luvsebring's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:165
- Reviews Submitted:18
- First Review:November 12, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 4, 2013
- Featured reviews0
9 Clues: The Secret of Serpent Creek
Crack codes, pick locks, comb crime scenes for clues and solve clever puzzles in this thrilling retro detective drama!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
fun new "detective mode"
PostedAugust 4, 2013
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
House of 1000 Doors: Serpent Flame Collector's Edition
(128)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I played the demo version of this game. It took me 42 minutes to complete, playing it at a moderate pace.
This is a standard HO/puzzle/adventure game as far as the format goes. The one thing that I played in the demo that I found different and really interesting was the "detective mode". This is where the HOS clues are scratched out and you have to guess what the clues are. However, the cursor will blink faster the closer you get to the clue. But all the clues actually go with the crime scene, which is refreshing (sometimes I wonder why some HO's are in the game at all!). After you find all the clues in the HOS, the game then uses all of the clues you just found to recount the crime.
The storyline was fine, but nothing incredibly special (unless you really like snakes!). The challenge in casual mode was easy, especially since all the clues actually made sense.
The artwork is OK, but the faces are drawn very strangely (which might be the point in the end). The voice-overs are good and go at a moderate pace (not too fast or too slow).
Overall, I found this game to be enjoyable and will buy the full version.
I recommend this game!
The Dracula Files
Michael and Quinn are the descendants of the legendary Van Helsing and Harker families, and must stop the evil Dracula!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
comic style Dracula HOG
PostedNovember 23, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Eternal Journey: New Atlantis
(178)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is pretty much about dialog/storyline and HOS. If you like both of these (I do), then you'll like this game, especially if you like stories about vampires.
It's a modern day story of Dracula's return and the Van Helsing and Harker descendants must take him down. A different kind of Dracula game than the other ones on BFG.
I liked it, though it was too short for me and I don't know that I'd replay it again since it's so much storyline based.
I recommend this game!
Cheatbusters
Put on your detective hat and help uncover the secret of a lowly bank clerk in Cheatbusters!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
so boring I fell asleep!
PostedMay 30, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The storyline started out OK with the first cutscene (no voiceovers), then the game just went downhill with terribly boring HOS's... The items in the inventory either were obvious or were completely useless. Maybe I just started out tired, but by the time I got to the beach scene, where I was supposed to do something with getting rid of a snake and the golf scene where I was supposed to set a trap for some weird looking rodent, all I had in my inventory was a pair of chopsticks, a roll of duct tape, a knife, and apple, and something else. None of these items helped me at all, but the hint kept telling me over and over to do something there...
The hint button took one minute to recharge and it was also fairly useless in telling me what needed to be done. Also, if nothing was to be done, it still took the same amount of time to recharge, unlike in most games where it is not used up.
I have no idea where the storyline was going because that opening cutscene had nothing to do with the rest of the demo (that I could see in my bleary eyed haze).
The music was repetative and boring as well.
It won't be too soon when I take this stupid game off of my computer!
The hint button took one minute to recharge and it was also fairly useless in telling me what needed to be done. Also, if nothing was to be done, it still took the same amount of time to recharge, unlike in most games where it is not used up.
I have no idea where the storyline was going because that opening cutscene had nothing to do with the rest of the demo (that I could see in my bleary eyed haze).
The music was repetative and boring as well.
It won't be too soon when I take this stupid game off of my computer!
I don't recommend this game.
Evolver
Explore the mysteries of evolution in this exciting puzzle game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 7 found this review helpful
de-evolution is more like it...
PostedApril 18, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I really was going to give this game 4 or 5 stars because I really enjoyed the demo... I even bought the game since it was fun. Then I was towards the end of the ocean part and had just matched up my 3 clown fish to make my third and last blow fish (which I would have used to win that level and evolve into a shark, or whatever came next). Then all of the sudden it disappeared. I was having issues before that though, AFTER I bought it in regards to some cells were stationary and I couldn't move them, even though the game was prompting me to switch cells. I'm guessing that was a glitch. Then I got another one and right after that is when my 3rd blow fish *poof* disappeared. After playing for over an hour and a half, I'm completely DONE with this game and will be asking for a refund.
Pluses: this is a new type of match 3 game to me as the matches keep "evolving" into new animals - first water, then plants, then single-celled organisms, then some type of shelled fish, then star fish, then jelly fish, and so on. Being a biologist, I found this especially cute.. But then I encountered all the issues above...
Pluses: this is a new type of match 3 game to me as the matches keep "evolving" into new animals - first water, then plants, then single-celled organisms, then some type of shelled fish, then star fish, then jelly fish, and so on. Being a biologist, I found this especially cute.. But then I encountered all the issues above...
