wrennie's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:989
- Reviews Submitted:78
- First Review:March 11, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 10, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
When a bolt of lightning sends you back to the days of King Arthur, you trade in your farmer's hat for a suit of armor and set off on a journey to find the Fountain of Youth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
You got me !
PostedMay 7, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I do not normally play builder games but I decided to play this one since I rather liked the last one released. To my surprise I enjoyed this one greatly.
It's a little knight that is helping rebuild the kingdom. You get workers,1 for each house, and they all respond quickly. There is a big knight that helps keep them safe when the trolls on level 3, I think, come to snatch them or take your gems. You have a basic harvest , sometimes tomatoes, sometimes wheat, and you can use spells to increase the rate at which you can harvest. You can cut down trees to build your houses although at the end of the level, the landscape looks pretty bare. There are little mounds of gems to mine and manna bottles to collect along with bags of gold. Level eight has a trapped worker that you must free. Each level is different; the landscape changes, roo.
I only played the demo but I was upset when it ended. I'm beginning to like these builder games.
It's a little knight that is helping rebuild the kingdom. You get workers,1 for each house, and they all respond quickly. There is a big knight that helps keep them safe when the trolls on level 3, I think, come to snatch them or take your gems. You have a basic harvest , sometimes tomatoes, sometimes wheat, and you can use spells to increase the rate at which you can harvest. You can cut down trees to build your houses although at the end of the level, the landscape looks pretty bare. There are little mounds of gems to mine and manna bottles to collect along with bags of gold. Level eight has a trapped worker that you must free. Each level is different; the landscape changes, roo.
I only played the demo but I was upset when it ended. I'm beginning to like these builder games.
I recommend this game!
Challenge yourself in the role of the scientist-historian-scholar of ancient civilizations and mystical legends and save your friend from the Demon of Darkness!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
A great sequel
PostedMay 3, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The forerunner of this game I enjoyed immensely. It was the first one that used a change of lighting for transformation of the scene and here is another one.
This is a great HOPA. Things hinge on finding others that have to be collected or created. There are 3 modes; relaxed, advanced and hardcore. I like the relaxed/casual modes.
The HO scenes are nice and clear although the last couple of items on the list are really hidden and I had to use a hint for them. They are interactive, too.
Right from the beginning there is lots to do. Things picked up are pretty much used right away (always a plus)
The puzzles are good, not too dark and not too vague so you don't know what to do. The hint recharges quickly and is easy to see. The puzzles have a reset button as well as a skip. I really appreciate that.
The story is rather cliche now; you have to save someone from a demon whose wrath is going to be released if you fail, but at least you know why you're there.
This game is fun and the music is appropriate and sucks you into the drama. The only annoying thing is the "ding" you get when you find an item on the HO list. I usually play the games at the maximum sound and music; this time I turned the sound part way down.
This will be a good game to have.
This is a great HOPA. Things hinge on finding others that have to be collected or created. There are 3 modes; relaxed, advanced and hardcore. I like the relaxed/casual modes.
The HO scenes are nice and clear although the last couple of items on the list are really hidden and I had to use a hint for them. They are interactive, too.
Right from the beginning there is lots to do. Things picked up are pretty much used right away (always a plus)
The puzzles are good, not too dark and not too vague so you don't know what to do. The hint recharges quickly and is easy to see. The puzzles have a reset button as well as a skip. I really appreciate that.
The story is rather cliche now; you have to save someone from a demon whose wrath is going to be released if you fail, but at least you know why you're there.
This game is fun and the music is appropriate and sucks you into the drama. The only annoying thing is the "ding" you get when you find an item on the HO list. I usually play the games at the maximum sound and music; this time I turned the sound part way down.
This will be a good game to have.
I recommend this game!
Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover™
Welcome back to Gardenscapes! Turn the hall into a masterpiece!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
The very best of HOG
PostedMay 2, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is wonderful. Bright, clear, colorful; the graphics are cheery and crisp, no dark corners here.
The storyline is that a bunch of people are going to visit you to see the gardens you've just fixed up ( reference to Gardenscapes #1 ) and you realize you have to renovate the house first. So you sell off stuff from inside the house to earn money for said renovation.
This is reminiscent of Dreamwood Inn game. You can play relaxed or timed and there are other things to collect along with the items on the list. The list consists of pleople coming in to buy what they are looking for. There are coins to collect for extra money, a thermometer to give hot/cold hints to what you are looking for and a camera to give you a brief picture of where everything is hiding. You can also find quiestion marks that give you extra hints.
This is especially a good game for those who need a break from the "dark" games.
This is a must have.
The storyline is that a bunch of people are going to visit you to see the gardens you've just fixed up ( reference to Gardenscapes #1 ) and you realize you have to renovate the house first. So you sell off stuff from inside the house to earn money for said renovation.
This is reminiscent of Dreamwood Inn game. You can play relaxed or timed and there are other things to collect along with the items on the list. The list consists of pleople coming in to buy what they are looking for. There are coins to collect for extra money, a thermometer to give hot/cold hints to what you are looking for and a camera to give you a brief picture of where everything is hiding. You can also find quiestion marks that give you extra hints.
