laurakay76's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:723
- Reviews Submitted:158
- First Review:November 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 21, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Royal Envoy 3
Embark on an exciting expedition to crack the intriguing puzzles of the past, while developing new lands for the kingdom!
Overall rating
3
/
5
If you've played the others, you know what to expect.
PostedSeptember 29, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I liked this third Royal Envoy, but not as much as the two which came before it. They've made some changes - there's only one cinematic, right at the beginning of the game. There's much less interaction with the characters. The young pirate Tippi doesn't show up at all except on occasional loading screens. The biggest house you can build is a chalet - no more mansions. Dovecotes now house only two doves instead of five, so you have to build multiple dovecotes in some areas to reach the happiness requirements.
On the whole, it's a good game, but I wish they had made fewer changes. Still worth playing, though.
I recommend this game!
Can you save an old friend from a deadly legend in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Disappointing
PostedSeptember 16, 2020
laurakay76
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The first question I ask myself, when playing a new Dark Tales game, is "Is this as bad as Lenore?" You see, I hated the installment Lenore, so it's the baseline to which I compare all the other DT games. The answer here is no - but it's pretty close. I rank all the DT games on my own personal list, with Lenore at the very bottom and Morella at the very top, and this one falls close to the bottom.
I did the beta test before the game launched, so I went into it expecting better than what I got. The first act is decent. Lots of red herrings, enjoyable puzzles, interesting backgrounds, subtle nods to previous games. The beta version ended on a pretty exciting note and I wanted to see where it went. But the game just continued to throw twists and turns at me with no end in sight. The killer is this person! No, actually, it's this person! No, actually, it's these people! No, wait, it was Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with the candlestick! On and on. I like a good long game, but this one just dragged.
The music is okay, if earwormy. The backgrounds are well done as usual. The voice acting left much to be desired, especially the high-pitched Anna Wheeler, who just sounds whiny most of the time. I also can't figure out where the game is supposed to be taking place - Dupin lives in France, but there's no Morden in France. There's one in England, but we have major characters named Lars and Otto, which are Scandinavian names, and Otto has an accent I can't place at all.
The puzzles are mostly decent. I can't be the only one who is sick and tired of "puzzles" where you have to have a fistfight with another character. They're annoying and tedious. The hidden object scenes are pretty good, if few and far between. One puzzle near the end was maddening, because some of the answers are inside the diary that you find but others are in the trunk where you find the diary and there is absolutely nothing in the game to suggest this - even the hint button and strategy guide are completely useless for this puzzle. Also, the final puzzle sequence in the bell tower just went on way too long, stretching my suspension of disbelief until it snapped. It was completely unrealistic, even for these games.
The collectibles didn't appeal to me; you have to find two or three disappearing/reappearing puzzle pieces in each scene, and a dozen cards hidden within puzzle scenes. The cards weren't bad, as they gave interesting tidbits about real-world magicians, but the puzzle pieces drove me nuts.
The story, which is always the biggest deciding factor for me, was bewildering in places. I'm still not completely clear on what one bad guy's motivations were. I also don't understand what prompted the murders, or why some characters who turned out to be innocent were acting so completely suspicious.
I have loved this series since the third game, and many of the games in it are replayable because they're so well done. But I think after eighteen installments, it's losing steam and even the developers are getting tired of it. It might be time to retire my beloved Dupin.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Robin Hood and his merry men rescue King Richard from a cunning kidnapper in this captivating time management game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
I liked it when I could play it
PostedSeptember 11, 2020
laurakay76
fromReally wish they'd kept the forums so we could discuss glitches and other issues with our fellow fishies.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is good, although not as much fun as the one before it. I liked having the five characters work together in different combos. The music is nice, if repetitive and ear-wormy; the story is just sort of meh and okay. The game doesn't work past level 40 for me; I complete the objective and the characters just stand around instead of running off to the next level like they usually do. I have no idea why. It's a good game when it's playable, but not much of a challenge.
Take on a thief’s quest to recover a sorcerer’s recipe book from her deadly tower!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Entertaining!
PostedSeptember 1, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you like escape room games, this is one for you. The puzzles are challenging (downright maddening in one or two places), and you'll be put through your paces trying to get out of the tower. Beatrice's sense of humor is delightful, and the assorted pop culture references are a trip. The hand-holding is minimal, which is good (usually).
I was hoping for something in the sphere of The Cabinets of Doctor Arcana, and this does come reasonably close, although not quite as spellbinding to me. The ending was relatively anticlimactic and I confess to having needed a walkthrough for the final confrontation. Still, it was a good one to play and if you're looking for something to sharpen your wits, definitely give the demo a go.
I recommend this game!
Royal Envoy
Take the King's challenge! Save the wonderful land of countless islands, Islandshire, from the merciless forces of nature.
Overall rating
5
/
5
One of my new favorite TM games
PostedAugust 4, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is such a long game that I've literally been playing it for a week, which is saying something because I normally sit down and do a BF game in one gulp of time. But there's so much to be done, especially if you want to earn a gold star on each level, that I really have to take my time with it.
The goofy purple-haired king appoints you to oversee the reconstruction of towns in the realm of Islandshire, which is - as the name suggests - made up of a series of islands. You're accompanied by Cedric, the court... um, architect? I'm not really sure what his job is, but he goes with you to help. Along the way you stumble across unexpected hindrances, like pirates who require bribes and a random tornado. Complete each area's task within the time limit to earn a gold star; complete each island with all gold stars to earn a statue. It's challenging and a LOT of fun, and I can already foresee that the replay value on this one is high. Definitely recommend!
