wildgym's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:310
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:February 2, 2012
- Most Recent Review:February 6, 2014
- Featured reviews0
Stop the disaster caused by the Sky Kingdom and save the day!
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 44 found this review helpful
Dark Parables: The Sky Kingdom [CE]
PostedFebruary 6, 2014
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Large File, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[Fee Fie Foe Fum; Another "Parable," here it Come!]
My first purchase from Blue Tea Games was the iconic "Dark Parables: The Curse of the Rose." Since purchasing that game, I've become a devoted follower of Blue Tea, all of the Dark Parables, and every other game they've made. I have not been disappointed in any of the games that I've bought.
Dark Parables itself is a fascinating series, remixing fairy tales and fairy tale characters, each story related to the previous AND the next game. Collecting all the Dark Parable Games makes a far larger, much broader story. For example - The sister of Aurora from the first game is Princess Ivy, who is one of the six wives of the Frog Prince, [game two] and another wife of the Frog Prince was Snow White [game three]... and continues to make a pattern through and through. I'm so excited to play this game for its own sake, and for finding out how this game is connected to the others!
If you are thinking about getting this game as your first Dark Parable, I would think about getting Dark Parables: The Curse of the Rose or Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince, so you can live the games through how they were meant to be experienced.
I recommend this game!
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Nevertales [CE]
PostedOctober 24, 2013
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[it's only the best thing ever]
I've had good luck with Mad Head Games before - I purchased their Collector's Edition of their "Best in Show" adventure, and found it utterly satisfying. A lengthy game, nothing was obvious and the locations were both beautifully drawn and interesting. The characters were all well-made and well written, and the extra chapter was just the thing to finish it off.
So it's no surprise that I instantly fell in love with Mad Head's newest feature : Nevertales. We begin on a dark night, following an old man as he ducks in and out of the shadows, finally focusing on a house front. We as theplayer are a successful defense lawyer, and, having just finished her last case, is ready to settle down a read a good book when she hears pounding on her door - and opens it to find an adorable baby left on her doorstep with a torn note saying, "BRING HER HOME!"
Thus begins a fast-paced, imaginative and extremely well-mechanized story that takes us to a mysterious castle. What's happened to this baby's family? Who [or what?] is the man lurking around the house, at the same time warning us from him and asking for the baby? Just what is this fairy-tale-esque castle full of, and who is that strange shaman-woman who claims to have come from a portal, searching for a thief?
Originally composed music and beautiful illustrations, complete with voice-overs from a dream fill this action-packed game. There are roses to find in each scene, and extra chapter, and what are called "Hidden Chapters," locked and waiting for you to complete the main game.
If you can afford it, or even if you only get one once in a very great while, I recommend getting this Collector's Edition. Based off my experience with this company in the past, it'll be well worth it.
Buy this game if you love fairy-tales gone wrong, if you love challenging mini-games, and HOs that have a higher purpose. Also, if you love fast-paced adventures, and inventory that you need to actually think about, I recommend this game.
I highly recommend "Nevertales," and recommend getting this Collector's Edition as well.
I recommend this game!
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
Mystery Case Files : Dire Grove
PostedDecember 11, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[Superlative.]
I come back to review this game after many sequels to the Mystery Case Files games, and I must say that everything that went into the making of this game has made it perfect.
I come back to review this game after many sequels to the Mystery Case Files games, and I must say that everything that went into the making of this game has made it perfect.
I remember first buying and playing this game however long ago it came out. Back then, I was I was just starting to get out of carrying a pillow to horror films so I could cover my face. ['Twas "Supernatural" that ultimately made me get over myself] But I was Spooked with a capitol S as I made my way through this game.
From everything that came before Dire Grove, my expectations were somewhat minimal. After Dire Grove, my whole lookout on gaming changed. I started realizing that there could be more to a game than 2D characters and reading dialogue. I began to expect more from the MCF games, and expect more from this site.
While the site has been faithfully delivering a hit every so often, I can't say that of MCF. The Ravenhearst games were so complicated that I had to look at walkthroughs to even think about finishing them. They made me feel quite dumb, while Dire Grove made me feel truly engaged, Truly finding things out at just the last moment. REALLY saving the world in the nick of time.
I hope that this game does not [as has been the trend] become the one magnificent jewel of the MCF series. I want that sense of adventurism back. That sense of true interactivity.
If you haven't figured it out, I more than recommend this game to every person who ever has contemplated the thought to plan to come to a website like this and buy this game.
I not only recommend this game, I DEMAND that it be in the Gaming Library of each member here.
In my unique position of looking back and the development of MCF games, I find myself able to look 'forward' and say, with 20/20 hindsight, should MCF have stopped here?
