GrrlScientist's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:2,517
- Reviews Submitted:124
- First Review:March 28, 2012
- Most Recent Review:February 15, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Work your way through puzzles and exotic locations like the Parthenon in Greece in this exotic Adventure game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
if you are a sudoku fan, you'll love this game
PostedAugust 20, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
in this logic game, you are rebuilding mosaics originally constructed in the ancient world. this is a picross game, a pictorial grid game that gives you clues in the form of number patterns that you use to solve the puzzle by uncovering or breaking specific tiles in the grid. the concept is simple to grasp but the puzzles quickly go from 5X5 (easy) to 25X25 (challenging) grids.
graphics: they're stylised but quite nice; colourful, clean and crisp.
music and sound effects: music was ok, nothing special, but also not annoying, and the sound effects were minimal.
gameplay: there's several modes of play. a helpful tutorial is provided if you've never played this sort of game before. all puzzles are timed and a tally is kept of the number of mistakes you make whilst solving the puzzle. you earn hints throughout the game, although you can only accumulate up to four hints total. smooth gameplay, no frustrating hesitations or freezes.
my interaction: one hour demo, story mode. this game is on my must-purchase list.
although these games are somewhat different from sudoku, the principles for solving these puzzles are the same as what you use to solve sudoku. as a sudoku fan, i fell in love with this game from the moment i started playing it. there is tremendous replay value with this game, and it'll be addictive fun for the entire family!
I recommend this game!
A chance discovery sends Arizona Rose on a new life of adventure and it’s up to you to help her decipher Blackbeard's treasure maps!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
splendiferous!
PostedAugust 19, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
whilst shopping for exotic antiques in Guatemala for a wealthy client, you stumble across Blackbeard's lost maps that will lead you to a hidden treasure. In this hidden object puzzle adventure, you are Arizona and you are using logic to uncover Blackbeard’s hidden treasure.
graphics: lovely pictures; detailed, colourful and crisp. hidden objects are visible and relatively easy to find -- nothing that requires a magnifying glass to find! instead of a search list, you have silhouettes of the items you must find. but the puzzles are what got me hooked: most of the puzzles are picross games, consisting of a 5x5 (10x10 and later 25x25) grids of tiles that you must uncover or break -- if you correctly choose which action to take, you win!
music and sound effects: i enjoyed the background music, very nice!
storyline: average, but storytelling is not this game's strong suit.
gameplay: there are two modes: casual and advanced. casual starts with a tutorial and a few easy picross puzzles before ramping up to the really challenging ones. advanced starts without any tutorial and the picross puzzles are challenging from the very first one. each level starts with a hidden object scene and ends with picross puzzles. some puzzles can be skipped. hints are provided, achievements and powerups are awarded. the game loads quickly, no hesitations or freezes.
my interaction: one hour demo. i purchased this game.
this is the first game like this i've played, but i was hooked almost immediately. it's a treasure hunt and there are so many levels to play that this game has a lot of replay value. good fun for the entire family!
I recommend this game!
Find your inner decorator with Dream Day First Home, a uniquely satisfying Hidden Object adventure.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 26 found this review helpful
deceptively fun
PostedAugust 17, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
you are helping a newlywed couple, just returned from their honeymoon, with the purchase of their first home. you need to clean the place up, go shopping so you can recreate and redecorate this humble house into your dream home. this hidden object game is the third installment in the "Dream Day" series and picks up where the first two games left off.
graphics: bold, crisp and colourful. the hidden objects scenes are piles of junk, but since you have just moved in to this house, this is expected if you have just moved in to a fixer-upper.
music and sound effects: classical music, pleasant to listen to. few sound effects, although the golden eggs are accompanied by their own special sound effects.
storyline: this is actually a decent storyline for a hidden object game.
gameplay: you have the choice of two houses and once you choose one, you must stick with that choice through to the end of the game, when you can then repeat the process with the other house. hidden object scenes are different rooms in the house and you are given a search list of items to find. each level is timed, and consists of two, three or four rooms that you search for a certain number of items. you can earn hints by finding golden eggs -- five eggs gives you one hint. there is an overclick penalty. at the end of each level, you go to the attic to play minigames -- mostly memory-matching games. the minigames, which are not too difficult, cannot be skipped.
my interaction: one hour demo.
i love hidden object games, but the home-buying theme doesn't especially appeal to me. however, the game was on special offer so for that reason, i tried it. i am glad i did because it was surprisingly fun. this upbeat game is surprisingly complex, and with all the options available, the replay value is very high. plus it's fun for the entire family, either in teams, or as a group activity.
