nadaze2da's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:1,011
- Reviews Submitted:85
- First Review:December 4, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 20, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The Kingdoms of Lanceya and Winterhelm are in peril!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 17 found this review helpful
I'm grudgingly giving this game four stars
PostedJanuary 19, 2018
nadaze2da
fromWhat happened to the seven dwarfs? Sneezy, Dopey? Doc? Anyone?
Skill Level:Intermediate
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Things I liked: Playing as two people, the collectibles, the mini games, interactive HOs, beautiful graphics and excellent voice overs. This twist on Snow White has everything you would want in romantic fairy tale. King William is drawn as a very hunky man and Princess Lily is stunningly beautiful. Wicked queen Nivella is a super-villain who seems to have prophetic insight into every move her opponents are going the make. We sympathize with the two young people who seem so endearingly good. We despise the wicked queen for her evil quest to drain the life essence of Princess Lily.
Things I hated: King William just can't stay out of jail. Why did Nivella imprison him each time and not just kill him? No story there I guess. Losing items immediately after their use and having to find another again. Instructions for mini games which were not very clear. Princess Lily who has been given actual "blue" blood. Imagine that! A somewhat muddy ending about the mirror. I thought obsidian was black, not green. I guess black may be over used....but isn't green also over used? Plot about evil entity overtaking something, anything.... world, body, essence - whatever. The irritating pixie voice of the fairy. I think every reviewer so far has mentioned that.
I guess the things I hated may outweigh the things I liked but over all, The two future loves are perhaps made a little too sweet but this really is a solid game that doesn't make pretensions of being more than just a fairy tale. It is a game which makes you comfortable with the trite conventions we come in contact with in these games so frequently because you realize on some level it is just a fairy tale. Fairy tales give you an automatic sense of anything goes. You tend to overlook things which would normally irritate the heck out of you.
As always, try before you buy. These reviews are opinions based on personal likes and dislikes. You should form your own opinion of whether to purchase it or not. I've learned to look for certain reviewers I think are more honest than some. Not all of us like sweetened tea. This game is a large mug full of sweetened tea.
I recommend this game!
When detective Gingertail is called home by ex-girfriend Barbara, he could never imagine it would be the investigation of his life... and her death.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 28 found this review helpful
Just don't open the door Barbara!
PostedJanuary 14, 2018
nadaze2da
fromBarbara, you naughty girl, What did you get yourself mixed up in?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am sure I must have played a game developed by Brave Giant before, but if so, I can't remember it so this is a new developer for me. I will be on the look out in the future for games from this developer because this is a pretty good game. Many of the ideas for using objects in the game are new to me. Using a flattened umbrella spoke as a screwdriver is just one of the ideas I haven't come across before. However, we do encounter some of the same ole, same ole things. The boxing match between our hero and Mortimer is one of those. There is a suspension of logic occasionaly as I don't think many people keep a vise just lying around outside, nor would someone board up their hide key to the house in the wall but keep the crowbar needed to retrieve it locked up in the shed. While Barbara was being murdered, I, as Fox, was running around finding tokens and keys to open the door. If Barbara was so frightened, why did she open the door for her killer? Why not make him look for the key and the tokens.
I am not a fan of the type of graphics used. It seemed to me that the developer couldn't make up their minds whether to use art deco graphics or not. The attempt to do so came off rather cartoonish. The scene in Mortimer's apartment looked art deco and cartoonish as well as the graphics in the first bar scene.
The story line is one that we have had over and over. Private detective searches for killer while the police let you do all the leg work. In this story, the police are told to back off from the investigation but Fox is told to continue. Ok, that's a little hokey.
The collectibles are a little different in that they are shoe prints or hand prints. They are easily spotted. Achievements are the usual things. In short, there's not much to the CE bling in this game.
In spite of its shortcomings, this is a good way to spend an afternoon of gaming. Try the demo. Or wait for the SE since there is nothing spectacular about the CE bling.
I recommend this game!
When the clock strikes, London shall burn!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A nice beginning to what I hope will be a good series
PostedJanuary 12, 2018
nadaze2da
fromAt my back I always hear time's winged chariot drawing near.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Although there is a headless clock maker on the lose, you as the detective are not persuaded that the murders were supernatural in nature. Using only logic and detective skills without the aid of a helper or gimmick, you pierce the veil of the supernatural and discover the real culprit is not a ghost but someone seeking revenge who did not really intend to kill anyone. However, if that were true, then why the bombs? Bombs tend to kill people. I guess maybe the bombs were only intended to explode purple fog into the air. At the end of the main story you can choose whether or not to punish the criminal for her wrongdoings or let her go free. I chose to send her to jail. The bonus game is a unique twist on the story of Scrooge which I really enjoyed.
