Volauvent's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:3,336
- Reviews Submitted:177
- First Review:February 19, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you connect all the Lines and Knots in this unique new puzzle game?
Overall rating
5
/
5
🙏JUST WHEN I WAS LONGING FOR A PIPE GAME😁
PostedDecember 2, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This game is TOO MUCH FUN!
The options icons are a bit odd, like clicking on an unidentified icon and then clicking on the little green checkmark above the icon to move to the menu or map (or whatever the icon signifies), but pfft! It's no big deal.
Go on, see for yourself how much fun it is to connect the bright, colorful shapes into a fluid image.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the identity of a mysterious woman with a message from the past!
Overall rating
5
/
5
EXCELLENT HOPA! (HO ADVENTURE GAME)
PostedNovember 26, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I must say, Grandma Games never disappoints.
The riddles are just the right level of challenge, as always, the graphics are most enjoyable, the villain is star-quality soap opera, and the HOs are wonderful fun in their complexity - they, too, are riddles with morphs and what have you.
So glad I let my membeship fees accumulate to buy the Collector's Edition!
I recommend this game!
"Incredible Art: Fantastic Realm" is a relaxing coloring game featuring stunning HD full-color pictures. Dive into a fantastic world, unleash your creativity, and enjoy hours of stress-free fun!
Overall rating
4
/
5
BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK, BUT...
PostedNovember 23, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Even though this game is a "reveal," not a PBN (Paint By Numbers), it is relaxing. Definitely an ommm-zone game.
It's not in the same league as the T1 Games or Awigon PBNs, but it's a lot easier on the carpal tunnel:
1. Go to an area, click on your mouse wheel (there are instructions for keyboard entry), and
2. the area turns dark with the area's numbers in a lighter color.
3. Click on those with the left mouse button, and the area fills up with the reveal of that part of the image.
4. The game automatically goes to the following number in the sequence, which may be in the same area or clear across to the other side.
2. the area turns dark with the area's numbers in a lighter color.
3. Click on those with the left mouse button, and the area fills up with the reveal of that part of the image.
4. The game automatically goes to the following number in the sequence, which may be in the same area or clear across to the other side.
We can also click on the palette colors to see where they go.
There's a lot to like, depending on whether you need to just zone or like to find out what's lurking behind the unrevealed areas.
I recommend this game!
Complete incredible works of pop art and bring your inner artist out!
Overall rating
3
/
5
GORGEOUS, BUT WITH GLITCHES
PostedJuly 7, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Win 11, laptop
Getting straight to the point:
Getting straight to the point:
1. T1games brings us over-the-top beautiful art to paint with their Pop Art series.
2. The game takes over your computer - if you tray/pause the game, your browser doesn't work, offline apps don't work, and it's a mess. The game has to be shut down to do anything else on the computer.
3. This may have been fixed as I'm not seeing the problem today: scrolling the palette in the first column resizes the image.
4. T1 still prevents us from seeing all the images: they are locked until we complete the first-page set tutorial. Doesn't matter that some of us have been playing their games for ages, we still have to put up with an annoying tutorial delivered in pop-ups.
5. The Pop Art series images are very detailed, but the helpful color numbers that enlarge when scrolled over only show up after the spot is colored in. Brilliant.
2. The game takes over your computer - if you tray/pause the game, your browser doesn't work, offline apps don't work, and it's a mess. The game has to be shut down to do anything else on the computer.
3. This may have been fixed as I'm not seeing the problem today: scrolling the palette in the first column resizes the image.
4. T1 still prevents us from seeing all the images: they are locked until we complete the first-page set tutorial. Doesn't matter that some of us have been playing their games for ages, we still have to put up with an annoying tutorial delivered in pop-ups.
5. The Pop Art series images are very detailed, but the helpful color numbers that enlarge when scrolled over only show up after the spot is colored in. Brilliant.
So there you go. I love these games and put up with the above list, but it's getting to be a push.
I recommend this game!
Embark on Mona’s quest to save goddess Harmony!
Overall rating
5
/
5
LOVE THIS GAME BUT FOR 2 THINGS...
