SassyShark's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:5
- Helpful Votes:179
- Reviews Submitted:8
- First Review:December 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:January 27, 2012
- Featured reviews0
SassyShark's Review History
After Sara inherits a home, she discovers that a restless spirit can speak to her! Help her sooth Emily’s soul in Haunted Past: Realm of Ghosts!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 29 found this review helpful
Good, but it took me only 3 hours total!!!
PostedJanuary 27, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
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5
This was good and graphically it reminded me of the first “Princess Isabella,” but it just didn’t last that long. It was over fairly quickly even for a standard edition game. It did make me wish that I had gotten the Collector’s Edition when it was deeply discounted. The graphics were really good. There were some clever things like hiding objects in the ghost realm and using them in the real world. That made it interesting. But it was disappointing that you really didn’t get a chance to spend that much time in each area. The ghost realm was beautiful and lush while the present day was dark and decayed. Similar to “Princess Isabella.” But it all just went by so fast. The overall game mechanics and concept had potential, but they just didn’t expand on it enough. I don’t think you should have to buy the Collector’s Edition to get the developer’s full vision for the game. The Standard Edition should be a finished concept. And I’m not suggesting that this game isn’t finished, but I used a free game coupon. I would have been upset had I paid $6.99 for only 3 hours!!! Even the average time management game lasts longer. However, it was still worth playing. I did really like it. But it left me wanting A LOT more!!!! So, I wish I could write something more thoughtful and had more to say, but there’s just not a whole lot of game to play in the Standard Edition.
I recommend this game!
After being summoned to a mysterious manor, you must unravel the story of an ancient evil and discover your destiny before it’s too late!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Big things do come in small packages!!!
PostedJanuary 27, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
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5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This game is an excellent follow-up to " A Gypsy's Tale: Tower of Secrets." It's even better. Amaranth, after only 2 hidden object/adventure games, has proven that they know the genre better than most of the regulars. They’ve gotten right in 2 games what the others still can’t get right a dozen games later.
One of the things they carried over from their previous game is the map. You can travel to the different locations by clicking on the pictures on the map. Why other developers haven’t co-signed on this is rather peculiar. There are 6 main chapters and a 7th bonus chapter. The main game took me 4 1/2 hours and the bonus another hour. So about 5 /12 hours for me on the easiest level. For me, it was a good length. But someone else said it in another review, that’s it’s absolutely amazing what they squeezed into 124.82 MB. It just makes all the other hidden object games seem embarrassingly bloated. They say BIG things come in small packages and this is the perfect example.
One thing that I liked is that each chapter is like a different vignette with a unique environment that is made up of 4 mapped locations plus there are hidden object search scenes. In the Collector’s Edition, there’s a total of 28 locations that are accessible on the map and they’re grouped per chapter. So I enjoyed traveling to a different setting. It kept the game interesting. The graphics were bright and colorful. Further proof that a haunted house doesn’t have to equal colorless and dreary.
The bonus gameplay is integrated throughout the game in that you need keys to unlock certain things including the bonus chapter. Some people have said there isn’t a bonus section, but as I recall you need a key to unlock the area for the last chapter. However, it is a curious setup because there wasn’t a real ending until you completed the 7th chapter. So I’m not sure what the ending for the Standard Edition will be. But if they include the 7th chapter in the Standard Edition, then I’m not sure about the logic of it being a “Collector’s Edition.” That will be interesting.
The only real downside is the title, the “Thief of Souls” part. It alludes to a more “dark theme” when overall it’s fairly lighthearted atmospherically including the content. It’s not really as dramatic as it sounds. “Grim has lured you to the house to steal your soul”….and that’s about it!!! One spooky face in the end. I almost didn’t try the game because of the title even though it was Amaranth and I loved their previous game. The whole strategy guide is available during the demo which is what sold me on the game. I could look through each chapter and view the content and see that it was rather tame. But Overall, this is one of the better hidden object/adventure games that I’ve seen in any form. I’m looking forward to their third attempt.
I recommend this game!
James and Grace Anderson take a vacation from their antiques business, only to find themselves the new owners of another shop!
Overall rating
5
/
5
97 of 106 found this review helpful
Refreshing!!!
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
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5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
One word to describe “Antique Road Trip 2” is…refreshing!!! This is a nice change from Boomzap’s other two series “Dana Knightstone” and “Awakening.” It reminds me more of the “Big City Adventure” or “Mystery P.I.” games, but not as long. But I like the addition of buying the antiques for the store and the cute little dog. I also like the idea of a search scene within a search scene. What is nice about this game is that there are several other smaller hidden search scenes within the larger one. That keeps it interesting.
The only drawback to me is that there aren’t those many locations to search. It’s more like a short “Antique Road Trip.” It would have been nice if the game had covered more states. There were several locations in each state, but not really enough to sink your teeth into. Other games have used the idea of a road trip, but the locations in this are fairly flat and lack the depth that you’re used to in the other Boomzap games. If they put this on the same level as their other games, then it might be more interesting. If there were more antiques to buy and the shop was larger, then it could have stood out more. I don’t mind the simple approach, but the locations could be more robust.
Overall, I would recommend it if you enjoy a more straightforward hidden object game. I enjoyed it. I just wish there was a little more to it.