I don't recommend this game.
The Princess Case: A Royal Scoop
Help Lois Wheeler investigate The Princess Case: A Royal Scoop and find a kidnapper in this incredible Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
best by far by this developer
PostedApril 3, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
While I didn't see it on the home page, I believe this game was made by HdO. It is completely their usual format. However, they did many things differently, such as added lots of fun little mini games, and it had a storyline that was actually interesting. I've played most of their games and they are basic HOG's and boring. This one was not.
I am wondering though - has anyone actually purchased the game? There is no walkthrough and I'm curious as to how much longer than the free hour the game actually goes and if it is worth my money. Most of the other HdO games are quite short.
As for the bad (or not so great): the graphics are static and boring, like all other HdO games. The music is grating and the sound effects repeat so often as to be annoying on their loops. It's pretty basic as far a difficulty.
I recommend this game!
Escape the Museum 2
After a devastating earthquake rocks the city, David must reach the museum before nightfall and save his wife and daughter!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
interesting story, puzzles and HOS
PostedMarch 19, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I wasn't going to play this based on the other reviews, but did decide since it was the deal of the day to try it. I didn't find really anything bad about it.
The story supposedly follows the husband/dad's perspective of how things happened from the first "Escape the Museum" game #which was the perspective of the mom/wife and daughter, I guess, haven't played it yet, but I do plan to when I get my next free game or have a credit#.
Storylines are what make the games interesting, IMO. Otherwise it would just be a series of HOSs, which would just put me to sleep! This story was interesting because it was believable - the man not wanting to sit around and wait with the other survivors while not knowing the fate of his family. Also, there are side tasks to do, which have to do with finding a lost puppy or child. I liked that story subplot because it showed even more depth to the main character.
Also, of great interest to me was that the things we had to do, for the most part, were plausible - like using a rubber mat to cover up an electric gate so you could climb over it. I often play adventure games and think that the way we have to do something is pretty stupid and that there are often many better ways to do it. This one actually utilizes street smarts and survival skills.
The graphics were just ok. Not terribly sophisticated, but they really didn't have to be. It didn't matter that much to me. Also, I didn't seem to have the problem others were commenting on re: blurred edges/hard to see items. Maybe my video card is just better, who knows... I had one glitch in while doing a HOS in the trunk of a car later on in the game. Part of the regular scene #just a small part# overlapped with the HOS and there were at least 2 items in that area. Luckily, the clues helped me to find them.
The clues were fast and unlimited and honestly, funny... They are provided by an odd homeless man. It's better than some silly paranormal item that wouldn't fit into the genre of the game!!!
I didn't like the music as it was really monotonous, which is too bad because the end credits music is quite nice. They should have intermingled it in more.
As for fun, I only gave it 4 out of 5 because I had problems finding some of the "hot zones" or hidden stuff, especially when it came to finding the parts needed to lift the drawbridge toward the end of the game. There were no hints for them, either, at least I didn't come across any. Plus, they weren't in every scene, so I often didn't even know I'd missed something until after I opened the door to the next part of the game, only to have the map indicate that it was incomplete. I had to resort to Big Fish Games' walkthrough quite often for this.
Oveall, though, I liked it and hope that the first "Escape the Museum" is as good as this one!
I recommend this game!
Youda Legend: The Curse of the Amsterdam Diamond
The dark influence of an old curse still taunts the city of Amsterdam! Explore this beautiful city on this mysterious guided tour.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 4 found this review helpful
not sure what the story was supposed to be
PostedMarch 11, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I played another Youda HOG and loved it, but this one was just boring. There was nothing outstanding about the graphics and the music was repetative (put me to sleep actually). Even though I fell asleep and/or did this very slowly, I still ended up half way through it per the walkthrough. I'm not going to spend my money on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
Laura Jones and the Gates of Good and Evil
Save the world from its fatal destruction by solving Hidden Object puzzles and adventurous mini-games.
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Good free hour of fun - not sure I'd buy it
PostedMarch 11, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've played a lot of adventure games and this one was pretty standard. The problem was that it was standard, nothing special. Nothing bad, just nothing great. Great for a FREE hour, but I don't think I'll buy it unless it happens to be a deal of the day and it's been a while since I've played it. Plus, since there's no walkthrough, I have no idea how much time is left in the game. It seems to me that I've played at least half of it since there are supposed to be 6 artifacts (per the description# and I've finished 3 by the end of the trial. Also on the sidebar between intervals it tells you how many sections you've done, and I'd finished 10 or 11, and it appeared those filled up half of the space available for the section slots #hard to really tell#. I don't buy games that I can complete in another hour or two because it seems like a waste of money to me.