PostedApril 14, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You can't go wrong with Jet Dogs - their games are always a ton of fun and this one is no exception.
BUT:
1. The book's screechy voice has me playing with the audio off, and
2. It would sure be nice if devs included a magnifying glass with their HO scenes. Doesn't have to be all that powerful; just enough so we don't have to glue our noses to the screen to play, which, clinically proven, isn't good for our eyes.
2. It would sure be nice if devs included a magnifying glass with their HO scenes. Doesn't have to be all that powerful; just enough so we don't have to glue our noses to the screen to play, which, clinically proven, isn't good for our eyes.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the secrets of everyone invited to the luxury event!
Overall rating
5
/
5
RAINY DAY FAMILY FUN GAME
PostedJanuary 30, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on demo on Win11 laptop
This is a whodunit in which we speak with the maid to start - actually, she just speaks to us - and probably other guests, aka murder suspects. We receive clues like guest lists, time of arrival, and the leads from attendees of the party. The balance of the game is a series of mixed hidden object styles and puzzles.
- We get the usual 3 game levels; I chose Casual (or whatever it's called in this game)
- I dare you to find the 2 stakes in one scene and the "elt" in another :D
- The mahjong tiles are different and made of wood, which is cool.
- We are given standard HOs plus all the other varieties with no two HO styles of the same in a row.
- I'm not sure how the story plays out as I only had time for the demo and this review, plus I was having too much fun playing the HOs and puzzles to worry about it.
- I dare you to find the 2 stakes in one scene and the "elt" in another :D
- The mahjong tiles are different and made of wood, which is cool.
- We are given standard HOs plus all the other varieties with no two HO styles of the same in a row.
- I'm not sure how the story plays out as I only had time for the demo and this review, plus I was having too much fun playing the HOs and puzzles to worry about it.
- Fun fact: the (illustrated) murder victim also played the ghost of the director of an asylum where a vengeful writer died. Sorry, can't remember which studio or the name of the game. :(
I recommend this game!
The Smithsonian Castle’s secrets lie in a Civil War past.
Overall rating
5
/
5
JUST REPLAYED THIS YESTERDAY, 1/7/24👍👍👍
PostedJanuary 8, 2024
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Member since 2009, Game Library: 1400+ BF games, OS Win 11, laptop.
THIS is what the Hidden Expedition games used to look like!!
See the complete list in order at the end of this review.
See the complete list in order at the end of this review.
Collect really interesting fact cards, which are especially fascinating for the Smithsonian. We don't get those anymore.
Scene after scene after scene of an excellent storyline that only requires going back and forth through maybe 4 rooms at a time, after which the story continues in a linear fashion to another few rooms.
The Main Game mystery is very well-written, as is the Bonus Game in which we have to wait 'til the final chapter to find out who the bad person really is, or maybe you can guess correctly? Hmm...?
Plenty of Extras, all fun.
I HIGHLY recommend Smithsonian Castle, along with all the other games in the series (if you run into problems with some of the older episodes, ask Customer Service about compatibility):
1. Titanic
2. Everest
3. Amazon
4. Devil's Triangle
5. The Uncharted Island
6. Smithsonian Hope Diamond
7. The Crown of Solomon
8. Smithsonian Castle
9. Dawn of Prosperity
10. Fountain of Youth
11. Midgard's End
12. Eternal Emperor
13. Lost Paradise
14. Pearl of Discord
15. Curse of Mithridates
16. Golden Secret
17. Altar of Lies
18. Neptune's Gift
19. The Price of Paradise
20. Reign of Flames
21. A King’s Line
1. Titanic
2. Everest
3. Amazon
4. Devil's Triangle
5. The Uncharted Island
6. Smithsonian Hope Diamond
7. The Crown of Solomon
8. Smithsonian Castle
9. Dawn of Prosperity
10. Fountain of Youth
11. Midgard's End
12. Eternal Emperor
13. Lost Paradise
14. Pearl of Discord
15. Curse of Mithridates
16. Golden Secret
17. Altar of Lies
18. Neptune's Gift
19. The Price of Paradise
20. Reign of Flames
21. A King’s Line
I recommend this game!
