gallica2's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:543
- Reviews Submitted:33
- First Review:January 7, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 19, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Many years ago, mysterious events separated Rachel and her father. Help find him and save the world from catastrophe!
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 52 found this review helpful
a delight!
PostedJuly 7, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
there are so many things to like about this game, particularly that it can be had for one coupon redemption: it is not often, i have found, to get decent games for my free game credits.
the story line is good--escaping from a monster and the graphics are above par, but what i really loved (in the demo) was the interactivity of the HOGs... this approach is highly interactive, with minigames within the HOS...
i am not a huge fan of HOG - laced adventure games, but this one is fun!
the other puzzles are fun too. not difficult enough to put you off but hard enough to keep you focussed.
i just finished the demo, but had to continue. it's addictive :)
I recommend this game!
After inheriting a manor in England, you begin to explore the Kangale Estate and discover its history!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 20 found this review helpful
the best in a long time
PostedMarch 30, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
like one reviewer has said: this game is like a good book, filled with little unexpected twists.
Yes, the storyline initially is similar to many games, but there is something about the gameplay design and dynamic that makes this an original and entertaining and sometimes challenging entry.
First of all the voice-overs, graphics and even the music (which i normally turn off in other games) are well done.
The puzzles vary, but are mostly do-able without melting your brain.
the HOGs are uncluttered, well illustrated and have secondary (and sometimes obscure) secondary actions within them.
there are the usual different game modes, from casual (which i play consistently) to 'hardcore'.... on the casual level the hint meter recharges quickly in game mode and a bit slower during HO's. There is no penalty for over-clicking which i personally like a lot. there is also a map and a diary, neither of which i have used much. and you get a flashlight and a camera which lights up when a pic should be taken for more visual info about a scene.
As to the gameplay and design: there is always such a subtle difference between a good game and just an average one and it is difficult to define exactly what that is. This game has, it seems to me, been given a lot of thought by the devs....I like "the vanishing" from this series too.
You get the feeling of being able to play intuitively... without the next step being too obvious...I don't feel i am being 'led by the nose' as there is just enough challenge and plot twists to keep you intellectually engaged.
all in all, I highly reccommend this CE for those interested in the HO/adventure genre.
I recommend this game!
When the ghost of the beautiful Diane de Poitiers appears in front of you, you are transported back in time in Amulet of Time: Shadow of la Rochelle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
surprise! this is a good one!
PostedMarch 9, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
first of all, HO games are not my favourites but this is one of the best of this genre that i have ever played.
what grabbed me immediately were the fantastic and amazing graphics. this is a visually rich and artistic game.
secondly, all the HOs were well drawn and clear and generally not too difficult.
the puzzles were engaging and interesting and some a little more difficult than others. some were variations on themes seen in other games.
the storyline was interesting and kept being so as it was kind of a mystery which unfolded as the game progressed.
throughout the game the player is required to search out singular items intrinsic to game play and because the visuals are so well done, this is not tedious and very enjoyable.
there are, in effect, two different levels of HO searches.
i normally would not have reviewed a game that has so many reviews already, but i liked it so much (given that HOs are not high on my prefernces) that i wanted to encourage anyone who otherwise might not try it, to go ahead and enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Reveal the secret legacy of The Order of the Griffin and restore Sunward City in The Secret Order: New Horizon!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
visually lacking
PostedMarch 6, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
this review is based on the one hour demo.
i really wanted to like this game but just couldn't get into it.
the graphics are unique, but very 'washed out'. The scenes mostly revolve around dreary city scapes, building sites and mechanical rooms.
the puzzles are ok, but variations on old themes and relatively easy (which is fine, in my book :) and they too lacked any kind of visual punch for the most part.
the hidden object scenes were fairly easy, except on my comp, the resolution was too dark to see some things, even at a high brightness setting.
there are secondary actions (very simple mostly) within the HOS that must be done in order to get the object on 2 or 3 of the searches. these too were uninspiring.
the hint on casual was too slow recharging for my taste.
it was a game i was just not drawn into mostly because of the depressing visuals, but would probably interest a player who enjoyed mechanical puzzles.
a tepid thumbs up.
I recommend this game!
Rediscover your identity and prove your innocence in The Cross Formula, an incredible Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
bland
PostedFebruary 29, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
i have only played the demo and did not play for the entire hour.
i was willing to overlook the spare graphics in the hopes that the game play and/or storyline would grab me. they did not.
granted, there are no HO's (which is a major plus at least for me.) and the storyline premise had promise, but i just got tired of putting pieces of found things together to make a bigger thing.
it was kinda the same procedure over and over.
this game would suit a mechanically-minded player as it is so limited in scope and artistry.
with this caveat, i give it a tepid thumbs up.
I recommend this game!