I recommend this game!
Help Jodi discover hidden treasures in long forgotten ruins, while fighting the evil professor Bergen and his cronies!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
hidden object photography is an unusual idea
PostedAugust 16, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
in this hidden object game, you are a talented photographer who travels to faraway places to photograph ancient ruins for a magazine. after your first assignment to photograph some ruins in paraguay, you are recruited by Professor Bergen to photograph more ancient sites in exotic locales such as egypt, greece and china. unfortunately, professor bergen has something evil up his sleeve ....
graphics: colourful but amateurish, nothing exceptional. the hidden object scenes consist of search lists, silhouettes, or missing pieces. in almost every scene, there was one or two items that are really challenging to see, some of which were really tiny, and that certainly added challenge. puzzles consist of labyrinths, jigsaw puzzles, connecting pipes and “spot the differences” (and some of those differences are truly small!). the puzzles are not too difficult although playing on timed mode can add some challenge.
music and sound effects: the music is quiet and appropriate for each scene. weirdly, there are voice overs accompanying the cut scenes between chapters but the people’s lips don’t move whereas all cut scenes between levels within each chapter are scripted only (no voice overs) but the people’s lips DO move! other than this peculiar quirk, these scenes are of acceptable quality.
storyline: presumably, the photographer (you!) are in some sort of danger, but nothing ever seems to happen that is dangerous. the storyline almost feels like an afterthought at times.
gameplay: there are two modes: relaxed and timed. there is an overclick penalty, but hints are unlimited and take 30 seconds to recharge -- and you can see the recharge timer. mini-games and puzzles weren’t that difficult to complete, even on timed mode. achievements are awarded. there are six chapters and i made it to the end of chapter two in one hour.
my interaction: one hour demo, timed mode. thanks to the special discounted price, i purchased this game, which i would not have done otherwise.
this game kind of grew on me. at first, i was bored, but the travel and photography ideas are an interesting twist on the HO theme, so i thought i’d give this game a chance. so far, the game is ok, but i wouldn’t pay full price for it. that said, this is a good game for youngsters, and could pique their interest in travel, history and other cultures.
I recommend this game!
Little Things Forever
Search colorful patchworks built from hundreds of little things. Over a hundred puzzle pieces to collect and solve.
Overall rating
2
/
5
66 of 82 found this review helpful
target audience is very "little", too
PostedAugust 8, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
this is one of the strangest hidden object games i've ever played. it is made up of a hundred or so images that are made up of hundreds of tinier images that you must search through to find the few mentioned on your search list. a sequel to "little things", this game picks up where that one left off.
graphics: objects are two-dimensional and quite stylised although mostly recognisable. the colours are incorrect, which makes this game more challenging since it's primarily about shape recognition.
music and sound effects: minimal, but the background music is nice to listen to.
storyline: each level consists of a number of objects comprised of many smaller objects. you are rewarded with a puzzle piece for finding all the hidden items on your list. after the level has ended, you assemble these puzzle pieces into a picture.
gameplay: each level is timed. rewards are puzzle pieces that you later assemble. there is a zoom button and a hint button that lights up a large circular area around where the hidden item is located. the circle slowly closes in to focus in on the item you are seeking.
my interaction: one hour demo. i have no plans to purchase this game.
i enjoy hidden object games, but i really like to have a solid and compelling storyline, too. this game makes no secret that it's all about hidden objects -- but it is such a large overdose that i didn’t like it, thus, my two-star overall rating. that said, this game is an excellent choice for hidden object fans, and it probably would be great fun with excellent replay value for the entire family -- if you don’t go blind, first.
I don't recommend this game.
