sportygal2009's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:8,859
- Reviews Submitted:221
- First Review:November 12, 2011
- Most Recent Review:November 28, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Save the kingdom and reunite Princess Isabella with her prince in the exciting conclusion to the Princess Isabella trilogy!
Overall rating
2
/
5
43 of 67 found this review helpful
Sorry But This Would Cure Insomnia - No Where Near As Good As the First
PostedMay 18, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review based on demo:
7 chapters plus a bonus chapter and strategy guide. All the extras such as wallpapers etc., are locked until after you play the game.
Strategy Guide: Does show all the chapters plus the bonus is listed but I didn't actually go in and look at it as I didn't need it.
Widescreen: This did fill my 20 inch monitor just fine as I didn't have to adjust anything but some people just from reading reviews have the black bars.
There are 3 game play modes: Casual, Advanced, Custom (in which you can change the refill speed of both the Skip and Hint buttons but not the glints). You can also change at any time during the game. I played custom.
There is voice overs.
There is a journal however no map.
There is also a magic wand that is in between the Inventory and the Hint button. It can help you to do certain things you can't do by yourself.
You will get a Dragon Flute shorty into the game that you use to get help from the dragon.
HOS: Found by word list or find so many of any item. Not interactive.
Puzzles: The usual run of the mill found in many games. Just to name a couple: Stack the flutes in the center biggest to smallest and rotate the rings.
Hint/Skip: Charge up very quick.
My overall impression:
Well the first "Princess Isabella" is still one of my all time favorites, while I thought the second one was disappointing. I was however very anxious to see what this one might be like. Unfortunately I found this one to be very disappointing and not worthy of being a CE game as I hold these to a higher standard than a SE since I'm paying twice as much.
To start with the graphics I found to be very subdued especially the HOS while I didn't find them to be Sanford & Son junkyard. I'm also pretty much into cut scenes but this game had far too many.
The game play is similar to the other 2 "Isabella" games (portraits, break things, etc.) which is OK if you're into nostalgia, I suppose. However I would think they would try to come up with something new here.
The voice overs I found to be good as they seem to fit the game here.
The black bar tips/hints well they are not hints or tips, but instructions on what to do, where to do it, what to use, etc. I'm not sure about the harder mode but the custom no way to turn these off. I thought this was the whole purpose of a custom mode to set the game as you want?
Last but not least, no collectibles, morphing objects, and all the extras are locked until after you've played the whole game so a person can't see exactly what they are getting for their dollars spent.
Sorry Big Fish and developers. Two stars is the best I can do for this game. I'm afraid it's a no go for me. I wouldn't even purchase this as a SE, daily deal, or catch of the week. This was too childish, boring, and even too easy for my taste. I had all I could do to stay awake and make it through the demo time of this.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I don't 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
27 of 31 found this review helpful
This Could of Been A Great Game - Patience Is A MUST For This Game
PostedMay 7, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on about 2 to 3 hours of game play.
(HOPA) Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure.
Story: You take on the role of Sophia (the princess-to-be) waking up in a castle that has somehow been enchanted, and everyone (except the king, who may be the victim of foul play) is asleep. Your memory starts to return in snippets the more you explore the castle.
As for how many chapters not sure since there is no walk through and the game doesn't indicate.
2 play modes: I played the harder mode. No sparkles. There are gears and magnify glass that come up along with some black bar tips but you also have to explore the areas pretty carefully cause things can be missed including new areas to explore.
Journal: Keeps track of notes and also has tasks listed on some of the pages and they are checked off as you complete them.
Map: Is transporter, list the name of the locations however doesn't indicate if there is anything to do or not.
There are voice overs.
HOS: All found by word list. Some slight interaction but doesn't indicate which ones like most games will list them in a different color.
Puzzles: I only came across 3 which are doable. There's definitely more of course.
Hint/Skip: Very quick on charge up.
My overall impression:
The demo time of this game was really great for me. The voice overs well done, the graphics really good, the story intriguing, I liked the characters and while I had to think a bit on what to do/go to next not frustrating. The HOS I didn't come across too many. I found these to well done as they're not Sanford & Son junk piles. I got through these with no problem.
Now for where this went down the hill for me and that was after the demo time was up and I purchased the game. I suddenly came across way to much wandering around aimlessly trying to figure out what to do next.
