vonstallog's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,710
- Reviews Submitted:35
- First Review:December 4, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 2, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Glyph 2
Harness and unleash the mysterious power of ancient glyphs to save the dying world of Kuros in this mysterious Action adventure game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Action Packed
PostedDecember 15, 2011
vonstallog
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Both my husband and I had played Glyph in the past, so we thought to give this one a try, as well. The beautiful graphics and exploding sounds are very high-end quality. This game has two equally fun parts to it, action and many adventure levels, so there's lots of game play. My husband likes the action and I play the adventure, which is nice to have this option. I'm actually only half ways thru it and not bored with it. Can't wait too see the ending, if I can finish it! I've already lost many lives. LOL! Both are timed, so you have to be on your toes!
This match game isn't like the many other ones out there, that you can get bored with really quick. It actually reminds me more of arcade fun-filled action, than anything else. This is not for those that like to relax while sipping on their favorite beverage, just to kill some time.
There's only one down fall to this whole game, is the mini-bonus game in adventure mode. Even if you make large traces (thanks to advice in the forums) it still doesn't always work. This bonus game was in the original and seems to work in the same manner for both games. This is why I gave the lower rating for the visual/sound quality. Otherwise, it's excellent! And, I miss the simon-says mini-game in Glyph 2. I'd actually prefer this over the tracing symbols game.
I recommend this game!
Strange Cases: The Tarot Card Mystery
FBI Agent Claire Ellery must follow the tarot cards left by an anonymous source to solve this sinister and bizarre case.
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 35 found this review helpful
Strange Cases Indeed
PostedDecember 15, 2011
vonstallog
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I purchased the Tarot Card and LightHouse Mystery games together in a dual pack by Big Fish. I'm glad they came this way and would like to see more games offered this way.
I played the LightHouse game first and I have to say that it was somewhat better then the Tarot Card. The story was easy to follow in both, but you could relate more with the LightHouse game plot and it seemed like they advanced the game more. Both games seem to last about the same time and have similiar amount of mystery, mini-games, and hidden objects. There was audio voices that spoke to you in LightHouse, that Tarot Card didn't have. I prefer the audio storyline, than for me to read. LightHouse had a better ending, Tarot Card was alright, but I expected more. Maybe it's because I didn't want the game to end. LOL!
I won't spoil the story, but you can tell by the Tarot Card title that it will have something related to this. Some people may take offense to the spiritual (evil) part of these games, so buyer you are now warned.
I rated fun, quality, and challenge on the average-middle side because this game wasn't really a high-end HOG like I've seen, but it wasn't the lower end either, were all you do is hidden objects and super easy mini-games. For the advanced gamer this would probably be extremely easy for them. I personally felt it had some challenge, but the helps and tips throughout the game, and the option to skip the mini-games, makes it easier to finish.
This has a nice relaxing mode to it, which is always nice. It doesn't keep score or any time. There's a pet-peeve of mine that I don't care for, which is the flashlight and/or dark scenes in a game. Both LightHouse and Tarot Card had a small amount of this in it. Otherwise, the rest of the scenes are well seen.
One nice change up with the hidden objects in both of these games, are that they give you text words, shapes, and cut-up pieces to find. The audio is fine, giving you options, but it does get annoying with the same phone ringing in the background throughout several scenes. So, I turned it off completely.
I'd still recommend this game, it's an enjoyable relaxing mystery game, but you may want to try it first. I guess I'm spoiled on MCF's high-end HOG games!
I recommend this game!
Big City Adventure: Sydney, Australia
Search for cleverly hidden items around the amazing city of Sydney. Head down under and join the next Big City Adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
107 of 120 found this review helpful
Lots of Levels
PostedDecember 15, 2011
vonstallog
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I've played Big City Adventure games in trial versions and always enjoyed them, so I decided to purchase this one for the family.
My husband loves more hidden objects gameplay, than the actual mystery solving type HOG, so this was perfect for him! He's not able to do those complex puzzles, which this game doesn't have. The mini-games are simple enough for him to do and keeps his interest, even though they are repeatative after awhile. The mini-games can also be skipped later on the more you advance. My husband has memory issues, so this is really good for him and he enjoys it!
The sound effects and visual quality are average. It's not high-end like most HOG's, but still descent enough for game play enjoyment. Visuals are well seen, no dark scenes. Audio options can be turned off. They do have relaxed mode, which makes it a nice game for killing time! They do keep score, so you can compete with someone or yourself, if you like.
The best part of BCA games are the amount of levels they offer. The game seems to keep going and going! It's one for the entire family to enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Strange Cases - The Lighthouse Mystery
Clair's partner has turned up dead, and police claim it was a suicide. Discover the truth in this fun Collector's Edition!
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 20 found this review helpful
Relaxing Game
PostedDecember 14, 2011
vonstallog
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I'm a fan of MCF, but thought I'd try something different. This had a descent storyline, and was enjoyable, but doesn't completely measure up to MCF's quality game play experience. I guess they spoiled me!
If you like relax mode, easier puzzles that give a chance to skip and give clues, and more hidden objects than actual crime solving, this game is just that. Even though it does have a crime plot to it. I can see this game for a nice relaxing time for someone. It isn't high-pressured or difficult. I'm sure the advanced player could zip right through it rather quickly.
This has good background sound effects, but can't say much for the music, since I turned it off, like I usually do. Does have a somewhat interesting ending, if you're into the story, more than the game itself. You do have the option of skipping the story, if you like. Also, nice graphics, better then some HOG games, but not like the higher quality ones, I've seen.
I got this in a dual-pack Big Fish offered and glad I purchased it this way, instead of the full price. I'd recommend waiting to get this one at a discount. However, it was enjoyable while it lasted, which seemed to end rather quickly, too me.
I recommend this game!
Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove
A recently unearthed artifact proves a dark legend to be true! Follow the trail of a group of missing graduate students.
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 25 found this review helpful
Thrilling Adventure!
PostedDecember 4, 2011
vonstallog
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Gorgeous graphics, video, and audio that seem to run smoothly, no glitches. Glad the scenes are bright, easy to see, no dark sequences. Interesting storyline and helpful guide for solving the puzzles. Kept me playing for several hours and wanting more when it ended. Enjoyed the challenge, even though I had to retry several times to finally solve them. Grateful for the relaxed mode for this reason. Thrilling ending! MCF didn't disappoint and I highly recommend this one.
I recommend this game!