petporcupine's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:340
- Reviews Submitted:21
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2016
- Featured reviews0
Join legendary detective, Nancy Drew, as she follows ancient clues to find the mysterious Wickford Castle`s legendary secret!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Infuriating navigation
PostedJune 4, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Word
I've finished 11 Nancy Drew games so far, and I hope this is the only one I don't finish. I'd read that this particular game tops some people's lists of the top N.D. games, so I thought I'd try it. However, endless walking through nearly identical corridors is not my idea of fun or mysterious (I guess you could argue that it's quite challenging ... but boring). There are so many other excellent games in this series worth spending your time and money on. I wouldn't recommend this one. Because the storyline is supposedly very good, I'm going to read the book instead!
I don't recommend this game.
It's important to know when to investigate and when to seek shelter in Nancy Drew: The Trail of the Twister!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Not my favorite, Ms. Drew
PostedJune 4, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Maybe it reminds me too much of places I've lived. Maybe I don't find weather phenomena as exciting as ghosts and crimes. Maybe it's the incessant fiddle tune that's still stuck in my head a few days later. But this wasn't my favorite Nancy Drew game. At the end, I didn't really care about the story's resolution. I felt like I'd caught mice, driven around, and taken a few pictures of the sky. That's it.
In keeping with the more down-to-earth storyline, the characters aren't too interesting. They're regular working folks in the country. Sure, they have personalities, and they're voiced well, but nobody is exotic or mysterious. They're people you might run into while running errands in real life. I have to say that Krolmeister, who is a phone voice only, is pretty funny.
I found the surface charts puzzle very good and challenging. However, the siren grid irritated me. I'm sure there's more than one way to solve it, but a couple of my layouts didn't register with the game. I had to keep rearranging until I succeeded.
And then there's the driving. Ugh. I really loathed driving around, trying to find different locations. The vehicles supposedly have GPS, but no matter: You are left to navigate on your own, crashing your way through town. And you have to do this A LOT. You will also have to catch a lot of mice and do more driving to release them. Use a pencil and paper to make note of locations (if you remember how you got there), because you will certainly have to return.
I enjoyed learning a bit about storms, but overall, I just felt bored compared with other Nancy Drew games I've played. I wouldn't recommend it for selective players. However, I have to give it a three-star rating, because the quality of N.D. games in general is outstanding. There's simply nothing else like them, and I'm worried that no new ones will be issued (it's been over a year).
I don't recommend this game.
The Hardy Boys have invited you, as Nancy Drew, on a train ride out West hosted by beautiful and prominent socialite, Lori Girard.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
No walkthrough needed (I think this was a first for me)
PostedJune 4, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love trains, I love the Southwest, and I love Nancy Drew. "Last Train to Blue Moon Canyon" hit every mark for me. I've finished 11 N.D. games to date, and this was the first (maybe number eight or nine?) that I don't recall consulting a walkthrough for. However, I did play as a junior/amateur.
The story starts out feeling like a murder-mystery party and turns into something quite different. You have a cast of colorful characters--excluding the Hardy boys, who are just too darn '50s or '60s squeaky-clean to be a lot of fun. The voice actors are great.
I loved most of the puzzles, particularly the doll puzzle. I was also a big fan of the steampunk contraption that held the secret of the mine's location. Nothing too annoying, such as the big endgame puzzles in "The Phantom of Venice," "The Secret of Shadow Ranch," and "Warnings at Waverly Academy."
Navigation was straightforward, although moving back and forth along the train became tedious at times. I finished this game with a sense of accomplishment and feeling quite satisfied instead of drained from mental struggle or "meh."
I recommend this game!
Expose the fate of Jessalyn Thornton and unveil the truth about a family ghost in Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Classic mystery for Nancy Drew fans
PostedJune 4, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've been playing Nancy Drew games for many months now, and I'm totally hooked on this series. "The Ghost of Thornton Hall" has lovely music and stunning graphics and effects--I couldn't believe how realistic some of the characters' faces are! Voice acting is truly superb. The game is a bit dark; you're always playing at night, which ups the spookiness.
The storyline starts off a bit like "The Haunting of Castle Malloy" in that one member of an engaged couple has disappeared right before the wedding. But any similarities between the two games end there. This story involves a lot of dialogue toward the beginning, so I did find myself wanting to get on with things at first. However, it's a complex plot that does become quite interesting, so stick with it. Several subplots keep things mysterious.
While "The Phantom of Venice" was a fabulous game, I was frustrated with some of the puzzles toward the end, such as the water towers (just frustrating) and the water pressure valves (very short timing). "The Ghost of Thornton Hall" is sufficiently challenging, but I did not need to consult a walkthrough even once, even as a master sleuth. That's partly due to my building experience with N.D. and partly due to excellent game and puzzle design.
This is one Nancy Drew game you don't have to hesitate to buy. It's guaranteed good times. Unlike with some of the lamer editions, such as "Trail of the Twister" and "The Shattered Medallion," I was a bit sad when "The Ghost of Thornton Hall" ended.
I recommend this game!
In this reality TV show, find out if a series of mishaps is the result of cheating competitors or something really beyond this world.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not my favorite Nancy Drew
PostedApril 6, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I'm an adventure fan and recently got turned on to Nancy Drew. The first three games I played were Phantom of Venice, Castle Malloy, and Waverly Academy, all of which I thought were excellent and extremely challenging. I also tried the Twister game, but the puzzle where you're driving around annoyed me so much that I abandoned it.
