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:
After searching for five years, Princess found her mother – only to have her kidnapped right before her eyes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 36 found this review helpful
SCARY BUT OH SO CUTE TREES
PostedJune 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
4
/
5
SUMMARY: A lot of things to do in a slightly muddled story (which is hopefully cleared up by the end of the game). Gorgeous graphics and creative characters. Nice voice overs. Good use of animation. I'll get the SE because I think the CE just misses. If there were more collections or more morphing objects, I'd be tempted to go that way.
STORY: You are a detective who wants to help Princess once again recover her mother. Princess and Mom met for a few second when Mom was suddenly whisked away by the trees. You have to get to the Tree of Wishes in the forest and only Rizallion, a powerful sorcerer, can get you there but only in return for a promise. I sometimes found the storyline a little befuddling, but not enough for it to lose its shine.
GAMEPLAY: Lots to do and challenges to be met. You encounter numerous force fields which require magical weapons to penetrate. You also encounter several tree manifestations who try to impede your progress. There are plenty of the usual tasks/puzzles to solve as you move forward to find the Tree of Wishes.
HOS and PUZZLES: Largely an adventure game, so there are not a large number of HOS. They are crowded, but detailed and list-based. Puzzles to continue on your way are plentiful. A fair number of interesting mini-games that are fun to play.
OTHER STUFF: 4 volume and gamma control; 4 difficulty modes; skeleton head who is the keeper of the city is your hint system, which shows you were to go and teleports you if you choose. Animation is wonderful and the color palettes used in the artistic design are really good. Artists were very creative in building various characters composed of entire (or parts of) trees. Ex: tree log with spider legs. Very cute, though you knew they were sinister.
I recommend this game!
After searching for five years, Princess found her mother – only to have her kidnapped right before her eyes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
SCARY CUT OH SO CUTE TREES
PostedJune 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
4
/
5
SUMMARY: A lot of things to do in a slightly muddled story (which is hopefully cleared up by the end of the game). Gorgeous graphics and creative characters. Nice voice overs. Good use of animation. I'll get the SE because I think the CE just misses. If there were more collections or morphing objects, I'd be tempted to go that way.
STORY: You are a detective who wants to help Princess once again recover her mother. Princess and Mom met for a few second when Mom was suddenly whisked away by the trees. You have to get to the Tree of Wishes in the forest and only Rizallion, a powerful sorcerer, can get you there but only in return for a promise. I sometimes found the storyline a little befuddling, but not enough for it to lose its shine.
GAMEPLAY: Lots to do and challenges to be met. You encounter numerous force fields which require magical weapons to penetrate. You also encounter several tree manifestations who try to impede your progress. There are plenty of the usual tasks/puzzles to solve as you move forward to find the Tree of Wishes.
HOS and PUZZLES: Largely an adventure game, so there are not a large number of HOS. They are crowded, but detailed and list-based. Puzzles to continue on your way are plentiful. A fair number of interesting mini-games that are fun to play.
OTHER STUFF: 4 volume and gamma control; 4 difficulty modes; skeleton head who is the keeper of the city is your hint system, which shows you were to go and teleports you if you choose. Animation is wonderful and the color palettes used in the artistic design are really good. Artists were very creative in building various characters composed of entire (or parts of) trees. Ex: tree log with spider legs. Very cute, though you knew they were sinister.
CE has morphing dragons and achievements (most of which are gained through normal gameplay). Also has the bonus game and the usual extras of wallpapers, et al. I really like morphing objects, but I didn't there were enough to make me want to buy the CE.
I recommend this game!
Travel to South America to investigate a deadly cosmic force. Can you uncover the secrets of the missing research team?
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
OPTING FOR THE SE
PostedJune 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
Mostly adventure with lots to do and plenty of challenges. You will have a homunculus amulet which you will need to recharge whenever you come to recharging station on your search for the plasma to cure a skin disease. You'll be searching in a restricted area. I didn't think the CE has enough bling to warrant its purchase, so I'm opting for the SE.
- Interesting story
- 3 modes of difficulty
- Teleport map shows active scenes and where you will need to return
- Task button
- HOS -- find the list of hidden objects; then transport to the same scene in a different hue and find a different list. Found it sometimes difficult to find objects because the color palette was rather monotone.
- Puzzles: plenty - there are a lot of things happening at once and it takes brainpower (or a pen) to remember where to use an object you just found. Some puzzles required several objects to complete.
- Mini-games: none that I saw
- Graphics: simply awesome.
- Music: fast-paced; gets your blood flowing
- 3 modes of difficulty
- Teleport map shows active scenes and where you will need to return
- Task button
- HOS -- find the list of hidden objects; then transport to the same scene in a different hue and find a different list. Found it sometimes difficult to find objects because the color palette was rather monotone.
