IPickYellow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:283
- Reviews Submitted:42
- First Review:February 5, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 1, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Can you break free from your nightmares in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Good Gameplay
PostedNovember 1, 2017
IPickYellow
fromNapa, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a decent length game. The graphics aren't fantastic, and some of the puzzles are super easy. But most of the puzzles were a good challenge, and the storyline seemed plausible.
Fighting with the stupid looking shadow monsters was annoying, but at least that wasn't a constant thing.
The HOGs were all interesting as well.
So I give my thumbs up.
I did not play the CE version, so I have no idea if it added much more to the game. The SE offered no morphing items or extra "junk" which can get really tiresome because it adds nothing to the enjoyment of a game.
One note on presentation -
It's too bad the developers chose to use the image they did for the cover. I almost didn't play this game because of it. I only played the demo because there were some good reviews, whereas sometimes the cover is interesting enough to hook a player in.
Fighting with the stupid looking shadow monsters was annoying, but at least that wasn't a constant thing.
The HOGs were all interesting as well.
So I give my thumbs up.
I did not play the CE version, so I have no idea if it added much more to the game. The SE offered no morphing items or extra "junk" which can get really tiresome because it adds nothing to the enjoyment of a game.
One note on presentation -
It's too bad the developers chose to use the image they did for the cover. I almost didn't play this game because of it. I only played the demo because there were some good reviews, whereas sometimes the cover is interesting enough to hook a player in.
I recommend this game!
Did Captain Magnus sail away with a legendary treasure, or was he carried off into the night?
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 27 found this review helpful
LOVE a Game that MAKES YOU THINK!
PostedJune 24, 2017
IPickYellow
fromNapa, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Mahjong, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm SO tired of all the "mystery" adventure games that use all the same gimmicks they've been using for the past few years. And they're NOT mysterious. And they usually don't make any sense with their storyline and are a waste of time and money, for the most part. (There are a couple good ones that come around now and then. Like once a year.)
Anyway, I started playing the ND games last year, and there is a learning curve to them. You HAVE to PAY ATTENTION, and it's best to take notes as well.
So if you don't want your mind to be challenged and if you like the majority of the games available, read no further, the ND games aren't for you.
But if you're as annoyed as I am with what's available to play, you will find these games a real treat. You actually look for clues and use your brain to figure out what to do next.
There are walkthroughs online, for when you really get stumped, and I'm not ashamed to say that I've used them at least a couple times with each of the ND games I've played. But there are two levels of play and the less difficult one always has clues available for you, plus the puzzles are just a little less challenging.
Every game has games inside the game that I truly enjoy. Whenever I get stumped, I take time out and go play one of those games. Some are so good, I wish I could keep them on my desktop.
The graphics keep improving and the level of play and storyline is always above par. There's really no comparison with the other adventure games available. Whereas I'm often kicking myself for purchasing some of the others, I'm never upset with the ND games and look forward to replaying them, even if just to play the games in the game.
Sea of Darkness was no exception. It was great! And what fun to listen to the Icelandic accents and learn a few of the words as well.
If you are truly tired of the other adventure games, try the ND series. My only complaint is that I own a Mac and not all of the ND games are available in that format.
I recommend this game!
In this reality TV show, find out if a series of mishaps is the result of cheating competitors or something really beyond this world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
What a Fun Time in NZ!
PostedFebruary 13, 2017
IPickYellow
fromNapa, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After having played several ND's, I found this format to be a bit different. Kind of a spin on Survivor and Amazing Race. But it was very enjoyable.
Lots of contests, puzzles and two enjoyable games (in the gaming palace) from one of the other ND games that you can play to your heart's content.
As always, there's something strange going on that needs to be discovered. And there's interesting and educational information that gets thrown in to the game as well.
I enjoyed it so much, I played it again right away!
I hope more ND's are made for Mac's.
Lots of contests, puzzles and two enjoyable games (in the gaming palace) from one of the other ND games that you can play to your heart's content.
As always, there's something strange going on that needs to be discovered. And there's interesting and educational information that gets thrown in to the game as well.