The Shattered Medallion had a strange story line. I felt like I was plunked down in New Zealand without much back story or socializing. (The three games I have listed above have smoother intros and people to talk to right off the bat.) Eventually, people are introduced to Medallion, but there are almost too many. Inquisitions last too long, navigation around the island is confusing, and the story is really far out and hard to follow. To be honest, the mystery is vague. I don't really know what I'm investigating--or am I just here to win the competition?
If you're a hardcore fan of Nancy Drew games, or a fan of "Survivor" and similar reality competitions, I guess you might want to try Medallion at a sale price (as I did). But if you're looking for only the best and most intellectual Nancy Drew games, I don't feel this one hits the mark.
I don't recommend this game.
Search a mysterious estate and find a brilliant and mysterious inventor in Syberia, Part 1! Experience the first part of this incredible trilogy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
In My Top 10 of All Time (Probably Top 5 ... Heck, Top 3!)
PostedMarch 14, 2016
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I first purchased this game five years ago and am just now replaying it. I had forgotten how extraordinary the Syberia series is. The writing is top-notch. The voices are perfect. The scenes are gorgeous. The story line is original and compelling. Best of all, there's none of that spinning action that nauseates me.
I just read that a Syberia III will be released soon (not to be confused with the Syberia 3 offered now by BFG, which I believe had something to do with breaking up the large files). I'm thrilled beyond belief. This game is a treasure; I never want it to end. At least now, it will continue a bit ...
I rank the Syberia series up there with my other favorites: the three Agatha Christie adventure games, all of the Carol Reed mysteries from MDNA games, the original Mystery Case Files (before being assigned to another developer), Art of Murder / Chronicles of Mystery, Kheops games, NiBiRu, and the Sherlock Holmes games.
Best replayed after many years, once you've forgotten how special it is!
I recommend this game!
A great evil unlocks deep within Ravenhearst!
Overall rating
2
/
5
31 of 39 found this review helpful
Tries Too Hard; Even Worse Than Key to Ravenhearst
PostedNovember 27, 2015
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
After 30 minutes of playing the demo, I knew it was time for me to find a new interest. I've been playing BFGs since 2010. I feel like I'm now being told to open a new chapter in my life.
Change is good; too much change obliterates all traces of the things that made this franchise great. Ravenhearst Unlocked is just like a Hidden Expeditions game (which is fine but not what I want). Voices are hammy. The storyline is confusing and not engaging. In essence, there is just too much going on.
I recently replayed Return to Ravenhearst, and while it feels quite "old-fashioned" compared to modern games, it is far more enjoyable than these new twin Ravenhearst games and the sequel to Dire Grove.
These new games have excellent illustrations and sound quality, but that very advancement removes all the original Ravenhearst elements (clacking typewriter keys, etc.) that made it so compelling.
Goodbye.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find the key to Ravenhearst's resurrection?
Overall rating
3
/
5
66 of 81 found this review helpful
Just Like Any Other Game; No Longer Distinctive MCF
PostedOctober 27, 2015
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I played the collector's edition demo for 45 minutes before writing this review. MCF games used to be cutting-edge and were pretty much what got me into HOG adventure games in the first place. Recent missteps, such as the sequel to Dire Grove, were extremely disappointing. I thought I'd gave the franchise one more shot, but any fans of the earlier games will be disappointed in this. It plays just like the quite good Elephant games (even though Elephant did not develop this), which is not terrible. However, MCF used to be the best, and now it is average.
As soon as I saw the drawing of the fisherman at the very beginning, I was reminded of the Sacred Grove debacle. No live players here. I didn't even recognize the Ravenhearst grounds and landscape. There are no faces for Victor, Alistair, et al. Some of the puzzles are ridiculously easy, although others are sufficiently challenging. Nothing really innovative puzzle-wise, at least not so far. Even the creepy Escape from Ravenhearst was light years beyond this.
I apologize for this review not being well organized. There's a lot to say, but I guess my review title sums it up for the longtime fans of MCF. The Ravenhearst mood/feel and characters are gone forever. I didn't even pay attention to the storyline while playing this, as it was not compelling.
I don't recommend this game.
Follow the penguin through the portal in this colorful mosaics adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
Separate but Equal
PostedJuly 9, 2015
petporcupine
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word
Current Favorite:
Blue Madonna: A Carol Reed Story
(8)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Fantasy Mosaics are among the best of the grid games, but this installment is hardly different from #8. I don't pay any attention the storyline, because I don't feel there's much of one. I will say that the music in this particular game was very nice. I recommend Portal in the Woods only to those who don't have Fantasy Mosaics 8 or to diehard mosaic addicts.
I recommend this game!
Bookworm Adventures
Battle through books in a spelling sensation of epical proportions! Bookworm Adventures is the ultimate test of vocabularic valor!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
One of Few Games I Play Over and Over
PostedMarch 6, 2015
petporcupine
fromReading, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is probably the best word-building game I've played.
Cons: Once you've played it once, the storyline is old hat, and while you can skip the little movies before each part, you have to click through all of the dialogue. I haven't found a way to turn that off, so it gets a bit tedious. Also, the first few times, I found that I was getting the same letters on the board and, therefore, making the same words. However, I learned to use the Scramble button more often, which adds some variety to each new game you play.
Pros: I enjoy the challenge of trying to beat my own score each time I play. The game lets you check stats for each user you play as. I've also found that this game has improved my vocabulary and my ability to recall words!
I wish the developer would come out with a newer version of this game, or a sequel.
I recommend this game!