This is especially a good game for those who need a break from the "dark" games.
This is a must have.
I recommend this game!
Travel to Red Lake Falls to track down the latest Dark Dimension!
Overall rating
4
/
5
54 of 59 found this review helpful
A dark beauty
PostedApril 26, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a nice game. The storyline is good and even though I had not played the prequel (City of Fog) the story is understandable on it's own. I think I will check it out anyway.
The music is excellent, both that and the sound effects are perfect for the action.
It is a basic format IHOG; hint, skip, puzzles, HO scenes, magnifying glass, hand, sparkles, tutorial and the rest of the basic properties. This is in the casual mode, of course. The part I like in the HO scenes is combing things to uncover the hidden item or creating the item. It's a little short on puzzles; I think I only came across one during the demo. A VERY dark one with red lightbulbs.
It's only drawback -if you can call that- is that the scenes are a bit on the dark side (color not mood) which is difficult for me because of poor eyesight. Even then it can be gotten around with a downward tilt of the monitor and help from passers by.
I only played the demo but it was over too soon and now I want to continue so I will most likely buy this or the single edition.
All in all a game worthy of purchase;
The music is excellent, both that and the sound effects are perfect for the action.
It is a basic format IHOG; hint, skip, puzzles, HO scenes, magnifying glass, hand, sparkles, tutorial and the rest of the basic properties. This is in the casual mode, of course. The part I like in the HO scenes is combing things to uncover the hidden item or creating the item. It's a little short on puzzles; I think I only came across one during the demo. A VERY dark one with red lightbulbs.
It's only drawback -if you can call that- is that the scenes are a bit on the dark side (color not mood) which is difficult for me because of poor eyesight. Even then it can be gotten around with a downward tilt of the monitor and help from passers by.
I only played the demo but it was over too soon and now I want to continue so I will most likely buy this or the single edition.
All in all a game worthy of purchase;
I recommend this game!
Start your own business developing astonishing eco-friendly campsites, uncover a hidden artifact, and become the Campground Developer of the Year!
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 33 found this review helpful
This was fun !!
PostedApril 24, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't normally play this type of game but for what it's worth, here is my two cents. I actually liked this.game.
The premise is you worked for a money-hungrybuilder of campgrounds who fired you for caring about the environment so now you are building your own with ecological concern.
It is a building game (it that respect it is the same procedure as all other building games) The artwork is nice and bright.
There is just something about this game that warrants at least a demo.
As in most, the music could be better; they tend to be repetitive. You can always turn the music off. Some crickets, frogs or birds chirping would be nice.
I was rather sad when the demo ended.
The premise is you worked for a money-hungrybuilder of campgrounds who fired you for caring about the environment so now you are building your own with ecological concern.
It is a building game (it that respect it is the same procedure as all other building games) The artwork is nice and bright.
There is just something about this game that warrants at least a demo.
As in most, the music could be better; they tend to be repetitive. You can always turn the music off. Some crickets, frogs or birds chirping would be nice.
I was rather sad when the demo ended.
I recommend this game!
An endearing 1930s love story set around a traveling circus.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A step back in time
PostedApril 23, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In more ways than one. This is a circus-themed game set in the 1930's with drawing and music from that period. The sound track is actual '30s music, Bing Crosby, Glen Miller, etc. The music really sets the scene and draws you in to that time. The story is presented as silent film, flickering, grainy screen and all. It's quite a lot of fun.
It is also a throughback to the old games where you play for points, get points deducted for random clicking and using a hint and get extra bonus points for finding hearts.
The HO scenes are drawn like circus posters but the objects to find are miniscule and the list of items to find is printed in red surrounded by yellow making the letters appear fuzzy Very difficult to read.
. This game is almost imossible for me (poor eyesight} to play as I can't see the stuff and keep having to use hints (there go my points) or pester others passing by to help me find stuff.
The puzzles are sort of the regular old stuff as well {find the differences, concentration, etc.) You have one puzzle at the end of each HO scene.
This is a cute game and if you have a craving for nostalgia this one is perfect. It reminds me a little of Madame Fate. That one was difficult to see, too.
It is also a throughback to the old games where you play for points, get points deducted for random clicking and using a hint and get extra bonus points for finding hearts.
The HO scenes are drawn like circus posters but the objects to find are miniscule and the list of items to find is printed in red surrounded by yellow making the letters appear fuzzy Very difficult to read.
. This game is almost imossible for me (poor eyesight} to play as I can't see the stuff and keep having to use hints (there go my points) or pester others passing by to help me find stuff.
The puzzles are sort of the regular old stuff as well {find the differences, concentration, etc.) You have one puzzle at the end of each HO scene.
This is a cute game and if you have a craving for nostalgia this one is perfect. It reminds me a little of Madame Fate. That one was difficult to see, too.
I recommend this game!
