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:
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 55 found this review helpful
WHAT THIS GAME DOESN'T HAVE JUST DOESN'T EXIST
PostedSeptember 20, 2013
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
Love the imagery. The menagerie is fantastically creative. Some of the ERS' developers certainly have a great imagination and their artistic staff is simply outstanding to interpret the environments so stunningly. Smooth gameplay and outrageously gorgeous graphics. Puzzles vary in variety and complexity and HOS are unusually colorful and pleasant to do (no dull drab fall-asleep HOS here). (You can do mini-games if you don't care for HOS.)
Lots to do and locations to explore. The story is cohesive and skillfully told. A lot of attention to details and every aspect has been well thought out. Especially like the racoon helper - love that he keeps overeating whenever there's anything edible in sight and you can buy his personalized wardrobe. It's a hoot!
This is one of the best games to come out in the recent weeks. As with all ERS games, the production values are exceptional. They must have the best creative staff around. A real pleasure to play.
I recommend this game!
Someone has stolen two powerful magic doves from your kingdom, and the consequences could be disastrous. Embark on an extraordinary journey to stop the thief.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
5 MINUTES AND I'M SOLD
PostedSeptember 19, 2013
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
This is a definite buy for me within 5 minutes. Other reviewers have told the story, which I find refreshing, so I won't repeat it. The artistry is simply gorgeous and the animation is superb. The HOS are not your run-of-the-mill HOS scenes, although they are list-based. Takes some thought on how to accomplish the interaction. And the gameplay is not always straight-forward - think I'll have to use the strategy guide a few times (which I hardly ever have to do). The fairy and the elf helpers are terrific; each with its own special talents. I especially liked the elf's help in the HOS (and I still had to think). Puzzles are beautifully-drawn and are, frankly, a puzzler's dream. Music is dreamy and fits the atmosphere. And you can customize the settings to your heart's content. WOW! This was a fantastic job the creators did. Of course, I'd expect nothing less from ERS.
I recommend this game!
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
5
/
5
24 of 27 found this review helpful
BACK ON TRACK
PostedSeptember 19, 2013
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
Game promises to be as good as the first two (the third didn't live up to my expectations), which are impressive, beautifully conceived, skillfully told and, well, simply outstanding. Worth an immediate buy if you can afford the CE. Glad the series is back on track.
WHAT YOU GET:
4 volume controls
wide screen
gamma control
special effects on/off
3 difficulty modes
CE has: treasure room, collections, achievements, bonus and music tracks
map
4 volume controls
wide screen
gamma control
special effects on/off
3 difficulty modes
CE has: treasure room, collections, achievements, bonus and music tracks
map
STORY & GAMEPLAY: Very interesting premise. One year following the disappearance of a train on its inaugural run in a tunnel, the wife/mother Gina sets out to find out what happened. The artistry is simply gorgeous; the music tracks are fantastic for the scenes; the voice overs are wonderful (Elephant must have used professionals, except Gina's voice sometimes seem a bit forced to show an emotion).
The HOS are list-based and beautifully colored and detailed. Are somewhat crowded. Puzzles and minigames are a nice variety with varying degrees of complexity - not too difficult. If there's one negative, it might be that there are either too many cutscenes OR they are too long (I think the latter, but that's personal preference). I think I'd prefer some of the story to be in a journal as I do get somewhat impatient. But it is certainly a very minor detraction.
I recommend this game!
The quaint mountain town of Hochwald hides a deadly secret. Defeat a mechanical mastermind and save your friend before another earthquake strikes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
68 of 73 found this review helpful
PROBABLY AGAINST THE GRAIN BUT I LOVE IT
PostedSeptember 18, 2013
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
Very lovely game with lots to do. If you don't like dialogue, you probably won't like it much because you sometimes have to talk to people to find out what needs to be done. Large variety of well-done HOS and fun puzzles, which aren't too complicated. Some people say this is a short game, but if you're like me and prefer to play casual and like to explore in well-crafted environments (i.e., take your time and look at everything), it will be average length. I play to enjoy, not to see how fast I can finish. Game has very good production values and beautifully conceived and very well-executed details. Can't wait for the ending, even though it's probably what I'd expect.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery of the Serpent of Isis on board the famous Mont Palu Express in this beautiful Hidden Object Adventure game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
IF YOU LIKE A LOT OF HOS, LOOK HERE
PostedSeptember 17, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There is a nice ratio of puzzles to HOS once you board the Palu Express train to find the pieces of an artifact being smuggled by 5 passengers across Europe. You make 6 stops and try to investigate the crafty villians.
Besides the standard HOS list, you are given suspect cards for each of the 5 culprits and you can get additional hints by finding items related to them (such as cigars, paintings, fortune cookies). You can get an enlarged view of the HOS using the magnifying glass or you can mouse over the location to find out where to use an inventory item.
Inventory items can be combined. You can play timed or untimed (you get plenty of time in timed) and get two types of hints (location and quest clues). Plays in widescreen. Graphics are average.
A very annoying thing I found was the frequency of popup windows that had to be manually closed whenever using an inventory item and putting an object into a puzzle. This was so annoying that I deducted 1 1/2 stars since you had no option to avoid it.
Even though there's a semblance of a story and a number of puzzles, while I was playing the game, I felt I was actually playing a straight HOS.
I recommend this game!
Reveal the twisted plan of a deranged magician who has his own Vendetta against the world! And uncover a secretive world of magicians and discover the power they have held and passed down through the centuries!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
CATCH THE MASTER MAGICIAN
PostedSeptember 16, 2013
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
3
/
5
I liked Shattered Minds: Masquerade much better. This is a decent game with some good qualities. You get 3 volume controls, 3 difficulty modes, widescreen, and a journal with clues and a map. The map doesn't clearly indicate the various scenes; it looks more like a wide-spectrum sketch.
