andibeard's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:311
- Reviews Submitted:68
- First Review:February 20, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 3, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Enter Ravenwood Park and discover the secrets hidden in the mists...
Overall rating
5
/
5
Solid, creative game
PostedFebruary 9, 2017
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed this game more and more the longer I played. It seemed at the beginning as if it were going to be the typical "stolen child, my car crashes in the middle of nowhere" story, but things went differently than I expected pretty early in the story. It was a nice change to have a fantasy game that also has elements of realism (or a realistic game with elements of fantasy??). I very much enjoyed the graphics, the balance of HO to minigames to puzzle/adventure. There was even a connection to the previous Enigmatis game, which was also excellent. The game was satisfyingly long, and though it was challenging, I never felt frustrated. There also weren't a lot of the same-old same-old minigames here, as there are in so many of these HOPA games. Mostly, the minigames and puzzles were interesting and fun.
One drawback is the fact that it's really hard to remember where things are. There end up being several distinct areas or sections where things are happening, and I had difficulty navigating back to one from another (there is a map, but it wasn't always completely clear or easy to use). I also bought the CE but there really wasn't much advantage to it, IMO. There were "illusive objects" (bits of the scenery that morph), lots of achievements, and the much more difficult to find butterflies in most scenes. FYI, I didn't choose a difficulty level that had a tutorial, so I didn't know about the butterflies until well into the game, and I missed some. I recommend the tutorial! However, there was no bonus scene, and you can't go back and hunt the butterflies you miss, so I feel like I would have been just as happy with the SE as the CE.
Overall, a good fantastical mystery game with a modern setting a few plot twists. HOPA fans should enjoy it!
I recommend this game!
A magical egg is about to turn one girl's world upside-down.
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Something Different in the Fantasy Genre
PostedJanuary 16, 2017
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I thought at first this game would be a little bit clunky or simplistic, as the animation seemed a bit old-fashioned. But what I found was a fantasy HOPA game that doesn't follow the standard formula and has a lot of fun to offer.
Positive points include the aforementioned animation, which is actually quite detailed and good once you get used to the fantasy style of it; the storyline, which is truly creative (though there are a few minor plot holes, and the dialog is sometimes clunky); the avoidance of traditional junk-pile HO scenes (these are the interactive, build-it types); and strong extras in the CE version. The collectibles and morphing objects can be very hard to find, but luckily, the cursor turns to a hand when hovering over them, in case you need a short-cut. The map is also extremely helpful, not only indicating active areas but also collectibles and morphing objects that have been missed. The game would be extremely hard to navigate without the map, since there's a lot of back-and-forth, so definitely don't be afraid to use the map! And finally, I liked the bonus scene, which isn't necessary to finish the main storyline but adds an interesting dimension (no spoilers, but it isn't just the usual pointless sequel chapter).
Drawbacks include the dialog and some confusing points about the story, as I mentioned earlier; some lack of challenge in the mini-games; and the fact that you can't go back and find any collectibles that you miss once the game ends. Also, if you don't like vividly-colored fantasy style animation, you might not enjoy the visuals of this game. I thought that the characters and their dialog were well-rendered, though it is a little reminiscent of higher-end video games from several years ago rather than the uber-realistic animation of some other modern HOPA game series. But if you like a fantasy tale that isn't the usual "evil-sorcerer-kidnapped-my-family" trope, you'll enjoy this one!
I recommend this game!
The Rat King's wand has fallen into the hands of a vengeful baron. Team up with your new friend, the Tin Soldier, to stop him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Beautiful and festive, but not quite perfect
PostedDecember 27, 2016
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love these Christmas-themed games and this one offers a lot of seasonal beauty and cheer. The visuals are lovely and thought fantastic, quite well-animated and pleasing to the eye. The storyline continues the tales (tails!) told in Puss in Boots and the Nutcracker games in this series, and has many of the same fine qualities. I really wanted to give this one five stars!
However, I felt that it can be improved in several areas:
-The game was a bit short (though this is somewhat helped by having two bonus scenes rather than just one).
-The mini-games and storyline adventure puzzles were mostly very simple, but occasionally one would offer a reasonable level of challenge, which didn't fit with the expectation of this game and therefore, these were actually harder than they should have been! I felt this should be a bit more consistent throughout.
-The collectible figures are very obvious in each scene, so no challenge there.
-The puzzle pieces were very hard to find in some scenes, and there is no way to go back and find them once you've finished the game. I wish I could go back and find the three that I missed--I can't build the bonus puzzles without them!
-The game was a bit short (though this is somewhat helped by having two bonus scenes rather than just one).
-The mini-games and storyline adventure puzzles were mostly very simple, but occasionally one would offer a reasonable level of challenge, which didn't fit with the expectation of this game and therefore, these were actually harder than they should have been! I felt this should be a bit more consistent throughout.
-The collectible figures are very obvious in each scene, so no challenge there.
-The puzzle pieces were very hard to find in some scenes, and there is no way to go back and find them once you've finished the game. I wish I could go back and find the three that I missed--I can't build the bonus puzzles without them!
