StellaEterna's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.6
- Helpful Votes:22
- Reviews Submitted:7
- First Review:April 18, 2014
- Most Recent Review:September 5, 2014
- Featured reviews0
StellaEterna's Review History
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Another win for the Enigmatis series
PostedSeptember 5, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
World of Goo
(28)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Phenomenal, just like its predecessor. Great HOPs, invigorating story, pretty graphics, quality music, and a long play time. The one complaint that I continuously have with this this series is the sub-par voice acting; it's not terrible, it's just a bit distracting how bland the main character's voice can be at times. I noticed only three typos which, in my opinion, is a great number for these HOP games (I wish it was zero, but hey). You won't regret purchasing this one. I can't wait for the next Enigmatis in the series!
I recommend this game!
Discover your grandfather`s hidden scores and unlock their musical mysteries in this entrancing Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Great game
PostedSeptember 5, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
World of Goo
(28)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Really enjoyed the integration of the musical elements!
I recommend this game!
Find a kidnapped teenage girl and save yourself in Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek, a fun Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Phenomenal!
PostedJuly 6, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Plants vs Zombies
(329)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Artifex Mundi develops some of the best HOGs and I absolutely loved playing this one.
I recommend this game!
Let's get farming in this unique Hidden Object farming simulator hybrid! Harvest the perfect crop, sell it at the market and search the farm for treasures!
Overall rating
5
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Another PlayCademy Gem
PostedJune 13, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
World of Goo
(28)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I didn't realize when I was purchasing this that it was created by PlayCademy, the same design team from Tales of Lagoona. I thoroughly enjoyed Tales of Lagoona: Poseidon Park and Farmington Tales was also phenomenal. Great characters, fun mini-games (except for the Minesweeper one -- I absolutely HATE minesweeper), and the HO screens were bright and colorful. The music fit nicely -- never annoying or distracting. There was a good bit of cheesy humor that just made you smile, rather than grumble. I didn't notice any large grammar or spelling issues (a few missing commas here and there). No glitches. Good voice acting. It took me perhaps 10-12 hours to beat, so you are getting your money's worth with this one. I am really picky about my HOGs and this one has passed my test.
I recommend this game!
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Another Blue Tea Success!
PostedApril 19, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Blue Tea has consistently shown me that they are capable of making excellent HOGs. This installation of the Dark Parables series is beautiful to watch and very challenging at times. A few of the mini-game puzzles really through me for a loop, while a few them were unbelievably easy. I suppose, overall, they balanced each other out so you won't get frustrated.
If I had to give this game a complaint, it would be that the HOPs were very redundant after a few hours in. The general strategy behind them is to locate specific pieces of an item that you are trying to build, rather than complete specific items. This allows for a a lot of detail-oriented searching and, when placed against the backgrounds, is a lot of fun to find. After a little while, though, you begin to see the same HO backgrounds with new items to find. I actually got to the point where I didn't have to even look at the 'items' I was trying to find below; I could just start scanning the screen and picking out the visual aspects that I recognized were not part of the original background and then also pieces with a type of architecture that the designers really liked to use. This is not a terrible thing, so please don't let it dissuade you! I enjoyed this game so much that I beat it in one sitting, so that shows how captivating it is, but I just wanted to mention that because I did find myself getting really tired of the HOPs near the end (of course, like I said, it was all one sitting, so that could have something to do with it!).
Overall, a really great game and worth the money. If you enjoy this one, I highly recommend my favorite game from Blue Tea, "The Crooked Man with the Crooked Cat". It has similar HO strategies, but it abandons you in a world of pure darkness and intrigue that I was fascinated by. I really enjoy this developer!
I recommend this game!
These nursery rhymes are cursed, and your sister’s been taken by the Crooked Man!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
So good that I beat it in one sitting!
PostedApril 19, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am a pretty tough reviewer and I say that this one is a gem among HOP games.
Pros:
The voice acting is very good and the visuals are quite beautiful. The atmosphere that the world places you in is dark and twisted in such a lovely way; you really do feel as though you are in a nursery rhyme gone wrong. I greatly enjoyed just exploring the scenery and admiring the subtle nursery rhyme connections from my childhood.
The voice acting is very good and the visuals are quite beautiful. The atmosphere that the world places you in is dark and twisted in such a lovely way; you really do feel as though you are in a nursery rhyme gone wrong. I greatly enjoyed just exploring the scenery and admiring the subtle nursery rhyme connections from my childhood.