Mystery P.I.: Stolen in San Francisco
Millions of dollars of gold has been stolen from an armored car. Find and return the gold before the trail goes cold!
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 19 found this review helpful
nothing special here
PostedAugust 2, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
this is a hidden object game that uses san francisco as the backdrop. the storyline, which feels like an afterthought, is where you are a private eye who is seeking $250 million in solid gold that was stolen from an armoured car. you have just 17 hours to find the lost gold before the trail goes cold and the gold remains lost forever.
graphics: the art is okay, no fuzziness and the scenes are colourful.
music: decent background music, but nothing special.
gameplay: there are 24 levels, each of which has several hidden object scenes where you are required to find objects from a list. you must complete the game in 17 hours. to earn extra points and to unlock bonus gameplay, you also must find a peace symbol, a key and a flashlight in every scene. no overclick penalty. at the end of each level is a minigame where you must spot the differences between two seemingly identical pictures, or you must build a puzzle or something similar. decent load and scene transitions, no cursor freezes.
my interaction: one hour demo. i am a hidden object game fan, but this game just did not roll my socks up and down: i've no plans to purchase this game.
if you enjoy games that are crammed with hidden object scenes, then this is the game for you. otherwise, don't waste your time and money on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
Puppy Sanctuary
Rescue adorable puppies, decorate their surroundings, and play with them to create your very own Puppy Sanctuary!
Overall rating
4
/
5
34 of 39 found this review helpful
can you say "CUTE OVERLOAD"? i knew you could!
PostedJuly 28, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
in this match-three game, you are rescuing adorable puppies from being captured by space aliens (these aliens look remarkably similar to the flying spaghetti monster). to rescue these pups, you must match three or more items and you must also collect gems so you can care for your rescued puppies that you've placed into one of four sanctuaries.
graphics: if you are sick of gory, dark, sinister games, then you'll enjoy this adorable game. everything in this game, from the puppies to the aliens -- and even the flowers -- are adorable.
music & sound effects: the music and sound effects are adorable, too, but in my opinion, they do become a bit too saccharine after awhile.
storyline: confused; it feels like the story is an afterthought. but this game is not really about story!
gameplay: this game has two modes of play, relaxed and timed. you also have the choice to unlock the "match three expert" mode, which turns on access to the tricky levels (you cannot change mode or “expert” choices after you’ve started gameplay). unlike most match-three games i've played, you can move items diagonally to make a match. amusing achievements are awarded, such as puppy juggler & puppy rescuer trophies. there are four puppy sanctuaries where you house your rescued pups, and of course, you must feed & water them and get toys for them ... you purchase these items using your collected jewels as currency, or find them in timed hidden object minigames. there is an overclick penalty.
my interaction: one hour demo, both relaxed and timed modes, with and without “expert” mode unlocked.
this game is probably more appropriate as a smartphone game, but it is a fun and adorable game that will be enjoyed by the entire family.
I recommend this game!
Slice and dice your way to the top of the gourmet food chain in this nutritious Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
you won't slice your fingers in this restaurant game!
PostedJuly 23, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
in this hidden object time management game, you are a beginning chef, working your way up through the ranks to become the best chef in the city. to do this, you acquire seven restaurants, ranging from coffee shops to pizza joints and even sushi bars, and you learn how to prepare their special cuisines whilst rescuing them from going under.
graphics: very good; crisp, clear and colourful. lots of items to look at and to collect -- and no junkpiles! overall, the food items you must collect are reasonably accurate representations, although i thought the strawberries did look like habaneros. minigames involve dragging food items to their silhouettes -- not difficult.
music: bright but repetitious and eventually annoying. i turned the sound off and listened to the news whilst playing this game.
storyline: simple and straightforward, nothing very intricate nor are the characters compelling. but the story really isn't what this game is about so this doesn't really matter.
gameplay: each level is timed. no overclick penalty. the hint button shows where a specific item is located after you click on the name of the item. hint button recharges slowly .. maybe one minute? ... a bummer when the entire game for each level lasts a little longer than 2 minutes! as you earn money on each level that you purchase upgrades (kitchen equipment such as a second cutting board or skillet, etc.). some of these upgrades are required to progress to the next level. you also earn stars for each level -- the more money you earn, the more stars you are awarded. bonus levels award money for quickly matching food shapes. a map is provided and you can replay levels for higher scores. quick scene transitions, no cursor freezes.
my interaction: one hour demo. i really wanted to like this game, but the repetitiousness became annoying after awhile.
this game is an unusual and interesting combination of hidden object, time management and matching games, all rolled into one. this game is probably most enjoyable for short play intervals such as riding public transit or waiting in queue.
