Heather_G's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:663
- Reviews Submitted:127
- First Review:November 21, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 6, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Seven gnomes wait in silence, holding a secret. Take up the hunt if you dare, and find the path to the Chamber of Fortune.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Nice game with some flaws.
PostedMay 29, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The good:
It has an adventure game feel, interesting puzzles (more on those later), and for those who love them, lots of hidden object scenes.
It has an adventure game feel, interesting puzzles (more on those later), and for those who love them, lots of hidden object scenes.
The story was interesting, the music was pretty, the voice over was decent, and there were lots of locations to explore.
Hints would lead you where you need to go next without needing to click it for each scene you pass through.
There are morphing objects, but they morph only after long pauses, so you really have to be patient to see them--or click everything.
I found the game to be fairly long, played on the medium setting, well over four hours.
The bad:
A couple of the puzzles were pretty obscure. The clues and instructions were not really adequate to let you know what to try to do. A few were the trial and error type with no skill or deductive reasoning involved--just tedious repetition until you found the right order.
A couple of the puzzles were pretty obscure. The clues and instructions were not really adequate to let you know what to try to do. A few were the trial and error type with no skill or deductive reasoning involved--just tedious repetition until you found the right order.
The last one was just strange. The tool you're given to solve the puzzle doesn't work consistantly--it kept changing itself so I had to repeatedly recalibrate it.
The hints were often no help at all, leading you somewhere you may not yet have the tools you need.
The worst problem was the lack of a walkthrough. Two of the puzzles were so obscure that I really needed one. Tips in the forum finally saved the day.
The morphing objects didn't show both phases once you found one, so if you click one by accident, you'll never know what else it turned into.
Bottom line:
This is a fun, interesting game that has a few real head-scratcher moments. If you're willing to go the extra mile to get through the tough parts, it's very entertaining. I'd like to see more from this developer.
This is a fun, interesting game that has a few real head-scratcher moments. If you're willing to go the extra mile to get through the tough parts, it's very entertaining. I'd like to see more from this developer.
I recommend this game!
Help out James Voodoo as he investigates a mysterious attack and goes on an incredible adventure in Voodoo Chronicles: The First Sign!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Enjoyable game!
PostedMay 22, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Okay, it won't make my top 20 list, but it's a good game and I enjoyed it enough to play right through in one sitting. On the hard setting (there are only two settings) it took me about 4-1/2 hours.
There are a fair amount of HOS's and each location is used twice, but there's a strong adventure element as well. That's what I look for! The hints only help in the HOS's, so you're on your own figuring out what to do. There is a journal with tasks listed, which sometimes helped point me in the right direction, but no map. Some key areas are small enough that you really have to hunt all over the screen carefully, but I never needed a walkthrough.
The puzzles were interesting, and included a couple that were new to me. The music got repetitive, so I turned it off, but the voiceovers were mostly very good. The graphics are pretty good and the locations vary quite a bit. There are little guys that fade in and out, so keep your eyes open in each scene and click them to add hints.
I only encountered one glitch at the very end, when I had a white box on part of the screen and couldn't see something I needed to interact with. I guessed I was back in a place I'd been before, so clicked where I remembered the thing being, and got it right away, so it wasn't a big problem.
My only big complaint is that my sidekick joined me so late in the game. He was very funny and reminded me of Murry, the talking skull in the Monkey Island series of adventure games. His voice was similar to the snarky rotweiler puppet from Conan O'Brien.
Oh, and one more tiny complaint... A few times I clicked the correct object multiple times and it wouldn't pick up, so I used a hint and it confirmed I had the right object. I had to clickety-clickety all over it to find the sweet spot. Any objects that have space, like the donut's hole, you must click the solid part. It wasn't a problem, and I collected way more hints than I needed so I had plenty to spend when I encountered a fusssy object. There were a couple of misnamed objects, but not many.
A good solid game.
I recommend this game!
Sink your teeth into the jugular of a heart-stopping journey!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Awful in almost every way, but still managed to be fun.
PostedMay 16, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
First, a couple of corrections or clarifications. The town in this game is Hill Lock, not H*ll Lock (as per the description). I suspect it started out as the latter but someone decided to water it down a bit, or to be a tiny smidge more subtle. Also, it's not a regular hidden object game, but a fragmented object game.
Okay, here's the deal. This game is dated, the characters are wooden, the story is weak, and the things you need to do are completely preposterous (yes, more so even than most HOPA's). It's hard to become immersed in the story or the role when you're constantly gasping in frustration, "Just pick the darn thing up, for heaven's sake!" No, you have to find coins to buy something to make something else work that then spits the thing out that you could have just grabbed without all the hoo-hah. Of course I frequently feel that way when faced with an object within a game that is lying in six inches of water, but that your character won't even consider just putting his/her hand in there--nooooo... We must find a net. Please. But this game is so much worse.
It does manage to be pretty scary. The FROG scenes are short and well-spaced. In fact, the pacing of the game is one of its best points, and kept me at the computer right through to the end in one sitting. This is the freakiest part--I had fun in spite of the frustrations. I can't endorse it with glowing praise, but others might enjoy it as much as I did, or even more. I rarely try before I buy, simply because I don't have time to download and play an hour in order to decide on the deal of the day, but this is probably a good game to try out first. It won't be everyone's idea of a good time, but it just might grab you.
I recommend this game!
Olivia has been kidnapped by the mysterious Lonely Hearts Killer who murders those suffering from a shattered love. Save her!
Overall rating
5
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
This is about as good as it gets. Fabulous!
PostedMarch 19, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I liked the first Brink of Consciousness (Dorian Gray), but this one is even better. Visuals, sound, voiceovers, character movement--it's all top notch. The puzzles aren't very hard, but there were a couple that were new to me, so they were still interesting.
