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:
Let's take a vacation across stunning California in this sunny puzzle adventure game with fun trivia thrown in!
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 61 found this review helpful
DAGNABIT, WHERE'S THAT GLOVE?!
PostedFebruary 20, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, 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 really wasn't in the mood for a Hidden Object game this morning, but this one had a few things going for it: two 5 star reviews, it was designed by Point8 Games, and... it's about California!! My state! How could I possibly resist?
Completely drawn in, I played the entire demo and clicked on BUY.
The graphics are really great, and there is no peering around to find tiny objects (though I do wish devs would add magnifying glasses to games for those of is whose sight is diminishing).
The Collectors Edition scenes are included right there with the rest of the scenes, no waiting for the end to access the extras.
Easy (Casual) level is available which suits me just fine as I like to get up and do bits of housework then come back to the game as a reward for cleaning up this or that corner.
One feature I especially like about Point8 HO's is that they move things around plus insert and remove/substitute various items. I have a tendency to memorize locations pretty quickly (unlike my offline self who can't remember... uh, what?), so I'm usually frustrated the 2nd or 3rd time around on any one scene and archive the game 'cause I already know where everything is.
Whether you're a first timer or an old hand, you will definitely enjoy searching around California in this great HO game :D
I recommend this game!
A routine flight becomes a perilous adventure as you struggle to survive the dangerous way of life inside the Bermuda Triangle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 55 found this review helpful
WHAT AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT! BRAVO!
PostedFebruary 18, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the complete game.
I saw the couple of bad reviews and was very surprised, but lo and behold! THERE IS NOTHING BORING ABOUT THIS GAME. I was pretty much sold within a few minutes into the demo.
Bravo Mad Head - you've outdone yourselves this time :D And thank you ever so much for giving my favorite character from (mumble mumble) a part in this delicious adventure. What a wonderful surprise. Once he popped up, I kept smiling and smiling and chortling... He is such a keeper!
Okay peeps, we have morphies and collectibles and totally unexpected game play. And for those of you who, like me, have been playing these games for years, there's a critter that needs feeding, but it's just the one time and it's brief. As for text errors, there is only one of those, too. How refreshing.
Other than that, you are in for some fun surprises.
Other than that, you are in for some fun surprises.
The game opens with our heroine in a two-seater single engine airplane out for a fun flight in beautiful weather over the sparkling Caribbean. And of course, that doesn't last because we find ourselves in the passenger seat with a pilot who doesn't know when to turn back. As a former small plane pilot, let me tell you - I've been in that situation and I was yelling right along with our heroine turned damsel in distress.
And so, the adventure begins with nothing that cannot be overcome with spunk and wits until the twists and turns begin, and then everything that wasn't already upside down gets even weirder.
The dialogue is great, I love the heroine as she really does steal the show, and the puzzles are often different than what we are used to. (Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I even had to skip two of them.)
There isn't much more I can say without spoiling the show except this: If you are a Mad Head fan, you're gonna love this game. If you've never played a Mad Head game before, you're gonna be hooked.
I recommend this game!
Mystery and betrayal at Rosings Park darken an alternate version of Jane Austen’s classic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 62 found this review helpful
THE GAME HAD ME AT "AD REM" :D
PostedFebruary 13, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
"AD REM" is something that appears very shortly after the beginning of the adventure, and I was completely hooked. The only reason I played the entire 30 minute demo was to see if they actually meant a whole 30 minutes, and yes they did! Dang I love honesty. The so-called 60 minute demos seldom deliver 60 minutes - more like 40-45.
I've seen other reviewers say that this is a long game. For me, it was way too short. Couldn't believe it when I saw the end game approaching.
I. INCREDIBLY COOL
1. The word "somehow" is nowhere to be found in the main game, and only once in the bonus. (Bless you Telltale and Wonderland teams)
2. There is only one short scene that involves feeding the beastie. It's over before you know it. (Bless you again, Telltale and Wonderland teams)
3. Whoever wrote the script for our heroine did a great job. Loved it.
4. The acting works for me - not great, but fits in with the game just fine.
5. As for the gameplay - the first scene in the adventure takes you on a whole new trip. No same-old same-olds, except for one in-scene mini-game that runs throughout the story, and it's a fav I've been missing for a long time . You cannot play this game in your sleep. Every nook and cranny has a little discovery, and if something nags at you to click somewhere, do it.
