cathybobcat's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.5
- Helpful Votes:2,025
- Reviews Submitted:145
- First Review:May 18, 2018
- Most Recent Review:January 5, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The Christmas spirit is vanishing all over the world, but why?
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 13 found this review helpful
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY
PostedDecember 8, 2018
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
There is an overwhelming amount of collecting inventory....and the going back and forth is so excessive, I felt exhausted before the demo was up. I didn't know if I was coming or going at times. I was using the map at every turn and even resorted to using hints because the gameplay became an outright nuisance. I got tired of having to remember where everything was needed and where to go and use it because it was overdone.
The graphics are colorful. The game is cutesy and of course geared for children, but honestly, I don't think even they would find this to be fun because it is just TOO busy. After a while it gets old having to find a million parts for this and that, trucking all over to do it and then having to figure out puzzles. It is a drain and a pain. It hampers the entire game and its enjoyment because it is not balanced.
It is a challenge finding the collectible puzzle pieces as well as morphing objects at times because of the color scheme. Everything blends together and becomes very camouflaged....more work. And to top it off, there are no indicators for them other than the pop out tab which you cannot hover over with your mouse to access....an inconvenience. It would have been more congenial to have indicators in this mess.
The collectibles are designated in the SG....and I would like to say.....HOW small can the shots get????? I could hardly see....and that goes for the mini hos with the teeny tiny items to find. I just about needed an electron microscope to see the SG shots. Are they trying to make us go blind? It's ridiculous and unconscious.
Where are the HOS??? There are hardly any in this brightly colored and cheerful game. The emphasis is on having you on the run collecting multiple parts for multiple needs...and then puzzle parts for too many puzzles. Whew....I was tired of this monotony.
Last, but not least is, what Alice in Wonderland has to do with Christmas is beyond me. It is disjointed. It just does not fit the season and really has nothing to do with Christmas. There are so many other Christmas related stories to make a game out of.
This was far from being a pleasurable adventure. It was downright tedious and a huge disappointment. It started out great, but soon after that, it was all work and no play.
Dark Reapers kidnapped your mother and aunt! Will you be next?
Overall rating
1
/
5
16 of 26 found this review helpful
SENSELESS....A WASTE OF TIME
PostedDecember 8, 2018
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This is nothing but a puzzle game, with the collecting of one puzzle part after another. It is empty of play....too much chatter...hazy graphics...and worse than a cartoon. I couldn't last the demo, it's that bad. It is brain dead.
Can you save the city from an otherworldly predator?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 30 found this review helpful
DISJOINTED....THE WOMAN REALLY DIED OF BOREDOM
PostedNovember 29, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Imaginations were running wild in the making of this one
Although colorful, the graphics are inferior, hazy, and could have been more defined. They lacked clarity. The story is disjointed with a flight of ideas and what sense I could make of it was ridiculous, particularly the woman dead in a bathtub with what looked to be an octopus. And the large bathroom with windows not shaded. Then there was the sister who appeared to have totally lost it....nonsense. And then there is the tattoo gadget and mirror shards accumulating on the hand and arm. It seemed to be going from one thing to another, lacking continuity. Some of it was so ridiculous, it was humorous, which is not a negative.
This is not an overactive game. It is more on the relaxed side, not too much back and forth and appears to have been made for children which is fine. Transport map is helpful. I used it often because I was just getting bored....to death.
There are 54 collectible jewelry items, 2 in each scene to collect that do not resemble jewelry items at all. One looks like a plaque and the other a flower....then there can be a heart to find instead. Some of them are not easy to find. There are no indicators for these other than a pop out tab to inform you when you have found them in that scene. The tab will also pop out when you hover over it on the left hand side. You can also access their whereabouts in the SG. I don't know what they do other than decorate a jewelry box in the Extras. Other than these, I saw no other collectibles. I wasn't impressed with the Extras.
You can replay HOS and puzzles, however the numbers were not indicated. The HOS I came across in the demo were more like puzzles themselves than HOS, except for one....and that one was repeated.....a no no. The replacing of items ones were juvenile. Some of the puzzles were repetitive, adjusting ballerina positions...assembling puzzle pieces in a book....nothing to rave about. They were very simplistic and not time consuming which I have no complaints about.
With phony French accents, the storyline and play, the game really was not holding my interest because of its absurdity and disjointedness. More than that, I found the graphics to be straining and it did not make for an enjoyable atmosphere.
When Hector, Demon Hunter for hire, agreed to save a lost tourist from the haunted Museum of Mysticism and Monstrosity, he never imagined that he could be the one in need of saving.
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 13 found this review helpful
CONVOLUTED AND AGGRAVATING
PostedNovember 26, 2018
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
There are more puzzles in this than anything else, some of which are small ones that cannot be skipped. The HOS are dark and it is difficult to see, particularly the words or symbols you have to find. Most of the HOS are like puzzle themselves.