For me, the story is the driving force behind a game. Without a good one, no matter how pretty, it just doesn't get it. This one has an excellent story, complete with plot twists and a satisfying ending. I can't wait for the next one!
The hidden object scenes were unique and entertaining in themselves--and this from a die-hard adventure gamer! The squeaky mouse cracked me right up. They are interactive, and done with a twist here and there that was very fun.
This developer is extremely talented. My hat's off to you! More, more!
I recommend this game!
Dive into an epic journey as a museum owner in pursuit of an undead pirate who has kidnapped your daughter in Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A gem with a good story.
PostedMarch 14, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a beautifully made game. The voice acting is very good, the dialog translation to English is nearly perfect, and best of all (for me, at least) it had a gripping story that tied the hidden object scenes and puzzles together into a cohesive tale. There's a lot of adventure-game-feel here, but probably enough HOS to satisfy those who enjoy them. The puzzles and tasks were pretty easy, but most had something to do with advancing the story, so I didn't mind.
I heartily recommend this game to all skill levels with only a tiny caveat... There are a few grisly or violent visuals that may be scary for younger children. This one certainly deserves its high rating!
I recommend this game!
A UFO is rumored to have landed in the small town of Tundel and the mayor is trying to conceal it. Run your own journalistic investigation and learn the truth behind the event!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Just okay.
PostedMarch 9, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I agree with the glowing reviews in that this is a rare (for Big Fish) true adventure game, and very different from most others on the site. It was a pleasure from that standpoint.
Unfortunately, as someone who's played hundreds of true adventure games, this one has its weak spots.
The quests could have been fun if you had some way of knowing who was where and needed or had what. The map is little help and the routes convoluted at best. It got tedious, running all over just trying to figure out what still needed to be done.
The biggest disappointment, however, was the poor humor. Given better writing, this could have been a gem (think Monkey Island), but sadly, most of the jokes here fall flat. Especially the annoying policeman who keeps popping in, repeating the same unfunny lines over and over.
There are a few references in the dialog that might not be suitable for young children, but nothing too raunchy. A lot of low-brow, potty humor.
This game did have its merits, and I'd love to see something else by this developer with a little better writing and navigation.
I'd recommend this game, mostly because it is an adventure, and very different and lighthearted.
I recommend this game!
Help a mother rescue her son from the parallel world inside a mirror as you explore stunning locations and assemble gadgets!
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Not for me.
PostedFebruary 16, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm baffled by so many glowing reviews. I normally like FROGs, but this is just tedious. There is no story to speak of, no thought required, just one fragmented object after another, with repeating hidden object scenes. The puzzles are so simplistic that my 6-year-old would have no trouble completing them. Zero challenge. Terms for objects are often incorrect, the grammar (translation?) is poor.
This game might appeal to HO diehards who want nothing else but HOS, but there isn't much here in terms of an adventure game. I don't slam games very often, but I couldn't wait for this one to end. And that's another thing. I completed this without skips in less than two hours.
I don't recommend this game.
The beautiful Tsaritsa has been kidnapped! Help the young Tsarevich save his dear mother from an evil sorcerer!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Pretty, but has flaws and may not be good for children.
PostedFebruary 6, 2014
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I had to add my two cents after seeing a reviewer write that this game would be fine to play with kids. There is some animal violence that could be disturbing. Mostly just what happens in nature, but it could upset a child.
It is an interesting view into a Russian folktale and the scenery is beautiful.
There are a number of glaring flaws, however, that greatly detracted from the game for me. A lot of, "What the heck?" moments, misnamed hidden objects, and a bewildering ending.
The biggest problem I had was with the hints. At one point, it points to a location on the screen where there is absolutely nothing to do. With perserverence, I finally found the hot spot half a screen away from the "hint" arrow. Gee, thanks for that.
As for it being an adventure lover's game, there really wasn't much adventuring. You pretty much went from one hidden object scene to the next, and the scenes repeat.
The puzzles were laughably easy. Overall, it felt like a really beautiful-looking but amateurish game. I did enjoy some of it and HO lovers will find lots to do.
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Kudos to the artists.
PostedNovember 5, 2013
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I won't duplicate the excellent, comprehensive reviews posted so far, but I wanted to mention something I found impressive.
In general, the graphics are good but not outstanding, however the very realistic movements of the people and animals did get me to sit up and take notice.
Take the title screen for instance. Penny's arm not only moves to shine her light on each available item, but the cloth around her shoulder as well, and her wrist changes angle in a lifelike way. The little dog/helper doesn't just sit there as a static picture, but pants, looks around, and reacts to things on screen. Also, his facial expressions are very intricate and true to life.
Okay, in general this game is a nice little adventure with some hidden object scenes sprinkled here and there. It isn't overly hard, or very long, but I enjoyed it.
If you like playing games by a developer that pays attention to details, this game may appeal to you, too. My hat's off to the artists that went the extra mile when making this game. Nice job!
I recommend this game!
Master Wu and the Glory of the Ten Powers
Let Master Wu and the glorious sword of the 10 powers take you on a Hidden Object adventure through ancient China!
Overall rating
2
/
5
Dull, fuzzy, and tiny...
PostedOctober 6, 2013
Heather_G
fromIndiana
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game had no appeal to me at all, and I'm not that fussy.
Dull: No story that I could see, and you just go from one HOS to another with a ridiculously easy puzzle every now and then.
Fuzzy: The graphics were blurry and unattractive.
Tiny: Many objects in the HOS's were so tiny or hidden you couldn't make them out at all.
Bottom line, there aren't very many games I've disliked enough to not play through to the end, but I think this is one of them.
I don't recommend this game.