Use a mystical locket to explore a magical world and save a young girl in Other world: Spring of Shadows!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
a reconsideration
PostedFebruary 22, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
ok, here's the thing: i reviewed the CE version of this game based on my experience of the demo. i was not enthusiastic, although i did give it 3 stars.
but, since i had a coupon, i decided to buy the SE ... and i am now convinced this is one of the best games i have ever played!
as before, i was impressed with the graphics, music and storyline ... what i know now, after getting more than half way through, is that the gameplay, puzzles and interactivity of Spring of Shadows is the best i have seen in quite a while.
the gameplay moves along in a captivating way, through many different 'worlds', the hint button although not speedy, does recharge fast enough to not be annoying. the hint button (i found it invaluable) gives direction when the player is at a loss about what to do next in such a way as to not give too much information about the next step. i like that. it gives me a sense of accomplishment :)
the puzzles are not mind-bendingly difficult but still challenging and some are familiar formats, but are always presented with a different little twist. the HO's are clear and interactive as are much of the general scenes. again, i like this. it indicates time and care on the part of the developers and it maintains interest for the player.
the game has a certain charm about it and the cloying ambience that i found when i demo'd it has become quite enjoyable and makes a nice change from the 'doom and gloom' of many games of this type. there is a bit of live-action (at the beginning) which makes for a nice change and, as i have said, the interactivity that i have found throughout is captivating.
i would highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys the adventure/ puzzle genre that is well-wrought, well designed and immersive.
kudos to the designers (i apologize as i cannot remember who they are) and BFG for making it available for macs.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
162 of 202 found this review helpful
WOW!
PostedFebruary 4, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
please note: i have not finished the game, (it is turning out to be quite long...enjoyably so)... but am about 3/4 of the way through.
the graphics (excellent btw), sound and story line work together to pull the player into a fully immersive experience.
the HO scenes are clear and to a degree, within context.
the puzzles (there are quite a few) come with varying degrees of difficulty and uniqueness... and i found them more daunting as the game has progressed.
i admit to using the 'skip' button on a couple and i was glad i had that option.
lots and lots of hidden rooms to discover, potions to make and various items to assemble as well as different time periods to visit.
the hint system provides useful info on where to go next, as does the built- in map if you need help and i found that i did...as the game moves farther along, the locations and time periods become more complex (at least that is my perception) ... of course all beautifully depicted... did i mention the graphics are amazing? :)
on casual, the hints recharge at a decent rate...
the design of gameplay, the length and the immersive quality of this game all make buying the CE a worthwhile expense.
i highly recommend this game for anyone who likes the well put together adventure/puzzle genre.
this is one of the best games i have played in a long time and was so glad there was a version for mac. (thank you BFG)...
I recommend this game!
Stop the evil Vansig family before they point their vengeful wrath at your friend Christine in Nightfall Mysteries: Black Heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
one of the best!
PostedFebruary 1, 2012
gallica2
fromottawa, ontario
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
this is one game that i simply cannot find any fault with. great (and i mean GREAT) graphics, music and storyline.
ok...a few of the puzzles were lengthy to solve and sometimes frustrating, but that's to be expected .... the strategy guide was very useful and addressed any problems clearly if it got too much for my patience... (the story was so compelling, that.i just wanted to move forward...more my problem than the game itself ;)
the HO scenes were clear and well carried out graphically. although, as one reviewer pointed out, the helicopter crash items were a bit far-fetched... the other HO's i found to be mostly 'in context'....
what i liked most, was the flow of the gameplay...a credit to the designers.... there were instances where i was not sure what to do next, but hunting around always paid off, one way or another.
well worth buying the CE... thank you BFG for this!
Whispers
While doing some fieldwork Charlotte Davis has her soul captured by an evil sorcerer! Help her escape his clutches!
Overall rating
1
/
5
37 of 44 found this review helpful
bummer
PostedJanuary 30, 2012
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
there are so few games of interest for mac users, so i was really looking forward to this one...
unfortunately, i have to agree with the previous reviews on all their points.
even tbough i am a seasoned adventure player, i got stuck 30 minutes into the game...there is no walkthrough (that i could find)...
i simply cannot recommend this game.
even if it were free.
I don't recommend this game.
Use a mystical locket to explore a magical world and save a young girl in Otherworld: Spring of Shadows!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 12 found this review helpful
too sweet
PostedJanuary 23, 2012
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
please note: i only played the demo.
the graphics are good, the voice-over not bad. but waaay too many juvenile themes... there will be no pulse-pounding scare tactics here... although the 'goblin' was a bit creepy.
if looking for jewels and going blind looking for black flower buds and 15 spiders and little fairies appeals, then this is the one for you.
nice for a preteen girl but not me.
maybe SE with a discount would persuade me to buy it.
I don't recommend this game.