Prepare to be enthralled as you unearth hidden objects in this extraordinary Antiquarium!
Overall rating
4
/
5
EXCELLENT RAINY DAY GAME
PostedSeptember 13, 2023
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
My OS:Win 11, laptop. Experience: Gaming since mid '80's (DOS games)
MISSING: Magnifier (even x1 would help). Can't save progress - no game save.
GOOD STUFF
- The graphics are clear, crisp, and visually appealing in the Classic Art style.
- There are some dark corners, however, there's not a lot to find in them.
- Objects are of a decent size but still, a magnifier would help many of us.
- Far more challenging than I would have thought, which was a pleasant surprise.
- The variety of games is pleasantly rewarding. Being a FROG fan (fragmented objects), I especially had fun when they popped up. The old "find the desired object for the customer before you start losing money" is cool. I'd forgotten about that genre. Then there are scenes in which we have to find X number of one item. And so it goes.
- Overall, the game is a fun experience, a game to keep active in the Game Manager for when you need a serious break from whatever is driving you clear 'round the bend.
- There are some dark corners, however, there's not a lot to find in them.
- Objects are of a decent size but still, a magnifier would help many of us.
- Far more challenging than I would have thought, which was a pleasant surprise.
- The variety of games is pleasantly rewarding. Being a FROG fan (fragmented objects), I especially had fun when they popped up. The old "find the desired object for the customer before you start losing money" is cool. I'd forgotten about that genre. Then there are scenes in which we have to find X number of one item. And so it goes.
- Overall, the game is a fun experience, a game to keep active in the Game Manager for when you need a serious break from whatever is driving you clear 'round the bend.
I recommend this game!
Become a detective, solve crimes, interrogate suspects, and find clues.
Overall rating
5
/
5
WHAT A FUN GAME!
PostedAugust 27, 2023
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Even more fun than Finding Waldo. Love the cop partner.
The streets are a time machine. Find the case then track backwards to figure out what happened that led up to the event. There are footprints, distinguishing features, and all sorts of places to click and reveal, SO COOL😎 So is the dialog.
An irresistible buy for me!
I recommend this game!
Embark on a magical adventure in Thicket Wood to help fairies in this magical hidden-object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
I MAY NOT WANT TO MISS THE STORYLINE, BUT I DID
PostedJuly 4, 2023
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
" With captivating graphics, music, and an enchanting storyline, this is one mystical adventure you won't want to miss!" So says the synopsis. Thing is, there's no storyline at all.
I was so looking forward to playing this game - I love this kind of graphic and the type of HOS presented. But, alas.
1. It is not clever to make us hunt for black-on-black or white-on-white items. The team for this particular Seven Sails does not know its customers.
2. In one scene we are tasked with finding 10 pairs and I couldn't find a single match. I finally hit the Hint button to find that the items being matched have nothing in common. For a while, I resorted to picking an item and clicking on each of the others in turn but gave up and clicked Hint the rest of the way through.
3. As others have pointed out, from time to time we find ourselves staring at the Bonus section. I guess the game has levels and to continue, we must go back to Start and click Play again. Since there are only 3 or 4 types of HOS's and 1 jigsaw theme, it's hard to tell where we are in the game.
4. If there is an objective, I haven't found it. Some folks love the game, so I'll recommend it anyway.
2. In one scene we are tasked with finding 10 pairs and I couldn't find a single match. I finally hit the Hint button to find that the items being matched have nothing in common. For a while, I resorted to picking an item and clicking on each of the others in turn but gave up and clicked Hint the rest of the way through.
3. As others have pointed out, from time to time we find ourselves staring at the Bonus section. I guess the game has levels and to continue, we must go back to Start and click Play again. Since there are only 3 or 4 types of HOS's and 1 jigsaw theme, it's hard to tell where we are in the game.
4. If there is an objective, I haven't found it. Some folks love the game, so I'll recommend it anyway.
I recommend this game!