- Puzzles: plenty - there are a lot of things happening at once and it takes brainpower (or a pen) to remember where to use an object you just found. Some puzzles required several objects to complete.
- Mini-games: none that I saw
- Graphics: simply awesome.
- Music: fast-paced; gets your blood flowing
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
26 of 27 found this review helpful
WENT FOR THE SE
PostedJune 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
SUMMARY: Adventure game; lots to do (never a dull moment and the hint system is terrific if you don't know what to do next); light on HOS; somewhat linear. The CE didn't have enough to warrant its purchase for me; so I've opted for the SE.
STORY: Skillfully told story about the 7 deadly sins invading and taking over a perfect town. The Queen has been arrested, her daughter Anna has disappeared and she has summoned you to help find Anna and free the town of its corrupt and sinful ways.
GAMEPLAY: Thought-provoking. Fairly linear. Objectives are given and there is an abundance of things to do. Hint will show you where to go for your next activity and allow you to teleport directly there.
HOS and PUZZLES: Not too many HOS. They are largely monochromatic but have bursts of contrasting color. Objects are clearly defined in a moderately crowded scene. Good balance in the types of puzzles, some of which take a little trial and error and/or thought.
OTHER STUFF: Detailed graphics are sort of dusky (keeping with the mysterious theme of what is happening in the town) but well drawn. Good animation. Voice overs are okay - some of the actors did not sound convincing emotions.
I recommend this game!
Jane Angel has mysteriously vanished and it's up to her sister to untangle the sophisticated conspiracy and uncover the truth about the family's ancient past.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
UNINSPIRATIONAL
PostedJune 4, 2014
rosekaufmann
fromLos Angeles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The game wasn't bad; I just found it mediocre and uninspired. Story was okay, but wasn't clear exactly on why you are trying to save your sister and from what. Eventually a mystery starts to develop about demons and witches. Two modes of play: casual walks you through everything - no thinking required. Hard mode was a little better. Tasks are given. Voice overs showed either no emotion or overacting. Average graphics. No map; it would have been helpful once you discovered several active locations. I'm going to pass on this one.
I recommend this game!
Samba your way to the tropical paradise of Rio de Janiero! Search for thousands of cleverly hidden items and play fun mini-games along the way.
Overall rating
5
/
5
71 of 86 found this review helpful
THIS TIME YOU LEARN ABOUT RIO
PostedJune 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
4
/
5
This is the same type of adventure as the other Big City Adventures - 60 levels of hidden objects and 58 puzzles. In this game, you'll visit Rio and learn fun facts about the country and its sites. Music is on a recycling base of Latin music. You get extra points for any unused time and for hints not used on each level. Graphics are very good - a pleasure to look at.
Two modes of time: relaxed and timed. I find that objects are so well hidden that I'd run out of time, so I always play relaxed. But if you do choose timed, there are coins that provide you with extra time on the clock.
HOS: As with the other games, in each HOS, you find 3 coins which add time, provide one or three object hints or add to your score. The HOS are very busy and objects are well blended into the bright and colorful scenery. Included in each HOS are two objects which are found hidden within a "zoomable" area (it closes automatically once you find the two objects).
PUZZLES: Puzzles follow each HOS and are the same type or take-offs of those found in the prior games - probably because they are the most popular and fun. Following each puzzle is a postcard from your next area with fun facts.
I recommend this game!
Set out with Bella in search of her brother through the pages of well-known novels and true stories.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
RELAXING
PostedJune 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
SUMMARY: This is a relaxing, somewhat linear game in that certain tasks in a scene will not appear until a puzzle is completed. Not an overabundance of HOS or puzzles or mini-games, none of which are difficult. If you need a challenge, this isn't the game for you. And unlike many games where you have to find someone, you don't have that sense of having to hurry. Game provides a nice afternoon of pleasant, relaxing gameplay.
As for the game:
First, we can't find out from the demo what the extras are. We do know that we collect coins to buy trophies and that there is a bonus chapter, and the usual items such as wallpapers. If that's all there is, it's not worthy of a CE price.
First, we can't find out from the demo what the extras are. We do know that we collect coins to buy trophies and that there is a bonus chapter, and the usual items such as wallpapers. If that's all there is, it's not worthy of a CE price.
Second, you have 5 books to explore, starting with the Call of Cthulhu. You find that you have to help a professor save the town he has endangered.
GAMEPLAY: You have 2 modes of difficulty; logical story and relaxing gameplay with easy-going music; tasks assigned; transport map; and at least in casual mode, the game will tell you there is nothing left to do in the scene and to check the map. Although the game is nonlinear, there are some tasks that must be completed before others will appear in the same area. [Ex: the desk in the house in the first scene has no actions available until after you open a safe.]