There is too much going back and forth, but what is worse is that it is not always clear what to do or what to do it with. It is disjointed and convoluted, as well as the puzzles, which I skipped many. For the most part this is a puzzle game that overrides the story. I don't want to be spending all of game time trying to figure some of them out, as well as the general gameplay. There is an overabundance of codes to find and then having to figure them out. It was to the point where I didn't even care about the collectibles or anything else except forgetting this entire game. It was frustrating and far from being enjoyable. It is hard work more than play. It was one BIG headache.
Can you stop a natural nemesis from destroying our land?
Overall rating
2
/
5
21 of 33 found this review helpful
NO MORE STORY TYPE HOS
PostedNovember 25, 2018
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Upon encountering the third HOS which were all story type, I called it quits. I didn't finish that HOS or the rest of the demo.
This is more than disappointing. It is a major disappointment because so much effort went into the artistry and Extras. The game itself has a very inviting atmosphere. The graphics are very colorful and attractive, although could have been more defined. I found them to be somewhat blurry.
The Extras area is impressive. In addition to the usual, there are 37 videos. There are 70 collectible butterflies you use to buy things to decorate an area....nice touch. You collect 15 statues of animals which are like trophies and have explanations that appear in a picture book when you click on them....could have been more of them. You also collect 16 magical seeds which are displayed as plants with explanations. These, thankfully have indicators that glow when there is one available to be found...and also a pop out tab when you do collect the item. If there hadn't been indicators, I would have never been able to find many collectibles on my own because the bright colors of the graphics made everything blend in too well. I would have been looking into a scene forever.
The collectibles are marked in the SG and I would like to mention that those screen shots are so ridiculously small, you need a magnifying glass in order to see them. Would be more helpful to have them made larger.
You can replay 18 HOS and 21 puzzles. I think there are more puzzles in this than that, though. They sure outweighed the number of HOS in the demo...too many for my taste. And the HOS? All three of them, I came across, though well done in artistry were all story type....the third being more like a puzzle than HOS. I really can't stand them and don't even listen to the story or read it because I am too busy trying to find the hi lighted words. They are a waste and lack the effort of a real HOS.
The real downfall of this is the gameplay. It is BORING and mundane.....back and forth, doing the usual. It was monotonous and a drag with too much dialogue. What a shame. It had so much potential. I loved the collectibles and what it had to offer in that manner, as well as the atmosphere, but the rest of it is just a no go.
The woods hide a frightening mystery only you can solve!
Overall rating
2
/
5
21 of 40 found this review helpful
BORING
PostedNovember 16, 2018
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
What a short and shallow demo....with very shallow play to match. I would have never known this is an Elephant game. It is so subpar and inferior.
There were a few times I almost quit the demo.....first a story type HOS which I loathe....and mini HOS finding a few items...the others I just breezed right through them, the artistry and effort was so poor in them. It was like a Dick and Jane book. The snake almost did it for me, too....glad that didn't lasssst long and didn't have to play him a song on a flute.
The story is the s.o.s....another missing person's mystery with the s.o.s type dork characters, with gameplay boring enough to put you to sleep.
You're performing the same stupid, mundane tasks you have done a million times before...finding a zillion keys, straightening nails with a hammer, so you can make a bridge after finding logs, assembling a jack, finding a net to get rid of a snake (really now), finding codes for puzzles, rust remover with a slice of lemon, making a torch with a rag and lighter fluid....and guess what?....a zipper pull, which I will give them the benefit of a doubt for being humorous.
The graphics and atmosphere are attractive...it's everything else that is the downer. It is not overwhelmed with too much going back and forth or collecting inventory. You can replay HOS and Puzzles, but their numbers are locked in the Extras until you complete the game. More effort was exerted into the Puzzles, which I didn't want to use up all of the demo time with, so skipped some. I wouldn't want to replay any of it.
Collectibles are decent, but NO indicators other than a pop out. Now that was considerate. You collect eyes...some figurines and some morphs. Looking for the collectibles was more interesting than the game itself, but not enough to warrant a buy for me.
The best part of the demo was the possum running back and forth with her young ones. The rest of it pretty much sucked.
Can you disrupt a dangerous plot against the crown?
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 46 found this review helpful
WOW....SHORT GAME.....AND SHORTEST BC EVER
PostedNovember 11, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There is absolutely NOTHING that warrants this to be CE worthy. No replay of HOS and Puzzles. The only collectibles you have are 30 morphs so you can construct 6 jigsaw puzzles....and 12 Royal items....with the rest of the usual CE fluff. Generous.
The best aspect of this game is the outstanding graphics that render an incredible atmosphere. The rest of it falls short. Gameplay is not hyperactive which is a plus, but it is rather boring and slow. Because the graphics were so attractive and atmospheric, the pace of the gameplay didn't bother me.
There are a fair amount of HOS, but the graphics in them are very inferior to the rest of the game. I was not impressed with them at all. They were bland and dark with faded colors. The quality and artistic effort just isn't there.
There are too many annoying mini games, especially in the BC, which is the most appalling, shortest length I have ever witnessed....under 30 minutes. Terrible. I would say the SE is definitely the best choice....with a pcc or a sale.