You are investigating the world's greatest magician, Damian LeStrange, who is making monuments around the world disappear. He is currently in Paris. The voice overs are creditable and artwork is quite nice. HOS are uncrowded, detailed and colorful. The animation and sounds in the scenes are great. You can create movement sometimes by just flowing your cursor over items (like pots hanging from a ceiling). Maybe 3 1/2 stars.
I recommend this game!
The Emperor's son has a mysterious illness. As legendary healer Daiyu, you're called to the palace to save him, but you end up having to save yourself!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
NICE BLEND OF CHINESE CULTURE
PostedSeptember 16, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Interesting story with good production values. Gameplay is not linear and, although you know what you need to do, the path is not always straightforward. You have a journal which includes your list of objectives and a map. If you don't care for HOS (which are really nicely put together and everything is easily seen), you can play mah-jong. Graphics are exceptionally good. Although the voice overs are good, for the most part, the male voices are usually too deep. Fair amount of back and forth. Puzzles are not too difficult, but are actually lovely to look at.
I recommend this game!
Follow the Hidden Expedition Adventure Team to Devil`s Triangle and help track down Phoebe, a famous ace pilot lost at sea!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
HIDDEN EXPEDITIONS ARE A GREAT SERIES
PostedSeptember 15, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
STORY: 5 fairly long chapters. Your organization (H.E.A.T.) has sent you to investigate the disappearance of a pilot in the Bermuda Triangle. You begin your investigation on a submersible, only to have an accident and end up on an inhabited uncharted island, where time stands still. The cast of characters you meet are somewhat intriguing. Ends with a cliffhanger.
WHAT YOU GET:
Logbook with information entries, tasks and character profiles.
Information entries provide clues to help advance in the game, as well as fun facts and an entertaining backstory.
Replayable as HO can appear in different locations with the HOS.
Logbook with information entries, tasks and character profiles.
Information entries provide clues to help advance in the game, as well as fun facts and an entertaining backstory.
Replayable as HO can appear in different locations with the HOS.
GAMEPLAY: Nonlinear gameplay. There are numerous locations and lots to do, with much back-and-forth. You can interact with characters as much as you like. You’ll encounter quite a few twists and turns. If you find yourself as to what to do next, either look at your task list or click hint for guidance. Inventory items sometimes need to be combined by placing one over the other (there’s a yellow glow around the objects.
HOS & PUZZLES: HOS are very nicely-drawn and detailed. HOS may be list-driven, theme-oriented or find pairs of related objects. Clicking on an item in the list will show a silhouette of that item. Using a hint within the HOS will show you where the item is. Puzzles are usually original or with enough twist to keep them interesting. Hint can help solve the puzzles by making the first move or placing an item where it belongs. Clicking on hint more than once may solve the puzzle for you or allow you to skip it.
OTHER STUFF:
The locations are beautifully drawn. Music is apropros to the game’s atmosphere, as are the wonderful sound effects. You get a full set of hints at each level. No random clicking penalty, so explore away. This time, I forgot to track one time period, so don’t know the total time, but it was at least average length for me. The first time I played, I didn't track at all.
The locations are beautifully drawn. Music is apropros to the game’s atmosphere, as are the wonderful sound effects. You get a full set of hints at each level. No random clicking penalty, so explore away. This time, I forgot to track one time period, so don’t know the total time, but it was at least average length for me. The first time I played, I didn't track at all.
I recommend this game!
Strange Cases: The Faces of Vengeance
Agent Claire Ellery must rescue her young ward, but this masked kidnapper has set deadly traps in the abandoned mall!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A LITTLE MYSTERY BUT ALSO A LITTLE DRAB FOR MY TASTE
PostedSeptember 15, 2013
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Plays on widescreen. There are 3 modes of difficulty and 3 volume controls. You also get a map. Nicely done game.
STORY: What is the purpose of the mysterious doll of Claire (our investigator)? Who kidnapped Anna, the daughter of Claire's partner? You have to follow the tarot cards to find Anna and you find that you and the detective accompanying you have to split up when he is trapped by the villian.
GAME: Is easy to determine what you need to do and where to go. The tarot cards will give you direction. Nice voice overs. Well-done graphics, although some of the locations are on the drab side. (I'm tired on drab.) I expected feeling of intriguing mystery as the story unfolded, but didn't get it. Although the story is solid and nothing is wrong with it - guess it's just me.
HOS & PUZZLES: You have to find a tarot card before you are given a list or shapes of objects to find for each HOS. The HOS are adequately drawn, but I also felt too many of them were a little drab. Puzzles are easy to moderately challenging. Proper amount of HOS to puzzles.
I recommend this game!
Sarah Maribu is off to explore an island full of Dinosaurs! Upon arrival, her husband Michael is kidnapped and must be saved!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
FOR THE HOS AND PUZZLE LOVER
PostedSeptember 14, 2013
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
4
/
5
OVERALL SUMMARY: About 4 hours to complete game. It’s pretty much HOS and puzzles accompanying a simple story. The game is rather easy, but still pleasant.
You are on an uncharted island with dinosaurs – some of pretty cute. You must find your husband and uncle and you just follow the map. The only traveling to be done is in those HOS which have 2 rooms – you may have to go to the 2nd room to find an object to complete a puzzle in the first room. 27 HOS (many with 2 parts) which are “find by picture.” Orientation and color of the objects however is not always the same as the picture. HOS pictures are randomized (i.e., replayable). Wide variety of mini-games, varying in degrees of difficulty. Graphics are above average. Crisply-done locations. Game's simplicity can make you feel that it is older than it is, when compared with the offerings out there. But I don't think everything has to be complicated to be fun.
I recommend this game!