gndsimons's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.6
- Helpful Votes:158
- Reviews Submitted:9
- First Review:May 29, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 22, 2018
- Featured reviews0
gndsimons's Review History
Enter the enchanted 'Netherworld' where your destiny was written in blood and which whispers of true love.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 8 found this review helpful
Picky, Picky, Picky
PostedJuly 22, 2018
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I bought the CE of Darkarta: A Broken Heart primarily because of the reviews – nearly 80% giving it a “5”, with no one (at this time) giving it a “1”, and with 95% of the reviewers recommending this game. I seldom buy a CE, because I find the SE almost always gives me a better value (I don’t feel a need for most of the extras included in the CE versions). I am content with this CE purchase because I look forward to the bonus game, the morphing objects, etc.
I was curious about some of the lower reviews (“2”), however, and found that for the most part those reviewers were being “picky” about what they personally disliked, and that’s okay, we all have our likes and dislikes. For me, I want a game that is VERY ENJOYABLE TO PLAY from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter if the animation is not top quality, the puzzles are too easy or too hard, whether it has helpers or not, whether the storyline makes perfect sense all the time, etc. Keep in mind the developers are trying to make a game that appeals to many users – novice and expert, young and old, curmudgeons and non-confrontational, male and female – how difficult a job is THAT?
I found this game to be VERY ENJOYABLE despite not liking everything about it. I really found the puzzles were imaginative and different from the run-of-the-mill games we see so often. However, there was a place in the game where it wouldn’t save my progress, and I got an error statement several times. But once I followed the Strategy Guide EXACTLY (which I shouldn’t have had to do), I was able to progress to the end. I went to the Forum to see if others had this problem, but the Forum doesn't exist yet. Perfect? No, but definitely one of the better games in a real long time in my opinion. Try the demo first if you have any questions.
I was curious about some of the lower reviews (“2”), however, and found that for the most part those reviewers were being “picky” about what they personally disliked, and that’s okay, we all have our likes and dislikes. For me, I want a game that is VERY ENJOYABLE TO PLAY from beginning to end. It doesn’t matter if the animation is not top quality, the puzzles are too easy or too hard, whether it has helpers or not, whether the storyline makes perfect sense all the time, etc. Keep in mind the developers are trying to make a game that appeals to many users – novice and expert, young and old, curmudgeons and non-confrontational, male and female – how difficult a job is THAT?
I found this game to be VERY ENJOYABLE despite not liking everything about it. I really found the puzzles were imaginative and different from the run-of-the-mill games we see so often. However, there was a place in the game where it wouldn’t save my progress, and I got an error statement several times. But once I followed the Strategy Guide EXACTLY (which I shouldn’t have had to do), I was able to progress to the end. I went to the Forum to see if others had this problem, but the Forum doesn't exist yet. Perfect? No, but definitely one of the better games in a real long time in my opinion. Try the demo first if you have any questions.
I recommend this game!
Nobody comes back from the Dark Side unchanged, but it’s the only way to re-light the fading flame.
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 30 found this review helpful
A Gem
PostedApril 1, 2018
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on the beta game I reviewed less than a month ago. Normally, the game isn't released until a few months later.
I rated this game highly because there are a lot of elements you don't see in games often. I don't generally write reviews unless I really like a game, and feel it's worth my time to do so. So, you won't find many reviews from me below 4 stars. I'll let other reviewers write about this game's story line, etc., and just comment on what I observed from the game from my beta test.
I thought the animated cut scenes were high quality, above the usual norm. I am amused at times by the language and grammar in some games, and this game was no exception. The tools used during game play were "nippers" and "spanners" for example, and I wondered if I would be encountering the need for "petrol" from the car's "boot" later in the game. There is a timed trial and error maze puzzle during the game that I really liked. - not too difficult, but one that probably won't be completed on the first try. There was also a cliff that needed to be climbed over several scenes that challenged one's memory of the proper placement of axes, because each faulty location required a do-over.
Try the demo for yourself, but for me this is a definite "buy" - I'll just have to decide between the CE or the SE version. Hopefully, a later reviewer will clarify the differences.
I rated this game highly because there are a lot of elements you don't see in games often. I don't generally write reviews unless I really like a game, and feel it's worth my time to do so. So, you won't find many reviews from me below 4 stars. I'll let other reviewers write about this game's story line, etc., and just comment on what I observed from the game from my beta test.
I thought the animated cut scenes were high quality, above the usual norm. I am amused at times by the language and grammar in some games, and this game was no exception. The tools used during game play were "nippers" and "spanners" for example, and I wondered if I would be encountering the need for "petrol" from the car's "boot" later in the game. There is a timed trial and error maze puzzle during the game that I really liked. - not too difficult, but one that probably won't be completed on the first try. There was also a cliff that needed to be climbed over several scenes that challenged one's memory of the proper placement of axes, because each faulty location required a do-over.
Try the demo for yourself, but for me this is a definite "buy" - I'll just have to decide between the CE or the SE version. Hopefully, a later reviewer will clarify the differences.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of an uninhabited island! Can you solve what caused the air crash?