I recommend this game!
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 115 found this review helpful
wow, this witch just won't give up!
PostedJuly 19, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
in this, the latest installment in this hidden object puzzle adventure series, the wicked witch has returned and is seeking revenge on the kingdom of Orion. it is your task to save the city and its inhabitants from her dark powers. to vanquish the witch, you must restore power to the magician's staff by finding the jewels it was encrusted with -- jewels that the witch has cleverly hidden throughout the kingdom.
graphics: the art is nice; appropriate colour and crisp detail with no fuzziness. the hidden object scenes are strangely static -- even though there are some interactive hidden objects in most scenes, there are no truly moving items ("moving" like in a film). this may not bother anyone, but i found strangely distracting.
minigames are fun, but i have seen all but one of them before and thus, they aren't difficult to solve.
music and sound effects: the background music has been recycled from other games by these developers so you will recognise it (although i don’t think it really matters, does it?), and the sound effects are minimal. the voice-overs are nice, though.
storyline: the characters are rather one-dimensional, but the storyline is coherent and straightforward. no gore. one thing i find amusing about this story is the claim that you will defeat the evil witch "once and for all". since this is the fourth game in this series, it seems this witch is not one to give up. like, evar.
gameplay: this game has three modes of play: regular (hints, hand-cursor, sparkles, minigame skips), advanced (hints, minigame skips) and expert (no hints/sparkles/skips/hand cursor). there isn't too much back-and-forth, although some of the very first items you see are not get-able (and usable) until later in the game. a journal and strategy guide are provided -- the strategy guide does not keep pace with where you are in the game. scene transitions were a bit slow but not annoyingly so.
my interaction: one hour demo. i plan to purchase this game.
this is a fun and engaging adventure that most people will enjoy. recommended!
I recommend this game!
Open up small jars and find a new Hidden Object scene, Puzzle, or another surprise! Explore these magical tiny worlds!
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 29 found this review helpful
hidden in plain view!
PostedJuly 18, 2012
GrrlScientist
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
there's no character-driven story here, this is just a game of discovery where you have a vine filled with buds that "bloom" into small boxes. you open a box to discover ... a game of some sort -- hidden object, identifying differences, finding lots of examples of one particular item (butterflies, for example), simple puzzles (knocking over dominos or connecting pipes, etc.) or games (counting sheep). solving the scene or puzzle in one box gives you the key to the next box, which contains another game that is completely unrelated to the previous one.
graphics: generally modern computer-generated style graphics with bright, basic colours, reminiscent of work created by andy warhol. hidden object scenes are so well-done that nothing is truly hidden -- everything is right in front of your eyes, which makes this game kind of a groaner when you FINALLY realise you've been staring at that toaster all along, but just didn't recognise it!
music and sound effects: there is no music, and the sound effects were a collection of ... random sounds that are appropriate to the scene you were looking at.
gameplay: there are two types of play: zen (untimed) and score (timed) modes. there is a quick tutorial, but you are mostly left to figure things out on your own. hints recharged quickly (30 seconds?). clicking on the wrong object in HO scenes results in a 10 point deduction (and the cursor must be EXACTLY on the object or you'll be penalized, too), using a hint "costs" 50 points and each object collected earns you 100 points. excellent replay value. scenes load quickly and there were no cursor freezes.
my interaction: one hour demo on score mode. i plan to purchase this game.
i am a longtime fan of hidden object-puzzle-adventure games as well as time management-strategy games, so this charming game is an intriguing change of pace that will delight kids of all ages. thanks Big Fish for brining this game to us!
I recommend this game!