On the good side, the characters were interesting and the hints, though limited, were easy to find more of #look for the question marks hidden in the scenes).
I recommend this game for the free trial fun of it.
I recommend this game!
Surface: Mystery of Another World Collector's Edition
After your son, Bobby, mysteriously disappears, it’s up to you to find him in Surface: The Mystery of Another World!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Best game I've played in a while!
PostedMarch 11, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I would definately recommend the CE of this game since apparently (after reading the reviews in the regular edition), there is a bonus chapter in this edition. Plus, in this one, if you gather the red flowers they give you a bonus (presumably the extra chapter?!).
For details of my review, please see my review in the regular edition. Thanks! But to reitierate the best:
Visuals were excellent
HO scenes were unusual in that inventory items needed to be used for those "extra step" items - some of which you don't find until later on in the chapter
Each chapter was self-contained, which made stopping at those points even easier #though as good as the game was, hard to stop there!#
Challenge was just right for me #intermediate#, had to refer to Big Fish Game's internet walkthrough only 3 or 4 times when I got stuck enough where the hints didn't help.
Storyline was fun and purposeful
HO scenes were unusual in that inventory items needed to be used for those "extra step" items - some of which you don't find until later on in the chapter
Each chapter was self-contained, which made stopping at those points even easier #though as good as the game was, hard to stop there!#
Challenge was just right for me #intermediate#, had to refer to Big Fish Game's internet walkthrough only 3 or 4 times when I got stuck enough where the hints didn't help.
Storyline was fun and purposeful
The bad #which really is just annoying and shouldn't deter you from buying/playing this game#:
The acting was amateur and annoying, especially the lead bad guy, Lord Toriar
Voice overs were not synched, which was irritating
The free hour was actually the most boring as it occurs on/in Earth, which is pretty much like many other HOGs. The other world is much more fun!!! Honestly, the game just got better and better!
The acting was amateur and annoying, especially the lead bad guy, Lord Toriar
Voice overs were not synched, which was irritating
The free hour was actually the most boring as it occurs on/in Earth, which is pretty much like many other HOGs. The other world is much more fun!!! Honestly, the game just got better and better!
I recommend this game!
Surface: Mystery of Another World
After your son, Bobby, mysteriously disappears, it's up to you to find him in Surface: The Mystery of Another World!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Good storyline with interesting HO scenes
PostedMarch 11, 2012
luvsebring
fromNorth Las Vegas, Nevada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Surface: Mystery of Another World
(224)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game is so much fun!!! I played the CE and couldn't wait until this edition came out (since I just hate the thought of paying $14 for any game... call me cheap!#. I must point out, however, that the free hour did NOT do this game justice. In fact, it was by far the most boring part of the game since it dealt with Earth and looked like many other HOGs. In fact, had I known how incredible it was going to be, I very well might have bought the CE!
The graphics are great #LOVED the spilling water in the dungeon toward the end of the game#. The HO scenes are different in that most times you have to use an inventory item to find a certain item #usually the kinds that require an extra step in other HOGs#. The neat thing about this is that often the inventory item is not readily available, so you have to get it a little later in the game and then go back to the HO scene to complete it.
As for the level of challenge, I gave it a 5 out of 5 because to me this game was just right to my level of ability #which I guess is about "intermediate" considering I've been playing HOGs/adventure games via Big Fish Games for over a year now#. I did have to refer to the walkthrough about 3 or 4 times when the hint didn't help me, but overall, that is quite a small amount compared to my normal gaming experience.
The game also lasted quite a while, which is a plus when spending any amount of money on a game. What I typically do after playing the free hour is go to the walkthrough and guage how much time the game would take to finish by looking at the right side bar. If a game is at least 1/3 to 1/2 over, unless it is a REALLY good or fun game I might replay, I won't bother to buy it, even if it the deal of the day.
The one bad thing I'd have to say about it #why I gave the storyline a 4 out of 5# is because the acting is horrendous! My kids could do a better job! I especially mean this about the leader of the other world. I would ignore it, but I actually do love the stories in adventure games, after all, isn't that what makes them an adventure - otherwise they'd just be an HOG or whatever... Also, the sound never really caught up with the lips, and considering I just bought a new laptop made for sound, I don't think it's my computer.
Overall, I would definately recommend this game, and would recommend the CE if you are a newbie to HOG/adventure games and/or need a walkthrough quite often.
I recommend this game!