5994fairy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:130
- Reviews Submitted:21
- First Review:August 3, 2012
- Most Recent Review:February 5, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide Collector's Edition
You've been called to investigate a strange purple tide. And that's when the mermaid shows up...
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
AnExcellent Addition to the 'Dark Parables' Series
PostedNovember 23, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide Collector's Edition
(154)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If anyone ever reads my reviews(?), they will know that I love the 'Dark Parables' series. This instalment doesn't disappoint!
Storyline: Loosely speaking, we're exploring the 'Little Mermaid' idea. But only loosely! As the detective, we find ourselves in a cursed kingdom, where the sea-king and his mermaid daughter are trying to lift the curse and restore their human form. Of course, their efforts are doomed to failure - otherwise, there wouldn't be a story!
Sound/visual: Absolutely beautiful in the style we have come to expect from this series. Sumptuous colours and great detail. Music and voiceovers perfectly acceptable.
Challenge/Fun: I thought the level of challenge was about right - some very easy games; others more perplexing. HOG - as always - involved collecting elements of an item to use in the gameplay, rather than a list of objects to find.
Extras: You can collect morphing objects to improve your hints. Also collectible moons scattered throughout as well as Big Fish references and cups of 'Blue Tea' to find. Plus the usual range of 'achievements' for not using hint; listening to all the voiceovers etc.
There are some references to other episodes in the series, for example, Pinocchio puts in an appearance, plus there is evidence of the Red Riding Hood Sisters.
I also applaud the fact that this game took me a decent length of time to play. It seems to be the norm that trial versions for Collector's editions are now 90 minutes long. It usually doesn't take me more than half that to complete the demo. Games also seem to take less time to play. I might suddenly be brilliant but I don't think so - I think there have been too many slightly shoddy games that aren't worth the extra you pay for the Collector's Edition. Thank you for bringing me a game that was really worth it.
I recommend this game!
Echoes of the Past: Wolf Healer Collector's Edition
Warriors of darkness have just attacked your people. Now you alone can defeat them and save your fellow Healers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
So enjoyable!
PostedNovember 1, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
F.A.C.E.S. Collector's Edition
(38)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've been a bit negative about some of the games I've tried recently, so I am really pleased to have found one I've absolutely loved (so far - as this review is based on completing the demo).
You are a healer, one of a group who can morph into wolf form at the touch of a magic bracelet. On the day of the ceremony to welcome a young healer, Mira, into the group, your settlement is attacked, and Mira's father is taken. Your task is to accompany Mira on her quest to rescue her father. Not especially original, but the storyline hangs together well with the gameplay.
Artwork was very pleasing - bright; beautifully realised.
Music appropriate; voice-overs unobjectionable. The character of the young girl Mira might be a bit 'cute' for some but she didn't spoil my enjoyment.
Puzzles are not especially challenging but pleasurable to do. There are variations on the HOGs to keep things fresh. Also the usual collectables one associates with a collectors edition.
This game feels polished and stylish. Transitions between scenes is fast - no hanging around waiting to move from one area to another. The map function works well.
This game is a return to pure escapism in a fantasy world which has been brought to life with great skill.
I recommend this game!
Paranormal Pursuit: The Gifted One Collector's Edition
Every second counts in this breathtaking paranormal adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 56 found this review helpful
Not very gifted?
PostedOctober 11, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters Collector's Edition
(261)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on demo:
Storyline revolves around children with paranormal gifts who are mysteriously disappearing.
Sound quality and graphics are alright. However, I found the constant voice overs stating the obvious quite annoying. Music was also alright. The graphics are not a style that I find particularly attractive but setting aside personal preferences, I thought the drawing/animation was a little wooden.
Fun factor was lessened due to excessive tips about what to do next. If you like the freedom to do stuff for yourself, this game may frustrate you. I played on the 'middle' difficulty because I wanted the option to skip games if necessary, so perhaps the instructions about what to do next might have been fewer on the more advanced difficulty. Same goes for the challenge factor.
I want to be very fair to this game. Just because I didn't like the look, sound or feel of this game, doesn't mean it's not a good game - just not for me. I wish I hadn't played for as long as I did because my initial response was to quit early! However, there are always players out there who want to be pointed in the right direction and don't want to work too hard to get through the game, and I know that I like particular visual styles better than others, and this game didn't meet my visual preferences.
Try for yourself - it's a 90 minute demo so you'll get a good idea of whether it suits you.
I don't recommend this game.
Forgotten Kingdoms: Dream of Ruin Collector's Edition
Princess Selene's vivid dreams warn that her marriage foretells disaster – but only you can break the magical spell threatening both your lives!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
It didn't grab me
PostedSeptember 30, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters Collector's Edition
(261)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I can see why this game has split the reviewers. This review is based on playing the demo.
The storyline is a bit strange in my opinion. Without wanting to give anything away, there are some moments in the plot where logic is entirely absent. Mind you, Shakespeare could be like that too,
The graphics are a little to romanticised for my taste with a very saturated colour palette.
Music is O.K. Voices likewise.
I did find that some of the interactions with various characters interrupted the game play, so skipped a lot of cut scenes.
None of the games I played were particularly difficult (in fact, they were mostly pretty simple - played on hardest difficulty).
There are collectibles - nothing out of the ordinary.
There's been a fair bit of criticism of this game for not spoon feeding players the next move. I agree it's not much fun to have to hint everything or consult the strategy guide constantly, but I didn't have to do that. Maybe it's about choosing a game at your level of challenge and being tuned into the designer's mind set?
In the end, my problem with this game is that it stretches the player's belief just a little too far, and is not challenging enough. I may be being a bit harsh here as I can really see why others have rated this game. I haven't recommended this game but I think it's one you have to try for yourself.