I enjoyed it so much, I played it again right away!
I hope more ND's are made for Mac's.
I recommend this game!
A sudden murder overshadows the writing opportunity of a lifetime.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Lots of Puzzles
PostedDecember 1, 2016
IPickYellow
fromNapa, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lots of puzzles, and puzzles I like. Also having characters that were supposedly authors of the different gaming series we all play was really a unique idea. I am wondering if they used likenesses to some of the actual writers.
There was only one puzzle with the dangling keys that I couldn't figure out, but the rest were fun and mostly challenging.
The storyline was OK, and I understood the ending murder, but I never really understood the need for the others.
The game has a good length and the artwork was well done. I like that there's a gauge for the music level (though I never discovered it until the end). Wish I'd found it in the beginning because the music gets pretty intense at times and could be very annoying to some. It really only annoyed me a couple times though.
Overall, a good fun game.
There was only one puzzle with the dangling keys that I couldn't figure out, but the rest were fun and mostly challenging.
The storyline was OK, and I understood the ending murder, but I never really understood the need for the others.
The game has a good length and the artwork was well done. I like that there's a gauge for the music level (though I never discovered it until the end). Wish I'd found it in the beginning because the music gets pretty intense at times and could be very annoying to some. It really only annoyed me a couple times though.
Overall, a good fun game.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
Surprisingly Better Than The Reviews Claimed
PostedNovember 27, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lately I've been playing the Nancy Drew games, which are a lot more difficult than the majority of the Adventure/HOGs I've played in the past. So when I first downloaded the trial version of this game, it seemed incredibly easy.
I used to love the MCF series, but then it really started to either go downhill or just not reach the same interesting level. But I always loved the complicated puzzles. I was worried that this game didn't have any, based on my 1 hour of play and some of the reviews.
I went ahead and purchased it on sale, even though it appeared to be too easy to be enjoyable, because there was a kind of haunting weirdness to it that intrigued me.
I was pleased to find out that it does indeed have several very difficult and also several fairly straight forward, and shorter puzzles. The HOGs are all interactive and a couple are different than ones I've seen before.
There is a storyline, though I won't guarantee it's a good one because I have yet to finish the game.
It's of good length, good ambiance and no scene is too dark, as not to be able to see things. I like the mechanics of figuring out how to get to different floors. The artwork is quite good and the character's facial expressions are pretty well done.
I think the developers tried to get a good mix of game play that could be enjoyed by novice or experienced player.
It was kind of nice to not have EVERY puzzle be a nightmare to solve. (Though, don't get me wrong, I like the nightmare puzzles.)
I used to love the MCF series, but then it really started to either go downhill or just not reach the same interesting level. But I always loved the complicated puzzles. I was worried that this game didn't have any, based on my 1 hour of play and some of the reviews.
I went ahead and purchased it on sale, even though it appeared to be too easy to be enjoyable, because there was a kind of haunting weirdness to it that intrigued me.
I was pleased to find out that it does indeed have several very difficult and also several fairly straight forward, and shorter puzzles. The HOGs are all interactive and a couple are different than ones I've seen before.
There is a storyline, though I won't guarantee it's a good one because I have yet to finish the game.
It's of good length, good ambiance and no scene is too dark, as not to be able to see things. I like the mechanics of figuring out how to get to different floors. The artwork is quite good and the character's facial expressions are pretty well done.
I think the developers tried to get a good mix of game play that could be enjoyed by novice or experienced player.
It was kind of nice to not have EVERY puzzle be a nightmare to solve. (Though, don't get me wrong, I like the nightmare puzzles.)
I recommend this game!
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family... or are they?
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Waste of Time
PostedJune 20, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The best thing I can say is that this game is lengthy (if you like going back and forth a lot). And for that reason alone, I'm giving it 2 stars.
Other than that, this game is pretty annoying. It's not logical, nothing is a challenge. It's only, at times, difficult because nothing makes a whole lot of sense.
Another difficult factor is that often it takes so long to find a necessary puzzle piece, you've forgotten where it goes.