Unlock the secret rooms in the Howard’s mansion and restore a precious antique collection hidden there.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Shades of Agatha Christie
PostedApril 23, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This reminded me very much of the Agatha Christie games. Bright and crisply drawn, nothing gloomy or sinister here. Good match of voices to drawing, Good storyline; you have to find a bunch of antiques to return to their rightful places sin a mansion gallery.
The list of hidden objects is on a scroll that unrolls and lands on the right side of the screen. Thereis no interaction, just straight HO. The only drawback for me was the size of the items in the HO scenes, The objects were SO small I ended up clicking on everything minute and praying.
There are lots of things to do (like watering a plant) and puzzles, too. I almost skipped the second puzzle because it took me so long to connect the lights.
This is a good game for a gloomy day. Especially if you've got good eyes !
The list of hidden objects is on a scroll that unrolls and lands on the right side of the screen. Thereis no interaction, just straight HO. The only drawback for me was the size of the items in the HO scenes, The objects were SO small I ended up clicking on everything minute and praying.
There are lots of things to do (like watering a plant) and puzzles, too. I almost skipped the second puzzle because it took me so long to connect the lights.
This is a good game for a gloomy day. Especially if you've got good eyes !
I recommend this game!
Criminal Minds
Join an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds!
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 43 found this review helpful
This was criminal
PostedApril 22, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I love the TV program but this was not good.
There are two cases and you have no choice; you can only play the one before you can get the other.
The dialogue was incredibly inane. Being told "Good job !" for handing over a pair of handcuffs? Spare me.
I found there was no ambiance to draw you into the game and the the immobile people didn't help. It was really more like reading a comic book than being transported into the game.
The one game I played was a "which fingerprint doesn't match" one. The sublety of the difference was so great it was almost impossible for my eyes to see so after ten minutes of trying, I ended up skipping the game. The HO scenes were okay.
I appreciate the games that include sounds of wind, weather, crowds, crickets, whatever you would normally hear in a place like the one that appears on the screen.
I know a lot of people liked it and just because I didn't shouldn't keep anyone from trying the demo themself.
There are two cases and you have no choice; you can only play the one before you can get the other.
The dialogue was incredibly inane. Being told "Good job !" for handing over a pair of handcuffs? Spare me.
I found there was no ambiance to draw you into the game and the the immobile people didn't help. It was really more like reading a comic book than being transported into the game.
The one game I played was a "which fingerprint doesn't match" one. The sublety of the difference was so great it was almost impossible for my eyes to see so after ten minutes of trying, I ended up skipping the game. The HO scenes were okay.
I appreciate the games that include sounds of wind, weather, crowds, crickets, whatever you would normally hear in a place like the one that appears on the screen.
I know a lot of people liked it and just because I didn't shouldn't keep anyone from trying the demo themself.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the Sea Secrets of the Flying Dutchman!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 28 found this review helpful
Ahoy, ye mateys !
PostedApril 22, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this one. The music was very apropos and didn't overpower the whole game.
It is a typical IHOG with HOs and puzzles and mini-games that were neither same old, same old or surprisingly new. They are not terribly challenging but fun just the same.
A darling little shrimp is the hint persona and fun to watch throughout the game.
The artwork and sound enhances the mood and draws you into the adventure. I played the demo and really went "aww" when it ended.
The strategy guide was nice to have but not a must even though there is no map and you have to do a but of wandering. There is no penalty for too much clicking on the HO scenes and you don't have to earn hints.
I would buy this game and probably will.
It is a typical IHOG with HOs and puzzles and mini-games that were neither same old, same old or surprisingly new. They are not terribly challenging but fun just the same.
A darling little shrimp is the hint persona and fun to watch throughout the game.
The artwork and sound enhances the mood and draws you into the adventure. I played the demo and really went "aww" when it ended.
The strategy guide was nice to have but not a must even though there is no map and you have to do a but of wandering. There is no penalty for too much clicking on the HO scenes and you don't have to earn hints.
I would buy this game and probably will.
I recommend this game!
Explore the mysteries of evolution in this exciting puzzle game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
0 of 4 found this review helpful
A step backwards
PostedApril 18, 2012
wrennie
fromSheboygan, Wisconsin
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well.....this was not good. Explanation and instruction was virtually non-existent. It is an evolution game in three worlds, land, air and sea. You kind of had to guess what was required in this match 3 game.
Instead of rows and columns you had graduated rows of items that fell from the top of the screen. A bar on the left let you know what you were currently looking for. In the beginning it moved along but the longer you played, the longer it took to gather the creatures. Eventually it became tedious.
I played the demo and before it ended I got an error message and the game shut itself down. I was relieved.
This is a no-go for me. I did, however find the graphics bright and colorful.
Instead of rows and columns you had graduated rows of items that fell from the top of the screen. A bar on the left let you know what you were currently looking for. In the beginning it moved along but the longer you played, the longer it took to gather the creatures. Eventually it became tedious.
I played the demo and before it ended I got an error message and the game shut itself down. I was relieved.
This is a no-go for me. I did, however find the graphics bright and colorful.
I don't recommend this game.