I recommend this game!
People live in fear of the dragon and it’s up to you to embark on a dangerous quest and become the hero!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
If you've played the others, you know what to expect.
PostedJuly 23, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the fourth game in the series, of which I've been a fan since the first one launched. I've played them all, enjoyed them all, and knew from the dev's Facebook page that this one was coming.
It's... well, it's true to formula, really. Orphan hero rights local wrongs and puts the bad guys in their place. The dragon creates some new upheaval which is fun. I guessed the twist fairly early in the game, but still wanted to see how it would play out and was not disappointed. You sharpen your skills of observation by watching for eggs, mushrooms, flowers, and other items to collect; you run around doing favors for townspeople and bringing them items they need in exchange for things that you need; and along the way you're accompanied by an orphan boy named Brent who has adopted you as his big brother. He's sweet and I liked the addition of his character.
I would venture to say that Lost Tales is not *quite* as good as the other three - particularly the third one, which is my personal favorite - but it's still very good and a worthwhile addition to the series. If you liked the other games in the series, definitely give this one a try. And if you're not familiar with the series, definitely give them all a try!
I recommend this game!
Explore a fascinating world, save a werewolf and defeat cruel witches in this amazing hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Based on the demo, this one is a treasure.
PostedJuly 22, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow. That's really where I was left at the end of the demo - saying wow! I haven't played a game like this in a long time. The story is interesting, the characters are compelling and likable, and the bond between brother and sister is clearly affectionate. The art style is different from anything I've seen in a BFG offering; it reminds me a little of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and I say that as a compliment because I love that game. I was also impressed at how long the demo was, because recently I've played demos where I don't get the full hour's trial, and this one took me close to the time limit. If all that was just the demo, I can't wait to see how long the rest of the game is! I'm really looking forward to being able to sit down and play this one. It's my first game from this developer, but I have a feeling it won't be my last.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friends save all the worlds in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Honestly, the first one was better, but this is pretty good.
PostedJuly 19, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I wonder if it would be easier to fully appreciate the Worlds Align series if you weren't familiar with the series that are crossed in them. I love the Dark Tales (haven't played the others), so I got sucked into these by my love of Dupin, but knowing that series as well as I do makes these a little head-scratchy. Why is Estelle, who was the *bad guy* in House of Usher, presented here as Dupin's friend and ally?
Setting aside plot bewilderment caused by knowing the Dark Tales, though, these games are fine. They're interesting and unique, and some of the puzzles are a lot of fun. (Some are not; there were one or two that I ended up having to skip because I didn't understand the instructions.) I love Dupin, the Puppet Master is kind of oddly adorable, and the Cardinal seems like a great character too. The visuals and sound effects are superbly done. I felt like the first one was more entertaining, because of the way the characters interacted with me; I was on my own a lot more this time around. But it's still pretty good, and if you enjoyed the first one or you enjoy the other series produced by AMAX, you should definitely give this one a try.
Mystery Trackers: Raincliff's Phantoms Collector's Edition
Return to Raincliff, where what you see isn’t always what you get!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Painful.
PostedJuly 10, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I came into this game several years after it was released, so you'd think by 2020 they'd have patched the glitches. Nope. This thing runs so slowly on my (fairly up to date) computer that it became impossible to play. I'm stuck in a hidden object scene that isn't letting me actually find any of the objects. I disabled the custom cursor and the special effects, based on the advice I saw in the old forum; that helped, but not enough. The cutscenes don't run properly because the graphics lag.
The storyline itself is okay. I'm sure I'd enjoy it more if I could actually, you know, see what was happening. But I really have my doubts about whether I'll ever get to finish this game because it just won't work right. Seriously disappointing!
I don't recommend this game.
An expedition to an Aztec temple awakens a true force of nature!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
You definitely get your money's worth.
PostedJune 30, 2020
laurakay76
fromLehigh Valley, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I normally sit down and complete a BFG game in one gulp of time - but I couldn't do that with this one. It is *so* long that I ended up not being able to finish it in one sitting and had to come back to it the next day. And that's just the main game! I don't usually play the Hidden Expedition games, but the demo on this one was interesting enough that I went ahead and bought the full game.
The settings are lavishly illustrated and the music is nice. The voice acting is pretty good for the most part. The puzzles were challenging - one or two I ended up having to skip because I didn't quite understand the instructions, but for the most part they were right at my speed.
The story was all right. It just got more and more difficult to swallow as the game continued. I found it really hard to buy that the bad guy has so many resources at his disposal that he can do the things he was doing. Dave and Jess are likable characters, although I'm not sure why we were treated to the random fact that they are "apparently" a couple, since we never see them onscreen together. The ending was kind of anticlimactic. I've only just started the bonus chapter and I'm a bit confused, as it's about some completely different characters on a completely different mission and I don't know how it ties into the story of the main game, but maybe that will be revealed eventually.
On the technical side, gameplay was smooth and loaded well. My one objection is that it's incredibly easy to accidentally back out of a puzzle or scene while trying to click on things on the lower part of your screen. I found that incredibly frustrating at times, especially during the puzzle where you have to manually move a map around in order to replace missing elements. I accidentally clicked my way out of that one no less than four times!
All in all, it's a long game with lots of puzzles to make you think. Even at the CE price, you'll get more than sufficient bang for your buck.
I recommend this game!