II. NOT SO COOL
1. While the dialogue scripts are great, the helpful texts and HO texts are occasionally way off the mark. They should have been checked with the UK team (Telltale) before being added in. Or the UK team should have fixed it. So often QC only checks game play, skimming over the text or completely ignoring it.
2. In the silhouette HO's, the silhouettes are black on a dark green background. For me, it was impossible to figure out what some of the images were supposed to be, so I merely clicked on the usual suspects, which worked fine.
3. FOR TELLTALE AND WONDERLAND: that item you have us put on the xxxx is NOT A PAPERWEIGHT. It's an ink blotter and only weighs a few ounces of wood, carboard, and blotting material. Please pass the word so that your colleagues will stop using the dang thing to hammer nails and weigh stuff down, like ropes and chains.
For my fellow gamers: enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Explore an entire world of wonderful paintings, elegant curves and bright colors. Complete incredible works of art and become the artist!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
TEN STARS! WOWZER :O
PostedFebruary 9, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I went straight to the buy button, downloaded, opened, colored the first image, and picked my jaw up from the ground.
Oh my goodness. The colored areas have 3D texture, the colors are jewel-like, and as penmom pointed out, you can choose your own colors and shades by changing the setting to free mode.
You can also change the brush from wide stroke to point.
If I keep trying to to relate the wonderful things in this Art by Numbers 2, I'll simply burst. Splat. Right on your screen.
I recommend this game!
Painting has never been easier! No need to stress about what color to choose, just relax and enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
THIS ONE IS THE BEST SO FAR
PostedFebruary 5, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I have every issue, plus the Art by Numbers edition, and would buy an expanded Collector's Edition without a blink.
As soon as I saw the release of # 7, I was on it.
I have to say, this edition is great! Instead of the kinda' 'meh' first section that only has simple drawings, we get to start out with some more complex drawings to fill in.
The color combos are awesome this time around, with some new shades and variations added to the mix. I thoroughly enjoy detailed drawings, and this edition has plenty. For me, the more details to fill in the better.
It would be nice if the dev would give those of us who are die-hard fans the option of skipping the tutorial. I mean, there's not much to the tut' and the notices are easy to ignore, but still... plus we're forced to complete the first level before exploring the subsequent levels. But that is a really minor item.
Bottom line, I can't say enough good things about this edition and as usual, I'm waiting for #8 with great anticipation. :D
PS - I always add a current favorite game, and since I've been going retro for the last few months, my favs are from several years ago. Though I head for the new games, I do a lot of searching among those from 2009 forward that are in my collection, plus I actively hunt for early games that I may have missed. Many of those early games are totally awesome! Give it a spin if you're not already exploring the BF catalog.
I recommend this game!
Explore an endless dreamland full of inspiration as you complete challenging jigsaw puzzles!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
DROP DEAD GORGEOUS...
PostedFebruary 1, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
These jigsaw puzzles are heartbreakingly beautiful.
The music is just lovely.
There are different categories, each with 36 puzzles.
You can adjust the number of pieces.
You can zoom in or out by clicking on the (+) and (-) magnifying glasses or by using the mouse wheel.
You can change the background, and I forget what else.
There are different categories, each with 36 puzzles.
You can adjust the number of pieces.
You can zoom in or out by clicking on the (+) and (-) magnifying glasses or by using the mouse wheel.
You can change the background, and I forget what else.
The puzzle pieces are tiny, tiny, tiny, and the only thing you *can't* do is make the puzzle pieces bigger. Zooming in merely lets you get up close and personal with one or two pieces, meaning you can't check out a piece to see where it might go on the board, so that's no help. At least for me.
Oh, and it's timed - no casual option but you can buy more time. I stopped playing timed games years ago - I have plenty of time stress in my biz, don't need more.
If your vision is excellent and you have no problem seeing the bitty pieces, I highly recommend this game. I am SO disappointed that I can't play it.
I recommend this game!
Complete challenging match 3 puzzles and help two London police detectives uncover a dark conspiracy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 15 found this review helpful
ONLY PLAYING FOR THE STORY
PostedJanuary 26, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Ai-ai-ai. T'would appear we are being saddled with a one trick pony.
Now, don't get me wrong - if you've never played one of these Match3 games from Agung Wijaya (distributed through e-Fun and others), or if you like the format, you will have a jolly good time.
