spenny1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:454
- Reviews Submitted:40
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 17, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Torn (based on demo)
PostedSeptember 25, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't usually do reviews just on the demo, but I'm still torn as to whether to purchase this one or not, and I wanted to just say a few things. Having enjoyed the first two in the series, I really wanted to like this one too. Unfortunately, I found this one a little disappointing in comparison.
I thought the usually stunning Elephant graphics were somehow lacking their usual clarity and depth, and the cut scenes were really fuzzy. On the subject of cut scenes, I found there were way too many, practically every scene change, so that I felt as if I was watching more than playing.
I was also disappointed with the puzzles. As with the last Elephant game I demoed (and didn't buy), they seem to have become so easy, some ridiculously so. One just basically involved counting from 1-16, now where is the challenge in that?
I like the fact that they have kept the flowers to collect, which count towards earning different things in 'The Pantheon', and good to see the achievements still include earned things, rather than awards for simply progressing through the game.
I know Elephant games are on a 50% discount today, but for me, the jury is still out. I really hope this isn't the pattern of things to come from Elephant. Many others seem to be raving about this, so I guess you'll just have to try it for yourself. One thing I would say though, is try the first in the series before you try this one.
Use a mystical locket to explore a magical world and save a young girl in Otherworld: Spring of Shadows!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Enchanting game (review of full game)
PostedSeptember 23, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I passed this up when it first came out, but I can't for the life of me think why. Fortunately Omens of Summer came out, and after playing the demo for that, I just had to get both. It comes across a bit airy fairy and childish at first, but it definitely has it's dark side, and certainly kept me occupied for hours.
The hand drawn graphics are charming, although they do seem as if they could use a bit more work in a few places, which is really the only reason I gave this 4 stars and not 5. I found the music soothing, and appropriate for the game.
There are only a couple of list hidden object scenes, the others consisting of 'find x amount of something', which I would usually think is a bit of a cop out, but in this case they always tied in nicely with the task in hand and the storyline. I only found myself having to really search for things a couple of times due to the artwork, and the rest of the time I found the level of challenge to be just right.
The puzzles are plentiful and varied, a big plus for me. Some were fairly simple, but most were middling, needing a bit of concentration but all solvable without any hair tugging. All were beautifully designed, and again, in keeping with the task in hand and the storyline.
The lovely little collectibles were just one on a list of achievements, and the list was for the most art things that you had to be mindful in order to get, only a couple were the sort that you just get for progressing through the game. I find the latter sort a bit pointless, so I was pleased to see this, and the sheep one was a bit of a surprise when I got it.
I played on hardcore, and was happy to see no sparkles anywhere. In total, the whole game took me just over 6 hours, including the bonus epilogue, which is a really decent length for me these days. The bonus was a good one, packed with puzzles like the main game, and a decent length. The main story is wrapped up in the main game, so the epilogue is exactly what it says, and a genuine bonus.
I'm looking forward to playing Omens of Summer next, and will be looking back at other games by this developer to see if I've overlooked any other gems.
I recommend this game!
Be the detective: Catch the killer in the present and the past!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Eerie detective adventure game
PostedSeptember 1, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed this one, and apart from the initial movie scene not being synched properly, it ran with no problems.
This has a different feel to most HOPAs, and reminded me a little of the Sherlock Holmes large game files I've played, with a slower pace and dark atmosphere. The graphics reflect this, but are crisp and clear, and the music and effects compliment them nicely.
There isn't an over abundance of hidden object scenes, and the ones that are there include a few objects to help the story progress, as well as the one object you need for your inventory. Inventory objects are sensibly used, in the sense that objects can be used for improvised purposes as they would in real life.
There are some really nice puzzles in this, mostly moderate in difficulty and all very solvable without being to easy or too difficult. I found there to be a good selection, including a few more novels ones too. Most require you to have picked up certain clues or objects along the way.
I like the fact that this was (however loosely) on the Jack the Ripper murders, and thought it was cleverly tied into a modern take on it. I also like the fact that your character pops up in the storyline.
Although the bonus wasn't the longest I played, it did give a nice little twist at the end, and I'm guessing the collectibles probably weren't in the SE. I didn't manage to get all the achievements this time, but I may well play it again.
I would definitely say to give this one a go, and I think it's probably best played with the lights down low for best effect.
I recommend this game!
E.P.I.C: Wishmaster Adventures
Experience an incredible space adventure in E.P.I.C!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
EPIC indeed, great original sci-fi adventure
PostedAugust 5, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
E.P.I.C: Wishmaster Adventures
(43)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There aren't many truly sci-fi HOPAs about, so I was so pleased to find this one, and it didn't disappoint. I found everything in this game dripping with originality, no mean feat with so many games on the market.
This game has a real adventure feel, it plays out like a movie, with you as the lead role. It is packed with a great array of imaginative characters, who you get to talk with interactively. The artwork is stunning, and the scenery is wonderful to play through. It's because of this I didn't miss a jump map, I was quite happy to enjoy the different environments.
