Lao_Zi's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:1,882
- Reviews Submitted:86
- First Review:May 24, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 28, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Embark on the ultimate exotic puzzle adventure with a noble cause. The world's most prestigious rainforests are home to millions of exotic species. Can you clean up their habitats and save them all?
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
Games like this give nature preservation a bad name
PostedJuly 22, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I am an active nature preservationist, so I bought this game expecting it to link a perfectly good cause with some instructive gameplay... well, it didn't.
It's boring, non-instructive, repetitive, absolutely not exciting, uninteresting ... yawn, yawn, yawn.
This game stresses what most people think: anything which is linked to a good cause, must be boring and uninteresting... sadly enough.
Apparently, the preservation of our planet doesn't deserve any real interest or attention.
It's boring, non-instructive, repetitive, absolutely not exciting, uninteresting ... yawn, yawn, yawn.
This game stresses what most people think: anything which is linked to a good cause, must be boring and uninteresting... sadly enough.
Apparently, the preservation of our planet doesn't deserve any real interest or attention.
I don't recommend this game.
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Nothing new under the sun
PostedJuly 22, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have the feeling that some people tend to throw around stars much too easily.
All right, this game may not be bad in itself, but it is just another sequel to another line of stories... and as is often the case with sequels in movies, sequels in games have a tendency to become repetitive and uninteresting.
All right, there are a lot of scenes to explore and there is a lot to do... so the gameplay is OK... BUT, I hate it when the same HOS get repeated over and over again... AND, I hate it when the same puzzles to open chests or doors come back over and over again, albeit with a very slight variation. After a few times, you get a feeling of: "Here we go again"... and this is where you get bored with the game. It's like playing ball with an intelligent dog... after a few runs, the dog lies down with a look in his eyes of: "OK, we have had this one; what's next?"
And, to beat it all, the dev's didn't even bother to create a new soundtrack for this episode.
So, yes, I will recommend the game, because I cannot say that it is a bad one... but don't expect too much of it, especially not if you have played the previous installments.
All right, this game may not be bad in itself, but it is just another sequel to another line of stories... and as is often the case with sequels in movies, sequels in games have a tendency to become repetitive and uninteresting.
All right, there are a lot of scenes to explore and there is a lot to do... so the gameplay is OK... BUT, I hate it when the same HOS get repeated over and over again... AND, I hate it when the same puzzles to open chests or doors come back over and over again, albeit with a very slight variation. After a few times, you get a feeling of: "Here we go again"... and this is where you get bored with the game. It's like playing ball with an intelligent dog... after a few runs, the dog lies down with a look in his eyes of: "OK, we have had this one; what's next?"
And, to beat it all, the dev's didn't even bother to create a new soundtrack for this episode.
So, yes, I will recommend the game, because I cannot say that it is a bad one... but don't expect too much of it, especially not if you have played the previous installments.
I recommend this game!
Save Captain Nemo from the evil Dardell in Nemo’s Secret: Vulcania! After being trapped, it’s up to you and Alice to set Captain Nemo free!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A very enjoyable game
PostedJuly 22, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Nothing really new, I grant you that... but I bought around 400 BF games, and I must admit that it gets quite hard to come by anything really new.
So, in Vulcania, I liked the graphics... They are crisp and sharp, and there is nothing wrong with the colour saturation or contrast. Some of the scenes even approach the beauty of the Myst graphics.
I also liked the storyline... it is amusing and entertaining, certainly enough to keep your interest going.
The puzzles are OK... some are even challenging. On the other hand, I disliked the fact that the same HOS get repeated. Luckily, the hint-system works quite well and comes in quite handy to give you just this little push in the back you need, whenever you get stuck or are at a loss what to do next.
The length of the game also is quite satisfactory. I hate it when you see the game credits appear after a few hours of play. This is not the case with Vulcania. There are lots of scenes to explore and lots of things to do, before you finally get to nail down the vilain of the piece.
Have fun with this one! In any case, it made me want to replay Nemo's secrets: Nautilus.
So, in Vulcania, I liked the graphics... They are crisp and sharp, and there is nothing wrong with the colour saturation or contrast. Some of the scenes even approach the beauty of the Myst graphics.