Good mini games too. A bit of repetition from the technique standpoint, but there are no more than three types of a single puzzle technique and each one is significantly different enough to require a new strategy, so I am happy with that. They got progressively harder in a good way. I was never frustrated by one, though a few of them were doozies!
The storyline is pretty good also. You have your usual maniacal villain who may not always make the most sense because he's messed up in the head, but at least you can follow his backstory and you can actually feel a bit of pity for the Crooked Man and his Crooked Cat once you dig in deep enough. Not a fan of the ending at all, though...
Great work on the map; I love the action indicators. I liked all of the side thoughts also (the text you get when clicking on the environment).
Cons:
I kept receiving 'achievements' throughout the game, but they seemed to be tied to reaching specific points in the storyline, rather than actually achieving something I put effort into. Also, I couldn't view these achievements (like in a menu) and there was no text explaining what they were when I got them, so that was frustrating. It made me feel like they were worthless and soon I didn't care at all.
I kept receiving 'achievements' throughout the game, but they seemed to be tied to reaching specific points in the storyline, rather than actually achieving something I put effort into. Also, I couldn't view these achievements (like in a menu) and there was no text explaining what they were when I got them, so that was frustrating. It made me feel like they were worthless and soon I didn't care at all.
I felt similarly regarding the morphing objects. Finding them doesn't grant an achievement, it just makes your Hint gauge rise faster. Well, I couldn't care less about that. I NEVER use hints or skips, so there was no drive for me to invest time in finding those objects.
Overall, though, I greatly enjoyed it and I couldn't put it down, so I finished it all in one sitting! Please bring on many more Cursery games!
I recommend this game!
20 years ago a terrible accident destroyed most of Cyan City. Now, Monica returns to uncover the secrets of her childhood!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Don't let the high ratings blind you
PostedApril 18, 2014
StellaEterna
fromHouston, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I downloaded this game because it had such a high rating at the time. I always review comments before purchasing a game and I will admit that my expectations were high after people were so excited about HOPs within HOPs and the visual quality of the game. Yes, the visual quality was beautiful, but that is about the only good thing that I can say about this game.
Let me warn you upfront. Do not play this game if:
-- You are detail-oriented about spelling and grammar
-- You are highly aware of poor voice acting
-- You desire a deep, well-thought out plotline
-- You are logical to the point where you expect puzzles to make real-world sense
-- You are detail-oriented about spelling and grammar
-- You are highly aware of poor voice acting
-- You desire a deep, well-thought out plotline
-- You are logical to the point where you expect puzzles to make real-world sense
Why do these things matter?
ATROCIOUS SPELLING AND GRAMMAR:
I can't even count the number of typos, incorrect uses of punctuation, and lack of clean grammar instances that plague this game. One example: On multiple screens, you have access to enter a bell tower but, upon doing so, two movement screens then switch the words and offer you the ability to climb to the top of the tower bell. Yes. The tower bell. How did THAT get through the editors!? Twice even!?
I can't even count the number of typos, incorrect uses of punctuation, and lack of clean grammar instances that plague this game. One example: On multiple screens, you have access to enter a bell tower but, upon doing so, two movement screens then switch the words and offer you the ability to climb to the top of the tower bell. Yes. The tower bell. How did THAT get through the editors!? Twice even!?
POOR VOICE ACTING:
How can you really provide an example of this through text? The best way that I can describe the voice acting is ‘forced’. It did not feel sincere. The main character is looking for a lost family member and, upon discovering the possibility that the family member is located within the Cyan City, her reaction is monotone and every word is painful, when it should be full of energy and natural. The best voice acting was the antagonist and he/she only got a few sentences. Monica’s scenes were so terrible that I actually called some of my family members into the room to hear it because I was so incredulous of its pitiful quality.
How can you really provide an example of this through text? The best way that I can describe the voice acting is ‘forced’. It did not feel sincere. The main character is looking for a lost family member and, upon discovering the possibility that the family member is located within the Cyan City, her reaction is monotone and every word is painful, when it should be full of energy and natural. The best voice acting was the antagonist and he/she only got a few sentences. Monica’s scenes were so terrible that I actually called some of my family members into the room to hear it because I was so incredulous of its pitiful quality.
