rosekaufmann's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:18,036
- Reviews Submitted:831
- First Review:April 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 27, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Midnight Castle is yours - but it holds so many secrets and such mysterious inhabitants! Uncover them all in Midnight Castle!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
COLORFUL BUT I COULD DO WITHOUT LONG COOL-DOWNS
PostedMarch 7, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I had this on my computer and was a little puzzled when I first played. I didn't realize it was a FTP and you could buy tokens until well into the game. The graphics are fantastic. The scores for collection objects in the list-based HOS scenes piqued my interest, but the cool-down period after each of the HOS started to annoy me a little. It seemed I was frequently waiting for the scenes to become active again. I couldn't figure out why I needed to pack items and send them on their way, except to get a reward. Maybe if I got further into the game, but it seems to repetitious for me. I don't mind repeating HOS 2 or 3 times, but it became tedious about the 5th time. Personally, I prefer regular HOG. Maybe Elephant could do this game as a regular HOG.
I recommend this game!
Your daughter Cathie has been kidnapped by an evil creature! Solve the mystery of the elephant and bring Cathie home!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
MORE CONS THAN PROS
PostedMarch 7, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I had high hopes for this game. It started out to be like it's title - spooky. But it quickly went downhill.
CONS:
- Voice overs were not convincing.
- Sudden appearance of Suzy's diary was confusing - no Suzy was previously mentioned. Confusion wasn't cleared up in a timely manner, so I began to lose interest in her and her diary.
- Music became unsuspenseful.
- The promised overall spookiness was quickly dispelled by the too frequent appearance of main character who appeared unperturbed about anything.
- Storytelling left a lot to be desired and the gameplay did not make up for it.
- Puzzles frequently had inadequate instructions.
- Voice overs were not convincing.
- Sudden appearance of Suzy's diary was confusing - no Suzy was previously mentioned. Confusion wasn't cleared up in a timely manner, so I began to lose interest in her and her diary.
- Music became unsuspenseful.
- The promised overall spookiness was quickly dispelled by the too frequent appearance of main character who appeared unperturbed about anything.
- Storytelling left a lot to be desired and the gameplay did not make up for it.
- Puzzles frequently had inadequate instructions.
PROS:
- Good graphics and use of color.
- HOS were mildly crowded. Sometimes, you got an item for inventory that wasn't even in the HOS. Tie-in could have been better.
- Good graphics and use of color.
- HOS were mildly crowded. Sometimes, you got an item for inventory that wasn't even in the HOS. Tie-in could have been better.
SUMMARY: Because the story and gameplay did not live up to the promise in the title, I don't recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Stop the disaster caused by the Sky Kingdom and save the day!
Overall rating
5
/
5
42 of 48 found this review helpful
VERY PLEASANT AFTERNOON OF GAMEPLAY
PostedMarch 7, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Sky Kingdom is falling apart and you must save it with the help of Jack. Compelling music. Incredible color palette. Outstanding graphics with an almost obsessive detail to the scenes. Wide variety of puzzles - objects may be found in the frag scenes or lying about in the environment and are used within a short distance of where they are found. Map shows where you have pending activities. Didn't need to use the hint as I'm happy just exploring for things to do and find. Blue Tea did a fantastic job of putting together a stunning top-notch production, as usual. A pleasant afternoon of gameplay.
I recommend this game!
The seven deadly sins have plunged peaceful Riddlestone into chaos! Rescue the royal family and save their people from destruction.
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 64 found this review helpful
NICE SOLID GAME
PostedMarch 6, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Lots of fun in this adventure game. Skillful storytelling. Logical gameplay but still thought-provoking in determining what it is best to do next. Good balance in types of puzzles, some of which take a little trial and error and/or thought. Light on the HOS. Detailed graphics are sort of dusky (keeping with the mysterious theme of what is happening in the town). Voice overs are okay - some of the actors did not sound convincing. Music must have been nonintrusive since I don't remember it. Well thought-out game.
I recommend this game!
Help Anna find and return 5 rare animals to her uncle`s zoo! You will only have three days before the zoo is shut down forever!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
GREAT SOUND EFFECTS; FUN FOR OR WITH KIDS
PostedMarch 5, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a fun game and is suitable to play with young children. The dialogue is written. The graphics are simple but perfectly acceptable. You have HOS (not too crowded - I liked finding objects per sketches and the multiples). Puzzles are interesting and fun to play. If you do get stuck, you can switch to a HOS. 27 levels with several locations (buildings) to search per level. You don't get lost because only the searchable locations are available. You get a new set of locations to search for each level (although the buildings may or may not be the same). Liked the unusual sound effects (ex: find a number of cats and you get a meow each time you collect a cat).