There are either gears or a magnify glass that would pop up in overkill mode. Most of the time just something to read and when it was read well shouldn't pop up any more and being able to use inventory seemed to be a hit or miss. Very few areas would let me use inventory. I'd go and use the hint which most of the time I found downright annoying as it would either say nothing to do go explore elsewhere or direct me to an area in the scene where inventory couldn't be used as I tried everything I had in inventory and it was a no go.
I'm sorry Big Fish and developers but I really tried to stick with this game as I played for about 2 to 3 hours and finally had to stop the madness and pull the plug on this game.
I'm all for trying to figure things out on my own but I won't spend no more than 2 to 3 hours on a game getting very little done with it.
Now if you are one of them hard core game players this may be easy for you or if you are one with a lot of patience and don't mind spending hours trying to figure things out then this is for you but I've got better things to do. I play games on here for fun and escape not to be frustrated.
So overall the best I can do for this game is 2 stars and what a shame as this could of been a great game. I really found the story intriguing and wanted to see how it ended. Way too frustrating for me and by reading the game forum for this game frustrating for some others as well so I'm not alone here. Also I usually finish games I purchase before reviewing them but about 2 to 3 hours was way more than enough for me with this game. I couldn't take it anymore!
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Castle: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
Solving murder has never been so much fun!
Overall rating
5
/
5
62 of 70 found this review helpful
Never Judge A Book By Its Cover - Loved It - Review Of Completed Game
PostedMay 4, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
IHOPA (Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure)
5 Chapters. I was still in Chapter 1 when demo time was up.
2 play modes: Rookie/Veteran: I played the Veteran mode. No sparkles however black bar tips up at the top.
Map: Transporter and flashes when it's time to move on, or your phone rings. It also tells you where to go or phone caller tells you to meet them somewhere. There is also a little yellow badge that will indicate if there is something to do in that location.
Evidence board: Keeps track of suspect, victim, witnesses and evidence of course.
No voice overs as there are text boxes that come up that you read and click through.
HOS: All found by word list with some interaction
Puzzles: The usual run of the mill found in many games. Nothing new here.Just to name a few: Flip the switches till they all light up, remove all the balls within 10 moves, repeat the sequence. They also have a box up at the top for puzzle info directions to the puzzle along with a reset button for some of them.
Hint/Skip: Quick on charge up. Hint is also helpful outside of HOS.
My overall impression:
Well I start by saying I've never even heard of this TV show let alone watched it and having said this. If it's anything like this game then I've missed out on a great TV show.
If you have played and enjoyed the James Patterson Women's Murder Club games then you should enjoy this as it's pretty similar to those games. It sure reminded me of those games.
I was hooked to this from the get go and didn't stop playing until I got to the end. I thought the story was well told as it had twist and turns. Just when I thought I knew "whodunit" well I was wrong.
I also really liked the characters in the game. I wish there would of been voice overs but I know that probably would of been very expensive for the developer here especially based on a TV show so for a SE version of a game I can overlook that. CE games I hold to a higher standard since they're twice as much in cost.
The graphics along with the cut scenes a very well done here. I also liked the way the characters looked in the game. A realistic look to them.
The HOS I'll have to agree with some of the reviews in regards to being on the Sanford & Son junkyard pile side however I got through them with little difficulty. Only had to use a couple of hints here.
The puzzles I did them all but two so pretty ease considering I'm not too much of a fan of the puzzles.
I just really loved this game as I thought it also had a nice balance of HOS, puzzles, and traveling back/forth while yes the majority is done by the map. Inventory pretty much used right away.
Oh and yes I'll also have to agree on the black bar tips. A wee bit too helpful but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this game.
As for game length about 6 hours for me. May be more or less for you.
Overall a 5 stars from me. Thanks Big Fish and developer for a great game here. I hope to see more games like this brought to the site from this developer.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself!
I recommend this game!
There's a dark force at work in Pilgrim's Hook. Return to your childhood home and save your twin brother from the evil that lives beneath the sea.
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 17 found this review helpful
Return To Pilgrim's Hook - Review Of Completed Game
PostedApril 13, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
IHOPA (Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure)
Story: You take on the role of Vera who must go back to her childhood home and save her twin brother Arthur from the evil that lives beneath the sea.
10 chapters plus bonus chapter.
25 morphing Castor's Creatures Collectibles
Find 80 Whale Bones
15 achievements
Strategy Guide: You have to chapter select then stays where you left it.
25 morphing Castor's Creatures Collectibles
Find 80 Whale Bones
15 achievements
Strategy Guide: You have to chapter select then stays where you left it.
3 play modes: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore. I played Advanced. No sparkles but black bar tips at the top.
Journal: Keeps notes along with clues for some of the puzzles.