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Not for Me
PostedJune 15, 2016
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I tried the demo of this game and decided after about halfway through that it was not for me, and I won't be buying it.
I had trouble accessing some of the HO items - at times requiring multiple tries (not usually an issue for me), even when I was correct. I didn't care for the pace of the game, and thought there were too many HO scenes during the game play. I ESPECIALLY didn't like the 5407 Mb Hard Drive space advertised, which would take HOURS & HOURS for me to download the complete game. Why 5Gb for a relatively simple game? I did enjoy some of the mini-games that can be viewed on the Big Fish video advertising the game (flying an airplane between the ground & clouds; etc), but I got bored with that quickly because it didn't advance the game play itself.
You might not feel as strongly as I do about those things, so please try the demo yourself before purchasing.
I don't recommend this game.
Redemption Cemetery: Clock of Fate Collector's Edition
Can you undo the past and set the trapped souls free?
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 45 found this review helpful
A Great Continuation of the Redemption Cemetery Series
PostedSeptember 24, 2015
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is based on the beta survey of the game, so while it is not a review of the complete game, it does present a reasonable impression of the beginning portion of the game experience. Others spend more time than I do to document the story line, but early in the game the player experiences one of the features I enjoyed most about the game. I don't think this would be considered a spoiler, but instead reflects one of the "selling points" of the game. Namely, one must try to save our heroine, Ivy, from being run over by a train which is barreling down at her at breakneck speed. Oh, too late! She gets run over - but all is not lost! The player is able to go back in time with an extra 5 minutes in an attempt to prevent this calamity from REALLY happening. Good luck...
For those who might be a little squeemish (not me, usually), be fore-warned there are blood effects and skeletons involved in this game (is it because we are getting close to Halloween?). There are collectible skulls (of different colors which can be used in appropriately colored parts of cemetery scenes to "purchase" gravesite items), and at least 14 achievement categories.
It has four game levels: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. Most game players realize what these levels typically offer. I just usually go to the Custom level to tailor the game to my preferences. In this mode there are the typical on/off selections for glints/sparkles, plus a slide bar for hint/skip timing.
The developers are in their usual top-notch form in developing new wrinkles to HO and mini-games, and this one is no different. I especially liked one of the effects where the player has to climb branches hand-over-hand to get an umbrella. There are also many "plus" items that need to be completed dealing with a ladder, umbrella and ruler. If one wants to, one can switch from the HO scenes to complete a puzzle instead. An additional feature I haven't experienced that often involves a narrative with some of the HO scenes.
All in all, an enjoyable game with a number of interesting new (to me) features and scary effects (watch out for the crows and skeletons!).
I recommend this game!
It's the end of the world... at least in Oakville.
Overall rating
5
/
5
39 of 49 found this review helpful
Phantasmat Scores Again!
PostedJuly 9, 2015
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I beta-tested The Dread of Oakville, and this review is based on that limited (but awe-inspiring) experience. The Phantasmat series by Eipix is one of the classic series that continues to impress. I will not be going into detail about the story (see "sunnyglow", "pennmom36", et al, for that), but will offer info about what I liked below.
Modes: Easy, Medium, Hard & Custom. The first 3 options offer different levels for Hints, HOPs, Glints/Sparkles, Map features, and Messages. When offered these 4 choices I go right to Custom to tailor my game play experience. One can choose no Tutorial, Full Tutorial, or a tutorial only for uncommon features. There are Y/N boxes to choose map objectives, areas of interest on the map, "plus item" indicators, contextual pointers, helpful messages, and sparkles on HOP's. There are adjustable sliders (w/OFF) that address: HOP error penalties, how often active areas "glitter", and Hint and Skip recharge times.
HO scenes: Many variations on them. In one you will try to find 5 related objects (twice), like tools and chains, that lead into a new HO scene where the final reward object is eventually obtained. There are FROG parts to assemble a hidden object (like a seahorse). Collect morphing objects to unlock a list of HO objects. There are what I would call mini-HO scenes where one tries to find a set of 5 objects that are replaced by 5 new objects before finishing the scene. One item, present here, that I haven't seen much of in HO or mini-scenes are arrows that allow one to pan up or down, left or right, like one sees in some of the major scenes.
Puzzles: The puzzles offer a wide range of ability levels, but I didn't find any that were too difficult. Personally, I don't mind whether they are too hard or too easy, but ARE THEY FUN? I buy these games for the enjoyment, not necessarily the challenge - and the developers are trying to please all age and ability levels.
An enjoyable game and one that will be a "buy" for me in the standard version when it comes out (I don't purchase many CE's).
I recommend this game!
Ominous Objects: Phantom Reflection Collector's Edition
A mysterious mirror is causing havoc in your client’s house!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 15 found this review helpful
Enjoyable Game Experience
PostedApril 16, 2015
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
My review is based on the Beta version of the game. I will not take the time to summarize the game's storyline details - "sunnyglow", "anangelsprayer" & "penmom36" have done a great job.