I also liked the storyline... it is amusing and entertaining, certainly enough to keep your interest going.
The puzzles are OK... some are even challenging. On the other hand, I disliked the fact that the same HOS get repeated. Luckily, the hint-system works quite well and comes in quite handy to give you just this little push in the back you need, whenever you get stuck or are at a loss what to do next.
The length of the game also is quite satisfactory. I hate it when you see the game credits appear after a few hours of play. This is not the case with Vulcania. There are lots of scenes to explore and lots of things to do, before you finally get to nail down the vilain of the piece.
Have fun with this one! In any case, it made me want to replay Nemo's secrets: Nautilus.
I recommend this game!
Black Circle: A Carol Reed Mystery
Help Carol investigate the death of a local resident! Stop a cult before they strike again in Black Circle: A Carol Reed Mystery.
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 25 found this review helpful
Not my cup of tea
PostedJuly 22, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I can't say I like Carol Reed games. I am a photographer, so I like watching photographs, but not in a computer game. There is really nothing to it.
And although the storyline may be interesting, the handtaking really annoys me: "What should I do next? Go see there... or go interview him/her", etc. The worst thing is, that without this taking by the hand, you wouldn't get an inch further in the story. A long time ago, I had bought a Carol Reed mystery and I got so frustrated aimlessly turning around in a kind of warehouse, full of rooms and crammed with so much useless stuff - I even wonder where they found such a place to take pictures off - that after a few fruitless tries, I abandonned the game altogether.
Now, with the notebook, it is possible to finish the game, but you don't get much satisfaction out of it.
I won't say that I do or do not recommend the game, I suppose some folks may like it, but I prefer reading a detective novel.
No more Carol Reed "mysteries" for me.
And although the storyline may be interesting, the handtaking really annoys me: "What should I do next? Go see there... or go interview him/her", etc. The worst thing is, that without this taking by the hand, you wouldn't get an inch further in the story. A long time ago, I had bought a Carol Reed mystery and I got so frustrated aimlessly turning around in a kind of warehouse, full of rooms and crammed with so much useless stuff - I even wonder where they found such a place to take pictures off - that after a few fruitless tries, I abandonned the game altogether.
Now, with the notebook, it is possible to finish the game, but you don't get much satisfaction out of it.
I won't say that I do or do not recommend the game, I suppose some folks may like it, but I prefer reading a detective novel.
No more Carol Reed "mysteries" for me.
Delve deeper into the secret world of a time traveling family trying to fulfill the prophecies in the Book of Oracles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Another hit for the Flux Family!
PostedJuly 15, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the first two installments of the Flux Family, so I was happy to see the arrival of a new episode... and I was not disappointed, not in the least.
Beautiful crisp graphics, a soundtrack which never gets annoying, just the right amount of HOS, lots of puzzles, lots of interactive elements to find... yes, the gameplay definitely has it all. Some of the puzzles may be just too easy, but that's OK. There are plenty of other things to keep your brains occupied.
Another great thing about this game is, that it goes on and on and on. There is practically no end to the different scenes you have to explore. So you really get your money's worth in gaming time. And the storyline is quite funny with the different historical scientists you meet and have to help out in their research.
So, for those among you who haven't done it yet, grab your chance and meet the Flux Family.
Beautiful crisp graphics, a soundtrack which never gets annoying, just the right amount of HOS, lots of puzzles, lots of interactive elements to find... yes, the gameplay definitely has it all. Some of the puzzles may be just too easy, but that's OK. There are plenty of other things to keep your brains occupied.
Another great thing about this game is, that it goes on and on and on. There is practically no end to the different scenes you have to explore. So you really get your money's worth in gaming time. And the storyline is quite funny with the different historical scientists you meet and have to help out in their research.
So, for those among you who haven't done it yet, grab your chance and meet the Flux Family.
I recommend this game!
Save your brother and try to solve the mystery behind the silver screen in Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, a thrilling game set in the 1950's!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE it! ... despite the repetitive HOS
PostedJuly 13, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
At the time when I write this, 111 out of 156 reviewers give this game 5 stars and I can do nothing but be the 112th.
This is a great game, in all respects.
I must admit that I am partial to anything that has this wonderful art deco style of the '30s, so I must love the graphics of this game. The scenes are diverse and manifold with interesting and beautiful details. and for once, I do not really mind the presence of live persons in the scenes.