Map: This is transporter and you get it within the first few minutes of the game. Has all the locations listed, shows where you are and the locations will have a "glowing light" to them where there are things to do.
HOS: 2 types of scenes: Word list and find so many of an item. At the end of each scene you have to find the inventory item in the scene. They are interactive.
Puzzles: The usual run of the mill found in many games. Nothing new here: Rotate the rings, keep pressing until everything lights up, etc.
Hint/Skip: Pretty quick on charge up. It's less than a minute. Hint is very helpful outside of HOS as it will direct you where to go until you get there along with showing you the inventory that needs to be used.
My overall impression:
The story started out kind eerie/creepy but the more I moved along in the game I got more of a melancholy feeling than eerie/creepy that it's clearly meant to be however still found it intriguing and well told.
The graphics are very good. I like them. Most scenes nice crisp and clear however a few on the drab side but it fits with the setting of this game.
The voice overs really good especially the whale.
The HOS for the most part a very well done here. The scenes I found to be spread out as I didn't find myself doing one right after the other. These also weren't Sanford & Son junk piles to me however a couple of areas too dark and really small items. Also a few objects I had to resort to the hint for it to recognize my clicking on it.
The puzzles not a whole lot in the game which was fine by me. Some of these I found tedious and boring like the rotate the rings and keep pressing until they all light up. I don't much care for these. My patience meter isn't very high when it comes to these.
The adventure part: A good deal of traveling back/forth. I'm so glad there was a transporter map which I found very helpful well except for the bonus chapter. It wasn't available for me anyway.
The achievements, morphing, and collectibles I didn't get them all but most of them and I enjoyed this. I also usually don't pay attention to the wallpapers but I took a look at them and really like them. I have one of the game saved on my computer.
I definitely thought this was long enough. The main game about 6 hours and the bonus chapter 1 1/2 hours. Maybe more/less for you. I also felt like I had a complete game as it ended satisfactory. The bonus chapter which to me was a bonus" "How It All Began" and I enjoyed this very much. A well done here.
Overall 4 stars from me. Thanks Big Fish and developer for a very good game here.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Am I dead? Apparently, and you have no memory of how it happened. Death may be the least of your problems.
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 16 found this review helpful
That Should Do It! LOL! Review Of Completed Game
PostedApril 9, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
HOPA - Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure
Story: Elisa who is in a somatic state must find out the mystery behind her condition. Is she dead or alive? Two sinister men who are responsible and she must also save her sister.
6 chapters: I was just starting chapter 3 when demo time was up. You can also replay the chapters if you wish.
No choice of play mode and heavy on sparkles.
Journal which keeps some notes and some clues to solve puzzles.
There are voice overs.
HOS: Very heavy here. A lot of scenes. Found by word list. They are not interactive. There are some listed in green color and these are the items that are for inventory. Inventory pretty much used right away.
Puzzles: Not a whole lot. Nothing new here. Just to name a few: Jig saw, lock pick, and rotate the rings.
Adventure: There is some back/forth to this game but not a whole lot and there is no map however not needed as there is no way to get "lost" in this game.
Hint/Skip: Quick on charge up. It's about 30 seconds.
My overall impression:
Well I stuck with this for the story. This started out with some promise with the two sinister men in the opening scene and this is what drew me into the game. I wanted to see where the story was going and how it ended.
This game unfortunately went down the hill and pretty quick. The story got overtaken by the clumsy game play meaning you have to click around to find the next area to go which I've played games like this but once I found it well I was able to go no problem. Not this game. If you click about two to three times well the game will direct you in the direction you should be going when there is nothing to do in the current area but I found myself still clicking for the game to finally recognize I wanted to go to that area it's directing me. Game play not smooth at all. Oh and no it's not my computer. All up to date here! This also filled my 20 inch monitor just fine. I didn't have to adjust resolution setting.
I also prefer no sparkles but I don't mind if it's just for HOS only but this game was overkill with the sparkles.This even sparkled where to use inventory. Also the bar tips at the top.
The graphics for me were really good. Nice and clear. No problems here.
Oh and the voice overs I usually prefer those but Elisa here was too chatty for my taste and I found her downright annoying with her constantly saying after you put the inventory where it goes: "That should do it" and the reason for my review title here.
As for game length about 4 hours for me and I honestly could of finished this at least an hour sooner than I did cause this game wasn't challenging at all but the game play was so clumsy/awkward so it took me a bit longer.