Overall, IMO I think this game is a good start to a new series. There are typos and places where logic is suspended but that did not concern me very much since it wasn't frequent or repetitive. The mini games are fun but unfortunately, the HO scenes were repeated sometimes and the graphics look somewhat outdated. This is a perfect game to play on a lazy rainy day.
Try it before you buy it. You may think it is the worst game you have ever played like some reviewers.
I recommend this game!
The contract must be fulfilled, but your girlfriend will pay the price!
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 44 found this review helpful
Review based on demo
PostedJanuary 11, 2018
nadaze2da
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lately Mad Hat games have been hit or miss and mostly miss. Mad Hat was one of my favorite developers but lately they have put out some real stinkers. This game is the best of their offerings recently. I don't know how many games have been offered to us with a Faustian theme but this one seems unique in that a contract is executed that sells one's soul in exchange for talent. Many games offer the theme of black magic overtaking someone or an evil machine or even love turned tragic by obsession. Here the contract offers a life of acclaim but when time is up and the eternal dance begins for you, there is no way out although many have tried to cheat their fate. In this story, you play the part of best friend to Theo and lover of Elaine, Theo's sister.
There is a gimmick in the game which is a cryptix that allows you to play musical instruments you encounter. At least it is not a fluffy kitty or yappy dog helper.
We always complain that HOs are unimaginative but I would really like to know what could be done to make them more imaginative. How do you turn a list of items into something that will be ground breaking? There are morphing objects in the HOs but in the demo, I didn't come across anything imaginative. Voice acting is good and as usual the graphics are great. This CE edition offers collectibles, achievements and the usual CE fare. The mini games in the demo are not brain drainers but fun. Some people may want more of a challenge, but occasionally I like some that don't give me a migraine.
I will definitely purchase this game because I found it engaging and there was not a missing zipper pull anywhere - yet. I may have to change that statement later however because the missing zipper pull strikes just about every game. The demo is short but as usual try it before you buy it. I do not recommend that anyone ever purchase a game without trying it. A five star game to some may be a two star game for others. My review is my thoughts on the game and just because I like it doesn't mean that you will. Try it and see what you think.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an old evil from wreaking its vengeance?
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 20 found this review helpful
Can we expect better games from this new series?
PostedJanuary 9, 2018
nadaze2da
fromWhat size was that shoe?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Do not put your hopes in this new series becoming the dawn of a stellar future in games. There is nothing in it that promises a good future for this series. To make it good, you would have to check your brain at the door and accept all the usual campy trappings we experience with most of the games offered on Big Fish. If you accept the fact that a 1940's car existed in 1905, you will have no trouble with the rest of the devices of the game. I suppose we should not expect a game to be historically accurate since it is just a game but it is an affront to your intelligence if it strays too far from the era presented. The game appears to be set in the late Victorian era and I don't think electricity was a common commodity then. Also I found it irritating that you are not able to replay the mini games and HOs.
Aside from those things, it is a game which develops the story through good graphics and acceptable voice overs. Note I said "acceptable" not great. I don't usually listen to music since I find that distracting. There are achievements, collectible signs and morphing objects in the HOs. I am not going to relate the story of the game as other reviewers have done that. I must be a dullard when it comes to the mini games offered because I found a couple of them hard. The instructions for playing some of them were vague. I found myself faced with a confusing array of puzzles in the super puzzles. These super puzzles usually have three parts in one. Of course, some of the puzzles were reruns of the same old worn out mini games.
Unless you just must have the CE version of this game, I suggest you wait for the SE. Play the demo in order to get a feel for the game. You may decide the CE is just what you want. Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friends escape what’s lurking in the mist?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 28 found this review helpful
Review based on demo
PostedDecember 23, 2017
nadaze2da
fromHere's your sign!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I beta tested this game and what we are presented with in the final edition is exactly what the beta is. With the exception of a couple of games in this series, I have enjoyed them all. The last one in this series was a real stinker tho. Sometimes inconsistencies in quality in a game series can be chalked up to a change in developer. This one has certain draw backs which may be purely aesthetics on my part. I do not like the orange and black graphics used for inventory items, etc and occasionally the graphics become blurred especially in the opening scene. I also did not like the repetition of HO scenes. I did like the HO scene with the morphing objects. I found the demo to be easy. Not much of a challenge here. And for your CE money all you get is a collection of signs, the usual music downloads, screenshots, etc. The collectible signs are Eipix's usual addition to a CE game and so there is nothing offered here that is different from the past.
As for the story - haven't we dealt with fogs and mists enough? There is always evil lurking in the fog. In this case, its probably the crazy man who seems intent on burying everyone he comes in contact with in the fog. One thing that didn't seem logical to me is that the first time we see this lunatic he is wearing a gas mask supposedly because of the nasty elements in the fog. The next time we meet him as he drags you to your doom, he isn't wearing one. So..... did he suddenly become immune to the fog?