SUMMARY: If you like a light-hearted game, especially if you want to get one that children can play by themselves or with you. Note you can turn the tips off if you like, but younger children will probably like them.
I recommend this game!
Welcome to the Any Wish Hotel, where guests don't check out – they simply vanish! You've been called in to investigate a perplexing disappearance. Can you solve the case before you become a permanent guest?
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
LIKED IT
PostedMarch 5, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I liked this game. Other reviewers have told the premise of the story. It intrigued me. It sounds like you go to this hotel if you have wishes you want fulfilled - so I had to find out if the name of the game was consistent with that.
Gameplay was straightforward. Not too many HOS in the beginning, but the number increases later. Nice balance with the puzzles - most of them are fairly easy but fun. A couple take a little thought. Fast-track map so to'ing and fro'ing through a lot of scenes can be avoided if you like. Inventory tray does get a little crowded at times unless you decide to use any inventory objects soon after you've collected them.
No V/O but you can go through the dialogue as fast as you want (yeah!). Graphics are nice enough - I didn't find them fuzzy as some people did. Guess it depends on your computer. Overall, a pleasant game that I enjoyed.
I recommend this game!
Explore the abandoned house and search for the missing heir!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
GOOD BUT LACKS THE PURCHASE PIZAZZ
PostedMarch 5, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The 100 people who reviewed before me have gone into the details of the gameplay, so I won't regurgitate. I always like the maps which show where actions are ready to be performed and the task list. I disagree slightly that there is no adventure because it's a more or less pure HOS. You do have to solve puzzles to move forward in addition to completing the various types of HOS (like the sketch searches). Items were easy to find and, although not bright, the HOS were not too dark. The story was good, but for some reason, there was a lack of the compelling pizazz that makes me want to buy.
I recommend this game!
Step into a dream machine and piece together the events of a mysterious tragedy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
INTRIGUING ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS
PostedMarch 4, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GENERAL: Don't understand the low reviews. Played casual which was quite easy but still a lot of fun. The comments and glints lead you to the next action in most cases. I wanted to try the more difficult mode, but apparently you can't change difficulty midstream and I didn't want to start over. But I will buy and then try to more difficult level.
THE GAME: Graphics are crisp and clear. Story is intriguing and suspenseful. Can't wait to see how it ends to see if my suspicion about the new husband is correct. You know what your tasks will be. Items found are used within a short distance of finding them. HOS are nicely done - not too difficult to find as the objects are well-defined and not tiny. Puzzles are not too difficult to solve. Music is pleasant. Polished gameplay. Good recreational game.
TIP: If you don't like to be "lead," try the more difficult mode. Note it does not appear you can change the difficulty level after starting the game.
I recommend this game!
Spend the night in an abandoned mansion. Can you survive to uncover the terrible secret about your ancestor?
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
VERY GOOD ADVENTURE
PostedMarch 4, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Good logical gameplay, so even if you have to figure out what to do, you can eliminate anything illogical. Hint system is very helpful in pointing out activities outstanding. Current objectives are given. Items needed for puzzles are found nearby, so no long travel to use something. Like the graphics - the mansion is not dreary like many of the unoccupied buildings are in other games. Good production values. One thing that is personally bothersome is why the pills did not make the guy well enough to seek shelter in the mansion. Interactive HOS. A buy after 15 minutes and it continues to be as good.
I recommend this game!
The town of Green Hill has really gone to the birds!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
"THE BIRDS" HAVE NOTHING ON THIS
PostedMarch 3, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" is one of my favorite movies, but it has nothing on this game. The ravens cause all kinds of havoc in Green Hills. People are missing; the sheriff's station is locked. No one seems to be around except for a character cloaked in feathers, of course. There seem to be several mysteries to solve - the little girl who disappeared from the car as you watch, someone is in the house with your niece whom you hear scream but can't get access to her house, your niece's boyfriend has disappeared, the train has crashed - there's no ending in sight.
The interactive HOS are terrific and the graphics and use of color are very good. The town is abandoned but not so drab as to make everything blend into everything. Interactive map with outstanding activities shown. 3 modes of play (I play casual). The developers did a fantastic job of keeping your interest throughout. Lots of adventure. Puzzles are varied and interesting. Although there is back and forth, you're not going through a lot of screens to use items you find - and you do have the interactive map if in a real hurry. CE has a list of achievements (most are rather simple, like completing one HOS without hints or solving a puzzle without instructions), collecting the characters and finding hidden squirrels, along with the usual.
SUMMARY: Very good production values; beautifully conceived and intriguing intertwining stories; carefully crafted environments. Mainly adventure with a well-balanced amount of puzzles and HOS. Well worth a try.
I recommend this game!