You can play on casual or expert, and I really like the fact that your choice determines how hard the hidden object scenes and puzzles are. The hidden object scenes are really something else, you have scenes within scenes and have to move areas to search the whole thing, unlike anything else I've come across before. The puzzles and mini games were pretty much all totally novel, and I found them to be challenging but solvable, apart from that dratted caps game! I also found them to all be well related to the story, and designed to fit well to each task.
Inventory items need to sometimes be combined to complete a task, and I found solutions to tasks to be logical, unlike many games when you wonder 'Why can't I use this to open that?' etc
Just to put the icing on the cake, you choose the ending, and get a summing up of what happens to various characters as a result. I've just completed this for the second time, but will definitely be going back again at some point to see how things pan out if I make different decisions at the end.
I can genuinely say that there was nothing about this game that I didn't like, and I'm now on the hunt for more games by this developer. So, give it a go and settle in for a good, long adventure. Top marks all round!
I recommend this game!
A doctor has mysteriously vanished from a psychiatric clinic, and it’s up to you, hypnotist Maya Anderson, to solve the mystery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
The weirdest game ever? (demo)
PostedJuly 2, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This starts off looking like a normal game, but after you (a psychiatrist) have been called in to investigate mass visions at a psychiatric hospital, of sorts, things really take a turn into dreamland. This is NOT one for children.
You get to interview characters, but your speech options are limited to say the least, and then you start hypnotising each one, to try to figure out where these visions are coming from. The action is very basic point and click, and there are sparkles everywhere, just in case you can't work out the blatantly obvious. Then you have to battle phobias, which is a strange combination of battle and puzzle, and these become harder each time. There is also a store where you can buy hints, costumes (I have a sneaky suspicion these will be needed to interact with certain characters later on), and power ups, although the latter instruct you to learn about them first and are locked. I have no idea how you would glean this information, I guess the only thing to do would be carry on playing.
After playing the full hour, I still have no idea whether I like this game or not, but I think I might have to use a PCC at some point just to make sure.
I can only recommend that you try the demo, it's a bit like Marmite chocolate - at first it's a bit too strange, and not everyone will like it, but you kind of want to go back for more!
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
Escape prison, defeat an army of mechanical soldiers and destroy the Iron Lord’s dark power!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Enchanting adventure puzzler
PostedJune 25, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have to admit, when I first started playing the demo, I thought there was WAY to much hand holding. As it turned out, this only lasted a few scenes and seems to be there just as a training exercise. By the time I got about 40 minutes in, I was hooked.
The mechanics of the game has already been well covered by previous reviewers, so I'll just say what I liked about the game. Although not groundbreaking, the artwork is really lovely, rich and with depth. The music fits in nicely, ranging from quite relaxing almost FFVII, to more dramatic where needed. I love the scrolling scenes as it helps you feel as if you're really having a good look around. I knew from the initial menu screen that there had been great attention paid to detail, and this is also reflected in the journal and pop up scenes, which are bordered by spinning cogs and machine parts.
These guys have quite some imagination, as the game intertwines fantasy style flora and fauna with almost sci-fi scenes and characters. I particularly loved all of the creatures, I think the Woobies were my favourite. Your little helper is also a nice addition, not encroaching on game play, just there when you need him.
This game is jam packed with puzzles, which range from easy to middling, although a couple had me putting my thinking cap on. I tend towards games with challenging puzzles, but all of these are all so beautifully done, many were totally new and all were innovative, no small feat with all the games around now. I enjoyed every single one. The inventory objects all had sensible uses, such as being able to use a coin to unscrew screws, well you could in real life couldn't you?
I did find that the game itself gave a fair amount of challenge though, and I did find myself scratching my head a couple of times as to how to proceed. With no strategy guide, interactive map, or walkthrough available, I managed quite well with the hint button, and as always, felt better for having worked it out (almost) for myself. A map is not really required anyway, as the game is broken down into smaller chapters so there's not much 'to-ing and fro-ing'.
I played this for a good number of hours, maybe even longer than some CE games around at the moment. It even has achievements, although most are awarded just for game progress, but still a nice touch. I was really disappointed when I could see that it was coming to the end, not because it was a bad ending, I just wanted to keep on playing.
I really hope this developer makes more games like this, I see that they have made a few in other genres, and I do already have Dreamscapes The Sandman. I think this is definitely a developer to watch out for.
Pass this game over at your peril, it really is a gem, and a bargain at SE price.
I recommend this game!
Unearth sinister secrets in an ancient Egyptian tomb!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 30 found this review helpful
A polished Nancy Drew
PostedMay 26, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played all the Nancy Drew games on Big Fish, and this is a brilliant addition to the series. This one seems to be much more polished than the previous ones, with a new and very easy to use interface, better graphics, and really nicely animated characters. ND games have always been pretty good at lip synching the characters, and this one is even better, a great touch. It's good to see a recurring character back, even if she is a little verbose at times.