The tiles are different, the story is different (and pretty darn good, as usual), the graphics are great as always, music is peppy and non-intrusive, but the game play is boringly familiar to me.
The one feature that drives me nuts is the changing tile; I don't really like waiting for the tile to reach the image I need, and I don't like the dang things blinking all over the board. If that was changed, I'd play through to find out what happens next in the story line 'cause I really want to know, but pushing through the game play to find out isn't worth it for me.
I recommend this game!
Join Mia Faircroft on a holiday adventure to her hometown!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 21 found this review helpful
THE ADVENTURES OF MIA FAIRCROFT CONTINUE!
PostedJanuary 23, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, 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 was flabbergasted to see this game right upon the heels of the first episode, but I'm absolutely delighted that we are getting the sequel so soon. My guess is that the release dates were pushed back from Fall and Christmas to now due to the pandemic. You'll find the first episode here: https://www.bigfishgames.com/games/14812/faircrofts-antiques-treasures-treffenburg-ce/
In this episode, Mia is home from Treffenberg for the Holidays and of course, cannot resist getting involved in more projects.
You'll find adorable stuffed critters (like the 2 sweetheart ladybugs... personbugs?) on the couch, cuddly "live" sugar gliders, and some sort of stuffed beastie by the fireplace that is a, uh... dog (?) with a bird's head that seems to be wearing some sort of WWI Snoopy cap. Yes. Well.
The scenes are bright and cheery, and the objects are big enough so that these old eyes don't have to squint, use eyedrops, and peer into the scene with my nose on the screen.
I've not encountered a single glitchy moment and the game play is a perfect relief from the intense online work I do. And it's a great family game. Wish the grandkids weren't all grown up, dontcha' know.
Can't wait for the next installment! :D
Been playing 'puter games since Pong and Zelda (sure miss some of those DOS games) and am currently going back through retro BF games in my "toybox" and scouring BF for ones I may have missed over the last (mumble mumble) years.
I recommend this game!
Lead a group of scientists through amazing word adventures while using your wits and vocabulary to survive the blistering sun!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 30 found this review helpful
LET'S SEE... I HAVE AN "I" AND AN "E"...
PostedJanuary 19, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Below: Visibility and sound, tutorial, character choices, game mode choices.
It took me a coupla' minutes to warm up to this game, but once I understood how to use and build the hint buttons, I was all in.
I've never made a point of watching Wheel of Fortune, but have always stopped to guess the letters when others are glued to the screen. This version of that famous game has me hooked and I bought it before the demo was over.
Boy does it make me scroll through my mental rolodex!
VISIBILITY AND SOUND: I like that everything is easy to see - no wishing for a magnifier - but I do have the sound turned off 'cause I don't need all the cheering and what not.
TUTORIAL: The built-in tutorial is perfect and not at all intrusive. I normally hate forced tutorials, but am enjoying this one, which is short, to the point, and doesn't interfere with game play.
CHARACTER CHOICES: At first I was confused by the availability of only 3 avatars, but then realized that I'm supposedly playing one of the 3 members of the team. Now, that doesn't work too well for the tutorial because my own avatar explains the occasional lesson. But pfft! Don't really care. Doesn't take away from the fun. A name and some info would have been nice, because I don't really know who I am playing, or what he's all about.
GAME MODE CHOICES: In the demo I saw that there are different mode choices available in the full version, but since I only play relaxed for these types of games (as opposed to adventure and HO games), this part of my review is only to let you know it appears that there are some awesome choices.
Been playing casual PC games since the early '80's. Am currently playing BFG retro's and re-playing games I own from 2009 forward if they are still playable.
Been playing casual PC games since the early '80's. Am currently playing BFG retro's and re-playing games I own from 2009 forward if they are still playable.
I recommend this game!
Join Patricia on her quest to find Sun! Immerse yourself in this beautiful and exciting Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
QUIRKY AND BEAUTIFUL
PostedJanuary 12, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you enjoy the style of art found in the original "The Little Prince", you will love this game's visuals rendered in pastel shades.
The story style is also reminiscent of that wonderful book.
Honestly, Patricia's Quest For Sun is unforgettable and a pure delight. Each stage in the tale ends with an ethereal, uplifting jigsaw. I cannot recommend this game highly enough.
I recommend this game!