I recommend this game!
A missing girl has been lured away by evil music! Stop the young prodigy and save everyone from the evil Maestro!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 22 found this review helpful
Entertaining!!!
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I didn’t play the first “Maestro” game, but I enjoyed this nonetheless. As usually, the animated characters and voice acting were amusing. I always get a good laugh. I look forward to ERS’ quirky and bizarre characters now.
The main game for me was about 5 hours and I played on the easy mode. The bonus section lasted about an hour. I did have to use the strategy guide and the hint button. So, I guess it just depends on how you play personally. I tend to be slower at hidden object games compared to others. But I still thought it was a good length. The graphics were good and I enjoyed the game overall. I liked the story and the music theme.
But I don’t think buying it as a Collector’s Edition is necessary. However, I will mention that the screenshots on the game page are exclusively for the Collector’s Edition. The main game does have an ending. The bonus section was longer than average and sets up the third in the series, but it’s not urgent. I don’t buy those many Collector’s Editions. I try to save it for the really good ones. But I don’t regret my purchase. It was a good game and I’m looking forward to the third one.
I recommend this game!
Re-enter the enchanted world of Drawn in the highly anticipated third installment of the cinematic series!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Very Good...But Short!!!
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I’ve played all of the “Drawn Games” and the only real true drawback is that they’re aggravatingly short. I’ve felt that from the first game that if you combined all 3 that it would have been a masterpiece. After I’m done I always end up wanting more. That being said, this is a good Standard Edition game. But compared to the length of some others, it’s perplexing as to why they haven’t put more length into the game.
“Drawn: Trail of Shadows” is different from the first 2. It’s both a plus and a minus. I do miss the “World of Drawn” that was created in the first 2 games. However, I loved the pop-up books in this one. The graphics were very bright and colorful. I thought it was a lot of fun. There was a lot to do. But this whole game kind of felt like it belonged in one of the other games. It was very good, but it seemed somewhat isolated in its attempt.
If you’ve played the other 2, then I think it’s definitely worth playing this one.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Long and Thorough
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This series is truly ERS at the top of their game. I’ve played all of the games in the “Dark Tales: Edgar Allen Poe” series and they have been fantastic. For a Standard Edition, this game is long and thorough. Everything feels complete and thoughtful. The graphics are good and there are a lot of locations to visit. Just when I thought the game was ending it kept going. You truly get more for your money with this series. If you’ve played the others, then you don’t want to miss this one.
Some people don’t like the odd animated characters, but I think it’s rather humorous along with the voice acting which is fine. The characters in their games are always entertaining. I was able to do the majority of the game without the walkthrough, but I did have to check a couple of times. I did use hints for the hidden object scenes.
I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I just wish that all of the ERS games were this rigorous.
I recommend this game!
Journey across Italy as best-selling novelist Dana Knightstone in Death Under Tuscan Skies: A Dana Knightstone Novel!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 31 found this review helpful
Great follow-up to "Death at Fairing Point"
PostedDecember 16, 2011
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Boomzap continues to grow and improve. This game, once again, proves that it's not just about the "Awakening" series. I absolutely loved "Death at Fairing Point." It reminded me of the "Murder She Wrote" game. But it was such an overlooked game and I feel the same way about "Death Under Tuscan Skies."
While I enjoy Boomzap's "Awakening" series, the real reward in my eyes comes from the "Dana Knightstone" series. The story for this series is far superior and the overall attention to detail. The graphics are far better...just beautiful, colorful, and lush. Everything is just presented better in this series, in my opinion. So I'm sad that it doesn't really get the attention it rightfully deserves.
I haven't played the bonus section yet, but perhaps that's my only disappointment with this Collector's Edition. Instead of sticking with their bright and refreshing graphics, they went the "dark and eerie" route with the bonus chapter. Just based on the strategy guide, the epilogue chapter for "Death at Fairing Point" was better. So I would actually recommend buying the standard edition unless you really wanted the strategy guide and don't mind a real tone shift in the graphics.
In the end, I think "Death Under Tuscan Skies" is a better game than its predecessors. I hope they continue with this series and make a third. But it's too bad that not even the screenshots on the game page showcase the true beauty and elegance of the game.
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
1 of 1 found this review helpful
At the top of their game!!!
PostedDecember 16, 2011
SassyShark
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Blue Tea continues to prove that they're in a league of their own when it comes to hidden object/adventure games.
The graphics were suburb, once again...absolutely stunning. I can't really state how well they visually captured the mood and atmosphere. It was spectacular. The sound, the cutscenes with animations were terrific. I loved the story. I like the fragmented objects as someone else said because they form an item that you use. I think they've made the best use of this objective.
I haven't started the bonus section, but I'm glad it's a real bonus name and not something just thrown together at the end. The strategy guide was very good and helpful and I had to use it to make sure I got all of the morphing objects and parables. I played on the easiest level and that was fine for me. I always play on that level despite my experience.
I thought the Collector's Edition was worth it in this case. My only disappointment is that it's all over. This developer, so far, has gone way above and beyond the requirements. I look forward to more games from them. I hope they continue the outstanding work. Great job!!!
I recommend this game!