I'm giving this game four stars because I do think it is entertaining. However, if you are looking for challenge, I don't think you will find it here. At least not based on the demo. Most likely I will buy this game simply because I'm curious as to where the story is going to take me. Will I save the world or town or forest or whatever from the evil mist? Will I find out what caused the mist? Maybe I will end up a lunatic like the man in the story.
Take this game for a spin. See if you like it. Since there is not much CE bling offered in this game and If you don't wish to part with the money for this lackluster CE, I suggest waiting for the SE. I will probably purchase the CE because I'm a sucker for collectibles and a strategy guide no matter what they are.
I recommend this game!
Save a missing family from an infamous haunted house!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
Want to be immortal? Find out how in this game.
PostedDecember 21, 2017
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have never been enthused by the Dark Tales series because of the tedium and boredom which comes from the over used graphics, HOs and mini games. How many more Edgar Allen Poe stories are they going to corrupt in this series? This one does not disappoint in tedium and boredom. It has them all. I didn't come away with a hatred of the game, I simply felt nothing about it one way or another. If you like continuity in graphics, story, HOs, etc in a series, this is your cup of tea.
The lovely Morella is featured in this game of good vs evil. But which Morella are we dealing with here? It seems she and her husband found the way to immortality by possession of younger bodies. Unfortunately for her husband who was tired of immortality, she had to get rid of him. And, unfortunately for you, you have been zapped by the Amulet.
If you like this series, wait for the SE because there is nothing about the CE which places it in the must buy category.
I recommend this game!
Restore the magic of Christmas to a mysterious island!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
great game to get you in the Christmas spirit
PostedDecember 21, 2017
nadaze2da
fromOh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am writing this review based on the demo. I love this game! My only complaint is the repetition of last year's story of Yuletide Legends, Santa has once again been kidnapped and Christmas is in jeopardy. Unlike last year, he has not been imprisoned in a crystal ball. Overall, however this game is excellent! Beautiful graphics, good voice acting, and CE collectibles! I don't usually listen to the music but I found the music in this game to be Christmasy and not distracting as in some games, appropriate to the theme.
If you find Christmas games to be a bore, I suggest you try this one. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how good it is aside from the Christmas theme. Don't pass this one up! Even if you pass on the CE, I'm sure you will be pleased with the SE.
Merry Christmas to all!
I recommend this game!
Can you catch a murderer that’s terrorizing a local university?
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 30 found this review helpful
Last game in the Dead Reckoning series!
PostedDecember 3, 2017
nadaze2da
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Eipix announces this is the last game in the Dead Reckoning series and I am somewhat sad to see it go. With the exception of a couple of the games in this series, it has been better than average throughout. I don't think this particular offering is a 5 star game but still ranks close at 4 stars for me. Things which bring down the rating from 5 stars for me are: the ridiculous beginning hang gliding down to the college campus (not a very dignified entrance for someone who is supposed to be receiving a literary award, unless the award is for comedic writing) and the irritating missing zipper pull (yawn) among other overdone things.
I was glad there were no ghosts and ghouls or evil villains for a change. The plot was well done and a refreshing departure from fantasy love stories and haunted houses. This is a grown up murder mystery and your job is to eliminate suspects and find the real murderer.
Mini games were not challenging. Connect the dots (!?), swap trophies, rotate the puzzle to get the ball into the hole. The only interesting game was the pinball game.
Eipix consistently offers good graphics and voice acting and this game is no exception. One person's voice did kinda grate on me a bit however.
Try the demo and see what you think. I don't think you will be disappointed as this game is worth adding to your collection. There may be draw backs but it is better than the average game we have had lately
I recommend this game!
Save your cousin and his new bride from a horrible beast!
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 72 found this review helpful
Beauty and the Beast!
PostedDecember 1, 2017
nadaze2da
fromBware the beastie!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Cousin Leo is getting married and you have been invited to the wedding. Fortunately for you, you arrive late and discover a beast has taken over the castle and you must somehow save Leo and his bride Beatrix. Your gimmick for the game is a magic mirror which requires soul stones to work which you must collect. The game has so much to offer including gorgeous graphics, nice voice acting and pleasant music. The HOs are the usual interactive list type and perhaps not all that interesting but there are other things which support this game to make it better than the fare we have been served lately. It flows seamlessly, doesn't give you a headache trying to figure out puzzles and is just an all around pleasurable experience.
I am sure there are many who will not think it deserves 5 stars but I do, simply because I enjoyed a game that is not so challenging as to be drudgery. The story may be somewhat trite but the game is light-hearted without the gloomy evil villain trying to take over the world.
As usual take it for a test drive first, kick the tires and see if its a buy for you
I recommend this game!