I can only hope that someone will recreate what this game had. Until then, I will keep replaying it faithfully, but with more and more bitter-sweetness, wondering if there will ever be a game to rival this one.
I recommend this game!
Olivia has been kidnapped by the mysterious Lonely Hearts Killer who murders those suffering from a shattered love. Save her!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 15 found this review helpful
Brink of Conciousness: The Lonely Hearts Killer [CE]
PostedNovember 19, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[history made mystery]
There have been many "Lonely Hearts Killers" in history. But in this game, the setting is moved to nineteenth century England, where both women and men are being kidnapped, and appear thirty days later, freshly killed and displayed like props. The Killer left his mark on his victims - a single yellow lotus.
But it seems that the Lonely Hearts Killer has been very busy lately, and there are strange disappearances, but only among the upper class.
You play Owen, the elderly father of Olivia, who has been missing for twenty-four hours. Writing to an old friend who is now an inspector, he comes to your aid and together you search for both Olivia and the Killer. It would seem that everyone's a suspect - and that there may be more than one killer...
As you find your way through the dark streets, you encounter characters to talk with, and gaze on the dead bodies themselves. This is certainly a seek and find game; if you can't get in, find another way.
Hope begins to dwindle... although Owen has a month to find Olivia, we seek and find with him, trying to remember where and when to put things together. You must have a good memory - there are secrets all over the place and the only way you'll get to them is if you think logically.
The interactive map is an added bonus, although you can't click on a location and be "poofed" there, the map
is still a fabulous tool.
is still a fabulous tool.
Everyone has a voice-over, and they're entirely appropriate. There are no skipping voices, the quality of the visuals and sounds, style and interaction are above reproach.
If you like this game, be sure to pick up its predecessor - Brink of Consciousness: The Dorian Gray Syndrome.
I rarely buy collector's editions, but I wished I had when I bought Dorian Grey Syndrome, so I'm doing the right thing this time and getting my paws on all that sweet extra stuff. :D
I hugely recommend this game to anyone who likes solving mysteries, who likes clever and intelligent games, and who likes magnificently set scenes, whoever likes a little bit of creep with their games.
Bravo for MagicIndie! This game is its second, and is certainly twice as nice.
I recommend this game!
Save the realms of Sylia in this exciting adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 51 found this review helpful
Sylia, Act 1
PostedSeptember 23, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[it's the cat's meow!]
What troubles me, as I write, is that if you've not ever been exposed to an RPG [Role-Playing Game], it's not likely that you'll find this review.
But if I could convert players from any type of gaming to anything else, it would be an RPG. It's true, there's not the up-to-date animation, but more and more have original soundtracks. Basically, the mechanics are simple, and, once known, are very easy to remember.
The player uses arrow buttons to move the character around, "Enter" or "Space" to investigate something, and "Esc" to find the Main Menu. You can upgrade armor, find specially made crowns, find better swords... all for a price. Every "civilization" you come to will have an Inn [where you can rest and regain your HP [heart points/power] and your MP [mana (magic) points/power.] You can climb levels quickly or spend your time exploring... There is a main quest, and hundreds of "side quests," a lot of favor trades, original conversations... [/rant]
So - Introduction. Four very powerful Priestess/Warrior/Knight/Magic User have been rescuing their planet from the threat of Aliens, whose leader is a Witch named "Lady Godiva." Yes, I know. The name isn't so original. The team tries valiantly but could not beat her, and so Lady Godiva turns all the humans on the planet to stone.
Which introduces your two main characters, Katie, the cat, and Nestor, the dog. Realizing what has happened, they set out to defeat Lady Godiva because wouldn't it be cool for animals to save the world for once?
If you're a veteran of RPG, you'll already know that the traveling space is vast and there are millions of cracks in the wall to investigate, magical things to be sought, and miniature quests to go on.
These games usually take hours and hours and hours. In this way, they are much more fun than your standard three to five hour game that has only one goal.
As I said, I wish that other gamers would try a ride on the RPG train, it's LOTS of fun, even though it requires your brain to work much harder.
I'll be getting this as soon as next month rolls around and I'll have money to buy games again!
I recommend this game!
Embark on a thrilling rescue mission in the Town of the Cyclops!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 39 found this review helpful
Margrave: The Blacksmith's Daughter CE
PostedSeptember 16, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[oh my gawd, can I give it ten stars?]
The Margrave series started out slow with a very long and sometimes tedious Secret at Margrave Mansion, an HO to end all HOs, slowly collecting parts to a locked door while time whittled away and you wondered why you bought the game in the first place.