HOS are of 2 types, both are moderately crowded and are almost monochrome. The HOS are either list-based or pictures of objects to find. Puzzles are fairly easy to complete, but you may have to find pieces in another area to complete them. But it's effortless since you have the fast-travel map.
I recommend this game!
The Elven kingdom is in great danger! Can you find the remaining holy shrines to save the kingdom from the Evil Necromancer?
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 44 found this review helpful
ADORABLE AND CHALLENGING
PostedJune 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
Excellent fun time management game with:
- lively music
- wonderful sounds and effects
- lots of activities and workers to manage.
- lively music
- wonderful sounds and effects
- lots of activities and workers to manage.
Fast-paced, beat the developers' time in reaching goals on each of its many levels. You'll assign tasks to your gremlins, have the troll defeat intruders, pray for more manna, chop trees, collect pumpkins and berries and gold, build bridges and factories or houses, cast spells (this is just collecting elixirs and going to an altar where you spell can improve your workers or hasten the growth of your resources).
SUMMARY: This is such a fun, colorful game.
I recommend this game!
Travel to South America to investigate a deadly cosmic force. Can you uncover the secrets of the missing research team?
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 29 found this review helpful
A REAL ADVENTURE
PostedJune 1, 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
Mostly adventure with lots to do and plenty of challenges. You will have a homunculus amulet which you will need to recharge whenever you come to recharging station on your search for the plasma to cure a skin disease. You'll be searching in a restricted area.
- Interesting story
- 3 modes of difficulty
- Teleport map showing active scenes and where you will need to return
- Task button
- HOS -- find the list of hidden objects; then transport to the same scene in a different hue and find a different list. Found them to be sometimes difficult to find objects because the color palette in each scene was almost monotone.
- Puzzles: plenty - there was almost too much to do and it took a lot of brainpower to remember where to use an object you just found. Some required several objects to complete.
- Mini-games: none that I saw
- Graphics: simply awesome.
- Music: fast-paced; gets your blood flowing.
- 3 modes of difficulty
- Teleport map showing active scenes and where you will need to return
- Task button
- HOS -- find the list of hidden objects; then transport to the same scene in a different hue and find a different list. Found them to be sometimes difficult to find objects because the color palette in each scene was almost monotone.
- Puzzles: plenty - there was almost too much to do and it took a lot of brainpower to remember where to use an object you just found. Some required several objects to complete.
- Mini-games: none that I saw
- Graphics: simply awesome.
- Music: fast-paced; gets your blood flowing.
I recommend this game!
After a long journey, Queen Sophia faces her enemy for the last time - but will she succeed in saving her parents?
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 39 found this review helpful
CAN'T SAY ENOUGH
PostedJune 1, 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
SUMMARY: A delightful and entertaining game. Graphics, voice overs, sounds, artistry, story, animation, HOS and puzzles are awesome. Only downside is that it appears the series is ending. Love all the BoomZap series - I have every one. I can never find much that needs improvement in their games. This is a wonderful addition to your games.
STORY: Queen Sophia still hasn't saved her parents from their endless sleep. She must find Argenius, a centaur in the Redleaf Forest; he's the only blacksmith who can fashion a Sword of Courage to help Sophia defeat Dreadmyre. But just after she find Argenius, he is stolen by an Ogre. She must rescue him before she can save her parents.
GAMEPLAY: is meticulous. In case you can't determine what the next major task is, you objectives are shown. To help you along the way, Ran the owl is back. From him, you can hear Sophia's and her friends thoughts and he will direct you to where to head next. The adorable pocket dragon is back to provide fire when needed. I hope he is moved to a new series because I'll just miss him.
EFFECTS: Superb animation, use of color palettes, graphics, artistry and pleasant voice overs. Sound effects and voice overs are realistic (though it's a little hot to be listening to crackling fires right now).
HOS, PUZZLES AND MINI-GAMES: The interactive HOS (including silhouettes) are moderately crowded and very detailed. The rich hues make finding objects a pleasure. Puzzles are interesting and objects needed to complete them are found nearby (usually within 2 or 3 screens). You will be looking to solve many at the same time. Mini-games are unique and creative. The difficulty level varies and one I ended up skipping because I couldn't figure it out.
OTHER STUFF: Music is the same as with the previous Awakening games. Three modes of difficulty. Collectibles and achievements. I'll be buying the CE instead of the SE because I want to meet the little princess (can't bare not finding out about her) and sow my seeds in the garden (what fun)!
I recommend this game!