Overall sorry Big Fish and developer but the best I can do for this game is 2 stars. I really wanted to like this and give it a better rating but the game play moving back/forth, the overkill of hand holding sparkles, too chatty Elisa and I also think the story could of been worked on just a bit more. I stuck with this cause it started out pretty good and I thought the game would redeem itself but no it didn't. The story ended on just an "OK" note with me. Nothing to get overly excited about in my opinion.
As always, give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
Strange Cases: The Faces of Vengeance
Agent Claire Ellery must rescue her young ward, but this masked kidnapper has set deadly traps in the abandoned mall!
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 82 found this review helpful
I Like The Strange Cases Series: Review Of Completed Game
PostedApril 7, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure which is the 4th in the series.
Strange Cases:
The Tarot Card Mystery released as a SE only in Aug 2009
The Lighthouse Mystery released as a CE and then SE in June 2010
The Secrets of Grey Mist Lake released as a CE and then SE in Nov 2011.
If you haven't played any of the previous games in this series well it's not necessary. This game stands alone by itself. You do play the same character Agent Claire Ellery, but a totally different case involving rescuing a young girl Anna who has been kidnapped and is trapped in an abandoned mall.
5 chapters
3 play modes. I played advanced mode. No sparkles but does have "black bar tips" up at the top.
HOS: There are quite a few scenes. First you have to find the tarot card then you get either a list of items to find which it's mostly word list however a few scenes find by "shadow" of object. They're also interactive.
Puzzles: There's also quite a few puzzles. Some new ones at least I've never seen them in other games I've played along with well known ones. Just to name some: Swap pieces to form a picture, get the chain lock out of the maze, swap the marbles from one side to the other.
Hint/Skip take about a minute for charge up. Hint not that helpful outside of HOS. Just tells you that you are finished in the current location at least for now anyway.
There is a transporter map which comes a few minutes into the game. The orange areas you can travel back/forth however doesn't indicate if there are things to actually "do" like some games will put an exclamation point indicating something can be done there. The gray areas can't go to those just yet.
No journal.
There are voices overs.
My overall impression:
For the most part not a very challenging game which is fine by me and having said this I'll admit I got hung up a couple of times on where to go/what to do next but I enjoyed this just as much as the other Strange Cases games.
The story while yes it's been done before but I thought it was well told with twist & turns. Definitely eerie/creepy in my opinion and I mean that in a good way!
The graphics I found to be quite good. I really enjoyed the cut scenes. The voice overs excellent.
While this game does have a lot of HOS as I mentioned it still has a nice balance of HOS, puzzles and adventure though I wish there wouldn't of been so many "swap the pieces" type of puzzles. I don't much care for these.
As for game length exactly 3 hours for me and this is with using the hint a couple of times and skipping a couple of the puzzles. No complaints about game length here. This was long enough for me. It seemed longer than that but I timed it and that's how long. May be more/less for you.
Overall 4 stars from me. I really enjoyed this game and more than glad to add this to the other Strange Cases games especially Big Fish having the 1/2 off sale of this game this weekend.
Thanks Big Fish for the sale on this game and the developer for a really good game here.
As always give it a whirl and decide for yourself!
I recommend this game!
Jessica would never imagine that her big day would turn out to be a nightmare; they had an accident and Jonathan McNealy, her husband is missing.
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 16 found this review helpful
Didn't Enjoy As Much As First Silent Scream Review Of Completed Game
PostedFebruary 23, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well I'll start by saying: If you haven't played the first Silent Scream game well there is no need to do so before playing this one as this stands alone on it's own. This has absolutely nothing to do with the first game so why it's called Silent Scream II is beyond me.
There is a journal. Also tells you objectives that need to be completed. There is no map.
2 play modes: Thrill and Nightmare mode. The Thrill mode is what I played. Does have sparkles and black bar tips. The Nightmare mode states no help at all no sparkles, black bar tips, hints or skips. What kept me from playing the Nightmare mode was no hint or skip as I do like that available if needed.
Hint is also helpful outside of HOS as it will direct you were to go. Charge up pretty quick. Skip is slow in my opinion taking about a couple of minutes.
HOS: Lots of scenes here. More than 20. Sorry I didn't count this time. Usually I do. I did 10 during the hour demo time. There is some interaction here. Also a find so many tomatoes and carrots scene. You also revisit the same scenes at least twice though there are quite a few different locations to go to. You also find different items however some are the same as you found before on the list.
Inventory: You do have to combine some items to use them and some are pretty much used right away some not. At times I had quite a few in inventory.