Other than these minor issues, I enjoyed this game, and if you liked the other two Hans Christian Anderson games, you'll enjoy this one!
I recommend this game!
A magic bear summons you to help save the neighboring kingdom of Nypha.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Not what I expected!
PostedFebruary 16, 2016
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Having played other "evil ice queen" sorts of stories, I was expecting the same-old, same-old from this one. But I was surprised! It turns out to be a well-wrought fantasy epic with beautiful artwork, creative characterizations, and an interesting mix of game play throughout the story. The graphics are definitely more "art" than photo-realistic, but they are beautifully done and the characters look and sound very believable. The settings are interesting and a welcome change from the usual relentless darkness and gloom that pervades so many fantasy-themed HOPA games. The HO scenes, collectibles, and morphing objects are only mildly difficult, but the adventure-related puzzles are interesting without being hackneyed or overly complicated. The interface is a bit more creative than most HOPA games, too--there is more to do than just collect things and plug them into other things! The music is first-rate, too. I even like the sounds and voices--I usually just mute games but I love the main character's Scottish accent. :) I'm very glad I bought this one, and highly recommend it to any fans of fantasy-themed games.
I recommend this game!
Discover the Red Riding Hood Sisters and defeat the nefarious Wolf Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another Solid DP Game
PostedJanuary 10, 2016
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There are several things to love about the Dark Parables games, and this installment reflects all of them:
-You don't have to skip a long intro scene every time you launch the game
-There are mini-games, collectible items that give you "parables" to read when completed, and (surprisingly difficult) morphing objects
-The visual quality and animation is wonderful
-The continuity of the storylines is unmatched in most other series
-The mini-games are creative and varied
-All this is available in standard as well as CE versions of the games
-You don't have to skip a long intro scene every time you launch the game
-There are mini-games, collectible items that give you "parables" to read when completed, and (surprisingly difficult) morphing objects
-The visual quality and animation is wonderful
-The continuity of the storylines is unmatched in most other series
-The mini-games are creative and varied
-All this is available in standard as well as CE versions of the games
I personally like the fairy tales/fantasy themes here, and though the storylines are ostensibly "dark," they aren't as creepy as many games with that word in the title (in fact, for the most part, I wouldn't have a problem with my kids playing these). This game isn't an outstanding link in the DP chain, but it's a solidly fun game that lasts satisfyingly long for a standard edition. The storyline here was a little bit more cliched than some of the other DP games, but still a fun play. Definitely recommended if you like fantasy FROG games!
I recommend this game!
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
My Entry into the DP Series
PostedJanuary 2, 2016
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This was the first Dark Parables game I've played, and I really enjoyed it. These games are FROG adventures with consistently high-quality graphics and fairy-tale based storylines. I enjoyed the FROG scenes and found them quite challenging in some cases, though the florid art style might not appeal to all players. The morphing objects were also challenging in some scenes, as were the mini-games. Overall, a lovely and fun game with a somewhat refreshing take on "dark" fairy tales (it's not the same old bad-guy plot!). Definitely recommended, especially for those who like fantasy-based games.
I recommend this game!
Investigate the disappearance of the chancellor's daughter and uncover the long lost kingdom of the exiled Frog Prince!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Good But Could Have Been Great
PostedJanuary 2, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This offering in the Dark Parables series is only the second I've played, and while I like the setup and approach of these games, I found that this one wasn't quite up to the same standard as Rise of the Snow Queen. Like the other DP games, this one has a non-interactive but necessary map, FROG scenes, good graphics, an interesting storyline, and engaging gameplay. The main reasons I'm holding to four stars instead of five is the map. The map is necessary since there isn't any instant transportation from one part of the game to another (you simply have to move manually and repeatedly through all the locations) and the game becomes so complicated at times that you need the guidance that the map provides. My problem with it is that the map comes in four parts and not all the parts are oriented in the same direction, so it's difficult to read and use the symbols and hints on where to go next. There were times when the map literally told me nothing was "due" or needed to be done even though I clearly needed to do something in order to move on. So the map definitely could have been easier and more helpful. However, I enjoyed the rest of the game. The FROG scenes are fairly challenging, as are the morphing objects that you can find in 20 of the locations. Definitely worth a play-through.
I recommend this game!
Use your Hidden Object skills to follow the trail of a group of missing graduate students in Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Another Win for MCF
PostedDecember 6, 2015
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have always enjoy Mystery Case Files games, and this one shows the level of excellence the developers are striving to maintain. Great graphics, a storyline that really shows creativity and effort, and a game that (for the most part) never disappoints. The mix of adventure, mini-games, and HO scenes is just about perfect, and the CE elements (collectible puzzle pieces, a handful of morphing objects, and not one but two bonus scenes at the end!) make this version of the game well worth the time and money. My only complaint is that the "click around and figure it out" puzzle screens were frustrating--they seemed to have no inherent logic, so it wasn't until the very last one in the bonus game that I finally began to figure out how to solve them without using the tips for every step. I guess those types of puzzles just aren't my thing, but some might find them intriguing. Definitely recommend the game either way--much more compelling than most of the HOPA games available these days!!