I did play this on the hardest setting, but if it had been on an easy setting, then this game would just be boring and stupid.
I did play this on the hardest setting, but if it had been on an easy setting, then this game would just be boring and stupid.
It's taken me awhile to finish this game, because I can only stand playing it for so long. I realize I should just chuck it, but I always like to get my money's worth and have a hard time giving up on things.
I probably would have been better off giving up at the beginning, since it was pretty obviously lame from the get go. Then I wouldn't have wasted so much time.
I don't recommend this game.
Is this an ordinary murder case, or something more sinister?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Lots To Do
PostedJune 16, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Good length, lots of content, many scenes, decent puzzles, understandable plot and a map to help you out. That's a lot for a game that isn't a CE.
There's a bit of back and forth, but they gave us a map so there's no need to complain.
There's a bit of back and forth, but they gave us a map so there's no need to complain.
I recommend this game!
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 35 found this review helpful
Can You Trust Reviews?
PostedJune 5, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Going by reviews alone, I probably would not have purchased this game. But I decided to give MCF another chance.
I've played these games for a good number of years now. MCF was always one of my top faves, though when it went a little silly a few years back, I lost some faith in it.
Mysteries should be mysterious, otherwise don't attach the name.
When MCF came out with the very complicated, multi/mini-puzzle puzzles, I know many players were put off, but I enjoyed them immensely because they were fresh and original and all of their put together elements made them visually appealing to me.
Some of the MCF story lines are a bit bizarre and don't always seem cohesive, and this one was no exception (why it didn't get 5 stars). But I totally enjoyed playing it for the puzzle quality, ambient music and length alone.
I guess I can tolerate confusing story lines as long as they're not insipid and/or stupid.
The length was as long as many CEs. But in hindsight, I kind of wished I'd purchased the CE to possibly download the soundtrack music, which I really enjoyed (especially the one that kept being played during the HOGs). And on that subject, I hope devs are aware of how the ambient music can make or break the enjoyment of gameplay, and endeavor to incorporate top quality music into their games.
Guess I'll have to quit going by reviews and go back to downloading and trying out games, before deciding what's a keeper and what's trash.
And I'd advise all of you to do the same.
I recommend this game!
A fire at the local asylum takes on a supernatural life of its own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
So Far So Good
PostedApril 17, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After trying this game out for an hour, I'm willing to purchase it. I find it very different from the norm, so far.
It is a bit of a psychological thriller, but nothing really over the top. I normally don't like watching scary movies, but I will read an occasional thriller. This is tame enough that I'm not peeking through my fingers.
I find the graphics and storyline pretty original and unique, the puzzles are solvable with a little thought, the HOGs are interesting and objects are visible enough. The artwork is pretty descent and the music and sound effects fitting.
Hope the rest doesn't disappoint, but if it does, I will change my recommendation.
It is a bit of a psychological thriller, but nothing really over the top. I normally don't like watching scary movies, but I will read an occasional thriller. This is tame enough that I'm not peeking through my fingers.
I find the graphics and storyline pretty original and unique, the puzzles are solvable with a little thought, the HOGs are interesting and objects are visible enough. The artwork is pretty descent and the music and sound effects fitting.
Hope the rest doesn't disappoint, but if it does, I will change my recommendation.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Secret of Life
You've traveled the world in search of a cure for your deadly illness, and you've finally found it! But it won't be easy to get – are you up to the task?
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 9 found this review helpful
Great Ending!
PostedJanuary 6, 2016
IPickYellow
fromVallejo, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was an interesting storyline and kept me playing happily through to the "end". I won't give anything away. You'll need to play to the end. There were a couple of times when you were given a choice as to what to do. I picked the predictable ones, but I'm wondering if there would have been different outcomes if I hadn't.
Probably not, but it would be great to have a game do that. Then you could actually play a game more than once and get a little more entertainment out of it.
Probably not, but it would be great to have a game do that. Then you could actually play a game more than once and get a little more entertainment out of it.
I recommend this game!