Puzzles: Not a whole lot of puzzles to this game and nothing I would call really new from other games.
Game length: Just about 4 hours. May be more or less for you.
My overall impression:
I thought the graphics were quite nice, crisp and clear however I wish the developer would of stuck with the hand painted cartoon/hand drawn like in the first game. I really liked those.
Voice overs not bad but not great. Jessica I found a little annoying.
I'll also say the game play was much more user friendly I guess you'd call it than the first Silent Scream as you're able to pick up items and not have to wait until they are needed like in the first game. I did find the sparkles a bit overkill in this game. I just wish all developers would give a hint/skip button and let the game player decide when/if they need it.
This game also could of used a map in my opinion as I did get hung up a couple of times where to go/do next.
The HOS no problem here as I located most of them pretty easily and this part of the game moved right along. Only a couple of hints cause the items were towards the edge of the screen. Some may consider this Sanford & Son junkyard pile however I don't.
The puzzles I did them all but 2. I could of did without the "trap the rat" and the bug puzzle. I found these downright annoying especially the rat since I do have a rat/mice phobia. I couldn't skip this one fast enough.
The story line itself I had no problem with though yes it's been done before however as I moved along just didn't make much sense to me. Also no where near as eerie as the first Silent Scream. I honestly couldn't wait for it to be over and 4 hours was definitely long enough for me. I kept hoping it would get better but for me no it didn't.
I would only recommend it at the Daily Deal/Catch of the Week $2.99 or if you have a punch card coupon code that is about ready to expire is how I purchased this game - a punch card coupon.
Thanks Big Fish and Developer. Overall 3 stars from me. Not a horrible game but not great in my opinion. I enjoyed the first Silent Scream game much more than this one.
As always, definitely give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Dark things bubble to the surface when the past invades the present!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 23 found this review helpful
Hooked From The Get Go - Loved It - Review Of Completed Game
PostedFebruary 3, 2013
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Story: You take on the role Ann who believes her younger brother Tommy, who has been missing for 15 years, is trying to contact her. She returns to her childhood Lake House with her childhood sweetheart Henry to try and find him.
14 Chapters
2 Play Modes:
Casual: Takes 30 seconds for hint/skip. Areas of interest do sparkle along with black bar tips.
Expert 2 minutes for hint/skip. I played Expert mode. No sparkles however black bar tips up at the top. Hint is also helpful outside of HOS (hidden object scenes).
Journal/Task button/Map:The map is not transporter however does show where you are and where there is things to do. Also if you hover your mouse over the map it will also show the name of the locations.
There is voice overs.
There is also widescreen at least for me as it filled my 20 inch monitor just fine. I also play all my games on PC running on Windows 7 64-bit and no tech issues here.
18 HOS scenes some interaction and 15 puzzles. Please note that my count here might be off but I do my best here as some people do like to have this info just from reading the forum.
My overall impression:
Well I was hooked to this right from the get go and I didn't stop playing this game until I got to the end.
The story is very well told while yes it's pretty much been done before.
The graphics, cut scenes, and voice overs I found to be just perfect. I also really enjoyed watching the films. Very atmospheric and definitely eerie especially when the characters would "pop up" as it startled me a few times.
The HOS I'll have to agree a bit on the Sanford & Son junkyard pile side however located most pretty easily but did have to use a few hints here.
The puzzles to my surprise I enjoyed these as usually I'm not too big of a fan of these. I did them all put 2 and only because I couldn't find a reset to start over on a couple when I didn't start them off just right I guess.
As for the ending I do feel like I purchased a completed game here with the SE version as this wrapped up quite nice for me. You may or may not agree. Having said this: It seems the developer tried to make it suspenseful which may or may not be told in the bonus chapter of the CE version. I haven't played the CE so I can't say but the game for me is just fine without it.
Game length: Took me exactly 5 hours. May be more/less for you.
Overall, this is getting 5 stars from me as I enjoyed every bit of the 5 hours I played this game. Lots to do and places to go while yes you will visit the same locations more than once.
Thank You Big Fish and Developer for a great game here.
As always, definitely give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Journey: The Heart of Gaia
After being kidnapped, Liz must free the Underworld from the tyranny of Scartaris Umbra.
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Fun Game Considering I Don't Care For Puzzles Review Of Entire Game
PostedNovember 8, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a puzzle/adventure game. You do have to find things in the scenes to be able to move forward in the game however there are no HOS (hidden object scenes) at all to this game.
