
Puzzle Heavy and Good Quality
PostedOctober 8, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the Main and Bonus Games
Remember the movie Final Destination? No? Well, this reminds me a lot of that teen scream series, where cheating death has the Grim Reaper hopping mad.
Well, Elephant Games does their usual bang-up job in graphics, sound effects, soundtrack, and setting the whole mood for a good creepster game. I've played this series but can't keep track of the players, but someone else will cover the story for you. The twist on this story is new to me, anyway.
True to my review title, it's very puzzle heavy, they're very attractive, some are challenging, and several I've not seen before. The HOs are varied nicely to avoid find this, find that.
Adventure challenge is always good with Elephant; they'll make you carry things around in your inventory for 30 minutes before you find a use for it.
Adventure challenge is always good with Elephant; they'll make you carry things around in your inventory for 30 minutes before you find a use for it.
There are 26 morphs in scenes, main & bonus, plus 16 collectible cameos of Gray relatives. No, you can't go back and find missed morphs/collectibles later. Boo.
The main game is about 3+ hrs long and the bonus game is an hour. (Keep in mind when I give you estimates, I play without hints, skips, map hints, and try to keep my mitts off the SG). Bonus game was great! Lushly illustrated, very creepy, and an extension of the main game, plus a cool card game with Fate.
Other CE bling included The Secret Room, which is a mega morph hunt. Also had replayable HOs and puzzles, achievements, collectibles, and the usual bling.
Is it worth a CE? Yes. Some complain it's too short, but both main & bonus games are high quality, it's got morphs, the secret room, and puzzles worth replaying.
I recommend this game!