Moreover, the storyline is very interesting. You gradually get into the story, sleuthing around, surmising, supposing, deducing, ...
The puzzles are interesting; some may be a bit too easy to my liking, but others prove to be more of a challenge. And despite the repetitive HOS, I don't want to be a spoilesport by underevaluating the challenge level of the game.
Actually, I found myself quite happy to be walking around with more than 20 objects in my inventory, trying to figure out to what use I could possibly put them, especially since this game does not have the annoying linearity of most games. And even if you will find some objects in quite unlikely places, there is a certain kind of logic to the whole that makes me have no problem whatsoever with a certain kind of "willing suspension of disbelief".
Yes, this is a very good game indeed, and even if it doesn't equal Syberia, Paradise, Amerzone, Myst, Lighthouse, ... I am willing to promote it to my favourite game at this time.
This is a great game, in all respects.
I must admit that I am partial to anything that has this wonderful art deco style of the '30s, so I must love the graphics of this game. The scenes are diverse and manifold with interesting and beautiful details. and for once, I do not really mind the presence of live persons in the scenes.
Moreover, the storyline is very interesting. You gradually get into the story, sleuthing around, surmising, supposing, deducing, ...
The puzzles are interesting; some may be a bit too easy to my liking, but others prove to be more of a challenge. And despite the repetitive HOS, I don't want to be a spoilesport by underevaluating the challenge level of the game.
Actually, I found myself quite happy to be walking around with more than 20 objects in my inventory, trying to figure out to what use I could possibly put them, especially since this game does not have the annoying linearity of most games. And even if you will find some objects in quite unlikely places, there is a certain kind of logic to the whole that makes me have no problem whatsoever with a certain kind of "willing suspension of disbelief".
Yes, this is a very good game indeed, and even if it doesn't equal Syberia, Paradise, Amerzone, Myst, Lighthouse, ... I am willing to promote it to my favourite game at this time.
I recommend this game!
Help out James Voodoo as he investigates a mysterious attack and goes on an incredible adventure in Voodoo Chronicles: The First Sign!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
A HOAG with many qualities and one major flaw: too many HOS
PostedJuly 13, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a shame! This game has so many qualites:
- beautiful graphics, coming right out of artfully drawn comics - I especially like the art deco scenes.
- beautiful soundtracks: orchestra and big band jazz
- a funny storyline with commentaries and VO's that come right out of an old marlowe-style detective movie
- hints that you have to earn by finding "spies" and by succesfully succeeding puzzles
- beautiful graphics, coming right out of artfully drawn comics - I especially like the art deco scenes.
- beautiful soundtracks: orchestra and big band jazz
- a funny storyline with commentaries and VO's that come right out of an old marlowe-style detective movie
- hints that you have to earn by finding "spies" and by succesfully succeeding puzzles
And then, everything must be spoiled by one HOS after another. Time and time again, you find yourself mindlessly clicking away in the same scene - yes, every HOS is repeated twice - to find an object that you need. It seems that the dev's spent all their inspiration on the good stuff in the game and that none was left to develop the adventure and puzzle side of it... what a shame!
And last but not least, the bonus game of the CE doesn't mount up to much. Just a few scenes with some actions to perform and once again, a lot of HOS, which the game really not worth the price of a CE.
Still, I will recommend the game for its qualities... but those among you who don't like HOS, please be forwarned. And if you buy it, buy the SE.
I recommend this game!
A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford. You must search the city for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping the global epidemic!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Why get ecstatic over this game?
PostedJuly 12, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sorry folks, but I really don't see why you should get ecstatic over this game.
Because you can customize it? OK, that's good; I played with no sparkles, etcetera, etcetera... but in the end, what's the big deal? The whole game is so linear that you can't go wrong, never, sprakles or no sparkles. All the objects are to be found within arm's reach... and in the most unlikely places at that. And if you need to dig something up, be sure to find a big, very big X marking the spot.
I have a fair amount of "willing suspension of disbelief" when it comes to playing casual games, but this one really beats them all.