The second Margrave Mystery took place on a boat. It strived to be better than the animation limits of the time, and we all know what happens to those games.
Margrave Three was intriguing, mysterious and beautiful.
And with this fourth addition, I've almost forgotten all the rooms I searched and re-searched back in number one.
The animation is top-notch, the music strums with a Celtic touch, and the voice animation is both on-time and enormously appropriate. I found myself surrounded by voices from the North of the British Isles. The idea is soundly original: Edwina and her boyfriend come to the Island of Cyclops to find a town that only appears once every three hundred years to the "real world," given a blessing that keeps the beautiful grounds from the ruin and extortion of modern day's eco-threats.
The animation doesn't use real people as they did in Margrave Three, but they draw so beautifully that the effect is of an extremely good sketch artist who has colored his work perfectly.
The world you explore is both decadent and ruinous, a "be careful where you step" paradise. You chat with the citizens of the kingdom as heads on the walls, and use your runes and dream cards to awaken them from their slumbers. A touch of stillness permeates the atmosphere - almost as if Sleeping Beauty's spell has stretched over to this island.
This is a definite MUST GET for anyone who enjoys investigative work through glamorous settings, anyone who loves the game both for its entertainment and for itself. There are recipes to be made, stone heads to please, all through a shimmer of fairy dust.
Based on Margrave Three, "The Blacksmith's Daughter" will be long and full, with twists and turns that equal a place you won't want to leave.
I recommend this game!
The entire world is in danger! Join Seraphine in this amazing adventure and save the world from its doom.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Lost Inca Prophecy 2: The Hollow Island
PostedAugust 24, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Cake Mania 3
(14)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
[Fast-Paced, Heart-Pounding, Three-Matchin']
The user plays young woman Seraphine, who is a researcher in the field of geology - she's noticing strange things. For example, sometimes during the day, it will go dark. All the dormant volcanoes suddenly burst to life. Her mentor says that these signs mean the Earth will be soon tipping off its access, our gravitational pull is failing, and if something isn't done soon, we'll all go hurling into space.
Seraphine flies to Lost Incan lands, where her plane crashes after the earth's magnetic field does a whoopsy-daisy.
Here, at the crash site, a ghostly voice speaks to her. "Solve the puzzles! My contemporaries built them for you... you shall find what you seek while you complete the puzzles and so on and so forth."
And so we begin.
The sound effects and music are top of the line, first off. A few games don't really get that jungle-y beat down, it's part drums and part animal and if you're doing it right, then the heartbeat should be pounding along with the percussion.
The puzzles turn out to be a mix between Match Three and a maze... you want to match over green, specially picked out tiles. Once you've solved eighty percent of it, you have to find the exit. The whole puzzle is too big for the screen, so sometimes it does take a while, trying to maneuver the playboard just to exactly the right place.
Usually I'm not really into most Match 3 games, but the atmosphere really helped it go along for me. From what I could make out, there were twelve chapters, like "Chapter One: The Plane Crash. You first switch picture plates to complete "the image of the chapter," and then come twelve different levels of the Match 3, before you win your way to the next level.
I've gotta say though, I did stop feeling the time go by, and my hour was over much too quickly.
While I won't be buying this game, I recommend it highly to Match 3 lovers, or even players who are just interested in trying a Match 3 game.
I recommend this game!
Start building your very own amusement park in Dream Builder: Amusement Park! Grow the park by adding the coolest new rides, the yummiest concession stands and the most entertaining attractions.
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 13 found this review helpful
Dream Builder: Amusement Park
PostedAugust 20, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
[Bright, fun, carefree, and imaginative!]
This time management game just sparkles over with its playful attitude, as you play the Owner of a brand-new amusement park! Give your park a clever name, and off you go!
First, build buildings. Next, research blueprints. Do marketing for a variety of customers, place concessions, and even design the landscape! You ultimate goal as Owner is to create the most fun, profitable, variety-driven Amusement Park in the WORLD, with four locations.
There isn't a lot of logic here, but as you progress you do need to think about more and more things. Certain park rides do NOT mix well - like a noisy bouncy-house next to ride or seminar for adults. Some buildings are very bright, some are dark. See what attracts who, and who avoids what to make sure your Park stays fun and appealing!
No storyline applicable, except to make sure your park keeps growing. This game is smooth and easy, [a little too easy for my taste] but would fit well in anybody's game list who doesn't really want to have to concentrate, or just wants something uncomplicated to play. Kids would definitely adore this game. :D
Not a buy for me, but very easily a perfect game for the right age-group.
Remember : If you build it, they will come, and they'll have lots of fun!
I recommend this game!
An old woman tricks Melissa into wearing a cursed ring that makes her go into an everlasting sleep. Use magical potions and spells to save her from the curse!