So it's the usual set up, Nancy is sent off on assignment, and lo and behold, trouble seems to have followed her again (never go on holiday with this girl!). Using our detective skills we have to get to the bottom of things, by talking to and gleaning information from the characters, keeping our eyes peeled for clues, and engaging those little grey cells to overcome puzzles and challenges set in our path.
The characters are well rounded with individual personalities and temperaments, so if in doubt, go and talk to them some more. You have a few you can only reach by phone, so it's worth remembering to use their knowledge too.
As well as hieroglyphs to decipher, this is packed with puzzles. Helpfully, you don't have to make as many notes in this one, as Nancy seems to have finally decided to use her journal more, and you have the phone on your camera to help you too. The puzzles are all fitting, and all have a logical reason for being in the game. The clues are all there to find, it's just a case of piecing them together. Any Lara fans out there might recognise one of the puzzles. The 'in game' game proved to be rather addictive, and you can pretty much play it whenever you want.
The footprint of the game isn't too big, and you have a map to help you get your bearings, particularly helpful when you discover new areas. I played on amateur so I had the checklist too, but I did use outside hints from time to time as Bess is pretty useless, as are the hints you can read on the phone. You can earn awards, which you only see when you've completed the game, and there are some Easter eggs to be found, but I shall say no more on that.
All in all, a fantastic Nancy Drew. A great balance of detective work, puzzles and character interaction, with plenty of Egyptology thrown in.
I recommend this game!
Help Nancy go undercover at a high school to solve a mysterious murder and keep the culprit from claiming his next victim!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A good first effort, just a bit on the thin side
PostedMay 23, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I decided to get this as I had already bought and played all the other ND games on Big Fish. It was OK, but compared to the others, it's all just a bit on the thin side. The storyline is pretty simple but OK, but it's not as fleshed out with investigation or character personalities as the later games, in fact there's really not much talking to be done at all, the characters only seem to have a few things to say throughout the whole game.
As has been said in other reviews, the puzzles are almost entirely cryptograms. Whilst it was good fun working them all out, I found the big puzzle they all related to a little tiresome. There is only one other 'in game' game that can be played on demand, and the jukebox.
If you want to complete your Big Fish Nancy Drew library, as I did, give it a go, but don't expect anywhere near as much to do or variation as in the other games. This one is also somewhat lacking in excitement as the games that followed, but I guess they had to start somewhere.
With your carriage broken, and a wolf nearby, you must find shelter. What awaits you in the village just ahead?
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Deliver what you promise please (demo review)
PostedMay 5, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was so looking forward to this game, but it soon became apparent that it would be a definite no buy for me. I love the graphics, the cut scenes are amazing, the sounds are really atmospheric, and the whole game is really very creepy, but..... sparkles and glimmers and tips everywhere!
I played on the hardest setting, which promised "No hints, skips or other aids", and "so hard the wolves will be the least of your worries". Why then, still give the player black bar tips, massive sparkles over the hidden object scenes, and even a glimmer or two in normal scenes. I like to discover what I should do by myself, otherwise it's just a case of being pointed exactly what to do next at every turn, not much fun for an experienced player. I also find this totally destroys the atmosphere of the game, so all that hard work, for me personally, goes to pot.
There was a time when I appreciated this help, but now I'm more experienced, I don't want or need it any more. Developers, you obviously know this to be the case with players, or you wouldn't offer different levels of difficulty. Please don't make 'promises' you don't keep. Such a shame, this game has been ruined for me.
I would only recommend this to intermediate players who don't mind being told what to do at every turn.
Delve into legends lurking in an English mansion! As Nancy Drew, find out what hides in Blackmoor Manor.
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Welcome to the fun house!
PostedApril 22, 2013
spenny1
fromWiltshire, UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've just replayed this one, and now I remember what a cracker it is. Set in in old English Mansion, this Nancy Drew is packed with puzzles, with clues to be searched out and lore to be discovered. I found myself totally immersed in this even though it was the second time around, although I had left it a fair while since first playing it. I have to admit to needing a hint now and then, as you are without the help of your friends on this one. Loulou can be very helpful, albeit a bit cryptic at times, and somewhat greedy. You really do have to take notes, and I found my artistic skills came in handy from time to time, so I had a couple of sheets of A4 to scribble on. It just makes for more enjoyable game.
Although you are still investigating, this one feels more like exploring, and the deeper you get, the more you're drawn in. Artistic license doesn't even begin to cover the Cockney rhyming slang, which was entirely wrong, but I'm more than happy to let that small issue slide with such a fun game.
It has a relatively small footprint as you only stay in the manor, but what a manor, the sort I used to dream of exploring as a child. I always thought my prep school might have had secrets like Blackmoor, but alas, I never found them. Thank goodness for Nancy Drew! You will need your thinking cap on, but the clues are all there, just keep speaking to people and trying things out and if in doubt, ask the bird!
Great Nancy Drew game, good length, great inventive puzzles, and jolly spiffing fun!
I recommend this game!