LACK OF A DEEP PLOTLINE:
As noted earlier, the story follows Monica Dipp, a young woman who is searching for a family member who was lost in an accident 20 years ago. That’s about it; really, it is. She makes it to Cyan City, finds a helpful friend, meets an antagonist, collects a few pieces of a broken pendant, and then somehow, magically fixes the problem (I won’t spoil it with details). There are a few mal-aligned characters that pop up every now and again, but Monica is supernaturally protected by her massively gaudy, heart-shaped pendant and therefore, any tension regarding her safety is completely eliminated. So, what is the point of those encounters? Your guess is as good as mine.
As noted earlier, the story follows Monica Dipp, a young woman who is searching for a family member who was lost in an accident 20 years ago. That’s about it; really, it is. She makes it to Cyan City, finds a helpful friend, meets an antagonist, collects a few pieces of a broken pendant, and then somehow, magically fixes the problem (I won’t spoil it with details). There are a few mal-aligned characters that pop up every now and again, but Monica is supernaturally protected by her massively gaudy, heart-shaped pendant and therefore, any tension regarding her safety is completely eliminated. So, what is the point of those encounters? Your guess is as good as mine.
ILLOGICAL PUZZLES:
This is one of those games where you find random keys in the most ridiculous places, the mini-games are obviously placed to provide a halt to the game but have no connection to the atmosphere around them, and you can often figure out exactly what you are supposed to do to continue the story, but will have to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out what specific step the game wants you to take first to make it happen. The one saving grace regarding this point is that the map indicates which places have activities in them. So, you know that you are supposed to take action in a specific room, but you sometimes have the randomly click everywhere to figure out what it is because the game hasn’t indicated the purpose of it to you.
This is one of those games where you find random keys in the most ridiculous places, the mini-games are obviously placed to provide a halt to the game but have no connection to the atmosphere around them, and you can often figure out exactly what you are supposed to do to continue the story, but will have to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out what specific step the game wants you to take first to make it happen. The one saving grace regarding this point is that the map indicates which places have activities in them. So, you know that you are supposed to take action in a specific room, but you sometimes have the randomly click everywhere to figure out what it is because the game hasn’t indicated the purpose of it to you.
Let me end this review with what, I believe, should have been the bright-as-day signal that indicates the poor quality of this game and the subsequent decision to quit right then and there. Yes, I did complete the entire game, so I ignored this sign, but I just want to emphasize that, even at the very beginning, I should have known that things could only get worse.
This is not a spoiler; it is the very first puzzle of the game. You begin by meeting a male stranger sitting on a bench in front of Cyan City. This bench sits on the edge of the forest, so there is a bit of foliage around him. Monica sees that the stranger has bright blue eyes and, when she asks about them, the stranger explains how he lost his sight 20 years ago due to an explosion. Monica expresses her condolences and then tells the stranger that she desires to make it across the broken bridge into Cyan City. The stranger is willing to help her get there, but first she must create a curative potion for his blinded eyes. He says that it should be very easy for her because all of the ingredients she needs are located in this very forest! In fact, they are within two screens of him! So, Monica finds a random cauldron sitting around, fills it with water, grabs some fauna, and mixes everything together. No heat, no spoon, no measuring cups, no magic fairy dust -- nada. Somehow, this is the perfect potion for the man’s eyes and I can only assume that he must have dunked his head into the cauldron because Monica surely didn’t put the mixture into an eye dropper for him. Unbelievable! The man can suddenly see again! So, what on earth was this stranger doing for the past 20 years? Was he just sitting on that bench, waiting for some by-passer to mosey along so they could pick up some leaves, drop them into some cold water, and then miraculously cure his blindness? How could he have known what kind of curative potion he needed? Even more surprising, how did he know that all of the ingredients were less than 20 feet away from his bench? Also, where did that massive cauldron come from!?
You can see, from the very first puzzle in the game, that this is the logic that flows through the cracks of every puzzle thereafter.
If none of those things bother you and you are just looking for a short, visually-stimulating, calming game, then you will probably enjoy it, because it is definitely beautiful. I would love to see more graphics like that in future games. Otherwise, please don’t waste your money, or your time, like I did.
Just for clarification, I gave it 2 stars because I actually finished the game. I only rate 1 star for games that I am so disgusted with that I refuse to finish them.
I don't recommend this game.