It didn't grab me; I didn't care what happened next; I didn't buy the full version.
I don't recommend this game.
Maestro: Dark Talent Collector's Edition
Diva's dark talent claims another victim – can you stop her before the curtain falls?
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Not quite up to standard
PostedSeptember 21, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
PuppetShow: Lightning Strikes Collector's Edition
(123)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on playing the whole game on the most difficult setting:
Graphics very nice - saturated colour; well drawn.
Sound quality good - voices pleasant; music enhanced game play.
Storyline nothing new but didn't detract from pleasure - no inconsistencies or bits that didn't make sense.
Games - very easy. Skipped one because I hate that particular game.
Biggest drawback - this game is very quick. Took me less than 2 hours. I don't feel I've had my money's worth.
Sound quality good - voices pleasant; music enhanced game play.
Storyline nothing new but didn't detract from pleasure - no inconsistencies or bits that didn't make sense.
Games - very easy. Skipped one because I hate that particular game.
Biggest drawback - this game is very quick. Took me less than 2 hours. I don't feel I've had my money's worth.
I actually quite enjoyed this game but it really would suit someone with limited experience of these kind of games.
I recommend this game!
Ominous Objects: Family Portrait Collector's Edition
A father returns home to find his children missing - all but one, who refuses to say a word...
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 14 found this review helpful
Not particularly ominous
PostedJuly 18, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on playing part of the demo:
Storyline familiar - disappearing children; distraught parents; sinister villain in gothic castle. Perfectly acceptable.
Graphics - not my taste but again nothing wrong with them.
Voices - exceptionally annoying! Just turned on the mute.
Puzzles - O.K. Reasonably challenging. Liked mini games in HO scenes.
Ominous factor - low. It probably didn't help that it's set in 18th century Blatshire. Blatshire? Must have seemed like an ideal name at the time.
This game is alright - just didn't excite me enough to play to the end of the demo.
Friendly cat cute - always like feline company but not a patch on Isis - Madam Fate, I think?
Forgotten Books: The Enchanted Crown Collector's Edition
Your librarian friend wants your help as a journalist – he’s found an ancient book that is still unfinished. Can you save the world in the book before their story ends?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
Enchanting!
PostedMay 11, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival Collector's Edition
(390)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the demo:
A friend calls you to tell you about a magical book that has just shown up in his library. The strange thing is that it isn't finished. You enter the world of the book to save the inhabitants of Torelion from the Dark Mage who is seeking the enchanted crown. O.K: Sounds familiar? Yes - but quite stylish. Saturated colour and graphics that scream 'fairytale' at you! It all feels a little bit 'Alice in Wonderland' in a really good way. Sound is fine - but it's not the most important element of a game for me as I often play with the sound muted!
I am playing it on the 'hard' setting - black bar tips disabled; no sparkles; very slow hint/skip recharge. It's not the most challenging game (so far?) but the gameplay is enjoyable.
Features the need to combine some objects with others in the inventory and also the usual collectibles you'd expect in a collector's edition.
This is one of the most enjoyable games I've played for a while. The only reason I haven't starred it more highly is that I haven;t played all the way through.
I recommend this game!
Grim Facade: A Wealth of Betrayal Collector's Edition
The city fears the return of the infamous Fire Knight – but is Rosa Ramirez really responsible?
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 20 found this review helpful
Grim facade? Just grim!
PostedApril 25, 2014
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: The Red Riding Hood Sisters Collector's Edition
(261)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have played and quite enjoyed previous instalments in this series. Graphics are similar to before - saturated colour, slightly overblown style: not my taste, but perfectly acceptable.
My problem is with the game play. I found the puzzles to be minimally challenging. There was little to get my teeth into. And no! I'm not some brilliant, solve everything type!
Storyline was predictable, but I might have forgiven this if the gaming experience had been better thought through.
I am a bit disappointed. I have quit the game part way through because it just isn't worth the effort. I never do that!
I don't recommend this game.
Redemption Cemetery: Bitter Frost Collector's Edition
Stop the bitter Spirit of Cold from killing your ancestors!
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
Beyond Redemption?
PostedDecember 27, 2013
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival Collector's Edition
(390)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I have thoroughly enjoyed all previous instalments of the Redemption Cemetery series so I bought the 'Bitter Frost' game without a second thought. I am a little disappointed.
Plus points: collectible snowflakes; varied HOG; reasonably challenging mini games with a choice of casual and hard modes. The graphics seem rather garish compared to some of the earlier games, but that's not necessarily a problem.
There is the usual story involving helping the dead to put right things in their past so that the future is better. In this case, it's personal: a Native American spirit spurned by the one she loves decides to wipe out your ancestors - and that means you! There are mini episodes of the love story scattered throughout the game. After suffering the first two, I started to hit 'skip'. I really didn't care.
The game play felt a little tired, and I can't help thinking the designers have run out of steam. So have I: this review is based on the first two chapters, because I simply haven't enjoyed it enough to carry on.
I am quite sad.
I don't recommend this game.
Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival Collector's Edition
Something wicked has taken over Fate’s Carnival!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 5 found this review helpful
Game of the year!
PostedDecember 6, 2013
5994fairy
fromRedditch, UK
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Mystery Case Files®: Fate's Carnival Collector's Edition
(390)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I loved the first Madam Fate and have waited a very long time for this sequel. The artwork and music create a stunning atmosphere; the humour is welcome. Gameplay is enjoyably challenging but not impossible to master.
Two sets of collectables, plus money to purchase essentials to spoil your glamorous assistant, Isis the cat - beautifully realised and animated.
Bonus chapter is also of a superior quality.
I recommend this game!