OK, I very much liked the iHOS... they were really good in the main game, but... absolutely absent in the bonus game. Moreover, talking about the bonus game, the dev's use exactly the same scenes and throw in some new objects. So, nothing much to get excited about in the bonus game.
And, to top it all... the game was way, way, way too short for a CE.
At best, I would give this game, including the bonus chapter, a SE... which would more or less be fair for the customer.
No, even if I spent a few agreeable hours, playing this one, I cannot recommend it, certainly not as a CE.
Anyway, in this parade of ecstatic comments about this game, my voice will be lost like that of he who shouts in a desert. But that's OK, I have had my say. LOL
Because you can customize it? OK, that's good; I played with no sparkles, etcetera, etcetera... but in the end, what's the big deal? The whole game is so linear that you can't go wrong, never, sprakles or no sparkles. All the objects are to be found within arm's reach... and in the most unlikely places at that. And if you need to dig something up, be sure to find a big, very big X marking the spot.
I have a fair amount of "willing suspension of disbelief" when it comes to playing casual games, but this one really beats them all.
OK, I very much liked the iHOS... they were really good in the main game, but... absolutely absent in the bonus game. Moreover, talking about the bonus game, the dev's use exactly the same scenes and throw in some new objects. So, nothing much to get excited about in the bonus game.
And, to top it all... the game was way, way, way too short for a CE.
At best, I would give this game, including the bonus chapter, a SE... which would more or less be fair for the customer.
No, even if I spent a few agreeable hours, playing this one, I cannot recommend it, certainly not as a CE.
Anyway, in this parade of ecstatic comments about this game, my voice will be lost like that of he who shouts in a desert. But that's OK, I have had my say. LOL
I recommend this game!
Save the besieged alpine village of Martlet and rescue its residents from the mysterious living statues in this exciting Hidden Object Adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A good game indeed, but too short to my liking
PostedJuly 11, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The storyline of this game is really good, the graphics are gorgeous, the soundtrack never annoys, some of the puzzles are really tough - although others are too easy.
At certain moments, the dev's burden the player with too many HOS one after another, which I really don't like. To me, this feels like a lack of inspiration. The HOS themselves contain sometimes objects that are really too hard to find. On the other hand, it must be said that the HOS are no junkpiles and that the hint button charges quite quickly, even in expert mode.
A very positive and handy thing is the map, which not only shows you where you can execute a task, but also takes you there, or anywhere you wish to go to for that matter.
All in all, this is a very good game. I only regret that it is rather short. And this is even more true for the bonus game which took me only half an hour to finish.
I intend to replay the game just for the fun of it and to choose a different ending to see what will happen then.
At certain moments, the dev's burden the player with too many HOS one after another, which I really don't like. To me, this feels like a lack of inspiration. The HOS themselves contain sometimes objects that are really too hard to find. On the other hand, it must be said that the HOS are no junkpiles and that the hint button charges quite quickly, even in expert mode.
A very positive and handy thing is the map, which not only shows you where you can execute a task, but also takes you there, or anywhere you wish to go to for that matter.
All in all, this is a very good game. I only regret that it is rather short. And this is even more true for the bonus game which took me only half an hour to finish.
I intend to replay the game just for the fun of it and to choose a different ending to see what will happen then.
I recommend this game!
After your student goes missing alongside several other children, it is up to you to solve the mystery of Everlake.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
A good game with ups and downs
PostedJuly 11, 2012
Lao_Zi
fromOstend, Belgium
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I found this to be quite a good game, but with ups and downs.
Likes: the storyline, the graphics, the music and sound effects, the length (it took me 11 hours to finish the main game and the bonus game), some of the puzzles were very challenging; the HOS weren't junkpiles and always had soms interactive elements in them.
Dislikes: at certain moments in the game, there were just too many consecutive HOS; some of the puzzles really were way too easy ...
So, all in all, I would say that this is quite a good and interesting game, despite some flaws.
Likes: the storyline, the graphics, the music and sound effects, the length (it took me 11 hours to finish the main game and the bonus game), some of the puzzles were very challenging; the HOS weren't junkpiles and always had soms interactive elements in them.
Dislikes: at certain moments in the game, there were just too many consecutive HOS; some of the puzzles really were way too easy ...
So, all in all, I would say that this is quite a good and interesting game, despite some flaws.
I recommend this game!