I recommend this game!
Dark shadows are rising, the spirits are restless and Lord Strix is back! Travel to his hidden lair and defeat him once and for all—but hurry; he grows stronger by the minute!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Simple Game, No Hidden Objects
PostedNovember 30, 2015
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed the first Dragon Mountain game, and this one is fun, too, if you're not looking for something sophisticated and high-level in the graphics department. The backgrounds here are pretty enough, but the characters and animation is very stiff and awkward-looking, particularly when they have dialog. The dialog itself is mostly just obvious commentary on what's happening the game and is totally unnecessary. I'm not even sure what the little elf-guy is for at all other than to give Mina someone to state obvious things with!
However, I did like the game, and here's what I like about it: It's 100% puzzle/adventure, with no HO scenes at all. The adventure part is relatively challenging without being annoying, and the mini-games are probably the most varied I've seen in any game on BF! There were enough to keep things interesting without making the game feel bogged down.
Overall, if you don't have high expectations for graphics/storyline/character development and you like PA games, this one is recommended for you!
I recommend this game!
Explore the Haunted Hotel and experience supernatural phenomenon for yourself in Haunted Hotel: The Lonely Dream!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Mixed Feelings
PostedNovember 22, 2015
andibeard
fromUSA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game has some good qualities, but also some drawbacks, and though I found it to be fun during much of the play, certain aspects of the game are also frustrating.
PROS:
-A nice long game. No one can complain this one is too short. I almost felt like it went on for too long, in fact!
-Challenging mini-puzzles and story puzzles. Some of them were almost baffling, but they were either different than the usual rehashed, easy to solve games, or they were more difficult versions of those games.
-A different approach. This one doesn't really focus on a missing loved one, a mysterious disappearing masked bad guy, or any of the other cliches that "haunt" most HOPA games, which was refreshing. Playing as a male character in the modern day and time is really rare!
-Old-school HO scenes. Some people may find this frustrating, but one of the things I dislike about the more recent HOPA games is that the HO scenes are ridiculously easy. This game, being a bit older, is more like the way they used to be. It actually takes some time to find some of the objects!
CONS:
-Weird storyline. It was difficult to follow what was going on at times, maybe because they were trying to tell too complicated a story in too few lines of dialog, or something. But I didn't really understand what my character was doing some of the time. And the mix of technology and magic was...odd, and there didn't seem to be any kind of context for why the two were being mixed.
-Confusing directions. Toward the end of the game, two or three of the puzzles either (a) gave literally the wrong directions for how to solve the puzzle, or (b) were just plain confusing, making the solution more difficult than it reasonably needed to be for a good mental challenge. There were a few instances where I had the right object for the right task, but for no particular reason, I needed to do one more other thing first before that object would work. So that was annoying, since it had nothing to do with the game and more with illogical programming. Made me think I needed to find some other object, which wasted my time.
-Occasionally, the black-bar comments up at the top would cover up whatever they were talking about, so that was also confusing.
I think with a bit more tweaking, this game could have been awesome, so I still recommend it, but with some caveats. Definitely don't spend more than 2.99 on it! But it's worth that price, IMO.
PROS:
-A nice long game. No one can complain this one is too short. I almost felt like it went on for too long, in fact!
-Challenging mini-puzzles and story puzzles. Some of them were almost baffling, but they were either different than the usual rehashed, easy to solve games, or they were more difficult versions of those games.
-A different approach. This one doesn't really focus on a missing loved one, a mysterious disappearing masked bad guy, or any of the other cliches that "haunt" most HOPA games, which was refreshing. Playing as a male character in the modern day and time is really rare!
-Old-school HO scenes. Some people may find this frustrating, but one of the things I dislike about the more recent HOPA games is that the HO scenes are ridiculously easy. This game, being a bit older, is more like the way they used to be. It actually takes some time to find some of the objects!
CONS:
-Weird storyline. It was difficult to follow what was going on at times, maybe because they were trying to tell too complicated a story in too few lines of dialog, or something. But I didn't really understand what my character was doing some of the time. And the mix of technology and magic was...odd, and there didn't seem to be any kind of context for why the two were being mixed.
-Confusing directions. Toward the end of the game, two or three of the puzzles either (a) gave literally the wrong directions for how to solve the puzzle, or (b) were just plain confusing, making the solution more difficult than it reasonably needed to be for a good mental challenge. There were a few instances where I had the right object for the right task, but for no particular reason, I needed to do one more other thing first before that object would work. So that was annoying, since it had nothing to do with the game and more with illogical programming. Made me think I needed to find some other object, which wasted my time.
-Occasionally, the black-bar comments up at the top would cover up whatever they were talking about, so that was also confusing.
I think with a bit more tweaking, this game could have been awesome, so I still recommend it, but with some caveats. Definitely don't spend more than 2.99 on it! But it's worth that price, IMO.
I recommend this game!