It was a shame and more than a disappointment that such excellent graphics went to waste on a CE (?) that was not fulfilling in any way except for the atmosphere.
Face the fears in Sebastian's Cinema of Horrors!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
A REEL LETDOWN...LEAVING MUCH TO BE DESIRED
PostedNovember 8, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I bought and played the entire CE version of this game, and other than the collectible 11 movie posters which were creatively done, I haven't too many positives to say about it. It was all I could do to finish the short bonus... and the collectible tickets to decorate a theater was just plain empty and not worth it. After the beginning, there was no "horror" in this whatsoever.
The game started out great and from there went downhill, becoming a chore and boring to play. The ambiance of the opening scenes dissipated into nothing but the usual, tedious gameplay of collecting too much inventory, back and forth, and too many puzzles in a bland atmosphere. I had to take a break from playing it...and then made myself go back to finish it at a different time just to get it over with. I uninstalled it after that never intending to play it again.
In the beginning of the game, I could not help but notice the British Police car with an officer speaking with a very American accent. It was an inaccuracy and not complimentary.
I did like the character of Sebastian who was very well done and had the voice and characteristics of Vincent Price. It was one of the best aspects of the game. I felt the storyline to be weak and uninteresting. The following chapters also seemed disjointed from the way everything began....a completely different atmosphere.
I think that this is much more SE worthy than CE and wish I had waited to get the SE. It isn't the worst game, but far from being the best. It did not leave me with a feeling of satiety and I was disappointed at the downward spiral the game took after the demo. I felt lured in by what began as an exciting story and game, then fizzled into the same old stuff as in other games. At most, it is worth a pcc or a sale price...nothing more.
Munich’s Oktoberfest hides a dark secret – werewolves are afoot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 47 found this review helpful
OUTSTANDING.....A GAME EVEN LON CHANEY WOULD LOVE
PostedNovember 8, 2018
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Halloween and Harvest spirits remain alive and well...bring on the German beer for celebration~ PROST...(German toast).
For the first time in a long time, I finished a demo and was so disappointed when it ended as I was enjoying it more than any other demo I have played in ages. Can't wait for a good sale....this one is first on my list.
The graphics in this are absolutely outstanding, defined, and colorful....making for a most enjoyable and festive atmosphere. What a pleasure to be able to see in a game without eye strain. Commendable.
There is a replay of HOS and Puzzles....sometimes I didn't know what was a puzzle and hos, though...they were so similar. I absolutely loved the full HOS with the cat. It was the only full size HOS I remember in the demo and wished there had been more. It was so very well done. The animals and people are very life like, too....Awesome.
This is an exquisitely balanced game and is true to being player friendly. There is not too much collecting of inventory or going back and forth...or too many puzzles. It also has an interesting story. For the most part it is very relaxing with just the right amount of challenge. Sometimes play is a bit shallow and slow, but the scenes are so gorgeous, I didn't mind and savored them.
The collectibles are coins and stamps that unlock "special" bonuses" at the end of the game. It would have been perfect to be able to buy items to decorate something with these coins, but I didn't see any such luxury. There are also 42 morphing objects. These have indicator tabs on the left side of your screen, alerting you to the amount needed to be discovered....very helpful and a welcomed addition.
This is a very well thought out and designed game with a conscientiousness for everyone, both young and older. It is of artistic excellence at its best. I also think it is one of the highest degree quality games by Four Friends....a most favorite developer of mine. WONDERFUL JOB~
KEEP THEM COMING~
Help the Walker family clear through the clutter and find the necessary equipment to create the perfect children’s playground.
Overall rating
3
/
5
30 of 31 found this review helpful
WHAT? NO RELAX MODE.....INGENIOUS
PostedNovember 8, 2018
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The Biggest detriment to this game is it has a timer. When I play a game, I don't want to be timed whatsoever. There is no enjoyment in it. I couldn't believe this nine cent short of a dime aspect.
In scenes, when the timer runs out, the whole screen empties and you are presented with the next scene where, for me, the timer ran out without my having found all of the matches. I was never able to complete the scenes because of the timer. There were also suns to collect, for what, I don't know. They didn't seem to be accumulative for hints like when you collect crystals in the other games. One thing I do know is collecting them took more time from the very limited amount of time you are given to complete a scene. You can replay those scenes if you want to improve your score. I am not into that.
Then, for the KICKER.....On the last scene of a level, you must match 3 different size same items in the allotted time or you cannot proceed to the next level, so you are made to start over until you get it right. Well, guess what? I replayed this 2X and said, "Forget this noise", but when I did, the time ran out on my demo. How beautiful is that? I don't consider having to replay a scene over and over again until I go crazy a "Best Playground" in any way. Instead it is sheer aggravation.
I liked the music and the scenes themselves were ok and had some variations as well as challenge. If it had a no timer mode, I would have bought it, but because of it being timed and my demo time running out, I will never know if I could have progressed past this match 3 different size items in the ridiculously short amount of time given. It's like going nowhere, fast....and there is nothing relaxing or enjoyable in that.