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 24 found this review helpful
Tales of Sorrow: Strawsbrough Town.
PostedAugust 20, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
[Three Strikes, You're OUT!!"]
I'm just going to put this very shortly and very simply.
As I play the Demo as Alfred, husband of Melissa, with whom we've just totally experienced to the opposite of story-telling [i.e., do something good for a stranger, stranger turns out to be fairy godmother/celebrity/good friend-to be/fairy helper/generally a positive thing] Melissa gets a bright shiny new ring only to start sleeping in a spell that will make her die from sleep, or some-such thing. Husband Alfred sets out to find the women they've just fed a nice warm meal to, to get her to come back and just follow the rules of the darn story.
As I play the Demo as Alfred, husband of Melissa, with whom we've just totally experienced to the opposite of story-telling [i.e., do something good for a stranger, stranger turns out to be fairy godmother/celebrity/good friend-to be/fairy helper/generally a positive thing] Melissa gets a bright shiny new ring only to start sleeping in a spell that will make her die from sleep, or some-such thing. Husband Alfred sets out to find the women they've just fed a nice warm meal to, to get her to come back and just follow the rules of the darn story.
Strike One : No Flexibility.
Player is allowed to follow narrow path and must do one thing after the other after the other.
In order to open the lock that I as a person can see, I have to make Alfred realize it's a lock by clicking on it and watch his thought bubble say, "That's a lock!" But before that we have to get the owner of the lock to talk about the lock so we can gather things for the lock.
Player is allowed to follow narrow path and must do one thing after the other after the other.
In order to open the lock that I as a person can see, I have to make Alfred realize it's a lock by clicking on it and watch his thought bubble say, "That's a lock!" But before that we have to get the owner of the lock to talk about the lock so we can gather things for the lock.
Strike Two : Forced Interaction
So I go and talk to the clown and he says the ever-familiar "Give me this and I'll give you the very thing you're looking for!" There's only one thing you can do. You can't search, you can't explore, you're stuck in your rut and can only go backward or forward.
So I go and talk to the clown and he says the ever-familiar "Give me this and I'll give you the very thing you're looking for!" There's only one thing you can do. You can't search, you can't explore, you're stuck in your rut and can only go backward or forward.
Strike Three : Pure, Unadulterated Unoriginality.
The Hidden object scenes are a great example of this. Once I enter the scene and just skim the list of objects, I know exactly which object I'm going to get out of this little search and exactly where I'm going to go next to use it. There's no creative sparkle, no three-dimensional characters, even the art seems boring after a five minute examination
The Hidden object scenes are a great example of this. Once I enter the scene and just skim the list of objects, I know exactly which object I'm going to get out of this little search and exactly where I'm going to go next to use it. There's no creative sparkle, no three-dimensional characters, even the art seems boring after a five minute examination
I'm seeing reviews that say "Why Not?" Well, let me answer. If you're not genuinely excited by the end of the Demo, it's likely you shouldn't buy the game.
I don't recommend this game.
Experience the birth of the terror that gripped the island of Tormente! Every story has a beginning, but few are as horrifying as this!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Twisted Lands: Origin
PostedAugust 18, 2012
wildgym
fromNebraska
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Brain Teaser, Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Dracula Origin
(49)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
[Recommended to players with previous "Twisted Land" experience]
... And so we return a third time to the island of Tormente, this time, living the origin story. It's a complicated story, which fits the complicated layout of the game, with lots of "scenic routes" and scenes to remember. Does the key fit here, there, or over there? The valve is broken, how else can I stop the gas? What's with those statues and why can't I get in that as soon as I want?
Playing a Detective who is hired by a worried mother who hasn't seen her daughter in years, you slowly roam over the island, searching for clues and wondering - if you have completed the first two Twisted Lands games - why there are still people on the island? They know something's different, but so, of course, do we.
It's that curiosity of the player that wonders... what's it going to take for all this to go wrong? that drives the player first, but sure enough, something is rotten in the state of Denmark, and the first few signs were disturbing enough to make me think twice before going to the next location. [A genuine spookfest!!]
Once you start, everything happens very quickly. The game runs smoothly as you roam over the not-yet-remains of Tormente, and find leading diary entries that speak of a new hope in science, only to betray those who discovered it.
The art in this game is entirely appropriate, well-done, dark, and slightly spooky. HO scenes give items that bring more answers than questions, and the animation is incredibly smooth and voice-appropriate. There is a lot of trodding around, so wear comfortable shoes... and watch where you step - no one yet knows how the Tormente apocalypse was set off, and you certainly don't want to be the one that triggers it...
I recommend this game!