Story: You take on the role of Liz who has been kidnapped and must find her way back home but not before she helps the inhabitants who are being terrorized by Scartaris Umbra. There's also 3 inhabitants who have special abilities and will then help you once you rescue them.
7 chapters
Graphics: Whimsical and "cartoon" characters.
There are voice overs.
2 play modes - I played the easier mode since I'm not a fan of the puzzles. Also shows when an area has been completed in the easier mode.
Map: Will show you were you are and where there are tasks to do. You can also use it to travel back/forth.
Puzzles: Lots of puzzles. Most the usual run of the mill found in many games: Rotate rings, get pieces from one side to the other, swap pieces to form a picture, etc. There were a few I've never seen before anyway. You can also reset them and there is a ? mark to get more info on the puzzles.
Hint / Skip: Charge up pretty quick.
There's also achievements to be earned.
My overall impression:
Well first off I'm not sure why the Big Fish has this listed under hidden object games as there are no HOS to this game.
Considering I'm not a "puzzle" person however I still found this to be a fun game overall as I pretty much played this straight through. In regards to these puzzles some I found easy, some I found fun to my surprise and some downright annoying.
The graphics to this game are just beautiful and a very well done here.
I also enjoyed the story as I thought it was really well told along with the characters and their special abilities to help me along. The voice overs also very fitting and not overdone.
This game just has a lot to do/places to go and I'm sure glad there was a map and also showed once the area had been completed.
Game length: I still got 6 hours out of this game. May be more/less for you.I even used the hint a few times and skipped a few of the puzzles. I also didn't earn all the achievements but I did earn most of them.
Overall I give this 4 stars.I would of given this 5 stars if there weren't so many puzzles and had just a few HOS since this is listed as a hidden object game.
I thank you though Big Fish and developer as this was a fun game overall.
As always, definitely give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Fight your way out of a coma by exploring your deepest memories.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Hooked From The Get Go - I Liked It - Review Of Entire Game
PostedNovember 4, 2012
sportygal2009
fromSouth Bend, IN
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You take on the role of Emily whose been in a car accident and while in a coma must undo the wrongs of the past/make a mends due to a childhood trauma. You also have a spirit guide to help you a long.
3 chapters plus a bonus chapter
Strategy Guide
Journal: Keeps track of notes and some puzzles clues to solve puzzles.
Voice Overs
2 play modes - Casual/Advanced. I played advance mode. Does have black bar tips up at top but no sparkles for the HOS (hidden object scenes).
There is no map however not needed. If you click on the hint it will bring up a portal box and take you where you need to be.
HOS: There are a lot of scenes to this game as there are 42. Found by word list and some are interactive. There's also one scene find 18 beads.
Puzzles: 24 puzzles and the usual run of the mill seen in many games like rotate the rings, swap pieces to form a picture, flip the switches till they all light up, etc.
Hint/Skip: Charge up pretty quick.
Extras: Wall papers and Concept Art which are locked until you complete the game including the bonus. There are no achievements, collectibles, morphing objects.
My overall impression:
Just from reading some reviews this is too heavy and depressing subject matter for some however I was really engrossed in the story. I was hooked to this right from the get go. I didn't stop playing until I got to the end. I thought the story was well told. I had no problem with it. Psychological drama/thrillers are my favorite as I also like TV shows like The Dead Zone starring Anthony Michael Hall.
The graphics and especially the cut scenes I found to be well done and the voice overs really good. The music was also fitting to the game.
The HOS while there are quite a few they weren't junk piles for me as I got through them pretty quick as I didn't use the hint.
I did get hung up a couple of times where to go/do next but the hint was really helpful the portal box.
The puzzles while I'm not really a fan of these I did them all but two
I also had no problem with the game filling my 20 inch monitor. I didn't have to make any adjustments and I also had no tech issues with the game. This ran smooth as silk for me.
For this only being 3 chapters plus the bonus chapter this game was definitely long enough for me. I didn't get bored at all. Lots to do and places to go in the game.
Main game: 4 hours
Bonus chapter 1 hour
Bonus chapter 1 hour
May be more/less for you.
I will say however if you are one who waits for the SE version of the games the main game comes to a satisfactory ending as the bonus chapter is not needed but I did enjoy the bonus chapter. I thought it was well done.
Overall I give this 4 stars. I would of given this 5 stars if this had achievements/collectibles. I think this would of really added to the game and especially since it's a CE version.
Thank you Big Fish and developer for a very good game here. I also thank you for the coupon code to get it for $9.99.
As always, definitely give it a whirl and decide for yourself.
I recommend this game!