There are 4 difficulty levels: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. I'm not sure why lower levels are offered by developers when one has the ability to tailor the gameplay exactly as one chooses, except that it offers a "one-stop" quick gameplay option.
There are 12 achievement categories with multiple levels of achievement. One collects coins in the scenes to buy items from a store for helper cat "Mr Jenkins".
HO's & Puzzles: Several options in the HO scenes including the standard "find it", the progressive type where one uses a found object to obtain the next one in the series, etc. There is a Match 3 option if one doesn't want to search HO scenes. I enjoyed all the puzzles. The difficulty level varies, but I don't care as much how easy they are as I do how much FUN they are. In some active areas (that I wouldn't consider HO scenes or puzzles) one must complete the scene in order to be awarded the object.
One thing I liked was that the Notes, Tasks and Map are all found in one easy location rather than in different locations at the bottom of the scene. Also, the map is a "jump" map.
One "feature" of this game are "distortion" goggles that help one see objects that are otherwise distorted from view. One has to apply the correct colored lens and a series of horizontal (<--> ) and vertical sliders to place the lens in the proper location to view the undistorted object. This may appeal to some players and not others.
Overall, I enjoyed this game experience and will probably consider purchasing the Standard version of the game (which I do 95% of the time) vs the Collector's editon.
I recommend this game!
The Missing: Island of Lost Ships
After setting out to search for your missing friend, you find yourself trapped on the mysterious Island of Lost Ships.
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 38 found this review helpful
Enjoyable Game
PostedDecember 29, 2012
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
My review is based on the Beta test and the free trial to see what, if anything had changed, so it will be based on the early portion of the game. However, I will definetly buy it to complete my adventure! An earlier reviewer lamented having missed the CE - I don't think there ever was one because I have been looking for this game ever since the Beta test. I don't feel a CE w/SG is needed because the near-term task is clear and there the Hint that provides more clarification.
I loved the story line, and there are loveable, humorous characters in the game, especially the inventor Herbert, and then there are the Sea Dog villains. Also, beware of the Kraken!! No ghosts, gore, or other events that other reviewers have disliked in other games. Pretty much a good game for all. The puzzles are a good blend of challenging without the need to be skipped. HO scenes are reasonable - see screen shot. I loved the animated cut scenes, also. I've not seen anything that says I cannot mention the devs - Sulus Games - so we'll see if that stays in this review. The map that shows sites and areas of interest was NOT interactive when I reviewed the Beta game, but it was in the trial - thanks developers!
I loved the story line, and there are loveable, humorous characters in the game, especially the inventor Herbert, and then there are the Sea Dog villains. Also, beware of the Kraken!! No ghosts, gore, or other events that other reviewers have disliked in other games. Pretty much a good game for all. The puzzles are a good blend of challenging without the need to be skipped. HO scenes are reasonable - see screen shot. I loved the animated cut scenes, also. I've not seen anything that says I cannot mention the devs - Sulus Games - so we'll see if that stays in this review. The map that shows sites and areas of interest was NOT interactive when I reviewed the Beta game, but it was in the trial - thanks developers!
I recommend this game!
Embark on a thrilling rescue mission in the Town of the Cyclops!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
Great Continuation
PostedSeptember 16, 2012
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a great sequel to the Curse of the Severed Heart. Based on the Beta test this will be a buy for me, but I might wait for the SE instead of the CE. I love the mini-games which are different from the norm. Some are easier, some harder, but a good blend for either the novice or the expert player. I also enjoyed the story line and the visuals. There is a map to help one navigate through the game.
I recommend this game!
Investigating her parents’ deaths, Edwina rekindles a centuries old tale of love and revenge. End the curse of the severed heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Awsome-don't know why ratings not higher
PostedMay 29, 2012
gndsimons
fromTucson, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I trialed and bought this as the Daily Deal and was so favorably impressed that I decided to write a review (my first in a couple of years of membership). I consider myself an Expert, but I found the game challenging, but not overly so. At times the HO scenes were difficult, but there's no time constraint or click penalties, so I don't mind taking my time to search for the difficult ones. At times I would use the hint when I only had 1 more to find, just so I could get back into the game sooner.
What I REALLY like about it was how different it was from all the other HOGs I've played. Loved the story, loved the music, and really loved the experience.
1 Did not have to use Skip for any of the puzzles
2 When I needed a hint the Hint button was very helpful
3 Could have been longer because I was enjoying it a lot, but knowing what I know now I would still have bought it at SE prices
4 Artwork was great
5 Cut scenes (for me) were well done and not obtrusive to deal with
6 Did not find it played slow as some reviewers said
7 I hope there is a sequel coming...
What I REALLY like about it was how different it was from all the other HOGs I've played. Loved the story, loved the music, and really loved the experience.
1 Did not have to use Skip for any of the puzzles
2 When I needed a hint the Hint button was very helpful
3 Could have been longer because I was enjoying it a lot, but knowing what I know now I would still have bought it at SE prices
4 Artwork was great
5 Cut scenes (for me) were well done and not obtrusive to deal with
6 Did not find it played slow as some reviewers said
7 I hope there is a sequel coming...
I recommend this game!